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to parents

Is still under guard. Has waited for a letter from them for a week but has not heard from them. Met with the colonel who asked them a few questions including how long they had been locked up for. Not sure if he will receive a court martial at all....

GLC09355.021

to parents

Received their letter from the quartermaster last night. Some rumors that they were leaving soon. Had a good visit and "am contented now." Saw George Wright yesterday. Did not have a chance to ask him what he had heard about what was going to happen...

GLC09355.023

to parents

Once again has gone into the field. In camp about 100 rods away from the 10th Massachusetts. Joined the brigade this morning after leaving New York City on Wednesday. Just saw Sid and the rest of his regiment. Engine on their train broke down...

GLC09355.024

to parents

Received two letters from them, one on the 20th and one on the 23rd. Has been on the march ever since he was at Centerville, so he has not had time to write. Marched 15 miles to Gainesville and then to New Baltimore. Later received orders to march to...

GLC09355.025

to parents

Received their letter last night and was surprised to find out that they had not received his most recent letter. Are now camped almost in the town center and is very near General Sedgwick's headquarters. Is guarding a road that has been a target for...

GLC09355.026

to parents

Marched from Kelly's Ford back towards Rappahannock Station, where there was a battle a week before. Crossed the Rappahannock River and marched six miles to their current location, "but I presume we shall not be here a great while." Cavalry had...

GLC09355.027

to parents

Is in his tent while it rains, and therefore has nothing to pass the time with other than writing. Got a short letter from his father yesterday. Hopes mother's eyes do not get much worse than they already are. Just went to visit Sid; "he is well as...

GLC09355.028

to parents

Received their letter yesterday. Marched 15 miles earlier in the week. Was going to start on Monday morning, but it was too rainy then. The march was delayed until Thanksgiving morning. Crossed the Rapidan River at Jacob's Ford and stayed there that...

GLC09355.029

to parents

Lists all of the things he wants send in his box: "1 pair of blue shirts of the color of blue yard not such a dark blue as you have made as they might fade. 1 pair of boots just like the last pair that Mellon made for me…1 pair of good woolen gloves...

GLC09355.030

to parents

Has received all of their letters, but has been too busy to answer them while building winter quarters. Returned from picket to discover that the regiment had started to build log houses. It is "no small job." The shelter he is building is eight feet...

GLC09355.031

to parents

Has not received any letters from them, but did get two newspapers. Now has time to read the papers, a luxury that he did not have before. Can even read at night sometimes when they get candles, "which we do have given [to] us sometimes." Drew...

GLC09355.034

[handkerchief]

Pink with white lace border. The handkerchief also has along one end a set of pink flowers sewn into the fabric.

GLC09355.035

to parents

Received their letter on New Years Day. "What a change there has been" in the past year. All of the commissioned officers who came with the company from Northampton are gone for one reason or another. Perhaps more importantly, "the old troops now in...

GLC09355.037

to parents

Got a letter from him last week. Made a mistake at the top of the page with the address and wrote Northampton. It is the first time he has made such a mistake, "but it shows where my thoughts are most of the time." Heard at division headquarters that...

GLC09355.038

to brother

The letter includes a note stating this letter was sent in the same envelope as the letter dated 1864/01/05. Asks how the "flour grain and coal business" is. Asks him to tell Joe that he can "cure himself… by just taking a gun and coming out here."...

GLC09355.039

to parents

Letter came last night and the box came the day before. Before then, there had not been any mail for 4 days, so when the call to "fall in for mail" came, the entire company was very excited. Lampoons the idea of the high-class, "high minded and noble...

GLC09355.040

to Mother

Attached with the letter is another letter to his and Edward Bridgman's old school teacher, which she is free to read if she wishes to do so. Asks her to put the letter in an envelope upon its arrival and send it to its destination. Is well and sends...

GLC09355.042

to Parents

Expects to go on picket duty in the morning, and decided to write now instead of waiting 4 days for when he has returned from picket. Colonel Edwards has applied to the War Department to allow for their regiment's reenlistment. "Cannot say how many...

GLC09355.043

to Parents

Has finished all of his Sunday work and now is able to write. Describes his normal daily chores: "As soon as we get our breakfast we commence to fix up generally. First - take down the gun and rub it up and clean it. Next follow suit with the bayonet...

GLC09355.044

to Parents

Received their letter the night before last, but did not get a letter from mother as usual. Understands that this is likely due to her straining her eyes too much. Wishes her eyes were better, "but I suppose there is no use in wishing for that." Was...

GLC09355.045

to Parents

Turns out that they will be staying put. The 2nd and 3rd corps "had a sweet little fight" with the Confederates, but the 6th corps was not needed. Feels very lucky that he did not have to fight, for it was raining very hard and the mud was knee deep...

GLC09355.046

to Parents

Does not have any news to write; they have not moved. Weather has been nice, so they may move soon. The ground is dry and the roads are in good condition. "My only wish now is that my box with my boots may come before we do start." Glad to hear his...

GLC09355.047

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He sends a picture of Neil Wheeler and tells her to get an album for the different pictures he has sent. He will leave for New Orleans shortly.

GLC02161.006

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He met Norman Macneal in Alexandria when he got off the Washington boat. He has sent money to Father for her. He is sorry she is so disatisfied at home. He knew their living together would one day end and that Mollie could not follow him into enemy...

GLC02161.019

to mother

He asks her to send some flannel shirts and socks. Soon he will go to Washington and get paid and he will be able to fix things financially.

GLC02161.074

to sister

He assures her he will see her as soon as possible and offers condolences.

GLC02161.079

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

Capt. Cornfield has died, charging at the head of his command. Unfortunaetely he was unable to pay his respects.

GLC02161.083

to sister

He arrived Friday morning and everyone was glad to see him. He is hard at work now and will remain so until the middle of December.

GLC02161.100

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He says the captain and the other officers are very down to earth and do put on airs. They sleep with him and he kicks them out of bed in the morning. They are a family.

GLC02161.105

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He wants her to come visit, especially since Cassie will probably come in the winter.

GLC02161.107

to sister

He complains that Cassie only writes him once a month and says Christmas was a dreary day

GLC02161.110

to sister

He sent her $20. He apologizes for being neglectful. It is only because he has so many business letters to write.

GLC02161.113

to mother

He is sorry to hear of his mother's illness. He sent his citizen's suit home yesterday. He will have his hair cut soon.

GLC02161.115

to mother

He mentions several friends and acquaintances. One of the lieutenants is sick. Charley is in command of the 27th.

GLC02161.117

[orders for Orville S. Dewey]

Dewey is ordered to Washington on guard patrol.

GLC02161.121

to Eunice Lombard Edwards

Edwards, senior aide-de-camp on the staff of General Darius N. Couch, writes to his mother, from head quarters, Couch's brigade. Remarks that he will take the train to Washington, D.C., on 28 February. Does not know his precise destination, but...

GLC02163.01

to Fannie Schoonmaker

Printed on stationery marked "Liberty and Union." Has a "troubled mind." Does not know why she has not responded to his letter. Is "ready to face the enemy and stand fast." The regiment is going to move, and he has to go to the "cursed hospital" for...

GLC02164.07

to daughter

The letter has a green New York stamp that includes the New York State seal. Lets his daughter know he is well. Moved from Washington to Aliten [Alton?] Heights last Saturday. Are within eleven miles of the battlefield. "Do not know what minute we...

GLC02164.10

to his sister Sallie

GLC02160.04

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He was promoted to first lieutenancy and is trying to arrange for her and the children to come visit him. He expects their destination to be Harper's Ferry or Richmond.

GLC02161.007

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

Harry is ill with pneumonia. He worries about Harry because he has a slight build and doesn't think he'll be able to endure this "rough world."

GLC02161.012

to [Harriet W. Dewey]

He has been receiving compliments on his work. They are camped on the battlefield and as he writes the Rebels are throwing shells into their camp.

GLC02161.025

to [Harriet W. Dewey]

Accomodations are not good. They have had no regular meals and anything good is very expensive. He asks her to send fruit and vegetables. There will be a general exchange of prisoners soon and he hopes Will will be among them.

GLC02161.035

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He requests photos of mother and father. He is also enclosing a sketch from an illustrated newspaper depicting the cavalry battle that Will fought in. Not included here.

GLC02161.037

to [Norman R. Dewey]

He wants his father to stop working so hard. He should be as comfortable as possible. He warns his father it may be a year before he can visit him.

GLC02161.038

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He sent money to father and told mother to send him some things. Capt. M.went down to Fort Monroe. It is hot and uncomfortable.

GLC02161.039

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He has been working hard in the hot sun. He is looking forward to Will's release. She should go to Michigan to visit an uncle of theirs.

GLC02161.040

to [Norman R. Dewey]

The Rebels attacked the night before and he describes how the sky lit up because of the flash of the artillery. His theory as to why is that the attack drew their gunboats out, thus allowing the Rebels to follow them.

GLC02161.042

to his mother

Everyone is happy about the "drafting order." He knows Lincoln wants to end the war. He has not received any boxes yet. He wants a position in one of the conscript regiments.

GLC02161.048

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

Will is in the hospital and he is hoping he can get a leave because he will need lots of home care if he is to be fit for duty again. They leave for Newport News tonight. He is afraid the new movement will break the army up.

GLC02161.051

to William McLean

He tells a story in which a lot of soldiers and cavalry were standing around and someone asked, 'Where's Gen. Pope?' And someone else answered: 'In his headquarters.' Upon asking where his headquarters were, the reply was: 'In his saddle.' Written in...

GLC02161.055

to mother

He is very bitter towards the Buffalonians for their bias toward other regiments. It looks like many regiments will be consolidated since some have lost a considerable number of men. Some officers will be discharged and if he is one, he will not...

GLC02161.058

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

They were reviewed by Lincoln on the third. Unfortunately, they've had to wear the same clothes since before Richmond. There is much description concerning their raggedy clothes.

GLC02161.060

to mother

No one is getting paid. Some of the men have no clothes and few tents. He assures his sister he will send some money the moment he is paid.

GLC02161.062

to mother

He thanks her for the package she sent. He has rheumatism in his hip, he thinks. Their lieutenant resigned on account of sickness. Written at the Stafford Courthouse.

GLC02161.067

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He wrote to his uncle about Charley's horse. He has since recovered from his illness and feels great. Mrs. Bird and Nellie stopped by and they had a nice visit.

GLC02161.076

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He says he'd rather shoot copperheads than Southerners because copperheads are disgracing the North. They are in Philadelphia and he thinks Philadelphians are the friendliest people.

GLC02161.087

to mother

He is afraid he will never get his his back pay. Though if he gets mustered back to the 24th of January he'll get six months pay. This will be a big help to the entire family.

GLC02161.088

to father

He is finally to be mustered for his back pay He acknowledges all Al Wheeler is doing for him by offering him lieutenancy in his battery. He wishes Uncle S.P would offer him a commission in the regular army.

GLC02161.098

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

The mustering officer has not shown up yet. As soon as he comes, he can start for New York. He heard that head quarters approves of his new appointment.

GLC02161.099

to mother

He was assigned to the 10th army corps. He asks if a fellow lieutenant's body was received by the military.

GLC02161.123

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

Written "in the field." The "Johnnies" have been skirmishing with their infantry and artillery. They have a strong position. They have three regiments of colored troops but they have not been let in yet.

GLC02161.127

to Harriet W. Dewey

He is very healthy and there is no sickness in the army. They are all full of fight for the campaign that will decide whether this "nation is one or two."

GLC02161.132

[1864 diary]

In April, he notes that he does not like working under Butler which corresponds to one of his letters. In May he describes some very animated fighting occurring near their pickets. Later on the 28th he gives details of Henry's (a fellow soldier)...

GLC02161.146

[Photograph of William E. Brewster]

William H. Brewster in military dress, seated.

GLC02161.172

[Photograph of John Parker Gould]

John Parker Gould in miltary dress.

GLC02161.173

to Esther Ann Kinney

re: Blanchard writes about how "Gen Hooker got whiped the Boys are feeling down hearted." He also writes about his view on the Confederate cause, saying that he would rather let the rebels have their rights than be led by inept Generals. He also...

GLC02162.09

to Eunice Lombard Edwards

Writes to his mother from head quarters, 37th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Notes that he was recently on picket duty on the Rappahannock River, one hundred yards from enemy pickets: "they seemed greatly to enjoy the reading of Jeff Davises'...

GLC02163.05

to Eunice Lombard Edwards

Writes to his mother from head quarters, 37th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Thanks his mother for a box from home, which he received on his birthday. Notes that Mr. Tiffany and a judge from Chicopee, Massachusetts were present for the opening...

GLC02163.10

[Wrapper that previously contained letters from Oliver Edwards to his mother, Eunice Lombard Edwards]

GLC02163.15

to Fannie Schoonmaker

Printed with a red white and blue stamp of a woman clad in the American flag. Received her letter a day ago. Many have been wounded since he last wrote. Will give a short account of what has happened. Rebels spotted two miles from camp. When they...

GLC02164.08

to Fannie Schoonmaker

GLC02164.13

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Lyon to a friend. Talks of mutual acquaintances, (including a death, one in an "insane retreat" and one who goes down town and returns "pretty tight"), Christmas (when he hears a sermon by an African missionary on "what shall be done...

GLC02165.01

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Hubbard to a friend. Talks of the departure of "Doctor" for whom Holly most likely works and whom Holly is sad to see go. A man comes along and asks for whiskey; describes his practices of "prescribing" whiskey. Comments that though...

GLC02165.08

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Kearney to a friend. Talks in awe of a herd of 1500 cattle captured by forces to be eaten. Describes the quarters of Dr. Benedict, a friend, for whom Holley most likely works, in a former home of Confederates. Then, talks of the...

GLC02165.12

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Vermilion Bayou to a friend. Describes reading Mary's letters on the march, and the expansive plantation of a Rebel General "Moota" (perhaps General Alfred Mouton), commenting "you can imagine how things will look here in a day or two, not...

GLC02165.15

to his aunt

He is camped near Washington and he is very interested in the town. He wants to get a pass and explore. He imagines a time when the great rebellion will end and the troops will go marching back to whoever is home.

GLC02161.016

to sister

He mentions the apathy and the copperheads amongst the North. He says the Southerners are a remorseless people who are willing to win or die. Recently they had a grand review by Gen. Barry.

GLC02161.084

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He has not yet seen Tom McCabe but is watching closely for his arrival. He is Cassie's brother and may decide he is unworthy of her.

GLC02161.101

to mother

Mr. Page came to see him yesterday. He took him to a grand artillery review. He is looking forward to carving the turkey tomorrow.

GLC02161.109

to sister

He visited the Gardiners today and had a pleasant time. He liked the diary she sent. He wonders if Cassie will give him "the slip".

GLC02161.111

to sister

Cassie wrote, apologizing for her silence. She hasn't written because her sister has been ill and this has required all her time.

GLC02161.112

to Esther Ann Kinney

re: Blanchard describes the skirmishes his regiment has with the Confederate troops around the Rappahannock River in the defense of Washington DC. He also describes his camp, saying, "the huts were constructed of bags plastered with mud…every thing...

GLC02162.05

to Eunice Lombard Edwards

Writes to his mother from head quarters, 37th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Location inferred from content. States, "You see I am back at last and that without seeing my mother that was too bad. I had a splendid time in Cleveland but it made...

GLC02163.06

to Eunice Lombard Edwards

Replies to his mother from head quarters, 37th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Notes that since the Grand Divisions (of the Army of the Potomac) have been disbanded, mail is slower in reaching its destination. Discusses personal business and...

GLC02163.12

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Parapet to a friend. Mentions rumors that Stonewall Jackson has been taken prisoner in Washington or that he has conquered Washington. Talks of gifts sent from home (one especially exciting was a piece of cheese.) In return, he sends...

GLC02165.10

to his sister

Written on patriotic stationery.

GLC02160.05

to his sister

Discusses skirmishes with the rebels in North Carolina.

GLC02160.06

to Harriet W. Dewey

Mollie has a touch of dysentary. He talks about how he spent his holidays. The prospect of a fight is good and he is looking forward to it. Written at Camp Niagara

GLC02161.013

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

One day he ran into a Doctor Coventry who persuaded him to stay with him. They went to a church now used as a hospital. He met Will in Alexandria.

GLC02161.018

to [Norman R. Dewey]

Some new officers in his company wrote a scathing letter to the paper attacking him. The primary culprit is someone at a country paper. Capt. Alberger and Capt. Cluney recommended him for promotion.

GLC02161.026

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He has news about her husband. His wounds have all healed and he has been moved to the officers' prison. He will most likely be among the first of those exchanged.

GLC02161.036

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He has been marching for four days. They have been on their way to Yorktown. But he was so tired he decided to go to Fort Monroe via a steamer. He has no idea what the army's final destination is.

GLC02161.050

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

They are between the enemy and the river. Marching is very rough. The skin on his heels came off and he had to march the entire way in that condition.

GLC02161.056

to sister

He does not like how she phrased his current activities. She said he was 'on the retreat' which sounds like he ran away. He mentions the recent raid in Pennsylvania. He doesn't agree with the general's decisions there.

GLC02161.063

to sister

He is glad Will got a promotion. He will be leaving the 49th and he is glad about that. A soldier named Hancock will have been court marshaled for several offenses.

GLC02161.064

to father

McClellan is gone now. He rather liked him and feels that the new commander, Burnside, may only do better because he is luckier. They may or may not have a heavy battle soon.

GLC02161.066

to Orville "Tom" S. Dewey

He speculates on when the war will end, at one point saying that some think not until the Southern race is exterminated. He asks how he has coped with the change in command, adding that he always like McClellan.

GLC02161.070

to father

He thanks his father for the $100 loan. From now on his pay will be $129 per month, an amount they can all live comfortably together.

GLC02161.073

to mother

He has enclosed his photograph. (Not included here.) Will and George gave Mrs. Forbes (the woman they boarded with) a silver urn.

GLC02161.075