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Gibson collection of Civil War soldiers archives [decimalized] ca. 2340 wartime

GLC03523

[Collection of Ira S. Dodd, F company, 26th regiment, New Jersey, infantry]

The collection includes a songbook, four lists of killed and wounded, and a roll call.

GLC03523.01

[Collection of Conrad, Abraham and John Bope] [decimalized]

Collection consists of 10 Conrad Bope letters (1861-63), 4 John Bope letters (1862) and 9 Abraham Bope letters (1862-65). Conrad and John Bope served in the 49th Ohio Volunteers, while Abraham served in the 61st Ohio Volunteers. Letters mention the...

GLC03523.03

to Eliza Jane Bope

Bope writes to his sister reporting that brother John is well. Complains about the continuous rain and states that one of their men was shot. Writes about the rebels destroying a bridge over Green River. Comments that they are waiting for artillery:...

GLC03523.03.01

to John Bope Sr.

Bope writes to his father from Camp Wood. Reports on a battle with the Rebels and states that 19 men were killed and more wounded in his regiment. Comments that the Rebels have a camp four miles from him and he is sending his father ninety dollars...

GLC03523.03.02

to Lydia Bope

Bope writes to his mother from Camp Wood. Expresses thanks for the candy she sent for Christmas. Letterhead has a drawing of a cannon and American flag with the phrase "OUR COMPROMISE" written underneath. Envelope has a humorous image and caption...

GLC03523.03.03

to Eliza Jane Bope

Conrad Bope writes to his sister. Comments it is the New Year and they have nothing to do. Brother John is well and in his tent as he writes. Reports he was on picket duty and once the bridge is rebuilt over the Green River, they will march to...

GLC03523.03.04

to unknown

Bope writes to a friend from the Battlefield of Camp Shiloh. Reports he survived the bloody Battle of Shiloh (6-7 April 1862) unharmed. Discusses the battle strategy in depth and the horror he felt: "...we had to step over the daed [sic] and...

GLC03523.03.05

to John Bope Sr.

Bope writes to his father from the Battlefield of Shiloh, near Pittsburg Landing. Reports that "...some 20,000 men buried who fell in this great battle...", and they expect another attack. Mentions Easter, and notes that the cost of eggs is 30 cents...

GLC03523.03.06

to Eliza Jane Bope

Bope writes to his sister from Camp Shiloh. States they have nothing to do, but expects to meet the Rebels in a few days. Mentions that 30 Rebels surrender every day. Complains that the apples she sent him did not arrive, but all her letters do...

GLC03523.03.07

to Eliza Jane Bope

Bope writes to his sister from a camp in Battle Creek. Inquires about drafting in Ohio and complains of being sick. States he does not want to be discharged due to his lame arm unless he becomes totally disabled. Reports the troops are happy with the...

GLC03523.03.08

to John Bope Sr.

Bope writes to his father from a camp in Battle Creek. Reports they are waiting for more men to arrive and help guard the railroad. Informs him that a Lieutenant from the Rebel army deserted and stated the Confederate force in Chattanooga is 80,000...

GLC03523.03.09

to John Bope Sr.

Bope writes to his father from a camp outside of Green River. Says they will go to Nashville next. Mentions that many soldiers from the Ohio 49th Infantry have deserted. Comments that there has been no fighting for him since Shiloh. Doesn't know...

GLC03523.03.10

to John Bope Sr.

Bope writes to his father mentioning that Union General William Rosencrans has taken over his division. Informs him of their march to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and the skirmishes along the way. Mentions that a member of Company "D" accidentally shot...

GLC03523.03.11

to Eliza Jane Bope

Bope writes to his sister from camp at Bellefonte and complains of the march over the Cumberland mountains. He "fell out" of the march for the first time due to excessive heat. Comments on the "Copperheads" in Ohio. Expresses anger at a friend who...

GLC03523.03.12

to John Bope Sr.

Bope writes to his father from a camp outside Chattanooga after a fierce battle with Confederate General Braxton Bragg and his troops for control of Chattanooga. Praises the bravery of the Union soldiers despite being outnumbered. Describes the...

GLC03523.03.13

to Eliza Jane Bope

Bope writes to his sister Eliza from camp in Chattanooga. Mentions a shortage of blankets. Encloses money for the family. Gives her an extensive list of food to send. States he has not seen younger brother Abe who is in "K" Co., Ohio 61st Infantry...

GLC03523.03.14

to John Bope Sr.

Bope writes to his father from camp in Moorefield, Virginia, informing him he is no longer at Camp Chase in Columbus, Ohio, guarding prisoners. Discusses the march to Moorefield. Mentions it has been raining for seven days. Letter is faded. Letter...

GLC03523.03.15

to Eliza Jane Bope

Bope writes to his sister from a camp near Stafford. Discusses picket duty. Mentions the surrender of Jackson, Mississippi, and comments the war will soon be over. Refers to a coward in his regiment who was willingly taken prisoner by the...

GLC03523.03.16

to Eliza Jane Bope

Bope writes to his sister from Warrington Junction. Complains of fatigue after marching for two months. Refers to Confederate General Robert E. Lee's communications being cut off from Richmond, Virginia. Comments "...that the report about Charlestwon...

GLC03523.03.17

unknown

Bope writes possibly to his sister Eliza, probably from a camp in Virginia. Comments on the "...plundering and destruction..." of Ohio by Confederate General John Morgan who was captured on 26 July 1863 and imprisoned at Camp Chase, Ohio. Expresses...

GLC03523.03.18

to John Sr. and Lydia Bope

Bope writes to his parents from Catlett's Station. Expects a big fight in or near Gordonsville, Virginia. Says Union General George Meade will be there soon. Comments that Confederate General Robert E. Lee has 80,000 men. Expresses confidence they...

GLC03523.03.19

to his brother

Bope writes to an unidentified brother from Bridgeport. Reports they are waiting for Confederate General John Morgan (possibly John Tyler Morgan) to arrive with four forces of artillery. Comments that the weather is warm and dry. Reports that they...

GLC03523.03.20

to John Sr. and Lydia Bope

Bope writes to his parents from a camp in Louisville. Discusses the trip from Camp Dennison, near Cincinnati, Ohio. States he does not know how long they will stay before moving on to Alabama. Mentions the change in weather and how green the woods...

GLC03523.03.21

to Lydia Bope

Bope writes to his mother from camp in Chattanooga. Letter is faded and almost illegible. Mentions Union General William T. Sherman's position outside Atlanta. Refers to Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and John Hood.

GLC03523.03.22

to John Sr. and Lydia Bope

Bope writes to his parents from Goldsboro. Reports he has "... finished the gratest and the best campaign since the war." Informs they have marched through the entire state of South Carolina, burning houses. Discusses in detail the towns he passed...

GLC03523.03.23

to John S. Goold [incomplete]

Writes to his father from camp near Sharpsburg, Maryland. Thanks his mother and father for writing and for sending papers. Gives an update on his brother Theodore's health, which is improving, although his is still weak and in the hospital tent...

GLC03523.05.01

to William D. Goold

Describes sleeping conditions. Mentions that he has given his name for a pair of mittens, as winter is coming and the weather is getting very cold. Tells him that he has not heard from brother Theodore since they left Sharpsburg, Maryland. Describes...

GLC03523.05.02

to Abby Goold

Writes to his mother about all the letters he has recently received, including one from her, Aunt Jane, and Nellie. Describes his duties on provost guard and the differences between being on guard and in the regiments. Tells her of difficulties...

GLC03523.05.03

to John S. Goold

Writes to his father describing the beginning of the battle at Fredericksburg, 11-15 December 1862: "The first gun was fired about 5 o'clock A.M., and the firing was kept up with but little intermission until after dark. At times the firing was so...

GLC03523.05.04

to John S. Goold

Writes to his father "by candlelight" because he was so busy during the day and states "I don't like to spare time to write." Informs that he has just come off guard and that they are camped at same place they were before the Battle of Fredericksburg...

GLC03523.05.05

to John S. Goold

Writes to his father about guard duty and thinks that the worst part is how it disrupts sleep. Wishes he had more newspapers to read, although he is "very much obliged to you for sending me a box, whether it ever reaches me or not. I am much obliged...

GLC03523.05.06

to John S. Goold

Tells his father that he "is well at the present with the exception of a slight cold" and that he is standing guard in place of someone who is sick. He may get the job of carrying the mail, which he states "would be good exercise for me and make me...

GLC03523.05.07

to John S. and Abby Goold

Tells his parents that he received most of his back mail when he went back to the regiment yesterday: "I received by the same mail an envelope from home with pepper in it, though the envelope had been torn and most of the pepper had been spilled."...

GLC03523.05.08

to Johnnie

Tells his brother that he received his letter and apologizes that he has to write such a short letter in return, but he is expecting to march tomorrow. Mentions that he received a letter from Theodore, another brother, and that he is doing well...

GLC03523.05.09

to his brother

Writes to his brother (possibly Johnny, based on content) about his tent and the people he shares it with: "They are both good natured, and willing to do their share towards making the tent comfortable, but neither of them are such men as I should...

GLC03523.05.10

to John S. Goold

Tells his father that they have not been paid yet, but will send the remainder of his money to Uncle Francis. Letter discusses the mild winter they are having and what will happen at the farm in the spring. States that the letter is short because he...

GLC03523.05.11

to John S. and Abby Goold

Writes to his parents about the different letters that he has received. Tells them, "I have destroyed all my old letters - burned them up. I had so many that they were in the way. I shall burn all that receive hereafter, as soon as I answer them." He...

GLC03523.05.12

to Abby Goold

Tells his mother about the temperance book Aunt Jane sent to Cousin James, which was passed along to him. The boys in the guard make fun of him for reading the book, but he doesn't mind as he has gotten used to the teasing. Tells her that he wishes...

GLC03523.05.13

to Abby Goold

Reports that brother Theodore has gone back to his regiment. Writes that he is glad Theodore has returned, as he speculates there were many temptations in his life in Philadelphia. Tells her that the weather is nice and "the few peach trees that...

GLC03523.05.14

to John S. Goold

Tells father that he has enclosed $50, and apologizes for not writing a longer letter. Notes that he and brother Theodore are both in good spirits. Written in graphite.

GLC03523.05.15

to John S. Goold

Apologizes for not writing sooner. Details the Guard's march. Notes that his brother Theodore said he is going to be transferred into the New York Battalion when the 25th goes home, and discusses the potential for Theodore's promotion if this does...

GLC03523.05.16

to John S. and Abby Goold

Mentions to his parents that he has been transferred and has a new captain, named Gibbs. Captain Gibbs is a son of Gibbs, the pattern maker in Albany. Reports that he lost his knapsack and that both he and his brother Theodore need clothing badly,...

GLC03523.05.17

to John S. Goold

Writes to his father that he and his brother James are in good health and spirits. Reports that they will both be shipped to the Penisula in less than a week. Describes the photograph that he had taken in case he is hurt in battle. "I think we will...

GLC03523.05.18

to Johny

Writes to his brother that part of his division has been engaged in a skirmish at Rappahannock station, and lost four men. Notes that "the second brigade of our division has the credit of helping take the forts near the river..." Informs his brother...

GLC03523.05.19

to Abby Goold

Answers his mother's question about how many men guard a train at one time by stating "it depends on the number of trains, sometimes we only guard one train a day, and from that to six, generally three or four each train takes thirty men; the 11th...

GLC03523.05.21

Collection of Lewis D. Fairchild [decimalized]

Collection contains 14 wardate letters and 13 envelopes of Lewis D. Fairchild. Fairchild enlisted on 4 January 1864 at Exeter, New York as a private. He was mustered into "L" Co. New York 2nd Heavy Artillery.

GLC03523.06

to Sephronia Fairchild

Fairchild writes to his wife from his barracks in Norwich, New York. Year not indicated, but inferred from research and context. Appears to be written in the beginning of his military service as it is quite general in nature. He writes about the...

GLC03523.06.01

to Sephronia Fairchild

Fairchild writes to his wife from Elmira, New York on 9 February 1864 and completes the letter on 10 February 1864 from Norwich, New York. Once at Norwich, he states he was made assistant sergeant of the barracks. His health has never been better...

GLC03523.06.02

to Sephronia Fairchild [incomplete]

Fairchild writes to his wife from Fort Corcoran in Arlington, Virginia. It appears to be an incomplete letter as there is no signature and the text ends abruptly. Gives a history of his troops movements to date. Complains about the food and blames...

GLC03523.06.03

to Sephronia Fairchild

Fairchild writes to his wife from Fort Corcoran in Arlington, Virginia. Reports that he is building roads from his fort to another. States that the coats and guns have arrived and his regiment is learning to use the guns. He offers advice regarding...

GLC03523.06.04

to Sephronia Fairchild

Fairchild writes to his wife from City Point Hospital, City Point, Virginia. Discusses helping to care for the wounded soldiers after a brief illness: "...I am very grateful that I was afflicted in that way. I think it is a great deal better than to...

GLC03523.06.05

to Sephronia Fairchild

Fairchild writes to his wife from Coal Harbor, Virginia. He refers to his survival of the Battle of Coal Harbor, 1 June,1865 and speaks of God and Providence in sparing him. States they are marching on to Richmond and he expects to be there within 60...

GLC03523.06.06

to Sephronia Fairchild

Fairchild writes to his wife from camp outside Petersburg, Virginia. Mentions they are waiting for General Ulysses S. Grant to bring in reinforcements. Comments that his rheumatism is bothering him and he writes of a possible furlough in order to...

GLC03523.06.07

to Sephronia Fairchild

Fairchild writes to his wife from camp "right in front of Petersburg," Virginia. Writes about heavy fighting; "our boys mowed the Rebels down like wheat" and took two thousand prisoners. Reports that one hundred volunteers charged and captured a...

GLC03523.06.08

to Sephronia Fairchild

Fairchild writes to his wife from City Point, Virginia says the siege is progressing slowly. Informs that General William T. Sherman captured Savannah. Discusses his wife joining a sewing society to make clothing for the soldiers and he questions...

GLC03523.06.09

to Sephronia Fairchild

Fairchild writes to his wife from a camp near City Point, Virginia. Reports that he has been in the hospital with rheumatism and is pleased with his care. Informs he is doing picket duty on the Appomattox River and mentions seeing Rebels. Wishes for...

GLC03523.06.10

to Sephronia Fairchild

Fairchild writes to his wife from a camp near Petersburg, Virginia. Mentions that men are getting furloughs if their wives are sick. Relates that a deserter was hung, "...it did look awful to see a human being launch in erternity so quick..." Advises...

GLC03523.06.11

to Sephronia Fairchild

Fairchild writes to his wife from a camp near Alexandria, Virginia that he is frustrated by the delay of being mustered out. Anticipates he will be home no later than 1 July 1865. Informs that the last of the Rebel forces in Texas surrendered and his...

GLC03523.06.12

to Lewis D. Fairchild

Sephronia writes to her husband Lewis asking when he will be discharged. States that the family is waiting and watching for his return every day. States many soldiers are returning home and that all who enlisted under the Act of 1863 (the first...

GLC03523.06.13

to Sephronia Fairchild

Fairchild writes to his wife Sephronia from Fort Corcoran in Arlington, Virginia. Reports he is ill with fever and dizziness and has little appetite. Says he will be home by 1 October 1865. Comments that his regiment is the last to muster out and...

GLC03523.06.14

to George Henry

William writes to cousin George in Franklin Falls, New York. Inquires about George's crops and reports on his own. Comments he has not heard from Josiah Henry, his cousin. Reports that 45 boys from Westford, Vermont, enlisted. Discusses land in...

GLC03523.07.03

to John and Sophia Henry

Henry write to his parents from Camp Griffin. Informs them that he sent them a letter "...with my minature and a dollar in gold..." Reports he was on picket duty. States many men have shot their thumbs off.

GLC03523.07.04

to Angeline Henry

Henry write to his sister from Camp Griffin. Reports they will move on to Manassas, Virginia, any day carrying tents and knapsacks. States the constant rain and mud affects their ability to drill.

GLC03523.07.05

to Sophia Henry

Henry writes to his mother from Camp Griffin. Reports that he sent five dollars to her. States there is not much to do other than guard and picket duty. Comments he weighs 156 pounds and many men are sick. Explains that they won't move on to Manassas...

GLC03523.07.06

to Angeline Henry

Henry writes to his sister from Camp Griffin. Discusses illness among men, medical care, and the quality of the bread. Mentions a visit by Union General George McClellan and his comment "...that our reg was the best looking in the Division."

GLC03523.07.07

to Angeline Henry

Henry writes to his sister from Camp Griffin. Refers to a brigade drill for Union General John Brooke. Asks her not to show his letters to anyone and to burn them. Envelope has a poem by Helen A. Brown printed on it.

GLC03523.07.08

to Angeline Henry

Henry writes to his sister from Camp Griffin. Reports there are two to three drills a day. Comments there is no chance to get lonesome with so many men around. Requests she write often and report on local news.

GLC03523.07.09

to George and Sophia Henry

Henry writes to his mother and brother from Fortress Monroe. Reports on many miles of marching. States they encountered rebel fire. Says that the peach trees are in bloom and the weather is hot. Comments he lost most of his belongings on a forced...

GLC03523.07.10

to Sophia Henry

In a letter to his mother, Henry discusses in detail the cost of food. Reports sending money to them and complains about backpay. States they are camped on a large field with calvary and artillery within view of the rebel's picket. Mentions killed...

GLC03523.07.11

to John and Sophia Henry

Henry writes to his parents from U.S. General Hospital in Annapolis. Reports his wounded arm is healing. Informs of heavy losses during the battle at Savages Station, Virginia. Comments on states offering bounty for recruits and how hard it is to be...

GLC03523.07.12

to Angeline Henry

Henry writes to his sister from a seminary. States the men are in one wing and 60 girls in another. Expresses pride at her becoming "...a school marm."

GLC03523.07.13

to Sophia Henry

Henry writes to his mother from camp near Bell Plain. Reports he was on picket duty for three days and has two drills a day. Mentions Union General Joseph Hooker is in command and they may be moving south soon. Discusses her desire to move west and...

GLC03523.07.14

to Sophia Henry

Henry writes to his mother from camp near Bell Plain. Comments on a land purchase she is considering and offers 80 dollars. Advises her to sell the crops before moving. Offers to send more money once he gets his pay.

GLC03523.07.15

to Angeline Henry

Henry writes to his sister from camp near Bell Plain. Comments that he has no stamps. Remarks on the cold wet spring. Inquires about her eyesight and wonders if she wears glasses to study. Requests news about home. Reports that he received his pay...

GLC03523.07.16

to Sophia Henry

Henry writes to his mother from Fredericksburg. Encloses ten dollars. Reports that there has been heavy fighting for several days. Expects a major battle within 48 hours.

GLC03523.07.17

to Sophia Henry

Henry writes to his mother from the U.S. General Hospital in Brattleboro. Reports that he has had chronic diarrhea for three weeks and left his regiment on 29 July 1863. Expects to return to his regiment within two to three weeks. Comments there is...

GLC03523.07.18

to Angeline Henry

Henry writes to his sister from the U.S. General Hospital in Brattleboro. Reports he is feeling better and expects a week furlough by the end of September. Remarks that he cannot afford to contribute money for her schooling and questions why she...

GLC03523.07.19

to Angeline Henry

Henry writes to his sister from the U.S. General Hospital in Brattleboro. Complains the War Department has issued an order canceling all furloughs and he will not be coming home. Reports that his regiment has gone back to the front and is eight miles...

GLC03523.07.20

to Sophia Henry

Henry writes to his mother, probably from Burlington, Vermont. Discusses the delay with his pay in great detail and informs her she will have to "hire" the money for a land purchase. Advises her to take a mortgage on the oxen. Comments on the weather...

GLC03523.07.21

to John and Sophia Henry

Henry writes to his parents, probably from Burlington, Vermont. Refers to some fighting and the fact their lines are very weak. Discusses a delay in his pay. Comments on the cold, rainy weather. Letter has the logo of the "U.S. Christian Commission,"...

GLC03523.07.22

to John and Sophia Henry

Henry writes to his parents from Brandy Station, Virginia. Discusses how they should pay for the land purchase. States he will send them seventy-five dollars on 1 May 1864. Reports there are 23 new recruits for the company and 250 for the regiment.

GLC03523.07.23

to Angeline Henry

Henry writes to his sister from a camp outside Brandy Station, Virginia. Mentions a 24 mile march. Comments on how warm the weather is. Discusses how to pay for the land purchase the family is making and suggests moving their belongings. Hopes to...

GLC03523.07.24

to Angeline Henry

Henry writes to his sister from a camp outside Brandy Station, Virginia. Comments on the radical changes in weather. Reports that the army has been reorganized and his corps is a third larger. Expects Union General Ulysses S. Grant to take command...

GLC03523.07.25

to John and Sophia Henry

Henry writes to his parents from Knoxville, on his way to the regiment. Reports there are 400 convalescents marching with him. Mentions how ripe the fruit is. Comments that the farmers are thrashing their wheat and doing their fall plowing. First...

GLC03523.07.27

to Angeline Henry

Henry writes to his sister from Fort Willard, Virginia. Reports he has not been paid yet. Refers to soldiers going home because their time is up. Informs her that he drills on the big guns for heavy artillery. Discusses eating corn, peaches, and...

GLC03523.07.28

to Angeline Henry

Henry writes to his sister from a fort in Virginia. Name of fort is illegible. Expresses concern about his father's sprained ankle. States that he does expect to get paid soon. Comments that he does very little guard duty. Reports the weather is good...

GLC03523.07.29

to John, Sophia and Angeline Henry

Henry writes to his parents and sister from a fort in Virginia. Name of fort is illegible. Reports he has a fever and chills. States he is going to enlist for five years to fight the Indians on the frontier. Requests news from home. Mentions all the...

GLC03523.07.30

to Angeline Henry

Cousin Marrill writes to Angeline from Indiana. Reports her father is very ill and insane. Refers to cousin Josiah's war injury. Comments that rebels have attacked several places in Indiana "...but our own brave Indiana boys are enough for them."...

GLC03523.07.31

to Sophia Henry

Henry writes to his mother from camp on the Weldon Railroad. Reports brother George is in the hospital with bronchitis. Comments on the high number of deserters. Informs three will be hung. Anticipates being paid in four weeks and will send 90...

GLC03523.07.32

to Angeline Henry

Henry writes to his sister from the hospital in Fredericksburg. Comments on a possible transfer and his hope to spend the winter in Vermont. Mentions the draft, but feels he is exempt now. Refers to a dream he had about a neighbor whose grave he dug...

GLC03523.07.33

to Sophia and John Henry

Henry writes to his parents from Richmond. Reports that Richmond was taken with very few injuries to his company. Advises them to sell one pair of cattle before the price drops. Inquires about the location of brother George.

GLC03523.07.34

to Father

Writes from Camp Wayne telling his father that they were recamped at "West Chester," about thirty miles outside of Philadelphia. Asks him to send his letters to, "Camp Wayne, West Chester, in care of Capt. Martins..." Reports that one of the men on...

GLC03523.08.01

to Father

This letter appears to be a rewritten version of the first letter, GLC03523.08.01, which was sent to his father.

GLC03523.08.02

to Father

Writes from Camp Wayne. Remarks that he likes it more than Camp Curtin, but speculates that he will be sent back to Camp Wayne next week. Asks about Martha, possibly his sister, inquiring if she is feeling any better. Tells him that he got his "white...

GLC03523.08.03

to Sister

Writes from Camp Wayne, communicating that he is glad she is feeling better. Reports that he got his fatigue suit. Expresses concern that he does not know when he will get his furlough, as three boys have recently gotten sick and will get a furlough...

GLC03523.08.04

to Sister

Writes to his sister, telling her that he hopes to come home next week. Communicates that if he gets paid this week, he will give Billy, possibly their brother, a dollar for his drum. Letter written on stationery with small image of soldier holding...

GLC03523.08.05

to Benjamen H. Tyre

Reports from Camp Wayne to his cousin. Indicates he is now in the 7th Pennsylvania Regiment of the Reserve Corps, commanded by Colonel Harvey. Asks if Benjamen would come for a visit, telling him that the fare is 65 cents each way. Suggests that his...

GLC03523.08.06

to Father

Writes from Camp Pierpont, Virginia. Recounts to him, "you heard of the battle of Balls Bluff where the Rebels were victorious. They killed about 600 men altogether... besides the prisoners they took." Also reports that they caught the traitor, a...

GLC03523.08.20

to Sister

Expresses dismay about the news of his father's sickness. Complains of the cold weather, remarking that "if they dont put us in Winter Quarters this winter we will all be dead before spring." Written on stationery with embossed image of soldier...

GLC03523.08.21