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to: "My dear Sister."

.

GLC02234.05

to: "My dear Mother."

Written at the Hanover Court House

GLC02234.06

to: "My dear Mother."

Writes "I was taken prisoner on the 27 of May. I arrived here yesterday ... Please send me a good thick blanket."

GLC02234.07

to: "My dear Mother."

GLC02234.08

to: "My dear Sister."

Writes "We are allowed to receive boxes of provisions, please send some sugar & coffee & cheese & ham &c. ... I was very sorry to hear that some of my friends should have been pleased that I was captured. ... I lost all my shirts & socks the day I...

GLC02234.09

to: "My dear Father."

Writes "I have no way to pay for my washing except by borrowing."

GLC02234.10

to: "My dear Mother."

Writes "Please send me some diarrhea medicine."

GLC02234.11

to: "My dear Sister."

GLC02234.12

to: "My dear Mother."

Writes "Tom Hendon of our company was captured.... I lost a splendid little horse when I was captured."

GLC02234.13

to: "My dear Mother."

GLC02234.14

to: "My dearest Mother."

GLC02234.15

to: "My dear Mother."

Writes "I received my box of eatables Saturday ... They just came in the nick of time as an order has been issued that we can receive no more."

GLC02234.16

to: "My dear Mother."

Writes "I am busy to day fixing my tent up for winter."

GLC02234.17

to: "My dear Mother."

Writes "They are paroling some of the sick here, & I suppose they will be sent South in a few days."

GLC02234.18

to: "My dear Mother."

GLC02234.19

to:"My dear Mother."

Writes "We are not allowed to have fires in our tents except when it rains."

GLC02234.20

to: "My dear Mother."

GLC02234.21

to: "My dear Mother."

Writes "Please send me ten dollars by letter, I want to get a barrel of flour. ... I don't think there will be an exchange of any but the sick this winter."

GLC02234.22

to: My dear Mother.

GLC02234.23

to: "My dear Mother."

Writes "Christmas is not very far off now, & I hope before that time they will allow us to receive boxes from home."

GLC02234.24

to: "My dear Sister."

GLC02234.25

to: "My dear Mother."

GLC02234.26

to: "My dear Mother."

GLC02234.27

to: "My dear Mother."

GLC02234.28

to: "My dearest Mother."

GLC02234.30

to: "My dearest Mother."

GLC02234.31

[clothing request]

Approved request for clothing and stationery to be sent by his mother.

GLC02234.32

to: "My dearest Father."

Writes "I trust that providence will soon end this war & I can return home honorably."

GLC02234.33

[Leave orders]

Special orders granting Hall 30 days leave.

GLC02234.34

to: "My dear Mother."

Written at Camp Hamilton

GLC02234.35

to: "My dear Mother."

GLC02234.36

to Belle Hall.

In a letter dated 19 May 1896 he recounted he was "exchanged & captured at Frederick Hall just before Lee's surrender."

GLC02234.40

to Nathan Hodgdon

Informs his uncle that he is in good health and asks that his love be given to family and friends. Notes that his time (serving aboard the frigate Macedonian) is about half up and he has been at sea since the previous April. He asks to be written to.

GLC01450.705.02

to his mother

He has completed his business in Washington and warns his mother not to work too hard in the garden. He is not sure how long he will remain in the city. Written on the stationary of George W. Walbridge [a brother] of Pratt & Company.

GLC04662.001

to his mother

His journey to Washington. He describes a "society" in Philadelphia which met them at the train station and furnished them with a home made meal complete with crockery and white table cloths. Indicates that the regiment was well received at every...

GLC04662.003

to his mother

Describes a miserable march from Washington to Alexandria. A bivouac site on marshy land and a cold rain prompted soldiers to seek other places to sleep, including a tomb. Discusses rations for the troops and his dining at private homes. Inquires...

GLC04662.004

to his mother

He is feeling better and expects to return to his unit in about a week. Since he does not know where they are, he will have to go to Washington to learn their location. A gang of men are putting up a large building, which Walbridge thinks may be a...

GLC04662.013

to his mother

He is waiting to join up with his regiment. Due to the expense of staying in the city, he had to release his servant, a contraband from Virginia. He thinks the rebels are in a precarious situation in Maryland and adds that as long as the war lasts...

GLC04662.014

to his mother

Camped at Park Barracks in front of the Astor House. The regiment has orders to be ready to march, but no one is sure exactly when they will move out. He briefly mentions sight-seeing in the city and gives the whereabouts of other relatives in the...

GLC04662.002

to his mother

Writes from camp Scott that his regiment has not been paid yet. He believes his brother George is not healthy enough to be a soldier. Discusses the condition of his clothing, says he gets along well with the other officers, and hopes that one day...

GLC04662.005

to his mother

Battle of Seven Pines [Fair Oaks] Lists the officers killed, wounded, and captured. He estimates that his regiment lost over 200. He has been made acting quartermaster.

GLC04662.006

to his mother

His regiment is resting for the first time since they left Camp Scott. A band of "guerrillas" [Stuart's cavalry] attacked the railroad at Tunstall's station. Discusses his duties as a quartermaster. He now wears a private's uniform with shoulder...

GLC04662.007

to his mother

A short visit to the front line, followed by a visit to the Commissary Sergeant, Bowen, who has commandeered a plantation. The owners fled and the slaves want Bowen to run the farm. Walbridge describes the house, food and slaves on plantation....

GLC04662.008

to his mother

They are currently camped at the birth place of William Henry Harrison. The house has been turned into a hospital. Stonewall Jackson turned the right flank of the Union Army, captured White House, Va and forced the retreat of the army. Many of the...

GLC04662.009

to his mother

He asks his mother to send various articles of clothing and leather goods such as sword belts, boots and a holster. The regimental quartermaster is returning so Walbridge may have to return to his company. Describes an officer's dinner and a visit...

GLC04662.010

to his mother

The regiment is electing a colonel. He is still a quartermaster.

GLC04662.011

to his mother

He has taken ill with Cholera Morbus and is in the hospital. Describes the facilities, including a hotel and cottages which have been taken over by the hospital. Hopes to rejoin his regiment soon. He thinks McClellan is "played out" and that Pope...

GLC04662.012

to his mother

His return to the regiment with 100 new recruits from Alexandria. Thanks his mother and other family members for their letters.

GLC04662.015

to his mother

He has been recommended for a commission. Mentions a brigade drill and an upcoming undress parade, where the regiment will line up, without arms and with clean underwear in their haversacks, march to the river and undress for bathing. The regiment...

GLC04662.016

to mother

The regiment has been paid. He warns his mother to be careful about accumulating new debts.

GLC04662.017

to mother

A southerner came into the picket lines in order to ask that he and his family be allowed to cross into union territory and move north. The order was given to move the family and its property. Walbridge headed the detail to move the man and his...

GLC04662.018

to mother

Thanksgiving. He writes that he did not have turkey because his cook did not see the need to make it.

GLC04662.019

to mother

Captured a large number of prisoners and livestock. Discusses an expedition to Wood's Cross Roads and the regiments reception by the townsfolk, who were all secessionist. Received his commission as senior 1st lieutenant.

GLC04662.020

to mother

Regiment has received orders to be ready to march by the next morning. He worries about whether or not they will return to this camp. The enclosure wishes his mother a merry Christmas and indicates that he sent money.

GLC04662.021

to mother

Regiment is being transferred, possibly to North Carolina. Christmas Day was dull. Christmas eve was full of excitement as rebels fired on a picket line, causing the entire union line to prepare for attack. The only casualty was a hog.

GLC04662.022

to mother

Appointed acting brigade quartermaster. Was glad to hear everyone had a happy Christmas.

GLC04662.023

to mother

Discusses the staff of Col. Davis who is Walbridge's brigade commander. Walbridge is brigade quartermaster.

GLC04662.024

to mother

Short letter sent with some artillery shells [not included].

GLC04662.025

to mother

He is glad to hear from the family. He is living well but meals cost 50 cents shipboard. Discusses the failed attempt of a black servant to make apple dumplings. Written from U.S. Steamer Catawba, Beaufort Harbor.

GLC04662.026

to mother

Continued on February 13. Worries that their current expedition will turn out to be as bad as Banks' expedition. The men are shooting crocodiles and gathering oranges.

GLC04662.027

to mother

He has received eight letters in the mail. He advises his mother on managing their rental property, writes about friends and family members back home and remarks that their current expedition has come to a stand still.

GLC04662.028

to mother

The expedition cannot progress until the navy is ready. Col. Davis is acting a division commander. Davis may hold that position permanently since General Heckman was never confirmed by the senate.

GLC04662.029

to mother

General Heckman has returned. Walbridge inquires about taxes and the sale of some property. He has been notified that if he wishes to be Captain of Company H he must leave brigade command and return to his company.

GLC04662.030

to mother

He resigned from his duties as Quartermaster in order to rejoin his regiment. He is sending home photographs [not included].

GLC04662.031

to mother

Continue on 4/15 & 4/16 written from Folly Island. An account of the capture of Folly Island, the bombardment of Charleston, and the failure of union troops to take the city. Also, Walbridge sees an armed, black confederate soldier. It has been...

GLC04662.032

to mother

Continued 5/1. A lengthy description of the camp. Discusses real estate values, gardening, asks about family members and hopes for a renewed attack on Charleston. Section dated 5/1 says that the regiment will move about 5 miles down river.

GLC04662.033

to mother

Promoted to Captain. Describes the condition of his clothing and a young man who is clerk to the regimental Quartermaster. Hopes to get a furlough soon.

GLC04662.034

to mother

Continued 5/16. Since the men have nothing else to do, they spend their time beautifying the camp (widening the streets, flower gardens, etc.). Walbridge describes the improvements they have made and his plans to put a filter in the well. The...

GLC04662.035

to mother

Discusses food available for officers. A reconnaissance party brings back word that the Confederates are short of food.

GLC04662.036

to mother

Acknowledges receipt of a package containing clothes, dinnerware, dried fruits, wine, cakes and other delicacies. He is now the district Quartermaster. He asks how his sister Sarah's baby is doing.

GLC04662.037

to mother

Waiting to hear information about Lee's raid into Pennsylvania. Discusses his new duties and mentions that a sergeant has resigned.

GLC04662.038

to mother

The men who were supposed to go home on furlough got no further than Hilton Head. He writes that he has been very busy supervising the loading and unloading vessels.

GLC04662.039

to mother

Briefly describes the charge on Fort Wagner which he mistakenly says was led by the 7th Connecticut. The 100th Regiment dug trenches and erected a battery which captured a rebel battery. [Walbridge gives a correct and compelling description of the...

GLC04662.040

to mother

He has been sick lately but feels better now. Large numbers of reinforcements are arriving from North Carolina and Norfolk. Both side appear to be busy readying themselves for battle.

GLC04662.041

to mother

He expects that he will be relieved of his duties as Quartermaster and made to rejoin his regiment. He describes the progress of the siege of Charleston.

GLC04662.042

to mother

He writes of the capture of a small group a confederates, the bombardment on Fort Wagner and the siege of Charleston. Also discusses the whereabouts of friends.

GLC04662.043

to mother

Reports the Confederate evacuation of Forts Wagner and Gregg. Now believes he will be allowed to remain quartermaster. He has bought a colt and intends to raise her. Informs his mother that he sent home a 42 pound shell fired from a confederate gun...

GLC04662.044

to mother

A tent mate is ill. He hopes to be paid soon. He writes a list of clothing items he wishes to have sent to him. A corporal is promoted to 1st Lieutenant because he brought the colors back from the attack on Fort Wagner [7/14/1863]. "I like the...

GLC04662.045

to mother

He has been recommended for the position of Assistant Quartermaster. Lists items he would like sent to him. The Confederate occupied Forts, Moutlrie and Johnson, are now firing on the Union Forts Gregg and Wagner.

GLC04662.046

to mother

He writes that he offered George [his brother] a job in the Quartermaster's office. He is surprised at the number of young ladies who have married while he was away. Discusses the attack of the Confederate torpedo boat "David" on the "Ironsides".

GLC04662.047

to mother

Describes the camp of the 112th and a church sermon held there. Walbridge plans to open a sawmill on the Island.

GLC04662.048

to mother

He "countermands" his request for clothing since a local tailor said he could fix Walbridge's clothes and writes of friends from home.

GLC04662.049

to mother

He is visiting Hilton Head. The quartermasters in this town all "own" houses there. He has received a package, but hasn't had time to open it yet. He has orders to oversee the construction of a canal [the Dutch Gap Canal].

GLC04662.050

to mother

He was very excited to open his box of clothes, food and other materials. "I took as much pleasure . . . as children usually do in emptying their stockings on Christmass [sic] morning." He reports that the monitor "Weehawken" has sunk, probably due...

GLC04662.051

to mother

His "boy" Isaac, who is nineteen years old, wants an education. He can read and write a little and "is quite a mathematician." He requests a first grade reader, a geography book, and an arithmetic book for Isaac's education. He was not approved...

GLC04662.053

to mother

He asks what gifts his mother purchased for the family with the money he sent. The sawmill is running very well. He is, once again, Quartermaster of Vodges division. He needs a new nightshirt.

GLC04662.054

to mother

Sends his mother a box of sea shells and pebbles that he has collected. Describes three types of shells and instructs her on deodorizing them.

GLC04662.055

to mother

"I attended a hop at Gen'l Saxton's, and saw some real live ladies, and danced with them!" Is considering buying confiscated lands, but thinks the speculators may have beaten him to them.

GLC04662.056

to mother

An expedition has left from Hilton Head, no one is sure where they are going. "Florida has been talked of considerably, as it's destination, but that makes me think that it is going to some other point." He hopes that he will be transferred soon.

GLC04662.057

to mother

Ordered to report to Jacksonville, Florida.

GLC04662.058

to mother

Continued 2/22 at Hilton Head. He is waiting for a transport to take him to Florida. He hopes to get an appointment [as quartermaster] and a furlough. Reports the news of the Florida expedition: it has lost 7 guns, 400 wounded men have been...

GLC04662.059

to mother

Describes the fighting near Lake City [Battle of Olustee or Ocean Pond, 2/20/1864] as quite severe: over 1700 killed, wounded, and missing. He comments: "The negro troops did very well except the 8th U.S. Colored Troops, which is a new regiment...

GLC04662.060

to mother

He is acting Chief Quartermaster for the Department. He encloses a copy of the Free South, a newspaper printed by the army which contains some Confederate articles [not included]. One Southern article tells of another battle in Florida, which...

GLC04662.061

to mother

Tells his mother to hire a servant girl. Worries over the health of baby George, and read a newspaper account of a reception for veterans of the 100th NY.

GLC04662.062

to mother

Upset over the death of Sarah's baby. He attended church service at General Seymour's house. He wants to go home and see his family.

GLC04662.063

to mother

He encloses a rose [included] that he picked near his house. His express box arrived almost two months after being sent, "There has been time enough I suppose for it to have reached Constantinople." He likes his new nightshirts. However, the pants...

GLC04662.064

to mother

The steamer "Fanning" was sunk, taking with it a letter from Walbridge. He is now acting chief Quartermaster for the 10th Army Corps and has been very busy loading steamers. He desperately wants a furlough.

GLC04662.065

to mother

He can hear the musket fire from a battle near Petersburg [Drewry's Bluff or Fort Darling]. Sheridan's cavalry appeared across the river from their headquarters.

GLC04662.066

to mother

Thanks his mother for her "cheering words" and is glad she is not too disappointed that he has given up on the idea of getting a furlough.

GLC04662.067

to mother

He would like to be with Grant's army. He advises his mother on financial affairs, to sell some property and invest the money in government bonds. He gives the interest of the bonds in greenbacks as $492, and in gold as $800. He gives the recent...

GLC04662.068