Collection Search

to Enoch Q. Fellows

Currently on board the ship Pocahontas. He emphasizes his cooperation. Tomorrow he hopes to join Fellows. Written aboard the "Pocahontas"

GLC02745.010

to his mother

Writes to his mother complaining of not receiving a "letter from home of later date than May 14th" and asks that if his father is well enough, if it would be possible "to have him make an Effort to secure my "Special Exchange" - " Continues by...

GLC02748.04

to James F. Merrill

Informs Lieutenant Merrill that he issued Private Frederick Wood clothing for the amount of $3.85 Written at Fort Sedgwick

GLC02750.023

to unknown

Sketch of a battle plan, including position of regiments, guns, and wagons. Indicates distance in miles.

GLC02750.029

to Friend Bemis

Relates events that took place during April 1865 in Fort Hell, Virginia (also known as Fort Sedgwick). Refers to the Seventh Regiment (possibly of the Rhode Island Volunteers). States that his Company was traveling to Farmville, Virginia when they...

GLC02750.034

to Thomas M. Vincent

Signed by Vincent and returned to Jenks on 19 August 1863. Captain Jenks asks that Vincent, Assistant Adjutant General, inform him of the decision made concerning his case for reinstatement of command.

GLC02750.060

to Abraham Lincoln

Captain Jenks requests that President Lincoln reconsider the 12 June 1863 order dismissing him from military service.

GLC02750.071

to the commander of the Seventh Regiment, Rhode Island Volunteers

GLC02750.141

[List of articles lost in the public service at Camp Nelson, Kentucky]

GLC02750.195

[envelope]

GLC02750.346

[envelope]

GLC02750.366

[envelope]

GLC02750.367

[envelope]

GLC02750.370

[envelope]

GLC02750.376

[envelope]

GLC02750.377

to Sister

Last night a drunken man from one of the companies was arrested. He was put in the guard tent. He put up such a fuss they had to take his musket away from him.

GLC02751.04

to Mother

They left Middletown and are now in New York. They were on a boat briefly where they received their state bounty. They are camped near the Centreville Race Track.

GLC02751.06

to Mother

The day after Thanksgiving they were given marching orders to get to the South Brooklyn ferry. They are now on board the New Brunswick. He had to sleep on a very narrow berth at first. They have been eating hard bread and coffee. Written aboard the...

GLC02751.10

to Mother

He went to church today for the first time in a while and enjoyed it immensely. He says there is little religious feeling among the troops. They are stationed by an old negro cabin in which 2 crippled men and and one woman live.

GLC02751.17

to Mother and Sister

He heard a good sermon from the chaplain about a soldier who recently died. In other news he is on fatigue duty so he is spared inspection. His tent mate is sick.

GLC02751.20

to Mother and Elmira

Lately they have been living good. The rations are more than enough. The cook house was recently inspected. The Colonel got sick and was taken to the hospital.

GLC02751.22

to Mother and Sister Elmira

He contracts the measles and is taken to the hospital. Some of the men have died from the measles. But he is sure he will get better.

GLC02751.24

to Sister Rosetta

He tells her how he contracted measles. His friend Newell also has the measles so they have been keeping each other company. George came to visit.

GLC02751.25

to Mother and Sister Elmira

He has been taking the medication that Rosetta sent and he thinks they have cured his diarrhea. He mentions Newell's death again. He also talks about the food he has been eating lately.

GLC02751.33

[List of articles of camp and garrison equipage lost in action]

GLC02750.196

[note stating that one deserter "came in last night"]

GLC02750.212

[death announcement of General Robert B. Potter]

The President of the Society of the Burnside Expedition and of the Ninth Army Corps (Hartranft) is called upon to announce the loss of one of its most distinguished members, General Robert B. Potter

GLC02750.321

to Celicia Paul

Paul informs his wife that he just returned from picket and suffered through rainy weather. He was told that he might go into battle soon, and that the Rebels had moved in and reinforced Fredericksburg. He also tells her that he has been paid a...

GLC03058.12

to Carrie Holt

Writes to his wife. Describes soldiering, noting the marching they have done. Also mentions an upcoming "heavy battle."

GLC03061.03

to Rose P. Pendleton

Discusses recent engagements in northern Virginia between 9 October and 8 November, expresses his anger at recent Confederate loses, for which he feels "disgraced." Of Stonewall Jackson says "Oh, how each day is proving the inestimable value of Gen...

GLC03075.03

to Celicia Paul

Paul informs his wife that he is not in the hospital anymore, and asks if she received the money he sent her. He assures her that he will be coming home with the rest of his company and that the rest of his regiment had a hard march, but they did...

GLC03058.14

to Miss Brown

Writes to his sister complaining about the erratic mail service, and informs her of his dead comrades. Mentions the Battle of Shiloh, stating "I envy the wounded, and even the killed at the battle of Shiloh - Anything rather than this continued...

GLC03060.04

to Carrie Holt

Writes to his wife from Fort Gaines, Alabama. Reports that 12,000 of their men were taken at "ft Donaldson" (likely referring to the Battle of Fort Donelson, fought from 12-16 February 1862 in Kentucky).

GLC03061.02

to Carrie Holt

Writes to his wife from camp near Chattanooga, Tennessee. Describes soldiering, commenting on marching and deserters. Discusses fighting in Chattanooga, noting the shelling and the hard life of soldiering. Writes, "I changed my clothing yesterday...

GLC03061.04

to William N. Pendleton and Anzolette Pendleton

Notes that General Lee is expecting battle soon, and talks about the strength of Confederate forces. Also mentions his hopes for a Democratic victory in the north. to his parents, Thanks them for enclosing a note from his fiancee, Kate Corbin. The...

GLC03075.01

to Mary N. Pendleton

To his sister, discussing family and military matters. Says of the fighting "We hardly know what to expect here. They say at Genl. Lee's that Hooker intends to cross, that the small part which landed at Port Royal on Friday was his advance guard...

GLC03075.02

to Anzolette Pendleton

Writes to his mother discussing military matters. Speaks about General Lee's success in checking Union General Meade's planned offensive in northern Virginia, relates widespread Union destruction of Southern property, and notes that he and most...

GLC03075.04

to Carrie Holt

Writes to his wife from Fort Morgan, Alabama. Discusses his family and mentions that "the war has begun" at Fort Sumter, South Carolina.

GLC03061.01

to Miss Brown

Sergeant Brown writes to his sister that he has arrived in Norfolk, Virginia, and describes the surrounding area and the other men. He names several "good for nothing" men.

GLC03060.01

to Miss Brown

Writes to his sister discussing previous correspondence, the need for more soldiers, and briefly describes the battle between the Monitor and the Merrimack. Refers to the Monitor as "a little infernal machine called the Erricson." Mentions damage to...

GLC03060.03

to Celicia Paul

Paul describes a visit by President Lincoln to his camp, and is amazed by the amount of men that gathered to see him. Paul also tells Celicia that on Easter they had a big parade that brought them in front of the Rebels in Fredricksburg, and Paul...

GLC03058.11

to Miss Brown

Writes to his sister discussing his journey and mentions the cutting of the rail road lines. Written at "Camp at Oak Grove."

GLC03060.02

to Lodema

Left Gainesville, Virginia yesterday at 5PM and is now between Centerville and Fairfax, Virginia. On the way, they passed the memorable battlefield of Bull Run. Encamped about six miles west of Centerville; they are now about four miles east of...

GLC02596.03

to Eliza Cook

Cook has just arrived in New Orleans and is excited to be involved in the war. Probably doesn't realize the gravity of the nation's situation when he writes, "I think it probable that I shall be back by the 10th of February but am not sure of it."...

GLC02570.01

to Eliza Cook

Short note. Letter of introduction of a house guest. Includes his third forecast of an early return when he writes, "I will be with you in two months. I am getting well very rapidly. Be patient."

GLC02570.03

to Eliza Cook

Discusses Eliza's letter to Sam Jones (GLC02570, #15) that he returns with this letter. Compliments her letter writing and encourages her progress in this "art which you so much desire."
Reply's to Eliza's claim that she writes every week with "I do...

GLC02570.17

to Eliza Cook

Includes camp news. Cook promises to write friends and family once he has the chance. Wants Eliza to visit a good dentist "to plug any decayed teeth you have and file apart the two front ones…Pretty teeth you know are a great attraction and by...

GLC02570.26

to Eliza Cook

Cook has no supplies to write a decent letter so he uses a pencil. Reports camp news and current situation. Written near Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

GLC02570.40

to Lodema

Sent a box this morning containing his overcoat and pants. The coat with red lining and the two shirts are Sanford Ticknor's. Writes that "one package of letters belongs to Carter of Brimfield, Ohio which he sends home." The shells, books, cap all...

GLC02596.13

to Lodema

Writes from Chantilly Camp. Received a letter from his family and was very glad to hear that they are all well at home. Writes that it appears Wilford Merriman is doomed to suffer as long as he lives. Glad to hear that Eusebus Austin is likely to...

GLC02596.05

to Lodema

Received her letter containing postage stamps and a five cent bill today. Writes that he can happily go around camp knowing that his family is all in good health. His health is very good and has been since they left camp in Washington. Has not...

GLC02596.12

to Lieutenant W. H. Betty

Writing a few lines to let Betty know that he sits up for most of the day but is very weak. Has all the care that he could wish for, and everything in the hospital is kept clean. The 60 to 70 patients there all seem to be doing well; Bettes does...

GLC02596.14

to Eliza Cook

En route to New Orleans. Discusses his impending appointment to captain. Writes that Louisiana is beautiful and wonders if Eliza would consider living there. On the people of New Iberia, Cook writes,
"The people here all talk nothing but French...

GLC02570.05

to Eliza Cook

Short note jotted down at daybreak. Writes that he is enclosing a letter. Says he has rheumatism in his arms "which is not very troublesome."Written at Camp Johnson.

GLC02570.13

to Eliza Cook

Has written a letter to Mr. Earnest and wants Eliza to read it. In this letter he has recounted the terrible weather.
He is very glad that Eliza is writing him letters and takes "great pleasure in correcting any spelling errors you may make so far...

GLC02570.16

to Eliza Cook

Writes that he has been sicker than he has ever been in his life. Mostly camp news and general interest news. Cook hopes to visit and writes, "Will you be ready for me? Are you still the great fat girl you were writing to me about two or three...

GLC02570.20

to Eliza Cook

Cook wants Eliza to come visit him in Alabama. He thinks that even though it is expensive ($200 each way), it will be worth it if the war lasts much longer. He thinks that the war will be over before the year is through and plans to see Eliza in...

GLC02570.21

to Eliza Cook

Short note about camp news. Includes lines about how when the war is over, Eliza and Gustave will come into their own and will be in "the heyday of our life." Reminds her to stay pretty because "…when I do return…then you can make me do as you...

GLC02570.24

to Eliza Cook

Gustave writes this letter by candlelight which he says "shoots up as I begin a word and dies out before I record the first syllable."
Includes camp news. Writes that he may stop by his father's house and check on his brothers' well being.

GLC02570.25

to Polly, Nettie and Peggy Cook

A short note just for the little girls so they "see that he does not forget his babies." Tells them to say their prayers, to study, be good and take care of their mother. Writes that he has a small white tent all to himself and say, "Would you not...

GLC02570.32

to Eliza Cook

Long letter discusses camp news, campaigns. Written near Shelbyville, Tennessee.

GLC02570.38

to Eliza Cook

Wonders if all his letters are boring his wife. Discusses having a cough and recovering. Reports that he will be stopping one day and expects to see an abundance of letters from home, "If not, it is strange and I shall incline to think you neglect...

GLC02570.42

to Eliza Cook

Rejoices that his wife's health has improved. Tells her to keep in mind her health for everyone's sake so she will be healthy when he returns. Reports that his brother Girard was shot through the thigh at the Battle of Gettysburg. He writes, "Were...

GLC02570.48

to Eliza Cook

Has sent $300 and wishes he could have sent more. Tells Eliza that she shall reap her reward for all her sacrifices. Writes that Sam has been taken prisoner and reasons that "while a prisoner [Sam] is at least out of danger." Notes that his...

GLC02570.52

to Eliza Cook

Christens his wife with a pet name: "Mavourneen" (my darling). Has sent her a care package. "Then as now I had comparatively nothing to write but I neglect no opportunity to send you a line." Discusses the importance of men being with women to...

GLC02570.55

to Eliza Cook

Cook writes that he has been very sick but is getting better. Critiques Eliza's last letter in which she doubts his love and truthfulness. He writes, "You speak of "Annie Laurie" as being sung in the house I 'used to love so much.' Was this kind?...

GLC02570.58

to Eliza Cook

Writes about his and Eliza's wedding day, 11years ago. Reminds her of God's blessings regardless of all the illness and death that has been bestowed upon them. Wishes he had kept and journal and "let our children see the joys and sorrows, hopes and...

GLC02570.60

to Eliza Cook

Tells Eliza that he wrote her four days ago and "sent the letter off by a very uncertain carrier but hope you will get it. I now regret not having retained it until the present as I have a most excellent opportunity to transmit letters." A friend...

GLC02570.66

to Eliza Cook

Illegible, very faint writing.

GLC02570.68

to Virginia Clay-Clopton

Clay, a former U.S. and Confederate Senator, writes to his wife while imprisoned at Fort Monroe. Informs her that, "The hardest part of my trial here has been my solicitude about you, my parents and other kindred, who, I feared, would be tortured by...

GLC02590

to Lodema

Encamped about a mile from the Thoroughfare Gap, but the army all appears to be on the move. Yesterday morning, a couple of the Indiana Cavalry came in and told the army that Major Stedman and about 80 men of the 6th Ohio Cavalry that went to...

GLC02596.02

to Eliza Cook

Has arrived in Hayneville from Montgomery and plans to return to the latter to attend the inauguration of Jefferson Davis. Has received Eliza's letter and writes, "…I do assure you that I was much gratified that you had thought enough of me to write...

GLC02570.02

to Eliza Cook

Short note. Introduces a Mr. Brauch, who is delivering this note. Discusses the wellbeing of the regiment and writes that he doesn't know where they will be moving next but thinks it will be Kentucky. He writes, "Before leaving I shall write to...

GLC02570.06

to Eliza Cook

Short note encloses $55 (not included). Postscript reads, "Will write in a few days. Don't get poor til I come back."

GLC02570.10

to Eliza Cook

Takes offense at the charge (by Susan, his wife's sister?) that he doesn't write as often as he could. Defends himself by saying he is very busy and does not have an abundance of materials with which to write, unlike the people at home who can write...

GLC02570.14

to Samuel H. Jones

Eliza writes the original letter to her brother, but it is returned to her from Gustave with corrections over each misspelled word and includes a list of Eliza's spellings versus the correct spellings. He also critiques her writing style and...

GLC02570.15

to Eliza Cook

Cook went to visit family and "I found the whole country in mourning for relations and friends killed at the battles of Seven Pines and Richmond." Includes news about Girard and adds that Walter has been very sick but is improving slowly. He...

GLC02570.27

to Eliza Cook

Cook discusses camp news. He says he doesn't know where to tell her to write but has decided that sending mail by way of the private citizen is "not a good plan."

GLC02570.29

to Eliza Cook

Camp news and possible rumors of a possible promotion. Says he bought a young mare and a large horse and regrets the purchase of the horse because he could have sent her the money. He will send money for Christmas dinner.

GLC02570.33

to Eliza Cook

Says he has just received all the letters Eliza has written him since he left. Says he just bought another mare for $300 "which I wish now I had to send you."

GLC02570.35

to Eliza Cook

Writes how the ink is freezing in his pen's point and it is visible in the letter. Reports on possible campaigns. Is frustrated with the mail which he calls "uncertain" and he "must learn to endure although I am inpatient when I do not get letters...

GLC02570.36

to Eliza Cook

Discusses the incredibly cold weather and has frostbite on both feet and one finger. Mentions a paralysis (seizure?) in his arms, spine and "brain which left me senseless and speechless for about 24 hours. They all thought you'd be a young widow…"...

GLC02570.39

to Eliza Cook

Says he has received Eliza's last 2 letters and is saddened to learn that their daughter Nellie is still sick. He tries to comfort her by saying that if she does not get better and dies, she will be with God and at peace. He is worried that due to...

GLC02570.44

to Eliza Cook

Writes that his brother Walter has been killed near Chancellorsville, Virginia. Comforts his wife over the loss of their daughter Nellie by saying she is with God and "God has done best. We will cherish her memory." Eliza thinks Cook blames her...

GLC02570.45

to Eliza Cook

Discusses the rainy weather and knows that things like that are not unusual in the army and should not complain. Has an awakening (Page 4) and apologizes for being unkind and uncaring in the past. Cook promises to change his ways when he comes home...

GLC02570.46

to Eliza Cook

Includes news from camp. Discusses his recovery from a cough. Writes about his mistrust of sending mail with someone he doesn't know. He writes, "It is a great trust to send letters home by one and a man who would betray it would very materially...

GLC02570.47

to Eliza Cook

Reports attending a barbeque, presentation and a review. Describes what he wore and how "well I looked and all the girls refused to believe that I was married thinking it a joke." Puts Eliza's mind at ease with: "But as pretty and charming as they...

GLC02570.49

to Eliza Cook

Describes camp news. Almost illegible, very faint writing.

GLC02570.54

to Eliza Cook

Glad that he received Eliza's picture and letter. Cook is relived that she is well again and shares his fear of her death. He was most afraid she would die without ever knowing how much he loved her. Wishes their children to grow up and follow in...

GLC02570.56

to Eliza Cook

Cooks wants to set the record straight on "the house 'I loved so much'." He feels he has been straightforward and has told Eliza everything of his past indiscretions. Says he will again clear things up when he returns. He writes, "…nothing will...

GLC02570.57

to Eliza Cook

Writes that he is thinking of Eliza and has nothing to write except "that I love you and fear you do not believe it." Discusses at length camp and army news. Reports on his gaunt physique and how much he has changed from the man Eliza fell in love...

GLC02570.59

to Eliza Cook

Has received Eliza's letters those from friends dated as far back as December 1863. Fills her in on where his camp is going and where they have been since his last letter. Can't bear to write any news of the war and instructs Eliza to read the...

GLC02570.62

to Eliza Cook

Illegible fragment

GLC02570.69

to Charley

[to his son, Charley Bettes] No date on the letter, date is from the envelope (presumably the same envelope as letter #9). Charley was very anxious to get a letter from his father. Wants Charley to be a good boy and help his mother by bringing in...

GLC02596.10

[envelope]

GLC02750.347

[envelope]

GLC02750.357

[envelope]

GLC02750.378

[envelope]

GLC02750.388

to Mother

They sailed later than expected. There has been no seasickness so far. They see porpoises one day. A Capt. jokingly snapped his pistol at an orderly thinking it was not loaded but it was and wounded the man. Written aboard the "New Brunswick"

GLC02751.11

to Sister Rosetta

There has been a movement of the army. They cut off supplies to the rebel batteries as they intended. They are under marching orders but may not go anywhere for a week or so. He talks about the cost of food. He has had to sell his pistol just to buy...

GLC02751.29