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to Brother Henry

There has been a lot of fighting near Richmond. It has been a tedious march from the swamp combined with fighting every day. There have been heavy losses.

GLC02172.51

to Brother Henry

They are now in Knoxville. The regiment has suffered losses. Major Byington is dead. Captain Farren is wounded.

GLC02172.77

to Father

He was sorry to hear of the death of Uncle James. They have not heard from Sam or Matt. Theyw ere offered 1 dollar per pound for their wool.

GLC02172.80

to Father, Mother, Brother, Sister

The Rebels acknowledged a loss of 200 men while their side did not lose more than 20, but many were captured and wounded. He gives suggestions for boots and an overcoat he wants made for him.

GLC02173.20

to the Comrades of Encampment

Letter to veterans informing them of the death of William H. Scarborough on January 28, 1904.

GLC02173.50

to Jemima Shifflet

Shifflet received Fanny's ring and will keep it until he goes home, "if I live to git home." He will go home the next time he is paid "if I can git off enny way a tall." His division is "alooking for another big fight in a few days" and has "bin a...

GLC02174.07

to Sarah Wood

Written from Stanford, Kentucky to his wife. Is concerned that the $10 he sent won't get to her because 'it is such a secesh place." Observes "all armies is on the move it appears to be the grand rally now that is to decide the contest." Continues...

GLC02176.08

to Sarah Wood

Written from Nashville, Tennessee to his wife. Was sent to Nashville to retrieve a horse, but there are many cavalrymen waiting for horses. Compares the cold weather to Ohio winters. Describes the terrain of East Tennessee, the abundance of fruits...

GLC02176.14

to Brother Henry

There has been fighting among the pickets.Three of their men were wounded and one died yesterday. There are a lot of peach and apple trees where he is.Troops are continually coming in. 70,000 crossed into Virginia Thursday night. Written in Camp...

GLC02172.16

to Father and Mother

Daniel Wright paid them a visit recently. William sent lots of mail with him. One soldier in the company died recently, leaving behind a wife and children.

GLC02173.04

to Father

He mentions a Capt. Leonard, whom he thinks every one will like because he is a very sociable gentleman. In Mississippi, the regiment has won most battles

GLC02173.12

to Parents

He has gained quite a bit of weight since he first went into the army. So far the Texas Rebel cavalry have lost 100 men. The report is that they are now evacuating Galveston.

GLC02173.22

to Father

He witnessed the burial of a fellow soldier. Many are sick in the regiment, but he is doing doing extremely well. Extremely faded.

GLC02173.31

to Jemima Shifflet

Written on patriotic stationery. Shifflet hopes that Johney will be well soon. He got paid today, twenty-three dollars, and "will send you all I can spar." He encourages his wife to persevere until he returns, "if I ever doo." They "expect a...

GLC02174.01

to Jemima Shifflet

Written in pencil on patriotic stationery. Shifflet asks his wife to write as soon as she receives the money he has sent as he worries it is lost. He was nearby when George Ennis was shot and "my cap box was shot off of my belt and fore bullets...

GLC02174.05

to Sarah Wood

Written from Camp Smith to his wife. Posits that he is missing some letters, expects "back mail" to arrive soon. Expresses concern again that his wife should receive the money he sent. Mentions an eye operation his wife is recovering from. Complains...

GLC02176.15

to Father

He talks of how they made the journey from Detroit to Washington and were then presented to the President and General Scott. Some men were detailed to go on picket duty. At some point shots were exhanged and 5 or 6 Rebels were killed.

GLC02172.06

to Friend Henry

Last week on picket duty, they shot twelve rebels and took a couple prisoners.

GLC02172.39

to Father

It is reported that they are going to New Orleans next. One of his fellow soldiers accidentally drowned himself the other day when he went down to the river to swim.

GLC02173.13

to ones at home

Mobile is visible from where they are now. There have been three wounded men but no losses. he got their letters.

GLC02173.41

Certificate of authentificity

Document stating that the attached paper stating the death of William H. Scarborough is a true copy.

GLC02173.49

to Sarah Wood

Written from near Knoxville, Tennessee to his wife. Mentions his good appetite and ragged clothes, but quartermaster is requisitioning more, rumors that Generals Ulysses S. Grant and John Foster will soon defeat James Longstreet's men. Deliberates...

GLC02176.12

to Amos J. Harding

Writes that they have "met the enemy and are out on parole, which occurred at Glasgow on the 15th after eight hours of constant and determined fighting." The Union had 600 untried soldiers against 8000 veteran Rebels. They had marched for three...

GLC02178.07

to father

reports of the death of men in his company, the capture of Confederate forces, Morse's brief hospitalization with a fever, anticipation of going to St. Petersburg.

GLC02180.25

to George F. Morse

report of mustering out of troops from the 91st Regiment in Albany, and expressions of sorrow over the death of Frank Doane.

GLC02180.31

[Document granting Wyman Stone a furlough]

Furlough document includes illustrated envelope of a woman sewing beneath the flag and newspaper clipping relating to the interment of Mrs. Winthrop E. Stone, wife of a former Purdue president.

GLC02182.01

to Berdille

He refers to a Charley that died and he hopes the disease does not spread to his compsny.. He is sorry a Mr. Young could not find work in Templeton. He describes how they stand guard and what they might encounter. Was written near Annapolis Junction...

GLC02182.16

to Berdille

He lays in bed all day and night and this aggravates him. He says the Rebels do not take suck good care of their wounded and left one man with his leg cut off alone to die.

GLC02182.30

Two Brothers Fallen

A tribute to Captain Asbel Fairchild Duncan and Fidelio Hughes Duncan, both of whom died in Winchester after getting wounded in battle.

GLC02171.09

to Father

He is doing extremely well. His finger is almost healed and he will be alble to join his command. He heard that John Farr died though he does not know the cause. He would like very much to go home but the chance is slim.

GLC02173.11

to Father

He talks of how the newspaper falsely reported the details of a battle. Gen. Moulton was killed during the battle. This morning the news is good: Gen. Grant is confident of capturing Richmond. He says the Rebels have brought everything on themselves.

GLC02173.29

to father

report of battle and retreat, loss of knapsack and clothes, assassination of President Lincoln, and an accounting of the wounded and the dead.

GLC02180.26

to George F. Morse

Jamieson's discharge, and death and funeral of Brotherhood member Frank R. Doane.

GLC02180.28

to dear wife

Serens became violently ill while on guard. They thought it was cholera but in the morning he was feeling just fine. In other news, The Captain was questioned about the non-comissioned officers. Letter includes a short poem that begins: "Juliana...

GLC02182.12

to John Lamb

Uncertain yet whether he will join the artillery park because General George Washington had not yet arrived. Writes, "He has lately met with a severe Shock to his affections, in the loss of the amiable Mr. Custis, Mrs. Washington's only child."...

GLC02437.01289

to George Washington

Copy in Samuel Shaw's hand and signed by him for both Knox and Morris. Knox and Morris assumed the public would be interested in the POW report they recently submitted to Congress, so they wrote this letter for Washington with information they...

GLC02437.01395

to Henry Knox

Declares "we are very happy in this part of the Country at the glorious campaign our army has had this last summer," and says the people in his region are hoping for a peace. Comments that he is sorry to hear of General George Washington's loss of...

GLC02437.01306

to Henry Knox

Later copy of letter from Alexander Hamilton to Henry Knox in GLC02437.01442, for which a transcript is available. Written by Hamilton after he left the Army to Major General Knox. Letter details Hamilton's opinions against retaliation for the...

GLC02437.01444

to Henry Knox

Written by Major Shaw, Knox's former aide-de-camp, to Brigadier General Knox. Letter expresses the touchiness Revolutionary officers had about rank. Says no word on Knox's promotion is to be had. Hopes "The period, however, cannot be remote when...

GLC02437.01370

to Clement Biddle

Thanks him and Mrs. Biddle for their kindness to Mrs. Knox and their young daughter while in Philadelphia. Comments that Biddle's knowledge of his orders during the siege will excuse his inability to write frequently. Stresses his interest in...

GLC02437.01287

to Henry Knox

Written by Hamilton after he left the Army to Major General Knox. Letter details Hamilton's opinions against retaliation for the execution of American Captain Joshua Huddy at the hand of New York Loyalists (this is reference to the well-known Huddy...

GLC02437.01442

Return of Stores expended on the 15th & 16th Oct, by Lt. Col. Stevens.

Lists quantities of stores used at various locations and under the command of various officers during the siege of Yorktown. Also enumerates soldiers who were wounded, killed, and taken prisoner. Explains that a British attack at day break resulted...

GLC02437.01229

A Report of ordnance Ammunition Expended during my Command on the different Batteries in the lines, between the 16 & 17 Oct. inst.

Lists quantities of stores used in the first and second batteries under Major Bauman during the siege of Yorktown. Reports the death of Peter Peiner. Bauman commanded an artillery corps that was a part of Colonel John Lamb's Second Regiment of...

GLC02437.01232

to Henry Knox

Has not heard from his brother in almost six weeks. News of the operation against Yorktown from General George Washington included the destruction of three of Lord Cornwallis redoubts and a formal demand for surrender, along with Cornwallis'...

GLC02437.01239

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Written by Brigadier General Knox to General Lincoln. Says he was concerned for him, but hopes he is safe at Head of Elk, Maryland. Tells him to "pray take care of the trophies and carry them triumphantly into rome." Reports from Mount...

GLC02437.01288

to Henry Knox

Written by a widow of a dead soldier [Captain Lieutenant Baxter Howe] to Brigadier General Knox. Thanks Knox for his kind words and concern after the loss of her husband. Knox seems to have taken care of Mr. Howe's personal effects for Mary. Says she...

GLC02437.01362

to Henry Knox

Written at Fort Herkimer. Expresses concern that the departure of Colonel [Philip van] Cortlandt's regiment left the Fort's artillery and stores in a vulnerable state: "...we are no protection to the Inhabitants & in Case the Enemy should make an...

GLC02437.01107

to Estelle Spero

Diamond discusses El Paso's climate, and promises that his next letter will include a gory description on how best to kill

GLC09120.162

to Estelle Spero

Diamond tells Estelle that he hopes his dying word to be "bench".

GLC09120.238

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes out his "articles of faith". These include a promise to remember his and Estelle's "mission for a prolonged and happy life together", a promise to return to Estelle, and, if necessary, a promise to leave this life as he tried to live...

GLC09120.248

to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that they have experienced a short respite from the "interminable rain". He also writes that he believes that his suffering from diarrhea has been caused by lack of consistency in his diet.

GLC09120.306

to Estelle Spero

Sidney admonishes Estelle for accusing him of wearing "roseate glasses", asking her permission to describe how he feels after he talks of casualties, when he reads of cheating, strikes, race riots.

GLC09120.311

to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that the lack of mail has been caused by his being involved in combat, "front line stuff". He writes that he has "seen 'war' minus hollywood's beauty."

photocopy

GLC09120.340

to Estelle Spero

Diamond describes writing to the wife of one of his men about his death, an experience that made him realize the "ridiculous emptiness of words".

GLC09120.362

to Estelle Spero

Diamond wonders "how these Nips can keep getting literally slaughtered." He comments that this is one period that he doesn't want to share with anyone: "I'm spending the rest of my life forgetting it."

GLC09120.375

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that the oriental inscription on the ring that Estelle bought for him causes him embarrassment, as people assume that he "Got that off a Jap".

GLC09120.385

to Estelle Spero

Diamond describes the contents of a package that his parents have sent him. He recalls the day that he proposed to Estelle, and comments that nearly a year has passed since that date, May 18th. He then discusses how important Estelle is to him in...

GLC09120.394

to Estelle Spero

Diamond tells Estelle that he spent Passover participating in a push. He discusses the horrifying effect of encountering great masses of dead bodies.

GLC09120.397

to Sidney Diamond

Letter thanking Diamond for his informing the magazine that the poem that they published in their April issue appears on a tombstone in the Bronx, and not Indiana as they claimed. Diamond then appends the letter with a short handwritten explanation...

GLC09120.423

Handwritten notes

Story about being on an observation post during a "Jap attack", and a faulty cartridge preventing Diamond from killing the target.

GLC09120.468

to Estelle Spero

Diamond describes a friendship that had sprung up between a Lieutenant Gutman and an infantry lieutenant who is subsequently killed. He encloses a clipping from the 31 July 1944 issue of "In Fact" that mentions the friendship.

GLC09120.501

to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that he has recently become more concerned with superstitions, given the "occupational hazards" of his profession. Sidney describes an incident that had occurred during a recent battle.

GLC09120.514

to Estelle Spero

Diamond describes his day of departure, which is still "so clear" in his mind, despite the seventeen months that have passed: "There was a peculiar sensation that all this wasn't new - that our ancestors somewhere had experienced the same tightening...

GLC09120.533

Clothing and payroll return document 1st Massachusetts regiment [Decimalized .01- .04]

Manuscript clothing and payroll return documents listing many African American freemen who fought in this desegregated regiment during the Siege of Boston and at Trenton, Princeton, Saratoga, and Monmouth, and guarded the Hudson Highlands. These...

GLC09134

to Benjamin French

"Accept my grateful thanks for your note and the lines to the memory of my beloved son...when he undertook the mission of freedom to the weary captives who pined in the Rebel dungeons of Richmond, he did it with a fullness of purpose that know no...

GLC09162

to Lt. Col. F. A. Walker

Requesting information about casualties from Battle of Morton's Ford: "Will you please tell me how many officers killed? how many wounded? how many missing?

GLC09168

to Margaret J.

drawings of trees on first page of letter. Third and fourth pages contain a poem entitled "A Soldiers Farewell".

GLC09182.08

[Telegram announcing Abraham Lincoln's death]

Early telegraphed notice of his death, sent by American Telegraph Company executive George Milliken to his wife at 8:30 AM. "President Lincoln died at twenty-two minutes after seven. J. Wilkes Booth was the Assassin. This is official."

GLC09191

List of General and Field Officers in the Provisional Army from the State of South Carolina who have died whilst in Service.

Compiled through June 1864. Forwarded by Melton to the adjutant and inspector general of South Carolina. Among those listed are brigadier generals Bernard Bee, who gave "Stonewall" Jackson his nickname; Maxcy Gregg; and Micah Jenkins. Autograph...

GLC09225

to Governor Bonham

General James Longstreet, wounded in a friendly fire incident at the Battle of the Wilderness, mourns the death of Brigadier General Micah Genkins, killed by the same volley. "He has left to the youth of your state a noble legacy in his dauntless...

GLC09226

to Thompson Baxter

A letter to Thompson Baxter, it is written in the form of a diary with multiple days worth of events seperated by the date it was written. In this particular letter Thompspn Baxter's wife has written about the death of their daughter on the 21 of...

GLC09234.04

to Fitzhugh Lee

To Fitzhugh Lee as U.S. Consul General to Havana, asking Lee to aid a New York doctor in obtaining legal proof of his brother's death in Cuba.

GLC09259

to Eleanor Hammond

Glad to hear all is well. Sad to hear that [Silphey] had died and "sorry to hear that Charley was wounded." One of his comrade's guns had gone off, shooting him in the leg just above the ankle. The surgeon took the bullet out, and "it did not go...

GLC09273.07

to Eleanor Hammond

Letter is printed on U. S. Christian Commission stationery. All are well and hope the same is true of her and Oscar. His health is "the best that it has been since I was shot." Received his fourteenth letter from her the night before. Urges her to...

GLC09273.20

To Parenle

Soldier in the 1st New York Engineers: "One of our company was shot while at work on the parapet of the fort. He was shot through the heart by a Rebel Sharpshooter and instantly killed.… [Colonel] blamed the sergeant in command of the squad for...

GLC09323

[a poem]

GLC09324.02

[Diary of Luther Martin Hess]

Diary of soldier in 93rd Illinois Infantry, Co. G. Took part in Vicksburg, Chattanooga, Atlanta campaigns, and Sherman's "March to the Sea." Vivid writing throughout, some daily, some retrospectively. Confronted with the prospect of death during the...

GLC09353

to Annie

sad to hear about Sister Margo's death. writes that they have had had snow. updates her with news about the baby.

GLC09354.01

to Annie

describes what picket duty is. writes it involves scouting around the country. they they their food with them, nothing but corned beef and hard bread. they also do provost-duty, and stay with farmers and watch their movements.

GLC09354.08

to parents

Is writing his first letter since April 27. Wrote a quick note earlier making sure they knew he was well, but "I do not consider that to be a letter." Received orders on the night of the 27th to prepare for an early march. No order to march was given...

GLC09355.001

to parents

He, Elisha, and Sid are all well. Has marched from Falmouth up through Virginia and Maryland into Pennsylvania. Has returned to Maryland and are driving the Rebels back south. Expecting "a big fight near here." Asks for money, as they are short on...

GLC09355.009

to parents

This letter came with a note saying it was dated 1863/08/16 but came in an envelope from 1863/10/07. Most of the soldiers are at church, so he has time to write. Very quiet around the fort today. Did not go to church because he did not have his...

GLC09355.016

to parents

Received their letter last night and was surprised to find out that they had not received his most recent letter. Are now camped almost in the town center and is very near General Sedgwick's headquarters. Is guarding a road that has been a target for...

GLC09355.026

to parents

Received their letter yesterday. Marched 15 miles earlier in the week. Was going to start on Monday morning, but it was too rainy then. The march was delayed until Thanksgiving morning. Crossed the Rapidan River at Jacob's Ford and stayed there that...

GLC09355.029

to sister

He assures her he will see her as soon as possible and offers condolences.

GLC02161.079

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

Capt. Cornfield has died, charging at the head of his command. Unfortunaetely he was unable to pay his respects.

GLC02161.083

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

Harry is ill with pneumonia. He worries about Harry because he has a slight build and doesn't think he'll be able to endure this "rough world."

GLC02161.012

to mother

He was assigned to the 10th army corps. He asks if a fellow lieutenant's body was received by the military.

GLC02161.123

[1864 diary]

In April, he notes that he does not like working under Butler which corresponds to one of his letters. In May he describes some very animated fighting occurring near their pickets. Later on the 28th he gives details of Henry's (a fellow soldier)...

GLC02161.146

to Esther Ann Kinney

re: Blanchard writes about how "Gen Hooker got whiped the Boys are feeling down hearted." He also writes about his view on the Confederate cause, saying that he would rather let the rebels have their rights than be led by inept Generals. He also...

GLC02162.09

to Fannie Schoonmaker

Printed with a red white and blue stamp of a woman clad in the American flag. Received her letter a day ago. Many have been wounded since he last wrote. Will give a short account of what has happened. Rebels spotted two miles from camp. When they...

GLC02164.08

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Lyon to a friend. Talks of mutual acquaintances, (including a death, one in an "insane retreat" and one who goes down town and returns "pretty tight"), Christmas (when he hears a sermon by an African missionary on "what shall be done...

GLC02165.01

to sister

He mentions the apathy and the copperheads amongst the North. He says the Southerners are a remorseless people who are willing to win or die. Recently they had a grand review by Gen. Barry.

GLC02161.084

to Eunice Lombard Edwards

Replies to his mother from head quarters, 37th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Notes that since the Grand Divisions (of the Army of the Potomac) have been disbanded, mail is slower in reaching its destination. Discusses personal business and...

GLC02163.12

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Parapet to a friend. Mentions rumors that Stonewall Jackson has been taken prisoner in Washington or that he has conquered Washington. Talks of gifts sent from home (one especially exciting was a piece of cheese.) In return, he sends...

GLC02165.10

to Harriet W. Dewey

Written "in the field." He read of Henry's death in the papers after he thought he had escaped unharmed. They may lose their guns. He is sick of the expedition.

GLC02161.128

to Eunice Lombard Edwards

Writes to his mother from head quarters, 37th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Reports, "We are to cross the Rappahannock again tomorrow morning, although I am not so foolish as to allow myself to think that in the coming struggle I must die, yet...

GLC02163.09

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Parapet to a friend. Expresses boredom at the monotony of life. Describes an incident in which Confederate soldiers escorted under a flag of truce the wife of General John Bullock Clark, who had been taken prisoner, so that she could...

GLC02165.11

to Mary Ann Davis

Written to a friend. Talks of a Colonel Merritt suspected of stealing from his regiment's mail, and a man accused of the same thing sent to Ship Island. Expresses hope for coming home in 11 months, but acceptance that, of course, he could die...

GLC02165.16

to Kitty

He has a slight wound on the leg. 140 men were killed, wounded or missing. In general they have had a pretty hard time since they left Hellena. He is homesick.

GLC02170.25