Collection Search

to Harriet Moore

Written aboard USS "Fernandina." References her letter of 5 November, noting that it was the first definite news of the election they received, and the first information from the North. Says he heard from two South Carolina deserters that Lincoln...

GLC03836.79

to R. West

Says the election turned out alright and that Pennsylvania redeemed herself. Says 2 deserters told him of a sloop with 10 bales of cotton that is trying to run the blockade. He has since been searching for her. Has heard Sherman is 20 miles from...

GLC03836.80

to Harriet Moore

Says there is a northeast gale blowing and that the ship is lying with both its anchors down and all their ordinary occupations suspended. Says it is "peculiarly comfortable and cosy" writing to her in a heavy gale. Says they are all excited for...

GLC03836.81

to R. West

Says Sherman has reached the coast. Says they have been expecting him and that they were ordered by the admiral to send boats up to the headwaters to get the latest news. Says he spoke to an officer who met up with some of Sherman troops. The officer...

GLC03836.82

to Harriet Moore

References her previous letter. Says there was excitement when the army first made it to the coast, but that things have gone back to normal since the capture of Savannah. Says the troops have been ordered against plundering in Savannah, but that it...

GLC03836.83

to Harriet Moore

References receiving her letter of 5 January. Says his Christmas was subdued, but that he did manage to get a turkey for dinner. Says "By the way, was not Sherman's dispatch to the president presenting Savannah as a Christmas gift, a neat thing?"...

GLC03836.85

to Harriet Moore

References her letter of 28 January. Reports that he heard of the news of the fall of Charleston. Says that all the ports into the Confederacy are now closed and that Mexico is the only way to bring goods into the South now. Reports that "The rebel...

GLC03836.86

to A. J. Smith

Copy of a letter written by Acting Master West to Smith as 4th Auditor of the Treasury. Wants to know where he can apply to settle his accounts now that his resignation has been accepted.

GLC03836.87

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

Writes favorable news from Vicksburg that Grant has captured many prisoners and canons. He spent his birthday on picket while it rained all day and night. Updates his family on camp news and his activities. On a separate sheet dated Sunday evening...

GLC07460.033

to Eliza Jane Bope

Bope writes to his sister reporting that brother John is well. Complains about the continuous rain and states that one of their men was shot. Writes about the rebels destroying a bridge over Green River. Comments that they are waiting for artillery:...

GLC03523.03.01

to John Bope Sr.

Bope writes to his father from Camp Wood. Reports on a battle with the Rebels and states that 19 men were killed and more wounded in his regiment. Comments that the Rebels have a camp four miles from him and he is sending his father ninety dollars...

GLC03523.03.02

to Lydia Bope

Bope writes to his mother from Camp Wood. Expresses thanks for the candy she sent for Christmas. Letterhead has a drawing of a cannon and American flag with the phrase "OUR COMPROMISE" written underneath. Envelope has a humorous image and caption...

GLC03523.03.03

to Eliza Jane Bope

Conrad Bope writes to his sister. Comments it is the New Year and they have nothing to do. Brother John is well and in his tent as he writes. Reports he was on picket duty and once the bridge is rebuilt over the Green River, they will march to...

GLC03523.03.04

Collection of Lewis D. Fairchild [decimalized]

Collection contains 14 wardate letters and 13 envelopes of Lewis D. Fairchild. Fairchild enlisted on 4 January 1864 at Exeter, New York as a private. He was mustered into "L" Co. New York 2nd Heavy Artillery.

GLC03523.06

to Sephronia Fairchild

Fairchild writes to his wife from Elmira, New York on 9 February 1864 and completes the letter on 10 February 1864 from Norwich, New York. Once at Norwich, he states he was made assistant sergeant of the barracks. His health has never been better...

GLC03523.06.02

to Sephronia Fairchild [incomplete]

Fairchild writes to his wife from Fort Corcoran in Arlington, Virginia. It appears to be an incomplete letter as there is no signature and the text ends abruptly. Gives a history of his troops movements to date. Complains about the food and blames...

GLC03523.06.03

to Sephronia Fairchild

Fairchild writes to his wife from Fort Corcoran in Arlington, Virginia. Reports that he is building roads from his fort to another. States that the coats and guns have arrived and his regiment is learning to use the guns. He offers advice regarding...

GLC03523.06.04

to Sephronia Fairchild

Fairchild writes to his wife from City Point Hospital, City Point, Virginia. Discusses helping to care for the wounded soldiers after a brief illness: "...I am very grateful that I was afflicted in that way. I think it is a great deal better than to...

GLC03523.06.05

to Sephronia Fairchild

Fairchild writes to his wife from Coal Harbor, Virginia. He refers to his survival of the Battle of Coal Harbor, 1 June,1865 and speaks of God and Providence in sparing him. States they are marching on to Richmond and he expects to be there within 60...

GLC03523.06.06

to Sephronia Fairchild

Fairchild writes to his wife from camp outside Petersburg, Virginia. Mentions they are waiting for General Ulysses S. Grant to bring in reinforcements. Comments that his rheumatism is bothering him and he writes of a possible furlough in order to...

GLC03523.06.07

to Sephronia Fairchild

Fairchild writes to his wife from camp "right in front of Petersburg," Virginia. Writes about heavy fighting; "our boys mowed the Rebels down like wheat" and took two thousand prisoners. Reports that one hundred volunteers charged and captured a...

GLC03523.06.08

to Sephronia Fairchild

Fairchild writes to his wife from City Point, Virginia says the siege is progressing slowly. Informs that General William T. Sherman captured Savannah. Discusses his wife joining a sewing society to make clothing for the soldiers and he questions...

GLC03523.06.09

to Sephronia Fairchild

Fairchild writes to his wife from a camp near City Point, Virginia. Reports that he has been in the hospital with rheumatism and is pleased with his care. Informs he is doing picket duty on the Appomattox River and mentions seeing Rebels. Wishes for...

GLC03523.06.10

to Sephronia Fairchild

Fairchild writes to his wife from a camp near Petersburg, Virginia. Mentions that men are getting furloughs if their wives are sick. Relates that a deserter was hung, "...it did look awful to see a human being launch in erternity so quick..." Advises...

GLC03523.06.11

to Sephronia Fairchild

Fairchild writes to his wife from a camp near Alexandria, Virginia that he is frustrated by the delay of being mustered out. Anticipates he will be home no later than 1 July 1865. Informs that the last of the Rebel forces in Texas surrendered and his...

GLC03523.06.12

to Lewis D. Fairchild

Sephronia writes to her husband Lewis asking when he will be discharged. States that the family is waiting and watching for his return every day. States many soldiers are returning home and that all who enlisted under the Act of 1863 (the first...

GLC03523.06.13

to Sephronia Fairchild

Fairchild writes to his wife Sephronia from Fort Corcoran in Arlington, Virginia. Reports he is ill with fever and dizziness and has little appetite. Says he will be home by 1 October 1865. Comments that his regiment is the last to muster out and...

GLC03523.06.14

to R. West [incomplete]

Says they arrived in the Navy Yard at Washington the night before after being towed up the Potomac River. As they came up the river they heard "furious cannonading which never ceased until after our arrival at the city and learned that a desperate...

GLC03836.10

to R. West

Says little has happened and they remain anchored at Alexandria. Says they were told to wait in readiness to man the town's batteries last night, but nothing came of it. Says the USS "Pawnee" is docked next to them. Went on shore and describes the...

GLC03836.12

to R. West

Says the scattered troops have been reorganized. Reports on conditions in town saying "I took a party of seamen on Saturday night as a reinforcement for those already in the trenches, and was painfully struck by the appearance of things in general...

GLC03836.13

to R. West

Received 2 letters from his mother and four from his sister Mary. Says he went up to Washington and got the box sent to him. Says Captain Parrott left and has been replaced with Captain Haggerty. Has not been able to form an opinion on his character...

GLC03836.14

to R. West

Tells his mother that he received an appointment as Acting Master in the U.S. Navy. Says he is now detached from the USS "Perry" and has been ordered to report to Flag Officer Stringham at Hampton Roads for duty on the USS "Wabash." Took the oath of...

GLC03836.18

to Lewis West

Two official orders on one page. First one signed by Secretary of the Navy Welles. Co-signed by Captain Samuel Mercer and Commander A.S. Glipan. Says he has been appointed as Acting Master. Tells him to proceed to Hampton Roads to meet with Flag...

GLC03836.19

to R. West

Is at Hampton Roads for repairs. Gives an account of the collision. When on board the USS "Flag," he noticed the ship was not well disciplined. Describes the crew. Goes on to describe in detail how the frigate USS "Susquehanna" and the "Flag" came to...

GLC03836.22

to R. West

Says there has been a major shuffling of commands. Commodore Stringham and Captains Nicholson of the USS "Roanoke," Mercer of the USS "Wabash," and Hull of the "Savannah," have all been detached. Says Goldsborough is to become flag officer and that...

GLC03836.23

to R. West

Written aboard the USS "Alabama." Encloses a one-page hand-drawn chart of the 7 November 1861 naval battle at Port Royal Harbor, which he had copied by "placing a sheet of thin paper" over the original. Reports that the original chart had been made...

GLC03836.27

to R. West

Tells his mother that he is sailing for the Chesapeake tomorrow. Says they have an entirely new complement of officers on his ship, except for him. Says the changes are for the better. The captain is from New Hampshire and is "sound on the goose...

GLC03836.05

to R. West

Says they were supposed to leave earlier, but had to wait for the paymaster. They might leave tomorrow. Says the "secessionists" got some batteries up on both sides of the river and fired on the "Monticello" (West says she was also called the "Star")...

GLC03836.06

to R. West

Says nothing has happened recently except coming across a vessel from Bremen, Germany that was bound for Charleston. The "Minnesota" ordered it off and sent it to Baltimore. It is understood that they will be stationed off Fernandina, near the mouth...

GLC03836.07

to R. West

Letter begins on 8 June at sea and continues on 17 June (he writes July 17, but that is impossible) at Fernandina, Florida; 27 June; 8 July; and 16 July at Hampton Roads, Virginia. On 8 June says he is 30 miles south of Savannah and near their...

GLC03836.08

to R. West

Signed twice by West. A follow up letter to GLC03836.08. Says his ship will resupply at Hampton Roads and then cruise between there and Cape Hatteras. Hopes that "we shall do our duty more efficiently than we have so far, as the blockade we...

GLC03836.09

to R. West

Says the news about the Battle of Bull Run has been confirmed, "Our army has suffered a most shameful and bloody defeat." Says all the fugitives streamed into Alexandria and "at one time it was thought it would be expedient to set fire to the...

GLC03836.11

to R. West

References her letter of 9 August. Also received a letter from Hill from 9 August. Sent documents to Jim Roosevelt (a merchant who employed West before the war) that Hill requested to be sent. Says there is no set timeframe for his ship going out to...

GLC03836.15

to R. West

Says their commander will be changed again. Says his ship has had 4 captains since he has been assigned to her. Reports that their first lieutenant will not leave as he is very young, but that he has improved discipline greatly. Wants a young...

GLC03836.16

to Weir

Says he has little to tell him. Relates to him how he ended up in Alexandria in the aftermath of Bull Run. Says "I could not help thinking that if I was an inhabitant, I should prefer having an enemy to a friend to do the protecting; however as...

GLC03836.17

to R. West

Arrived at Fortress Monroe in the morning and discovered "to my disgust" that his expedition has already sailed. Reported to Captain Gleason of the USS "Mount Vernon" as the senior commander at the fort and was told he had to find quarters wherever...

GLC03836.20

to R. West

Says he is still waiting for his ship to arrive. Describes the people he has met at the fort. References General John Wool -- "Old Wool" -- who works the troops in reviews and drills. Says "I never saw a more beautiful sight than a review of the 4th...

GLC03836.21

to R. West

Says they are going at least as far south as Charleston, as they will be dropping off officers there. Has heard they might attack Charleston and claims 18 transport ships will be joining them down to South Carolina, enough to hold 25,000 troops...

GLC03836.24

to R. West

Says he was detached from the USS "Wabash," and ordered to take the place of a sick officer on the USS "Alabama." Claims "It is extremely irritating to be shifted about in this way, just as I get accustomed to one ship to be unceremoniously bundled...

GLC03836.25

to R. West

Sent this letter by a prize they took that morning. The prize was being sent back to Hampton Roads. Several hours after reporting for duty on the USS "Alabama," he was sent to Charleston to relieve the USS "Susquehanna," which was having engine...

GLC03836.26

to R. West

References his mother's letter of 26 November. Says the Confederates are trying to avoid the blockade by stopping in Nassau and transferring their cargo to smaller ships to slip past the Union Navy. Says the Union controls the sea islands off South...

GLC03836.28

to R. West

Says he started down for Fernandine. Says they previously boarded an English ship loaded with salt heading for New Brunswick. The ship had a letter stating that it should try to get to Savannah, Georgia if possible, but to go to New Brunswick...

GLC03836.29

to R. West

References his mother and sister's letters of 19 and 20 December and another from 6 January. Mentions remembering his father riding on a pig's back down Seventh Street along the Schuylkill River. Says the fog has been bad lately, which helps ships...

GLC03836.30

to R. West

Says they are still waiting at Warsaw Sound. After the arrival of a refugee from Savannah, they received newspapers from both Savannah and Charleston giving accounts of Buell's successes in the West. The newspapers state the Confederates lost 10,000...

GLC03836.31

to R. West

Sent 340 dollars in gold to his father's address. Says the USS "Flag" arrived with news that the Confederates fled St. John's on the approach of gunboats. Mentions the destruction of the USS "Cumberland" and "Congress," by the CSS "Merrimack." Says...

GLC03836.32

to R. West

Says they had an easy run from Baltimore to Port Royal. Reports that St. John's, Jacksonville, and St. Augustine are under Union control. Says the army is afraid of Confederate attacks around Port Royal and has requested more vessels. Praises...

GLC03836.33

to R. West

Says he just arrived in St. Augustine from Mosquito Inlet and that he will sail for Port Royal within the hour. Reports that just before they arrived at Mosquito Inlet, several ships that went upriver to attack a Confederate fort were ambushed...

GLC03836.34

to Weir

References his friend's letter of 3 April. References Farragut and Porter's running of the forts below New Orleans. Tells the story of a ship that snuck past him. Tells of other run-ins while on blockading duty. Relates a conversation he had with a...

GLC03836.35

to R. West

Says a new lieutenant arrived on his ship and that he is now again a watch officer. Says he did not want to be an executive officer, but once he had the position it was difficult to give it back. Has applied to be ordered to another vessel, but does...

GLC03836.36

to Mary West

Written by Lewis to his sister Mary. Continues the letter on 30 August and 5 September. Disparages where he is stationed, saying it is desolate and lacks civilized life. Says he has been made an executive officer again, due to personnel changes on...

GLC03836.37

to R. West

Rumors abound of a Confederate attack on Newport News by Longstreet's Corps and riverboats. Says the "Galena," "Patapsco," "Minnesota," "Pawnee," "Ladona," "Commodore Morris," and "Commodore Perry," are present. Says things are in order, but he has...

GLC03836.40

to R. West

References his mother's letter of 20 January. Says they are waiting in Newport News under sailing orders, which means they could leave at any minute or sit for an indefinite period. Says the tugboats are sent 8 or 9 miles upriver to keep a lookout...

GLC03836.41

to R. West

Says they arrived at Port Royal towing the ironclad "Weehawken" after a stormy passage. Describes sailing in the storm in detail. They wanted to cut the "Weehawken" loose, but no one could get on her deck to release the chain. Updates her on recent...

GLC03836.42

to R. West

Signed twice by West. Says his destination has been changed from Key West to Bull's Bay, 12 miles north of Charleston. Says the damage to the "Weehawken" did not occur from the stormy voyage, but from "treachery at home." Mechanics took her machinery...

GLC03836.43

to Weir

References Weir's poor health. Says "The only difference between the blockade here now, and last year is, that if possible it is more inefficient than it was. It seems to me that the slowest ships and the thickest headed commanding officers are...

GLC03836.44

to R. West

Says nothing has occurred since his last letter. Reports that the Confederates are improving their defenses to the harbor. Says "By the time they have completed their last battery, I presume there will be no longer any reasonable excuse for delaying...

GLC03836.45

to R. West

Might be an incomplete letter. Says the recent attack on Charleston was unsuccessful. Describes the battle in detail. Says "The result of this action is mortifying, but as I never felt very sanguine of it's success I can't say I am disheartened."

GLC03836.46

to Mary West

Writes to his sister. Says nothing has occurred since the battle at Charleston except their capture of a schooner at Bull's Bay. In frustration says "I have now given up all hope of the Ladona ever doing anything. She is now so covered with grass and...

GLC03836.47

to R. West

Says he has not written because he has been busy with the absence of Mr. Carr and the discharge of their master at arms, both of whose duties he has to see to. Says the blockade is as bad as it has usually been, with ships running it every day. Says...

GLC03836.48

to R. West

Signed twice by West. Was given command of the "Ladona" 3 or 4 days previously, as Captain Calhoun was told to take command of the "Weehawken" very suddenly. Was happy for his captain's new opportunity, but sorry to see him leave the "Ladona." Says...

GLC03836.51

to R. West

Says he arrived at Charleston on 11 July and that the attack on the city started on the 10th. Reports Union forces have taken all of Morris Island except Fort Wagner. Describes the situation around Fort Wagner. Says the navy might have to land some...

GLC03836.52

to Mary West [incomplete]

Written by Lewis to his sister Mary. References receiving her and Weir's joint letter. Says he will "not be altogether satisfied" if Lee is allowed to escape across the Potomac. Wants to know who General Meade is. Hopes to add Charleston to the...

GLC03836.53

to Weir

Mentions that Weir had gout. Weir had sent West a letter relaying a gloomy political scene in the North, and West responds saying "having passed the largest part of my life afloat, I am not much of a judge of the political feelings of people at home...

GLC03836.54

to Weir

References Weir's letter of 24 July. Says he just arrived in Charleston from Bull's Bay and that he is going to Edisto to coal. His one month of command has ended as Acting Lieutenant Broadhead has taken over. He likes Broadhead, saying he is young...

GLC03836.55

to R. West

Says he is on board the USS "New Ironsides." Says it will probably not be permanent as she has a full compliement of officers. Says a small vessel made an attempt to destroy their ship with a torpedo, but they only succeeded in destroying his own...

GLC03836.58

to R. West

Says he sailed on the USS "Paul Jones" and arrived in Charleston 4 days later. Was then sent to the USS "New Ironsides" for duty. Was about to be reassigned to a monitor when an unexpected torpedo attack from the torpedo boat CSS "David" wounded an...

GLC03836.59

to Mary West

References receiving her latest letter. Says "For the first time since I have been in the service I feel thoroughly discontented. I fancied in coming here I was at length going to see active service but find just the reverse." Says they witnessed the...

GLC03836.60

to Harriet Moore

References receiving her latest letter. Speaks cynically about the situation off the South Carolina coast, saying "It really seems as if there was a fatality about all our operations. here, every thing being put off too long. Everybody knows now that...

GLC03836.61

to R. West

References his mother's letter of 1 March 1864. Was the pilot for a group of ships that landed 300 soldiers at Bull's Island, South Carolina. The troops disembarked the same day without encountering any Confederate troops. Says that she is right that...

GLC03836.62

to Harriet Moore

References her letter of 14 March 1864. Says her opinion that he is "decidedly blue" is correct. Says it is depressing to have spent 3 years as he has at the age of 35. Speaks positively of the "change of feeling that has been wrought in public...

GLC03836.63

to unknown

Possibly an incomplete letter. Describes a fight that three gunboats had in Stono Inlet. Says the boats saw "a large party of contrabands whom a troop of cavalry were endeavoring to drive off. As the gunboats approached the slaves waded out as deep...

GLC03836.64

to Harriet Moore

References her previous letter. A playful letter in response to Harriet's account of a fair at home. Says their boring existence continues and that the only distraction is going fishing 7 or 8 miles outside of Charleston. Says that "The white troops...

GLC03836.65

to his parents

Writes that he has just been paid twenty-six dollars. Has been ordered to March to Springfield tomorrow morning. His regiment is under command of Sigel. Asks his parents to collect a sixty-five dollar note he has if anything should happen to him....

GLC06728.012

to his parents

Reports that he has survived the battle (most likely the battle of Pea Ridge, fought on March 7th). Writes that it's been reported that Ben McCullough was killed by someone in Weeks' regiment. The battle lasted three days of which the last two were...

GLC06728.013

to his parents

Describes the Battle of Pea Ridge. Writes that the enemy lost about half its men with three thousand killed and wounded. Also writes that guns, muskets, and rifles are found stacked in the woods from soldiers that won't fight anymore and have gone...

GLC06728.014

to his parents

Writes that he has not marched in ranks since the battle (Pea Ridge). Reports that an artillery lieutenant shot a Benton Hussar. The lieutenant was later struck on the head with a saber several times by another Benton Hussar and was almost killed....

GLC06728.015

to his parents

Writes that he is six miles east from Forsyth, Mo., guarding a mill. Complains that the weather has been miserable and is made worse by the fact that he is corporal of a guard for the day. Is expecting to move tomorrow, but is not sure where. Is...

GLC06728.016

to his parents

Writes that he has marched about one thousand miles since he left Rolla. He is expecting to move sometime soon, but does not know where. Verifies that there were about three thousand Indians at the battle (Pea Ridge), some of which were prisoners.

GLC06728.017

to Nathan [King]

Reports that the enemy has been cut off while on the Tombigbee River. Cannonading has been heard every day as well as prisoners taken in. Writes that rebel paper is pretty and that there is plenty available in the area. Also writes that the corn...

GLC06728.018

to his parents

Updates his father on the commanders of the regiment. Writes that General Asboth is the Brigadier General, Nicolas Grensel is the colonel and also a member of the Free Masons;. Lieutenant Colonel Joselyn and Major Barry have resigned and Capt. J.Q...

GLC06728.019

to his sister

Writes that there was a brush with secesh cavalry who charged into the 7th Kansas cavalry. Seventeen men were killed two of which belong to Weeks' regiment. Describes his experience in Arkansas so far and writes that he was almost hit by firing...

GLC06728.020

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

Weeks thanks his family for the food and updates them on cmp news. Describes the various foods he has consumed since he received his family's packages and writes that he's "grown fat since yesterday morning".

GLC07460.032

to William Henry

Henry writes to his cousin William from Merriden Hill, three miles outside Washington, D.C. Continues letter from Virginia on 28 September 1861. Mentions heavy rain and marching through knee-deep mud. Discusses marches and the men's health. Written...

GLC03523.07.01

to John Bope Sr.

Bope writes to his father from a camp outside Chattanooga after a fierce battle with Confederate General Braxton Bragg and his troops for control of Chattanooga. Praises the bravery of the Union soldiers despite being outnumbered. Describes the...

GLC03523.03.13

to Eliza Jane Bope

Bope writes to his sister Eliza from camp in Chattanooga. Mentions a shortage of blankets. Encloses money for the family. Gives her an extensive list of food to send. States he has not seen younger brother Abe who is in "K" Co., Ohio 61st Infantry...

GLC03523.03.14

to John Bope Sr.

Bope writes to his father from camp in Moorefield, Virginia, informing him he is no longer at Camp Chase in Columbus, Ohio, guarding prisoners. Discusses the march to Moorefield. Mentions it has been raining for seven days. Letter is faded. Letter...

GLC03523.03.15

to Eliza Jane Bope

Bope writes to his sister from a camp near Stafford. Discusses picket duty. Mentions the surrender of Jackson, Mississippi, and comments the war will soon be over. Refers to a coward in his regiment who was willingly taken prisoner by the...

GLC03523.03.16

to Eliza Jane Bope

Bope writes to his sister from Warrington Junction. Complains of fatigue after marching for two months. Refers to Confederate General Robert E. Lee's communications being cut off from Richmond, Virginia. Comments "...that the report about Charlestwon...

GLC03523.03.17

unknown

Bope writes possibly to his sister Eliza, probably from a camp in Virginia. Comments on the "...plundering and destruction..." of Ohio by Confederate General John Morgan who was captured on 26 July 1863 and imprisoned at Camp Chase, Ohio. Expresses...

GLC03523.03.18

to John Sr. and Lydia Bope

Bope writes to his parents from Catlett's Station. Expects a big fight in or near Gordonsville, Virginia. Says Union General George Meade will be there soon. Comments that Confederate General Robert E. Lee has 80,000 men. Expresses confidence they...

GLC03523.03.19