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to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Details of journey home, including finding two acquaintances in a hospital near Grafton. Souls and the movements of Gen. Banks, although he expresses some doubt about the truth of the latter. Relates an incident near Cincinnati in which a soldier...

GLC07687.117

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

"My faith in our Generals grows less day by day." Vannuys is angry that his son was forced to retreat due to what he considers ineptitude and self-interest on the part of Union commanders, particularly Banks.

GLC07687.118

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Recounts the latest news of the war, including two vistories in Kentucky ("the last one at or near Somersett"). Refers to mortgages, credit, and unfavorable prices: "....prices of everything is on the decline that the farmer has to sell, and what he...

GLC07687.119

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Continued criticism of army officers for lack of action: "There is but one way to close this war in a hurry and that is let Congress reduce the pay of all officers to that of Privates, and if they resign put them in the ranks….[y]ou will hear nothing...

GLC07687.120

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

A family gathering and the testing of new lamps at church. Also mentions Gen. Lander's retreat from Romney.

GLC07687.121

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Surprise visit from Uncle Charles Campbell, who had been seeing a sick soldier at Louisville. Dick Donnell has returned home, and reports "a vast amount of sickness among out troops." Donnell had met with a "reliable Gentleman, who assured him that...

GLC07687.122

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Report of "a great amount of sickness in [Vannuys's] division," news that Gen. Lander is once again occupying Romney, and implications of the Union victory at Fort Henry, Tenn. Vannuys hopes in the wake of McClelland's appointment as Commander of...

GLC07687.123

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

News of Gen. Burnsides's capture of Roanoke Island and rumors of Union capture of Fort Donnelson. Describes recruiting efforts for the Mississippi Fleet, and strong sympathy for the Northern cause.

GLC07687.124

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

The weekly prayer meeting, confirmed victory at Fort Donnelson, preparations for the making of sugar and molasses at home, and unfavorable prices for farmers. Also describes a chance meeting with Squire Hendries, who was awaiting a dispatch from...

GLC07687.125

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Describes the scene at home while he writes, including little Molly's current illness. Discusses the wedding of Kinney and Will LeGrange, work in the wheat field, and Molly's recovery.

GLC07687.126

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Health of family members and successful recruiting efforts in the area.

GLC07687.127

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

GLC07687.131

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

GLC07687.132

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Fragment dated 7 April [1862].

GLC07687.133

to Samuel Watson Vannuys

GLC07687.134

to Samuel Watson Vannuys

GLC07687.135

to Samuel Watson Vannuys

GLC07687.136

to Samuel Watson Vannuys

GLC07687.137

to friend

relating details of his recovery and a recent visit by Van Nuys's father; also requests that all mail be forwarded to him at the hospital.

GLC07687.138

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

GLC07687.139

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

inquires about Dick [her son's/brother's?] health ("I received a letter from Orien to day stating that Dick has the camp fever...."), describes the contents of a package she sent via Col. Garen, and relates general family news.

GLC07687.140

to Bro [J. H. Van Nuys?]

Describes progress in the roofing of the local church and briefly mentions the difficulty in obtaining funds. Expresses regret that the war continues, but observes, "Yet certainly the war can't stop here, or at any point short of a submission of the...

GLC07687.141

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

GLC07687.142

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

describes social events in Hopewell and developements at school.

GLC07687.144

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

GLC07687.145

to Bro and Neph

describes the health of various family members and friends, and admonishes Dick [her brother?] to remember the eighth commandment.

GLC07687.146

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

GLC07687.147

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Discusses the school in Hopewell, and whether or not it will be able to continue: "Mr. Shaw's pecuniary circumstances are such that it is doubtful." Mentions the meeting ofa philosophical society, and the formation of the Young Ladies Liceum [sic] of...

GLC07687.148

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Expresses many thanks for the letter he received this evening, and hope that Van Nuys "will be home the comming [coming] summer." Describes an amusing episode at school involving Charles H. Smith and Mr. Shaw, the recent meeting of the local...

GLC07687.149

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

GLC07687.150

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

GLC07687.151

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Congratulates Van Nuys on his success in the battle at Winchester, relates news of friends and family members, and mentions the recent escape of several prisoners from Indianapolis, as well as the shooting of another prisoner attempting to escape.

GLC07687.152

to John H. Van Nuys

GLC07687.153

to Bro [John H. Van Nuys?]

Offers his condolences on the loss of his son, and talks at some length of a photograph he has sent of Samuel Watson Van Nuys. Briefly mentions local reaction to the election and the actions of Gen. Sherman.

GLC07687.155

to Captain A. C. Voris

Transmittal of Wilber's letter from Voris to unknown written on blank half leaf and dated 7 December [1864].

GLC07687.157

to uncle

GLC07687.159

[diary]

Commences: "Bid friends farewell and left for camp Morton to enter the service of "Uncle Sam."

GLC07687.160

[diary]

daily life, troop movements, visits home.

GLC07687.161

[diary]

daily life, troop movements, and news of the war.

GLC07687.162

[diary]

daily life, troop movements, and news of the war. 5 July reads: "The enemys loss has been enormous. Our men also suffered severly--especially our artillery. [B]ehind one of our batteris were 30 dead horses. The stench is almost unbearable."

GLC07687.163

[Portrait of three Union officers in uniform]

Portrait of three Union officers in uniform [with Van Nuys seated at right?].

GLC07687.165

[Portrait of Samuel Watson Van Nuys]

Half length seated portrit of Van Nuys in uniform, wearing kepi.

GLC07687.166

In Camp on Banks of Shenandoah near Strasburgh, Virginia

GLC07687.168

[Description of Van Nuys by his commanding officer]

GLC07687.169

[Invoice for embalming Van Nuys's body]

Invoice for embalming Van Nuys's body. Notes payment received. On stationery of "Drs. Brown & Alexander, Embalmers of the Dead."

GLC07687.170

[Receipt for charges incurred in shipment of Van Nuys's body to Franklin, Ind.]

Receipt for charges incurred in shipment of Van Nuys's body to Franklin, Ind. On stationery of "Drs. Brown & Alexander, Embalmers of the Dead;" signed by Hills as agent to armies operating against Richmond.

GLC07687.171

[Invoice to John H. Van Nuys for charges incurred by embalming, express shipment, and telegraphing]

Invoice to John H. Van Nuys for charges incurred by embalming, express shipment, and telegraphing.

GLC07687.172

[Receipt for $5.00]

Receopt for $5.00 received from John H. Van Nuys for telegram to Franklin, Ind. On United States Military Telegraph stationery.

GLC07687.174

to "Agt. Adams Ex[press] Co."

Requesting the amount prepaid for shipment of Van Nuys's corpse to Franklin, Ind.

GLC07687.175

List of field Staff and Line Officers of Fourth Regiment U.S. : Colored Troops

Shows Van Nuys as 1st Lieut. of Co. H.

GLC07687.177

From Western Virginia The Battle at Romney

Report of events at the Battle of Romney, Virginia

GLC07687.178

The Retirement of General Scott

Reprints Scott's letter of resignation to Simon Cameron, Lincoln's address acknowledging the resignation, Scott's reply to Lincoln, and Cameron's letter to Scott.

GLC07687.179

The Soldiers Dream

Reprint of poem "The Soldier's Dream" by unknown. Found inside Van Nuy's 1861 diary.

GLC07687.180

The Franklin Jeffersonian

Contains obituary of Samuel Watson Van Nuys on page 2; also contains news of the upcoming election.

GLC07687.183

Indiana War Expenses

Reprints an exchange between Mr. Wickliffe and Mr. Porter in the House of Representatives concerning charges of mismanagement bt Gov. Morton of Indiana in preparing troops for battle

GLC07687.184

[Lafayette Courier]

Contains two short items: one a quote by Hon. Albert S. White pertaining to the conquest of the Potomac; the other a report by Maj. Milroy of the 9th Regt. Indiana: "...since that regiment left Indiana, there have been 44 deaths from sickness, and 20...

GLC07687.185

to Father

He is about to leave Rikers Island and assures his father he is safe and leaves him some instructions. He wants him to call after his weekly salary. He writes he could not rest "until I took and shouldered my musket in defence of my country."

GLC07705.004

to Father

He currently has excellent accomodations. He expects to get to the city by Sunday and is enjoying good health.

GLC07705.005

to Father

He will call on his father when he reaches the city. He wants to know the details of his interview with Mr. Choate.

GLC07705.006

to Father

He is glad to finally be leaving Rikers Island, and says he would have deserted if they had been there one more week. Once they reach Fort Monroe, everyone will have to have a rifle. He insists his father draw his pay every month as it will be of no...

GLC07705.007

to Father

He writes that he is very busy and cannot write much now but will write a long letter soon.

GLC07705.008

to Father

He briefly outlines a battle that took place at Bethel where the enemy was 8,000 strong. They expect them to attack again. the union lays siege with 10,000 federal troops.

GLC07705.009

to Father

Lately the accomodations are very bad and he begs his father to entreat his discharge and promises never to enlist again.

GLC07705.010

to Father

Once again asks his father to writer to the Colonel asking for his discharge. He thinks he can get it because he is underage.

GLC07705.011

to Father

He begs his father to get him discharged on account of his age.

GLC07705.012

to Father

He thanks his father for his kind letter and for writing to the Secretary for his discharge. Sorry to hear his father feels bad about it.

GLC07705.013

to Father

He writes about the capture of four Lousiana Zouaves and a secession flag. He thinks his father has a better chance of getting his discharge if he applies to the magistrate on a writ of Habeus Corpus.

GLC07705.014

to Father

He thanks him for all he is doing to try to get his discharge, but says he does not want his father to feel bad if he does not succeed.

GLC07705.015

to Father

He no longer cares whether he goes home or not. Says he was only homesick and has grown accustomed to his circumstances.

GLC07705.016

to Father

A gun-boat called Penguin lies there for the purpose of watching the movements of the enemy. He heard the sound of muskets firing while at brigade drill. He later learned it was a sham battle between regiments.

GLC07705.017

to Father

Since General Wool took over, things have improved greatly, down to the cook. He witnessed a naval battle between the Frigate Savannah and a Secession gun-boat. He writes that he received more clothes including a regular's fatigue suit. He now longs...

GLC07705.018

to Father

He anticipates that they will move to Fort Clark on Saturday and tells him not to write until he hears from him first.

GLC07705.019

to Father

He writes that he really likes this life and would like it even more if he were fighting...reminds him to call on John's sister.

GLC07705.020

to Father

Written onboard a steamer. He describes Fort Hattera where they met two schooners on their way to Philadelphia. They have captured five vessels since the boys have been there. He describes the island as the one that Robinson Crusoe lived on. The...

GLC07705.021

to Father

They are in possession of Fort Clark. He describes it as dreary and desolate, just like Coney Island. There are no inhabitants for five miles except mosquitos, but well populated five or six miles from the mainland. got a pass and explored. The...

GLC07705.022

to Father

He saw an English vessel and a ship from Cuba called the Neptune's Car headed for Philadelphia. He is enclosing this letter in a box of shells. Written at Fort Clark.

GLC07705.023

to Father

One of their boats, the Fanny, was captured and the crew was taken unaware near Roanoke Island. Written at Fort Clark.

GLC07705.024

to Father

The post master came and delivered his salary up to Sept. 1. later he tells the dramatic story of how they rescued the Indiana men from the boat, the Fanny. Written at Fort Clark.

GLC07705.025

to Father

There is a change in command. They are losing Gen. Wool who will no doubt be missed by all. This will change their whole schedule which he lists for his father starting at 5 am. He writes that he caught a deserter and earned extra money.

GLC07705.026

to Father

He left their last camp because it was an unhealthy place and a lot of the boys were getting sick. He would like to go to Virginia or N. Carolina next.

GLC07705.027

to Father

He writes he will be forwarding most of his pay and provides a list of things he wants his father to send him from home. There is fighting amonst the officials over who is appointed where and by whom. One of the Captains resigned and said he would...

GLC07705.028

to Father

He writes there is a great number of sea shells to collect. He wants to know what the people in New York think of his regiment. Then tells his father not to worry if he is taken prisoner. If he ever meets a secessionist "I will not try to take him...

GLC07705.029

to Father

No news. A large mail came but there was nothing from his father. He will write another letter later.

GLC07705.030

to Father

He is glad his father put the money he sent to good use...has a gripe with Mr. Choate. thinks he does not deserve to be paid back and doesn't understand why he doesn't fight for his country. He quotes from a letter of him that illustrates why he...

GLC07705.031

to Father

Possibly included with GLC07705.033

He tells his father not to send any more clothes until he writes for them and is glad that Capt. Bernard was discharged.

GLC07705.032

to Father

Possibly included with GLC07705.032

Includes a sketch of a windmill.

GLC07705.033

to Father

He describes the weather but then says he has nothing to write about. He is currently helping to build barracks. Then describes two rebel propellers that shot at their boats.

GLC07705.034

to Father

Thanks him for the picture of himself before he enlisted. Then describes his regiment flag and asks his father why he isn't using the money he sent

GLC07705.037

to Father

They are still building the fort while waiting for the rebel to attack. He regrets they were not in New York for New Year's. He intends to send him most of his pay.

GLC07705.038

to Father

There is a rumor of their intended departure on Gen. Burnside's expedition which is strengthened by the arrival or 2 or 3 light draught gun boats daily. Everyone has been preparing by making requisitons for extra ammunition and equipment. He insists...

GLC07705.039

to Father

It is now a reality that they will go on General Burnside's expedition. He requests several newspapers.

GLC07705.040

to Father

Burnside's expedition will have them travelling on the Staten Island Ferry. They will be the advance guard, set to attack Roanoke Island, then onto Norfolk, North Carolina...15,000 to 20,000 men on board the vessels.

GLC07705.041

to Father

They experienced hurricane-like weather. Now it seems as though they won't go on Burnside's expedition but will keep his father posted

GLC07705.042

to Father

He finally got an acknowledgement from his father that the money he sent was received. Yesterday they had the monthly inspection of the troops' quarters.

GLC07705.043

to Father

He finally received orders to pack up and leave for Burnside's expedition. They will be aboard the Spaulding. He writes he may not hear from him for sometime, but tells him not to worry.

GLC07705.044

to Father

Their regiment has captured Roanoke Island (50 pieces of artillery and over 2000 prisoners). Next they go to Raleigh. He received his pay again and sent most of it to his father.

GLC07705.045

to Father

written over, cannot be read. Written aboard the steamer "Virginia".

GLC07705.046

to Father

He embarked on board a gun boat named Commodore Barney whose sole mission was to burn down a railroad bridge. Hedescribes a somewhat eventful journey and encampment. Written aboard the steamer "Virginia".

GLC07705.047

to Father

He writes of the difficulty of staying in contact. He is glad that he has survived a severe battle. He lists all the people he has not heard from in a while.Written aboard the steamer "Virginia"

GLC07705.048

to Father

They have now been ordered to garrison on Roanoke. He describes his quarters in great detail.

GLC07705.049