Collection Search

to Fannie Schoonmaker

Lonely, decided to write her. Is very happy with his new place. Does not know what to write; asks for suggestions in her response. Asks if her parents are going away, and, if so, to let him know in advance so he can see her. Promises that he will not...

GLC02164.04

to Fannie Schoonmaker

Illegible. Ink has faded substantially, making it nearly impossible to read.

GLC02164.06

to Fannie Schoonmaker

Printed on 56th New York stationery. Is fulfilling his promise that he made to her upon departing Neversink to keep her updated on all that is going on in his life. Would have written sooner, but there has been a lot of marching. Did not know when to...

GLC02164.11

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

There was a rumor that Smith's Division had been taken from the army of the Potomac and assigned to the central department. Four months ago they came to this same place with 780 men. Now they only have 400.

GLC02161.052

to Eunice Lombard Edwards

Replies to his mother from head quarters, 37th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Written near Culpepper Courthouse. Received correspondence from his mother while at Kelly's Ford, Virginia. Reports that the 2nd Corps (Army of the Potomac) was...

GLC02163.13

to Fannie Schoonmaker

The letter has the same stamp as letter #8, so it could also have been written while Higgins was fighting in the Peninsular Campaign. Hopes the time will soon come when they will be reunited. Says he takes a great deal of comfort in writing, and...

GLC02164.09

to Fannie Schoonmaker

Received a letter from her yesterday, and is glad to hear she is in good health. Does not have much to ask her because she wrote a very long letter. Wrote to her the Saturday before, but it appears that that letter did not arrive before she sent her...

GLC02164.05

to Lile Miller

Reflects on his service: "...when we look at the army of the Potomac under Genl Hooker how they have Been marching and fighting the last week we ought not to complain, many a poor fellow whose time was nearly out... whose Boddy now lies a lifeless...

GLC02155.098

to Father

He mentions that he was mistaken in his opinion that McCllelen could command the Potomac army. His actions have proved otherwise. He requests dried fruit, butter and cheese.

GLC02172.61

to Maj. Geo. Hooker

still finds Batchelder's story to be inaccurate. writes that the Potomac army has a very poor opimiom of Theodore Lyman. thinks Genie Howard uses the excuse of being wounded to lie.

GLC09171.2

[Army of the Potomac Circular Orders] [Decimalized .01- .12]

Thirteen circular orders issued between June 13, 1863 and April 4, 1865. Carbon copies of orders issued from 2nd Corps and General Meade's headquarters for battles of Gettysburg, Spotsylvania, North Anna River, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and pursuit...

GLC09177

Incidents of the war. Group--Generals Meade, Humphreys, Hunt, French, Sykes, and Warren.

Famous photograph of the commanders of the Army of the Potomac, taken after the Gettysburg campaign. Taken near Culpeper Court House in Virginia. Included are Generals George G. Meade, A.A. Humphreys, Henry J. Hunt, William French, George Sykes, and...

GLC09351

[Collection of Samuel Keyes]

11 letters with covers, written by a private in the 16th Massachusetts Regiment. He describes actions in the Army of the Potomac from the troop buildup at Fort Monroe, initiating the Peninsula Campaign, to the Second Battle of Bull Run, where he was...

GLC09354

to Annie

explains that he doesn't always have time to write and his letters may not be that interesting. he expects his first fight to be in Norfolk and says they may not be home for three years. Written in Camp Hamilton, first named Camp Troy.

GLC09354.02

to Annie

tired and homesick. has experienced desperate fighting. lists all the different regiments that are out there. writes they are expecting 2,000 more troops. Written in Camp Hamilton, first named Camp Troy.

GLC09354.03

[to unknown]

GLC09354.04

to Annie

writes there will be a forward movement. 20,000 more have joined them. they are getting ready to attack Norfolk. writes "before I came to the South, I had some sympathy for the slaves, but it has all gone..."

GLC09354.05

to Annie

feels like he has nothing interesting to say. very homesick. feels homesick the most when he is on picket duty.

GLC09354.06

to Annie

the battle of Yortown rages around them but so far their loss is small and infantry has not been engaged. understands that war is dangerous but it doesn't seem all that real to him.

GLC09354.07

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 Annie

marched 20 miles without food or water when the Rebels attacked them. there were heavy losses on both sides. writes that Sunday is like any other day in the army and there is no time off to attend church.

GLC09354.09

to Annie

thinks the coasting affair was quite funny. still very homesick but makes it clear he doesn't want to get out of the army but he does think of home at time. currently experiencing a drenching rain.Written at Camp Hamilton

GLC09354.10

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

Fourth page of the document is a sketch diagramming how a military review works, showing where men of a certain rank stand. Does not have much to write, but knows how much they like to hear from him. Has returned to the old routine: "same number of...

GLC09355.002

to brother

Received a letter from him last week, and owes him a reply. Hopes he is staying cool because it is unbearably hot at camp. Has suffered "more from heat this past week than ever before." Seems as if the sun is "hotter here than anywhere else." Hopes...

GLC09355.004

to parents

Received a few lines from Banks through them recently. Took him a few readings to "make head or tail of it." Wishes they had sent him the portfolio. Glad to have received the tobacco, socks, handkerchiefs, towels, and straps in the mail. The tobacco...

GLC09355.005

to parents

Received their letter last night. Will be crossing the (Rappahannock) river again in a few days. "They have taken a lot of artillery down near the river today." It is "bad weather for a fight." Received the order to pack up and be ready to march at...

GLC09355.006

to parents

There are signs that they will be stopping here for a few days, so he will write a longer letter than the last one. The 6th corps will act as reserve troops for the army, and will "go where it is most needed." Is within 10 miles of Bull Run. Thinks...

GLC09355.008

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

Have marched 3 or 4 miles closer to Hagerstown. Expecting a fight "every moment." There have been skirmishes as close as 400 yards away. Thinks there is a chance to end the war within a month. Lee has to get his army across the Potomac to Virginia...

GLC09355.010

to parents

Has once again gone on a long march through Virginia, and is "not in very good spirits." He, Sid, and Elisha are all healthy. All are worn out. Was very glad to receive their money in the mail along with all of their letters. Marched all day and...

GLC09355.011

to parents

Resting at camp. It is the first day in a week that they have not been marching or fighting, which is "quite a relief." Now knows how his mother felt when she worked so hard around the house. Has marched almost non-stop since June 5th, covering "400...

GLC09355.012

to parents

Went and picked some berries for dinner on Sunday night. Regiment was then ordered to the top of a nearby hill to set up an encampment. "It now looks as though we shall have a good rest." Thinks they will stay there until the corps can be filled out...

GLC09355.013

to parents

Is within 150 miles of home. Landed here yesterday afternoon and will be staying here for "two or three months." Preparations around the fort indicate they will be staying for a very long time. Is now "out of the Army of the Potomac and out of the...

GLC09355.014

to parents

Received their letter on New Years Day. "What a change there has been" in the past year. All of the commissioned officers who came with the company from Northampton are gone for one reason or another. Perhaps more importantly, "the old troops now in...

GLC09355.037

to Parents

Does not have any news to write; they have not moved. Weather has been nice, so they may move soon. The ground is dry and the roads are in good condition. "My only wish now is that my box with my boots may come before we do start." Glad to hear his...

GLC09355.047

to Fannie Schoonmaker

Printed on stationery marked "Liberty and Union." Has a "troubled mind." Does not know why she has not responded to his letter. Is "ready to face the enemy and stand fast." The regiment is going to move, and he has to go to the "cursed hospital" for...

GLC02164.07

to daughter

The letter has a green New York stamp that includes the New York State seal. Lets his daughter know he is well. Moved from Washington to Aliten [Alton?] Heights last Saturday. Are within eleven miles of the battlefield. "Do not know what minute we...

GLC02164.10

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 Esther Ann Kinney

re: Blanchard describes the skirmishes his regiment has with the Confederate troops around the Rappahannock River in the defense of Washington DC. He also describes his camp, saying, "the huts were constructed of bags plastered with mud…every thing...

GLC02162.05

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 Miss Sue Johnston

They may go to Beaufort. But some say they will join the army of the Potomac. He is glad to leave Jacksonville. He has nothing else to write.

GLC02167.43

to Brother Frye

He has just returned from the Grand Review which he describes as magnificent. It was of the Left Wing of the army on the Potomac. He also discusses a building that he wants to sell.

GLC07205.079

to Henry Jackson Hunt

Written on Head Quarters, 2d Corps d'Armée stationery. Morgan encloses a note (no longer present) from General Hancock, and explains that "Thinking it within the range of probabilities that our lines may be attacked Gen Hancock & Gen Meade and others...

GLC02382.001

to Henry Jackson Hunt

Headquarters Inspector of Artillery, U.S.A. letterhead. Says that Burnside sent seven 4 1/2 inch siege guns to Hunt the day of his request. The original request had only been refused because Hunt had specified the guns were to be taken from the...

GLC02382.012

to Alexander Doull

United States Military Telegram. Lt. Jackson will start immediately with the seven guns [possibly the siege guns cited in GLC02382.012]; can't send ammunition yet as the track is broken. In preparation for the Fredericksburg campaign. A career...

GLC02382.013

to Henry Jackson Hunt

United States Military Telegram from Couch's Headquarters. Reports no trouble with officers and plans to fill batteries. Written one week before McClellan finally move the Army across the Potomac, and less than a month before McClellan was replaced...

GLC02382.002

to Henry Jackson Hunt

United States Military Telegram sent from Couch's Headquarters. Reports arrival of ammunition for French's Division (Fredericksburg). He wonders where to send it.

GLC02382.003

to Henry Jackson Hunt

United States Military Telegram sent from the headquarters of the 13th Corps. He corrects Hunt, stating that Hall's battery belongs to the 1st Penn. Regiment. The 13th Corps, comprising the Army of Tennessee, was created 24 October 1862.

GLC02382.007

to Colonel

A pencil note written at a later date suggests this letter was written to Colonel Henry Knox Craig. Mentions the army's demoralization and questions the power of the Confederates. Writes, "As to the Army, I regret to say that the general feeling...

GLC02382.015

to Henry Jackson Hunt

Letterhead, "Head-Quarters, Army of the Potomac." Carbon copy, with Williams's signature and Hunt's notes on verso. The Commanding General [Meade] requests Hunt to proceed to Edwards' Ferry and prepare to post artillery there in preparation for the...

GLC02382.016

to Charles H. Whittelsey

Ordnance report during the Spotsylvania campaign. With Hunt's notes on verso. Written from the Ordnance Office Artillery Reserve. Charles H. Whittelsey (1832-1871) graduated from Yale in 1853. He served in the Civil War as a lieutenant in the 1st...

GLC02382.018

to Henry Knox Craig

Writes, "I trust you are right and that their [main?] armies were broken up that the rebels will give in in good faith, and return to their allegiance in peace, and quiet but I dont expect it. People who have sacrificed so much and showed their...

GLC02382.019

Special Order No. 357

"True Copy" of special order extract. Written and with a signed attestation by Hunt. Assigns the siege train of the armies operating against Richmond, commanded by Brig. Genl. H.L. Abbott, to Hunt. Written from headquarters of the Army of the Potomac...

GLC02382.020

[Notes concerning the Rapidan campaign and Burnside's corps]

Possibly written in May or June, with a later note by Hunt on verso dated Aug. 1882. Written on Artillery Head-Quarters, Army of the Potomac letterhead.

GLC02382.023

to Henry Jackson Hunt

Battle note with orders relayed from the Commanding General during Wilderness campaign. Written on letterhead for the Head Quarters, Army of the Potomac.

GLC02382.026

to Henry Jackson Hunt

Reports the status of artillery supplies during Spotsylvania campaign. Written in pencil on a very small piece of paper. Written from the General Artillery Brigade, 5th Corps.

GLC02382.030

to Henry Jackson Hunt

Writes from Gramercy Park. Informs Hunt of his upcoming European vacation. States "I am very sorry to hear that there are any intimations of retiring you next year- more on account of the good of the service than your own- except in the matter of...

GLC02382.070

[Report of ammunition in artillery reserves]

Captain Stanton lists quantities of shrapnel, shell, and canister. Directs list to Captain Craig, Assistant Adjutant General. According to a pencil note on verso, this document pertains to the Battle of Cold Harbor. Written in pencil. Stanton...

GLC02382.137

[Report of ammunition in artillery reserves, ammunition train]

Captain Stanton lists shot, shrapnel, shell, and canister. Also transmits the report of the Quartermaster of wagons. Directs this report to Captain Whittelsey, possibly Henry Martyn Whittelsey, an Assistant Adjutant General. Includes several...

GLC02382.138

[Report of ammunition in artillery reserves, ammunition train]

Written in camp near Petersburg. Lists shot, shrapnel, shell, and canister, among other reserves. Newbatt served in the Fifteenth New York Heavy Artillery.

GLC02382.139

[Field return, artillery park]

Lists officers, soldiers, and horses present and absent. Captain Shaffer lists no casualties. Captain Shaffer served in the Fifteenth New York Heavy Artillery, part of the Army of the Potomac, which was active in Virginia near Petersburg in August...

GLC02382.140

[Report of ammunition in reserve artillery train, Army of the Potomac]

Newbatt, a first lieutenant in reserve artillery, lists numbers of shot, shell, canister, and other ammunition. GLC02382.139 from 27 August 1864, indicates that Newbatt served in the Fifteenth New York Heavy Artillery.

GLC02382.143

[Report of horses and mules in reserve artillery, ammunition train, Army of the Potomac]

Barker signs as Captain and Assistant Quartermaster. Captain Calvin Shaffer, commanding artillery reserves, signs the docket.

GLC02382.145

[Field return, artillery park, Army of the Potomac]

Written near Petersburg. Captain Shaffer lists numbers of officers and other enlisted men present for duty. Indicates casualties, guns, horses, etc. for several companies and batteries. At the bottom of the page, lists amounts of reserve...

GLC02382.149

[Report of ammunition in reserve artillery train, Army of the Potomac]

Location inferred from previous items in the collection. Possibly written near Petersburg. Lieutenant Newbatt, ordnance officer, lists amounts of shot, shell, canister, and other ammunition.

GLC02382.150

[Report of ammunition in reserve artillery train, Army of the Potomac]

Written near Petersburg. Lieutenant Newbatt, ordnance officer, lists amounts of shot, shell, canister, and other ammunition.

GLC02382.154

to Henry Jackson Hunt

United States Military Telegram. He reports procuring artillery horses (preparation for Fredericksburg) and questions when the next lot of horses will arrive from Washington. Wainwright, Chief of Artillery for the 13th Corps, was later breveted...

GLC02382.006

to [Henry Knox Craig]

Written from "Camp near Warrenton Junction, Virginia." Discusses supplies, reservists and conscription. "There is a notable difference in the manner in which supplies are now furnished from that practiced after the battle of Antietam, the drag seems...

GLC02382.017

to Henry Jackson Hunt

United States Military Telegram from Couch's Headquarters. He questions the appropriate number of enlisted soldiers for artillery corps, writes "The rush of recruits for my batteries is tremendous though bitterly opposed by infantry commanders."...

GLC02382.004

to Henry Jackson Hunt

United States Military Telegram. Captain Pitkin confirms transport of ordnance to Sandy Hook.

GLC02382.011

to Henry Jackson Hunt

Report of ammunition during artillery barrage (Wilderness). Written in pencil on letterhead for "Headquarters." Col. Tompkins was brevetted brigadier general and commanded the 6th Army Corps Artillery Brigade.

GLC02382.024

to Henry Jackson Hunt

Battle note re artillery: "I have almost no control of firing," describing positions and actions. Contains Hunt's reply on verso, questioning remaining supply. Written in pencil. The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House (9-21 May) was the second...

GLC02382.029

to Henry Jackson Hunt

Field dispatch, written at 8 a.m., re battle of Spotsylvania Court House, during main Union assault, which was preceded by heavy artillery bombardment, directed by Hunt. Written at 8 AM. Colonel Wainwright writes to Hunt, Chief of Artillery of the...

GLC02382.031

[Questions regarding munitions]

A field dispatch written during the Battle of Cold Harbor. Hunt signs with initials. Hunt asks Col. Charles H. Tompkins how many batteries have been engaged and arms expended and whether he can spare ammunition for Capt. Elder. A Tompkins autograph...

GLC02382.033

to Henry Jackson Hunt

States that his failure to reply to Hunt's former correspondence was due to his lack of faith in the army post office. Instructs Hunt not to give up his command as Chief of the Artillery. Says "I look forward to being back in command, some of these...

GLC02382.060

to Henry Jackson Hunt

McClellan expresses mortification that a previous military report he wrote (possibly regarding the Army of the Potomac) had not mentioned Hunt's service as Chief of Artillery for that army. Writes that he (McClellan) already corrected a New York...

GLC02382.061

Field return of the artillery reserve

Lists the number of officers and others present for duty from several batteries. Docketed 16 April 1865. General Hays served in the Mexican, Seminole, and Civil Wars. During the Civil War, he commanded reserve artillery at Antietam, Maryland and...

GLC02382.136

[Field return, artillery park, Army of the Potomac]

Written in camp near Petersburg. Lists officers and soldiers present for duty. Lists casualties: 2 enlisted men killed & 4 wounded, all from the 14th Battery Mass. Artillery. Cites guns, artillery, and other supplies. Lists numbers of horses...

GLC02382.141

[Field return, artillery park, Army of the Potomac]

Captain Shaffer indicates officers and other enlisted men present for duty in several companies and batteries. Cites no casualties. Notes numbers of guns, horses, mules, wagons, etc. At the bottom of the page, lists amounts of reserve ammunition.

GLC02382.144

[Field return, artillery park, Army of the Potomac]

Written near Petersburg. Captain Shaffer lists officers and other enlisted men present for duty. Indicates casualties, guns, horses, etc. for several companies and batteries. At the bottom of the page, lists amounts of reserve ammunition.

GLC02382.147

to Henry Jackson Hunt

United States Military Telegram. He awaits the action of Gov. Morgan. "Genl Getty left this morning. Genl Barry desires that I shall remain as long as you can spare me…" Lt. Col. Warner of the 1st NY Artillery was eventually breveted brigadier...

GLC02382.005

to Henry Jackson Hunt

United States Military Telegram. Inability to report until division reports come in. Platt was an artillery officer.

GLC02382.008

to William Hays

Order for Hunt, Hays, Bronson and Michalowski to meet at 5th Corps Headquarters, per order of Court of Inquiry. Lt. Bartlett was later breveted general. Lt. Col. Hays, an artillery officer under Hunt, was appointed brigadier general of volunteers in...

GLC02382.009

to Alexander Doull

United States Military Telegram from the 5th Corps headquarters. Pledges assistance at their headquarters. Identifies Colonel Hays as chief of artillery. Webb had served as assistant inspector general for the Artillery, Army of the Potomac (ca. 15...

GLC02382.010

to Henry Jackson Hunt

Discusses moving a battery to Belle Plain during the Wilderness campaign. Written in pencil. Career artillerist Henry S. Burton emerged from the Civil War as a regular army brigadier general by brevet. The New York native had received his...

GLC02382.021

to Henry Jackson Hunt

Reports location near Salem Church with plans to proceed. Written in pencil. Printed date of 1863 is belied by the place of writing: Salem Church was abandoned by Union forces by this time in May 1863, but was the site of a battle in 1864 shortly...

GLC02382.022

to Charles H. Whittelsey

Captain Stanton reports a shortage of supplies and insufficient ordnance during Wilderness campaign. The letter was written from the Ordnance Office, probably near Cold Harbor, Virginia.

GLC02382.025

to Henry Jackson Hunt

United States Military telegram. Reports the arrival of ammunition during Wilderness campaign. Written in pencil.

GLC02382.028

[Personal military checklist]

Hunt, Chief of Artillery of the Army of the Potomac, writes in pencil on Artillery Headquarters, Army of the Potomac stationery. Notes things he needs to do, including making sure rations are drawn, obtaining several field returns, confirming that...

GLC02382.032

[Field return of the Third New York Light Artillery, Sixth Corps, Army of the Potomac]

Partially printed. Written near Petersburg. Captain Harn lists numbers of officers, guns, and horses, among other items pertinent to his brigade. Page two includes a return of horses killed and wounded, and ammunition and material lost and...

GLC02382.142

[Field return, artillery park, Army of the Potomac]

Written near Petersburg. Captain Shaffer lists numbers of officers and other enlisted men present for duty. Indicates casualties, guns, horses, etc. for several companies and batteries. At the bottom of the page, lists amounts of reserve...

GLC02382.151

[Field return, artillery park, Army of the Potomac]

Written near Petersburg. Captain Shaffer lists numbers of officers and other enlisted men present for duty. Indicates casualties, guns, horses, etc. for several companies and batteries. At the bottom of the page, lists amounts of reserve...

GLC02382.152

[Report of ammunition in reserve artillery park, Army of the Potomac]

Written near Petersburg. Lieutenant Newbatt, ordnance officer, lists amounts of shot, shell, canister, and other ammunition.

GLC02382.155

[Field return, artillery park, Army of the Potomac]

Written near City Point, Virginia. Captain Mayo lists numbers of officers and other enlisted men present for duty. Indicates casualties, guns, horses, etc. for several companies and batteries. At the bottom of the page, lists amounts of reserve...

GLC02382.163

[Field return, artillery park, Army of the Potomac]

Written near City Point, Virginia. Captain Mayo lists numbers of officers and other enlisted men present for duty. Indicates casualties, guns, horses, etc. for several companies and batteries. At the bottom of the page, lists amounts of reserve...

GLC02382.167

[Copy of memorandum received from General Henry Jackson Hunt]

Signed by Lieutenant Newbatt, ordnance officer. General Hunt, Chief of Artillery for the Army of the Potomac, specifies the amount of ammunition to be kept on hand in the reserve artillery train. Possibly written in Virginia.

GLC02382.171

[Wagons required for the transportation of Brigade Head Quarters, Artillery Park, Army of the Potomac]

Signed by Captain Shaffer, commander of Artillery Park. Possibly created in Virginia.

GLC02382.172

[Field return, artillery reserve, Army of the Potomac]

Created near City Point. Captain Mayo lists numbers of officers and other enlisted men present for duty. Indicates casualties, guns, horses, etc. for several companies and batteries. At the bottom of the page, lists amounts of reserve ammunition.

GLC02382.173

[Field return, artillery reserve, Army of the Potomac]

State inferred from contents. Possibly created near City Point. Captain Mayo lists numbers of officers and other enlisted men present for duty. Indicates casualties, guns, horses, etc. for several companies. At the bottom of the page, lists...

GLC02382.174