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[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