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to Sisters

He tells them they should respect their brother who is fighting for their country and be good girls and mind their parents. There is talk of them leaving their present quarters and going to Kentucky or Tennessee.

GLC02169.10

to Allie

He learned by letter that his father has become an invalid. He talks of the various troubles associated with their father's illness. He tells Allie not undervalue letter writing, particularly when she is so gifted.

GLC02171.01

to Respected Friend

He wanted to see his friend, who is unwell, but was prevented by numerous obstacles. He talks about how the North will prevail and the South will go down. Includes 2 newpaper clippings with poetry entitled "A Prayer for Jeff Davis" and "The Flag of...

GLC02171.02

to Alice

He has seen Cousin Ellie, Aunt Jane and Mary and tells ALice she would have an even better time if she were there too. He mentions his brother's wife.

GLC02171.03

to Alice

He mentions other cousins like James and Mary. later he laments the death of president Lincoln. He refers to a Louis Wilson who chose to fight on the other side,

GLC02171.05

to Alice

He commends her on putting her father above herself so that she can take care of him. He was not surprised to hear of cousin Richardson's death because she knew her son was a prisoner in the South for over eleven months. He believes people in power...

GLC02171.06

to Allie

She has not been very well lately with neuralgia in his head and face. Her daughters continue their studies. She has not heard from cousin Caroline.

GLC02171.07

to Unknown

The author of the note says the recipient should think of taking care of her father as a satisafction instead of a duty. The author also wishes to visit at one point but doesn't know when it will happen.

GLC02171.08

to Bruce Elmore

Last page is on different paper. She had a friend over who is a democrat. He thinks Bruce may be fighting "only for the nigger," and that "slavery must be saved and perpetuated to save the country." Kniffin is drawing three loads a day now.

GLC06588.317

to Libbie Elmore

They left Upton's Hill and began to march. They have since camped in two different places and are now near Alexandria. Was written near Alexandria, Virginia.

GLC06588.318

to Bruce Elmore

She says if he wants her she will come visit and not to send her all his money. She goes over some of their bills. Some of the lambs are not doing well. As always, she prays that he is well.

GLC06588.319

to Bruce Elmore

They have company tonight. Unfortunately, she keeps running into democrats who make offensive comments.

GLC06588.320

to Bruce Elmore

She got in a terrible fight with Kniffin who told her to act like a decent woman. He thought she told someone that he owed too much and was not to be trusted when she actually tried to convince the man he only owed 3 or 4 dollars.

GLC06588.321

to Bruce Elmore

A letter from his brother. He talks about shelling corn and school which he feels has done him a great deal of good.

GLC06588.322

to Bruce Elmore

A partial letter. It is not clear who she is talking about but it appears to be Kniffin. He wants to leave and frankly she doesn't care. She wishes she could get a girl to stay for board and clothes.

GLC06588.323

to Bruce Elmore

She doesn't believe there is much danger of Kniffin leaving right away because he has talked about his tasks such as putting shoes on the oxen and so forth.

GLC06588.324

to Libbie Elmore

He sent her a soldier's memorial with a picture and names of all the officers and men of their company.He has gotten over his cold and Willard is well. Was written near Alexandria, Virginia.

GLC06588.325

to Libbie Elmore

There is a rumor that they will be leaving soon. Though he has visited Alexandria and found it one of the "least inviting" places he has been. He doesn't think the slavery stance is a strong one and it will soon diminish. He instructs her on how to...

GLC06588.326

to Bruce Elmore

The calves and oxen have had their best hay. She discusses how much clover seed she will need. Kniffin's parents still act like they're leaving but have not actually done anything and she doesn't think they will. Was written near Alexandria, Virginia

GLC06588.327

to Bruce Elmore

She thanks him for the beautiful picture. Wilber has gone to Newburgh and her father went to the sheldrake to see the horse race.

GLC06588.328

to Libbie Elmore

He is sympathethic to her troubles with Kniffin and advises her on how to hire and divide up the workload in the future.Was written near Alexandria, Virginia.

GLC06588.329

to Bruce Elmore

They had a bad winter storm. Kniffin has calmed down and is doing everything he is supposed to. Father sold the oxen. She mentions the photograph he sent again.

GLC06588.330

to Bruce Elmore

She advises him to be careful of his health and is glad he got his tent fixed up. She has faith in the Union. Ways to reduce their debts is further discussed.

GLC06588.331

to Libbie Elmore

Last sheet is small piece of paper. Her letters give him such pleasrue. If Kniffin wants to stay, he says she might as well let him, but be careful.Their Colonel is sitting president for a court martial

GLC06588.332

to Bruce Elmore

She requests more photographs.Wilber returned from Newburgh and brought Martha with him. She wishes he could have dinner with them. THe price of sheep is going up.

GLC06588.333

to Bruce Elmore

Last page is small. She hopes the examination board has ended Captain French's rule. She and Kniffin have discussed buying a plow. He missed a party the other night.

GLC06588.334

to Libbie Elmore

He remembers a first child that died. He maintains his faith that the rebellion will soon be crushed. Then he talks about their debts for the rest of the letter. Written near Fort Worth, Virginia.

GLC06588.335

to Libbie Elmore

He says she is right not to keep money in the house. He doesn't think she will be able to pay debts "out of her butter."

GLC06588.336

to Bruce Elmore

She went to the Falls with Mother and Father where they had the list of all her trades. They promptly wrote her a check and called her a smart woman. Later she had a visit from Leroy's family.

GLC06588.337

to Bruce Elmore

Kniffin took the oxen last night and went visiting a friend of theirs. Her lambs are doing fine. She feeds her sheep a special diet of oats and corn.

GLC06588.338

to Bruce Elmore

She asks if Wallace Hill has got out of the hospital and refers to Capt. French's resignation. He may get a promotion now. She wishes he could get a furlough.

GLC06588.339

to R.H. Jackson

"Mailed letter this morning addressed same as within."

GLC07705.516

[to unknown]

GLC09354.04

Diary of Eseck G. Wilber

Entries are pretty regular from March 1863 to July of that same year. He mainly records the daily weather. but does mention being a prisoner and some of activities there.

GLC00653.15.01

Photograph of unidentified boy

Boy is dressed in a suit and standing next to a table.

GLC00653.15.02

Photograph of unidentified woman

Woman is sitting down and wearing an everyday dress.

GLC00653.15.03

Photograph of unidentified girl

Girl is standing next to a table.

GLC00653.15.04

Photograph of unidentified man

Man is sitting down and wearing a suit. He has a beard.

GLC00653.15.05

to N.B Berry

On Sept. 1st, his regiment marched through Washington. towards upper Maryland. At Monocacy, a skirmish took place. On Sept. 13th, they arrived at Middleton. On Sept. 14th, they arrived at the base of South Mountain and were shortly thereafter ordered...

GLC02745.003

to Enoch Q. Fellows

They are asking him to sign for his salary from January until June of 1862.

GLC02745.016

to Thomas H. Sullivan

He lists the countersigns by date and city.

GLC02745.021

to Mary

He describes the battle of the eight. 5 or 6 men were wounded, one of which ended up dying.. He was detailed to take care of the wounded and in the hospital he was appointed ward master

GLC02415.006

to Mary

He is anxious to hear about the farming affairs. He inquires after family members and friends. He thinks they will be stuck at their present location three or four weeks.

GLC02415.007

to Mary

He thinks they will go to a town called Lebanon about 19 miles away. His only real satisfaction these days is knowing he will get mail. He is sorry to hear that she is sick. He is healthy.

GLC02415.008

to Mary

He arrived in Nashville on the 5th and the next day joined a regiment about six miles from there. Their company has been reduced to half its former size. Alot of soldiers are sick but not in body, in mind, he writes. Everyone is tired of the war. He...

GLC02415.009

to Mary

He explains why he has not written as often as he could have. He then describes how amazing the army can look in battle and how splendid they can look as they take their position.Written in a camp near Nashville, Tennessee

GLC02415.010

to Mary

There has been terrible fighting. They lost 160 men in the first round. He fears that W.J Scare has died. He was shot int he knee and he does not know what happened afterward. He tells her to kiss the children for him.

GLC02415.011

to Mary

He has a cold but otherwise is fine. They started toward Memphis. A lot of rain has been falling and turning into mud. On Monday fighting commenced. They camped near a corn field and the next morning after breakfast started fighting again. He goes on...

GLC02415.012

to Mary

They are having an easy time of it lately but he does not know how long it will last. They are getting plenty to eat and he may get a raise. He had to make out a muster roll for the captain the other day.

GLC02415.013

to Mary

He has not been as well as he was before the battle. He notes that she found the house in poor condition. If she lets it, he wants her to get a good down payment for it.

GLC02415.014

to Mary

There is nothing going on at the moment. They left him at camp for the last five days because he has not been feeling well. He wants to know all about the animals on their farm. He tells her not ask Father for help in the farm because he is old and...

GLC02415.015

to Mary

He thinks his regiment has seen harder times than most, since they have been in two battles already. He responds to her request for details of William Sears' death.

GLC02415.016

to Mary

.There has been a lot of sickness in the camp. He remarks that Southern homes have a chimney on the end instead of the side and this looks strange to Northerners. He describes the way plantations are built.Later he notes that William and Jane will...

GLC02415.017

to Mary

William H. Tratt is in the hospital with a pain in his side. He himself has been unable to participate in any hard duty since he hurt his back trying to lift a brass cannon.

GLC02415.018

to Mary

After marching a good deal they arrived in camp where they had a feast. The weather is getting warmer and he can go without socks. He will send her five dollars.Written at a camp near Stony River

GLC02415.019

to dear wife and beloved children

He is glad she is trying to sell the farm but the price she has set on it is the lowest it could possibly go for. He is not that anxious to sell but if the money is there take it. He says to pay Uncle Cheleb what he owes him.

GLC02415.020

to Mary

He talks about the business of selling or keeping the farm. The buyer wants it on account of the house which they may or may not keep. He talks about the possibility of crops.

GLC02415.021

to Mary

He is glad she finalized agreements with Mr. Shaw to let the farm. He talks about the possibility of crops in the orchard.

GLC02415.022

to Mary

He talks about the differences in climate in the North vs. the South. This leads to the next topic of Southern diseases.

GLC02415.023

to Mary

He figures it is time to send her some money. They will stay where they are five more days. There are four sick men in the company.

GLC02415.024

to Mary

He is concerned because she doesn't have any money to get the children shoes. He doesn't want them to catch cold so he will spare some money, though he sent her some previously. He warns her he may have to do the best she can without.

GLC02415.025

to Mary

He is anxious to hear from the boys in the potomac. He goes on to talk about the sacred principles of defending one's country as his grandfather and father did. David is not very well

GLC02415.026

to Mary

He heard of the death of a fellow soldier, whom he hoped had lived. They are under marching orders and have to be ready to leave at any time. He talks about the hand of providence.

GLC02415.027

to Mary

He is glad the only time he has gotten sick was when he had jaundice last winter. He describes a chase between the Rebels and some of the men in the company. There 8 of them and 20 Rebels. They were cornered at one point and decided to take them on...

GLC02415.028

to Mary

He is getting news about Vicksburgh and he hopes the victory there won't be confined to Vicksburgh. David English has left Murfreesboro and was sent to a hospital in Detroit. He is getting better.

GLC02415.029

to Mary

He refers to slavery as one of the most degrading institutions ever and says the Rebels should soon see the error of their evil ways. They have broken up camp. Everyone is being sent elsewhere and they expect to join the others soon.

GLC02415.030

to Mary

He has been sick on his back, but is improving. The medicine could only do so much. He is too weak to write many letters so he tells his wife to tell everyone he will write as soon as he is able.

GLC02415.031

to Mary

He explains why he has not written lately. Picket duty has started. Once again he alludes to the day the last Southern flag will be hailed in the dust.

GLC02415.032

to Mary

He is in Nashville now but he doesn't think he will stay there long. He is in the hospital and he is eating well. His appetite is good.

GLC02415.033

to Mary

He is now in Lousiville. He thinks he may go farther north as they have been sending all the men that are unfit for duty to their own state hospitals.

GLC02415.034

to Mary

The doctor doesn't have a very high success rate in treating his disease. He thinks if things keep going the way they are, the war will end soon with the Union coming out on top.

GLC02415.035

to Mary

2 of their friends recently died. He talks about restoring the nation.

GLC02415.036

to Mary

He tells her to be thankful for the care he is receiving. Hopefully he can come home soon. He is waiting on six months pay. His father had some business luck recently, so he wants to give him some money.

GLC02415.037

to Mary

He will get better but he may never be fit for active duty again. It is hard to get discharged on account of a lame back though, because a lot of people try to fake it.

GLC02415.038

to Mary

He describes his diet since she asked in a previous letter. He owes money to a Wesley.

GLC02415.039

to Mrs. Kellog

A letter informing her of Wesley Kellog's death. He provides a detailed account of how how he was shot and killed.

GLC02415.040

to Mary

A very patriotic letter about why it is important to make sacrifices for the nation. Fighting for your country will benefit posterity.

GLC02415.041

to Mary

He is getting better and a discharge does not seem far away. He mentions the numerous deserters.

GLC02415.042

to Mary

He is glad his family knows nothing of the hardships he has seen amongst the Rebel army in Kentucky. Meanwhile, he waits for the Paymaster.

GLC02415.043

to Mary

He talks about Bragg and Gen. Rosecrans. He says Bragg is a coward and a traitor and is afraid of Rosecrans. Then he goes on to speculate whether Father ought to save his wheat for the Spring market or Fall.

GLC02415.044

to Mary

He still doesn't know where they will send him, either to the regiment or the Convalescent Camp, but ultimately feels he will go back with his regiment. He hopes it is true that H. Pratt was discharged.

GLC02415.045

to Mary

He says there are those who have gotten out of touch because they are fighting on opposite sides and in some cases have not heard from their friends in 8 or 10 months.

GLC02415.046

to Mary

He has been detailed in the hospital dining room. He has to set the table and do the dishes. He apologizes for not having sent her money yet, but he should be able to do so this week.

GLC02415.047

to Mary

He reminds her that there are thousands of women who no longer have a husband to write to. A lot is riding on the current battle they are in. If the Rebels lose it, they will all be taken prisoner. Right now there are 1100 prisoners from Bragg's army...

GLC02415.048

to Mary

He warns her about keeping warm because warm clothes are cheaper than doctors' bills. Also he says if she wants to live in Saranac this winter she ought to consider the costs of such an endeavour.

GLC02415.049

to Mary

He asks her to let him know right away if she does not receive the money he sent. She mentioned that a Mr. Shear has written to him but he has not received any of the letters.

GLC02415.050

to Mary

He is glad their daughter Nellie is attending school for he says all they have to give them is an education and it is better than gold or silver. He goes on to brag that he is used to hard living now and has gotten by on nothing but hard bread for...

GLC02415.051

to Mary

It iis difficult to see what he is referring to exactly, but he says a Fletcher has not made a payment. But when he does, to add interest. Barton is in a bragging move.

GLC02415.052

to Mary

She acquired a five year old cow as a result of trading. If the cow yields a hundred punds of beef then the trade was a good one. He tells her to let the farm to Mr. Graw. His advice is not to let them know she has money or she will have to pay a tax...

GLC02415.053

to Mary

He talks about the importancce of Chattanugh and how they need to keep the Rebels contained. They do not want them to get into Eastern Tennessee so they will try to cut off their supplies.

GLC02415.054

to Mary

Money goes very fast these days he says. Even after receiving two months pay some of the boys have no money left. But he is very careful about how he spends his money. Other soldiers waste their money on drinking and gambling.

GLC02415.055

to Mary

He changed jobs from working in the dining room to giving medicine. The size of the company has diminished greatly in the past year. He asks how her provisions are.

GLC02415.056

to Mary

He wants to know how living in Mr. Sterans house is for her. Apparently their corn crop did not do well this year. He asks what Mr. Graw wants to do with their farm.

GLC02415.057

to Mary

He is working in the dining room again. She told him a Mr. Holland wants to build a wood house on the end of their house and he discusses the cost of such a project. He wants Mr. Holland to write to him.

GLC02415.058

to Mary

He has no wish to rejoin his regiment and march around in the cold. He would like to have a taste of her mince pies. He says to tell Mr. Roland he can work on the improved land.

GLC02415.060

to Mary

He is now in Chattanooga, after having spent some time at the Convalescent Camp. He has now rejoined his regiment.

GLC02415.061

to Mary

They are near Lookout Mountain, in the heart of the enemy's country. He describes the country they passed through on the way from Lousiville to Chattanooga which he says is unlike anything she's ever seen before.

GLC02415.062

to Mary

He writes again how education is so important for their children. If she does not have money for the taxes, he insists she let him know and he will send her some money.Their pay is late.

GLC02415.063

to Mary

There are many deserting the rebel ranks. There are reports that these deserters may join the Union but he does not see much truth in these reports. One of the shirts she made him has shrunk terribly.

GLC02415.064

to Mary

He saw the boys from Boston the other day and it made him nostalgic. He will send some more money.

GLC02415.065