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to Mr. Cole

He writes that he saw his son fall in battle and crawl several yards. He does not know if he is wounded or dead but suspects only wounded, albeit dangerously.

GLC08291.11

to my dear cousin

Frank had a painful day yesterday. But now he is doing better. He plans to slip into New York Saturday. For he must get his signature for his monthly returns.

GLC08291.14

to Ira Cole

Letter for which the certificate for $106.80 is enclosed.

GLC08291.24

to John Cole

Letter acknowledges receipt of $10.60 and says they could not find anyone who knew whether or not he had a servant,

GLC08291.25

to Caf

The author would be happy to hear from Frank but supposes he is angry with women. Hopes they both return safe to Washington.

GLC08291.29

to Mother

left Richmond last month and have been marching ever since. are now on their way back from Maryland within 4 miles of Washington.

GLC08300.38

to Mary C. Hitchcock

"Staton is not an abolitionist...He has made himself so antipodal to Fremont..." Stanton also "hates McClellan quite as badly....McClellan's plan of attack via Yorktown was one of the worst conceived military enterprises ever undertaken..." Left...

GLC08304

to General Pleasonton

Awaiting instructions from Washington, asks if there is any evidence that "Lee will cross the Rapidan to give me battle between the two rivers, {which} would prove his having a greater force than we have supposed."

GLC08305

to Maria

planning to go to Cinncinatti for a week. has been writing a letter for the Captain's "darky" to his sweetheart. would like to be in Washington if they get orders to leave Cumberland.

GLC08311.13

[Black soldiers]

"God save the republic. Never in field or tent scorn a black regiment." Issued "in commemoration of emancipation in Maryland." With George Boker's Poem 'The Black Regiment', and vignettes of colored troops in battle, slaves on the auction block...

GLC08358

to Lon Poor

[Abraham Lincoln] "Th Pres. grows more gaunt, pale, and careworn than ever. I feel badly when I think how much four years have changed him. I do not want to think that he could not endure another four years of toil and care like the last, and yet...

GLC08375

Rooms of the Mississippi Valley Sanitary Fair, Under Lindell Hotel, St. Loius, MO

dark yellow

GLC08413.01

Union

features George Washington on a horse

GLC08413.09

Why Don't You Take It?

features one dog looking down at a piece of meat that says Washington on it as another dog walks by.

GLC08413.15

Union

features woman in dress with American flag holding a flag that says Union.

GLC08413.31

Union

features tree filled with flags

GLC08413.41

One Nation--One Government

features arc with all the states written in it. eagle sits on top with flags.

GLC08413.44

Major Gen. George B. McClellan

picture of McClellan on the morning of July 26, 1861

GLC08413.55

Why Don't You Take It?

features picture dog wearing collar that says Scott and another dog wearing collar that says Jeff looking at a piece of meat that says Washington

GLC08414.4

Second Grand Premiums by the Washington Library Co in aid of the Riverside Insitution!

Civil War broadside advertising a raffle and engraving sale organized for the Riverside Institute, which provided "a home for soldiers' and sailors orphans." The prizes, whose values are listed only, "consist of Works of Art, Painting, Statuary, &c."...

GLC08442.03

Parade of the Grand Army of the Republic

Color drawing of a parade along the national mall in Washington, D.C., with the capitol building visible in the distance. "Sparks from the Camp Fire" is written at the bottom right. The date is that of the parade.

GLC08442.09

Soldier's Dream of Peace

Civil War print of a soldier sleeping with a image of his dream above him. A poem is written below the print describing the dream. Labeled as a "presentation plate to the patrons of the Philadelphia Enquirer, 1865."

GLC08442.12

Speech of Hon. H. W. Slocum of New York, in the House of Representatives, Friday, January 18, 1884.

Representative Slocum discusses the court-martial of General Fitz-John Porter. Declares, "I most earnestly implore the members of this House to try, if possible, to act on it free from political prejudice. There is no politics in it... I believe if...

GLC08445.04.02

Speech of Hon. George W. Ray, of New York, in the House of Representatives, Friday and Saturday, January 25 and 26, 1884.

Representative Ray discusses the court-martial of General Fitz-John Porter. In conclusion, writes "In the name of justice, for the honor of our country, and in behalf of the thousands of soldiers who appeal to us for justice to their old comrade in...

GLC08445.04.03

The Fence that Uncle Abe Built

features B&W picture of Abraham Lincoln and poem beneath

GLC08482.4

Jeff Davis Boasts that Cotton's King...

features color picture of man holding flag and standing by sign that reads To Washington Through Baltimore.

Rhyme about Jefferson Davis beneath.

GLC08482.5

Washington

features picture of Washington and reads "A Southern Man with Union Principles."

GLC08482.6

Abraham Lincoln

Publishing dummy titled "Abraham Lincoln" (made for Meserve's daughter and editor Dorothy Meserve Kunhardt, 1950) with 12 photographs inserted by their corners into the leaves. Signed by Meserve. Sub-text on front of wrapper reads "Photographs from...

GLC08548.02

General Orders

Printed by George W. Bowman, public printer. Divided into various sections, each with its own unique pagination. Inscribed to "T.J. Haines Capt. A.C.S." Hand written table of contents of the 111 General Orders issued over the course of 1861. Several...

GLC08646.01

General Orders

Handwritten table of contents at front. Inside front cover has a pasted piece of paper that says: "Col. Alex. J. Perry, Division C.C. and G. Equipage Quatermaster's Department, Washington, D.C." Contains 217 printed orders for the War Department in...

GLC08646.02

General Orders

Inscribed by "Rudolph Frey. Clerk at Hd Qrs. Dep't of the Mo. July 3d. 1863." Inside back cover has a faded signature of "Rudolph Frey." Pasted paper on inside front cover says "R.P. Studley & Co. Bookbinders, Printers and Lithographers S.W. Cor...

GLC08646.03

General Orders

Cover has plate that says "Max Woodhull. Capt & A.D.C." Contains orders no. 202-400, plus several circular letters at the back of the book, for the last half of 1863. Several notations in various parts of the text. The book is divided into sections...

GLC08646.04

General Orders

Printed by Government Printing Office. General Orders for 1864, but published in 1865. Book plate on inside front cover: "Library Army War College." Purple stamp says "War Department, Received Apr 9 1913 Library." Printed orders no. 1-150 for January...

GLC08646.05

General Orders

Printed by Government Printing Office. General Orders for 1864, but published in 1865. Spine has name "J.W. Barriger U.S.A." Book plate on inside front cover: "Library Army War College." Purple stamp says "War Department, Received Apr 9 1913 Library...

GLC08646.06

General Orders

Printed by Government Printing Office. General Orders for 1865, but published in 1866.

GLC08646.07

General Orders

Published by the War Department and printed by the Government Printing Office. Orders are for 1866, but the book was published in 1867. Name on spine: "Col. E. C. Mason." Contains 75 page Index of General Orders at the front of the book. Orders No. 1...

GLC08646.08

Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address

GLC08880.150

[General orders disbanding the Army of the Potomac]

Halsted, Assistant Adjutant General for the Army of the Potomac, announces that the Army of the Potomac "ceases to exist." Cites the names of division and brigade commanders. Gives in instructions for post-disbandment procedures. Signed at Head...

GLC08890

to William W. McKean

Redirects a ship, the Niagara under Captain W.W. McKean, originally sent to blockade Charleston to the Gulf of Mexico to "take measures for instituting and carrying into effect a rigid blockade of the Mississippi and such other ports, especially...

GLC08908

[Diary of Civil War surgeon]

Medical diary by U. S. Army contract surgeon covering the Union hospitals in and around Philadelphia. The bulk of the entries appear between 14 September 1862 and 23 November 1862. Comments on his hospital work, in which he treated wounded soldiers...

GLC08909

to home friends

Bell to friends. Stationery has a Union stamp of a stars and stripes shield inside a five-pointed white star. On guard duty today. Left Washington on Thursday; arrived in Fredericks City [Fredericksburg?] on Friday. Witnessed heavy fighting with the...

GLC08913.01

to home friends

Month is unknown, but based on the known whereabouts of the 20th Connecticut, this letter was written on October, November, or December 28th, 1862. Printed on stationery portraying the battle of Mill Spring, Kentucky. Implores his friends to write as...

GLC08913.03

to home friends

Is somewhere between Indianapolis and Louisville on a train. Decided to write as soon as the cars stopped moving. Had to be ready to leave at a moment's notice. Marched to Rappahannock Station, where they were put "into cattle cars." No room to lie...

GLC08913.14

to Friend

Received his letter yesterday morning and wrote back as soon as he could. Glad to hear he is healthy. "No news of importance here excepting a rumor that commissioners are on their way to Washington to make arrangements for peace." Asks if he believes...

GLC08914.002

[Endorsement of a runaway slave to return to Tennessee to search for his family]

President Johnson, five days after taking office endorses the petition of Jermain Westley Loguen, an escaped slave and Underground Railroad conductor, to return to Tennessee to search for family members. Written on the leaf of a 31 March 1865...

GLC08942

to Aaron M. Powell

Discusses an abolitionist meeting he attended, where a memorial was drafted calling on President Lincoln to immediately abolish slavery. Now in New York, an "immense, dirty, bustling, turbulent city." Says of Theodore Tilton, one of his companions...

GLC08958

to Isaac Errett

Believes that continued war, and not the recent peace, is the best course of action in regard to the South. "I am more convinced every month, that no truce can be made with the spirit of rebellion, that to fight it to the death is the only way to...

GLC08959

Collection of 13 Civil War soldier letters [decimalized]

The collection consists of thirteen letters written by Levi W. Norton. Twelve of these letters are written to his wife, and one is addressed to his son, Fred. Norton was 41 years of age when he enlisted on 23 July 1861 at Staten Island, New York as...

GLC09006

to wife

Envelope has free frank signature of Reuben Eaton Fenton. Writes from Camp Caldwell near Mt. Hope. Has just commenced his work as chaplain for the 3rd Regt. Excelsior. A committee of two colored men from the nearby church asked him to preach at...

GLC09006.01

to Fred

Envelope has free frank signature of Reuben Eaton Fenton. Writes from Camp Caldwell. Writes that Fred's [his son] letters give him assurance that he has a "good and faithful boy at home to look after things" in his absence. Receiving letters about...

GLC09006.05

to wife

Writes from Camp Wool. Upset to see so many men sick; had 200 men down a few days ago. Since they have left for Washington, ten men have died. He gets some exercise everyday because he wants to keep well for his wife and children and return home...

GLC09006.08

to wife

Envelope has free frank signature of Reuben Eaton Fenton. Writes from Camp Wool. Realizes that life is short and flying by so he deeply regrets being separated from his wife. Writes that he feels disconnected from his wife because they have been...

GLC09006.09

to wife

Envelope has free frank signature of Reuben Eaton Fenton. Writes from Camp Wool. Received food from his family, which pleased him greatly as it means that they are "as comfortable as when" he left. Discusses an unnamed woman who has passed away....

GLC09006.10

to wife

Envelope has free frank signature of Reuben Eaton Fenton. Tells his wife that he will send his resignation request to the Colonel this week and hopes that it will be accepted in a week or two. Mrs. C has dyspepsia. Went to the Paymaster today but...

GLC09006.11

to wife

Envelope has free frank signature of Reuben Eaton Fenton. Visited the Washington Navy Yard yesterday evening with Dr. Sam. Entered through Latrobe Gate, which has a large eagle placed on top of the gateway. Comments that the yard contains other...

GLC09006.12

to wife

Meeting a man named Church at 9AM; Church promised to be his tour guide for the day. They went to the Smithsonian Museum. Saw so many things that it would be impossible to even attempt to describe them all. Saw the coat, pants, and gloves that...

GLC09006.13

The Seventh Regiment, N.G.S.N.Y., Leaving New York, April 19th, 1861, For the Defense of Washington

From Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper.

GLC09118.50

to Eleanor Hammond

All is well, hoping this letter finds her in the same condition. Sailed out of Washington to go to City Point, where he is writing from now. Sailed down the Potomac River and out into the Chesapeake Bay, arrived at a Union fort at midnight. Stayed...

GLC09273.03

to Eleanor Hammond

All are "kicking about." Has not had much to do. Joseph has gone with some men along the railroad to guard some men, but he will be back tonight. Is in the tent with Guernsey. The rest of the companies in the regiment are back in Washington, but they...

GLC09273.05

to Eleanor Hammond

Glad to hear she is well; he is also well. Leg has improved so much that he can "[wear] my boot some and run some on it." The rest of his company arrived today to pitch tents for the winter. Sent ten dollars from Washington and twenty by express from...

GLC09273.08

to Eleanor Hammond

Most everyone is healthy. Leg is feeling fine, but an ulcer sore has developed on it above the ankle in addition to the sores that were already there below the knee. Received three letters, the ninth, tenth, and eleventh she has sent, from her this...

GLC09273.19

to Eleanor Hammond

Health is "first rate," and leg is well. Weather is nice right now, and hopes this letter finds her well. Sent her two letters, each with $20 in them. Will send some more money by express soon. Does not need more than $5, and if he does, he will ask...

GLC09273.30

to Eleanor Hammond

"My health is good," and Joseph and Fayette are both healthy too. Guernsey went to the hospital and got his discharge. He should be home soon if he does not get too sick to travel. Johnston has surrendered, and the war is now definitely over. "Most...

GLC09273.43

to Eleanor Hammond

All are healthy. Arrived after a long march at Manchester, which is across the river from Richmond. Will then march to Washington, which should take about eight or ten days. Hopefully will get home by the middle of June. Will write upon arrival in...

GLC09273.44

to Eleanor Hammond

Printed on stationery from the U.S. Christian Commission. All are healthy. Met up with the regiment at a camp five or so miles outside of Washington. They have been here for 4 or 5 days. Got 3 letters from her last night and 2 more today. Got $5 in...

GLC09273.45

to Eleanor Hammond

He and Fayette are healthy, but Joseph is "grunting some." Hopes this letter will find her and Oscar in good health. Very rainy at camp; it has rained for three days straight. Waiting to take part in the review that will take place on the 23rd and...

GLC09273.46

to Eleanor Hammond

All are healthy; hopes she is too. The review is over, and "we expect to start for Elmira in a short time." The march might start on the 27th. The officers of the regiment are moving as fast as they can to discharge them. Charles [Jencks] was here to...

GLC09273.47

to Eleanor Hammond

The whole company is in good health, and he hopes that this letter will find her and Oscar in a similar state. "We want to start" for home "today, but I think we will start in 3 or 4 days." The discharge papers are ready to go and have been signed...

GLC09273.48

[official discharge form for Private Horace J. Hammond]

It was issued on May 30, 1865 and signed by Captain William Washburn, leader of Company G of the 189th New York Infantry. The form gives additional information about Private Hammond. He was 5' 7", with "dark complexion," blue eyes, and dark hair. He...

GLC09273.49

[commission of McSherry as Assistant Surgeon in the U.S. Navy]

GLC09324.15

to Annie

writing from the hospital. describes the battle of Bull Run. ends up getting wounded in the arm.

GLC09354.11

to Annie

has the use of three fingers in his right hand. heard that her father and brother have enlisted. recovering.

GLC09354.12

to parents

Received their letter last night. "It is hot enough to roast a nigger alive out here." Everyone has sat down under a row of pine or cedar trees for shade or has created improvised shade with tree branches. It looks "like the town hall when they have...

GLC09355.003

to parents

Has received two letters from them since he last wrote. Has not had time to write because "we have been on a continued move." Has been here for three days, but "expect to move every moment." It is impossible to know where they are going. Is now "a...

GLC09355.007

to parents

Received a letter from home on Saturday. Is frustrated that he has not received what he wanted, but blames it on his experience in the army where he has been trained to obey every order without question or delay. "This kind of life makes a great...

GLC09355.017

to parents

Received a letter from them last night. Generally, when they mail a letter on a Monday, it arrives on a Thursday. Is happy to read their letters no matter how long they are. Is no longer working for the General Court Martial. The division...

GLC09355.041

to Parents

Will be home 17 months from tomorrow. "God grant that the cloud which now hangs over our nation" will be gone by then. The war is God's punishment. "There was never a more corrupt and sinful government than ours has been" for the past 20 years...

GLC09355.058

to Parents

Received a letter and a package containing tobacco, paper, and envelopes. Was almost out of envelopes, but had enough paper "to last me a month." Hopes he will be able to write a lot during the summer. Now has enough paper to write for the next two...

GLC09355.061

to brothers

"Everyone is waiting expecting to have orders to move almost every day now." Rations have come from Washington "in abundance" to prepare for the march. Anything that cannot be carried has been sent away to Washington. Had gotten word that a dozen or...

GLC09355.062

to Parents

Has not received a letter from them in two weeks. Marched up to Washington. Then went through much of Virginia Maryland over the past two weeks. Now is back only 6 miles from Washington D.C. "The whole trip has not amounted to anything" besides...

GLC09355.080

to Parents

Left Hyattsville the day after he wrote that last letter. Marched to the Monocacy River, then crossed and proceeded 3 miles to their current location. Used a pontoon bridge to cross the Potomac River and go through Harpers Ferry to Bolivar Heights...

GLC09355.083

to Mine ver mooch freu

He reports the work of the past month is building guns for the war. He would like a copy of the Journal with her poem, and he encloses a program of an event he attended (not extant). As the men await an impending battle, Major McCrea commented at...

GLC00687.004

to Emma C. Small

He has settled affairs with his brother to look after Emma's interests along with a Dr. Taylor. He describes his brother Colonel Paine's war work, and S.A. Crittendon's work in Tennessee after being imprisoned, poisoned, and involved in active...

GLC00687.013

[montage of lawmakers who voted for the 13th Amendment]

montage of lawmakers who voted for the 13th Amendment, George May Powell.

GLC00687.053

[contract for artificial limbs]

The distribution of artificial limbs for maimed soldiers is to be advertised by the U.S. Christian Commission's Board of Surgeons.

GLC00687.207

to A. F. Williams

He writes in regards to a local soldier with an amputated leg. His doctor recommended him to Mr. Douglass of Springfield for a limb, but perhaps their company can give him a better deal. He remarks on their competition in the city and inquires if...

GLC00687.221

to George May Powell

He encloses the five doll[ar]s discussed in the last communication (not extant). He refers to a much earlier letter from George May Powell about his intentions with the draft.

GLC00687.238

to George May Powell

He has spoken four times from the same stump as Governor Curtin, at a time of great excitement now that Curtin has won reelection. He is tired due to traveling and speaking, but proud of the victory of the "Stars" over the "Copperheads."

GLC00687.239

to George May Powell

He has looked at George May Powell's position and to properly claim life insurance, he must go into active military operations. He thanks him for his "maiden speech."

GLC00687.240

to Paul J. Semmes

Encloses a copy of the "Southern Guard" (see GLC 715.09.01) a publication of the proceeds of a meeting held at Temperance Hall on 13 November. Announces that Semmes has been appointed commander. Ask that Semmes accept this proposition. Signed all in...

GLC00715.09.02

Declaration of the immediate causes which induce and justify the secession of South Carolina from the Federal Union; and the ordinance of secession.

First Edition, later edition. Presented by C.G. Memminger, a South Carolina legislator and Confederate government official, as the report of the committee to draw up the Confederate declaration of independence.

GLC00725

to Mr. Farmer

George E. Farmer writes to his father that he is in excellent spirits after being present at Confederate General Robert E. Lee's surrender. He discusses the Appomattox Campaign and indicates that he participated in the fighting near Dinwiddie...

GLC00808.01

to Maggie

George E. Farmer gives a day by day account of the movements and engagements of his regiment during the Appomattox campaign. He reports that they left Petersburg on March 29, camped at Dinwiddie Courthouse, and fought a skirmish at Hatcher's Run...

GLC00808.02

to Maggie

George E. Farmer writes that Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston did not surrender as soon as anticipated. He remarks that Union General Philip H. Sheridan's "destroying Angels took the war path again." He states that his regiment marched along...

GLC00808.03

[Soldiers of the Army of Western Louisiana!]

Rallying speech written by Taylor's adjutant. Strongly exhorts his Confederate troops to repulse Union General Nathaniel P. Banks' army. Begins by stating that on 13 March 1864, Union forces of 30,000 men with ironclads and 150 mounted guns moved...

GLC00825.01

[Confederate General Richard Taylor]

Carte de vissite. Half length photograph of Taylor seated, in civilian dress.

GLC00825.02

to Joseph Wheeler

Longstreet, Commander of the Department of East Tennessee and leader of the Knoxville Campaign, transmits orders to General Wheeler, cavalry corps, Army of Tennessee. He writes "It would be well to have the fords about Jackson's examined before you...

GLC00863.01

Gen. Jas. Longstreet

Carte de visite of James Longstreet, Confederate general and Commander of the Department of East Tennessee and leader of the Knoxville Campaign.

GLC00863.02

Engraving of William T. Sherman.

Together with a short biographical sketch of Sherman not attached.

GLC00889.01

[Diary 1858-1861]

Contains various personal content. Covers 1858 and 1861, but skips most of the time in between.

GLC00919.23.01