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to Charles G. Stack

Promises that as soon as his health improves he will comply with the request to send a photograph. Some text lost on the right side of the letter.

GLC02484.02

The story of a song

Jenkins account of the origins of the song "John Brown's Body." Credits Jenkins as "the author of 'John Brown's Body.'" Says the song was created spontaneously by a group of Union Soldiers, inspired partly by a soldier named John Brown.

GLC02484.03

to Stockton Bates

Describes the excitement of mail call. They will soon receive another new general; "if they keep going down the list, I think I shall have a brush at commander-in-chief before the war is over." Hooker is not very popular; they prefer McClellan. He...

GLC03523.23.08

to Stockton Bates

Complains about snow and mud preventing any action. Mentions the conscription bill, necessary only because of the inability of the war to be successful with volunteers. Writes, "The public does not know the true history of this war." Reminisces...

GLC03523.23.09

to Stockton Bates

Complains about the slow news to arrive from Philadelphia or New York. Describes the visits of local citizens to their camp out of curiosity. The Regiment has several POWs under charge of desertion. Mentions black soldiers, one of whom escaped...

GLC03523.23.10

to Stockton Bates

Generals Sedgwick and Newton visited their division. Sedgwick appears to overindulge in alcohol. Allison notes the dangers of alcohol. Responds to news from home.

GLC03523.23.11

to Stockton Bates

Describes the lack of religion in camp; his regiment has not had a chaplain since the battle of Fair Oaks (which took place 31 May and 1 June 1862). Comments on the Copperhead attempts to divide the North and its impact on the soldiers. There are...

GLC03523.23.12

to Stockton Bates

Is frustrated not to get furlough. Their division was recently reviewed by Lincoln, who "looks wearied and careworn." The army is in good condition. Expresses hope that "this summer will close the war."

GLC03523.23.13

to Stockton Bates

Recounts recent battles, during which their colonel was killed and 50 soldiers were killed and wounded, losing in total 107 of 350 in the regiment and 1100 of 2300 in the division. Believes that Fredericksburg cannot be taken: "Every strip of woods...

GLC03523.23.14

to Stockton Bates

Takes delight in his Virginia surroundings: "With the Rappahannock sweeping gaily in front of us, the blue water of the Potomac stretching in full view of us to our left, the wild scenery around, and the pure canopy of heaven above, I cannot wonder...

GLC03523.23.15

to Stockton Bates

Has heard rumors of success but has not seen anything. Doubts Hooker's ability to lead. Expresses concern about the Copperheads and lack of war support. Written from the camp of the 61st Regiment.

GLC03523.23.16

to Stockton Bates

Has not received mail or news for a while and does not know what is happening. Their location has seen several battles before their arrival, with bullet marks in trees and casings on the ground. Describes a recent raid.

GLC03523.23.17

to Stockton Bates

They have crossed the river on a reconnaissance mission, "the quickest movement the Army of Potomac has been guilty of for some time." "It is pretty evident that Gen. Lee is trying to euchre 'Fighting Joe;' he plays his hands well, but it is a game...

GLC03523.23.18

to Stockton Bates

Doesn't want to leave Maryland for Virginia; "Men could not be better treated than we have been by the people of Maryland." Comments on Gettysburg. Describes a young local lady's support. Was pleasantly surprised to see old friends from high...

GLC03523.23.19

to Stockton Bates

They've been fixing up their camp, overlooking the Blue Ridge mountains. Comments on the arrival of conscripts and the need to drill them. "Charleston appears a hard place to take, but it is of so much importance that it deserves continued efforts...

GLC03523.23.20

to Stockton Bates

They're resting. Praises cavalry men. They camp near the famous Sulpher Springs summer resort. "I would say there is a decided objection to Negro soldiers throughout the army, even among the Yankees who are generally abolitionists."

GLC03523.23.21

to Stockton Bates

They have received already 230 conscripts, most of them seemingly content. Describes what people are doing there in the evening: singing, reminiscing, visiting with unintelligent local people, and enjoying local vegetables.

GLC03523.23.22

to Stockton Bates

They have moved to the Rapidan river under Lee's orders. Here the locals who remain are destitute, each house with its own distillery, with very few churches and schools. Speculates about Longstreet's future actions. Written from Camp 61st P.V...

GLC03523.23.23

to Stockton Bates

A portion of their army has been moved to other points, thus weakening their army. He disagrees with this strategy, for the "rebels are as busy as bees strengthening their position." A meeting to express political opinion and support for Governor...

GLC03523.23.24

to Stockton Bates

Lee has started playing "the brilliant game of strategy" with Meade, costing the Rebels 2,000 men. Soldiers have confidence in Meade but are waiting to see how he leads. "We hardly know whom to trust." Lincoln has called for more volunteers.

GLC03523.23.25

to Stockton Bates

They move towards Richmond. Describes a battle and the capture of 4 artillery, 2000 small arms, 2 brigade commanders, and 1600 privates with 120 officers prisoners, including the "Louisiana Tigers, the men who carried long knives for the purpose of...

GLC03523.23.26

to Stockton Bates

They held "un grand revue du Corps" for a party of visiting English officers, to which he is opposed. Heard about the Gettysburg dedication. Meade has reduced the 8-day ration to 5 because men cannot carry that much. Asks for a copy of the...

GLC03523.23.27

to Stockton Bates

Soldiers have agreed to extend service for three years with the promise of a 30-day furlough. At Christmas, everyone got drunk. Looks forward to his own 10-day furlough, though realizes it may not happen in all reality.

GLC03523.23.28

to Stockton Bates

Is grateful for the news; it provides freedom from boredom for the entire camp. Describes their winter quarters, a rude combination of log cabin and tent. His roommate is a German soldier who participated in the disturbances of 1848 then fled his...

GLC03523.23.29

to Stockton Bates

Has spent the last three days on picket, near a widow with 21 contraband slaves who refuse to leave her. "They are a careless, happy set singing and dancing from sunrise to sunset; their enslaved condition affecting them but little." Men are...

GLC03523.23.30

to Stockton Bates

Reminisces upon reading about commencement at his old school. The administration is trying a new plan to enlist old troops, promising 60-days furlough and $500 bounty to enlist for five additional years. Believes the offer will be popular. Written...

GLC03523.23.31

to Stockton Bates

Reports on local rumors of reorganization and a new focus on Richmond, with Grant moving his headquarters to the Army of the Potomac.

GLC03523.23.33

to Stockton Bates

Complains about rain; would rather march than be cooped up in his tent. Reports on recent army reorganization and Meade's current actions. Asks a hypothetical question translating the value of gold to greenbacks.

GLC03523.23.34

to Stockton Bates

Has been named high private, rear rank, Co. H, 61st P.V. Must readjust after returning from his recent furlough, during which his corps was reorganized.

GLC03523.23.35

to Stockton Bates

Remains in winter quarters. Burnside, who was supposed to be on the Peninsular campaign, is nearby with his colored troops distributed as railroad guards. Writes that they fear for black soldiers on the front: "With the 'darkies' it is victory or...

GLC03523.23.36

to Stockton Bates

Written from Camp Parole, where Union prisoners of war were held until they were exchanged with Confederate prisoners of war, then returned to their regiments. Expresses fear that every officer would apprehend him after he had been taken into...

GLC03523.23.37

to Stockton Bates

Describes how marching to the front now is somewhat different now than a year ago because their army is much more victorious. Reacts to presidential communication with Britain; wonders about Canada.
Written from Camp Parole, where Union prisoners...

GLC03523.23.38

to Stockton Bates

Was a prisoner of war a year ago here; has visited his old prison. Local attitudes towards the Union have changed due to Grant. "The conduct of the soldiers has been remarkable, when we consider the bitterness, the cruelty, the fiendishness with...

GLC03523.23.40

to Stockton Bates

Complains about how veteran soldiers are being treated, especially those who have reenlisted. Has prepared the muster-out rolls and complains about inefficient officers. Looks forward to spending the 4th of July at home in Philadelphia. Several...

GLC03523.23.41

to Stockton Bates

Has visited old friends in Illinois, a place he now admires greatly. "I have come to the conclusion that there is no place like it for a young man to start in the world, with assurance of success."

GLC03523.23.43

[Manuscript Civil War map of the position of the 2nd Division, 16th Army Corps in the Battle of Atlanta]

Shows the Confederate line, the positions of Union brigades, and a skirmish in the Battle of Atlanta. The legend indicates the positions at the beginning of the battle, the charging that occurred ("Rebel line charging") and the new line that was...

GLC04498.02

[Manuscript Civil War map of the Battle of Atlanta]

Presented by Snell to Asbury Stephens, "one of the participants this 23d. day of Sept. 1864, at Eastpoint, Ga." Shows where the 2nd Brigade crossed the railroad, moved into battle, position at the works, and its efforts to repulse the Confederates...

GLC04498.03

[Manuscript Civil War map of the Plan of Rome, Floyd County, Georgia]

Shows the locations of fortifications, a steam boat landing, and troop positions. Made two days before General Hood's army skirmished with General Sherman's supply line near Rome, causing Sherman's forces to fortify themselves in the town. Colored...

GLC04498.04

[Manuscript Civil War map of the position of an army division at the Ogeecheee River in Georgia]

Shows the position of the 4th Division of the 15th Army Corps, the road to Savannah, the Confederate lines across the swamp. Also shows positions of various troops and General William T. Sherman's headquarters. Drawn in brown and pink ink a month...

GLC04498.05

[Manuscript Civil War map of the siege of Columbia, South Carolina]

Circular map showing the position of the 4th Division of the 13th Army Corps, rivers, railroads, and roads around Columbia. General Sherman's siege was on 16-17 February 1865. Drawn in brown and pink ink.

GLC04498.06

to Hat

Recounts meeting "Majors Burnham and Merriman on board the boat" at Fort Monroe. Describes war torn Petersburg, noting that "almost every house shows the marks of our Shells." Explains that the troops were weary from travelling 165 miles in six...

GLC04498.07

[Manuscript Civil War map of the Battle of Chancellorsville]

Shows the U.S. Mine Ford. Also shows three pontoon bridges over the Rappahannock River, various Confederate batteries and rifle pits, hospital locations, and the location of Fitzhugh House. References to a skirmish on a Sunday night and a shelling...

GLC06013.01

[Manuscript Civil War map of the Battle of Fredericksburg]

Shows bridges, batteries, hospitals, positions of Confederate sharpshooters, the railroad and Falmouth Station, and various buildings, including Lacy House. Also shows the movement across a bridge of Captain Wesley Brainerd. There are photographs...

GLC06013.02

[Manuscript Civil War map of the Battle of Rappahannock Station]

Shows pontoon bridges, batteries, the Orange & Alexandria Railroad, various fortifications, the locations and movements of the 5th and 6th Army Corps, and the routes of Confederate reinforcements. Also shows General John Sedgwick's headquarters....

GLC06013.03

to Henry Jackson Hunt

Mentions Hunt's appointment as Governor of the Soldier's Home in Washington, D.C. Refers to General Abner Doubleday's book, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. Indignantly declares "As usual in every account or description of that Battle the 1st New...

GLC02382.104

Gen'l Stuart's raid to the White House

Depicts Confederate cavalrymen under the command of General J.E.B. Stuart descending upon the Federal line only to find one Hezekiah Skinflint, a sutler who had provided provisions, in this case "ale and lager," to the soldiers. Many Southerners held...

GLC00493.21

Butler's victim of Fort St. Philip

Depicts a heavily fortified prison where reputable and well-dressed citizens of New Orleans are shown at manual labor, shackled with ball and chain. The prisoners are guarded by members of the local home guard African American Zouave unit, who point...

GLC00493.23

Prayer in Stonewall Jackson's tent

Depicts a scene of quiet piety and great reverence in an army camp. Shows most of the men with their heads bowed in prayer, some weeping. Stonewall Jackson, a man known for his great religiosity, appears to be delivering a sermon to the men. Also...

GLC00493.24

to Henry Jackson Hunt

Discusses an unspecified case with Hunt, and notes that Hunt is engaged in political service. Remarks "I wish you would solve that mystery of the Ku Klux. It is not all a dream. There must be some waking reality in it." Mentions General Ethan...

GLC02382.091

to Henry Jackson Hunt

Possibly created in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Refers to a pamphlet created by Maynadier (possibly William Maynadier). Expresses regret over an unspecified situation regarding General Alexander Brydie Dyer, chief of ordnance in 1864). Notes that...

GLC02382.094