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to Parents Brothers & Sisters

Writes quickly to tell his family that he has survived "another hard fought Battle." Lists the many soldiers from his company who have been killed. His division has lost a total of 1,300 men. The battle was fought on 16 May and the men have stayed...

GLC03523.14.25

to Maria Damuth

Writes of promotions among the men after the battle of Champion Hill. His own feelings on promotion are strong: "I am more ambitious to see this war end so that I can get home once more than I am to get an office." Damuth is the only sergeant left...

GLC03523.14.26

to Maria Damuth

Has just learned that it is Sunday, and writes that "I never have seen a day since I have been South that realy seemed like our old fashion Sundays that we used to have up north." Has been suffering from dysentery. Describes what it is like to be a...

GLC03523.14.27

to Maria Damuth

Writes to thanks his sister for a package she has sent him, "I think more of the handkerchief than any thing." Describes the evening before when, on picket, "we could here the rebels sing Methodist hyms I think they are all like devils very pious...

GLC03523.14.28

to John Damuth

Describes the daily routine of the soldiers, who "sharp shoot day times and stand picket and dig rifle pits nights." Some men are about to attempt to infiltrate a nearby Rebel fort. The life of the soldiers laying siege to Vicksburg is filled with...

GLC03523.14.29

to Maria Damuth

Complains of boils all over his legs. Firing on Rebel lines continues and "yesterday our men blew up another of thear Forts." Rails against Democrats as traitors and tells his sister not to spend any money at stores owned by Wisconsin Democrats....

GLC03523.14.30

to Maria Damuth

Rebels are flying flags of truce and Grant has declared "that the surrender must be unconditionly and compleat." Describes "a friendly chat" between Union and Rebel soldiers, taking place as they stood in their picket lines.

GLC03523.14.31

to Maria Damuth

Writes about the surrender of Vicksburg the day before: "you could see white flags on all of thear works it was the happyest 4th of July I ever saw." Is going on an expedition to Black River. Describes the defeated Rebels scavenging for food. The...

GLC03523.14.32

to Maria Damuth

Damuth's regiment has moved from Natchez, Mississippi, to New Orleans, where "we have a good cool breeze right off the Salt water." Describes the trip down the river. Some deserters are left off the boat at Port Hudson and Damuth proclaims, "I had...

GLC03523.14.33

to Maria Damuth

The men have marching orders but no information about how long they will stay in New Orleans. Damuth reminisces about Grant's succinct orders. Believes they will travel to "[Mobile] or Texas." Writes that the weather is mild, "I have seen warmer...

GLC03523.14.34

to Maria Damuth

Writes on paper sent to him by his sister and teases, "I guess you thought if you sent this size paper you would get large letters." She has also sent him some socks, and Damuth thanks her for them but adds, "I think I would rather be the one that...

GLC03523.14.35

to Maria Damuth

The soldiers have been setting up camp in Berwick, tearing down old buildings and establishing their own quarters. It rains all the time and the men are woken in the night with their tents flooded, but they make the best of it. Damuth writes that...

GLC03523.14.36

to Maria Damuth

The men have moved to a new camp. They pass through Franklin, Louisiana, and marched a total of fifty-five miles to their new campground. The men are eating well and Damuth believes they will "all come out fat." They are marching for the Gulf of...

GLC03523.14.37

to Damuth family

In two days, the soldier have marched twenty-five miles, "the greatest marching we have ever done." Towards the end of the day's march, Damuth and another soldier fall back from exhaustion and arrive at camp after the rest of the regiment. He...

GLC03523.14.38

to Maria Damuth

Writes from the same campground where he wrote his last letter. Damuth thinks they will be there for some time. They are very isolated, "for all I know peace may be declaired now we are so far from any whear." The men have noticed a "great...

GLC03523.14.39

to Maria Damuth

The men have turned around and he thinks they may be heading back to New Orleans. On their return path, they meet some mounted Rebel soldiers and engage in a skirmish until the Rebels are driven back. Eagerly anticipates voting for the Union ticket...

GLC03523.14.40

to John and Joan Damuth

Describes a battle in which the Union men chased the Rebel cavalry to Opelousas. After the battle, the Union forces camped in Barron's Landing, Louisiana, for eight days. The men believe that any expedition to Texas has been forgotten. They...

GLC03523.14.41

to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister about doing guard duty on a plantation near camp. The soldiers encounter enslaved people who remained living on the plantation. Damuth purchases food from them and enters their homes. Describes that the enslaved people observe...

GLC03523.14.42

to his family

Ticknor writes to his family from Nashville. Reports the weather is pleasant. Informs of all the stops he made on the way to Nashville. Comments he has picket duty every four days. Discusses foraging for food and cattle. Anticipates an attack soon...

GLC03523.30.09

to father, mother, brother and sisters

Ticknor writes to his family from camp on Stone River, Tennessee. Reports on the successful battle of Stone River that took place on 31 December 1862. Praises Union General William S. Rosecrans. Comments he is waiting to hear good news from Union...

GLC03523.30.10

to his family

Ticknor writes to his family from Chattanooga. Reports the rebels are on three sides of them, and the Tennessee River is at their rear. Complains of hard times, living on one quarter rations with very little clothing. Reports very little shelling...

GLC03523.30.11

to friends at home

Ticknor writes to his friends from Kingston, Georgia. Reports they are in pursuit of Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston and his troops. Informs they routed Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston at Dalton, Georgia and again ten miles away...

GLC03523.30.12

to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Camp Lyon. Discusses his holiday party and how he "...devoured his share of all the delicate dishes from the North." Complains of the hard crackers used as bread on marches. Informs there are two hundred...

GLC03523.31.01

to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Camp Goodell. Reports there are 1200 soldiers there. Complains of sleeping on the cold ground with no blanket for a few nights. Says they are divided into squads of eight men who share a tent. Mentions they do...

GLC03523.31.02

to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Camp Goodell. Expresses gratitude for her letter and says when the mail arrives, the soldiers "...flock to the office like sheep." Says once the letters are read the band plays "the girl I left behind." Reports...

GLC03523.31.03

to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Camp Goodell. Reflects on the possibility of being killed. Reports his regiment is now part of the U.S. Army under Union General George B. McClellan, and they will be moving to western Virginia. Letter is very...

GLC03523.31.04

to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Camp Pope. Discusses his loneliness for the female sex, "You know it is not nature to be thus alone." Mentions shaving his whiskers close to his face and getting a severe cold. Comments on the constant rain, damp...

GLC03523.31.05

to Father

Writes short note, conveying that everything is well. Encloses a present for Louisa, possibly his sister, and money for Billie, possibly his brother. Remarks that they will probably leave this camp in two or three days. Written in pencil.

GLC03523.08.42

to Father

Reports that they have gone on picket duty on the South side of the James River, one week before Harrison's Landing was evacuated. Details that they have been ordered to reinforce General John Pope's army at Rappahannock Station. Describes a battle...

GLC03523.08.43

to Father

Writes that is at the hospital in Baltimore, sick with diarrhea, and as a result missed the fight at Middletown Heights. Asks that his father give his respects to Jack Burr, a fellow soldier who was sent home. Written in pencil.

GLC03523.08.44

to Sister

Tells his sister that he is still at the hospital with a cold. Writes that he is sorry Louisa, possibly another sister, has been sick. Reports that inspectors are coming on Monday to decide who will go back on duty or be transferred to the Invalid...

GLC03523.08.45

to Father and Mother

Reports that he has arrived in Baltimore this morning by train. Writes about a discussion held with the Ward Master regarding his possibly incorrect dispatch from the hospital. States that he had been sent to General William Montgomery's Headquarters...

GLC03523.08.46

to Sister

Writes that he is not sure how much longer it will be until he rejoins the regiments. Reports to his sister that he is still feeling very sick, with a fever and no appetite. Mentions that he thinks the whole army may cross the river into Virginia and...

GLC03523.08.47

to Father

Informs his father that he has gotten the position of Assistant Clerk at the hospital, and his health is much improved as he only has a "touch" of dysentery. Writes that he hopes Martha, possibly his sister, feels better soon. Reports that "they had...

GLC03523.08.48

to Father

Reports that he has gained four pounds since he has been at the hospital, noting that "the night I left Uncle Jimmy's I weighed 120 pounds" and he now weighs 124. Asks for his father's opinion on General George McClellan's removal of the army from...

GLC03523.08.49

to Father and Mother

Informs his parents that "the doctor does not yet know of my absence...the clerk assistant ward Master and Watchman were the only one that knew of it." Speaks of the Thanksgiving dinner and decoration preparations. Written on stationery with "US Army...

GLC03523.08.50

to Father

Writes to his father about Baltimore being under Marshal Law. Tells him that no soldiers are allowed out without a pass from the Provost Marshal because there was a fight at The Melodian, possibly a bar, where two soldiers were shot. Written on...

GLC03523.08.51

to Sister

Describes his Thanksgiving meal, detailing all the foods eaten. Tells his sister that he has a new job as Assistant Commissary at the hospital. Written on stationery with "US Army General Hospital, Newton University, Baltimore" letterhead.

GLC03523.08.52

to Sister

Asks his sister to send him more shirts. Reports that the soldiers are still under Marshal Law and are not allowed out without a pass after 7:30 at night (unless they are on duty). Describes his work duties, which are mostly to help the nurses...

GLC03523.08.53

to Sister

Writes short letter to his sister, telling her that he is busy with his work duties. Tells her that the person delivering this letter to her is a friend of his, James McCleary. Asks that she give his friend dinner when he brings her the letter...

GLC03523.08.54

to Father

Relays that the bearer of this letter is a friend of his, Charles M. Blackman, who is also a patient at the hospital. Asks that his father show him around Philadelphia. Written on stationery with "US Army General Hospital, Newton University...

GLC03523.08.55

to Sister

Thanks his sister for the neck tie that she sent him. Requests that she send him some New York Ledgers. Reports that the weather is "clear and cold." Written on stationery with "US Army General Hospital, Newton University, Baltimore" letterhead.

GLC03523.08.56

to Joseph Curtis and his wife, Mary Gorsuch Curtis

Written in camp near Vicksburg, Mississippi (possibly in Louisiana). Gorsuch, Captain of the 83rd Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, informs his aunt and uncle "I write to you quite frequently, and hear from you but rarely." Transmits a box of things...

GLC00653.09.06

to Joseph Curtis and his wife, Mary Gorsuch Curtis

Written in camp near Vicksburg, Mississippi (possibly in Louisiana). Gorsuch, Captain of the 83rd Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, replies to a letter from his aunt and uncle. Relates that two men from his company, Daniel D. Avey and Hillrick G...

GLC00653.09.07

to Joseph Curtis and his wife, Mary Gorsuch Curtis

Written in camp near Vicksburg, Mississippi (possibly in Louisiana). Gorsuch, Captain of the 83rd Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, replies to a letter from his aunt and uncle. Expects the Battle of Vicksburg to commence soon. Has heard rumors that...

GLC00653.09.08

to Joseph Curtis

Written in the field between Vicksburg and Jackson, Mississippi. Gorsuch, Captain of the 83rd Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, writes to his uncle. He wishes to describe the movement of his troops in detail, but writes that newspapers have covered...

GLC00653.09.09

to Sallie F. H. Keely

Author inferred based on handwriting and content. Gorsuch writes to Sallie, apparently a former member of a Sunday School class he taught in Brookville (possibly Ohio or Indiana). He reminisces about life before the war: "Dear old Brookville... How...

GLC00653.09.10

to Joseph Curtis

Gorsuch, Captain and Provost Marshal of the 13th Army Corps, Army of the Tennessee, writes to his uncle Joseph during the Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi. He states "My office is perfectly over run with business worse than ever you were 1st of...

GLC00653.09.11

to William Beckett

Gorsuch, Captain and Provost Marshal of the 13th Army Corps, writes to his friend the day the Union won the Battle of Vicksburg. He declares "Today is an era in our career as an army, and as individuals, for today Vicksburg has fallen. Long and...

GLC00653.09.12

to Joseph Curtis and his wife, Mary Gorsuch Curtis

Gorsuch, Captain and Provost Marshal of the 13th Army Corps, writes to his aunt and uncle as his corps attacks Jackson, Mississippi. He writes that the Union army attacked General Joseph E. Johnston's force, which was entrenched at Jackson, the...

GLC00653.09.13

to Joseph Curtis and his wife

Gorsuch, Captain and Provost Marshal of the 13th Army Corps, writes to his aunt and uncle in Hamilton, Ohio. He states that his corps will soon embark on the Texas Expedition. He discusses details regarding recruitment of Union soldiers in the South...

GLC00653.09.14

to Joseph Curtis

Gorsuch, Captain and Provost Marshal 13th Corps, Army of the Tennessee, writes to his uncle. He states that he just arrived, on the ship Clinton, from Texas. He refers to mutual acquaintances (possibly from Butler County, Ohio) including Captain...

GLC00653.09.16

Note regarding a case of malaria

In the collection of Joseph B. Gorsuch, Captain and Provost Marshal 13th Corps, Army of the Tennessee. Letter written in pencil. The author states "I have taken a fever from the poison of the southern malaria and become very weak. I am getting better...

GLC00653.09.17

unknown

The two envelopes held correspondence sent from Gorsuch, Captain and Provost Marshal of the 13th Army Corps, Army of the Tennessee, to his aunt and uncle in Hamilton, Ohio. One envelope indicates a date of July 30, though no year is cited. On the...

GLC00653.09.20

to his family

Writes that the regiment received news of the election results and were very much pleased. Describes the polling method used among the soldiers for the governor's race. Writes about how much he respects and admires General [Ambrose] Burnside and...

GLC03603.223

to his family

Notes that he is located "3 miles below Suffolk, on the opposite side of the Nansemond River from the Rebs." Writes of a confusion which resulted in Lieutenant Foss being discharged for not reporting on time and that he will miss Sam (Foss) who he...

GLC03603.224

to his family

Writes that he had set up a nice sleeping arrangement for himself at camp and was then ordered to march to Fort Jerico with his company. Mentions that he does not believe that his company will see any fighting as the fort they are guarding is not on...

GLC03603.233

to his family

Writes that he is not very busy and that his "chief employment is battling the flies." Mentions that he plans on visiting Lake Drumond with a group of other officers and that they are to be "poled out by a couple of darkies, the distance is 12 or 15...

GLC03603.237

to his family

Writes of his trip to Baltimore to take care of a savings bank matter. Notes that he has seen Cousin Ellen, Becky, John, James and wife and Mrs. Dr. Elisha. Says that he felt unprepared for visiting and feels he made a fool of himself.

GLC03603.239

to his family

Describes his trip to Baltimore, Maryland and how pleasant it was to see pretty shop windows and the faces of women. Writes again of seeing his cousin Ellen and his discomfort with being there and not being offered time or room to clean up. Provides...

GLC03603.240

to his family

Writes that they are still waiting to leave for battle. Believes that the higher-ups want to learn the outcome of the battle between [General Joseph] Hooker and [General Rovert E.] Lee before sending reinforcements.

GLC03603.245

to his family

Writes of being "ordered off" to the Army of the Potomac and then being relieved of that duty because another soldier wanted to go to Washington to pick up his pay. Says that Colonel Otis strives to make everything "as pleasant for us as possible."...

GLC03603.252

to his family

Writes jokingly that his family constantly suffers from illnesses while he is "growing fat and hearty." Mentions that General Hunt is to be relieved. Notes that his time is spent straightening out the account books and drilling the new recruits. The...

GLC03603.257

to his family

Writes of the lull in activity for officers in the camp. He is reading a book titled "Hard Cash." Describes a problem with the Ordinance Officer over vouchers.

GLC03603.261

to his mother and sister

Writes that most of the normal camp activities have been suspended because of bad weather and that he is working on supply and logistic reports. Says the he also passes the time whittling, reading the "Atlantic," and playing chess. Requests the...

GLC03603.266

to his family

Writes aboard the "The George Washington" that they are landing at City Point. Says that he does not believe that there will be any fighting and is unsure of where they are headed afterwards.

GLC03603.278

to his family

Encloses of draft of a thank you letter to Miss Greene. Thanks her for the glass and says that he is sure that no one can possibly understand how much the soldiers appreciate remembrances of home. Expresses a commitment to "crush this wicked...

GLC03603.198

to his family

Writes that he has a wall tent to himself and gives directions for George to come for a visit.

GLC03603.199

to his family

Writes that George should bring a knife and fork with him on his visit. Mentions seeing Kate Lott of New London at the review. Says that he doesn't "think the army is any place for ladies to visit and I should prefer to have all my lady friends stay...

GLC03603.200

to his family

He writes on his way back to camp after a visit home. He is traveling by rail and ferry and writes about leaving his scarf on-board the train. Written "All Along Shore."

GLC03603.201

to his family

Writes in anticipation of his brother's arrival. Hopes that they will have another large review while his brother is present. He writes that he really enjoyed an article that his mother has sent to him: "How a free people conduct a long war" by...

GLC03603.204

to his mother and sister

Writes about having to send George away and of the impression he made on the other officers. He is still unsure of why the regiment was moved.

GLC03603.210

to his family

Writes that he was regretful for sending George away so suddenly. He did so because of a rumor that the regiment might be involved in a battle. Some officers have their wives with them. Says that he has heard from Cousin Lemuel that George is very...

GLC03603.211

to his family

Thanks his mother for sending the newspapers and clippings. Writes of experiencing a very bad snow storm and the poor conditions of the enlisted mens' shelters. Whiskey was served to the entire regiment for warmth. Believes that his regiment is...

GLC03603.212

Charles Morgan Coit to George O. Coit

Writes that he wishes George could have come with him but that it was a very long, cold journey from Newport News to Suffolk. Asks that George write him from Baltimore, Maryland. Written at Camp Suffolk.

GLC03603.213

to his family

Writes that General Harland has told him that there is a chance that he will be made Major of the Regiment. Requests that his family keep this a secret as he is sure that it is only a slight possibility. Says that he is relieved that General [Ambrose...

GLC03603.214

to his family/Orderly Gammwell

Writes that he wishes that the receiver's furlong would be long enough to cast a vote for "the suppression of Rebellion". Makes reference to the Hartford Convention of 1863. A draft of a note written to Orderly Gammwell but sent to his family with...

GLC03603.215

to his family

Writes he and his company wish they could go back to Connecticut to vote on the Conscription Act, which calls for a draft and excuses men who can furnish a viable replacement or pay the government $300. Says he has heard that an officer cannot walk...

GLC03603.216

to his family

Responds to questions from his family about fixtures in their rental properties. Expresses interest in the results of the election and requests that a chess set be sent to him via one of the Norwich men who are home on furlough. Writes that he has...

GLC03603.217

to his family

Writes that the enemy is surrounding Suffolk and "The cannon[s] are cannons are booming away at short intervals," though they have not been attacked yet. Notes that one of the pickets from his Regiment was attacked a few days ago. His brigade has...

GLC03603.218

to his family

Writes that he is in command of a picket of 50 men. He does not believe there is any reason to be afraid of attack as they have been withdrawing their forces during the day.

GLC03603.219

to his family

Writes that he does not believe that there is any further danger of attack. He says "tho' the gunboats keep firing away I doubt whether they see anything to fire at."

GLC03603.220

to his family

Writes that he has been very busy making up his equipment and Ordinance reports. He can hear the 103rd New York Regiment band serenading Colonel Beach's lady. Mentions the money that he sent via Captain Moore again and the photographs of Colonel Ward...

GLC03603.221

to his family

Writes about the dismissal of Lieutenant Samuel Foss and responds to a letter sent by his family mentioning George Coit living away from home to attend school.

GLC03603.222

to his family

Writes about going on a recognizance mission to check out some houses beyond the picket line. The mission was commanded by Captain Stevens, who Coit believed had scoped out the area and deemed the mission safe. Reports being fired at by no fewer than...

GLC03603.225

to his family

Writes that the regiment has established a camp near the portion of the river that they are trying to defend. Comments about Colonel Ward having command over a few regiments as a "compliment for his gallant behavior" when he took control of all the...

GLC03603.226

to his family

Writes that they marched to Fort Dix. Describes General Corcoran and 6-8,000 troops going on a recognizance mission and retreating when they saw a rebel battery with a few hundred troops manning it. Criticizes other recent military moves and...

GLC03603.227

to his family

Writes that his regiment has been building corduroy roads and gabions. Notes that some people are making "queer remarks" about General Peck. One man said that he hoped that General Peck was killed and went to hell before the soldier did. That way...

GLC03603.228

to his family

Writes that there is a "heavy force across the river and the firing has been incessant." Notes that his Regiment is split in two with one half out on a mission and Coit's half camped in the woods. He passes on descriptions of fighting near the river...

GLC03603.229

to his family

Writes that they are all excited by the news about [Joseph] Hooker. Coit believes that the end of the war will involve the Army of the Potomac. Notes that he shared his brother's plan to go to the Scientific School in New Haven with Colonel Harland...

GLC03603.230

to his family

Says that he has hired a new servant named Bill. The Chaplin gave the soldiers a supply of new books and newspapers. Requests that his mother take the money he has sent and buy some letter paper to write him rather than the "old scraps" she has been...

GLC03603.231

to his family

Sends a declaration of defeat from Major General Peck to his family with only one addition: "Bah!!"

GLC03603.232

to his family

Writes that part of the regiment has been commanded to prepare three days rations and march as soon as possible. Coit and his company are to stay on duty at Fort Jerico. Says that there is nothing for him or the company to do at the fort and that he...

GLC03603.234

to his family

Writes that they have returned to the same site that they had camped at a month ago but that a new camp has been erected on its site. Mentions that he plans on extending his tent by building an 'evergreen bower' and hanging his hammock. Requests that...

GLC03603.235

[General Order #75]

Comments on [General Ambrose] Burnside's General Order thanking the 9th Regiment for their "behavior in their brilliant action before Suffolk, V.A." Writes that he and the others are happy to have been remembered by General Burnside and refers to him...

GLC03603.236

to his family

Writes about the trip into the swamp that he took with the other officers last weekend. Also writes of a soldier who causes him trouble. He requests black pepper, black tea and other food and mess items to be sent to him. Responds to the request for...

GLC03603.238

to his family

Writes that his company has been relieved of duty at Ft. Jerico and sent to rejoin their regiment. The box that his family sent has arrived and he thanks them and mentions that several of the jars had broken in shipping. Describes using sweet gum...

GLC03603.241

to his family

Writes of commanding a picket line. Also, he writes of receiving word of the Rebel raid into Maryland and Pennsylvania. Says that he does not believe the rebellion will last much longer. Writes that he presumes that the camp they are in will soon be...

GLC03603.242

to his family

Notes that they have marched and are camping near Portsmouth, Virginia. Believes that they are to wait there while Keyes' force attempts to create a diversion or capture Richmond, Virginia. Writes of the regret that the regiment feels "that our state...

GLC03603.243

to his family

Writes of marching and arriving at Yorktown. Mentions that this was the site that General "McC's" troops were camped a year ago and describes an incident in which a black Rebel sharpshooter hid out in a tree and picked off the Union men until he...

GLC03603.244