Collection Search

to Louise Walbridge

Discusses marching orders, his impression of Warwick, and building a road to Yorktown.

GLC04663.02

to Louise Walbridge

Advises his sister not to teach any longer, managing the property and defends his brigade from attacks resulting from their performance at Fair Oaks. He also tells of wounded men who lay on the battlefield for three days and who claimed to have been...

GLC04663.03

to Louise Walbridge

Mentions Stuart's raid at Tunstall's Station.

GLC04663.04

to Louise Walbridge

He estimates the Confederate army at 200,000. There have been thunderstorms every night for several days, yet the days have been sunny.

GLC04663.05

to Louise Walbridge

Notes he saw a girl from home in Alexandria. Discusses the fate of friends, the weather and two photographs that have disappeared.

GLC04663.08

to Louise Walbridge

Writes of the cold weather and a recent snowfall. Notes he ixed up his tent for the winter months and has received gloves from mother.

GLC04663.09

to Louise Walbridge

Tells how a Southern woman tried to burn down her house rather than let the North use it for a hospital. Also speculates on the possibility of foreign war, reparations for damages caused by a pirate, invasion from Canada, and advice for fortifying...

GLC04663.10

to Louise Walbridge

Interesting story of a lady and child who left a package addressed to General Dix near a picket line. Upon receiving the package, Dix boarded a steamer bound for Fortress Monroe.

GLC04663.11

to Louise Walbridge

Transport via steamer, description of conditions aboard the ship. Written on board steamer Belvidere, Hampton Roads.

GLC04663.12

to Louise Walbridge

Tells of the Montauk's attack on Fort Pulaski. "I know my letters are very dull now a days but you must remember, that we are completely cut off from the outer world."

GLC04663.13

to Louise Walbridge

Talks about family affairs: his sister Sarah's illness and her decision to wean the baby; his wish to attend a party; asks about Louise's birthday.

GLC04663.14

to Louise Walbridge

"Gen'l Hunter issued an order yesterday which says that all able bodied Negroes between the ages of eighteen and fifty one, not regularly employed in the Quartermaster and Commissary Departments, or as Officer's servants, shall be drafted, and...

GLC04663.15

to Louise Walbridge

"It rains in smart little showers four times an hour." Discusses news about the 100th NY regiment. Writes of books he has read and one which he wants to read.

GLC04663.16

to Louise Walbridge

Posted to a "battery" of one brass gun and two palmetto guns, rumors of a renewed attack on Charleston, exchanging newspapers with the Confederates, who "beat us in getting possession of the New York Papers." He then discusses the dangers of such...

GLC04663.17

to Louise Walbridge

Death of friends, moving toward Charleston. Also mentions news from home: a fair raised $500, "Cousins Elbridge and Mary have done me the honor to name their baby after me."

GLC04663.18

to Louise Walbridge

News of the reception of a regiment returning to Buffalo, the homesickness of soldiers, and bathing in the ocean. Also discusses the Confederate advantage architect of interior lines.

GLC04663.19

to Louise Walbridge

Provides a reconnaissance on James Island. Reflects on the Battle of Fair Oaks, and the anniversary of that battle. Dicusses home and mentions that will leave on furlough in two weeks.

GLC04663.20

to Louise Walbridge

Read The New System of Tactics and enjoyed it. A confederate steamer runs aground and is boarded every night by union troops who take her cargo. A boil is growing on his neck.

GLC04663.21

to his son

Describes the attack on Fort Wagner. A page dated 7/20, lists missing and wounded officers. "Shortly after dark our troops advanced to the assault. The 54th Mass. (colored regiment) in the lead... [T]his regiment which went into the charge with...

GLC04663.22

to Louise Walbridge

Siege of Charleston. Four regiments of Negroes who are better at fatigue work than white soldiers. "The consequence is that fifty Negroes are equal to a hundred white soldiers, for ordinary work." Closes with the expectation that bombardment of...

GLC04663.23

to Louise Walbridge

Sister Rosalie [a Roman Catholic nun?] arrives at Folly Island from Buffalo. The joys of soldiering, progress of the siege, death of a sergeant.

GLC04663.24

to Louise Walbridge

Provides a description of the attack on the "New Ironsides" by the Confederate torpedo boat "David." "The rebels came down the harbor in a small cigar shaped steamer... She lay off some distance from the Ironsides and sent a small boat with a...

GLC04663.25

to Louise Walbridge

Encloses a piece of brick taken from Fort Sumter [not included in collection] by a scouting party. Asks about the farm and selling the mill.

GLC04663.26

to Louise Walbridge

Embarrassed by the news that several ladies inspected a uniform he sent home, worries about the recently discovered Canada Conspiracy, and pay of a black regiment. "The North Carolina regiment (colored), are to be paid off to morrow, it seems all...

GLC04663.27

to Louise Walbridge

Notes that he received a piece of wedding cake. Discusses the Sanitary Commission, the sinking of the "Weehawken," and an explosion in Fort Sumter, which was followed by Union mortar fire. Sarah sent him a book entitled, "The Wife's Strategy," which...

GLC04663.28

to Louise Walbridge

Some members of the regiment went home on a recruiting campaign. Walbridge asked them to stop by the house. Reflects on the coming Christmas and Christmas past. Briefly discusses Hugo's description of the battle of Waterloo.

GLC04663.29

to Louise Walbridge

Discusses the weather and his brother George's decision to move to New York City.

GLC04663.30

to Louise Walbridge

Troops reviewed by General Gordon. Walbridge states it was a wonderful occasion.

GLC04663.31

to Louise Walbridge

News concerning his trip to Beaufort, blockade runner tried to enter Union occupied Charleston Harbor and ran aground near Fort Moultrie.

GLC04663.32

to Louise Walbridge

Ordered to report to Jacksonville, Florida. "I have existed on Folly Island for ten months, and I am not sorry to leave it, I don't well see how I can change for the worse, as far as location is concerned."

GLC04663.33

to Louise Walbridge

Written on board steamer "Maple Leaf." Continued on 25 February and the 28 February. Describes the ship which formerly sailed on Lake Ontario and was "chartered" by the government. The section dated 25 February is written from Jacksonville...

GLC04663.34

to Louise Walbridge

Continued 3 April. Notes that General Hatch relieved General Seymour as commander of the District of Florida. Seymour is under investigation by a congressional committee on the Florida campaign. The section dated 3 April explains that a steamer...

GLC04663.35

to Louise Walbridge

Assigned to General Seymour's staff. Discusses Kilpatrick's advance toward Richmond and hopes that Sherman will capture Mobile.

GLC04663.36

to Louise Walbridge

Receives his commission [as captain, see # 42]. He is starting home on furlough but must first be mustered out of his old regiment. Hopes to visit home before George [his brother?] leaves. Death of a sister's young child.

GLC04663.37

to Louise Walbridge

Assigned to Bermuda Hundred under Major General Butler. Describes the houses and trip up the river.

GLC04663.38

to Louise Walbridge

Confederate attack near Fort Darling. Lists officers wounded and killed.

GLC04663.39

to Louise Walbridge

Reinforcements sent to Grant from Bermuda Hundred. Butler failed to capture the Petersburg and Richmond Railroad.

GLC04663.40

to Louise Walbridge

Wishes he was with Grant's army, where there is more excitement and work. "I have great faith in Grant, and the old army of the Potomac . . . ." Mentions Sherman's expedition in Georgia.

GLC04663.41

to Louise Walbridge

Another soldier asks Walbridge to send money home for him, news concerning the arrival of another captain from Buffalo.

GLC04663.42

to Louise Walbridge

A visit to the Petersburg lines, requests paintings done by Sarah and Louise, wonders why Lydia Walbridge still succumbs to "the humbug of spiritualism" after it has taken the lives of several of her children.

GLC04663.43

to Louise Walbridge

Requests the location of the 94th NY. Writes that most of the officers in the 100th NY regiment will not re-enlist.

GLC04663.44

to Louise Walbridge

Writing to let the family know he arrived safely [from a furlough]. The weather is very hot and there is a new chief Quartermaster.

GLC04663.45

to Louise Walbridge

Failed attempt of the 2nd and 10th Corps to take Richmond. Has not received any letters from home since his return.

GLC04663.46

to Louise Walbridge

Describes his new quarters, two tents and an open space over which is a "fly", with a diagram of the tents. Failed rebel attack at Bermuda Hundred, intercepted message from General Beauregard to General Pickett ordering the latter to destroy a...

GLC04663.47

to Louise Walbridge

Asks Louise to send to him some official papers he left at home. A detailed description of various forms used by the Quartermaster's office.

GLC04663.48

to Louise Walbridge

First encounter with persimmons [type of fruit], the success of Sheridan, building a log office for winter, reports that he knows no McClellan supporters in the Army.

GLC04663.49

to Louise Walbridge

Battle of Chapins Bluff. Rebel prisoners say they did not run because they realized that there was no hope. Thinks Sheridan will soon take Lynchburg. Regrets that Louise and Mother have to take in boarders.

GLC04663.50

to Louise Walbridge

Acknowledges receipt of a package containing honey (most of which spilled), pants, a cake, and butter. Describes the weather, is saddened to hear of the deaths of two ladies from Buffalo, expects a big battle soon. Encloses a piece of petrified...

GLC04663.51

to Louise Walbridge

Sent George a pass to come visit him as an "employee of the Quartermaster Department" and explains that Harry cannot visit because he is too young for such a pass. Preparations for George's visit: putting a stove in his tent; obtaining a horse for...

GLC04663.52

to Louise Walbridge

Discusses the mild weather they have been having, anxiously awaiting news from Sherman's campaign in Georgia, news of other officers, wishes he could attend the winter parties. "[I]t is difficult for me to write a letter; my life is so monotonous...

GLC04663.53

to Louise Walbridge

George H. Thomas' victory over John B. Hood, excitement over Sherman's march in Georgia, hopeful that peace is near, and wishes he was home for the holidays.

GLC04663.54

to Louise Walbridge

Tells of the Christmas telegram sent from [General William T.] Sherman to [President Abraham] Lincoln offering his gift of the city of Savannah, Georgia. Mentions receiving a gift from George and awaiting a package from home.

GLC04663.55

to Louise Walbridge

Trip to Winter Garden to see Booth in Hamlet, had to leave early to get a birth in the sleeping car. Leaving for Norfolk this evening.

GLC04663.56

to Louise Walbridge

Has been sick for about 10 days and has a boil on his neck. Heavy rain has turned everything to mud. "Elbridge and J.F. Whiting (Will's partner,) have become my sureties for the sum of ten thousand dollars" so he can "give bonds."

GLC04663.57

to Louise Walbridge

George's visit. Describes their trip to Dutch Gap, Headquarters, Fort Harrison, and City Point. Describes the layout, and operation of Point of Rock hospital. Tomorrow they plan to go to Meade's Station and Patrick's Station "inspecting the works...

GLC04663.58

to Louise Walbridge

Weather: winter in Buffalo, spring in camp. Believes the fighting will be over by mid-summer, possibly June. News concerning Sherman, Sheridan, and Grant. He has been "brevetted" to the rank of a major, "Brevets I suppose you know are a kind of...

GLC04663.59

to Louise Walbridge

Expects to be transferred to General Turner's division. Saddened by the prospect of leaving a place that has been his home for almost a year. Writes about some friends he has made at the post. Mentions fighting "in front of the Army of the Potomac...

GLC04663.60

to Louise Walbridge

Informs his brother that since they last communicated, several important events have taken place, the defeat and capture of General Robert E. Lee, the occupation of Richmond, and General Joseph E. Johnston's surrender to Generals Ulysses S. Grant and...

GLC04663.61

to Louise Walbridge

Appointed Inspector of the Quartermaster Department for the Department of North Carolina. Reports that there are 3,500 contrabands colonized on the island, and describes a large seminary at Raleigh.

GLC04663.62

to Louise Walbridge

Notes he selected the house of Dr. Haywood for his office and a smaller one for his quarters. The owner, a secessionist, had fled before the Union army entered the city. Family members had asked for the house to be returned to them, Walbridge...

GLC04663.63

to Louise Walbridge

Acknowledges receipt of photograph. Advice for managing rented property, read newspaper accounts of Jefferson Davis' capture while he was wearing petticoats. The Treasury confiscated the Haywood house. The officers will not be turned out since it...

GLC04663.64

to Louise Walbridge

Discusses an inspection tour. Notes he needs to sell a large number of horses and mules which the army no longer needs and are a great expense. Describes the ladies of the town of Edenton, North Carolina, and tells how the people there sing...

GLC04663.65

to Louise Walbridge

Notes that the temperature has been over 100 for several days. Notes he was promoted to Colonel. Says that he has decided to remain in the army another two or three months. Encloses a recipe for "tomato wine" [not in the collection]. Mentions he...

GLC04663.66

to Louise Walbridge

Notes that he expects to go home soon. Says that he needs to inspect, appraise and sell some animals and stores. Reports that 8,000 white troops will be mustered out of his department.

GLC04663.67

to Louise Walbridge

Has been busy with trips to Charlotte and Newberne. Business opportunities in Raleigh in which he could make a considerable amount of money in a few months, but wishes to go home. He has an opportunity to buy horses at government prices and sell...

GLC04663.68

to Louise Walbridge

Acknowledges a letter he received since venturing south on a speculation scheme. Describes the trouble of trying to travel by rail in South Carolina. The land ladies speak against Yankees during meals at boarding houses. States that South...

GLC04663.69

to Louise Walbridge

He has sold over two thousand dollars worth of horses and mules in one day. He assures his family that he is safe. Remarks on the elegant buildings. Hopes to sell all his stock in ten days.

GLC04663.70

to Louise Walbridge

Writes that he is still selling his stock. "[W]ent within ten miles of the Savannah river. I found the country almost a desert, and all the people as poor as rats. Some who formerly had splendid dwellings surrounded by every luxury, are now living...

GLC04663.71

to Charles Walbridge

Acknowledges receipt of handbills. Hopes Charles will be home for the holidays. News from family friends. Attends a reception.

GLC04663.72

to Charles Walbridge

Family news and weather. A rash of break-ins has made the family uneasy. "I heard a commotion down stairs and Mother opening the front door, a very little thing alarms us in these days of murders and robberies so I ran down stairs as fast as I could...

GLC04663.73

to Louise Walbridge

Writes that General Bidwell has been killed. Reports that Charlie is now in charge of the whole Quartermasters Department. Leon is acting as storage clerk. Talks about the election of 1864. The democrats "had an unpleasant time indeed at their...

GLC04663.74

[Abraham Lincoln, carte de visite, three-quarter length standing view]

Three-quarter length, standing view. [O-17].

GLC05136.01

[Colonel Alexander Piper]

Vignette bust portrait showing Piper with beard and mustache. Identification note in pencil on verso.

GLC05528.01

[Captain E. M. Camp]

Seated half view portrait with beard and mustache. Name inscribed on recto under photograph. Identifying inscription on verso. Taken by Brady's National Photographic Portrait Galleries.

GLC05528.05

to mother

The army celebrated Christmas with an artillery barrage on the city of Charleston. As a result a fire broke out in the city which burned for 11 hours. The rebels fired back, hit a gun boat and killed three people. He is applying for leave, but...

GLC04662.052

to mother

His "boy" Isaac, who is nineteen years old, wants an education. He can read and write a little and "is quite a mathematician." He requests a first grade reader, a geography book, and an arithmetic book for Isaac's education. He was not approved...

GLC04662.053

to mother

He asks what gifts his mother purchased for the family with the money he sent. The sawmill is running very well. He is, once again, Quartermaster of Vodges division. He needs a new nightshirt.

GLC04662.054

to mother

Sends his mother a box of sea shells and pebbles that he has collected. Describes three types of shells and instructs her on deodorizing them.

GLC04662.055

to mother

"I attended a hop at Gen'l Saxton's, and saw some real live ladies, and danced with them!" Is considering buying confiscated lands, but thinks the speculators may have beaten him to them.

GLC04662.056

to mother

An expedition has left from Hilton Head, no one is sure where they are going. "Florida has been talked of considerably, as it's destination, but that makes me think that it is going to some other point." He hopes that he will be transferred soon.

GLC04662.057

to mother

Ordered to report to Jacksonville, Florida.

GLC04662.058

to mother

Continued 2/22 at Hilton Head. He is waiting for a transport to take him to Florida. He hopes to get an appointment [as quartermaster] and a furlough. Reports the news of the Florida expedition: it has lost 7 guns, 400 wounded men have been...

GLC04662.059

to mother

Describes the fighting near Lake City [Battle of Olustee or Ocean Pond, 2/20/1864] as quite severe: over 1700 killed, wounded, and missing. He comments: "The negro troops did very well except the 8th U.S. Colored Troops, which is a new regiment...

GLC04662.060

to mother

He is acting Chief Quartermaster for the Department. He encloses a copy of the Free South, a newspaper printed by the army which contains some Confederate articles [not included]. One Southern article tells of another battle in Florida, which...

GLC04662.061

to mother

Tells his mother to hire a servant girl. Worries over the health of baby George, and read a newspaper account of a reception for veterans of the 100th NY.

GLC04662.062

to mother

Upset over the death of Sarah's baby. He attended church service at General Seymour's house. He wants to go home and see his family.

GLC04662.063

to mother

He encloses a rose [included] that he picked near his house. His express box arrived almost two months after being sent, "There has been time enough I suppose for it to have reached Constantinople." He likes his new nightshirts. However, the pants...

GLC04662.064

to mother

The steamer "Fanning" was sunk, taking with it a letter from Walbridge. He is now acting chief Quartermaster for the 10th Army Corps and has been very busy loading steamers. He desperately wants a furlough.

GLC04662.065

to mother

He can hear the musket fire from a battle near Petersburg [Drewry's Bluff or Fort Darling]. Sheridan's cavalry appeared across the river from their headquarters.

GLC04662.066

to mother

Thanks his mother for her "cheering words" and is glad she is not too disappointed that he has given up on the idea of getting a furlough.

GLC04662.067

to mother

He would like to be with Grant's army. He advises his mother on financial affairs, to sell some property and invest the money in government bonds. He gives the interest of the bonds in greenbacks as $492, and in gold as $800. He gives the recent...

GLC04662.068

to Mrs. Walbridge

Writes to his mother that he returned last night from a two day excursion across the Appomattox River to bring supplies to the troops since their supply trains had not yet arrived. Discusses the fighting at Petersburg, 15-18 June 1864. States he...

GLC04662.069

to mother

"I have great confidence in Grant and so I believe has every other soldier in the army." They are having a drought and the roads have become very dusty. He gives his mother advice on selling one of their lots and building a house on another. He...

GLC04662.070

to mother

He has received a thirty day furlough and will start home on Friday. He describes ships decorated and batteries firing in observance of the 4th of July.

GLC04662.071

to mother

He is on his way back to the front. He has seen a physician about his "comforter" trouble. It caused his eye to swell shut and had to be opened by the doctor.

GLC04662.072

to mother

Rumors that the federal line at Petersburg has advanced and captured several lines of rifle pits.

GLC04662.073

to mother

The death of Cousin Lydia's child. Reports on a battle [Weldon Railroad] and expects that Grant will remove all troops from the other side of the James and begin a new strategy.

GLC04662.074

to mother

A quick note sent with a check for $100.

GLC04662.075

to mother

He was sorry to learn that his mother has a sore finger and urges her to use a soap and sugar poultice prescribed by the doctor. He reports that men injured early in the campaign are now returning to duty.

GLC04662.076

to mother

They have received word of the capture of Atlanta. His train and depot were inspected and Col. Howard said, "he never before saw a depot in as good order..." Grant's army has taken possession of the Weldon railroad. He is trying to find a...

GLC04662.077