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to Louise Walbridge
17 July 1862
Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?
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
12 October 1862
Notes he saw a girl from home in Alexandria. Discusses the fate of friends, the weather and two photographs that have disappeared.
GLC04663.08
8 November 1862
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
15 November 1862
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
December 9, 1862
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
December 27, 1863
Transport via steamer, description of conditions aboard the ship. Written on board steamer Belvidere, Hampton Roads.
GLC04663.12
February 2, 1863
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
February 21, 1863
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
7 March 1863
"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
March 21, 1863
"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
25 April 1863
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
8 May 1863
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
24 May 1863
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
31 May 1863
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
14 June 1863
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
19 July 1863
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
15 August 1863
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
4 September 1863
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
7 October 1863
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
11 November 1863
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
25 November 1863
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
December 11, 1863
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
December 21, 1863
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
January 10, 1864
Discusses the weather and his brother George's decision to move to New York City.
GLC04663.30
January 21, 1864
Troops reviewed by General Gordon. Walbridge states it was a wonderful occasion.
GLC04663.31
February 2, 1864
News concerning his trip to Beaufort, blockade runner tried to enter Union occupied Charleston Harbor and ran aground near Fort Moultrie.
GLC04663.32
February 14, 1864
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
February 23, 1864
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
3 March 1864
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
9 March 1864
Assigned to General Seymour's staff. Discusses Kilpatrick's advance toward Richmond and hopes that Sherman will capture Mobile.
GLC04663.36
11 April 1864
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
12 April 1864
Assigned to Bermuda Hundred under Major General Butler. Describes the houses and trip up the river.
GLC04663.38
17 May 1864
Confederate attack near Fort Darling. Lists officers wounded and killed.
GLC04663.39
31 May 1864
Reinforcements sent to Grant from Bermuda Hundred. Butler failed to capture the Petersburg and Richmond Railroad.
GLC04663.40
4 June 1864
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
8 June 1864
Another soldier asks Walbridge to send money home for him, news concerning the arrival of another captain from Buffalo.
GLC04663.42
21 June 1864
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
2 July 1864
Requests the location of the 94th NY. Writes that most of the officers in the 100th NY regiment will not re-enlist.
GLC04663.44
9 August 1864
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
16 August 1864
Failed attempt of the 2nd and 10th Corps to take Richmond. Has not received any letters from home since his return.
GLC04663.46
27 August 1864
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
18 September 1864
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
25 September 1864
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
3 October 1864
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
23 October 1864
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
31 October 1864
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
30 November 1864
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
December 17, 1864
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
circa December 25, 1864
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
5 January 1865
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
January 25, 1865
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
February 19, 1865
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
14 March 1865
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
March 21, 1865
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
28 April 1865
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
3 May 1865
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
16 May 1865
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
19 May 1865
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
18 June 1865
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
29 July 1865
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
20 August 1865
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
3 September 1865
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
21 October 1865
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
31 October 1865
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
19 November 1865
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
17 November 1865
Walbridge, Louise, fl. 1865
Acknowledges receipt of handbills. Hopes Charles will be home for the holidays. News from family friends. Attends a reception.
GLC04663.72
20 October 1865
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
20 October 1864
Brown, Leon, fl. 1864
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]
February 27, 1860
Brady, Mathew B., 1823-1896
Three-quarter length, standing view. [O-17].
GLC05136.01
[Colonel Alexander Piper]
circa 1864
Vignette bust portrait showing Piper with beard and mustache. Identification note in pencil on verso.
GLC05528.01
Sperling, Jno V.
circa 1861-1865
Pencil inscription on verso: "Jno. V. Sperling 1st Lt., Co. 'U' 1st W.T.I. of A.D., Corinth, Miss, Port Washington, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio." Vignette bust portrait in uniform with moustache and beard. White mount with gold border.
GLC03565.29
[merchants building]
[1861-1865]
Shows a three-story wooden building with signs for various types of merchants, including clothing, furniture, and millinery. A fourth sign advertises Carpenter's Photography Studio.
GLC03029.23
"Ruins in Alex[andria], 1863."
1863
Dramatic pose of hooded woman mourning in the ruins.
GLC03029.24
"Cleaning the wreck."
Soldiers and civilians clearing wrecked trains and bent rails from a track.
GLC03029.25
"Tomb of the Mother of Washingto[n] at Fdkg [Fredericksburg]."
"No. 8." penciled on verso, along with the number 9220. Image shows a single soldier standing in front of the monument with his back to the camera.
GLC03029.26
"Birney['s] H Qr [Headquarters]."
"10803" penciled on verso. Image shows a clearing with Birney's headquarters to the right, and a group of soldiers and horses standing to the left. Slightly lighter print of image #28.
GLC03029.27
"Gen[era]l Birney['s] Hd Q [Headquarters]."
"10803" penciled on verso. Slightly darker print of image #27.
GLC03029.28
"Wheatfield where Gen Reynol[d]s was Killed."
[1863/07]
Variation on O'Sullivan's photo of the wheatfield. Shows a man (probably Brady) crouched at the edge of a pond and looking down. See also image #35 in this collection, and GLC# 2435, Gardner reprint of "Field where Gen. Reynolds fell, Gettysburg."
GLC03029.29
"Gen. Chapman"
"9679" penciled on verso, along with misidentification of photo as "Genl. Sheridan" struck through in ink by a roughly contemporary hand. Image shows Gen. George H. Chapman seated outside his tent.
GLC03029.30
[Behind the Confederate wall at Marye's Heights, Fredericksburg]
[1864]
Unusually large print of a photograph taken from behind the Confederate wall at Marye's Heights, Fredericksburg.
GLC03029.31
[Group of Men]
Large format photograph of a group of men in front of an unidentified building, possibly a church or school.
GLC03029.32
[Buildings]
Image shows vignette of a flagpole and its surrounding grounds and buildings, possibly a military academy.
GLC03029.33
"Rebel Battery taken by Burnsides Col. Murphy[?]"
"No. 29" penciled on verso. Panoramic image showing several men atop a fortification.
GLC03029.34
"View of Barns near where Reynolds was killed."
Another version of O'Sullivan's photo of the wheatfield, with two men facing away from the camera, and barns visible in the distance. Brady may be the seated figure in the straw hat. See also image #28 in this collection.
GLC03029.35
[Evacuation of Port Royal]
[1864/05/30]
"9224" penciled on verso. Image shows the loading of horses onto steamers during the evacuation of Port Royal. One steamer bears the name "Young America." See also GLC 5111.01, image #1049.
GLC03029.36
Genl. Lee's H. Qrs.
"Lamped[?]" penciled on verso. Side view of Gen. Lee's Gettysburg headquarters with a woman dressed in white standing by the fence.
GLC03029.37
"Alxa [Alexandria,] Va."
View of railroad yard with warehouse.
GLC03029.38
"Round House Alex [Alexandria,] O & R R R [Ohio and Richmond Rail Road]."
View of railroad yard with roundhouse flying federal flag.
GLC03029.39
"Fort Brady, Buildg [Building] wall."
"10784" penciled on verso. Image shows soldiers constructing winter quarters.
GLC03029.40
"Negro Group on Aikins [Aiken's] Farm, The Residue of 65 Slaves. Farm 3000 acres."
Group of twelve African Americans (including men, women, and children), and three white soldiers: one on horseback behind the group, and two visible to the left. Written near Petersburg, Virginia.
GLC03029.41
"Gen. Ames Hd. Qr. [Headquarters]."
[after May 1863, when Ames was appointed Brig. Gen
"10787" penciled on verso. Image shows horses, men, and a dog gathered in a clearing.
GLC03029.42
"Ne[illegible] Hd Qr with Band."
Image shows an unidentified regimental band gathered outside a winter camp.
GLC03029.43
"5th Pen. Cav[a]lry, Battlefield of Oct. 29 & 30."
Image shows horses and men gathered in a winter camp, with field visible in the distance, and rear of a wooden structure closest to the camera.
GLC03029.44
"Negro Camp of 27th Ohio, USCV [U.S. Colored, Volunteers], Near Fort Burpee."
Image shows a cleared area in front of a winter camp, with a handful of men barely visible amongst the trees.
GLC03029.45
"Dead in Trenches."
[1865/04/02, cf. Burns, 311.]
Shows a Confederate soldier dead in a trench at Fort Mahone, with numerous cheveaux-de-frise visible atop the wall of the trench.
GLC03029.46
"Ruins of White House on the Pamunkey River."
[1864/05, cf. Davis and Wiley, v.2, 669.]
Image shows an encampment among the chimneys of now-demolished White House.
GLC03029.47
"[Winfield] Scott & Staff."
Image shows Scott (seated) and his staff (standing) on a porch. An unidentified figure stands away to the right.
GLC03029.48
"Company St Fort Burpee. Men playing Ball. 13th N.Y."
Image shows soldiers playing ball in the clearing of a winter encampment.
GLC03029.49
[Carte de visite Grant, Ulysses S.]
circa 1861-1877
H.A. Balch's Star Photograph Gallery
White mount with elaborate gold border around Grant's portrait and Balch's imprint on verso. Oval bust portrait of Grant facing proper left.
GLC03565.01
[Carte de visite]
Bust portraits of five Union generals: Grant (in center), Sherman (upper right), ? (lower right), ? (lower left, ? (upper left).
GLC03565.02
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