Summer 2025 PD for K–12 teachers: Registration is now open!
Carte de visite of Henry L. Houghtalin
[1861]
Orange two-cent tax stamp on verso. Ink inscription on verso: "Henry L. Houghtalin." Vignette bust portrait in uniform.
GLC06272.14
Carte de visite of J.B. Warner
Blue two-cent tax stamp on verso. Ink inscription on verso: "Capt. J.B. Warner." Bust portrait in uniform.
GLC06272.15
Carte de visite [unidentified]
Half-length seated portrait in uniform.
GLC06272.16
Carte de visite [Unidentified]
Half-length portrait in uniform.
GLC06272.17
Carte de visite of Captain Deford
Ink inscription on verso: "Capt. Deford." Bust portrait in uniform.
GLC06272.18
Carte de visite of M.A. McDonell
Blue two-cent tax stamp on verso. Ink inscription on recto: "Respectfully yours, M.A. McDonell, Capt. 8th Mich. Cav."
GLC06272.19
Carte de visite of A.L. Hathaway
Millis' Gallery
Blue two-cent tax stamp on verso and Millis imprint on verso. Ink inscription on recto: "Yours truly, A.L. Hathaway, Capt. 8 Mich. Cav., Hartland, Michigan." Vignette bust portrait in uniform.
GLC06272.20
Schuyler C. Baldwin, fl. 1861
Baldwin imprint on verso. Full-length standing portrait in uniform.
GLC06272.21
Porter imprint and orange two-cent tax stamp on verso. "Felicity" inscribed in ink on recto. Seated three-quarter length portrait in uniform. M.H. Porter
GLC06272.22
Carte de visite of Jim Wells
Martin, B.S., fl. 1861
Martin imprint on verso. Ink inscription on verso: "Capt. Jim Wells." Bust portrait in uniform.
GLC06272.23
Carte de visite of A.E. Calkins
Blue two-cent tax stamp on verso. Ink inscription on verso: "Capt. A.E. Calkins[?]." Bust portrait in uniform.
GLC06272.24
to Nathanael Greene
3 June 1781
Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834
Written by Lafayette as commander of American forces in Virginia to General Greene as commander of the Southern Department. Lafayette is writing from his camp between the Rappahannock and North Anna Rivers. Updates Greene on the cat and mouse...
GLC06323
An act to increase the efficiency of the cavalry of the Confederate States.
February 23, 1865
Confederate States of America. Congress
stamp of record division
GLC06745.008
House of Representatives, No. 344. A Bill To be entitled An Act to provide for auditing and paying for horses and equipments taken from dismounted cavalrymen for the use of the Government. 1865/01/20. 1 p. P & W: 792. C: 522.
January 20, 1865
GLC06745.150
Diary of Sergeant in Company E, 11th New York Cavalry
1863/06
Millet, Charles, fl. 1863
A member of the cavalry unit known as "Scott's nine hundred." Millet kept as a record for his family in case he did not survive. It details his activities in Virginia and Maryland before, during and after the Gettysburg campaign. It contains a...
GLC06847
To the Youth of Alabama: We are calling to arms! [recruitment broadside]
1864/03/25
Rivers, William J., fl. 1864
Recruiting "Cavalry to be composed of those under [age] 18" to fight under Gen. Pillow. Once mounted in an album or scrapbook. On verso were adhered four undated newsclippings: two poems, one news story describing the positions of former Confederate...
GLC06851
Cavalry tactics: or Regulations for the instruction... of the cavalry
1862/03/12
Brown, John Jr., 1821-1895
[Full title] "Cavalry Tactics: or regulations for the instruction, formations, and movements of the cavalry" by Philip St. George Cooke. Edition printed by Lippincott, 1862. Signed by Brown as member of Co. K., 1st Cavalry, 7th regiment Kansas...
GLC06724
to his sister
6 September 1862
Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882
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
9 April 1863
Reports that rebels have taken possession of a part of the Cumberland River, fifteen miles away. The rebels also burned a boat filled with sutler's goods. Describes the town of Clarksville and writes that there are two regiments of infantry, a...
GLC06728.042
3 April 1864
Writes that he has been ill with mumps but has almost fully recovered. Reports that the railroad from Knoxville to Chattanooga is complete. Also reports that Major General Howard is commanding the 4th corps. instead of [General Robert Granger]. In...
GLC06728.067
to unknown
January 27, 1865
Merritt, Wesley, 1834-1910
Marked Confidential at top of first page. Addressed only to Major. Detailed instructions for a secret cavalry movement in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. "The enemy has a force of... not more than two hundred men... picketing across the valley...
GLC06461
to Sarah Ogden
February 8,1864
Grey, John, fl. 1864
Writes to "Madam," likely referring to Sarah Ogden based on content. Thanks Ogden for her kindness to him during his stay in the hospital (likely the Broad and Cherry Streets Hospital). Express his anger at being sent off to war without even having...
GLC06559.041
20 March 1864
Writes to "Madam," likely referring to Sarah Ogden based on content. Writes he has been "continually scouting the country between Richmond and Williamsburg." States they have only had occasional skirmishes with the enemy. Notes the eleventh...
GLC06559.042
January 10, 1864
Welles, Edmund, fl. 1864
Writes from camp near Brandy Station. Says the lack of respect for the Sabbath shown by the men in camp angers him. Believes that the men serving in the Union Army will be able to say that they gave "life and limb in this cause of humanity." Says...
GLC06559.092
to Jefferson Davis
17 March 1864
Morgan, John Hunt, 1825-1864
Morgan beseeches Confederate president Davis to return his former regiments to his command. Mentions Breckinridge's Regiment, Dortch's Battalion, and other units. On verso is a Davis autograph note signed (with initials), asking the adjutant general...
GLC02460.10.01
6 December 1862
Polk, Leonidas, 1806-1864
General Polk writes to Davis, President of the Confederate States (and Polk's former roommate at West Point). Recommends Captain E. M. [Rucker?] for promotion to Colonel of Cavalry. Notes that Rucker has a command of that post, but lacks the...
GLC02460.12
to Braxton Bragg
14 March 1864
Wheeler, Joseph, 1836-1906
Wheeler, commanding Cavalry Corps, Army of Tennessee, writes to Bragg, overseeing Confederate military operations from Richmond, Virginia. Replies to correspondence from Bragg. Discusses the establishment of a military court: "... I must first...
GLC02460.18
to General [Wayne]
1 June 1864
Wright, Marcus Joseph, 1831-1922
Possibly to General Henry Constantine Wayne, Adjutant General of Georgia (1860-1865). Wright, commanding the district of Atlanta, reports: "I have sent an officer of my staff out this morning to find out something about the outrages mentioned in...
GLC02460.20
to Robert Seldon Garnett
29 May 1861
Chilton, Robert Hall, 1816-1879
Chilton writes to Colonel Garnett, Adjutant General of Virginia forces in Richmond, Virginia. Relates, "I have the honour, in consequence of appointment in Army of the Confederate States, to resign my commission as Colonel of Cavalry in the...
GLC02461.03
to John Letcher
30 September 1861
Magrunder, John Bankhead, 1807-1871
General Magruder requests that Captain Jeff Phillips (possibly Jefferson C. Phillips), of the 'Old Dominion Dragoons,' be promoted to the position of Lieutenant Colonel of a cavalry regiment. Relates that Phillips has been recommended by Colonels...
GLC02461.19
to Pierre G. T. Beauregard
April 29, 1864
Robertson, Beverly Holcombe, 1827-1910
General Robertson writes to Beauregard, who recently transferred from command of the Department of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida to the Department of North Carolina and Southern Virginia. Robertson writes, "I am anxious to be again in active...
GLC02461.30
to unknown "H.Q. 4th. Va. Cav."
5 October 1861
Colonel Robertson forwards a report from Lt. Col. Wickham of the Fourth Virginia Cavalry (Confederate) regarding his reconnaissance of their front lines and placement of pickets. Reports "I have today made a full reconnaisance of the entire front of...
GLC02461.34
to W. L. Elliott
18 December 1863
Sturgis, Samuel Davis, 1822-1889
Sturgis is prepared to follow Elliot with his cavalry, but worries about a nearby Rebel force. Written at Blair's Cross Roads.
GLC02462.24
to Edward D. Townsend
8 January 1863
Milroy, Robert Huston, 1816-1890
General Milroy writes to Townsend, Assistant Adjutant General. Transmits a letter captured at Woodstock, Virginia, by a cavalry battalion under his command (letter not included).
GLC02463.15
to David Ray
circa 20 March 1863
Stanley, David Sloane, 1828-1902
Year previously inferred from content. Stanley, Chief of Cavalry in the Army of the Cumberland, writes to Colonel D. M. Ray, commander of a cavalry brigade (possibly Daniel Mack Ray). Instructs Ray to send half of his command to Salem (Virginia) at...
GLC02463.21
to John T. Sprague, Adjutant General of New York.
6 July 1864
Wilson, James Harrison, 1837-1925
General Wilson, commander of the 3rd Division, Cavalry Corps, writes to Sprague, Adjutant General for the State of New York. Appears to have been directed to "Wm. T. Sprague," which is possibly a mistake, since John Titcomb Sprague was Adjutant...
GLC02463.27
to L. J. Cist
25 June 1863
Averell, William W., 1832-1900
Written in Grafton, possibly West Virginia. Brigadier General Averell replies to a note from Cist, collector of autographs for United States Sanitary Fairs. Recalls his Civil War service, including 2nd Lieutenant, 3rd U.S. Cavalry; Acting Assistant...
GLC02465.02
to Thomas Hillhouse
27 August 1862
Gibbs, Alfred, 1823-1868
Colonel Gibbs commanding Fort Wayne, writes to Hillhouse, Adjutant General in Albany, New York. Reports, "Having received official information from the War Department that my exchange has been effected, and that I am free to go to duty, I... offer...
GLC02465.12
to William Denison Whipple
1 August 1864
Parkhurst, John G., 1824-1906
Colonel Parkhurst describes the Battle of Brown's Mill (30-31 July 1864). Informs Union General Whipple that Colonel "James P. Brownlow has just come in here with a very few straggling cavalry entirely demoralized. Brownlow is barefooted. He...
GLC02465.17
to Captain Blount
February 25, 1864
Brownlow, William Gannaway, 1805-1877
Plans to leave for Cincinnati on the following Saturday. Referring to Confederate General James Longstreet, writes "Longstreet is retreating up the country. Our forces started ten thousand strong after him on yesterday, and were preceded the day...
GLC02467.08
to William Smith
January 26, 1864
Seddon, James A. (James Alexander), 1815-1880
Seddon, Secretary of War, replies to a communication from Smith, "concerning the statements of the Senators and Delegates of the Counties of Hardy and Hampshire, in reference to the conduct of some of the Cavalry of the Confederate States in the...
GLC02469.22
[Collection of Gustave Cook, H company, 8th regiment, Texas, cavalry] [decimalized]
1861-1865
Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897
#3 mentions intention to attend the Jeff Davis inaugural. #8 mentions Union POW's from 1st Manassas arriving in New Orleans. #9 has good description of camp life. #10 has account of battle of Woodsonville, KY 12/17/1861 and death of Col. Terry....
GLC02570
to Eliza Cook
January 21, 1861
Cook has just arrived in New Orleans and is excited to be involved in the war. Probably doesn't realize the gravity of the nation's situation when he writes, "I think it probable that I shall be back by the 10th of February but am not sure of it."...
GLC02570.01
February 17, 1861
Has arrived in Hayneville from Montgomery and plans to return to the latter to attend the inauguration of Jefferson Davis. Has received Eliza's letter and writes, "…I do assure you that I was much gratified that you had thought enough of me to write...
GLC02570.02
7 June 1861
Short note. Letter of introduction of a house guest. Includes his third forecast of an early return when he writes, "I will be with you in two months. I am getting well very rapidly. Be patient."
GLC02570.03
8 September 1861
Camp news. Discusses his company and the support his charges extend to him. He writes, "I am treated with such kindness and appreciation by the men that it more than compensates for the hardship. I know I shall be well cared for and think that I...
GLC02570.04
23 September 1861
En route to New Orleans. Discusses his impending appointment to captain. Writes that Louisiana is beautiful and wonders if Eliza would consider living there. On the people of New Iberia, Cook writes, "The people here all talk nothing but French...
GLC02570.05
27 September 1861
Short note. Introduces a Mr. Brauch, who is delivering this note. Discusses the wellbeing of the regiment and writes that he doesn't know where they will be moving next but thinks it will be Kentucky. He writes, "Before leaving I shall write to...
GLC02570.06
GLC02570.07
18 October 1861
Cook has kept up his correspondence with the "Houston Telegraph" regarding the daily camp lives of the soldiers. He reports that he didn't have any time to write Eliza and asked his friend John to address her in his letter to Lou (wife or sister?)....
GLC02570.08
28 October 1861
Writes that he is bored and that nothing is interesting happens. He and a friend (John Weston) have decided to take turns writing home to keep their families posted. Reports that Sam Glascock is very ill but tells Eliza to be careful who she tells...
GLC02570.09
6 December 1861
Short note encloses $55 (not included). Postscript reads, "Will write in a few days. Don't get poor til I come back."
GLC02570.10
25 December 1861
Recounts a battle where Cook's regiment lost 5 soldiers, including their commander. Describes the bullets whistling by his head. Has sent money home and promises to send more once he is promoted. News about local Fort Bend boys in camp.
GLC02570.11
January 12, 1862
Discusses money matters. Raves about the "good coffee we have here." The coffee is so good, Cook has promised to send "forty or fifty pounds (by the first chance) of coffee. You must let Lou and Susan have some if I send it." Concerned over the...
GLC02570.12
January 19, 1862
Short note jotted down at daybreak. Writes that he is enclosing a letter. Says he has rheumatism in his arms "which is not very troublesome."Written at Camp Johnson.
GLC02570.13
January 25, 1862
Takes offense at the charge (by Susan, his wife's sister?) that he doesn't write as often as he could. Defends himself by saying he is very busy and does not have an abundance of materials with which to write, unlike the people at home who can write...
GLC02570.14
to Samuel H. Jones
January 26, 1862
Cook, Eliza Jones, fl. 1862
Eliza writes the original letter to her brother, but it is returned to her from Gustave with corrections over each misspelled word and includes a list of Eliza's spellings versus the correct spellings. He also critiques her writing style and...
GLC02570.15
February 3, 1862
Has written a letter to Mr. Earnest and wants Eliza to read it. In this letter he has recounted the terrible weather. He is very glad that Eliza is writing him letters and takes "great pleasure in correcting any spelling errors you may make so far...
GLC02570.16
February 11, 1862
Discusses Eliza's letter to Sam Jones (GLC02570, #15) that he returns with this letter. Compliments her letter writing and encourages her progress in this "art which you so much desire." Reply's to Eliza's claim that she writes every week with "I do...
GLC02570.17
February 24, 1862
Short update quelling the rumors that his company was cut off from the army. Fears that the south has lost Kentucky and Tennessee. Has received family and friends' letters and will write back when he gets the chance.
GLC02570.18
February 25, 1862
Cook's cousin is visiting. Wonders if the girls received his last letter. Reports that there are a handful of soldiers that are so ill they were left behind with a civilian. Parts of letter are missing. Written in a camp near Mursfreesboro...
GLC02570.19
12 March 1862
Writes that he has been sicker than he has ever been in his life. Mostly camp news and general interest news. Cook hopes to visit and writes, "Will you be ready for me? Are you still the great fat girl you were writing to me about two or three...
GLC02570.20
16 March 1862
Cook wants Eliza to come visit him in Alabama. He thinks that even though it is expensive ($200 each way), it will be worth it if the war lasts much longer. He thinks that the war will be over before the year is through and plans to see Eliza in...
GLC02570.21
Short note reporting Cook's chronic dysentery. Feels compelled to come home to visit but has an obligation to the army and "if a battle is fought here I must see it or I can never be satisfied."
GLC02570.22
22 March 1862
Has received Eliza's letter and even though it was over a month old, "your hand had traced it and your thoughts were on it so I kissed it and read it over and over." Cook reports that he received letters from his father and his aunt, but nothing...
GLC02570.23
20 July 1862
Short note about camp news. Includes lines about how when the war is over, Eliza and Gustave will come into their own and will be in "the heyday of our life." Reminds her to stay pretty because "…when I do return…then you can make me do as you...
GLC02570.24
24 July 1862
Gustave writes this letter by candlelight which he says "shoots up as I begin a word and dies out before I record the first syllable." Includes camp news. Writes that he may stop by his father's house and check on his brothers' well being.
GLC02570.25
30 July 1862
Includes camp news. Cook promises to write friends and family once he has the chance. Wants Eliza to visit a good dentist "to plug any decayed teeth you have and file apart the two front ones…Pretty teeth you know are a great attraction and by...
GLC02570.26
13 August 1862
Cook went to visit family and "I found the whole country in mourning for relations and friends killed at the battles of Seven Pines and Richmond." Includes news about Girard and adds that Walter has been very sick but is improving slowly. He...
GLC02570.27
17 August 1862
Cook recounts his visits with his sister Ginny, "When I went to see her and the servant told her who it was in the parlor the nervous little woman came running with arms outstretched and tears streaming from her eyes. She threw herself upon my...
GLC02570.28
22 August 1862
Cook discusses camp news. He says he doesn't know where to tell her to write but has decided that sending mail by way of the private citizen is "not a good plan."
GLC02570.29
27 October 1862
Discusses camp news and recent campaigns. Includes a graphic description of the aftermath of the battle of Perryville: "Such slaughter I never dreamed of. Any where on the field you could stand still and count from one to two hundred dead men in a...
GLC02570.30
1 November 1862
Discusses camp news. Complains about his charges; he thinks "they need too much waiting on and watching, they are not manly enough." Asks Eliza what she and the children do for fun and asks "Do you ever talk about me and wonder where I am and what...
GLC02570.31
to Polly, Nettie and Peggy Cook
7 November 1862
A short note just for the little girls so they "see that he does not forget his babies." Tells them to say their prayers, to study, be good and take care of their mother. Writes that he has a small white tent all to himself and say, "Would you not...
GLC02570.32
9 November 1862
Camp news and possible rumors of a possible promotion. Says he bought a young mare and a large horse and regrets the purchase of the horse because he could have sent her the money. He will send money for Christmas dinner.
GLC02570.33
to Ida Cook
Remands her for not writing after she promised to. Send his love to the family. Makes a deal with Ida: if she writes him a long neat letter he will tell her "how I live and all about the war and also send you a twenty dollar bill in it."
GLC02570.34
23 November 1862
Says he has just received all the letters Eliza has written him since he left. Says he just bought another mare for $300 "which I wish now I had to send you."
GLC02570.35
10 December 1862
Writes how the ink is freezing in his pen's point and it is visible in the letter. Reports on possible campaigns. Is frustrated with the mail which he calls "uncertain" and he "must learn to endure although I am inpatient when I do not get letters...
GLC02570.36
January 13, 1863
Gustave has been wounded and his letter is written by the chaplain. His horse was shot and subsequently fell probably during the Battle of Stone's River. Says the fall "caused the blood to gush from my mouth and nose and made me a little [more...
GLC02570.37
January 18,1863
Long letter discusses camp news, campaigns. Written near Shelbyville, Tennessee.
GLC02570.38
February 17, 1863
Discusses the incredibly cold weather and has frostbite on both feet and one finger. Mentions a paralysis (seizure?) in his arms, spine and "brain which left me senseless and speechless for about 24 hours. They all thought you'd be a young widow…"...
GLC02570.39
6 March 1863
Cook has no supplies to write a decent letter so he uses a pencil. Reports camp news and current situation. Written near Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
GLC02570.40
19 - 20 March 1863
Had not meant to write to Eliza but his hand automatically wrote "Darling." Reminds her of taking walks on the prairies and jokingly tells her to watch for persuasive suitors. Cook had written Eliza an explicit letter and wonders why she has not...
GLC02570.41
15 April [1863]
Wonders if all his letters are boring his wife. Discusses having a cough and recovering. Reports that he will be stopping one day and expects to see an abundance of letters from home, "If not, it is strange and I shall incline to think you neglect...
GLC02570.42
20 April 1863
Fuss about Cook's lack of mail: "I will venture that no other wife in Texas, or sweetheart even, gets half as many letters from her lover as you do. Is it not so? And yet I do not get letters from you as often as many do from others. How come this...
GLC02570.43
1 June 1863
Says he has received Eliza's last 2 letters and is saddened to learn that their daughter Nellie is still sick. He tries to comfort her by saying that if she does not get better and dies, she will be with God and at peace. He is worried that due to...
GLC02570.44
6 July 1863
Writes that his brother Walter has been killed near Chancellorsville, Virginia. Comforts his wife over the loss of their daughter Nellie by saying she is with God and "God has done best. We will cherish her memory." Eliza thinks Cook blames her...
GLC02570.45
30 July 1863
Discusses the rainy weather and knows that things like that are not unusual in the army and should not complain. Has an awakening (Page 4) and apologizes for being unkind and uncaring in the past. Cook promises to change his ways when he comes home...
GLC02570.46
31 July 1863
Includes news from camp. Discusses his recovery from a cough. Writes about his mistrust of sending mail with someone he doesn't know. He writes, "It is a great trust to send letters home by one and a man who would betray it would very materially...
GLC02570.47
6 August 1863
Rejoices that his wife's health has improved. Tells her to keep in mind her health for everyone's sake so she will be healthy when he returns. Reports that his brother Girard was shot through the thigh at the Battle of Gettysburg. He writes, "Were...
GLC02570.48
7 - 12 August 1863
Reports attending a barbeque, presentation and a review. Describes what he wore and how "well I looked and all the girls refused to believe that I was married thinking it a joke." Puts Eliza's mind at ease with: "But as pretty and charming as they...
GLC02570.49
24 October 1863
Opens with, "Do not be frightened at my new handwriting as it is done with my left hand." Describes his wounds.
GLC02570.50
3 November 1863
Short note letting Eliza know his wounds are improving. Letter looks as though it was written over a previously written letter on bleached paper. Contains ANS by Gustave Cook to his wife on page 2.
GLC02570.51
December 31, 1863
Has sent $300 and wishes he could have sent more. Tells Eliza that she shall reap her reward for all her sacrifices. Writes that Sam has been taken prisoner and reasons that "while a prisoner [Sam] is at least out of danger." Notes that his...
GLC02570.52
February 1, - February 9, 1864
Discusses their good fortune in life. Describes how he looks and feels. Says his wounded hand has greatly improved and is better than he would have ever suspected. Has stopped writing to people at home except for his wife "and they shall only hear...
GLC02570.53
February 29, 1864
Describes camp news. Almost illegible, very faint writing.
GLC02570.54
4 March 1864
Christens his wife with a pet name: "Mavourneen" (my darling). Has sent her a care package. "Then as now I had comparatively nothing to write but I neglect no opportunity to send you a line." Discusses the importance of men being with women to...
GLC02570.55
29 April 1864
Glad that he received Eliza's picture and letter. Cook is relived that she is well again and shares his fear of her death. He was most afraid she would die without ever knowing how much he loved her. Wishes their children to grow up and follow in...
GLC02570.56
13 June 1864
Cooks wants to set the record straight on "the house 'I loved so much'." He feels he has been straightforward and has told Eliza everything of his past indiscretions. Says he will again clear things up when he returns. He writes, "…nothing will...
GLC02570.57
14 June 1864
Cook writes that he has been very sick but is getting better. Critiques Eliza's last letter in which she doubts his love and truthfulness. He writes, "You speak of "Annie Laurie" as being sung in the house I 'used to love so much.' Was this kind?...
GLC02570.58
Showing results 201 - 300