Collection Search

to brother

Stationery has a blue cross stamp marking the 6th corps, 3rd division of the U.S. Army. Received his letter two weeks ago and does not want him to think he forgot to write. Has spent the last week recovering from their recent march. Has been "mending...

GLC09355.050

to Parents

It is tough to realize that it has already been 18 months since he first joined the army. Back then, "we were quite confident of a speedy success." Thought he would be back by the following spring. "Today everything denotes that we may confidently...

GLC09355.051

to Charlie

Is about as far from General Meade's headquarters as the distance from their home to the local school house. Never saw it until two days ago. Was given some leisure time while on guard duty and used it to go to Meade's headquarters. It covers "about...

GLC09355.052

[permission for George Clapp to leave camp]

This document was permission for George Clapp to leave camp and go to Brandy Station, Virginia, to visit a friend and return no later than 5:00 PM. It is signed by numerous officers on the company, regiment, and brigade level. Written at Camp...

GLC09355.053

to Father

Is sending him a package which includes a pair of gloves. If he does not send them home, he will throw them away within a few days of being on the march. "I have not worn them but very little." Received his letter tonight. Captain Robinson is home on...

GLC09355.055

to Parents

Decided to write today before going out on picket duty. It "pleases me to know my many friends at home are interested in" his letters. Pat Lovett has arrived at camp. Glad to hear they have been entertained by the various officers who have the...

GLC09355.056

to brother

Just dug a grave for a member of his own company. Henry Leonard died this morning at 8:35. He had a bad cold, and "was advised to go into our regiment hospital and was getting better until last night at 11 o'clock when he was taken worse and rapidly...

GLC09355.057

to Parents

Has been working to send Henry Leonard's body home to his family for the past three days. Went to the division headquarters on behalf of the company to see how it could be done. Made "3 or 4 trips" to Brandy Station to an embalmer. "There is quote a...

GLC09355.059

to Parents

Time is flying by. Will be home in just over 16 months. Expects the next 4 months of battles will "till loudly on our regiment." They have often been part of the reserves in a battle, and therefore expects to be put in the front line more often this...

GLC09355.060

to Parents

This is likely his last Sunday at this camp. Orders came in that when they do break camp, they must not burn the camp down like usual. They must also not light any fires for the first two weeks that they are on the move so as to not give away their...

GLC09355.063

to Parents

Is on duty at the division hospital. Today is the ninth day of fighting. "We are getting the best of the Rebs but it is slow work for they are desperate." Major Moody and Captain Wetherell were both wounded. "The loss is very heavy on both sides."...

GLC09355.064

to Parents

"Sid is reported taken prisoner. He has been missing since Friday night. The 10th were surrounded and a number taken prisoners." He definitely is not killed or injured because his body was not found when the army retook that area soon after. Had he...

GLC09355.065

to Parents

About two miles from the house he wrote the last letter in. Has marched from one side of the battle line to the other and back. Saw Sid's commanding officer carried away wounded. Captain Bigelow was wounded in the head. Hopes to be able to write "a...

GLC09355.066

to Parents

It has been impossible for him to write since he sent his last letter. Does not even know if his last letters reached them. "It has been march, dig, and fight all the time." Has crossed the Pamunkey River and engaged the Rebels on the other side. Is...

GLC09355.067

to Parents

Finally got a letter from them last night. Does not know if they have gotten his other letters; they had not received any when they wrote their most recent letter. Manson [Munyan] died a week ago at Fredericksburg. "I think we will have a big fight...

GLC09355.068

to Parents

Has a few moments to spare while there is a lull in the fighting. "I have weathered the storm unharmed" so far. Fighting starts at dawn and does not stop "for anything" until well after sundown. The Confederates have "quite a strong position here."...

GLC09355.069

to Parents

This letter was sent in the same envelope as the letter #69. Did not get to write as much as he had wanted to yesterday, and decided to write more today. The Rebels charged their lines last night between 9:00 and 10:00, but were unable to break...

GLC09355.070

to Parents

As he is neither on duty nor cooking, has some time to write. There is not much firing going on alone the lines at the moment. "Now both armies lay facing each other." Both sides fire 20 or 30 cannons over the course of 24 hours and have made heavy...

GLC09355.071

to Parents

Has received two letters from them since he last wrote. Would have written sooner, but has not had time to do so. "I am very well off." Suspects he would write more if Sid were here. Despite the address on this letter, they do not hold the city. "I...

GLC09355.072

to Parents

The letter is dated 1864/06/24, but Clapp's next letter, dated 1864/06/24, was written the next day, and he acknowledges his error in the prior letter. Would be sleeping instead of writing, "but the flies eat me up." Feels better than he did the last...

GLC09355.073

to Parents

Attached to this letter is a poem titled "Another Brave has Fallen" that was cut from a newspaper. Yesterday's letter dated the 24th was actually written on the 23rd. Did not march last night. Had heard that the Rebels were massing for an attack on...

GLC09355.074

to Parents

Mail has become more regular, so they can send as much as they want. Is almost out of paper and needs more. Also needs a lot of new envelopes. They can send those things fairly easily by speaking to a postman before sending it. If they write "Soldier...

GLC09355.075

to Parents

Finally received a letter from them. Will respond immediately, as he had held off writing another letter home for the arrival of one. The corps left on a raid to destroy part of the Weldon Railroad. "They met with no trouble at all" and returned 4...

GLC09355.076

to Parents

"I am once more with the regiment on duty." Is no longer with the provost guard. What remained of the 7th, 10th, and 37th regiments were consolidated into one regiment in the 3rd brigade, 1st division of the corps. "I felt some ashamed" of being so...

GLC09355.077

to brother

Received a letter from him and a letter from Mother yesterday. July 4th was a pretty quiet day, "hardly a gun fired all day." No July 4th could surpass that of last year when Vicksburg fell. Is back with the company he first came out with. General...

GLC09355.078

to Mother

Just finished writing a letter to Charlie and will now write to her. Glad to hear her July 4th was so pleasant. One year ago on the 4th his corps was celebrating the victory at Gettysburg. Does not know where he will be for the next July 4th, but...

GLC09355.079

to Parents

Just camped for the night. Feeling very tired. He and his friend John Banks decided to stop at 9:00 PM one night to get some rest while the army moved on. Found a good orchard to sleep in. Later caught up with the rest of the army at about 2:00 the...

GLC09355.081

to Parents

Received his first letter from them in over two weeks. "I think this department is the worst we have ever been in for mail arrangements." Has started to drill twice a day. "The weather is variable." It often rains without warning, and nights can be...

GLC09355.090

to Parents

Did not get a letter from them this week. The surgeon examined his arm last Monday. He said that "you never will be able to do any military duty whatever and if you wish for your discharge you can have it now, but I wish you would not take it at...

GLC09355.113

to his brother

Re Burnside's ill-fated "Mud March." Firsthand account by a soldier in the 1st Mass. Volunteers, who writes to his brother: "…nor did our movement benefit the 'Glorious Cause' in the least, except it cause Burnside to be removed and a better man put...

GLC09370

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Writes, "...Please do not let one secession thought enter your heart for not for the world would i have you entertain one Secession principle... think of the stain that Rests on the second and third generation of...

GLC02155.035

to Henry Jackson Hunt

Battle note, on scrap of paper, asking for cohorns (mortars). Year inferred based on date. Location was probably the Spotsylvania campaign.

GLC02382.027

The Battle of Gettysburg, PA, July 3d 1863.

Handcolored lithograph, possibly contemporary with the battle. Caption reads "This terrific and bloody conflict between the gallant 'Army of the Potomac,' commanded by their great General George G. Meade, and the hosts of the rebel 'Army of the...

GLC03445

to Andrew A. Humphreys

Expressing his high regard for Humphreys and the Army of the Potomac.

GLC03474.08

to the Society of the Army of the Potomac

Written by Lieutenant Commander Bronson as commander of the USS "Petrel" accepting an invitation to the annual reunion of the Society of the Army of the Potomac to be held on 3 and 4 July. Written on the letterhead of the USS "Petrel."

GLC03479.60

to Horatio King

Written by Rear Admiral Erben to Colonel King. Says he has the invitation to the reunion of the Army of the Potomac in Buffalo. Regrets he will not be able to attend.

GLC03479.61

to Horatio C. King

Belden was a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy. Sends a note to King accepting his invitation to the annual reunion of the Society of the Army of the Potomac that will be held on 18 and 19 June 1895. Written on Belden's personal stationary that...

GLC03479.63

to Sister and Father

Addresses his sister in first half of letter about her "new young man." Asks if she will send him a number of things, such as a shirt, some tobacco, and some "Jamaca Ginger" because the water there gives him diarrhea. The second half of the letter is...

GLC03523.08.41

to Father

Reports that he has gained four pounds since he has been at the hospital, noting that "the night I left Uncle Jimmy's I weighed 120 pounds" and he now weighs 124. Asks for his father's opinion on General George McClellan's removal of the army from...

GLC03523.08.49

to Father

States to father, "George B. McClellan is the only man that can manage the Army of the Potomac. And I think their wont be much done with that Army till he gets command of it." Writes small note to sister at bottom of the letter, "Do you know I think...

GLC03523.08.61

to Father

Reports that 1200 prisoners passed through Baltimore from Vicksburg today and that The New York Seventh arrived yesterday. Tells his father that the hospital now has 185 patients and is filling up quickly as the "wonded are arriving in this city by...

GLC03523.08.74

to Sister

Reports that they are receiving patients "every five minutes" at the hospital, as the "city is flooded with wounded." Tells her there "was considerable excitement in the city...as some of the scouting parties of the rebels came within 7 miles of the...

GLC03523.08.76

to Louisa B. Terry

Addresses letter to his sister "Lou," telling her that he thinks "Gen. [Ulysses S.] Grant deserves the extra Star for the service he has rendered the U.S. during the present Rebellion..." Also remarks that he would like to see General George Meade...

GLC03523.08.94

to Louisa B. Terry

Reports to his sister "Lou," about his thoughts that "the 'Army of the Potomac' will be reorganized soon," noting that he believes only Veterans will be in it. Remarks on newspaper article about how the Reserves will be concentrated, commenting that...

GLC03523.08.95

to Elhanan M. Mast

Informs his brother that he has heard from his son Joseph, who is on picket and fatigue duty near Vicksburg, Mississippi. Reports that John Petty, a family friend, is sick and is no longer on duty. Mentions that Petty was a Clerk under General John...

GLC03523.10.078

to Mary M. Bogart

Writes to wife complaining of unfair treatment, "we are dumb beasts here and treated worse some times I think for we have got to go when they say go no matter how hard it storms or how dark the night is thare no backing out for poor private in the...

GLC03523.11.24

to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister about gossip from home in response to a letter he has recently received. The 29th Wisconsin and some Indiana regiments they have been traveling with have parted ways after a year together. Reminisces about General McClernand...

GLC03523.14.49

to mother

Written from Camp in front of Petersburg, Virginia, "near Fort Hell." Rejoined the Army of the Potomac. Discusses travels from Camp Russell, including twenty-five hours of "severe" suffering, many of which were spent traveling through the snow in...

GLC03523.18.36

Photograph of John Burns in civilian suit, standing full-length portrait with musket

Ink inscription on recto "The solitary Union man of Gettysburgh when the Army of the Potomac occupied that town." Graphite inscription on verso "**Book" "John Burns" "The solitary union man found at Gettysburgh when the Army of the Potomac occupied...

GLC05111.02.0981

Unidentified union soldier rank obscured, vignette bust portrait

Graphite inscription on verso "ARW." Photographers imprint on verso: "Gibson's Photographic Gallery, Army of Potomac."

GLC05111.02.1163

As sergeant-major, seated 1/2 length portrait with hands in lap

Ink inscription on verso "Respectfully Yours Wm. P. Clark 142d P.V." Photographers imprint on verso: "Photographed by S.L.Bergstresser, Army of the Potomac."

GLC05111.02.1240

Hide and Fat Depot

Image shows large pile of animal parts in foreground, with two men, a tent, and an unfinished building in the background. Graphite inscription on verso "17" "2.00--." Ink inscription on verso "Hide & Fat Depot of the Armies of the Potomac & James at...

GLC05111.02.1306

Camp Life, Army of the Potomac

E. & H. T. Anthony & Co., publisher. A group of men around a large pot cooking on a campfire. Front labeled "Cooking in the Army". On back: "Stirring the Pot." Shows men lined up waiting for food while a group of men are cooking in a pot over a...

GLC05137.193

Picket Guard on Alert

E. & H. T. Anthony & Co., publisher. Caption: War "Army of the Potomac. Picket Guard on the Alert"

GLC05137.224

Lincoln and McClellan in McClellan's Tent

Taylor & Huntington, Sole owners of the Original War Views, Hartford, Conn. Caption on back: "After the battle of Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862, President Lincoln visited the Army of the Potomac and this view shows the president an 'Little Mac' in...

GLC05137.237

[Bealeton, Va. Sutler's tent at Army of the Potomac headquarters]

A print of a photograph of a sutler's tent at the Army of the Potomac headquarters. Four men, including two sergeants, stand in front opening of tent speaking to someone inside the tent. Nine additional men are posed in the rear if the tent. One of...

GLC05111.01.0254

Evacuation of Aquia Creek, VA. July 1863. [Copy 1]

Published in Gardner's "Photo Sketchbook of the Civil War," with accompanying panel of text. "Incidents of the War" series. Image of steamers at the landing with barges in foreground.
See GlC 5111.01.0261

GLC05111.01.0260

Evacuation of Aquia Creek, VA. July 1863. [Copy 2]

Negative by Timothy O'Sullivan. Published in Gardner's "Photo. Sketchbook of the Civil War," with accompanying panel of text. Image of steamers at the landing with barges in foreground.
See GlC 5111.01.0261

GLC05111.01.0261

Brandy Station, Virginia. Headquarters Army of the Potomac (Gen. Rufus Ingalls quarters)

A print of a photograph of the Headquarters of the Army of the Potomac, featuring the cabin of General Rufus Ingalls. Graphite inscription on verso: "Quarters of General Ingalls & Col. Platt, Headquarters, Army of Potomac, Brandy Station 1863 -4."...

GLC05111.01.0271

Head-Quarters Army of the Potomac, Brandy Station, Va. [February 1864 ca.]. [Copy 1]

Zouaves from the 114th Penn. standing in front of wall of brush with winter quarters and tents in background. The men wear their dress uniforms which include turbouns. From Gardner's "Photographic Sketchbook of the Civil War," plate "No. 60" with...

GLC05111.01.0272

[Head-Quarters Army of the Potomac, Brandy Station, Va.]

A print of a photograph of the Army of Potomac headquarters at Brandy Station, VA. Zouaves from the 114th Penn. standing in front of wall of brush with winter quarters and tents in background. Thrown up on the wall of brush to dry out are government...

GLC05111.01.0273

Caldwell, Telegrapher, H.Q. A of P[otomac] [ambrotype]

Title from inscription on verso. With brass protector. Full-length portrait, standing in front of tent. Name and title scratched on the lower left hand side of the plate.

GLC05111.01.0492

The Army of the Potomac at Camp, [unknown location].

Inscription on verso: "Army of the Potomac." Army of the Potomac encampment with tents, wagons, trees and horses throughout the image. Numeric notation on verso: "31."

GLC05111.01.0769

To his wife

Mail delays, marching orders given and countermanded, mutiny: "I hear this morning that we have a little bit of mutiny in our brigade. The 103d regt N.Y.V. last night burnt up all their cartridges. They say there a[i]nt an officer in the regiment...

GLC04558.063

To his wife

Now camping at a fort, mentions guns in forts, describes looking over battlefield where he fought. Comments on home news and jokes that "I might I suppose 'send up a few contraband' to work for you only Uncle Samuel wont let em go so far North."...

GLC04558.093

to his brother

Writes in great detail about the battle of Gettysburg 1-3 July 1863, where he served as Union General Abner Doubleday's adjutant. Describes his duties during the fighting, which mainly consisted of delivering messages back and forth between generals...

GLC04585

1864 Diary

In this diary, dated from January through November, 1864, Henry Cook documents life in the US Signal Corps. Stationed near New Bern, NC, Cook writes of matters of daily life--meals, rations, guard duty, trips to town, construction projects--and of...

GLC03958.03

to William Farrar Smith

Meade, Commander of the Army of the Potomac, writes on Headquarters, Army of the Potomac stationery in Virginia near Petersburg. Written at 3:30 pm. Refers to a note he wrote at 2:00 pm, regarding the practicality of an attack on Petersburg led by...

GLC04064

to Lorenzo Thomas

Ames resigns as Colonel after receiving the appointment of Brigadier General of Volunteers. To Thomas, United States Adjutant General. Resignation to be effective from 20 May 1863, when Ames received his promotion. Written from Headquarters, 2nd...

GLC04182.01

to Captain Estes

Written from camp near Falmouth, Virginia. Ames, Colonel of the 20th Regiment, Maine Infantry. Requests to be relieved from further duty as Assistant Commissary of Musters for his division. Reports that his duties as a mustering officer greatly...

GLC04182.02

to Mary Moore Kelly

The Army of the Potomac has been crossing Harper's Ferry. He describes an engagement with Rebels, as well as the surrounding land and supplies, including local horses. He has suffered from jaundice. "There was a gap in the Blue Ridge here which was...

GLC04195.05

to Mary Moore Kelly

They took possession of Vicksburg the previous day. All 27,000 prisoners will be paraded then released to spare expense. States that they took possession of "228 pieces of artillery between 30 and 40000 small arms and 27000 prisoners, including 16...

GLC04195.14

to Mary Moore Kelly

He describes working with 30,000 prisoners to process their paroles. He praises General Meade particularly for the defeat of Lee, stating "I consider Meade one of the best soldiers in the Army of the Potomac." Also observes that despite "That...

GLC04195.15

[Civil War maps] [decimalized]

Eight maps of various media, mostly of General McClellan's Peninsula Campaign.

GLC04355

[Manuscript map, Military Reconnaissance Dept. Va]

Title continues: "Major Genl. Wool Comdg. Drawn by Sergt. Worret & Compiled Under the Direction of Colonel T.J. Cram Chief Topl. Engr. Dept. Va."
"Copy." Shows the Yorktown Peninsula and contains a description of the area in terms of its potential...

GLC04355.01

to Stockton Bates

They have crossed the river on a reconnaissance mission, "the quickest movement the Army of Potomac has been guilty of for some time." "It is pretty evident that Gen. Lee is trying to euchre 'Fighting Joe;' he plays his hands well, but it is a game...

GLC03523.23.18

to Stockton Bates

Reports on local rumors of reorganization and a new focus on Richmond, with Grant moving his headquarters to the Army of the Potomac.

GLC03523.23.33

to Benjamin A. Woolston

Written from Headquarters, Army of the Potomac. Writes to his father in Tullytown, Bucks County, Pennslyvania. States that his regiment left camp on marching orders and came across the 13th Pennsylvania Cavalry and the 6th Ohio Cavalry. Describes...

GLC03523.26.04

[Collection of Horace B. Potter, A company, 153rd regiment, New York, infantry][Decimalized .01-.93]

Collection of letters belonging to Horace B. Potter dated 1861-1865. Primary correspondents were his parents, Lucius F. and Adaline M. Potter. Letters discuss punishing soldiers and anti-emancipation sentiments. The collection also includes one...

GLC03523.38

to W

Writes that they were very happy to receive his letter. They were worried that he would not receive their letter as he changes his position so often. Asks that he write to them again. His friends are glad that they enjoy their letters and are happy...

GLC03523.42.33

to her brother

A letter signed by Hem [?] and Cal is included with 03523.42.53. Describes the day as very cold and rainy. Writes about what the animals are doing. She states that her family is doing well and that James has visited his uncle Nathan, who was sick and...

GLC03523.42.53

to his friends

Writes to his friends from camp. Reports after marching 50 miles from Annapolis, Maryland, they finally arrived in Alexandria, Virginia. Writes, "it was Hard for us not doing anything for so long a time I am not able to walk today as my feet are...

GLC03523.52.51

to his family

Writes a short comment on an official notice from Assistant Adjutant General Lewis Richmond announcing that the command of the Army of the Potomac will be transferred from General Burnside to Joseph Hooker. Writes that it is a sorry day for the 9th...

GLC03603.185.1

to his family

Writes that they are all excited by the news about [Joseph] Hooker. Coit believes that the end of the war will involve the Army of the Potomac. Notes that he shared his brother's plan to go to the Scientific School in New Haven with Colonel Harland...

GLC03603.230

to Horatio G. Wright.

Meade, Commander of the Army of the Potomac, informs General Wright that General Gershom Mott "taken position on your left will be under your direction." Instructs Wright to General Ambrose Burnside's relief if Wright hears heavy firing at Burnside...

GLC03832

to R. West

Says he arrived at Charleston on 11 July and that the attack on the city started on the 10th. Reports Union forces have taken all of Morris Island except Fort Wagner. Describes the situation around Fort Wagner. Says the navy might have to land some...

GLC03836.52

to George Gordon Meade

Grant, Commander-in-Chief of the United States Army, writes from Headquarters of the Armies of the United States to Meade, Commander of the Army of the Potomac. Discussing an assault on Petersburg, states that General Horatio Wright can contribute...

GLC04907.01

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

to Edwin M. Stanton

General Gorman requests that Stanton, Secretary of War, transfer him to a command in the West. Writes, "I have served in the 'Army of the Potomac' since May 1861. I have been engaged in nearly all the battles & expeditions of that portion of the...

GLC05035

Pontoon bridge across James River

A print of a photograph of boats in a river. Over a dozen boats can be seen. The titular pontoon bridge can be seen stretching across the horizon. Penciled below the image is: "Pontoon bridge across the James River over which the army of the Potomac...

GLC05111.01.0076

44 Newyork Encampment Christmas Night

A print of a photograph of the encampment of the 44th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment on December 25th, 1863, while wintering at Brandy Station, VA. Title taken from inscription on recto. Snow covers much of the ground. To the left are the...

GLC05111.01.0079

to Louise Walbridge

Wishes he was with Grant's army, where there is more excitement and work. "I have great faith in Grant, and the old army of the Potomac . . . ." Mentions Sherman's expedition in Georgia.

GLC04663.41

to Louise Walbridge

George's visit. Describes their trip to Dutch Gap, Headquarters, Fort Harrison, and City Point. Describes the layout, and operation of Point of Rock hospital. Tomorrow they plan to go to Meade's Station and Patrick's Station "inspecting the works...

GLC04663.58

to Louise Walbridge

Expects to be transferred to General Turner's division. Saddened by the prospect of leaving a place that has been his home for almost a year. Writes about some friends he has made at the post. Mentions fighting "in front of the Army of the Potomac...

GLC04663.60

to: Almira Winchell

Written from camp "in front of" Richmond. Reports that the battery left Brandy Station on 4 May and has been fighting every day since then. Writes about the entrenchments around Petersburg: "Grant has drove them into their breast works around the...

GLC04706.09

[Handwritten copies of documents pertaining to the Adjutant General Department's continued rejection of Wallen's requests]

Contains responses to Wallen's repeated requests to see action in the Army of the Potomac, and his belief that he was not promoted because he was a Southerner (he was born in Georgia, and served in Florida before the Civil War). The manuscript...

GLC04742

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 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 John Sedgwick

Major General McClellan writes to Brigadier General Sedgwick to discuss his plans for attacking Yorktown. He directs Sedgwick to move toward Yorktown and take additional orders from General Franklin. Written on stationary marked "head-Quarters, Army...

GLC03612

[Army of the Potomac military pass]

Partially printed pass of the Provost Marshal General's Office that gives C.C. Bray, citizen clerk, permission to pass from "Headquarters to within the lines" for the Quarter Masters Department. Expires at the end of the month. Issued by command of...

GLC03619.02.11