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to Louise Walbridge
2 July 1864
Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?
Requests the location of the 94th NY. Writes that most of the officers in the 100th NY regiment will not re-enlist.
GLC04663.44
9 August 1864
Writing to let the family know he arrived safely [from a furlough]. The weather is very hot and there is a new chief Quartermaster.
GLC04663.45
16 August 1864
Failed attempt of the 2nd and 10th Corps to take Richmond. Has not received any letters from home since his return.
GLC04663.46
27 August 1864
Describes his new quarters, two tents and an open space over which is a "fly", with a diagram of the tents. Failed rebel attack at Bermuda Hundred, intercepted message from General Beauregard to General Pickett ordering the latter to destroy a...
GLC04663.47
18 September 1864
Asks Louise to send to him some official papers he left at home. A detailed description of various forms used by the Quartermaster's office.
GLC04663.48
25 September 1864
First encounter with persimmons [type of fruit], the success of Sheridan, building a log office for winter, reports that he knows no McClellan supporters in the Army.
GLC04663.49
3 October 1864
Battle of Chapins Bluff. Rebel prisoners say they did not run because they realized that there was no hope. Thinks Sheridan will soon take Lynchburg. Regrets that Louise and Mother have to take in boarders.
GLC04663.50
23 October 1864
Acknowledges receipt of a package containing honey (most of which spilled), pants, a cake, and butter. Describes the weather, is saddened to hear of the deaths of two ladies from Buffalo, expects a big battle soon. Encloses a piece of petrified...
GLC04663.51
31 October 1864
Sent George a pass to come visit him as an "employee of the Quartermaster Department" and explains that Harry cannot visit because he is too young for such a pass. Preparations for George's visit: putting a stove in his tent; obtaining a horse for...
GLC04663.52
30 November 1864
Discusses the mild weather they have been having, anxiously awaiting news from Sherman's campaign in Georgia, news of other officers, wishes he could attend the winter parties. "[I]t is difficult for me to write a letter; my life is so monotonous...
GLC04663.53
December 17, 1864
George H. Thomas' victory over John B. Hood, excitement over Sherman's march in Georgia, hopeful that peace is near, and wishes he was home for the holidays.
GLC04663.54
circa December 25, 1864
Tells of the Christmas telegram sent from [General William T.] Sherman to [President Abraham] Lincoln offering his gift of the city of Savannah, Georgia. Mentions receiving a gift from George and awaiting a package from home.
GLC04663.55
5 January 1865
Trip to Winter Garden to see Booth in Hamlet, had to leave early to get a birth in the sleeping car. Leaving for Norfolk this evening.
GLC04663.56
January 25, 1865
Has been sick for about 10 days and has a boil on his neck. Heavy rain has turned everything to mud. "Elbridge and J.F. Whiting (Will's partner,) have become my sureties for the sum of ten thousand dollars" so he can "give bonds."
GLC04663.57
February 19, 1865
George's visit. Describes their trip to Dutch Gap, Headquarters, Fort Harrison, and City Point. Describes the layout, and operation of Point of Rock hospital. Tomorrow they plan to go to Meade's Station and Patrick's Station "inspecting the works...
GLC04663.58
14 March 1865
Weather: winter in Buffalo, spring in camp. Believes the fighting will be over by mid-summer, possibly June. News concerning Sherman, Sheridan, and Grant. He has been "brevetted" to the rank of a major, "Brevets I suppose you know are a kind of...
GLC04663.59
March 21, 1865
Expects to be transferred to General Turner's division. Saddened by the prospect of leaving a place that has been his home for almost a year. Writes about some friends he has made at the post. Mentions fighting "in front of the Army of the Potomac...
GLC04663.60
28 April 1865
Informs his brother that since they last communicated, several important events have taken place, the defeat and capture of General Robert E. Lee, the occupation of Richmond, and General Joseph E. Johnston's surrender to Generals Ulysses S. Grant and...
GLC04663.61
3 May 1865
Appointed Inspector of the Quartermaster Department for the Department of North Carolina. Reports that there are 3,500 contrabands colonized on the island, and describes a large seminary at Raleigh.
GLC04663.62
16 May 1865
Notes he selected the house of Dr. Haywood for his office and a smaller one for his quarters. The owner, a secessionist, had fled before the Union army entered the city. Family members had asked for the house to be returned to them, Walbridge...
GLC04663.63
19 May 1865
Acknowledges receipt of photograph. Advice for managing rented property, read newspaper accounts of Jefferson Davis' capture while he was wearing petticoats. The Treasury confiscated the Haywood house. The officers will not be turned out since it...
GLC04663.64
18 June 1865
Discusses an inspection tour. Notes he needs to sell a large number of horses and mules which the army no longer needs and are a great expense. Describes the ladies of the town of Edenton, North Carolina, and tells how the people there sing...
GLC04663.65
29 July 1865
Notes that the temperature has been over 100 for several days. Notes he was promoted to Colonel. Says that he has decided to remain in the army another two or three months. Encloses a recipe for "tomato wine" [not in the collection]. Mentions he...
GLC04663.66
20 August 1865
Notes that he expects to go home soon. Says that he needs to inspect, appraise and sell some animals and stores. Reports that 8,000 white troops will be mustered out of his department.
GLC04663.67
3 September 1865
Has been busy with trips to Charlotte and Newberne. Business opportunities in Raleigh in which he could make a considerable amount of money in a few months, but wishes to go home. He has an opportunity to buy horses at government prices and sell...
GLC04663.68
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