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to Richard J. DiChristina

Joyce starts by addressing the letter to "Dear Someday Husband" and writes throughout how much she loves Richard. She mentions that her parents went to the Melody Fair and that she and Greg are home. She also mentions a school friend Jim who came...

GLC09626.13

to Joyce Robinson

Richard writes Joyce how much he misses her, and loves her. He mentions that he and his group walked into a valley and were shot at. He reports that nobody was hit, but it scared all the men. It took about an hour to walk through the valley and about...

GLC09626.14

to Joyce Robinson

Richard writes to Joyce how much he loves and misses her. He mentions that they will be supplied and he will be able to send a bunch of letters he had written her and other family members. He writes they are leaving for the landing zone (LZ) in about...

GLC09626.15

to Joyce Robinson

Richard writes how much he loves and misses Joyce. He also mentions that it had rained all night and he is once again all wet. However he is hopeful that in 6 or 7 days they will be out of the field and going to a "Fries Bacise" (fire base) where he...

GLC09626.16

to Joyce Robinson

Richard writes how much he loves and misses Joyce. He mentions that they are going to get paid today and that he plans to send her $100. He later mentions that something was wrong with his pay so he is only sending $65 but will work it out and send...

GLC09626.17

to Joyce Robinson

Richard writes how much he loves and misses Joyce. He mentions that colored troops of the 4th division would be going home in about 2 months, and the rest will be going home within his 10 months, which means he would leave with them and be home in 6...

GLC09626.18

to Joyce Robinson

Richard writes how much he loves and misses Joyce. He mentions that they moved 3000 meters but that it went fast because he was thinking of walking to her. Richard also mentions letters he is expecting to get from his mother in a few days, and that...

GLC09626.19

to Joyce Robinson

Richard writes how much he loves and misses Joyce. He writes that he wishes he could send a long letter but is running out of paper and asks Joyce to put in some when next she writes. They should be going into a fire base soon and he can't wait...

GLC09626.20

to Joyce Robinson

Richard writes how much he loves and misses Joyce. He asks her for a number of food items including Hostess donuts, cinnamon rolls, cinnamon bread, a variety pack of cereal, sliced bread and mounds bars. He says his platoon is still out in the field...

GLC09626.21

to Joyce Robinson

Richard writes how much he loves and misses Joyce. He says that they are on the mountain and it looks like they won't be going in for 3 or 4 days, but while they sit around the guys are making things up. One thing was, "The grunts have windows, the...

GLC09626.22

to Joyce Robinson

Richard writes how much he loves and misses Joyce. He writes that they are at the firebase (LZ) Hardtimes, and he recieved a letter from her and might get a package from his sister. They started for the base at 7 in the morning and arrived around 3...

GLC09626.23

Weekly standard. [Vol. 28, no. 38, whole no. 1434 (September 17, 1862)]

Address of General Bragg, The Battlefields of Manassas, The Fight at Washington, Battles around Manassas. An editorial speaks up following the election of Governor Vance, revealing the relationship between this paper and its competitor, the Register...

GLC05959.22.01

Louisville daily journal. [Vol. 34, no. 1 (November 24, 1863)]

General Steele's Course in Arkansas, Pursuit of Rebels under Faulkner.
A.J. Daugherty writes about various generals on their work in the Cumberland area. A letter from a Union solder to the Journal describes the ceremony of a flag presentation to the...

GLC05959.14.29

Weekly standard. [Vol. 29, no. 1, whole no. 1452 (December 31, 1862)]

The Yankees at Newbern, Legislature of North Carolina.
A report of the conflict with the Confederate leadership in Georgia occurs on the front page of this issue. An editorial from the Atlanta Intelligencer discusses the sovereignty of the...

GLC05959.22.04

to Tobias Gibson

Dated at "Cotton Press No. 4." Smith, a member of the 2nd LA Cavalry, Co. G, informs Gibson of his being wounded, captured and imprisoned. He requests $200-$300 in city funds.

GLC04501.096

to his parents and sister

Writes that he and Darius have received money by way of Mrs. Warner, their captain's wife. He reports that General Dumont is issuing a notice in the papers identifying men who have deserted and offering a reward for their return. In response, the...

GLC07460.006

to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

He thanks his family for the letters and food they've sent. Complains that Uncle Sam owes him eighty dollars but thinks that he will get paid some of the amount tomorrow. Mentions to his family that they should set out an orchard on which they...

GLC07460.023

to his sister Martha

Writes that he would like to hire Welly (his nephew Wellington Spohn) at five cents a day to help with the harvest. Reports that rebels are camped nearby and that he is anxious toget rid of them. Discusses the feeling of brotherhood amongst the...

GLC07460.024

to his sister Martha [Spohn]

Hopes that more men will be drafted to fill the regiments. Writes that he would like to see the North "whip" the South entirely with volunteers. He describes a reported rebel attack on a Union picket that forced the picket to retreat. Wheeler also...

GLC07460.025

to his parents and sister

He advises his family not to worry about writing him when he's marching because the mail follows closely behind. Writes that it is sixty-eight miles to Nashville by railroad and there are too many men to transport by train. Some of the men have...

GLC07460.004

to his parents and sister

Wheeler has just marched fourteen miles to Gallatin, Tennessee and writes that he doesn't mind the marching as much as he used to. The letter is continued on Thursday, November 27th; Thanksgiving day. Wheeler writes that he will not march today but...

GLC07460.007

to his parents and sister

Wheeler writes that his brother-in-law, Darius has been very ill and has not been on duty since they left Bowling Green, Kentucky. Furthermore, Darius is currently waiting for General Rosecrans to sign his discharge papers. Reports that they have...

GLC07460.008

to his parents and sister

Writes that he is anxious to receive a letter from Darius assuring that he arrived home safely. Wheeler expresses tremendous relief for the discharge of his brother-in-law and writes that Darius was very concerned about leaving Lysander behind....

GLC07460.009

to his parents and sister

Lysander recounts how they surrounded and ambushed a suspected secessionist's house during the night, only to find nothing. The secessionist claimed to be a Unionist but admitted his brother is in the Confederate Army and that there were things...

GLC07460.010

to his parents, sister and [brother-in-law]

Writes that many men have been receiving discharge papers, particularly those who are disabled. Reports that the mail has been irregular due to a heavy storm that washed away the tressel work of the train tracks. Relates the news that Captain...

GLC07460.011

to his parents, sister and [brother-in-law]

Writes that he has received his mother's likeness and will treasure it. Asks that Darius write as soon as he is well enough to do so. General Rosecrans has prohibited picket fires at night, so they have to make a big pile of coals and sleep beside...

GLC07460.012

to his parents, sister and [brother-in-law]

Wheeler writes that he was very happy to receive the box they sent him. His regiment marched to Gallatin to fight Morgan. Writes that the new camp is far better than any they have seen since Chicago and far exceeds their camp in Tunnel, Tennessee....

GLC07460.013

to his parents, sister and [brother-in-law]

Discusses farm business back home. He describes a "grand foraging expedition" led by Major Dutton. In response to his father's comment about taking Wheeler's place, Lysander states "I couldn't let you have my place under any consideration...I...

GLC07460.014

to his parents and sister

The whole regiment has been healthier since they left Tunnel, Tennessee where many from Wheeler's regiment died. Wheeler has heard rumor that Vicksburg was taken from the Rebels. Some of the men are trying to publish the truth about Captain Warner...

GLC07460.015

to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

Asks Darius, his brother-in-law, to settle some acounts for him back home. Reports that his regiment will march to meet General Hooker tomorrow morning. Mentions the Sons of Temperance a brotherhood of men who were committed to not drinking alcohol...

GLC07460.016

to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

He reports that John Fetterly has died of small pox. Writes that Fetterly was unable to march, so he was transferred to the pest house where he died. Wheeler informs his family that he will be on the march and may not be able to write for ten or...

GLC07460.017

to his parents and sister

He remarks "truly a soldier's life is a life of inequalities it learns a person to take everything as it comes." George Bowen has deserted; he was under 18 when he enlisted and his father came to get him but "failing to do it by fair means George...

GLC07460.018

to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

Wheeler writes that a new order has been announced in which deserters will be dealt with promptly, even with the punishment of death. He also reports that new regulations are in affect for furloughs and only a certain number of furloughs will be...

GLC07460.019

to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

They have been on the march for a few days and are probably headed for Chattanooga. Ward led them down the wrong road and they had to pick their path through the hills. He received a letter from his family assuring him "that the war will close this...

GLC07460.020

to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

Darius is almost fully recovered. There is talk of Wheeler's regiment moving to Camp Douglas, but Lysander does not want to go North unless they are going for good. Expresses that hewould like to drive all the copperheads in the Army SOuth, and run...

GLC07460.021

to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

Wheeler writes that the men have been busy foraging for Rosecrans' Army. He comments that they've been learning drilling in the French fashion. Writes that the men have taken to singing at night in their tents and have some pieces of sheet music...

GLC07460.022

to his sister Martha [Spohn]

Wheeler writes that a few men from his hometown of Sycamore, Illinois are at camp including his brother-in-law Darius Spohn. He reports that while the soldier's wives visit, they mend and alter clothes, and accompany their husbands to the city at...

GLC07460.001

to his parents and sister

Wheeler's regiment has marched 33 miles and many of the men have discarded their belongings along the way. He writes that they pass slaves along the road at almost every house and although a few volunteered to join the Union soldiers, they later...

GLC07460.002

to his father [Shepherd Wheeler]

Writes that his regiment is stopping in Scottsville, Kentucky for a while. Asks his father to send him tea, as he cannot find any where he is.

GLC07460.003

to his parents and sister

He writes that it took two days to travel from Bowling Green to Scottsville because the roads were rough and the wagons so heavily loaded the wheels had to be chained to go downhill. Comments that men and women, "meager looking whips," are often...

GLC07460.005

to Asa Smith

Written by William Wallace Smith to his brother Asa Smith. References Smith's letter to him. Says everyone dives for the Washington papers when they arrive, but that Boston papers have more news on the war in them. Asks him " Do you think an attack...

GLC03742.04

To his wife

Trying to comfort his wife, who was depressed by the death of a relation (Lucy who had died a year earlier). Expects marching orders soon.

GLC04558.100

To George Tillotson

Enclosed with GLC04558.122.01. Written by George Tillotson's sister Mary and her husband Edwin. Mary writes of her hard work and says Nelly [Nelson] was taken prisoner. Edwin's letter (beginning on p.2) complains of poor health (consumption) and...

GLC04558.122.02

To his wife

Various news; says he approves of a monument for daughter Lucy (deceased). With postscript "No News."

GLC04558.125

to Henry F. McSherry

From his father. References previous letters. There is confusion where the writer should send letters - to New York or Fortress Monroe in Virginia.

GLC03523.21.01

to Asa Smith

There are four separate notes from various family members to Asa Smith updating him on family and home life. One is from his sister "Maria," one from his sister "Carrie," another from his sister "Mary," and the last is from his mother. Maria's note...

GLC03742.02

to Asa Smith

Written by William Wallace Smith to his brother Asa Smith. References receiving Smith's letter. Says he spent Thanksgiving "running round among the other camps and at dusk we got up a dress parade among the boys with a dirty torn shirt for colors and...

GLC03742.05

to Asa Smith

Written by William to his brother Asa. Says he has sent Asa three letters since his last letter of 14 January, even though he has not received any of them. Reports that "the army are alive with joy and excitement here over with the good news from the...

GLC03742.06

to Asa Smith

Written by William to his brother Asa. References receiving Asa's letter. Hopes the mud is no deeper than it is where he is. Says he almost got stuck with a team of 6 horses at Arlington. Says "25 negroes went out beyond our camp to cut wood for the...

GLC03742.07

to Asa Smith

Written by William Wallace Smith to his brother Asa Smith. Mentions high winds that blew through camp recently. Says in less than a half hour half the tents in camp were down, and by evening there were only 10 left standing. Says they were ordered to...

GLC03742.09

To his wife

Written in pencil. Continued March 21. Has moved to better ground and larger house, which he describes. Now has a stove made from an old camp kettle, so the other boys crowd his house to stay warm. Describes leg swelling and lameness, makes...

GLC04558.077

To his wife

House building costs and materials. He has fattened-up and now weighs 170 lbs. Other regiments transferred to Tennessee. Written in a camp near Suffolk, Virginia

GLC04558.078

To his wife

Had to re-write letter because of rainstorm, payday, hopes for furlough and being put-off by Capt., encloses letter from Nelson. Written in a camp near Suffolk, Virginia

GLC04558.079

To his wife

Doctor has diagnosed him as having dropsy, so will apply for discharge. Mentions Capt. Charles Tillotson of the NY 99th. Now weighs 180 lbs; hopes to see home, and mentions other men on furlough. Written in a camp near Suffolk, Virginia

GLC04558.080

To his wife

Trying to get discharge (doctor not sure he can get one), bled by doctor, gory suicide of Irish soldier John Lafabe (who wanted a discharge).

GLC04558.081

To his wife

Reports extensive skirmishing, his regiment has a "bully position" that is easily held from Rebs who are trying to cross the Nansemond River; describes fight in which Gen Corcoran shot and killed Lt. Krimble of the Hawkins Zouaves. Information from...

GLC04558.082

To his wife

Skirmishing, Federal expedition to dislodge snipers, being reinforced, expecting an attack. "We have taken some negro rebel prisoners. One was caught in a tree fireing at our scurmishers, there was a white reb also with him but they killed the...

GLC04558.083

To his wife

Trying to cheer his wife, orders and countermanded orders to cross the Nansemond, river rumored to be blocked by Rebs, and joking: "About the broomstick question I plead guilty and believe I oughter [sic] to be broomsticked cause I didnt stay at home...

GLC04558.084

To his wife

Battle letter. Taking the rebel fort (mentioned in #84): "as soon as the boat touched the shore the boys piled off like a flock of sheep and as soon as they got ashore struck a dead run for the fort. Some of the officers asked the officer in command...

GLC04558.085

To his wife

Reports that a federal raid captured 3,000 rebel prisoners. Also says he does not notice the boom of guns anymore. Concludes with his longing to see his children and wife.

GLC04558.086

To his wife

Hot weather. Regiment's officers trying to get regiment mustered-out or to get a furlough. Mentions consolidation of corps and fears of officers. Reports rebels doubling pickets. Concludes with a joke that he might "go under" if he comes in-range...

GLC04558.087

To his wife

Rebels "appear ready to siege us out" and reports "Old Stonewall Jackson has sent a flag of truce [to the city] warning the citizens to leave if they didnt want to get hurt." Mentions visiting other NY regiments and describes "a queer kind of...

GLC04558.088

To his wife

Picket duty; worries that he might have to cross the river again to take the fort (see #85). Estimates forces on Union side. Written in a camp near Suffolk, Virginia

GLC04558.089

To his wife

Battle letter. Sent into battle as skirmisher, rebel pickets abandon their posts as the Federals advance but the advance is slowed. GT's gun tube bursts. Other regiments drive the rebels off. Speculates that their advance was intended as a probe...

GLC04558.090

To his wife

Continued May 9. Responding to family news, concerned that Edwin fought at Fredericksburg, comments on sister Louisa's plan to keep a school, escort for deceased officer, has bad cold, news of Hooker. With postscript apologizing for damaging the...

GLC04558.091

To his wife

Moved camp, picket duty, fishing a lot while on duty; the NY 89th is one of the few regiments to remain; talk of consolidating regiments; mentions rations available. Letter broken-off with orders to strike tents and move. Captain under arrest....

GLC04558.092

To his wife

Now camping at a fort, mentions guns in forts, describes looking over battlefield where he fought. Comments on home news and jokes that "I might I suppose 'send up a few contraband' to work for you only Uncle Samuel wont let em go so far North."...

GLC04558.093

To his wife

"This is an awful lonesome and lazy life to live..." Sultry days and chilly nights; drilling. On receiving a letter from his abolitionist brother-in-law: "...I received a letter from Edwin..... He accuses me of lacking sympathy with the plan and...

GLC04558.094

To his wife

A lazy day in which he day-dreams of being home; mentions combating a forest fire; relates farm news from Edwin who was injured and has hired "a couple of negroes;" instructions on sheep; responding to home news.

GLC04558.095

To his wife

Continued on June 6. Camping in the shade and making "artificial shade" with pine and cedar branches; according to letter from relative Matilda, "Nelson was a prisoner in the hands of the rebels;" other news. "As for Marys letter I dont think...

GLC04558.096

To his wife

Writes of being by-passed for promotion and mentions talk of promotions being bought from the captain whom he describes as "very young... a little under 21 years old,... on the whole rather good looking, but... fopish, showey, conceited, and vain[;]...

GLC04558.097

To his wife

Asks her to write and apologizes for brevity; discusses preparations for a dance and picnic, including ladies from Norfolk whom he hopes will be respectable. Claims that "over five hundred" women in Norfolk are "registered as professionally bad" (i...

GLC04558.098

To his wife

Continued on June 19. Yesterday's festival or dance was attended by 35 ladies "of the showey kind." Teasingly says his "gal" was not there and says he sat-out the dances. Describes dancing platform, etc. Asks about crops and livestock. Mentions...

GLC04558.099

To his wife

Writes that they left their camp and all baggage behind; expects to head towards Richmond; mentions seeing Charlie Tillotson. With postscript dated Tuesday morning noting that no marching orders were received.

GLC04558.101

To his wife

Written in pencil. (Day "27" has been struck and replaced with "26.") Mentions steam travel on the river and says he is about 23 miles to Richmond. Speculates that they are intended as a feint since the movement has been so slow.

GLC04558.102

To his wife

Expects marching orders; expresses doubts about their ability to capture Richmond but describes a raid by the 11th Pa. Cavalry which captured Fitz Hugh Lee. Mentions guerrillas "picking off those foolish as to expose themselves outsid[e] the lines."

GLC04558.103

To his wife

Describes long march to the Hanover court house and unsuccessful attack on railroad strongpoint; mentions successful cavalry raid against rebels. Expects to return to Gettey's Point.

GLC04558.104

To his wife

Describes march from White House in great detail: foraging, washing clothes, giving away blanket to contraband, and more marching.

GLC04558.105

To his wife

Resting and settling down after the marches. On politics: "Your Copperheads up ther[e] I see have been kicking up quite a rumpus, but they will get sick of it, if they are not already. Didnt know one spell but what they would spite 'Massa Greely's'...

GLC04558.106

To his wife

Written in pencil aboard a barge docked at Portsmouth. Describes marching and countermarching; speculates that they are destined for Charleston's Fort Wagner.

GLC04558.107

To his wife

Written in pencil on patriotic stationery. Describes the situation of forts ringing Charleston (Moultrie, Sumter, Wagner), and mentions that Wagner was taken last night but lost due to shelling. "...I dont like the looks of things here in general...

GLC04558.108

To his wife

Describes the pettiness of an officer who would not allow the troops to land until their officer had reported to him; describes the island.

GLC04558.109

To his wife

Written on patriotic stationery. Continued August 7. Describes lack of tents, current duties and situation around Charleston (Sumter, Wagner). Fatigued from unloading vessels.

GLC04558.110

To his wife

Describes orders to march, countermarch and counter-countermarch. Says half the regiment is sick although he is healthy and that the monitors have begun attacking Forts Sumter and Wagner.

GLC04558.111

To his wife

Expects to receive order the next day; writes that he has a good view of operations and artillery; says Fort Sumter "is sometimes completely enveloped in a cloud of brick dust[,] smoke, and spray, from our balls and shells." Describes other...

GLC04558.112

To his wife

Complains of not receiving letters. Writes that he has been sick and the rest of the regiment on provost duty. Reports of Forts Wagner and Gregg surrendered with Morris Island. Asks sarcastically whether a conscripted acquaintance back home...

GLC04558.113

To his wife

Received letter; sends $30. Recovered health and back on duty. Rumors of capture of Fort Sumter, and complete capture of Bragg's army by Rosecrans and Burnside. Relates news that he hopes to be discharged April 1, 1864 with the other 3-year troops.

GLC04558.114

To his wife

Fatigue from hard duties and false alarms, which he describes. Belief that they are outnumbered. With pencil note of 9/19 written on margin of each page about picket duty in the cold without shelter.

GLC04558.115

To his wife

Wonders about her letters being misdirected; describes food (oysters, clams) and cost of other items; mentions other soldiers getting furloughs including one "in the hospital on account I suppose of the 'ladies disease' contracted in Norfolk...."

GLC04558.116

To his wife

Received pile of mail, including a letter from Edwin and Mary [abolitionist relations] which "didn't set very well on my stomach." Health of other soldiers; comments that Charleston probably will not fall right away. News reports of Rosecrans and...

GLC04558.117

To his wife

Notes that it is his tenth wedding anniversary and writes that the thought of her distance and the time remaining cause "a choaking sensation" and tears. Says that he is the only man in Co. H with a family. Mentions slow siege of Charleston, health...

GLC04558.118

To his wife

Worry of "calamity" at home; hopes for discharge next April 1st; sarcastically mentions letter of 1st Lt. of 114th NYS Vols. (unidentified); discusses current rations and how only cooks make cook food; comments that the food always causes digestive...

GLC04558.119

To his wife

Cold. Cannot make mud chimneys because sand will not stick; other soldiers enlisting as cavalry, including Capt. Lewis (who did not get along with GWT). This letter is fully addressed "Mrs. A. Elizabeth Tillotson"

GLC04558.120

To his wife

Has a runny nose; the siege drags on and another assault scheduled that night for Fort Sumter; expects conscripts to arrive soon and receive weapons, "til then they are guarded closer than rebel prisoners would be."

GLC04558.121

To his wife

Describes picket duty on the north side of the island and how his thoughts roam. Expectations of assault on Fort Sumter. Promises to send Edwin's letter (mentioned in #117 and accompanies this item). He writes "Not that I have any objections to...

GLC04558.122.01

To his wife

He has put on more weight; has gotten used to constant firing on Charleston; encloses a "greenback" for Dolly.

GLC04558.123

To his wife

Hopes for furlough; talks about presidential election "I dont suppose for a moment that any soldier would go home and vote a Copperhead ticket, and on the other hand, I wouldnt vote a republican ticket just merely because it was republican but I...

GLC04558.124

To his wife

News, other soldiers' furloughs; expects promotion; has daily, long drills; says he is cheered by news from the west.

GLC04558.126

To his wife

Writes that he enjoys good health; mentions seeing Gen. Gilmore riding "with a woman said to be his wife, but I will say I think him the best looking of the two." Mentions the special favors some Masons; receive; speculates on the destination of an...

GLC04558.127

To his wife

On furlough. Had hoped to surprise her by coming home, but must go to Albany. Still hopes to see her.

GLC04558.128