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to Mother
22 November 1863
Alden, William H., 1844-?
The big topic is reenlisting. He thinks he will do it because it would only be one more year for 402 dollars. He is sick of Indian territory and would rather go south.
GLC02831.11
December 16, 1863
They are now in the capital of Dakotah Territoty. He received a letter from E.M.S who says he is expecting a battle every day. The officers are sending for their wives.
GLC02831.12
December 19, 1863
He has no desire to go home because if he was there it would be very hard to leave again. He takes care of the captain's horse for an extra 5 dollars a month. Lately they have great food.
GLC02831.13
January 11,1864
He is well except for a bad cold. It is very cold in the house. He wonders why he does not get Leslie's Illustrated papers anymore.
GLC02831.14
January 24, 1864
They moved again and are about 50 miles above Yankton. There is not much to do there. He is sending her some money.
GLC02831.15
February 12, 1864
He asks Louisa ro write to him because he wishes to have more correspondents. They have to haul their own hay and water. A mutual acquaintance started home and he expects him to see his mother while he is there.
GLC02831.16
February 20, 1864
He suggests she give things to Brad Ladow who is on furlough to give to him. There is a lot of sickness around Toledo. He has gotten taller since she saw him last.
GLC02831.17
7 March 1864
He is very well and getting very fat. He got all the things she sent via Judd Sanborn. He talks about the money they're allowed for clothing.
GLC02831.18
March 18, 1864
They've been told they'll get 20 dollars a month now. But he is not sure if he believes it. The officers will get a pay cut so there is not such a big discrepancy between the privates' pay and the officers' pay.
GLC02831.21
March 25, 1864
He is hearty and healthy so soldiering agrees with him. He will reenlist for 3 more years so that he can draw his bounty.
GLC02831.22
March 27, 1864
It looks like they are headed south this spring. There was a bad winter storm after they had some of the nicest weather for the past month or so.
GLC02831.23
1 April 1864
He notes she must be lonely now that Jane has left. He sends out so many letters that he is completely out of stamps. The papers have been coming regularly.
GLC02831.24
3 April 1864
He has been enjoying the papers he receives. He is trying to grow a mustache and beard. He plans to send her a gold pen for which the holder is broken.
GLC02831.25
24 April 1864
The weather is wonderful. He complains about his old horse and says he is a poor boy. He imagines he will make his fortune one day.
GLC02831.26
25 April 1864
He mistakenly received a letter meant for his Aunt Betty. He is glad she received the money he sent even if a letter he wrote got lost in the mail.
GLC02831.27
2 May 1864
He got a letter from Ed who had the small pox and neuralgia. He thinks Gustus Fredding should send his money to his stepmother so that she can buy land for him.
GLC02831.28
4 May 1864
His mother doesn't want him to correspond with a particular girl but he is thinking to write her a letter just for spite.
GLC02831.29
19 May 1864
He complains about the mail and wishes it would run more regularly. He mentions Norton and Museatine.
GLC02831.30
to Sister Hattie
He asks about Ed. They are having great weather.
GLC02831.31
20 May 1864
He gives her permission to use all the money he sends for Hattie's education.He hopes the war will end before he reenlists. Reading letters puts him in a good mood.
GLC02831.32
24 May 1864
They saw a few Indians which quickly dispersed. They rode and rode but they couldn't find any more Indians though they saw signs. Everything is beginning to look green again.
GLC02831.33
2 June 1864
They are back at Tacketts Station but not for long. They are under marching orders. They have not seen any Indians around but they will soon enough.
GLC02831.34
1864
He is back in Yankton. There are about a dozen white men and 400 Indians there. Not much is happening. They will be marching in a few days.
GLC02831.35
10 June 1864
Tommorow they will march again. His mother thinks a certain lady is too old for him but he says now that he is taller it should be okay.
GLC02831.36
11 June 1864
He is busy rounding up some loose horses that got away. General supply went up day before yesterday. He is very healthy.
GLC02831.37
24 June 1864
He is sick and tired of everything. He doesn't even care where he is as long he has enough to eat. It has been really hot.
GLC02831.38
13 July 1864
They are now at Fort Rice and may stay there 10 days. He was not suprised to hear of Luisa's death. Written at Fort Rice
GLC02831.39
9 September 1864
There is an emigrant train 200 miles west of where they are that is surrounded by Indians. They have sent in for reinforcements. Drake is wounded. They have had two fights with the Indians so far. Written at Fort Rice.
GLC02831.40
2 October 1864
Drake died. The emigrant train was surrounded for 2 weeks and they sent out 1,000 men and 200 cavalry as reinforcements. 45 men escorted the emigrants through the Indian country. Written at Fort Rice
GLC02831.41
1861-1877
12 miles from Fort Pierre they will build a fort and name it after the general. He has been without family or friends for months and he has only seen "one white woman" and she was from the hospital boat.
GLC02831.42
24 December 1864
They finally moved into winter quarters. Getting there was an ordeal and they all got sore. Fred died and they buried him with military honors.
GLC02831.43
March 18, 1865
He has been detailed in the Quartermaster Department and is working as assistant clerk.
GLC02831.46
March 26, 1865
He doesn't have much work to do now that he is acting as clerk. The Indians had to move out onto the highland. Hostile Indians attacked a group of white men and they lost all their ponies and had to leave all their furs out on the prairie.
GLC02831.47
25 April 1865
He had to go on a 45 mile horse back ride recently but as a veteran he was used to it. Includes separate note to Hattie complimenting her on her math skills and handwriting.
GLC02831.48
22 May 1865
He tells her not send a package because it will cost too much. The company is now healthy for the most part except for one man. He mentions Norton.
GLC02831.49
to Mother and Sister
6 June 1865
He says not to expect him home even though the war is pretty much over since he is involved in another arrangement. Includes separate note to his siter in which he talks about his nephew.
GLC02831.50
20 July 1865
He thinks he will be in Crow Creek for about 2 months before he might be able to start home. He says to give his love to everyone.
GLC02831.51
He thanks her for the butter and cake she sent. He is glad Rebecca wrote to him. He heard that Ed was in another battle.
GLC02831.52
William H. Alden
Portrait of William H. Alden in a suit. He has a goatee and mustache.
GLC02831.53
to Eben R. Ayers
25 November 1861
Garfield, James A. (James Abram), 1831-1881
This letter is in reply to Eben's letter on the 5th, Garfield says he delayed answering in the hope that he would be able to help, but has been compelled to abandon his efforts.
GLC07187.02
22 September 1861
A letter from Garfield to Ayers saying that Garfield would be glad to have Ayers and his men join his regiment. also that he would make it a point to write to Ayers aunt Maria soon and that the only reason he hasn't in a while it that he was away for...
GLC07187.03
to my dear mother
25 June 1921
Dawes, Charles G., 1865-1951
He writes the president has approved all his plans and he will soon meet with the cabinet. He has absolute confidence now.
GLC02679.54
13 July 1921
He has great respect for the president. His wife wife and children will be coming to visit soon. He does not want to have to stay longer than next June.
GLC02679.55
19 July 1921
He is tired but happy because he has accomplished so much by working with the president.
GLC02679.56
27 July 1921
He enclosed an order about improving the goverment business system. He made a quick trip to Illinois.
GLC02679.57
1 August 1921
The publishers sent him the first copy of his book. He is very pleased with it and will send her one as well.
GLC02679.58
to Mrs. M B Dawes
15 August 1921
He ordered 5 copies of his book for his mother.
GLC02679.59
to Mary
9 September 1862
Kellogg, James H., fl. 1862-1864
He goes over the particulars of the mortgage with her. At present he says they are having a great time.
GLC02415.001
11 September 1862
They will be leaving in the morning. He went to town today and had his picture taken for her. He says for her to keep the deed safe in case Chapman calls for it. If he doesn't she should burn it.
GLC02415.002
15 September 1862
They rode the train cars through Ohio and Michigan. The Rebels tried to brake their picket but they were pushed back. A few regiments were taken across the river. A lot of the boys are anxious to fight.
GLC02415.003
21 September 1862
They are camped in a very nice area near Louisville. There is a large plantation with lots of sweet potatoes. He asks if Taylor has decided to take the farm yet and if not she will have to let it. He asks if she heard from Wes. Was written near...
GLC02415.004
6 October 1862
They left Lousiville on the first and started in pursuit of the Rebels. The Rebels outsmarted them and put lumber in the roads to slow them down. The Rebels are now within about a half mile of them
GLC02415.005
6 June 1917
He writes he is enjoying his work. He may come up to see her before he sails. Their regiment will not be ready active duty until July 10th.
GLC02679.01
18 July 1917
He drilled the first batallion of the regiment the other day and will send photos.
GLC02679.02
to my dear caro
4 August 1917
He explains that he does not have much time for writing as he has too many responsibilities. He describes how he runs the boat drill and the raft detail.
GLC02679.03
25 August 1917
He writes that he can tell Henry he can sign the Auditorium Lease Guaranty. He is in good health and likes the army food. He had to leave Webster in London to have a tooth fixed.
GLC02679.04
26 August 1917
The censor prevents him from writing anything significant but says he is keeping a record of what happens so he will remember after the war. Tomorrow he will have a special birthday dinner. He expects to leave on special detail very soon.
GLC02679.05
to Rufe
13 September 1917
He tells his brother he gets new responsibilities every day, but he likes this. It means they like his work. The French army has been very cooperative.
GLC02679.06
to Henry
19 September 1917
He tells his brother everything is going well. Junior Ames has done some really good work for them, making it probable that he will have him detatiled there.
GLC02679.07
to Rufus
8 October 1917
He tells his brother that a letter he received from a William is enclosed here (not in collection). He has gone into the best corps.
GLC02679.08
12 October 1917
He tells his brother about Ohio Cities and their revenue. He would like to see their earnings report. He spent the evening with General Pershing last night.
GLC02679.09
19 October 1917
He received the socks she knitted for him. He will go to the Belgian front tomorrow. He heard from William and he had a cable from the War Dept. through General Pershing.
GLC02679.10
23 October 1917
He describes his trip to the Belgian Front. He met with the French minister of finance during an air raid. They enjoyed a wonderful evening. Belgium is a small country but they are standing up to Germany none the less. He got to visit the trenches...
GLC02679.11
March 23, 1918
He talks of a Col. Henry S. Graves that he has gotten know. His labor organization is going well. There have been air raids.
GLC02679.12
7 April 1918
He has enclosed a statement of the First Presbysterian Church. William has volunteered for the tank service and will undergo five weeks of training.
GLC02679.13
14 April 1918
He revisited his old regiment this past week. He does not mind the air raids. he tells her to keep writing even if he is a poor correspondent.
GLC02679.14
19 April 1918
He has enclosed some souveniers of the war (not included here). Some amazing things have happened which will remain in posterity but he can't write of it here because of the censors.
GLC02679.15
9 May 1918
He talks how his plans are often met with opposition because the commanding officers are so conservative. But he feels that with the help of the French he can push his plans through.
GLC02679.16
5 June 1918
He apologizes for his poor correspondence. He notes his recent promotion. He is very well except he sometimes does not sleep well because of the air raids.
GLC02679.17
15 June 1918
He showed a letter she wrote to General Pershing. He too has a pious mother. One day General Pershing will visit her.
GLC02679.18
1 July 1918
He tells her how to frame the card he sent and he says he will send some of his papers to America. They are glad their work is not mentioned in America because it would embarrass them.
GLC02679.19
27 August 1918
He regrets that he cannot write her often and when he does write it is not a proper letter. There are 150,000 men and even more coming. Every day there seems to be a new crisis and he has to meet with the French Army. He needs all his strength to...
GLC02679.20
to Charles Dawes
12 September 1918
Hagood, Johnson, fl. 1918
He is a little upset that his report of activities was addressed to General Harbord personally instead of to the commanding general. They need to see the documents and they will not see them in a timely manner if they are addressed in this way.
GLC02679.21
13 September 1918
He saw a bombardment recently at the [Chaucien?] de dames. While there he stopped in a cathedral and picked up a pamphlet which he has enclosed (not in folder.)
GLC02679.22
20 September 1918
He received the photos of her. He has enclosed a letter from Mrs. Chalmers and a letter from the Chief of Staff, Services of Supply. He knows his mother is disappointed that he refused to have his picture taken in the Saturday Evening Post.
GLC02679.23
1 November 1918
He writes he is living in a time of great events. A man from the Saturday Evening Post came by and a wrote a story on him. This should staisfy her.
GLC02679.24
14 November 1918
The day the armistice was declared, Nov. 11, he took several phone calls in which they reversed the American Expeditionary Forces. Later the Italian army called saying they have 1 million Austrian prisoners and 200,000 horses and nothing to feed them...
GLC02679.25
February 28, 1919
He recently got a promotion but feels embarrassed because it is a higher grade than a friend of his. He is anxious to see her and is having a book specially bound for her.
GLC02679.26
March 22, 1919
He says he does not know when he will be home. He knows she was under the weather recently. He hopes to send her the official reports soon.
GLC02679.27
3 March 1919
He responds that he liked Col. Bearden but he was given enough authority by the British. He will send the reports soon and then she will have a realistic idea of how much he has done.
GLC02679.28
14 April 1919
He dined with the grand duke the other evening.He mentions G.D. Alexander and says he will try to write more frequently.
GLC02679.29
24 April 1919
He is currently in Germany and has enclosed his itinerery. He enjoyed seeing the march of the 33rd division. He spent time with the prince of Belgium. He thinks they will be home in July or August.
GLC02679.30
2 May 1919
Dawes, William C., fl. 1919
He is excited about his upcoming visit. He asks Charles to be the godfather of his grandson. Written at Mount Ephrain.
GLC02679.31
4 May 1919
He had an attack of ptomaine poisoning but is well now. He expects to be home in July. He will visit the English Dawes soon.
GLC02679.32
11 May 1919
He sending home a sword given to him by Gen. Pershing. The grand duke invited him to lunch.
GLC02679.33
18 May 1919
He is getting a gold cup for his godson. The grand duke's children are currently there and he is happy. They had lunch last Saturday and ate cold ham, potatoes, spinach and beans.
GLC02679.34
25 May 1919
He has enlclosed a copy of a letter from Sergeant Baker. Since the Germans are hesitating to sign the peace treaty, John has to postpone his trip to England, which means he will go by himself to his grandson's christening.
GLC02679.35
1 June 1919
He describes a brief trip. The location is illegible but it is somewhere in France. They rode back by automobile.
GLC02679.36
7 June 1919
He willl be home in July or the first week of August. It will take 30 days to complete his work at the Dept of War. Tomorrow he will go to Belgium for a few days.
GLC02679.37
12 June 1919
He can only stay a few days on his first visit to Marietta. He says she must occupy centerstage in the family because he does not want the attention.
GLC02679.38
21 June 1919
He will go to England on Wednesday and he is trying to get work done so he can leave early in July. He had dinner with Gen. Payut last night.
GLC02679.39
30 June 1919
His departure will be delayed until July 20th because of further negotiations with the French Government. He describes his trip to England. He and other military associates went to the christening of his godson. They met William Dawes and his wife...
GLC02679.40
10 July 1919
His friend, Gen. Payut is giving him a dinner at his headquarters. He will see his mother on July 26th.
GLC02679.41
17 November 1920
Written while waiting on a friend to go to the Opera. He has decided to publish is notes on the war. He will include some of the letters he wrote her.
GLC02679.42
Speech endorsing Gov. Frank O. Lowden for president
20 May 1920
He focuses on the high cost of living and the business of running the government which he feels the Governor of Illinois is the best candidate for.
GLC02679.43
14 May 1920
He asks her to write to a friend of his father's for him. Rufus went on a trip to New Mexico.general Pershing was made chief of staff. geneneral Payot struck his head against the top of his limousine.
GLC02679.44
13 August 1920
He notes that the newspaper was wrong in reporting that General Pershing was now in the oil business. He visited with Dorothy and her husband. He will give beman a copy of a picture of William Dawes Jr.
GLC02679.45
23 June 1920
He will be visiting Marietta with seven other people on July 28th. He hopes she can arrange to take care of this.
GLC02679.46
21 June 1920
He and General Pershing will visit her this summer. He was able to keep the original William Dawes Jr. photograph, worth about $1500.
GLC02679.47
29 May 1920
He thanks her for sending copies of the letters from grandmother and grandfather Gates. It may be impossible for him to visit her now as he has so much to do.
GLC02679.48
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