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to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee
03 November 1862
Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864
There were skirmishes. Pressing onward to Strasburg. Mentions Billy and instructs her not to pay out any more money for him.
GLC02744.092
08 November 1862
He marched six miles in a snow storm. He describes what they carry in their saddlebags. He has not been paid since he left.
GLC02744.093
11 November 1862
Their connection is so strong that when he is writing to her it almost seems like they are talking face to face.
GLC02744.094
09 November 1862
He writes about his faith in God. He answers her questions regarding his trunk.
GLC02744.095
20 November 1862
He writes that one of their men fell from a tree and dislocated his wrist. He reiterates that God gave him the greatest gift of all: her.
GLC02744.096
21 November 1862
He writes about how an officer of his rank never has to worry about food or shelter. Notes how much money the war is costing.
GLC02744.097
22 November 1862
He is anxious for Lucien to attend school. He writes that he feels the sufferings of his fellow soldiers. Notes that enemy is in Fredricksburg.
GLC02744.098
25 November 1862
Tells her not to worry so much. Writes he might be able to send for her in 4-6 weeks. They have both gained weight. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.099
28 November 1862
He writes the possibility of a battle has now become very faint. tells her to always confide in God. Mentions Park. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.100
30 November 1862
He tells her again not to believe what she reads in the newspaper. currently has a cold. He is feeling lonely and homesick. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.101
29 November 1862
He writes about Lucien. He tells her to let him outside as much as possible, otherwise if he is inside make sure he is in a warm room. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.102.01
On the Banks of the [Rappahannock] opposite Fredericksburg, Nov. 20, 1862
Union and rebel soldiers have a spat across the river.
GLC02744.102.02
03 December 1862
He writes of a time when they thought nothing but death would separate them. Feels that he has not done enough for her over the years.
GLC02744.104
04 December 1862
He writes about how he can love God more as he does not feel his faith is strong enough. Written in a camp near Falmouth.
GLC02744.105
07 December 1862
He writes that sickness like Typhoid Fever has been claiming the lives of their men. Thirty have died. He talks about the advantages of getting a tenement. Written in a camp near Falmouth.
GLC02744.106
09 December 1862
He mentions that Chelsea is coming home. Talks about the whiskey ration that he says is usually unnecesary. Fortunately the officers in his regiment don't drink. Written in a camp near Falmouth
GLC02744.107
14 December 1862
He writes that there has been nonstop fighting for three days.
GLC02744.108
16 December 1862
He describes a day of tremendous and continuous artillery. They lost very few men and only one of his friends was wounded but not seriously. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.110.01
The Latest News. By Telegraph. From the Army of the Potomac. The Main Body of Our Army Across the Rappahannock.
12 December 1862
He describes artillery duel on the Potomac.
GLC02744.110.02
17 December 1862
He writes that his horse had a narrow escape from a bullet. M.B Metcalf was seriously injured but will be well soon. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.111
20 December 1862
Martin Metcalf ended up dying. He was entrusted with carrying out his last request; mailing his bible to his family. Written in a camp near Falmouth
GLC02744.112
to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee and children
22 December 1862
When he went with men down to river to support battery, he caught a cold. says Hartford account of the Fredericksburg battle is "outrageously false" and gives quick account of battle. Written in a camp near Falmouth
GLC02744.113
Friend Thayer
He compares the battle of Manassas which was bloodless to the battle of Fredricksburg which he describes as a cool atrocity. Written in a camp near Falmouth.
GLC02744.114
J.W. Thayer, Esq.
13 November 1862
He writes she must have learned from the paper that the army has moved.speculates that McClellan could have destroyed the Rebels after the battle of Antietam, but he stopped to recruit, thus giving the Rebels time to regroup.
GLC02744.115
January 7,1863
The news is encouraging, would like to have her come down and stay with him for a few days. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.116
Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee
24 December 1862
He talks about how the army is divided and organized. He writes that a young woman in Norwich presented him with a wreath of flowers as he was riding through the city. Written in a camp near Falmouth.
GLC02744.117
26 December 1862
He cannot really say what he thinks of those higher in command, nevertheless, he notes that Burnside thinks himself incompetetent. Yet he thinks Burnside has no superior in the army. Features poem about Fredricksburg.Written in a camp near Falmouth
GLC02744.118
28 December 1862
He suggests Ms. King's tenement. He will write a letter asking for her. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.119
30 December 1862
He is glad to have gotten her photograph. writes that unless a different poilcy is adopted, either a long war or acknowledgemnt of the confederacy are inevitable. Doesn't believe fighting can bring peace. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.120
January 2, 1863
He thought at one time that the Rebel army was made up of poor soldiers but discovered that their soldiers were quite rich. He is waiting eagerly for new photos. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.121.01
[landscape sketch]
Features grassy hill with a few houses.
GLC02744.121.02
[camp sketch]
Shows the tents including surrounding area including a brook and a horse.
GLC02744.121.03
January 3, 1863
He believes they might have another Fredricksburg soon. He will finish the new railroad soon. They are now in the third brigade instead of the second. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.122
January 5, 1863
He writes about getting settled in the tenement. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.123
January 8, 1863
Col. Dutton has left the 21st. very cold. He tells her not to lose her faith in God Almighty. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.124
to Adeline Burpee
January 10, 1863
He describes the inside of his tent and the food that is available to them. He mentions that a lot of the officers have their wives with them. He is upset that the papers are so inaccurate. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.125
January 12, 1863
He lost his pocket memorandum the day before as it fell out of his pocket. mentions a doctor Lee he has made friends with. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.126
January 13, 1863
He is glad she got a tenement house, but wishes she would get a hired girl so she does not have to work too hard. He recalls several warm memories. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.127
January 14, 1863
He compares winter in Virginia to winter in Rockville. He describes his "little darkie servant."Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.128
January 15, 1863
Writes of how officers are paid.Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.129
January 16, 1863
He is worried about Charlie. Discusses the rooming situation again. whenever he hears of any problems, he yearns for her. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.130
January 18, 1863
He talks about not feeling well and reassures his wife that he will be fine and not to worry. He says he's not sure what it would be like to be out of camp and be home. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.131
January 20, 1863
He has been sick. But the doctor has broken up his fever. He continues to get better. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.132.01
Note folded like a triangle. He says Lucien on one side. Inside there are three words, illegible.
GLC02744.132.02
January 22, 1863
While he aware of the claims of his country he is also aware of the claims of his family. Still laid up in his tent. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.133
January 23, 1863
Glad she looks forward to the idea of keeping house. He talks about their unique relationship. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.134
January 25, 1863
He gives a recipe for headaches, details troop movements, and describes things getting stuck in the mud. End of letter indicates prescence of additional smaller sheet but there is no extra page in folder.
GLC02744.135
January 27, 1863
He says some generals have retired and now Hooker heads up their army. Soldiers died from fatigue/exposure, strewn across ground, won't read about it in the papers. Includes January 28, where he reassures his wife about her anxiety about hearing a...
GLC02744.136
January 29, 1863
A man stayed in the camp last night and complained about it. Still sick currently experiencing fever and rheumatism. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.137
February 1, 1863
He writes that he is about to try to get a leave of absence and she need not write to him after she receives this letter. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.138
[Consent of leave for Lieut. Col. Thomas F. Burpee]
24 March 1863
Risley, Stephen G., fl. 1863
Notation at top of document indicates this is a duplicate.
GLC02744.141
09 April 1863
Second page contains only address for future mail.
The 21st is five miles from where he is and he will be going in the morning. describes the weather. Written in a camp near Suffolk, Virginia
GLC02744.143
11 April 1863
He describes his journey back. saw Mr and mrs Pond. Mentions park and Burdett. Col. Dutton gave him a very warm reception. Written in a camp near Suffolk, Virginia
GLC02744.144
14 April 1863
He has had a lot of picket duty lately. Major Crosby is getting a leave of absence so he can be with his wife. Offers to let her come join the army for a while if she wants.
GLC02744.145
18 April 1863
He writes that some of the officers had their wives with them for a while but were ordered to leave at Norfolk. Tells the story of how Col. Kimball was murdered by General Cocoran.
GLC02744.146
21 April 1863
Details capture of Confederate battery and shares his views on the course of the war.
GLC02744.147
24 April 1863
He does not think the enemy will attack them here as they have 30 thousand men and a lot of artillery. Thanks her for her letter and the children's letters.
GLC02744.148
26 April 1863
He must find something to occupy his mind since his wife is not around. asks after the children. He wants to know if Lucien is in school now. The English language cannot describe what he feels for her.
GLC02744.149
29 April 1863
Details his own soldiers having a conversation across the river with Confederate soldiers. Written in a camp near Suffolk, Virginia
GLC02744.150
30 April 1863
He is sending her an allotment check. He instructs her as to what to do with it.
GLC02744.151
February 8, 1864
He regrets not being able to see her safely back to Fort Monroe. later all the men got sea sick aboard the ship. He bivouacked later and waited for the enemy who did not come. He will write his letters like a journal entry from now on.
GLC02744.152
February 5, 1864
Letter of arrival. Notes they made it safely but were sea sick.
GLC02744.153
29 April 1864
Copy of GLC02744.181.
GLC02744.182
02 May 1864
He writes that they have been ordered to report for duty and he is now disembarking his regiment. Will write more when he is settled.
GLC02744.183
07 May 1864
Instructs his wife to invest one thousand in bonds and to reduce Bissell's account to four or five hundred.
A note in pencil says these bonds were later stolen from her by Clark.
GLC02744.184
09 May 1864
He writes that the goverment bonds are far safer than Bissell Bank. Encamped outside Portsmouth in a very dry area. she believes his letter to Alonzo was very severe.
GLC02744.185
to Charley Burpee
08 May 1864
He is very glad to hear he is well. Tells him to love mother.
GLC02744.186
to Lucien Burpee
Happy to hear he had a pleasant visit with aunt Margery. Notes he has made an improvement in letter writing.
GLC02744.187
to Mrs. Thomas Burpee
He received her package safely. He moved camp. He provides new address at which to send mail.
GLC02744.188
Copy of 188.
GLC02744.189
14 May 1864
Currently in bivouac. Reports heavy fighting for the railroad last Saturday. the officers have kept their spirits up. He learned of a great victory involving Hancock. Written at Drewry's Bluff battlefield.
not original letter
GLC02744.190
Original version of 190. Written at Drewry's Bluff battlefield.
GLC02744.191
17 May 1864
Discusses a battle where he loses 106 men.
GLC02744.192
He tells the story of a battle.were almost captured. He lost 106 new and four commisioned officers.a buttlet struck the spur of his heel.
GLC02744.193
21 May 1864
Glad god is taking care of his family. He writes that the papers do not give an accurate account of the fight. They aren't even mentioned.
GLC02744.194
Copy of 194.
GLC02744.195
24 May 1864
He writes that besides a little skirmishing they are fully entrenched. describes the arrangement of the fight (who was commanding who, how many regiments were under a specific General) he may not get much money when they are finally paid.
GLC02744.196
27 May 1864
He is glad to hear any news about the children. Gen. Dutten was wounded yesterday. But luckily she can tell the children that their father has not been hurt yet.
GLC02744.197
Copy of 197
GLC02744.198
30 May 1864
Very impatient because they have been at Harrison's landing all day. tired of hanging out on a boat. General Dutten is recovering from a wound to his jaw.
GLC02744.199
copy of 199
GLC02744.200
to Mr. Thomas Burpee
29 May 1864
Burpee, Lucien, fl. 1860-1864
He writes he is glad his father did not get hurt. Thanks him for the money he sent.
GLC02744.201
02 June 1864
He arrived at the White House landing. He endured heavy fighting. They have lost forty men. He writes that his wife and children are constantly on his mind. Skirmishing continues.
GLC02744.202
04 June 1864
Copy of the original. Last letter home, writes about troop movements and assures wife of health. Was written near Cold Harbor, Virginia.
GLC02744.203
09 June 1864
Wheeler, Edwin P., fl. 1864
The clerk informs Mrs. Burpee that her husband has been wounded by a sharpshooter.
Copy
GLC02744.204
Original of 204.
GLC02744.205
Receipt for casket and plate
18 June 1864
Rodgers, Alden, fl. 1864
She was charged $34.00 by the casket manufacturer.
GLC02744.206
names Adeline M. Burpee as executor of Thomas Burpee's estate
01 September 1864
Includes newspaper clipping.
GLC02744.207
Receipt of Adeline M. Burpee
11 October 1864
Hopkins, Caleb, fl. 1864
She paid $8.90 for fees on the estate of Thomas Burpee.
GLC02744.208
20 June 1864
Brown, J.S., fl. 1864
Letter announcing that he is sending her husband's commission along with some letters.
GLC02744.209
23 June 1864
Fowler, Frank, fl. 1864
He is writing to tell her he sending the key to her husband's chest which contained his clothing and some other property.
GLC02744.210
27 June 1864
He writes he received her letter regarding her husband's possessions. He will do his best. He must decide what to do with his horse. He sends his condolences.
GLC02744.211
mail receipt her husbands possessions
6 July 1864
Adams & Co. (Express company)
This is for one box
GLC02744.212
2nd mail receipt her husbands possessions
GLC02744.213
28 June 1864
He writes that he will box up her husbands' items in 2 boxes to be sent express. Also found some money in his wallet and will be sending that along to her as well.
GLC02744.214
In Memory of Some of the Gallant Dead of this Army...
15 July 1864
Department of Virginia and North Carolina
A catalogue of redoubts and batteries that will be named after dead soldiers
GLC02744.215
to Mr. Holb
21 July 1864
Gallup, Ed, fl. 1864
Wondering what to do with the Lieutenant's horse. Attempted to ship it to someone but this person had no use for the horse.
GLC02744.216
receipt for the cost of one horse
6 September 1862
Winchell, Chancey, fl. 1864
For $150.
GLC02744.217
Tells the story of how Thomas Burpee died starting with when he was shot to the time he was embalmed.
GLC02744.218
1 August 1864
He heard that she was not satisfied with his last letter. writes that while he sufferred he made little complaint. He regrets that he was not with him at the moment of death as he had stepped out to get supper not realizing the end was so near.
GLC02744.219
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