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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

Believes the winter campaign to be over. More men are allowed furloughs and there are plans to improve the camps. Hopes that arrangements will be made to have better mail service and that the sutlers will be supplied more efficiently.

GLC03603.187

to his family

The regiment has received orders to cook three days rations and prepare to leave for Fortress Monroe. Believes that this is connected to "the raid of rebel rams at Charleston & the temporary raising of a blockade" and that they may in fact be headed...

GLC03603.188

to his family

Describes their early-morning departure from their camp near Fredericksburg and the trip on the steamer John Brooks. The men still do not know where they are headed, though Coit still suspects that the destination will be the Carolinas. Writes that...

GLC03603.189

to his family

Writes a short letter to say that they have arrived at Newport News. Expects that this is a rendezvous point and does not anticipate a long stay.

GLC03603.190

to his family

Describes how he accidentally mailed an envelope of blank envelopes instead of an envelope full of letters to his family.

GLC03603.193

to his family

Writes to request a bigger valise and reports having sold the one his family had sent to him for a $1 profit. Says that Colonel Harland is on his way to Norwich for a 15-day furlough and that he would like his family to send a new valise with him on...

GLC03603.194

to his family

Writes that he has been using the field glass that Miss Greene sent him. Asks advice on what he should write to thank her. Asks how to address her in a letter: "Is she "dear Madame" or what." Also writes that the long lost Harper's Ferry bundle that...

GLC03603.195

to his family

Writes that he has given the photographs of himself to Captain Hoyt and Lieutenant Goodrich. Requests more because "the Officers are exchanging quite freely." Asks that his trunk be sent by express. Writes that he has heard that Captain Pasco Coit...

GLC03603.196

to his family

Writes that the mail deliveries are few and far between. Is still undecided on the issue of the valise and trunk because he is unsure of their destination and mode of travel. Writes that he has sent a picture of Lieutenant Goodrich in which he looks...

GLC03603.197

to his family

Encloses of draft of a thank you letter to Miss Greene. Thanks her for the glass and says that he is sure that no one can possibly understand how much the soldiers appreciate remembrances of home. Expresses a commitment to "crush this wicked...

GLC03603.198

to his family

Writes that he has a wall tent to himself and gives directions for George to come for a visit.

GLC03603.199

to his family

Writes that George should bring a knife and fork with him on his visit. Mentions seeing Kate Lott of New London at the review. Says that he doesn't "think the army is any place for ladies to visit and I should prefer to have all my lady friends stay...

GLC03603.200

to his family

He writes on his way back to camp after a visit home. He is traveling by rail and ferry and writes about leaving his scarf on-board the train. Written "All Along Shore."

GLC03603.201

to his family

Writes in anticipation of his brother's arrival. Hopes that they will have another large review while his brother is present. He writes that he really enjoyed an article that his mother has sent to him: "How a free people conduct a long war" by...

GLC03603.204

to his mother and sister

Writes about having to send George away and of the impression he made on the other officers. He is still unsure of why the regiment was moved.

GLC03603.210

to his family

Writes that he was regretful for sending George away so suddenly. He did so because of a rumor that the regiment might be involved in a battle. Some officers have their wives with them. Says that he has heard from Cousin Lemuel that George is very...

GLC03603.211

to his family

Thanks his mother for sending the newspapers and clippings. Writes of experiencing a very bad snow storm and the poor conditions of the enlisted mens' shelters. Whiskey was served to the entire regiment for warmth. Believes that his regiment is...

GLC03603.212

Charles Morgan Coit to George O. Coit

Writes that he wishes George could have come with him but that it was a very long, cold journey from Newport News to Suffolk. Asks that George write him from Baltimore, Maryland. Written at Camp Suffolk.

GLC03603.213

to his family

Writes that General Harland has told him that there is a chance that he will be made Major of the Regiment. Requests that his family keep this a secret as he is sure that it is only a slight possibility. Says that he is relieved that General [Ambrose...

GLC03603.214

to his family/Orderly Gammwell

Writes that he wishes that the receiver's furlong would be long enough to cast a vote for "the suppression of Rebellion". Makes reference to the Hartford Convention of 1863. A draft of a note written to Orderly Gammwell but sent to his family with...

GLC03603.215

to his family

Writes he and his company wish they could go back to Connecticut to vote on the Conscription Act, which calls for a draft and excuses men who can furnish a viable replacement or pay the government $300. Says he has heard that an officer cannot walk...

GLC03603.216

to his family

Responds to questions from his family about fixtures in their rental properties. Expresses interest in the results of the election and requests that a chess set be sent to him via one of the Norwich men who are home on furlough. Writes that he has...

GLC03603.217

to his family

Writes that the enemy is surrounding Suffolk and "The cannon[s] are cannons are booming away at short intervals," though they have not been attacked yet. Notes that one of the pickets from his Regiment was attacked a few days ago. His brigade has...

GLC03603.218

to his family

Writes that he is in command of a picket of 50 men. He does not believe there is any reason to be afraid of attack as they have been withdrawing their forces during the day.

GLC03603.219

to his family

Writes that he does not believe that there is any further danger of attack. He says "tho' the gunboats keep firing away I doubt whether they see anything to fire at."

GLC03603.220

to his family

Writes that he has been very busy making up his equipment and Ordinance reports. He can hear the 103rd New York Regiment band serenading Colonel Beach's lady. Mentions the money that he sent via Captain Moore again and the photographs of Colonel Ward...

GLC03603.221

to his family

Writes about the dismissal of Lieutenant Samuel Foss and responds to a letter sent by his family mentioning George Coit living away from home to attend school.

GLC03603.222

to his family

Writes about going on a recognizance mission to check out some houses beyond the picket line. The mission was commanded by Captain Stevens, who Coit believed had scoped out the area and deemed the mission safe. Reports being fired at by no fewer than...

GLC03603.225

to his family

Writes that the regiment has established a camp near the portion of the river that they are trying to defend. Comments about Colonel Ward having command over a few regiments as a "compliment for his gallant behavior" when he took control of all the...

GLC03603.226

to his family

Writes that they marched to Fort Dix. Describes General Corcoran and 6-8,000 troops going on a recognizance mission and retreating when they saw a rebel battery with a few hundred troops manning it. Criticizes other recent military moves and...

GLC03603.227

to his family

Writes that his regiment has been building corduroy roads and gabions. Notes that some people are making "queer remarks" about General Peck. One man said that he hoped that General Peck was killed and went to hell before the soldier did. That way...

GLC03603.228

to his family

Writes that there is a "heavy force across the river and the firing has been incessant." Notes that his Regiment is split in two with one half out on a mission and Coit's half camped in the woods. He passes on descriptions of fighting near the river...

GLC03603.229

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 his family

Says that he has hired a new servant named Bill. The Chaplin gave the soldiers a supply of new books and newspapers. Requests that his mother take the money he has sent and buy some letter paper to write him rather than the "old scraps" she has been...

GLC03603.231

to his family

Sends a declaration of defeat from Major General Peck to his family with only one addition: "Bah!!"

GLC03603.232

to his family

Writes that part of the regiment has been commanded to prepare three days rations and march as soon as possible. Coit and his company are to stay on duty at Fort Jerico. Says that there is nothing for him or the company to do at the fort and that he...

GLC03603.234

to his family

Writes that they have returned to the same site that they had camped at a month ago but that a new camp has been erected on its site. Mentions that he plans on extending his tent by building an 'evergreen bower' and hanging his hammock. Requests that...

GLC03603.235

[General Order #75]

Comments on [General Ambrose] Burnside's General Order thanking the 9th Regiment for their "behavior in their brilliant action before Suffolk, V.A." Writes that he and the others are happy to have been remembered by General Burnside and refers to him...

GLC03603.236

to his family

Writes about the trip into the swamp that he took with the other officers last weekend. Also writes of a soldier who causes him trouble. He requests black pepper, black tea and other food and mess items to be sent to him. Responds to the request for...

GLC03603.238

to his family

Writes that his company has been relieved of duty at Ft. Jerico and sent to rejoin their regiment. The box that his family sent has arrived and he thanks them and mentions that several of the jars had broken in shipping. Describes using sweet gum...

GLC03603.241

to his family

Writes of commanding a picket line. Also, he writes of receiving word of the Rebel raid into Maryland and Pennsylvania. Says that he does not believe the rebellion will last much longer. Writes that he presumes that the camp they are in will soon be...

GLC03603.242

to his family

Notes that they have marched and are camping near Portsmouth, Virginia. Believes that they are to wait there while Keyes' force attempts to create a diversion or capture Richmond, Virginia. Writes of the regret that the regiment feels "that our state...

GLC03603.243

to his family

Writes of marching and arriving at Yorktown. Mentions that this was the site that General "McC's" troops were camped a year ago and describes an incident in which a black Rebel sharpshooter hid out in a tree and picked off the Union men until he...

GLC03603.244

to his family

Reports an unsuccessful raid on Fredericksburg and Richmond, Virginia. The marching is very difficult due to the extreme heat and that several have died or been maimed by sunstroke. Though none of the men were wounded while they attempted to take the...

GLC03603.246

to his family

Writes from the "White House" that they are about to march to Fort Monroe 75-80 miles away and that his family should expect no letter for a few days.

GLC03603.247

to his family

Writes that they have received word of Vicksburg, Mississippi and [General Ulysses] Grant's victories. The marching is very hard on the men and he writes that half of them, himself included, are marching barefoot because of wet boots and swollen feet...

GLC03603.248

to his family

Notes that he has returned from a visit to his family and is camped with new conscripts and is unsure whether he will be in charge of them or not. Says that he has purchased a leather trunk and a duster. Writes that Colonel Otis is in charge of the...

GLC03603.249

to his family

Writes after his family has visited him. Says that he is feeling better. "The day and night that I was on duty we had more Conscripts in the building than at any previous time and I am most happy to say that not one escaped during 24 hours." The...

GLC03603.250

to his family

Writes that they are leaving for New Haven that evening. Requests that his family not come immediately to visit. They had a very unpleasant march to New York.

GLC03603.251

to his family

Says that he is finding it hard to write because he feels very close to home. The officers of his camp were complimented on their abilities and commitment to duty. Responds to news from home that his family is thinking of renting out their house in...

GLC03603.253

to his family

Describes his camp quarters. Notes that a good deal of his time has been spent making muster rolls detailing what each man lost while in Connecticut. Writes that the losses are due to the individual soldiers' carelessness and Lieutenant Morgan who...

GLC03603.254

to his family

Writes of missing being able to stop in on his family in the evenings and how he will write letters again now that he is away. Notes that he is now with the 8th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry.

GLC03603.255

to his family

Writes how busy he is with muster rolls and straightening out the clothing and ordinance accounts. Notes that he is relieved that he is not responsible for these accounts. The letter is written on a piece of paper that he has used to add account sums...

GLC03603.256

to his family

Reports that they have orders to move to Deep Creek the next day and set up a new camp. They have not been called out to fight because so many of the recruits are unarmed. Writes more about how he finds Goddard "awkward." Arranges for his family to...

GLC03603.258

to his family

Discusses the men from his regiment who have deserted and how they were punished. Describes being ill and of other officers sending for their ladies. "… wonder if mine would come if I sent for her…"

GLC03603.259

to his family

Responds to news from his family about their new living situation. Writes about the Chaplain's insistence that the officers set good examples. Mentions his pledge not to indulge in alcoholic beverages and of his new pledge to give up tobacco...

GLC03603.260

to his family

Writes that he has been in Norfolk and Portsmouth on business for the regiment. Notes that Sam Foss was ill with cholic and that Alfred Goddard knew how to treat it.

GLC03603.262

to his family

Writes that there is more religious interest in the camp lately and describes Regiment Captain Ford standing at a prayer meeting to say that he was giving up alcohol and cursing in favor of living a Christian lifestyle. Notes that his birthday passed...

GLC03603.263

to George Coit

Congratulates his brother on having won first prize. Advises his brother on the path to better health and says that he would like to see a copy of a speech his brother is to give.

GLC03603.264

to George Coit

Requests a chess handbook and describes a company box that he has acquired to hold his books and other belongings. Writes that he is in command of the Regiment because Captain Hoyt is in Portsmouth attending a court martial.

GLC03603.265

to his sister

Describes a quiet camp and reading a novel called "Pique" until his candle went out at 4 a.m. Thanks her for sending a book called "Lady of the Lake." Describes singing hymns with the other officers and requests that he be sent his chess set from...

GLC03603.267

to his family

Notes they marched to Getty's Station to attend the execution of a deserter but were told that it was to be postponed. Says that they received orders to march to Bowers Hill and then were transported to Suffolk by "cars." They came back to camp via...

GLC03603.268

to his family

Requests more shirts and says that his friend would like for Coit's mother to share the pattern with his mother so that he can also have one. Aso asks for more socks and says that there is a rumor that they will be marching to Newport News very soon...

GLC03603.269

to his family

Writes a short note about marching from camp to Suffolk, Virginia and then back again. Requests woolen stockings.

GLC03603.270

to his family

Writes that they broke camp and marched to Deep Creek and then to Portsmouth. Notes that he has shipped his trunk to be held at New Haven post office until he calls for it again. Request postage stamps and woolen socks.

GLC03603.271

to his family

Notes that many different regiments are gathering in the Yorktown area. Everyone is being ordered to store or ship their possessions. Writes that all men, including the band, are being armed.

GLC03603.272

[Collection of Franklin Cranor, B company, 40th regiment, Indiana, infantry] [decimalized]

Letters to Delia Slocum.

GLC03791

to Delia Slocum

re: Cranor is separated from his regiment which is serving in Alabama. He is in a convalescent camp in Nashville, Tennessee where he has recently been recovering, but is still plagued with cramps. He makes one of his many references to the state of...

GLC03791.001

to Delia Slocum

re: Cranor has regrouped with his regiment in Mississippi. He mentions a minor battle at "pitsburg landing" and few small skirmishes, but mostly observes the extent of his travels. He makes mention of several changes in leadership: the resignation...

GLC03791.002

to Delia Slocum

re: Cranor discusses the restlessness and anxiety of soldiers under fire but not engaged in any battles. He points out that the soldiers are still performing their duties however, even if they are playing cards. He expresses hope that he won't have...

GLC03791.003

to Delia Slocum

re: Cranor describes the Battle of Stones Creek and its aftermath for the regiment. He writes that the enemy killed or wounded eighteen in the regiment and that his colonel was drunk during the fight. Cranor speculates that this drunk Colonel will...

GLC03791.004

to Delia Slocum

re: Cranor acknowledges a letter from March 8 that he received. He comments again on the weather and the general review of the troops. He makes a few disparaging comments about boys who would not come unless drafted, but on the subject of such a...

GLC03791.005

to Delia Slocum

re: While camped near Murfreesboro in the months following the Battle of Stones Creek, Cranor describes how the Union soldiers have generally been causing trouble for the Confederates. He writes about Union "devilment" in McMinnville that resulted...

GLC03791.006

to Delia Slocum

re: Cranor describes the wet and muddy march from Murfreesboro to Pelham on the way to Chattanooga. He briefly mentions recent losses from small skirmishes but notes general success in getting the rebels of out Tennessee. He writes that Bragg's...

GLC03791.007

to Delia Slocum

re: Cranor refers to the Copperhead movement and Vallandigham's unsuccessful run for Ohio's governorship. He mentions that it has been a while since his brigade has seen action and was not involved in the most recent skirmish and has instead been...

GLC03791.008

to Delia Slocum

Written in the aftermath of the Battles for Chattanooga, Cranor reports that he is among the living, but that his company had lost eighteen men from his company leaving only sixteen. He describes three charges that his brigade made and lists the...

GLC03791.009

to Delia Slocum

The regiment had a good time back in Indianapolis. He says that while he felt comfortable returning to the front because "soldieren seams naturel as ever." The men had left Indianapolis at 4 in the afternoon of April 13 and were headed back to the...

GLC03791.010

to Delia Slocum

Cranor reports his return to Chattanooga by train. He came through as a guard and didn't have to march. Despite the comfortable passage he reports that most want to return home but he himself does not with to go: "I would not take a discharge if...

GLC03791.011

to Delia Slocum

re: Briefly discusses the campaign for Atlanta and his company's role in it: the sabotage of Confederate railroads. He again mentions the state of the corn fields. Though he predicts that the end is in sight "but if it lasts ten years I Shall stay...

GLC03791.012

to Delia Slocum

re: [Written on prepared stationery for a beau at war] Cranor reports from the front lines of the battles in Georgia. He tells Delia that one mutual acquaintance is adjusting well to soldier life and that his messmate was shot at the Battle of...

GLC03791.013

to Delia Slocum

While the Battle near Dallas rages Cranor tells Delia that someone from their neighborhood was shot and wounded and the tale of a few men who spent six days in jail. He asks for clarification of a joke she made about him in her last letter. He has...

GLC03791.014

to Delia Slocum

Written from the frontlines of the Atlanta Campaign Cranor reports that he has seen the worst of fighting, even more so than Stones River and Missionary Ridge. He wrote "that day was the first time ever I thought of getting killed in battel when we...

GLC03791.015

to Delia Slocum

re: Cranor reports on the Battle of Peachtree Creek on July 20th during the Atlanta campaign. Though he reports victory: ("if ever men melted away it was the rebbels when our Brigade let inoto on them"). He also observes the jumbled changes of...

GLC03791.016

to Delia Slocum

re: Cranor describes the trickery that led to the fall of Atlanta. His regiment again worked primarily on the railroads and reports that casualites for the regiment were light. He describes the general love for General Sherman who masterminded the...

GLC03791.017

to Delia Slocum

re: Cranor reports that his division has been stationed behind the front lines back in Chattanooga, relieving some men who are to be set to the front lines. He supports Abe Lincoln and the prospect of a draft. He mentions some acquaintances who...

GLC03791.018

to Delia Slocum

re: Cranor describes his march to Pulaski from Nashville, which was overall, pretty lousy. He asks about his fellow soldier just home on furlough. He finishes by describing the social party life in camp.

GLC03791.019

to Delia Slocum

Cranor reports his new location and that he is safely out of the line of battle. He complains about the cold weather and tells the story of a mutual acquaintance who had his nose shot off.

GLC03791.020

to Delia Slocum

re: Cranor reports getting to ride a horse to get retrieve deserters. He writes that he had a nice Christmas. The rest of the letter is mostly marriage gossip.

GLC03791.021

to Delia Slocum

re: Mentions the cold weather: the coldest that he has had to deal with. He mentions that there are recruiters for the regular army but says that he probably won't join ("I dont want to bind myself into service after this war is over[.]" His...

GLC03791.022

to Franklin Cranor

re: The transcript of a love poem probably kept from a longer letter from Slocum.

GLC03791.023

to Delia Slocum

re: Reports that washed out bridges have resulted in no mail delivery for a week. He writes that lack of news has made him "tired and lonesome." After the arrival of the postmaster he closes his letter and reopens it the next day, where he mentions...

GLC03791.024

to Delia Slocum

re: Records the reaction in camp to Lee's surrender to Grant at Appomattox. "Cheering, yelling an shooting of there guns and it was kept up till about three Oclock this morning[.]"

GLC03791.025

to Delia Slocum

re: Cranor describes his move from Blue Springs back to Nashville and the somber mood present after Lincoln's assassination ("evry thing is dressed in mourning.") He writes that he talked to the "rebs" who said that they thought Johnson would be...

GLC03791.026

to Delia Slocum

re: Cranor reports there has been some speculation about getting out of the army in July, but he doesn't believe it. He reports on a recent severe storm and its destruction in camp.

GLC03791.027

to Delia Slocum

. re: "I will give you a short not of our trials and trubells since we left Nashville[.]" He also reports that there next stop is in Texas, 900 miles away by water "and that is the way we will go[.]" He reports on hot weather and poor health, but...

GLC03791.028

to Delia Slocum

Records his crossing of the Gulf of Mexico and the sea sick boys. He writes that he got sick then and remains so. He writes that sickness has been a problem for the whole regiment and records the illness of two mutual acquaintances. He reports a...

GLC03791.029

to Delia Slocum

re: Cranor reports going to church for the first time since he left Indiana on his furlough last spring. He reports that his regiment are the only troops in the area, a big change, but one that he enjoys. He complains of his inability to be home...

GLC03791.030

Correspondence of 90 letters and documents with 3 maps on the blockade of Port Royal, South Carolina [decimalized .01-.90]

West was a Union naval officer in the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, mostly serving off South Carolina and Georgia. This collection begins with three documents from West's service on a merchant marine ship off China. He served on the USS "Perry"...

GLC03836

to R. West

Tells his mother that he is sailing for the Chesapeake tomorrow. Says they have an entirely new complement of officers on his ship, except for him. Says the changes are for the better. The captain is from New Hampshire and is "sound on the goose...

GLC03836.05