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to Maggie Parrot

His General, P. Sidney Post, led them in Battalion Drill today. A Lieutenant Colonel from his regiment was taken prisoner while doing reconnaissance. "Secesh Cavalry are seen every day and occasional[l]y some are brought into camp." He mistook a...

GLC03858.02.06

to sister

Henry wishes to know how the his family at home is doing and if his father has sold the farm. He will send his father a suit of clothes and a revolver as soon as possible.

GLC03858.02.07

to Sophia Parrott

All the rain has made the roads very muddy and nearly impassable. He expects to paid soon. He was playing ball with the other men but paused to write.

GLC03858.02.08

to Sophia Parrott

Henry reports "I am well and like a soldier's life very much," though he is a bit lonely and homesick. There was a grand review of his division for General Rosecrans the week before and the General pronounced them in "splendid fighting condition."

GLC03858.02.09

to sister

He does not have much to do except drill the company now and then. He does not expect to be away for more than another year. Missing envelope identified in inventory.

GLC03858.02.10

to sister

General Rosecrans is "still entrenching very strongly." Henry saw "one of the greatest traitors of our land," Vallandigham, as he passed through the Union lines to join the Rebel Army. John is not well. Signed with the rank of Lieutenant. Two...

GLC03858.02.11

to sister

They have had some very difficult marches and battles and have advanced through the Cumberland Mountains "driving the rebels before us." He reports that "Bragg with the rebel army has gone to Chattanooga and will make ready there for another big...

GLC03858.02.12

to sister

Henry is sorry to hear that Sophia is not well and regrets that he cannot see her unless the war ends before the fall "which seems favorable now." They marched 65 miles in knee deep mud with after 30,000 Confederates in ten days. Some of the men...

GLC03858.02.13

to sister

He remarks that it has been a year and a day since he enlisted and though "there is no more signs of peace now than there was then," he is willing to stay for one more year. He expects that his sister has seen John who is no longer with his regiment...

GLC03858.02.14

to sister

Henry expects that they will stay at Camp Whiteside through the winter. They have not fought since they left Murfreesboro and he does not anticipate fighting soon since they are now in towards the rear of the Union line. He had the Bilious fever...

GLC03858.02.15

to mother

He believes they may move soon and that there will be another fight near Chattanooga as Grant's army is passing by today on its way there. [continued on 19 November] They have been ordered to march back to Stevenson and guard a railroad station...

GLC03858.02.16

to his parents

Writes that he is near Cave City six miles East of Mammoth Cave. He was finally given a tent to sleep in after a month of being tentless. Describes the recent battle of Perryville as "the heaviest storm ever I saw or heard." Some of the men of...

GLC06728.029

to his parents

Writes that the soldiers prefer Rosecrans to Buell. Reports that General Gilbert was arrested at Perryville. Continues to write about the battle of Perryville, which has led him to believe that rebels are not cowards but "brave as yankees dare to...

GLC06728.030

to his parents

Writes that General Negley is in command of the post. He has five months of pay overdue and does not know when he will get paid. Has heard from Holden who is not expected to live long. Reports that five men in the company have been killed.

GLC06728.031

to his parents

Writes that soldiers are living in the state house in Tennessee, which is a "splendid piece of workmanship." However, the soldiers are not respectful of the building and keep it dirty at all times. Writes that the men are able to buy anything they...

GLC06728.032

to his parents

Reports the death of Capt. Holden from a wound through the muscle of the arm below the elbow. Also reports that one corporal was killed and two wounded, leaving four corporals on duty. He has finally been paid and hopes to be paid again soon....

GLC06728.033

to his parents

Reports that he has a flesh wound in his right hip from the recent battle (battle of Murfreesboro). Also writes that he was taken prisoner and paroled. Ninety-six men from his company went to battle of which twenty-five men were killed or wounded....

GLC06728.034

to his parents

Writes that his wound is doing better. The main part of the army is about two miles south of Murfreesboro and the rebels are far ahead of them. States that his company has lost more men in the three battles (Pea Ridge, Perryville, Murfreesboro)...

GLC06728.035

to his parents

He is being kept in a dark room and is accompanied by "greybacks" and five or six others from the regiment. His wound is healing slowly, but doing well. Expects to be called to go to St. Louis. Written at the Exchange Barracks.

GLC06728.036

to his parents

Writes that he has had worse treatment since being paroled and will not be doing guard duty while he is on parole. Comments that if the fighting were left to the officers, there would be another Bull Run. Plans to visit home if he gets paid soon...

GLC06728.037

to his parents

Complains about the rainy weather and the unpleasantness of the barracks. Does not know what goes on outside the barracks, although he can get a pass to go out.Written at the Benton Barracks Union Military Camp

GLC06728.038

to Etta

Writes that he is on picket duty twice a week and that he was recently in Knoxville. Reports that contraband come into the lines every day to list for sugar. Also reports that the troops are currently engaged at Dandridge.

GLC06728.039

to his sisters

Complains about the monotony of the barracks. Left for Vicksburg early in the morning. Describes the eating habits of the soldiers and compares them to pigs eating swill. Writes that his eating utensils consist of a tin cup and a jack knife.

GLC06728.040

to Sarah Anne

Writes that he sent his overcoat to Oberlin as bail to his own name. Is expecting to leave tomorrow but does not mention where.

GLC06728.041

to his parents

Reports that rebels have taken possession of a part of the Cumberland River, fifteen miles away. The rebels also burned a boat filled with sutler's goods. Describes the town of Clarksville and writes that there are two regiments of infantry, a...

GLC06728.042

to his parents

Reports that rebels captured a train and killed several soldiers a few days ago. After capturing the train they burned it and later skedddled. Included is a letter written the next day in which he writes that he saw Lafayette [Miller] and George...

GLC06728.043

to his sisters

Writes that George Mordoff came to visit him a few days ago. Reports that Ambrose Denman has gone home and that the 101st is close to their camp. Has received his six months pay ($60) and is forwarding it home. Sends his respects to family.

GLC06728.044

to his parents

Writes that he visited the 101st and saw Billy Hutchinson and George Morse. Reports that the fortifications are of exceptional quality; better than those in Corinth. Has sent sixty dollars to his parents and asks them to save a dollar from the...

GLC06728.045

to his sisters

Has been on picket duty for six days. Writes that "contraniggers" and deserters are coming in fast and wishes his father "had a couple pigs to call him massa." Reports that he has seen some friends. Mentions "Hooker's -----" and explains that the...

GLC06728.046

to his parents

Writes that he has little duty to do except for picket duty. Comments on Hooker and states " I think I can see Hooker dying the same death as did Burnside and Little Mac." Discusses the Missouri compromise and abolition. Accuses his father of...

GLC06728.047

to his sisters

Writes that the company may have to move if Bragg weakens his force to reinforce the Vicksburg army. Reports the papers have erroneously reported that the company had marching orders. Includes a letter written on the following day. Writes that the...

GLC06728.048

to his parents

Writes that the paroled men were ordered to report to General Rosecrans on the 15th of June, but they reported on the 17th instead and were sent off. Is enjoying Camp Chase, as it is very pleasant and near the woods. Writes that the farther north...

GLC06728.049

to his parents

Writes that he is able to get vegetables of all kinds at reasonable rates. Reports that some of the boys took down a Secesh flag and put up the stars and stripes in its place. Writes that he has seen the "enticements" for reenlistments and believes...

GLC06728.050

to his parents

Has found a place to board and hopes to be played soon. Offers his pay to his parents but states that if they have no use for it, he will offer it to other soldiers who will not get paid this time. Writes that he may be able to get furlough but is...

GLC06728.051

to his parents

George Biddulph to his friend Frank, 3p. Writes that he left Murfreesboro and advanced to Tullahoma. No rebel forces were found at Tullahoma, as they had left five hours before. Writes that the company went after the rebels the next morning and...

GLC06728.052

to unknown

Writes that the Benton Banner is defunct because most of the soldiers have gone home. Is pleased by the news that Ohio will be drafted. Writes that he is expecting to be paid soon. Written at the Benton Barracks Union Military Camp

GLC06728.053

to sister Sarah Anne

Gives instructions for distributing the objects he will be express mailing to her. Instructs her to keep the novels and to read the other books he's sending. Asks his sister to give the other things to his mother for preservation. Writes that the...

GLC06728.054

to sister Ettie

Writes that Rosecrans was in Chattanooga with his regiment and he wishes he were there. Asks how his siblings Josh and Martt are getting along. Writes that rations have been reduced to half, but there is still plenty of potatoes and beef. Urges...

GLC06728.055

to his parents

Writes that he dreads reading the list of the dead and wounded of his regiment. Reports that Colonel Bonneville has issued an order to call back all absentees for duty. Hopes to be exchanged soon. Includes a letter regarding the cost of supplies...

GLC06728.056

to his parents

Writes that he came back to camp to find that the men were living on half rations of hard tack and beef with no other food. Explains that the short rations are due to the limitations of transporting provisions. Reports that four soldiers were...

GLC06728.057

to his sisters

Complains about the reduced rations of food. Reports that the rebels still hold Lookout Mountain but the breastworks are substantial enough that the rebels would be defeated. Writes that General Osterhaus is in Tuscumbia, Alabama. Continues to...

GLC06728.058

to Hank

Writes that he is enjoying Thanksgiving in celebration of taking Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain and the valley. Reports that his regiment suffered more in proportion to numbers at Chickamauga than Murfreesboro. Writes that he got through the...

GLC06728.059

to Hank

A continuation of the previous letter. Writes that he marched to Chickamauga Creek the day before and spotted rebels burning bridges and their own baggage. Reports that the men have taken 80 pieces of rebel artillery and estimates that they will...

GLC06728.060

to his parents

Has been too busy marching and hasn't had a chance to write. Reports that General Granger's corps and Wood's and Sheridan's divisions are there. Is expecting Longstreet to get to Virginia as fast as possible. Hopes to take Richmond before leaving...

GLC06728.061

to his friend Frank

He writes that he is disappointed in not receiving as much correspondence as promised by his friend. Informs Frank that since the last time he wrote, he has taught himself how to use a telegraph machine. As a telegraph operator, he has been able...

GLC06728.062

to his parents

Writes that three fourths of his regiment has reenlisted, but he does not feel that $402 is enough incentive for him to reenlist. Reports that he has been assigned duty in the 88th Illinois, Co. K. Also writes that Grant had visited Sheridan's...

GLC06728.063

to his parents

Complains about the lack and quality of food at camp. Writes that corn meal and beef bones are the primary sustenance and that the beef the soldiers eat "would stagger an American's appetite". Reports that the farthest East he's been is Dandridge...

GLC06728.064

to his brother and sister

Writes that he is having trouble with his lungs but is in comfortable winter quarters. Believes that contrary to newspaper reports, Longstreet's forces will attack in Georgia not Knoxville. Akins his like of soldiering to a cat's love for hot soap...

GLC06728.065

to his parents

Reports that Longstreet has left the vicinity of Knoxville and is likely headed towards Georgia. Writes that there is considerable sickness at camp caused by "sick wheat flour". Believes that the bridge crossing will be finished by the middle of...

GLC06728.066

to his parents

Writes that he has been ill with mumps but has almost fully recovered. Reports that the railroad from Knoxville to Chattanooga is complete. Also reports that Major General Howard is commanding the 4th corps. instead of [General Robert Granger]. In...

GLC06728.067