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to the United States Senate and House of Representatives

Jenks' statement claiming he was unaware of the order dismissing him from military service until he received the order in the field during the siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi

GLC02750.069

[Jenks relates the chronological details of his military dismissal and reinstatement from memory]

Relates 2 July 1863 Notice of Dismissal charging him for missing a 4 May 1863 appearance before a military commission which he had not been notified of. States that he admitted Private James Briggs into service without knowing that he was physically...

GLC02750.068

Notes on the 23rd Psalm

This was written into a pocket bible on the eve of the battle of Donaldson..

GLC02744.349

General Orders, No. 375

Enlistments are commanded to stop.

GLC02744.352

General Orders, No. 350

About the allocation of pay for volunteers' families.

GLC02744.354

William Stone Hubbell

Biography of William Stone Hubbell, an officer in the twenty-first

GLC02744.362

General Orders, No. 11

Procedure for officer of Volunteers wishing to resign.

GLC02744.364

Receipt for Thomas F. Burpee

For the cost of shirts. He paid $6.00.

GLC02744.365

receipt for train ticket

To freight from Hartford

GLC02744.367

Granting permission to Burpee to take a leave of absence

Burpee has permission to go to Ft. Monroe en route for Baltimore and he can also take his horse,

GLC02744.368

General Orders, No. 20

Orders all officers to appear at their armory on the 23rd day of May, 1860.

GLC02744.376

to Enoch Q. Fellows

He is writing to see if there is any way Adolphus Hoit can be made to return to his regiment. He deserted from Hemstead Long Island. He is happy that Fellow's regiment gets such praise and accolades.

GLC02745.007

to Enoch Q. Fellows

He is asking for a furlough because he has received word that his mother is sick. Written at Port Royal, located on Hilton Head Island.

GLC02745.011

to his father [incomplete]

Describes, in detail, his capture at Gettysburg and the terrible losses suffered by his corps at the battle. Cites by name fellow officers and soldiers killed and wounded (Lt. Johnson, mortally wounded despite his steel vest, Lt. Col. Tuthill shot...

GLC02748.02

to Ethan A. Jenks

Private Dexter Clark states that he signed a government pay roll for Jenks, after obtaining permission from Captain Simpson and Colonel Burnside. Encloses a draft payable to Jenks' order (not included).

GLC02750.001

to members of the Board of Examination

Colonel Bliss states that Captain Ethan A. Jenks has received authority to appear before the Board of Examination. Recommends Jenks to the Board, stating that "For bravery, energy, coolness, and devotion to the cause of the Union, he is unsurpassed...

GLC02750.015

to Percy Daniels

Captain Jenks requests a twenty day leave of absence from Colonel Percy Daniels. Refers to an enclosed medical certificate (not included).

GLC02750.020

to Edward C. Mauran

Private Locklin expresses difficulty obtaining his bounty, thus requests Enlistment Rolls from Adjutant General Mauran. Written at Fort Sedgwick

GLC02750.025

to Sanondess Jenks

Describing a battle to his wife, Sanondess, Captain Jenks states that "the rebels have directly in our front an eight inch Columbiad gun … they fired every fifteen minutes from this gun all day …" Written at Fort Sedgwick

GLC02750.030

to Lorenzo Thomas

Colonel Bliss informs Adjutant General Thomas that Captain Ethan A. Jenks knew nothing of "Fraudulently enlisting a Private in his Company who served but one Month and drew bounty." Bliss attests to Jenks' character and requests reconsideration of...

GLC02750.048

to John Parke

Colonels Arnold and Bliss inform Major General Parke that guards will accompany Captain Ethan A. Jenks to Cairo, Illinois

GLC02750.049

[invoice of equipage issued to Captain Ethan A. Jenks]

Invoice of equipage issued to Captain Ethan A. Jenks. September 1863

GLC02750.088

to my dear wife

He describes Washington as a handsome city, but not as nice as Richmond. He apologizes for not having written lately. He assures her he has remained true to her since he has been there and always will be.

GLC02740.43

to Friend Thayer

He describes his journey to Capitol Hill.

GLC02744.023

to my dear wife

He is now in Augusta, but does not think he can get a furlough now. He discusses the money he will send.

GLC02740.03

to my dear wife

He sent her 100 dollars. He describes Gallops Island as a very "pretty place."

GLC02740.05

to my dear wife

He says he thinks of her all the time. He is very lonely, he says again and tells her to write as often as she can.

GLC02740.08

to my dear wife

He has had a lovely Christmas and spent most of it asleep. He wants her to send a picture of herself. Once again, he tells her to have more confidence in him, for he has only spoken to one woman since he left. He says "I know I am a wicked man, but I...

GLC02740.14

to my dear wife

He is on his way to Virginia. Iti is raining hard outside the tent while he writes. He describes the country as fine. There is one company from New York with them. He wishes she could be with them. Written at City Point- now named Hopewell

GLC02740.17

to my dear wife

He wants her to write more. He talks of searching for beans for breakfast but coming up empty-handed. He draws a picture full of dots and says it represents kisses for her and the baby.

GLC02740.28

to my dear wife

He does not think the Rebels will be able to fight much longer. He suspects the war will be settled in the summer.

GLC02740.30

to my dear wife

very difficult to read.

GLC02740.31

to my dear wife

One of the lieutenants deserted to see his parents, but they caught him and sentenced him to be shot. The weather is quite warm now. They have their guns now.

GLC02740.32

to my dear wife

He has been feeling sick lately. He reassures her that he won't be reenlisting. He tells her to keep up the courage, for he will be coming home soon.

GLC02740.40

to my dear wife

He has a bad cough. He plans to send her a picture of gallups island and city point. He will soon witness a man getting shot. They plan to shoot him so that he falls into the coffin. He worries his heart will get hardened to such sights.

GLC02740.46

to my dear wife

His cough is getting better. He talks of wanting to go home and the nice times they will have.

GLC02740.47

to my dear wife

There is a heavy battle going on nearby. They, on the other hand, are still having good times. They do not have their rifles yet. He reminds Lizzie that she is always in his prayers.

GLC02740.49

to Unknown

The author encloses a picture the boys gave to him. The picture is unidentified but is most likely Wilmot Thompson. He is shown with the picture of a car in the background.

GLC02740.50

to Mother

He gives her instructions on how to divide his property in case he doesn't return.

GLC02743.01

to Mother

They have orders to sail this morning. He promises to write as soon as they arrive somewhere. He describes a small beach in the distance. He mentions Aunt Elisabeth.

GLC02743.03

to Mother

They are now on the Mississippi River. The trip was, for the most part, uneventful but the night was rather rough and uncomfortable.

GLC02743.08

to Mother

He has decided to sell all his stock except the white heifer and the cults. He sold his horse. Recently he went to New Orleans and spent time with Charley.

GLC02743.11

to Mother

He believes the fighting will be over by the first of April. Nobody is hurt currently.

GLC02743.13

to Mother

They are camped in the city opposite New Orleans.They've been having pleasant food like green peas, new potatoes and lettuce. Two large mules will be arriving from New Orleans. Written in the neighborhood of Algiers, New Orleans, Louisiana.

GLC02743.17

to Mother

They are getting ready to march. He wants Charley to send a powerful glass, like an opera glass but large and with a leather case.

GLC02743.23

to Doctor

He talks of how many states have recently joined the Union or elected emancipationists.He thinks Jefferson Davis will soon be pushed out of the places they currently occupy.

GLC02743.28

to Sir

They left Williamsport and have marched 15 miles. They currently have 18 Rebels and 18 horses. He is well and wants him to tell his folks that he is well.

GLC02743.30

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He gives instructions on how to make his drawers and under shirts.

GLC02744.009

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

On Capitol Hill. She stopped in Baltimore and Philadelphia on the way there.

GLC02744.022

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He asks if she has recevied all his letters, instructs her where to send his mail.

GLC02744.031

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He was visited by a couple of friends including Ed Marvin.

GLC02744.032

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He saw William and said he was looking better than he had ever seen him. talked about the mail he received.

GLC02744.033

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He feels it is a great privilege to be a part of the Union army.Written in Camp Plesant Valley

GLC02744.037

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He mentions the raid of the rebels up Chamenburg River. He writes about what he eats.Written in Camp Plesant Valley

GLC02744.040

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He writes of receiving food in the mail. Written in Camp Plesant Valley

GLC02744.042

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He saw Sam. He does not think he will get a furlough any time soon. Written in a camp near Suffolk, Virginia

GLC02744.050

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He is worried about the threat of Scarlet Fever for the children...talks about how his furlough may or may not affect her.

GLC02744.062

to Captain

Two draft copies.

Letter of resignation. Cannot assume current post because he suffers from Chronic Rheumatism and Billious Fever.

GLC02744.067

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He thinks that Vicksburg or Port Hudson will fall. He thinks that the Rebels do not have as many men as the Union.

GLC02744.069

to Mrs.Thomas F. Burpee

He writes to her how much it will cost her to take the train down to him. He suffers greatly without her and the children.

GLC02744.075

to Mrs.Thomas F. Burpee

He writes to her about what she will need to bring when she comes to visit him. describes the arrangements, who will pick her up, etc.

GLC02744.076

to Mrs.Thomas F. Burpee

There will be a new Provost Brigade commanded by Col. Dutton.

GLC02744.077

to Mrs.Thomas F. Burpee

He coming up with a strategy for getting her down to Baltimore. writes that she can say say she's coming for the benefit of soldier's aid. All she'd have to do is visit the hospital once a week.

GLC02744.081

to Mrs.Thomas F. Burpee

He has her pass but doesn't want to send it as it may get lost. tells her to get prepared to leave. Capt. Shepard will meet her in New London.

GLC02744.083

to Mrs.Thomas F. Burpee

He goes over the who, where, and how of the trip she will soon. Like previous letters except more definite.

GLC02744.084

to Mrs.Thomas F. Burpee

Once again discusses where and when to meet Mr. Burdick, as he will have her pass.

GLC02744.085

to Mrs.Thomas F. Burpee

More details as to where and how she will meet Mr. Burdick.

GLC02744.086

to Mr. and Mrs. Elijah Holt

Is sending a hundred dollars by way of another soldier who is going on furlough.

GLC02744.087

to Mr. Elijah Holt

Written to his brother Elijah, talks about General Butler taking over and how it will make the rebels sweat, the execution of Dr. Wright.

GLC02744.089

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He writes he will send her $25.

GLC02744.011

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He is practicing drills, new regiments are settling in. He updates her on where the union and the rebels stand.

GLC02744.028

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He describes his hospital room. He is determined to come home soon. thinks of them often.

GLC02744.142

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

describes his sleeping quarters. He recently went to a party at Col. Chesney's. He met a Mrs. Eastman and a Mrs. Reed.

GLC02744.164

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He had Capt. Belden arrested for drunkeness and Lt. Brown for letting his men leave camp without permission. He tells Charley and Lucien to be patient.

GLC02744.166

to Lucien Burpee

He tells him a story of how one night the officer-in-command summoned him and told him the enemy was preparing a trap for them for the morning and the mishaps that subsequently followed.

GLC02744.174

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He acknowledges that she is going to Wilbraham and Somers. writes that Capt. Leastham is under arrest for overstaying his leave of absence, Doctor Tennant wants to see his intended wife, and Lucius Fowler just found out his father died.

GLC02744.178

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

Writes about the potential danger of the"Rebel Ram" and the Plymouth capture.

GLC02744.180

Circular No. 75

Outlines when soldiers are entitled to their commissions and promotions.

GLC02744.254

to Lucien Burpee

He describes the scenery and daily life. He asks him about school and tells him to always help his mother and to become a good Christian man.

GLC02744.308

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

There were skirmishes. Pressing onward to Strasburg. Mentions Billy and instructs her not to pay out any more money for him.

GLC02744.092

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He marched six miles in a snow storm. He describes what they carry in their saddlebags. He has not been paid since he left.

GLC02744.093

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

Their connection is so strong that when he is writing to her it almost seems like they are talking face to face.

GLC02744.094

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He writes that one of their men fell from a tree and dislocated his wrist. He reiterates that God gave him the greatest gift of all: her.

GLC02744.096

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He writes about how an officer of his rank never has to worry about food or shelter. Notes how much money the war is costing.

GLC02744.097

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He is anxious for Lucien to attend school. He writes that he feels the sufferings of his fellow soldiers. Notes that enemy is in Fredricksburg.

GLC02744.098

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

Tells her not to worry so much. Writes he might be able to send for her in 4-6 weeks. They have both gained weight. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg

GLC02744.099

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He writes the possibility of a battle has now become very faint. tells her to always confide in God. Mentions Park. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg

GLC02744.100

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He tells her again not to believe what she reads in the newspaper. currently has a cold. He is feeling lonely and homesick. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg

GLC02744.101

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He writes of a time when they thought nothing but death would separate them. Feels that he has not done enough for her over the years.

GLC02744.104

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He writes about how he can love God more as he does not feel his faith is strong enough. Written in a camp near Falmouth.

GLC02744.105

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee and children

When he went with men down to river to support battery, he caught a cold. says Hartford account of the Fredericksburg battle is "outrageously false" and gives quick account of battle. Written in a camp near Falmouth

GLC02744.113

Friend Thayer

He compares the battle of Manassas which was bloodless to the battle of Fredricksburg which he describes as a cool atrocity. Written in a camp near Falmouth.

GLC02744.114

Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He cannot really say what he thinks of those higher in command, nevertheless, he notes that Burnside thinks himself incompetetent. Yet he thinks Burnside has no superior in the army. Features poem about Fredricksburg.Written in a camp near Falmouth

GLC02744.118

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He lost his pocket memorandum the day before as it fell out of his pocket. mentions a doctor Lee he has made friends with. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg

GLC02744.126

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He is glad she got a tenement house, but wishes she would get a hired girl so she does not have to work too hard. He recalls several warm memories. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg

GLC02744.127

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He compares winter in Virginia to winter in Rockville. He describes his "little darkie servant."Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg

GLC02744.128

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

Glad she looks forward to the idea of keeping house. He talks about their unique relationship. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg

GLC02744.134

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He gives a recipe for headaches, details troop movements, and describes things getting stuck in the mud. End of letter indicates prescence of additional smaller sheet but there is no extra page in folder.

GLC02744.135

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He says some generals have retired and now Hooker heads up their army. Soldiers died from fatigue/exposure, strewn across ground, won't read about it in the papers. Includes January 28, where he reassures his wife about her anxiety about hearing a...

GLC02744.136

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

A man stayed in the camp last night and complained about it. Still sick currently experiencing fever and rheumatism. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg

GLC02744.137