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Obituary

"Extract from the discourse of Rev. E. Erskine, occasioned by the death of Captain John A. Parrott." Handwritten copy of newspaper clipping summarizing John's life, praising his character and accomplishments, and a describing his death. "At the...

GLC03858.01.26

Lieut. in 75th Illinois Vols. [word processed inventory available]

Henry has been in one fight and it was a victory though 42 men were killed and 161 wounded in his regiment. He expects another fight this afternoon. The Confederates left without burying their dead and the men can barely walk around camp "at night...

GLC03858.02.01

to sister

It is difficult to find water on march as the streams have all dried up; the river they are camped by is the first running water he has seen since they crossed the Ohio. He read a letter from his father to John and found it most encouraging. The...

GLC03858.02.02

to sister

Henry has been on the march since he last wrote and expects to be for some time to come. There are about 40,000 troops there and more are always arriving. They killed fourteen men in a skirmish with Morgan's Cavalry.

GLC03858.02.03

to sister

He estimates that two-thirds of the company is sick though he boasts that "since I joined the army I have had better health [than] I ever had before." The Cavalry had a skirmish with the Confederates and the Union forces took 2,00 head of cattle...

GLC03858.02.04

to Sophia Parrot

Henry's regiment marched through Nashville to where they are now camped. He appreciates the letters he has received; they are "worth more than a hundred dollars away down here in rebeldom." A rail broke under a train bound for Louisville and three...

GLC03858.02.05

to Maggie Parrot

His General, P. Sidney Post, led them in Battalion Drill today. A Lieutenant Colonel from his regiment was taken prisoner while doing reconnaissance. "Secesh Cavalry are seen every day and occasional[l]y some are brought into camp." He mistook a...

GLC03858.02.06

to sister

Henry wishes to know how the his family at home is doing and if his father has sold the farm. He will send his father a suit of clothes and a revolver as soon as possible.

GLC03858.02.07

to Sophia Parrott

All the rain has made the roads very muddy and nearly impassable. He expects to paid soon. He was playing ball with the other men but paused to write.

GLC03858.02.08

to Sophia Parrott

Henry reports "I am well and like a soldier's life very much," though he is a bit lonely and homesick. There was a grand review of his division for General Rosecrans the week before and the General pronounced them in "splendid fighting condition."

GLC03858.02.09

to sister

He does not have much to do except drill the company now and then. He does not expect to be away for more than another year. Missing envelope identified in inventory.

GLC03858.02.10

to sister

General Rosecrans is "still entrenching very strongly." Henry saw "one of the greatest traitors of our land," Vallandigham, as he passed through the Union lines to join the Rebel Army. John is not well. Signed with the rank of Lieutenant. Two...

GLC03858.02.11

to sister

They have had some very difficult marches and battles and have advanced through the Cumberland Mountains "driving the rebels before us." He reports that "Bragg with the rebel army has gone to Chattanooga and will make ready there for another big...

GLC03858.02.12

to sister

Henry is sorry to hear that Sophia is not well and regrets that he cannot see her unless the war ends before the fall "which seems favorable now." They marched 65 miles in knee deep mud with after 30,000 Confederates in ten days. Some of the men...

GLC03858.02.13

to sister

He remarks that it has been a year and a day since he enlisted and though "there is no more signs of peace now than there was then," he is willing to stay for one more year. He expects that his sister has seen John who is no longer with his regiment...

GLC03858.02.14

to sister

Henry expects that they will stay at Camp Whiteside through the winter. They have not fought since they left Murfreesboro and he does not anticipate fighting soon since they are now in towards the rear of the Union line. He had the Bilious fever...

GLC03858.02.15

to mother

He believes they may move soon and that there will be another fight near Chattanooga as Grant's army is passing by today on its way there. [continued on 19 November] They have been ordered to march back to Stevenson and guard a railroad station...

GLC03858.02.16

to unknown

They are all in good health and "are a happy set of fellows." Fewer troops are required to guard the station now and he thinks their Brigade will set out for Knoxville soon.

GLC03858.02.17

to sister

His regiment fought the Confederates on 25 February, driving them about two miles but then left to return to camp. He confides that "I never enjoyed anything more in my life than shooting at them on this occasion" and reports that "General Johnstons...

GLC03858.02.18

to sister

They have been in camp here since his last and they may remain there a while longer. There are no indications that they will advance to Atlanta in near future. Written at Ambulance Corps Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.

GLC03858.02.19

to Sophia Parrott

Henry's "teams were pronounced the best in the Corps by Maj. Gen. Stanley." He commands sixty men of his choice from the regiment. He expects they will stay here for a few months. John was killed and all the men miss him. Henry will bring John's...

GLC03858.02.20

to sister

He has his old position on General Grose's staff. Grose gave Henry a horse and says that Henry will not be on duty anymore and could have stayed at home as long as he liked. [continued on 12 March] They will march tomorrow. Grose is going home and...

GLC03858.02.21

to sister

General Buckner is about three miles from their picket lines "and we must be on the watch for him for he is a cunning old cuss and keeps our Pickets in constant terror." Their lines "extend East & West for fifteen miles" and "they are slowly moving...

GLC03858.02.22

to C.W. Foster

Writes to Colonel Foster, the assistant adjutant-general of volunteers, to request that he be allowed to remain in the service in a "colored organization." Recounts his history of service in the Union Army since 1861, which included a period as a...

GLC03953.02

[Drawing of Fort Marion (Castillo de San Marcos) in St. Augustine, Florida]

The drawing shows an east side view of Fort Marion, which was controlled by the Confederacy during the Civil War. On the back is a note describing the fort, it's building material (coquina) made from crushed shells and its construction by the...

GLC03953.03

[Discharge form for Eleazer Sarsons as a volunteer private in the Civil War]

Sarsons joined Company F in the 1st Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteers on 3 May 1861, under the command of Augustus S. Edgerly, and this partially printed form officially released him after a three month term of service. Describes Sarsons as a...

GLC03953.04

[Appointment of Eleazer Sarsons as a volunteer sergeant in the Civil War]

Signed by Colonel Whipple and countersigned by Adjutant Henry W. Fuller. Partially printed document appointing Sarsons the third sergeant in Company C of the 4th Regiment of the New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry.

GLC03953.05

[Proof of an authorized furlough for Eleazer Sarsons]

Partially printed document documenting that Sarsons, the first sergeant in Company C of the 4th Regiment of the New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry, was granted a month-long furlough from his duties at Morris Island, South Carolina. A note signed...

GLC03953.06

[Discharge form for Eleazer Sarsons as a volunteer sergeant in the Civil War]

A partially printed document attesting to Sarson's discharge from Company C in the 4th Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteers, in which he served a three-year term. Describes Sarsons as a twenty seven year old farmer, 5'7" tall, with a light...

GLC03953.07

[Discharge by special order for Eleazer Sarsons as a volunteer sergeant in the Civil War]

Called "Special Orders No. 121." Honorably discharges Sarsons so he could "accept a commission then tendered to him by the Governor of New Hampshire." Issued "By Command of Brevet Major General Ruger." Partially printed document from the...

GLC03953.08

[Special Orders No. 36, sent to Captain Eleazer L. Sarsons]

Cosigned by Timothy W. Challis. The orders relieve 1st Lieutenant L.D. Huntress from duty in Company F of the 4th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry and instruct him to turn over all relevant property to Sarsons. Marked "Extract."

GLC03953.10

[Twenty two newspaper clippings collected by Eleazer L. Sarsons]

Mostly printed photos and obituaries of New Hampshire Civil War Veterans. Some material related to ex-prisoners of war; Sarsons had been a POW and spent time at Andersonville. There is also an article on Thomas Carter, who had been awarded the...

GLC03953.12

Camp Sullivan. Headquarters of the fourth New Hampsire Regiment, general order No. 1.

Organizes the regiment, listing the officers, their positions and companies, and the arrangement of the regiment. Authorized by the command of Colonel Whipple and witnessed by Adjutant Henry W. Fuller. Eleazer L. Sarsons, the owner of the document...

GLC03953.13

[Appointment of Eleazer L. Sarsons to 1st Sergeant in Company C of the 4th New Hampshire Volunteer Regiment]

Appointment of Eleazer L. Sarsons as 1st Sergeant in Company C of the 4th New Hampshire Volunteer Regiment. Printed document signed by Gilman E. Sleeper as lieutenant colonel of the regiment and Harvey F. Wiggin as lieutenant and acting adjutant...

GLC03953.14

[Recommendation for an appointment for Eleazer L. Sarsons and certification of his service in the New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry]

On the right hand side of the page, Lieutenant Colonel Parker recommends Sarsons for a lieutenancy in the colored regiment. On the right side Adjutant General Nathaniel Head, written from Concord, New Hampshire and dated 18 October 1765, recounts...

GLC03953.15

[Appointment of Eleazer L. Sarsons to 1st Lieutenant in Company A of the 4th New Hampshire Volunteer Regiment]

Partially printed document signed by New Hampshire Governor Gilmore and Secretary of State Allen Tenney. Alfred Marland, Justice of the Peace, attests to Sarsons' taking of the oaths of allegience on 23 May 1865. With a red seal intact. Printed state...

GLC03953.16

[Appointment of Eleazer L. Sarsons to Captain in Company F of the 4th New Hampshire Volunteer Regiment]

Appointment of Eleazer L. Sarsons to Captain in Company F of the 4th New Hampshire Volunteer Regiment. Partially printed document signed by New Hampshire Governor Joseph Gilmore and Secretary of State Benjamin Gerrish. Indicates that Sarsons took the...

GLC03953.17

Civil War era tintype of [Eleazer L. Sarsons]

Civil War era tintype of Sarsons from waist up, in an infantry uniform with hat and rifle. GLC03953.18-.20 show Sarsons in different ranks, from private to captain.

GLC03953.19

[Civil War era tintype of Eleazer L. Sarsons]

Pictures Sarsons from waist up, in a uniform with a knapsack slung over his back. He is hatless. GLC03953.18-.20 show Sarsons in different ranks, from private to captain.

GLC03953.20

[Eleazer L. Sarsons]

Post Civil War era photograph of Sarsons standing in a hat and Civil War uniform. He is clearly much older than in the Civil War tintypes of him (see GLC03953.18-.20).

GLC03953.21

to Asa W. Slayton

Chester mentions a letter sent the day before and the continued good health of their brothers with him. He describes the location of regiment in relationship to Atlanta and the rail road tracks and expresses hope that they will be in possession of...

GLC03955.01

to Asa W. Slayton

Chester mentions a letter sent a week ago. He explains that because it is a holiday no work has been assigned. He describes fighting in recent week in the battles of Kennesaw Mountain and Marietta, GA as particularly bloody. He describes a break...

GLC03955.02

to Asa W. Slayton

All is quite on the front but troops expect to fight again soon. Chester requests that Asa send him a new diary. He mentions the inferiority of camp medical care and fear of comrade's death. A comrade who had a good chance of recovery in last...

GLC03955.03

to Asa W. Slayton

Chester comments on his disappointment at not receiving frequent correspondence from home. Claims to have been kept very busy, "Uncle Samyuel, or his Generals, kept us so busy making strategical movements trying to get around the left flank of the...

GLC03955.04

to unknown

Chester M. Slayton [to unknown recipient on piece of scrap paper] "A hard battle is raging Co. B unharmed." C.M.S.

GLC03955.06

to unknown

[Written on scrap paper with no names or date] "Look out for thieves Roch. has lost four or five bushels of wheat lately others have lost oats & - we keep on the look-out- & somebody will get caught- some of these times Il bet."

GLC03955.07

to Asa W. Slayton

Mary sends holiday wishes. Expresses surprise at the receipt of letter. Gives news of the death of Herman Hunt enlisted in 21st Michigan. Describes funeral of fellow teacher. Reports of good health among Asa's wife, sister, and sister-in-law....

GLC03955.12

to Asa W. Slayton

Emma thanks Asa for sending her a birthday package. She reports that the other brothers have also sent packages. Emma reminisces about times when the family was together and expresses grievance over recent death of their father. She offers to...

GLC03955.13

to citizens of Grattan Michigan

Slayton thanks the committee for their recognition, but accepts the sword on the behalf of all the men who have enlisted. Slayton recognizes that enslaved people are being used to aide the Confederates and that the continued allowance of slavery is...

GLC03955.15

to H. P. McIntosh

Former President Fillmore transmits a speech (refer to GLC04884.02) to McIntosh of Cleveland, Ohio. Writes that the address was delivered in Buffalo, New York 22 February 1864 to the Ladies Christian Commission (Great Central) Fair. States "Though...

GLC04884.01

to W. H. H. Llewellyn

Grant, eldest son of Ulysses S. Grant, writes to Llewellyn, a lawyer. Assures Llewelyn of the authenticity of a U.S. Grant letter (refer to GLC04907.02). Of the order, Frederick writes "In this order is directed one of the movements, which brought...

GLC04907.02

[Braxton Bragg letter and counterfeit Confederate currency he transmitted] [Decimalized .01-.02]

GLC05006

[Counterfeit $100 Confederate bill]

Stamped "Counterfeit" eight times. Sent from Braxton Bragg to Christopher G. Memminger (see GLC05006.01).

GLC05006.02

to Sterling Price

General Maury informs General Price he was disappointed that Price recently failed to visit Vicksburg. Reports on marching with General Lee (possibly Stephen Dill Lee). Relates that due to a railroad accident, the 35th Mississippi lost an estimated...

GLC05012.01

[Print of General Dabney Herndon Maury]

Etched by Hall. Circa dates inferred based on the dates of some of Hall's other etchings. Depicts Herndon, a Confederate General, in military uniform.

GLC05012.02

[Summary of the military service of Confederate Generals John Horace Forney and Dabney Herndon Maury]

A page removed from a biographical work.

GLC05012.03

to William Cabell Rives

Colonel Peyton discusses Virginia's recent secession from the Union, stating "I think Virginia would have acted more wisely ... if, with her prestige as the great head of the slave states, she had planted her foot upon the opening lid of this Pandora...

GLC05021.01

[Printed letter to William Cabell Rives discussing Virginia's secession]

Colonel Peyton discusses Virginia's recent secession from the Union, stating "I think Virginia would have acted more wisely ... if, with her prestige as the great head of the slave states, she had planted her foot upon the opening lid of this Pandora...

GLC05021.02

Petition to Abraham Lincoln

re: returning control of the church to Union clergy. With AES of Abraham Lincoln (4 March 1864) re: necessity of separation between church and state; and AES of Maj. Gen. Stephen A. Hurlbut (18 March 1864) re: "no military necessity" for taking...

GLC04813.01

Petition to P.J.D. Irwin

Petition to Army Surgeon P.J.D. Irwin re: attesting to church's Confederate leanings. With endorsement of surgeons in charge of U.S. general military hospitals (11 March 1864) and AES of P.J.D. Irwin (14 March 1864).

GLC04813.02

Petition to Maj. Gen. Stephen A. Hurlbut

Petition to Maj. Gen. Stephen A. Hurlbut re: defence of existing clergy.

GLC04813.03

to his family

Writes that he has been very busy with drilling, parading and "his papers." Notes that General Brooks is in command of his regiment and that "it should have been General Burnham." Says that the regiment is keeping 4 days cooked rations ready in order...

GLC03603.273

to his family

Writes that the regiment is getting ready to march. Supplies have been consolidated and rations for five days have been prepared. He passes on rumors of different destinations. Writes of sending his possessions to be stored and sending money to be...

GLC03603.274

to his family

Writes to request stamps and change, saying that they are "secure." Says that he is very busy.

GLC03603.275

to his family

Writes that he has returned to a camp in an undetermined location after being beaten in battle by a much smaller force. Describes fighting in dense fog at the command of Colonel Smith. Says that the regiment split during battle and Coit and many...

GLC03603.276

to his family

Writes that he is lucky to be alive after a battle. Says that Alfred Goddard was seriously wounded in the abdomen and he fears that Alfred will not recover. Details his behaviors and bravery during the battle and says that he received the best care...

GLC03603.277

to his family

Writes that he is well and was engaged in fighting the last two days. Notes that the regiments losses were small. Says that the railroad was destroyed and that the soldiers are working on restoring it. Mentions that he has heard nothing about Alfred...

GLC03603.279

to a female relative of Alfred Goddard

Writes that this was a draft of a letter he was preparing for a female relative of Alfred Goddard. Encloses the draft with a letter to is family. Writes detailing Alfred's bravery during battle and his dying wishes to have his possessions shipped to...

GLC03603.280

to his family

Writes seven miles from Richmond that the regiment is occupying a line of entrenchments that were captured the day before. Says that they are within sight of a rebel fort but have had no heavy fighting in the past few days. Notes that he doesn't...

GLC03603.281

to the family of Charles Morgan Coit

Forrest Spafford writes to the Coit family to assure them of Charles' safety. He writes that the regiment occupies the area around Fort Darling and tells the family about the skills of the regimental sharp shooters. Charles Coit requested that...

GLC03603.282

to his family

Writes that he feels as if the Brigader has forgotten the regiment and makes a comparison between officers with military educations to those who lack them. Tells about an attack two days before. Describes the temporary staffing changes due to the...

GLC03603.283

to his family

Writes that they endured a "flogging" from the rebels on Monday night. Notes that there is an order to clear trees in front of the rifle pits. He requests money.

GLC03603.284

to his family

Writes of commanding the regiment in place of Colonel Ward and of embarking to join [General Ulysses] Grant's army. Notes that four of the companies lost all of their baggage when the rebels captured it. Says that he found and sent home Alfred's...

GLC03603.285

to his family

Writes from the "White House" that his regiment is expecting to stay here to hold it as a base for Grant's army but they have been ordered to move again. "I hope that if we are about to go into action & danger that we shall at least have the...

GLC03603.286

to the family of Charles Morgan Coit

Writes on Coit's behalf. Says that the regiment has joined Grant's group and is at the center of their "line of battle." Comments about the position of the enemy and the condition of the regiment.

GLC03603.287

to his family

Thanks God for preserving him through the days of danger and suffering. Writes about his feelings about acting as a commander. Notes that he read the last letter from his family "with the bullets whistling over me".

GLC03603.288

to his family

Writes that he has been in the rear trenches for a day and will be moving to the front at night. Reports that the regiment consistently loses men in the battle. Writes of leaving the trenches to track down the regiment's luggage. Says that the...

GLC03603.289

to his family

Writes that the regiment has left the Army of the Potomac and are bound for Bermuda. Describes what he understands as the strategic reasons for their being ordered to move. Says that the loss from the previous battle was 33 killed and wounded....

GLC03603.290

to Charles Morgan Coit

This is a letter that Coit passed along to his family. The original letter stated the Coit was to receive one can of cherries and one can of milk. The note that Coit added to his family says that the milk and cherries were a generous gift from the...

GLC03603.291

to his family

Writes about marching from Point of Rocks to a camp and then on towards Petersburg. Describes the 8th regiment driving rebel soldiers back into the woods. Gives more details about the fighting and says that the loss was very slight. Writes that the...

GLC03603.292

to his family

Writes that his personal conditions have improved and that he has been reunited with his luggage and his wall tent. The 8th Regiment, along with Burnside's other regiments will be transferred to the 9th Corps. Mentions the leadership implications of...

GLC03603.293

to his family

Writes that, after 48 hours "at the front" they have been relieved. He writes about taking over a "pit" that contained fancy furniture that had been stolen. Describes battle with the rebel soldiers and reacts to news from home. Says that he does not...

GLC03603.294

to his family

He reacts to his family reminding him about his pledge not to drink liquor. Defends his drinking of liquor by saying that they only pledged not to drink it as a beverage-not as recreation. Says that he has been indulging in it quite freely.

GLC03603.295

to his family

Writes that his regiment is "in the rear" to rest but that they are still working very hard. Notes that Captain Goodrich was shot while lying right next to him. Also writes that he has lost Colonel Sergeant Glover, one of the best men in his platoon.

GLC03603.296

to his family

Writes about the hardships of being shuffled from the front to the back. Responds to news about Beckwith and James Jennings, both soldiers from Connecticut who have suffered what Coit believes to be self-inflicted wounds. Describes motivating...

GLC03603.297

to his family

Writes about being on duty as Officer of the Day and preparing for an attack that never occurred. "Isn't it grand that Alabama has at last gone under and in actual combat." Notes that the army is pleased by the news of the Rebel troops moving North....

GLC03603.298

to his family

Requests a valise to be sent from home. Says a sutler, who is supplied by Smith and Co. in Norwich, has joined the troops. Notes that Captain Henry C. Hall was killed when he "exposed himself needlessly." Mentions two books or magazines "Atlantic"...

GLC03603.299

to his family

Complains about the load of paperwork he is doing and reports that Colonel Ward is feeling unwell. Says that Ward does not stay near the field staff even when he is feeling well. Requests that his news about Ward not be repeated. Reports that Captain...

GLC03603.300

to his family

Writes an additional letter to include things he had forgotten. Requests a pair of cavalry boots and describes the type and size.

GLC03603.301

to his family

Encloses this draft of a memo to all officers in letter no. 303a. The memo announced the deaths of Captain John McCall, Captain Henry C. Hall, Alfred M. Goddard and Levi C. Bingham. It also recommended that all officers wear crepe morning band for an...

GLC03603.302

to his family

Writes about the promotions process in the 8th. Notes about letter no. 302 and his feelings surrounding the memo. Comments that General Ord is now in command. Requests a bottle of Osgood's Cologne.

GLC03603.303

to his family

Says he is considering not reenlisting in September. Notes that the camped was "shelled" the night before but no one was hurt. Writes that most of the best officers have been killed or wounded and that re-enlisting would mean being in the company of...

GLC03603.304

to his family

Writes in response to a letter from his family, outraged that they have not received all the letters he has written. Gives more instructions on the kind of boots he wants. Notes that he has been enjoying canned fruit and milk. Says that he receives...

GLC03603.305

to his family

Writes about the regiment's defeat after blowing up a rebel fort. Mentions a black regiment fighting along with them. "Everything has been gained and now everything has been lost."

GLC03603.306

to his family

Writes to request his Receipt Roll, which he accidentally sent home with his clothing return. Requests a response from his family regarding the memo he sent about the officers who died in battle. Says that the memo has yet to be published and...

GLC03603.307

to his family

Requests more "light reading" and remarks on having read Uncle Tom's Cabin. Writes that he has received his new horse. Notes that 56 of the 100 recruits sent from New Haven have arrived and are about to begin training. Writes about the condition of...

GLC03603.308

to his family

Writes that Captain Goodrich has returned to the regiment after recuperating at Annapolis. Comments tha he testified to the good character of Colonel Ward under oath during a hearing by the military commission. Says he put everything in a favorable...

GLC03603.309

to his family

He writes that the U.S.G. has a new leader and that he had to give up his horse. He requests hair oil and sends sewing silk.

GLC03603.310

to his family

Writes from camp Bermuda that they have moved to a new camp. Colonel Ward is still is poor health and has requested a leave of absence. He writes of treating a "chill" with whiskey and thrashing his arms. He asks to borrow money as they have not been...

GLC03603.311

to his family

Writes from camp Bermuda that he would like to re-enlist for a period of time less than three years but that it seems impossible. He is not angry with the service or the mission but rather with the regimental management. He writes that many lives...

GLC03603.312