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to Elizabeth Smith

The blacksmith shop has been rented out. Mentions rumor that the army will move soon and General Wool has stopped issuing furloughs. Smith begs his wife not to mention his liquor consumption. He assures her that he is now a sober man and it hurts...

GLC04189.13

to Elizabeth Smith & children

The army is building a General Hospital in town and his regiment has been assigned to guard it. He again asks his wife not to mention the "Rum question," claiming it makes him "feel a little dry until I forget it again." Continues on 11/26 to...

GLC04189.17

to Mary Moore

He had too much eggnog and has been sick. He describes his girlfriends, referring to one in particular he would like to marry and comments on other potential couples. He believes that the old house should be sold and that their mother should be given...

GLC04191.30

to James Kelly

Writes to his sister Mary's husband about the weather and the lack of activity. Anticipates traveling to Cuba with the possibility of American possession resulting from Manifest Destiny. Makes references to Billy Bowlegs harboring slaves. "You now...

GLC04193.02

to James Kelly

Responds to the drought and lack of food. Reports a visit to King Billy Bowlegs, presenting Bowlegs's sister with "rot gut" whiskey. Inquires about the upcoming county elections in Ohio. "I was out in the woods some distance about a week ago, with...

GLC04193.03

to Mary Kelly

Discusses cold temperatures, the dancing that goes on at the balls at camp, and the numerous stores and saloons. Condemns the 15 October 1859 seizure of the arsenal at Harper's Ferry by John Brown, and hopes it does not distract politicians from...

GLC04194.26

to Mary Moore Kelly

He describes their march through South Carolina, wading through swamps, repairing roads, and taking Columbia. Although they were welcomed by the townspeople, drunk Union soldiers set buildings on fire, and the wind carried flames throughout town...

GLC04195.30

to Mollie [Kelly]

He describes his past experience in Vicksburg, where he and Grant lived with a local family. Because he did not steal silver, as they "supposed all 'Yanks' were in the habit of doing, they have always felt very grateful" for the protection and...

GLC04195.45

to Sue

Mr. Kelly still does not eat much. He has been away from his regiment without leave. Mr. Cherry has been most unhelpful to them while Mr. Khan has called three times, offered her money, and given her a bottle of wine, "so there's the difference...

GLC04197.31

to Mrs. J. R. Goldsborough

Commander Goldsborough writes to his wife from the U.S. Steamer Florida, on blockading duty near Charleston, South Carolina. Notes the arrival of the stone fleet, comprised by ships filled with stone, sand, and other heavy materials sent to blockade...

GLC04216

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

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 Charles Woolston

Letter to Charles signed by both his mother, M. Woolston, and his father, who signed with his initials, B.A.W. His father tells him to try and save his money, and asks Charles to let him know if he is staying in a barrack or tents. His mother...

GLC03523.26.10

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

[Collection of John S. Bradbury, 3rd regiment, Iowa, light battery] [Decimalized .01- .10]

Letters from John S. Bradbury to his brother, Samuel, dating from 1861 through 1865. They include notable statements of support for Lincoln.

GLC03523.39

Dear Brother

Bradbury writes that the war is over, but that he has not yet received his discharge. Most of the letter is given to begging his brother to stop his drinking habit.

GLC03523.39.10

to cousin [Lydia A. Bishoff]

Foglesong describes having to sleep on the floor with only his coat to lie on and his carpet sack as a pillow. He reports that there is plenty to eat and drink, but adds that there is only water and coffee - no whiskey. Foglesong does not know how...

GLC03523.40.03

to [Lydia A. Bishoff]

Shafer reports that times are fine at present, for the men can go anywhere that they please inside of the pickets which are placed 2-3 miles from camp. But there are not as many apples and cakes and pies as they had previously at Camp Willey. Also...

GLC03523.40.18

to Mary

Signed by Frederick. Written at camp near the Battle of Fair Oaks [Seven Pines] in Henrico County, Virginia. Writes that Mr. Foss is in the camp with him but he arrived after the battle. Explains that the rebels tried to shell them out of their...

GLC03523.42.13

to Frank

Apologizes for not writing to him in such a long time. He has had a long journey and recounts his travels through Chicago, Illinois and many other towns. Writes of the many "eager applicants" he found at the draft office of Captain Christopher. Says...

GLC03523.42.15

[Diary of Franklin W. Fuller]

January: Writes of the cold weather. Perry received his discharge papers. The weather ranges from pleasant to rainy and cold. Has played in parades.

February: Describes the weather and notes that they were ordered to be ready to march with eight...

GLC03523.42.70

to John Reeser

Writes to a friend. Discusses working four miles from Delaware City and having beer and sweet cakes. Enjoys living in Delaware City and going out every Saturday night. Comments "they are the old time democrats true to the union and they think...

GLC03523.43.01

to sister

Writes to his sister from Camp Biddle. Reports that the camp is empty except for a few picket guards placed to guard the railroad. Comments that they are surrounded by secessionists who are armed. Says that the pickets are shot at almost every...

GLC03523.49.03

to his mother

Writes about the preacher at camp. Comments that he is a good man but is not very smart. Says that he went to the preacher last night and was given a prayer book. States that he reads a chapter in the testament out loud every night before retiring...

GLC03523.49.11

[recipe]

A recipe that calls for alcohol, cyanne, lobella seed, turpentine, and gum camphor.

GLC03523.50.23