Collection Search

to Eliza Cook

Writes that he is thinking of Eliza and has nothing to write except "that I love you and fear you do not believe it." Discusses at length camp and army news. Reports on his gaunt physique and how much he has changed from the man Eliza fell in love...

GLC02570.59

to Eliza Cook

Writes about his and Eliza's wedding day, 11years ago. Reminds her of God's blessings regardless of all the illness and death that has been bestowed upon them. Wishes he had kept and journal and "let our children see the joys and sorrows, hopes and...

GLC02570.60

to Eliza Cook

Shares his distress over being one of the few people left in his family. With his brother Girard paralyzed, Gustave feels he must take his place as the beloved warrior in the family but feels like he would be usurping that position. Tells Eliza she...

GLC02570.61

to Eliza Cook

Has received Eliza's letters those from friends dated as far back as December 1863. Fills her in on where his camp is going and where they have been since his last letter. Can't bear to write any news of the war and instructs Eliza to read the...

GLC02570.62

to Eliza Cook

Short note reporting that "Sammie is alive and well though a prisoner in the hands of the enemy." Writes that his application for furlough is being strongly recommended. Was written near Jacksonville, Alabama.

GLC02570.63

to Eliza Cook

Discusses camp news. Feels that the war is more than half over. Interested in how the children are doing and what they are learning. Wants daughter Ida to continue her education away from home but doesn't think she would do well in the presence of...

GLC02570.64

to Eliza Cook

Decides to write a lighthearted and witty letter since he cannot sleep. Describes the routine morning activities and talks about the bad food. Writes a bit later in the day and includes "…I only need the love of one being and that one you can guess...

GLC02570.65

to Eliza Cook

Tells Eliza that he wrote her four days ago and "sent the letter off by a very uncertain carrier but hope you will get it. I now regret not having retained it until the present as I have a most excellent opportunity to transmit letters." A friend...

GLC02570.66

to Eliza Cook

Illegible, very faint writing.

GLC02570.68

to Eliza Cook

Illegible fragment

GLC02570.69

[Collection of William H. Bettes, L company, 6th regiment, Ohio, cavalry] [decimalized]

This collection consists of fourteen letters written by William Henry Bettes. Eleven of these letters are written to Lodema Bettes, his wife, one letter is written to Charley Bettes, his son, one letter is written to Carrie Bettes, his daughter, and...

GLC02596

to Lodema

Encamped near Potomac Creek, Virginia about four miles from Hartford Court House and six or seven miles from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Left the camp at Hall Farm on Saturday and went to Fairfax, Ohio and found the troops. Saw S. Z. Dickinson at...

GLC02596.11

to Lodema

Sent a box this morning containing his overcoat and pants. The coat with red lining and the two shirts are Sanford Ticknor's. Writes that "one package of letters belongs to Carter of Brimfield, Ohio which he sends home." The shells, books, cap all...

GLC02596.13

to Joseph Wheeler

Confederate General Longstreet informs General Wheeler "Your dispatch for Col Sorrel is received- I desire you to cross Little River in pursuit if you have a decided success at Marysville, or if you see the probabilities of ours by crossing. If the...

GLC02603

to Miller A. Wright

Letter from a friend who is still in the military. There is a stamp on the first page of the letter that reads "Head-Quarters Sixth Division, Cavalry Corps, M. D. M." Miller is congratulated on his new life, and informed of what military life has...

GLC02691.11.091

to Braxton Bragg

Confederate General Hood, Commander of the Army of the Tennessee, relates that Bragg's instructions will soon be followed regarding the command of General Roddy (possibly Philip Dale Roddey), and that Roddey soon departs for West Point. Informs...

GLC02704

[Collection of William E. Jones][Decimalized .01- .28]

Confederate General William E. "Grumble" Jones, 11th regiment, Virginia, cavalry. Collection includes swords, correspondence, West Point pamphlets, military orders, and receipts. Decimalized 02711.01-02711.28.

GLC02711

to George W. Randolph

Draft written in pencil to Confederate Secretary of War Randolph, explaining his resignation over the election of officers in J.E.B. Stuart's Virginia Cavalry. Expresses concern over unjust voting conditions propagated by Stuart.

GLC02711.03

to William E. Jones

Congratulates Jones for his cavalry raid into West Virginia. Remarks, "I wish that I could be with you" on Jones's next expedition.

GLC02711.05

Confederate cavalry sabres of William E. Jones [Decimalized .08.01- .08.02]

Confederate cavalry sabre in scabbard and accompanying photographs.

GLC02711.08

Confederate cavalry sabre of William E. Jones

Confederate cavalry sabre in scabbard. Manufactured by Isaac Campbell & Co. of London, at 71 Jermyn Street. Hilt embellished with an eagle and arrows in its talons with foliage. Purchased by William E. Jones in 1862.

GLC02711.08.01

[Confederate Calvary Sabres]

Accompanying photographs of Confederate cavalry sabre in scabbard. Manufactured by Isaac Campbell & Co. of London, at 71 Jermyn Street. Hilt embellished with an eagle and arrows in its talons with foliage. Purchased by William E. Jones in 1862.

GLC02711.08.02

Sword of William E. Jones

Non-commissioned officer's sword, model 1840. Used at West Point and owned by William E. Jones. Inscribed "Ames &Mfg. Co., Chicopee, Mass." The Ames Manufacturing Company was founded in 1835 in Chicopee, Massachusetts. The company manufactured small...

GLC02711.09

Sword of William E. Jones

Non-commissioned officer's sword, similar to GLC02711.09, also said to have been used at West Point. It belonged to William E. Jones. W. H. Horstmann & Sons had retail stores in both New York and Philadelphia; most of their swords and sabers had...

GLC02711.10

to Mary Epperly

Describes engagements between Confederate artillery and cavalry and Union forces. States his unit almost lost two guns when the Yankee cavalry charged past them. He places the battle at Marrun Station, Fauquier County, Virginia.

GLC02715.036

to Mary Epperly

Advises Mary from Camp Loids to sell the grain before the government takes it at a very cheap price. Warns her to watch any Cavalry men that may be in the area because they steal chickens and "beecomes." Offers a lengthy description of their...

GLC02715.043

to Mary Epperly

Writes two letters from Camp Lee; one to Harvey and George and the other to his wife Mary Epperly. Informs Mary that the Cavalry is being issued furloughs but his Captain will not issue any. He thinks the unit will desert if they do not receive...

GLC02715.044

to C. M. Epperly

Writes that many men have deserted and that several hundred cavalry may be sent to bring the deserters back.

GLC02715.068

to Nancy E. Jones

They may join their old brigade, Wilder's, at Huntsville, Alabama. They are on detached duty with another cavalry brigade. A man was severely wounded on picket duty.

GLC02739.107

to Nancy E. Jones

Traveling to Bridgeport; disrupted communication with Nashville due to Confederate cavalry; Lincoln/McClellan election; private apology to his wife; surrender of Vicksburg; Lee's retreat.

GLC02739.134

to Nancy E. Jones

Encounter with Confederate cavalry and other artillery fire; new conscripts; anticipating battle with Hood's forces; making breastworks in the middle of the night; defense by African American troops.

GLC02739.145

to William P. Bacon

General Buford, Chief of Cavalry, Army of the Potomac, writes to Lieutenant Bacon, adjutant of the 5th New York Cavalry. Remarks, "I would cheerfully recommend your advancement- But fear my good word will have but little weight During your service...

GLC02456.04

to Lorenzo Thomas

Lieutenant Colonel Emory reports his arrival to Thomas, United States Adjutant General. Writes, "Before the receipt of the authority from you to visit the rendezvous I had completed the organization of the companies... & prepared to move Hd. Qts of...

GLC02456.07

to unknown

Torbert signs twice as Chief of Cavalry (once following his initial note, and once following a post script). Writes to an unnamed general: "You were speaking the other day of wanting a Chief of Arty. Did if ever strike you that Genl Seymour could...

GLC02456.32

to Thomas Jordan

One week after commanding the fifth brigade at the Battle of First Manassas, Colonel Cocke writes to Jordan, Assistant Adjutant General of the forces at Manassas Junction. States "Capt Langhorne's troop, the only cavalry with my command- leaves this...

GLC02457.02

to Jacob Eaton

Seventh Connecticut Infantry Colonel Joseph R. Hawley (Hawley's Brigade) writes to Rev. Jacob Eaton, West Meriden, Connecticut, to tell him that, given the choice for chaplain between him and Rev. Mr. Holmes, and knowing nothing of either of them...

GLC02457.07

to Charles S. Hamilton

Inquires "whether the new road, called the Prince road running from Corinth across the Jacinto road is in a practicable condition for the Transportation of Trains." Discusses the position of his cavalry companies. Believes "My Company is ready,"...

GLC02458.01

to James McHenry

George Washington forwards Anthony MacHarg's letter of application for cavalry instructor to Secretary of War McHenry. Washington expresses interest in MacHarg's experience but requires further testimonial to professional ability and personal...

GLC00496.103

to Joel

Written from Georgetown, in Washington, D.C. He describes his efforts to follow orders even in adverse conditions. He includes a copy of an order from Captain Nicodemus. He has been transferred several times, and complies in hopes for promotion. He...

GLC00653.10.08

to Jane Brisbin

Informs his wife that he arrived in Washington, D. C. the previous day. Referring to his introduction to Colonel Windham, an Englishman, he states "I hate foreigners particularly the dutch- Windham offered me a very nice place but I asked to be sent...

GLC01505.02

to Gaston

Colonel Mosby, the former Confederate leader, describes a cordial meeting with President Theodore Roosevelt, the loss of his hat, boots, overcoat and cape in 1864, when captured by the 13th New York Cavalry, and the return of his hat. He discusses...

GLC01653

to Benjamin Tallmadge

Letter signed as commander in chief and written in the hand of John Laurens, Washington's aide. Assures Tallmadge that his cavalry would receive enough supplies but warns that there will be no new horses. Complains about the dragoon's ill use of the...

GLC01746

[Abraham Lincoln endorsement]

Lincoln endorsement written on the fourth page of an autograph letter signed of P. Golden from Bangor, Maine to John H. Rice of Washington dated 29 December 1864. Golden asks that a cousin John Murphy, a prisoner of war, be discharged. Golden...

GLC01772

to his sister Kate

Hopes his sister is in good health when he returns so that she may welcome him with a "rich musical treat." Mentions the arrival of a new niece from his sister Anna. The men are anxious to be relieved by another regiment. Visits Washington on a...

GLC02016.050

[Collection of Orville S. Dewey, 33rd regiment, New York, light artillery] [decimalized]

Nicknamed "Tom" by his family and coming from Buffalo, Dewey served in the army of the Potomac, primarily in Washington at an instructional camp. Many of the letters are addressed to his sister Mary "Mollie" McLean. Dewey stayed in the Army after the...

GLC02161

to Nathanael Greene

Written by Von Steuben as the senior Continental officer in Virginia to General Greene as commander in the Southern Department. References Greene's letter of January 24, 1781. Congratulates Greene on his army's recent victory at Cowpens and in the...

GLC00140

to George H. Penfield

Abraham Lincoln directs Penfield to supply ordnance and cavalry arms by contract to P. B. Fowke's regiment. Penfield had an existing contract to supply the government with ordnance.

GLC00183

to Edgar A. Hamilton

Sherman writes to Reverend Hamilton to eulogize General Hugh Judson Kirkpatrick shortly after his death, praising Kirkpatrick's merits as a soldier and a officer during both peace time and the Civil War. He writes, in part, "I never knew a more...

GLC00223

to Henry W. Halleck

Marked "Cipher" at top. Grant sends Halleck this telegram in response to a false alarm speculating that Lee might retreat south, and indicates the priority of providing his army with more horses for operations against Lee. Gives instructions on...

GLC00325

to John C. Kelton

Recommendation for Captain Price. Says Price "has recently been on a tour of Inspection of the Cavalry of the West and can give you much valuable information concerning that arm." Requests that Kelton place Price on his staff. On War Department...

GLC02458.09

to Washington Lafayette Elliott

General McCook, commander of 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, Cavalry Corps, transmits a communication from a surgeon in charge of an unspecified Confederate hospital. Indicates he intends "to send it through by a bye road in rear of their pickets so as...

GLC02463.12

to Nathanael Greene

Written by the partisan fighter Brigadier General Sumter, known as the "Carolina Gamecock," to Major General Greene as commander of the Southern Department. Sumter had refused to formally join Greene's command, but was assiting him in the...

GLC02507

to Lodema

Writes from Camp Chase. A warm and spring like morning; it is raining very gently. Located in a very fertile portion of Ohio, but it is not nearly as pleasant as other parts of Ohio are. Writes that "no hills in any direction are visible. There...

GLC02596.01

to Lodema

Encamped about a mile from the Thoroughfare Gap, but the army all appears to be on the move. Yesterday morning, a couple of the Indiana Cavalry came in and told the army that Major Stedman and about 80 men of the 6th Ohio Cavalry that went to...

GLC02596.02

to Lodema

Left Gainesville, Virginia yesterday at 5PM and is now between Centerville and Fairfax, Virginia. On the way, they passed the memorable battlefield of Bull Run. Encamped about six miles west of Centerville; they are now about four miles east of...

GLC02596.03

to Lodema

Has not received any letters from home this week but expects there is one or two on the road. They are encamped on the Chantilly Plantation between Fairfax, Virginia and Centerville, Ohio. When he last wrote, the Army was up at Aldie, Virginia....

GLC02596.04

to Lodema

Writes from Chantilly Camp. Received a letter from his family and was very glad to hear that they are all well at home. Writes that it appears Wilford Merriman is doomed to suffer as long as he lives. Glad to hear that Eusebus Austin is likely to...

GLC02596.05

to Lodema

[Writes from Chantilly Camp]. Writes that they are still in their old camp. Has been out on a scouting expedition once since he last wrote. Started about 12 o'clock at night and returned the next day at four o'clock in the afternoon. Is certain...

GLC02596.06

to Lodema

Writes from Chantilly Camp. Experiencing extreme winter weather, such as snow, but are surprisingly comfortable. Has no war news to report, there is more information in the papers. S. Z. Dickinson is still in the Regimental Hospital and very sick...

GLC02596.07

to Lodema

The day before yesterday, orders came for Sigel's Corps to change position. When they came to load up, it was discovered that one of the wagons needed repairing and would have to be sent back to Washington; someone would have to accompany the wagon...

GLC02596.08

to Lodema

Received her letter containing postage stamps and a five cent bill today. Writes that he can happily go around camp knowing that his family is all in good health. His health is very good and has been since they left camp in Washington. Has not...

GLC02596.12

to Lieutenant W. H. Betty

Writing a few lines to let Betty know that he sits up for most of the day but is very weak. Has all the care that he could wish for, and everything in the hospital is kept clean. The 60 to 70 patients there all seem to be doing well; Bettes does...

GLC02596.14

Cavalry tactics. Third part. Evolutions of a regiment.

McClellan's personal copy of an army cavalry tactics manual, signed by McClellan on the titlepage as "Capt. 1st Cavalry." Pencilled note on rear pastedown by Millis Knickerbocker, a member of McClellan's Dragoons, states that he found the book near...

GLC02645

to George B. McClellan

Celebrates Union victory at the Battle of Pea Ridge, a major battle in the Trans-Mississippi. Relates that "The Army of the Southwest, under Genl Curtis, after three days hard fighting near Sugar Creek, Ark, has gained a most glorious victory over...

GLC02655

to Lewis Merrill

Fremont, Commander of the Department of the West, informs Captain Merrill, "It is my intention to intrust you with the enlistment of a cavalry regiment in the States of Ohio, Illinois and Kentucky. Until however the consent of the War department can...

GLC02712

to Sister

Dated April 16. Unknown year guessed as 1864. A man named George is now at home; Henry wants to know if George received the letters he sent to Westford, Massachusetts. Writes that there is $90 at Orlando if father wants it, unless George has given...

GLC02749.009

to William Dennison

McClellan, Major General of the Ohio Volunteers updates Dennison, Governor of Ohio, on the condition of troops, supplies, and other military matters. Reports that upon receipt of a previous letter from Dennison, "I at once [struck: write] telegraphed...

GLC02902

to Colonel [Jona ?]

Informs Jona that James Sturgis Grier, a member of Jona's staff, has been appointed to Sturgis' staff. Grier may have been related to Sturgis.

GLC03475.04

to Sister and Father

First half of letter written to his sister from Camp Pierpont. Includes newspaper clippings, noting that they are in regards to General George McCall and his division, as well as some "poetry dedicated to the Ranger's which I knew you will like it...

GLC03523.08.24

to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes that he is happy Amanda is staying with her mother and notes she will be cared for there. He is also pleased that her friends are caring for her while he is away. Hopes that he can get out of debt soon so he can send home more money. States...

GLC03523.13.015

to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at Camp Richardson. States that he loves her very much and is glad she has regained much of her strength. Is extremely excited that she will soon be a mother. Notes that they have been out on a "tramp" after seeing the enemy. He states that...

GLC03523.13.024

to Edith M. Phelps

Writes to his sister from Camp Gibson. Says that they are placing a masked battery about a mile from camp. Writes that they are clearing an area of trees that is about a mile in width. Says that 14 men out of his company were chopping down trees...

GLC03523.49.04

to his family

Discusses his underground stove malfunctioning and filling his tent with smoke. When the Major saw the mess caused by the stove, he gave Coit $5 to purchase a camp stove, frying pan and coffee pot. Mentions that Stanton was offered a job by a pistol...

GLC03603.033

to his family

Discusses the group of soldiers who are acting as a guard to the city. Describes how they mostly arrest drunken or rowdy soldiers and keep them for a few days before allowing them to return to camp. Relates an incident involving six rowdy cavalrymen...

GLC03603.037

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 family

Writes that they are camped very near to their old camp. Also mentions that they are camped just across the river from rebel troops and that some of the troops from both sides spoke across the river the night before. The conversation was based mostly...

GLC03603.165

[Diary of Dighton Goddard]

Diary of a soldier in the 34th Massachusetts Volunteers. Written in pencil in a small leather bound planner. Most entries detail the weather, the regiment's movements through Virginia, foraging, rations, and daily occurrences. Entry on 3 May...

GLC03608.01

to Edward D. Townsend re: reports for duty before being offered command of army

Written as Colonel in the 1st Cavalry. Lee was informally offered command of all US armies but refused in order to defend Virginia. He resigned on the 20th (that document is reproduced in Freeman's biography of Lee).

GLC03717

to: Sam Chapman

letter concerning "the 'true inwardness' of Gen. Lee's staff;" intentions to vote for Taft; Maj. Swift's review of his book for the Journal of the United States Cavalry Association.

GLC03921.24

[Diaries of Charles T. Widdifield, K company, 12th regiment, Pennsylvania, cavalry]

Autograph manuscripts signed. The 1863 and 1865 diaries (approximately 150 and 122 pages, respectively) contain entries written under printed dates, while the 1864 diary (approximately 71 pages) is in a notebook with days and months written by...

GLC03131.02

[Collection of Hiram C. Wells]

The collection includes his 1863 diary, military papers and personal and legal papers (mostly pre and post-war). Gives good view of life in cavalry with skirmishes, scouts, etc. Regiment took part in siege of Knoxville. Wells was later captured...

GLC03131.15

[Letters of Mitchell Pugh, Byrum Hesh, Thomas Mitchell & Eli Pugh, D company, 50th regiment, Virginia, infantry] [decimalized]

Collection of twenty-nine letters, twenty-two of which are war date, from various individuals: Mitchell Pugh, Byrum B. Hesh (or Bryam D. Hash), Thomas F. Mitchell and Eli Pugh of Co. D, 50th Virginia Regiment; A. Pugh of Co. C, 16th North Carolina...

GLC03135.06

[Collection of A.D. Clifton, C company, 6th regiment, Mississippi, cavalry] [decimalized]

Collection contains 7 letters from Clifton to his wife, Sallie, and family. Also contains one poem which may have been written by Clifton.

GLC03135.09

to [Sallie Clifton]

Written from "Camp Ebanezer."

GLC03135.09.01

to Sallie Clifton

Written from "Camp Ebaneazer Church."

GLC03135.09.02

to Sallie Clifton

GLC03135.09.03

to [Sallie Clifton]

Written from "Camp near Oakolono" (possibly Okolona, Mississippi).

GLC03135.09.04

to Sallie Clifton

Written from camp near [Colombus]. Describes a sore on his arm and the swelling it has caused. Teases her about the number of shirts she sent him and tells her the weight of them is ruining his horse's back. Assures her of his safety and says he...

GLC03135.09.05

to [Sallie Clifton]

Written from "Camp near [Colombus]."

GLC03135.09.06

to [Sallie Clifton]

GLC03135.09.07

to Eliakim P. Scammon

Colonel Hayes reports to General Scammon about a deserter from Confederate General Albert G. Jenkins's force. "A deserter from Jenkins force was just brought from the Forks of Coal [River] by a patrol of Capt Gilmore's men. He is young and not very...

GLC03205

to William Buckingham

Written by Union Brigadier General Tyler from "Head Quarters Delaware District." Discusses Colonel Fish of the 1st Connecticut cavalry, who has been accused of misconduct.

GLC03358

[Manuscript drawing of the camp of the 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry Regiment]

Shows the various buildings and structures in camp, including barracks, a sawmill, barns, and a steam furnace. The buildings are numbered and there is a corresponding legend on the verso.
Drawn in pencil with a colored flag. The regiment operated...

GLC03050

[Collection of John H. Hester, F company, 12th regiment, Kentucky, cavalry] [decimalized]

Collection includes the diary of Union soldier John H. Hester of the 12th Kentucky Cavalry, 1863-1864, as well as one autograph letter signed to Margaret Hester dated 27 May 1863.

GLC03056

[Diary of John H. Hester]

Autograph manuscript signed by John H. Hester, a soldier in 12th Kentucky cavalry. Diary contains approximately 84 pages written in pencil. Also includes printed calendar pages at the beginning and advertisements at the end. Includes commentary...

GLC03056.01

to Margaret Hester

GLC03056.02

[Petition to George Wortham to provide a scout for the county]

Petition signed by thirty-seven citizens of Tyrrell County, requesting that James Ludford be allowed to remain in the county as a scout. He is needed because of the nearby presence of Union troops, and the fear that some citizens have begun to spy...

GLC03067

[Collection of Josiah E. Henry, I company, 5th regiment, Vermont, infantry] [decimalized]

This collection consists of eleven letters (one is a copy) written by Josiah E. Henry, some detailing the Valley Campaign in 1864. Five of these letters are written to his sister, four are addressed to his mother, and two are written to both his...

GLC02749

to Sister

Writes that they are within shooting distance of the rebels' fort and have been for over a week. Thinks that there will be some fighting here since the fort is harder to get at than Fort Donelson. The surrounding area is all woods, and the woods...

GLC02749.001

to Parents

Writes that he is well and that the weather is pleasant, sometimes it rains and sometimes it is warm. They were on picket duty yesterday. The day before yesterday, a man from their Company was wounded; he was shot in the calf. He is the third man...

GLC02749.002