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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

to mother

"I have great confidence in Grant and so I believe has every other soldier in the army." They are having a drought and the roads have become very dusty. He gives his mother advice on selling one of their lots and building a house on another. He...

GLC04662.070

to mother

He has received a thirty day furlough and will start home on Friday. He describes ships decorated and batteries firing in observance of the 4th of July.

GLC04662.071

to mother

He is on his way back to the front. He has seen a physician about his "comforter" trouble. It caused his eye to swell shut and had to be opened by the doctor.

GLC04662.072

to mother

Rumors that the federal line at Petersburg has advanced and captured several lines of rifle pits.

GLC04662.073

to mother

The death of Cousin Lydia's child. Reports on a battle [Weldon Railroad] and expects that Grant will remove all troops from the other side of the James and begin a new strategy.

GLC04662.074

to mother

A quick note sent with a check for $100.

GLC04662.075

to mother

He was sorry to learn that his mother has a sore finger and urges her to use a soap and sugar poultice prescribed by the doctor. He reports that men injured early in the campaign are now returning to duty.

GLC04662.076

to mother

They have received word of the capture of Atlanta. His train and depot were inspected and Col. Howard said, "he never before saw a depot in as good order..." Grant's army has taken possession of the Weldon railroad. He is trying to find a...

GLC04662.077

to mother

Reports that more and more reinforcements arrive daily. Leon [Brown # 126 , in 4663 his letter is addressed to cousin Louise] has become a clerk for Walbridge.

GLC04662.078

to mother

He wishes his mother would not feel guilty about using the money he sends home, and instructs her to hire a servant if she intends to take in boarders. Thomas [Colson, see # 80.] has had financial troubles. Walbridge offered him a job at $30 a...

GLC04662.079

to mother

Thomas Colson has arrived and now works in the blacksmith shop. Walbridge must assume the duties of depot Quartermaster in addition to his regular duties. He hopes to be promoted and is building a log office. Notes 33 Confederates deserted and...

GLC04662.080

to mother

He is glad to hear that his mother's boarders are not disagreeable. Louise has resumed teaching school. He needs to buy a coat and has assumed responsibilities for foraging and steamers.

GLC04662.081

to mother

Received a package from home. The honey jar broke and made everything sticky, but did no real damage. A family across the river sent some butter and wine jelly as a thank you for ice sent to them when they were sick. The family had treated...

GLC04662.082

to mother

The enlistments of many men of the 100th have expired, but the government will not muster them out until 1/9. He is angry that someone told his family there was a yellow fever epidemic at Bermuda Hundred; there had not been one case yet.

GLC04662.083

to mother

Had Thanksgiving dinner with Captain Phelm onboard the "Daylight." A scrap book had started correspondence between Phelm and Annie [Walbridge's sister]. Rumors that Sherman is close to capturing Savannah. Wishes he was home to escort his sisters...

GLC04662.084

to mother

Sent home money for Christmas presents. Wishes he could be home for Christmas. He has been busy getting supplies ready for an upcoming expedition.

GLC04662.085

to mother

Short note sent with a Christmas gift [a tea service, see #89].

GLC04662.086

to mother

A steamer arrived with 1700 express boxes, two of which were for Walbridge. Hopes that the good fortune shown with the surrender of Savannah and Fort Fisher will continue with future success. A letter from Annie makes his wonder if she has become...

GLC04662.087

to mother

He will deliver Annie's Christmas present to Phelm on New Years Day. An expedition to take Wilmington, North Carolina failed.

GLC04662.088

to mother

Notes he is glad to hear his mother liked the tea service, but worries that she has not acknowledge the money he sent. An explosion finished construction on the Dutch Gap Canal.

GLC04662.089

to mother

He and George have visited family members in New York and have been to the Brooklyn Academy of Music. He leaves for Baltimore in the evening.

GLC04662.090

to mother

General Butler has been removed from command and some of his staff officers are going with him. His mother has finally received the letter and money he sent before Christmas. He had a mild case of dysentery.

GLC04662.091

to George Eldridge

Regarding: Hardships and suffering of military life, poor mail delivery as he does not receive letters sent from home very often and vice versa, and an anecdote about a young boy originally a Yankee [from New Jersey] who joined the regiment after the...

GLC01896.048

to Annie [Jeffery]

Archer writes on a Sunday morning "when you are all at church listening to Dr. Minnigerade..." to remind Annie of her repeated promises that he'll "never see the form of [her] handwriting again this year...," and for this reason he is writing home...

GLC01896.066

to [Robert W. Jeffery]

Greatly relieved to have finally heard from Richard, Aaron Jeffery writes a battle account of the "fight of which you enquire" which he had been involved in "accidentally." The Armory Battalion, to which he was attached, initially pushed back Yankee...

GLC01896.067

to: sister.

Sends news that he finally got paid, although he is still due two months back pay, in addition of the need for stamps and news from back home. Promises to send a book on the life of Baker. Written at Camp Winfield Scott.

GLC07164.23

to: sister.

Details the regiments role as it acts as a flanking army to that of McClellan, while sending news of the destruction of the Merrimac. He states that newspapers are scarce, and that the Union Army is close to claiming Richmond.

GLC07164.24

to: sister.

Describes skirmishes with rebels, along with life on guard duty. He sends news of a battle in which his regiment saved the day.

GLC07164.25

to: sister.

Having recently been paid by the commanding officer, Theodore forwards money home for the purchase of a new suit. He notes that the regiment has experienced more deaths while on guard duty than when in battle.

GLC07164.26

to: sister.

Wanting to know if the money he sent home has been received, tells of fears of going on guard duty, for he fears being wounded while on the picket line - "if I get through this I shall consider myself very lucky."

GLC07164.27

to: sister.

Forwards the description of the regiment's last battle, along with news of his own recent sickness. Sends a list of items he feels that he needs, including blankets, socks, stamps and other such items.

GLC07164.28

to: sister.

He again sends the list of items which he requires, stating that the items are exorbitantly priced at the suttler's tent. He describes the conditions of camp life, including sleeping in a corn field.

GLC07164.29

to: sister.

Details the breakup of the regiment, and states how he loves the experience of the war. However, he describes his dislike of officers who hold their black servants in higher regard than they do the white soldiers.

GLC07164.30

to: sister.

Relays the news which he has received from another sister. He requests that she send him envelopes and stamps, along with money.

GLC07164.31

to: sister.

He requests that his sister sends him ten dollars. Warning of a big move by the union army, he describes the stupidity of General Patterson, and mentions that he ran into several acquaintances from home.

GLC07164.32

to: sister Carrie.

News of friends known to his sister, along with a plan of the regiment's camp and a description of the battle of Antietam, in which his regiment lost 300 of 500 men.

GLC07164.33

to: sister

Sends thanks for the items which she sent to him, detailing how items can be bartered at camp and their values. He also speaks of life in camp and his hope to be discharged.

GLC07164.34

to: sister Carrie.

Describes his sickness and how he hopes it will lead to a discharge. Mentions promise former regimental doctor who promised him a discharge, a promise which will not be held by the present doctor. Fearing that his sickness will kill him, Theodore...

GLC07164.35

to: Guardian.

Detailing the loss of his personal effects, and the failure of his efforts at obtaining a discharge, Theodore requests money form the recipient, who is most likely Egbert Millspaugh
Written in a camp near Fredericksburg.

GLC07164.36

to: Egbert Millspaugh.

Having given up all hopes of a reply from Mr. Millspaugh, fearing that "you care nothing for me," Theodore has decided to desert.
Written in a camp near Falmouth.

GLC07164.37

to: sister.

A list of items that he request be sent to him, including pins, needles, towels, handkerchiefs, thread, buttons, food and clothing.
Written in a camp near Fredericksburg.

GLC07164.38

to: sister.

Details how he will attempt one last shot at a discharge, claiming that if he fails then he will desert. He also describes the "bitter cold" which he is experiencing in the field.
Written in a camp near Fredericksburg.

GLC07164.39

to: sister.

Describes his need of a proper wash, along with his lack of money which causes him to request that she send some more. Written in a camp near Falmouth.

GLC07164.40

to: sister.

Describes conditions which led to the delay of his regiment's move from their present position, along with its contempt of General Burnside. He mentions the prevalence of desertions, along with news of a possible upcoming battle with the rebels...

GLC07164.41

to: sister.

He sends thanks for his sister forwarding the four dollars to him, and requests news from home. He mentions how he is contemptuous of Captain Crist, along with his dislike of the bad rations.
Written in a camp near Falmouth.

GLC07164.42

to: Carrie.

Sends his beliefs of a possible defeat at Falmouth, and that the war will end in a Union victory. However, he believes that all the politicians involved are making bad decisions which have prolonged the war, which explains how he can write "Lincoln...

GLC07164.43

to: sister Carrie.

Discussing furloughs, he asserts that he wants his pay before he decides to return home of any length of time. Refers to times of guard duty when the union and rebel picket lines exchange papers across a creek. Discusses training for a regimental...

GLC07164.44

to: sister.

Discusses the possibility of a regimental move, which has been mentioned at several times and yet has not occurred. He mentions the sighting of a balloonist as a scout, and the new regimental commander.
Written in a camp near Falmouth

GLC07164.45

to: sister Carrie.

Forwards his hopes for a victory based on cavalry strength, along with further prediction on the war. He requests news from home, and mentions that he no longer has any hope of a furlough.
Written in a camp near Falmouth

GLC07164.46

to: Carrie.

He discusses the new system of rationing, along with his observation of the execution of a deserter. He states his belief that the end of the war might be in sight, possibly as soon as January of 1864, along with own term of service being nine months...

GLC07164.47

to: sister Carrie.

Details his experiences on the picket line, including the discovery of a house full of food while on duty on the picket line. Written at Raccoon Ford.

GLC07164.48

to: sister Carrie.

Details of the town of Stevensburgh and General Meade. Mentions the rumor of a possible furlough, and complains at the lack of correspondence from home.
Written in a camp near Stevensburgh, Virginia

GLC07164.49

to: brother Newton.

Details his experiences in several skirmishes, along with the Battle of Stevensburgh. He mentions news of new regimental officers. Written in a camp near Stevensburgh, Virginia

GLC07164.50

to: sister.

Describes his travels with the regiment from Camp Hampton to Washington, along with the daily life in camp.

GLC07164.09

to: sister.

Describes how the regiment was marched through Washington, and realizes the harshness of being part of a non-commissioned unit. Talks of the fight at Manassas (First Battle of Bull Run) in which 11000 union soldiers lost their lives. As letter was...

GLC07164.10

to: Sister Carrie.

Describes life in camp, along with his complaints of lack of pay and poor rations. Mentions his Captain's incompetence.

GLC07164.11

to: sister.

Discusses the regiment's parade march through Washington, including the reviews by Generals. Speaks of the fear held by all of an attack on Washington.

GLC07164.12

to: sister.

Discusses the reasons why the regiment is no longer in Washington, along with the details of a skirmish with rebels. Requests that he receive mail from home.

GLC07164.13

to: sister.

Explains his jealously which stems from fact that sister writes frequently to Theodore's Captain, but not to Theodore. Sends news about the regiment's move back to Washington, along with a request for money, which accompanied a description of the...

GLC07164.15

to: Newton Millspaugh.

Sends thanks for the food sent to him, along with a description of camp life and a request for news from home. Lists names of friends from home (Alick, Sid Rose, Tom Young and Jim Smith), all of whom are acquaintances of Newton.

GLC07164.16

to: sister.

Describes how he was sworn into the army, along with his travels to the camp and the rations served. Written in Camp Hamilton, first named Camp Troy.

GLC07164.08

to: Egbert Millspaugh.

Return of the five dollars Mr. Millspaugh kindly lent Theodore, with thanks for such a loan.

GLC07164.14

to: sister.

Describes his daily life in camp, made easier especially now due to having been paid, along with news of general regimental dislike of General Burns.

GLC07164.17

to: sister.

Describes the conditions of the state of Maryland, along with the news of the reception of a stove for the tent in which he resides, and the life in camp with a new regimental Major.

GLC07164.18

to: sister.

News of a possible attack on Winchester, along with details of life while on the march, and a request for stamps.

GLC07164.19

to: sister.

News of camp life, especially the poor rations and his inability to receive pay in the form of bills, and the life of a soldier in a regiment led by Generals who proceed without orders.

GLC07164.20

to: sister.

Details the regiment's positioning to Harper's Ferry in order to act as a reserve force for the attack on Winchester, along with a request for stamps. Theodore sends congratulations on the birth of his sister's son.

GLC07164.21

to: sister.

Description of the regiments sickness of war, along with a detailing of the reorganization of the regimental officers. Sends news that the regiment has finally become recognized and commissioned, and details more skirmishes with the rebels.
Written...

GLC07164.22

to Nancy E. Jones [incomplete]

Move to Jeffersonville aboard extremely crowded train; march across the Ohio River into Kentucky, with enthusiastic reception; rumors of 60,000 Confederates within 10 miles of Louisville; saw "over one thousand negroes" as they passed through town.

GLC02739.009

to: sister Carrie.

He sends news of camp life, including the visit of the Colonel's wife to camp. Mentioned is the description of life in the tent. He requests news from home.
Written in a camp near Stevensburgh, Virginia

GLC07164.51

to: Carrie.

Explains life in winter quarters, especially how difficult it is to remain warm when the tents are made for shelter and not much in the way of insulation. He mentions his thoughts of possible re-enlistment, but hastens to mention that no one else...

GLC07164.52

to: brother.

Sends thanks to home for the sending of the box of items which he has just received, along with forwarding an invitation for his brother to come visit the camp. He requests news from home. Written in a camp near Stevensburgh, Virginia

GLC07164.53

to: sister Carrie.

Lamenting the lack of action being seen by the regiment, he mentions the game of General musical chairs - possibly replacing General Fremont with General Meade, and a possible regimental move. He requests news from home. Written in a camp near...

GLC07164.54

to: sister.

Mentions his viewing of prisoners of war, along with the Picket Lines ability to see Richmond while on duty. He laments how a possible battle did not occur, and requests news from home.

GLC07164.55

to: Newton.

Referring to the prices of sheep, Theodore mentions the prices of sheep running to $2 to $3 per head. He states that there are no jobs to his liking, along with his possible plans to continue his travels west to Idaho.

GLC07164.56

to his mother

Archer writes to his mother, Frances, from England where he has sailed in the steamer C. S. S. Hawk in order to sell it at auction. His spirits are very low as he discusses the damage done by the failure of the "scheme to establish the V[irginia]. V...

GLC01896.071

to his father

Archer announces that the "Hawk" has been sold at public auction for a little more than ten thousand pounds, leaving a balance of more than five thousand pounds outstanding to cover travel costs. A ship built for a "particular" purpose [blockade...

GLC01896.072

to Mr. Newcomb

Written on Archer's return from Cuba through the blockade around Florida. First half of the letter details his belief that the war was lost because of the failure of the public to support the war effort. "...[I]f the people had have stood by them...

GLC01896.076

to Elizabeth Smith and children

Smith describes his march from Washington, loading and unloading baggage cars, and being ordered to load the wounded onto steamers at Acquia Creek. They are camped within the sights of Confederate artillery. Addressed from Virginia nearly opposite...

GLC04189.20

to Friend Furm

Letting his old tentmate know what has happened to him.

GLC04189.42

to Elizabeth Smith

Discusses guard duty, the value of the equipment in his blacksmith shop, and an increase in desertions from some regiments who have not received furloughs.

GLC04189.18

to Elizabeth Smith and Charles C. Smith

The regiment was excused from guard duty on Thanksgiving to attend church and a dress parade. Smith urges Charles to learn to write and to study geography. "I now see the need of understanding the geography and the map and then I could tell when I...

GLC04189.19

to Charles Carroll Smith

Discusses visiting friends in another regiment. He received his pay but his money and overcoat were stolen. He discusses thievery in camp and loading the wounded on to boats at Acquia Creek.

GLC04189.21

to Elizabeth Smith

He has an opportunity to join the regular army for the balance of his three years of service. He will get a $2500 bounty, double the pay and will be able to work in a blacksmith's shop. He is ill.

GLC04189.22

to Elizabeth Smith and children

The army is still in the same location and is in a state of suspense concerning what will happen next. General Burnside announced a Grand Review which was canceled due to rain. One man in the regiment contracted small pox. The doctors isolated him...

GLC04189.23

to Elizabeth Smith and children

The regiment has orders to cross the Rappahannock and attack Fredericksburg. Smith describes details of the attack plan. He also mentions a review of the Second Corps by General Ambrose Burnside and provides a description of the general.

GLC04189.24

to Elizabeth Smith and children

Rain and mud foiled the attack on Fredericksburg. The pontoons and artillery became stuck in the mud. Confederate soldiers taunted the stranded union soldiers by offering to help build the pontoon bridge, if the federals could get the pontoons to...

GLC04189.25

to C. Carroll Smith

The snow has melted but the weather remains bitterly cold. He reiterates the changes in command discussed in the previous letter. Also mentions losses to his unit and the 72 PA. The latter has only 300 men on active service out of the 1,880 who...

GLC04189.26

to Elizabeth Smith

The army has begun to issue furloughs. The mud is still extremely deep. He discusses the children's health and whether or not they should attend school. He speculates on Hooker's plans for the army. "Joe Hooker will do One of 3 things he will...

GLC04189.27

to Elizabeth Smith

The army has begun to move out via the railroad to Acquia Creek. His regiment is still on picket duty and must keep the Rebels from noticing the movement of the rest of the army. General Hooker feeds the army better than Burnside did.

GLC04189.28

to Charley

General Hooker has given orders that all Union troops and sutlers must be out of Falmouth by 10 AM the following day. He advises his son not to go to school as it may interfere with his health. He tells his younger son, Rufus, to begin chewing...

GLC04189.29

to Elizabeth Smith

Contains a lengthy description of the weather including rain, snow, and more mud. Discusses picketed duty and his mess mates. He has not shaved "except with a pair of scissors" since he left Salem.

GLC04189.30

to Elizabeth Smith

His wife has rented out part of the Barn. He is very ill.

GLC04189.31

to Elizabeth Smith

Discusses picket duty in a ravine and guard duty near the Lacy House. He agonizes over keeping warm and adds "the way we kept warm at the Lacy House was by Running around it[.] The main house was about 100 ft long." He also discusses...

GLC04189.32

to Elizabeth Smith

Discusses skirmishing along his picket line and mentions the funeral of a member of their regiment. His regiment got into a fight with a New York regiment over wood. Only twenty-five men from his company are fit for duty.

GLC04189.33