Collection Search

to Respected Parents

He recently heard of his grandmother's death. It is doubtful again whether he will get to come home now. His fistula is not bothering him much.

GLC02170.33

to Miss (Kitty)

He had a great Thanksgiving. He lets her know of the death of his grandmother. He is due ten months worth of pay.

GLC02170.34

to Miss (Kitty)

He wishes he could go to church withher.They plan to have a great Christmas meal but he would rather have it with her. He hopes to go skating later today.

GLC02170.35

to friend

he heard from Jim. He has a Christmas gift for her. He got Jenny a silk apron for Christmas.

GLC02170.36

to Miss (Kitty)

He enjoyed himself over Christmas and New Years but would much rather have spent it with her. He will get her Christmas present when he gets home sometime this winter. John Bakes has reenlisted.

GLC02170.37

to Miss (Kitty)

There is excitement over the old soldiers arriving from the font to reenlist. It sounds like she and Henry are getting pretty intimate. He believes it will not be long before his soldiering days are over.

GLC02170.38

to true and devoted friend (J. Morse)

On Wednesday morning he learned that Sister Margot was dead. There are five men currently sick. He saw his folks recently. Morse's father has a cough.

GLC02170.39

to C.S. Siscoe (Kitty)

He was sorry to hear about his sister's death. He heard that Henry Reagers reenlisted, but he doesn't expect to reenlist himself. He will try to come home for a little bit soon.

GLC02170.40

to C. Sciscoe (Kitty)

He would love to be home while Henry and J. are at homebut he is not sure now if he will actually get to come. He describes his surroundings as dry and there is hardly anything worth speaking about.

GLC02170.41

to J Morse

She saw Henry Rogers and he was in good health. Uncle John Boruff died a couple weeks ago. Aunt Sallie is going to have a dinner next Thursday and he ought to be there. 2 years ago he was expecting to be in battle.

GLC02170.42

to Kitty

Henry wrote to her that there was a party at their house recently and there were the prettiest girls he ever saw there.He tells Kitty that ladies like her who are looking to get married had better be looking around now.

GLC02170.43

to Kitty

Two of his friends got married and he was absolutely shocked. As for himself, he decided he would not get married until he got out of the army. He wishes she could go to school.

GLC02170.44

to Kitty

He offers to pay for her to go to school in Bloomington.He does not want her to waste herself. He tells her James Reagers is in Louisville, KY currently.

GLC02170.45

to J. Morse

She is very grateful for his kind offer to pay her living expenses in Bloomington. She will try to find something that he can afford.

GLC02170.46

to Miss (Kitty)

Unfortunately, he did not get his pay so she will have to postpone going to school for a while, at least until July. He wishes he could go horseback riding with her now that she has a new saddle.

GLC02170.47

to Miss (Kitty)

He has the chills. He is glad she is not taking the postponemnet of her school too hard. He does not expect he will get to come home any time soon. He tells her not to work too hard planting the corn.

GLC02170.48

to J. Morse

She was sorry to hear of his chills. She expexts him to be coming home in about 4 months.

GLC02170.49

to Miss Catherine (Kitty)

He forgot to give her the gloves he got for her so he will send them along. He heard from Jim and he is well. He tells her to use the money he sends her as she sees fit.

GLC02170.50

to Miss Catherine (Kitty)

He tells her she is welcome to have his money as long as he has any. He heard an acquaintance of his died.

GLC02170.51

to J. Morse

They are done with the harvesting. She does not tell her parents that he sent her money. Mr. Heppert's house and property burned up.

GLC02170.52

to Miss (Kitty)

.He thinks she should not tell anyone he gave her money because they will not leave her alone if they knew. He would love to go to church with her but they will have to be patient.

GLC02170.53

to Miss (Kitty)

He will send her some more money. He is glad she is reading Paul in the Old Testament. There was a man that jumped out of the window of the third floor and is now recovering in the hospital.

GLC02170.54

to Miss (Kitty)

He writes that if it had been his fate to fall on the battlefield he would have been ready to die. But her letters always kept him going and made him stronger. He told his father he wants him to put in some wheat.

GLC02170.55

to J. Morse

She is glad it makes him happy that she has embraced Christianity.

GLC02170.56

to Miss (Kitty)

He looks forward to the future when she will be his companion but they must endure some hard times first.He was ainvited to a party he did not attend and he was glad because it turned out to be a dance.

GLC02170.57

Pension Certificate

Pension is granted to Catherine Morse.

GLC02170.61

to Heather Henry

He got a pass to go down to Washington the other day. He visited the gallery and the senate chambers. Very Faded.

GLC02172.04

to Father

He talks of how they made the journey from Detroit to Washington and were then presented to the President and General Scott. Some men were detailed to go on picket duty. At some point shots were exhanged and 5 or 6 Rebels were killed.

GLC02172.06

to Brother Henry

The first place they visited in Mt. Vernon was Washington's tomb. Then they saw the gardens and the orchard.Next they went to the house. There were many things in the house including pistol holster and a large piano. Written in Camp Lyon.

GLC02172.30

to Miss (Kitty)

He is thinking they should get married in the fall. But they will keep it a secret for now. He's afraid he will catch the "Fatal Disease" when he goes home but he has been exposed to most diseases in the army.

GLC02170.58

to Miss (Kitty)

He has been sick since he last wrote to her. But he assures her he will be alright in a few days. He is still waiting to go home.

GLC02170.59

to Miss (Kitty)

He expects to be home by the Presidential election. He mentions breaking Mr. Baruft's buggy.

GLC02170.60

to Catherine (Kitty)

He believe the men had a small fight out in coal water and 2 were killed and four wounded. The area where they are now is beautiful.

GLC02170.63

to Catherine (Kitty)

They say a lot of men in the Southern army are disillusioned. He expects there will be another fight soon since he saw six boats going down the river. His health is good.

GLC02170.64

to Catherine (Kitty)

Ona scouting expedition the other day, some shells were thrown. He wants to see her again but he will have to be patient.

GLC02170.65

to Catherine (KItty)

He knows she wants him to come home but it is hard for a well person to get a furlough. he thanks her for the lock of hair she sent. He has a book called 1001 Home Amusements filled with puzzles and stories.

GLC02170.66

to Heather

He likes being a soldier and describes his routine, starting with roll call. He will get his picture taken soon and send it along.

GLC02172.02

to Heather

He is getting used to being a soldier and he will send all his things home today. They have to be ready to march tomorrow.

GLC02172.03

to Brother

A hundred of them marched for a couple of miles so that they could guard a dam. Eventually they will go to Fairfax where there are 4,000 men.

GLC02172.05

to Brother Henry

There was an awful battle at Bull's Run He criticizes General Tyler who changed General Scott's orders, thereby ruining their position. Another General was drunk and their Colonel refused to obey the drunk General's orders. The next day General Tyler...

GLC02172.07

to Brother Henry

He sent his brother some money. The weather has been warm and rainy lately. He complains of having written to various family members but has not received an answer.

GLC02172.08

to Brother Henry

He heard from father and his uncle asked him to write. He discusses picket guard.

GLC02172.09

to Brother Henry

He doesn't want his brother to enlist because he's afraid he'll pick up too many vices. He is glad his brother received the money. He complains that his father hasn't written.

GLC02172.10

to Brother Henry

They lost their blankets at Bull Run but expect to have new ones in a few days and a full suit of clothes. He warns him not to enlist again and says he would rather his brother stay at home and look after their parents.

GLC02172.11

to Unknown

They only got about 2/3 of their ration before going to Bull Run, so they were without food for a day and a half. When the bullets wer flying they saw a black berry patch and immediately began picking berries so the Colonel called them the black...

GLC02172.12

to Brother Henry

A lot of commotion. General McClelland came by three times and there have been messengers going back and forth. He is on guard today.

GLC02172.13

to Brother Henry

Four of their pickets were shot last night. In company O, one soldier was shot by hs own comrad. They were practicing a manual of arms. One ordered the other to load aim and fire his gun and he got shot through the heart.

GLC02172.14

to Brother Henry

He begs his brother not to enlist. He tells him to please stay at home and make all the money can. He will take his picture soon. They have recenlt got new clothes and blankets.

GLC02172.15

to Brother Henry

There has been fighting among the pickets.Three of their men were wounded and one died yesterday. There are a lot of peach and apple trees where he is.Troops are continually coming in. 70,000 crossed into Virginia Thursday night. Written in Camp...

GLC02172.16

to Children

Henry talks of enlisting and like Charles he is trying to talk him out of it.

GLC02172.17

to Brother Henry

He has just come in from picket guard and is quite well. Being on picket is a good way yo keep from getting homesick as it is sometimes exciting. One day a secessionist picket came over and said he was tired of fighting for the secessionist cause....

GLC02172.18

to Brother Henry

They heard about General Mulligan's surrender to the rebels supposedly because General Freemont did not send reinforcements. Written in Camp Arlington

GLC02172.19

to Brother Henry

They had inspection that morning. He is glad his brother has given up the idea of enlisting for now. Written in Camp Arlington

GLC02172.20

to Brother Henry

The Rebels have evacuated Munson's Hill. Most of the regiments were moving toward Fairfax. He mentions a Charley STevens who seems to have changed his mind about enlisting. Written in Camp Arlington

GLC02172.21

to Brother Henry

One of the men almost drowned and they were up half the night. Then they had to a trek of about ten miles. They captured three prisoners. Written in Camp Arlington

GLC02172.22

to Brother Henry

They are going to get new guns, either the sharps or Enfield rifles. He mentions the cavalry. The boys are in good spirits. He will not get down to the city thsi week. Written in Camp Arlington

GLC02172.23

to Brother Henry

They had an inspection the other day, A tough day of fighting followed. They are told to "come out in style."The papers say thier focres are doing great in Missouri. Written in Camp Lyon.

GLC02172.24

to Brother Henry

During the battle of Bull Run, their company stayed back in a town called Centreville. They went out on picket again and ended up five miles away. They are unable to advance any further for now. Written at Camp Poe

GLC02172.25

to Brother Henry

There was heavy firing going on down the river yesterday afternoon. They brought in the wounded this afternoon. Last night one of the third regiment shot his hand off. Written in Camp Lyon .

GLC02172.26

to Brother Henry

Tomorrow morning the regiment marches toward Tahrick Church. Many think the South will sue for peace in about six weeks' time. Written in Camp Lyon

GLC02172.27

to Brother Henry

There was a report about a small fight in Western Virginia in the morning paper. He has been catching colds lately and has an awful one right now. But he can take it for he is as 'tough as a bull." Written in Camp Lyon

GLC02172.28

to Brother Henry

He has explored Mt. Vernon in and out. He promises to write about it while on picket. The latest news from the naval fleet is that they were at Beaufort, SC and are now marching toward Charleston. Written in Camp Lyon

GLC02172.29

to Brother Henry

The regiment is camped in support of a battery about half a mile from Frederich. Their pickets are on one side and the Rebels are on the other. He writes that if his brother had told him before he enlisted taht he could endure such hardship he would...

GLC02172.31

to Brother Henry

They have been in their current location 8 weeks now. He does not know how much longer they will be there. Their pickets were fired upon by the Rebel cavalry.

GLC02172.32

to Brother Henry

No more furloughs will be granted. The Colonel is confident there will be a forward movement of the grand army.

GLC02172.33

to Brother Henry

The Rebel pickets are three miles away. There is firing on both the right and left. He wishes could get a chance to take a sleigh ride. He will get his next two months pay this morning.

GLC02172.34

[Items related to Jefferson Davis's capture][Decimalized .01-.04]

Collection of four items dated 1865 related to Jefferson Davis's capture. Davis is depicted wearing his wife's dress at the moment of the arrest. Frequent characters in the depictions are Union soldiers, Capitol Hill, and his wife, Varina Davis...

GLC09780

Digest of The Report of the President's Committee on Civil Rights

One pamphlet prepared by Samuel S. Wyer, Consulting Engineer from an original 175 paged report presented to President Harry S. Truman on October 29, 1947. The pamphlet covers various injustices committed such as lynching, censure, police brutality...

GLC09641.06

to Isora Skinkle

Informs his sister that he will not be coming home on a furlough. Inquires on how her Sabbath school picnic went in Washington. Writes that there was an expedition in Louisiana to seek out the rebels. Reports that his brigade did not go on the...

GLC03523.32.21

to Isora Sayles

Writes to his sister from camp Fort Hill, two miles from Vicksburg, Mississippi. Discusses charging on the enemy last Tuesday. Describes having to charge over a large hill and fallen timber and brush where they then laid low and fired on the enemy...

GLC03523.32.12

to Isora Sayles

Writes to his sister from a camp two miles from Vicksburg, Mississippi. Reports that they have stormed the enemy's works twice, once on the 19th of May and the other on the 22nd of May. Writes that his company did not lose any men in the last...

GLC03523.32.13

to Isora Sayles

Writes to his sister from the field. Reports that he has been in two fights so far and has not been injured yet. Discusses her upcoming wedding and how he would like to be there. Writes about there being very few girls and says that he has not...

GLC03523.32.14

to Isora Sayles

Requests that his sister tell their father to do what he thinks is best with the money that he sent home. Writes that he should be able to send more money after the fall of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Speaks of a friend being well and as fat as a pig....

GLC03523.32.15

to Isora Sayles

Writes to his sister. Discusses how a man named Erving A. Porter died. Writes that Erving got up at 3:00 am as usual to get a drink and then went back to bed and never woke up again. His bunk mate found him lying still in the morning with his hand...

GLC03523.32.16

to Isora Sayles

Writes to his sister. Reports that they entered Vicksburg, Mississippi on July 4th. Describes conquering and entering Vicksburg, Mississippi as being the most glorious fourth he ever had. Reports that 30 to 40 thousand men surrendered and were...

GLC03523.32.17

to Isora Sayles

Writes to his sister. Describes the beauty of Natchez, Mississippi. Notes that it is situated on a high bluff and that it is the main part of the town. Comments, "I thought that lake Providence louisanna [sic] was the gratest place for white...

GLC03523.32.18

to Isora Sayles

Writes to his sister. Comments on how happy he and the boys were to learn of General John Pemberton's surrender. Discusses various people and news from back home. Mentions that he is on duty every other day.

GLC03523.32.19

to Isora Sayles

Informs his sister that there is no reason why he should not share his letters from her with the other boys. Comments that the information given is sure to leak out somehow anyway and that it is only fair that he shares his letters because the men...

GLC03523.32.20

to Isora Skinkle

Thanks his sister for the package that she sent him. Inquires if she likes her new mother-in-law. Informs her that he will not be able to get a furlough this year and that he prefers it that way. Writes that he would prefer to wait until he can...

GLC03523.32.22

to Isora Skinkle

Informs his sister that they might be heading up the river to Vicksburg, Mississippi. Writes that it has been raining for the last couple of days and the rivers are finally rising. Says that the rivers have been so low that several steamers have...

GLC03523.32.23

to Isora Skinkle

Informs his sister that they will be spending the winter in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Complains about not receiving letters from people back home. Writes that he is afraid that he might have offended a friend named Mill in his last letter because she...

GLC03523.32.24

to Isora Skinkle

Reports that a man named Eugene Thomas, along with the rest of the men, might have been taken prisoner while traveling home on a furlough. Writes that he has also heard the story is not true. Informs his sister that he sent both her and his mother...

GLC03523.32.25

to Isora Skinkle

Informs his sister that he will be sending some money. Reports that they do battalion drill everyday, dress parade afterwards, and that they have picket duty and camp guard duty. Writes about friends and family back home. Letter has an image and...

GLC03523.32.26

to Isora Skinkle

Writes to his sister from camp. Reports that his new boots and stockings fit perfectly. Discusses how long a man named Knap will be able to stick it out in the services. Believes that Knap will have a hard time getting out of the service once he...

GLC03523.32.27

to William P. Sayles

Writes to his father from camp. Informs him that he sent ten dollars home. Complains about how long it has been since he has received any letters from the Silases family. Writes that a man named Knapp is a fool for trying to recruit all the...

GLC03523.32.28

to Isora Skinkle

Writes to his sister from camp. Comments that she looked quite lean in her picture, but he has never been fatter. Reports that the lieutenant bet five dollars that the war will be over soon and that they will be able to go home by June and that...

GLC03523.32.29

to Isora Skinkle

Writes to his sister from camp. Informs her that it rained and snowed on the last day of the year and that it has been cold. Describes having a "first rate" oyster dinner for Christmas. Notes that everything has been first rate since they have...

GLC03523.32.30

to Isora Skinkle

Informs his sister that he is no longer with his company, that he has been detached to guard ordnance stores. Writes that he prefers it over staying with the company. Comments that he is not surprised that it takes two stoves to keep her and her...

GLC03523.32.31

to Isora Skinkle

Writes to his cousin. Informs her that his regiment is on picket duty. Reports that his colonel is the acting Brigade General and believes that if he tries hard enough, he will receive a star. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner...

GLC03523.32.32

to his cousin

Reports that he has not heard from Sumner (likely his cousin Sumner Sayles) since he was in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Notes that his regiment received orders to go on a scout this Saturday. Comments that scouting is the fun part about soldiering....

GLC03523.32.33

to his cousin

Reports that they just returned from a scout where they were looking for "old forest" (General Nathan Bedford Forrest). Comments that they were close but he ran like a "white rabbit." Describes following General Nathan Forrest for 80 miles down...

GLC03523.32.34

to Isora Skinkle

Writes to his sister. Reports on the casualties they received during a recent battle. Discusses the various men that were either killed or wounded, including their colonel. Describes his colonel as being one of the best and that "some of the boys...

GLC03523.32.35

to Isora Skinkle

Writes to his sister. Mentions that the men are feeling rowdy for this Fourth of July. Comments that they want to have a good time while they have a chance to. Discusses how bad he felt when heard about Oney's (possible family friend) wife killing...

GLC03523.32.36

to Isora Skinkle

Writes to his sister. Inquires after the folks back home. Reports that his and another regiment might be put on provo duty. Comments that if they are put on provo duty they will be staying in place for a while. Speaks of friends and family.

GLC03523.32.37

to Isora Skinkle

Writes to his sister from camp. Mentions a lady, Mill, from back home being sour and pities the man who marries her. Inquires after the farm. Wants to know if his father will have a hard time working the farm this year. Letter has an image and...

GLC03523.32.38

to Isora Skinkle

Writes to his sister from camp. Informs her that he received the stamps that she sent him. Mentions seeing her husband's cousin and that he sends his best. Reports that they are preparing for another expedition. Writes that he and the boys in...

GLC03523.32.39

to Isora Skinkle

Writes to his sister from camp. Mentions that he sent $50 home. Writes that they are building breastworks in case General John Hood attacks them. Comments that the general will receive a warm reception if he attacks for they have a large force of...

GLC03523.32.40

to Brigadier General M.L. Bonham

Account of the victory at First Bull Run by a colonel in the 8th South Carolina Infantry. "The enemy now fled in the utmost confusion throwing away everything which at all impeded his flight...my Sergant Major...took as a prisoner Mr. Ely a member...

GLC09228

Training Negro troops

Mounted albumen print of the members of the Louisiana Native Guard learning to read at Port Hudson, Louisiana, at a school set up for the soldiers and freedmen. The guard was one of the first all-black units in the Civil War, formed by Benjamin...

GLC09229

to his sister

Unidentified soldier of the 16th New Hampshire Volunteers in Mansfield, Louisiana, describes a prayer meeting at a black church, visits to New Orleans, and army life. "We are thinking that the Conscription Act will go rather hard with some of the...

GLC09231