Summer 2025 PD for K–12 teachers: Registration is now open!
We recommend using our Advanced Search to refine your results.
to Libbie Elmore
1862
Elmore, Bruce, fl. 1862-1865
He acknowledges that her folks would like to have a picture of him. He will send one along when he gets his next pay.
GLC06588.260
3 December 1862
They are still in Upton Hall. He believes she has done well with the pork this years. He tells a funny story of how some of the boys stole a hog and they roasted it in camp that night.
GLC06588.261
December 7, 1862
Most of the company has gone on picket today. They have had very cold weather lately. W. Smith, an acquaintance of his father is in the captain's tent.
GLC06588.262
Tomorrow they will go on picket again. He hopes she is getting along well. It has been very cold, but the ground is not frozen yet.
GLC06588.263
December 11, 1862
He thanks her for all the tasty food that has come in the mail and offers a kiss as payment. He and Willard are very well and he weighs more than he ever has before.
GLC06588.264
He worries that there is a lot of sickness going around and he wants his family to stay well. Moses Schoonmaker is weak and does not drill much. The Major is one of the meanest officers around. They hear that secretary Seward resigned as well as the...
GLC06588.265
Charles Smith came to visit a few days ago. He thanks Libbie for letting Carrie write to him although he thinks any response from will be very eloquent. He is doing very well. Burnside is currently fighting a terrible battle.
GLC06588.266
They thinks Vixburgh is theirs though they have received no official news. He asks after old Kniffin and wonders if he trying to cheat Libbie every chance he can get.
GLC06588.267
This letter includes a very poetic description of the wounded soldier. '"The poor wounded soldier as he lays waiting for death to end his sufferings or mortal aid..."
GLC06588.268
to Bruce Elmore
Elmore, Libbie, fl. 1861-1865
She tells him to worry about not having enough money for taxes and that she will send some money in the mail. Hettie has been staying with her the past few days.
GLC06588.269
David is sick with the sore throat. She saw a pedler she knows last night. She tells of an incident with the infamous Kniffin.
GLC06588.270
14 December 1862
Last page is bigger. Once again she asks if Bruce can get a furlough. Eliza Ingersoll came by. Her son has the sore throat and she has a headache. Libbie sold some oats. One page of the letter appears to be written in a different hand but the author...
GLC06588.271
December 16, 1862
He reports on the health of his comrades. Unfortunately, he will be unable to get the photographs she requested. There has been no fighting lately but tomorrow they go on picket again.
GLC06588.272
December 18, 1862
Mr Reynolds came to visit and he talked about Nelson who is sick and in the hospital. She tells a story of how the doctor had his wagon nearby and a couple of boys painted the horse and put axle grease on the seat.
GLC06588.273
December 21, 1862
Everyone was disappointed by Burnside's loss at Fredricksburg but are now cheering up. They are are staying in very comfortable quarters currently. One of their duties besdies picket is cutting wood for the regiment.
GLC06588.274
Pages missing. Bruce says he actually enjoys camp life but misses his family. Willard has been quite sick with dysentery. Reinforcement has been going by them in quite large numbers.
GLC06588.275
24 December 1862
He uses very poetic language to describe how he wishes they could be together, especially for Christmas. Though he says he likes the life of a soldier. Nelson is in a hospital in Philadelphia.
GLC06588.276
Partial letter. He asks her to be punctual in her writing. He does not belive the war can last three years. That is impossible he says.
GLC06588.278
30 December 1862
They received orders to pack their knapsacks and three days rations and march. They were going on picket when they heard there was a raid of 1500 Rebel cavalry somewhere in the vicinity. He describes their strategy. Then they were ordered to march...
GLC06588.279
1863
Pages missing. He writes that someone's death was reported but this statement has been contradicted.
GLC06588.280
2 January 1863
She writes of how she spent her New Year at her parents'. She only wishes he could have been there and wishes for peace on any terms. Last page is blue and square. She talks of the children and how they miss their father.
GLC06588.281
3 January 1863
Willard has joined the ambulance corps. They had their first death in the regiment Wednesday night. He was buried by moonlight. Bruce read a letter of a friend's wife aloud to to him. It mentioned the snow.
GLC06588.282
6 January 1863
The sore throat is still going around. She heard Beck Broman was discharged as he was taken prisoner at Fredricksburg and paroled. She tells the news of other mutual acquaintances. Libbie wonders if Bruce wears a sword or whether he has any new...
GLC06588.283
The weather has warmed up and the sleighing is all gone. She tells him she has been fighting with Kniffin, as usual.
GLC06588.284
7 January 1863
Everyone is in good spirits because of the recent victories at Murfeesboro and other places. He got a letter from his mother telling him Sanford Starr had small pox.
GLC06588.285
She is sorry that Low's remarks got him in trouble. A friend of hers received something strange in the mall. A small syringe wrapped in paper. Libbie does not know what it meant but would have taken it as the grossest insult.
GLC06588.286
8 January 1863
Vanqaasbeck, Wilber, fl. 1862-1865
A letter from his nephew. He asks what Santa got him for Christmas and talks about his presents.
GLC06588.287
She has been visiting his sister and family.Later she will see his grandmother. She heard that his Col. gave orders for the officers to shoot any men that showed fear
GLC06588.288
January 10, 1863
He has been Segeant of the guard for the last two days. He describes the weather as rainy. He tells her not to let Kniffin impose on her. He inquires about the taxes.
GLC06588.289
Though it is taking longer, he feels the Rebels will soon have to yield Vicksburgh. He talks of Willard's place in the ambulance corps and wonders if he might like a place there as well.
GLC06588.290
He does not carry a sword, though they are available, he informs Libbie. Capt. French's wife is visiting and he is "softer than ever." The boys make fun of him. He can't wait to see her.
GLC06588.291
January 21, 1863
He warns her not to get the oxen shod just yet, but if one of the wagon wheels must be fixed, so be it. He asks for tobacco and gin though he has not been drinking much at all. Mose and Charley make good tent mates.
GLC06588.292
January 16, 1863
Willard does not have much to do in the ambulance corps yet. Bruce is currently Sergeant of the guard. He writes that the prospect of war seems rather dull and they expect it to be over by July. He warns her against Kniffin again and advises her to...
GLC06588.293
He believes he has the best Colonel in the whole army.
GLC06588.294
January 18, 1863
He and Willard went down to Fairfax where they discovered the seminary had been turned into a hospital. He describes the history of the building. Frank Hotchings came to visit him and Willard.
GLC06588.295
January 19, 1863
Libbie read that there is a lot of intervention from France. Mr. Kniffin has broke the sleigh. She talks about the sheep and the cows.
GLC06588.296
January 26, 1863
They are all well. She is preparing to send him another box, this time with pies. Palmer, himself, has said he does not trust Kniffin.
GLC06588.297
January 22, 1863
She heard that Capt. Derrance resigned but does not know the reason. The children miss him and ask if he's coming to dinner frequently.She thinks the separation is making them strong.
GLC06588.298
Partial letter. She remarks that there has been very little sleighing this winter. Kniffin has been taking bark to the store. He has been sick.She heard he has a chance for promotion.
GLC06588.299
January 23, 1863
He wishes her good luck with the lambs and the cows. He hopes Kniffin has drawn the bark and asks how much wood he has cut. They think the paymaster may be coming soon.
GLC06588.300
She asks him to send her letters home and talks of a special wine she makes.
GLC06588.301
January 28, 1863
He uses poetic language to describe how his love has grown exponentially since being apart from her. Lt. Clark is sick. Gorton and Dewitt have rheumatism. He tells her not to pay Kniffin too much.
GLC06588.302
She worries about his sharing a tent and thinks he might contract diseases. A friend's wife is going to visit her husband in camp but she does not wish to go because she doesn't think it suitable for women.
GLC06588.303
They have sent him various items, icluding dried fruit, pies, ham, popcorn, etc.
GLC06588.304
She attended a sanitary aid society meeting. She wonders how she will get the haying done this year. She talks of the possibility of hiring someone to help her.
GLC06588.305
January 31, 1863
They have had new drilling for several days. They also had monthly inspection and full dress parade.
GLC06588.306
He and Willard are well. Wallace Hill is sick and has has been sent to the hospital. He does not think much will be done along the Potomac until the weather gets better.
GLC06588.307
February 1, 1863
First four pages are smaller. She requests some photographs. She believes she will have good luck with the lambs snd stock this year.Nelson will get his discharge soon. She believes there will be sleighing now and mentions various friends and family.
GLC06588.308
February 5, 1863
Their parents have been visiting with each other. Libbie says he looks like Dick Divine, a mutual friend. She mentions an Elsie who had a still born child.
GLC06588.309
February 4, 1863
He is glad Kniffin is working hard to get the bark to the falls. He and Willard are enjoying good health. The weather has been very cold.
GLC06588.310
February 7, 1863
As usual, there is no telling when they'll be paid, but he promises to send her some money when it happens. He speculates on when he might receive a letter from her. He is afraid the hay will come up short.
GLC06588.311
February 8, 1863
Kniffin wants to know how they will share the cost of a new plow. He also spoke about the wagon that needs to be fixed. They are having a problem with a Tom Smith who has fixed his damm up so as to overplow.
GLC06588.312
She imagines what it would be like to eat his hard tack. Earlier she sent him some poetry that Uncle Daniel's children had sent her. She is praying for his safety.
GLC06588.313
February 9, 1863
The army of the Potomac has been divided so they will probably stay for some time. Tomorrow they have to go out on picket. He has a heavy cold but the paymaster has been there.
GLC06588.314
February 10, 1863
She is grateful they have enjoyed good health for so long. She heard that Pete Geroys got his discharge papers. Kniffin has got the bark all out of the woods and loaded to the tannery.
GLC06588.315
February 11, 1863
They will be leaving tomorrow and will change camps to go to Fairfax seminary.The paymaster has been around. He is glad to hear that the stock looks so well.
GLC06588.316
2 August 1863
They have heard that Willard is quite sick, so Bruce's father is going to Washington to see him. Tom will be seeing Bruce soon.
GLC06588.115
6 August 1863
He says Willard is gaining strength and he is helping him to walk. He describes the hospital ward.
GLC06588.118
December 11, 1863
He summarizes the recent activity around Lookout Mountain which culminated in a fight breaking out on Wednesday morning. They managed to escape without being severely engaged. Later theyw ere ordered to Knoxville to help Burnside.
GLC06588.059
December 18, 1863
They are back at the camp near Lookout Mountain. They have had a rough march. They got within 14 miles of Knoxville only to find out they weren't needed in the end. He is grateful for the berries she sent him.
GLC06588.060
December 27, 1863
They expect to stay where they are for winter quarters. They are planning to build a pole road so that they will get better rations. He requests various food from Libbie.
GLC06588.061
circa 1861-1864
He requests a pair of gloves or mittens.
GLC06588.062
He writes that he hopes another winter will bring peace to this country.
GLC06588.063
Pages missing. People talk of starving the South but Elmore says they find plenty of corn in their barns and other crops growing and they are not allowed to touch it.They expect the Rebels to surrender in Vixburgh soon.
GLC06588.064
1 January 1864
He describes his meals in detail He also warns her that there is little chance he can get a furlough since only one out of twenty may get one.
GLC06588.065
to Unknown
6 January 1864
Author reports that Bruce is well. They have had to march 3 or 4 weeks to near Knoxville but now they have pretty good quarters. He is sharing a tent with Bruce and two others.
GLC06588.066
Elmore, WIllard, fl. 1862-1865
He notes that the draft has come off in Fallsburgh, though he suspects many will be either exempt or used as substitutes. Bruce is very well and quite fat.
GLC06588.067
November 12, 1865
He requests a pair of gloves or mittens again. The regiment may go back to Nashville. He talks of the difficulties of sending packages.
GLC06588.068
He wishes he could have spent Christmas with her. Willard came to the regiment a few days ago and he will go to the ambulance corps again.
GLC06588.069
January 20, 1864
Picket duty is over but now they are sent on various kinds of fatigue. Many of the men are sick with diarrahea or scurvy.
GLC06588.070
January 30, 1864
They have changed camp and are now at Bridgeport. The officers did not like the previous quarters and forced them to tear down the shanties and put them up again.
GLC06588.071
The Christian Commission brings them vegetables. He writes about which animals she should sell and which crops she should try to grow. Willard is still in Chattanooga.
GLC06588.072
He advises her to sell the oxen and not to let Kniffin take any more hay for his cow. He says to watch Kniffin closely. He requests a comb and postage stamps.
GLC06588.073
to Mother
January 31, 1864
Lt. Col Watkins is now in command and Col. Brighton is in command of the brigade men. Once again he warns of the difficulties of sending packages. A lot of the men are sick.
GLC06588.074
February 2, 1864
He says of course he would like to be home with her. Lately, they have not not heard anything from the Paymaster. E.P Perskeys and A COuthers have got furloughs approved.
GLC06588.075
He has heard nothing of Willard but thinks he may have sent in his resignation.
GLC06588.076
February 15, 1864
He writes of several packages that the company received safely, but still thinks it is risky. Willard wrote to Dwight requesting some items. Theya re expecting the Paymaster soon.
GLC06588.077
Willard and Bruce sent a package to father. They put a mark on each one and they are hoping nothing happens to the box.
GLC06588.078
February 8, 1864
He writes that things are going the same as usual with picket duty. The food is the same but they are building a bake-house for the brigade. He heard from Willard who is well.
GLC06588.079
February 23, 1864
He is glad she sold the oxen and thinks she is getting to be quite the business woman.In other news , Willard did not get his pay and is not well at present.
GLC06588.080
February 27, 1864
He has sent some money and tells her to look out for it. WIllard is feeling better. He received his boots, tobacco and berries..
GLC06588.081
17 April 1864
He is glad she got rid of Kniffin. As for selling the cows he tells her to use her own judgement but discusses the pros and cons of keeping the sheep. He is waiting for the Paymaster. Includes separate note to Martha.
GLC06588.082
18 April 1864
He received a letter from Sarah Carrier who will spend the summer teaching.He thinks Kersey is asking too much money for working their place. Garret Leroys is also mentioned. The regiment might be consolidated,
GLC06588.083
11 April 1864
The Captain has written, saying he thinks he will be back by the 20th. They will most likely stay in Bridgeport for some time. Letter is written over and illegible in some parts. The Major says their company operates better than any other in the...
GLC06588.084
to Kniffin
09 April 1864
He writes that he heard from Libbie that Kniffin is already out of hay and he accuses Kniffin of being wasteful. He also criticizes his handling of the cows.
GLC06588.085
07 April 1864
There are no men on the sick list currently. He heard from Willard who is doing well. He says he is doing well also and inquires about the sheep.
GLC06588.086
01 April 1864
Tom Smith gives a good price for the spruce and he advises her to sell the hemlock to Bill Simpson. The weather has not been pleasant lately. He has heard from Willard again who is well.
GLC06588.087
March 22, 1864
He is glad she can grow some buck wheta that Kesey will put in some corn and potatoes.He refers to the hog that has been in the pen all summer. In other news a train was captured by bushwhackers who were later shot and killed.
GLC06588.088
March 18, 1864
He has good things to say about General Sherman who will command the West.He commends her management of the farm so far.Wilber and her father are trying to go into the wine business.
GLC06588.089
March 13, 1864
He scolds her for not getting her shoes made out of calf skin instead of kipp. He is anxious to know how the town meeting went He has been having pancakes every morning.
GLC06588.090
06 March 1864
He discuses some food she recently sent him and which food had rotted and which had saved well. He is doing well and has sent some money home. He thanks her for everything she has sent.
GLC06588.091
04 March 1864
Elmore, Will, fl. 1862-1865
He writes that the soldiers are living well and many have grown fat. There is plenty of food and the boxes they get from hom help out a lot. Dekay, another soldier, is Bruce's tent mate and they get along well.
GLC06588.092
03 March 1864
He has been making money on the side by selling the other boys the tobacco he receives. Now he has some money to send home. He also mentions his love of suspenders and he receives a package with suspenders that day.
GLC06588.093
March 28, 1864
He advises her on how to sell butter and to who. He asks her how she would feel if he reenlisted for two more years.
GLC06588.094
5 June 1863
The Paymaster has arrived, so he will be sending some money. Even though he belives she does a good job managing the farm, he still wishes she could sell it.
GLC06588.095
10 June 1863
They have moved camp and are now near Williamsburg..The news from Vixburgh is good snd he thinks they will soon surrender.
GLC06588.096
20 June 1863
He advises her to sell the yearlings as soon as possible. He asks her how much she sold the wool for. Their camp is on the road from Williamsburg to Richmond.
GLC06588.097
He informs her that he just had a negative taken for some photographs and he will send them along in a few days.
GLC06588.098
14 June 1863
He is glad to hear that everyone is so well. In addition to rations, he tells her that they have also been foraging. They have killed a few chickens and a few pigs.
GLC06588.099
Written on the back of a letter he received from his father. His father talks about what he's read in the papers concerning Vixburgh and Port Hudson. Bruce tells Libbie to sell the cattle. He will be sending money soon.
GLC06588.100
Showing results 9,901 - 10,000