Collection Search

to sister

He does not have much to do except drill the company now and then. He does not expect to be away for more than another year. Missing envelope identified in inventory.

GLC03858.02.10

to sister

General Rosecrans is "still entrenching very strongly." Henry saw "one of the greatest traitors of our land," Vallandigham, as he passed through the Union lines to join the Rebel Army. John is not well. Signed with the rank of Lieutenant. Two...

GLC03858.02.11

to sister

They have had some very difficult marches and battles and have advanced through the Cumberland Mountains "driving the rebels before us." He reports that "Bragg with the rebel army has gone to Chattanooga and will make ready there for another big...

GLC03858.02.12

to sister

Henry is sorry to hear that Sophia is not well and regrets that he cannot see her unless the war ends before the fall "which seems favorable now." They marched 65 miles in knee deep mud with after 30,000 Confederates in ten days. Some of the men...

GLC03858.02.13

to sister

He remarks that it has been a year and a day since he enlisted and though "there is no more signs of peace now than there was then," he is willing to stay for one more year. He expects that his sister has seen John who is no longer with his regiment...

GLC03858.02.14

to sister

Henry expects that they will stay at Camp Whiteside through the winter. They have not fought since they left Murfreesboro and he does not anticipate fighting soon since they are now in towards the rear of the Union line. He had the Bilious fever...

GLC03858.02.15

to mother

He believes they may move soon and that there will be another fight near Chattanooga as Grant's army is passing by today on its way there. [continued on 19 November] They have been ordered to march back to Stevenson and guard a railroad station...

GLC03858.02.16

to unknown

They are all in good health and "are a happy set of fellows." Fewer troops are required to guard the station now and he thinks their Brigade will set out for Knoxville soon.

GLC03858.02.17

to sister

His regiment fought the Confederates on 25 February, driving them about two miles but then left to return to camp. He confides that "I never enjoyed anything more in my life than shooting at them on this occasion" and reports that "General Johnstons...

GLC03858.02.18

to sister

They have been in camp here since his last and they may remain there a while longer. There are no indications that they will advance to Atlanta in near future. Written at Ambulance Corps Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.

GLC03858.02.19

to Sophia Parrott

Henry's "teams were pronounced the best in the Corps by Maj. Gen. Stanley." He commands sixty men of his choice from the regiment. He expects they will stay here for a few months. John was killed and all the men miss him. Henry will bring John's...

GLC03858.02.20

to sister

He has his old position on General Grose's staff. Grose gave Henry a horse and says that Henry will not be on duty anymore and could have stayed at home as long as he liked. [continued on 12 March] They will march tomorrow. Grose is going home and...

GLC03858.02.21

to sister

General Buckner is about three miles from their picket lines "and we must be on the watch for him for he is a cunning old cuss and keeps our Pickets in constant terror." Their lines "extend East & West for fifteen miles" and "they are slowly moving...

GLC03858.02.22

Letters, some wardate with post-war collateral, 15th Mich. Vols.

Collection includes 29 letters, 5 receipts, 1 drawing, 1 carte-de-visite, 3 news clippings and 10 envelopes.

GLC03858.03

[Collection of Byron E. Churchill, A company, 15th regiment, Michigan, infantry] [decimalized]

Sometimes signs as "Biron." Churchill's mother was Drazilla of St. Joseph Co., Burr Oak, Mich. His regiment served at Shiloh, Corinth, Vicksburg and in the Atlanta campaign. His last letter in the field is dated Atlanta 8/24/1864 (#25); he was...

GLC03859

to: Drazilla Churchill.

Churchill explains that he is sick with "disinterry," as are most of the soldiers in his camp, and twice asks his mother to do what she can to bring him home. He divulges that "the boys don't find it as they expected," and that rations are only...

GLC03859.01

to: Drazilla Churchill.

Churchill learned in his mother's last letter that his brother is missing, and now offers encouragement that he will be found alive. He reveals that "disease is making sad havoc with us at present….[i]n fact I am more afraid of disease than I am of...

GLC03859.02

to: Drazilla Churchill.

Churchill is well at present, and expects "a little brush" with the Confederate Army soon. He describes the seventy mile march from Mississippi to Tennessee, and briefly mentions that the soldiers were recently paid.

GLC03859.03

to: Drazilla Churchill.

Two men, Jonathan Snook and O.B. Boughton have been sent to Michigan to recruit soldiers for the company. Churchill is well and "as fat as a stuffed chicken." The Cavalry took 26 "cotton burners or guerillas," all of whom will presumably be...

GLC03859.04

to: Drazilla Churchill.

Churchill anticipates the arrival of new troops, and hopes that the reinforcements and coming cold weather will hasten the end of the war. Newton, a fellow soldier, will be home soon as he has been discharged.

GLC03859.05

to: Drazilla Churchill.

Churchill describes a false alarm the previous evening, when a picket reported around 2:00 A.M. that "the Rebels were coming in force." All of the soldiers turned out equipped to fight, and remained ready until 6:00 A.M., when it became apparent...

GLC03859.06

to: Drazilla Churchill.

Churchill reports that "one of the men in Co. F accidentally shot his mess mate yesterday through the body," and that accidents such as this are frequent. As he writes, two pickets are approaching with a pair of "secesh." He again expresses...

GLC03859.07

to Drazilla Churchill

Reassures his mother of his safety by confirming that his division has been successful in the area of Corinth, Mississippi. Discussing Confederate General Sterling Price, writes "Wee have give Genrel Prise Hell in Mississippi and tenn He was...

GLC03859.08

to: Drazilla Churchill.

Churchill reports that Captain Waterman has been discharged and will be coming home with money for Mrs. Churchill. The letter instructs Mrs. Churchill to purchase stamps with this money, which she should send to him at Corinth.

GLC03859.09

to: Drazilla Churchill.

Churchill learns that Snook and Boughton are still at home awaiting orders to return to camp. His mother must have written of their unsuccessful efforts locate new recruits, and Churchill laments the cowardliness of those who continue to remain at...

GLC03859.10

to: Drazilla Churchill.

Churchill complains of the sheer number of African Americans in the South, and shows reservations about allowing them to become free: "[I]f the nigers are free…then you will see how them Black Devils will flock for the north and I am sure we don't...

GLC03859.11

to: Drazilla Churchill.

There is news of an upcoming draft, which Churchill hopes will draw largely on Democrats and Abolitionists. Churchill also reacts to the arming of African American in South Carolina: "…I wished it was the Negroes that was slain instid of our white...

GLC03859.12

to: Drazilla Churchill.

A train with 900 prisoners passed through Grand Junction, and another 1500 are waiting to be transported from Holey [Holly] Springs. The 900 passengers cheered Jefferson Davis and the Southern Confederacy upon pulling out of the station. Churchill...

GLC03859.13

to: Drazilla Churchill.

Churchill's brother William has been missing for some time, and his mother's attempts to find him have been unsuccessful. Churchill will not be granted a discharge as his health is too good, and no furloughs are being granted at this time. The...

GLC03859.14

to: Drazilla Churchill.

Churchill's regiment got into a brawl with soldiers and officers of the 46th Ohio Regiment after some of them had been drinking. No shots were fired, however, and Churchill expresses relief at this: "[I]t would have be a affle [awful] thing if we...

GLC03859.15

to: Drazilla Churchill.

Churchill wishes to see everyone at home, but knows that this is impossible at the moment. He observes of Grand Junction: "We are in a very good Plase hare [here] how long, we shall stay here I cannot tell…" All are in good health, with Churchill's...

GLC03859.16

to: Drazilla Churchill.

Churchill received his pay, but has no money left to send to his mother after paying his clothing bill. He believes he may get furlough sometime over the summer. If he does, he would like his mother "to arrange things so to kepe me thair for I am...

GLC03859.17

to: Drazilla Churchill.

Churchill's regiment is now stationed at Snyder's Bluff, where "the hole armey is bysly [busily] in Gaiged [engaged] in diging intrenchments and Bilding foarts…" From their vantage point above Vicksburg, they are "bombarding the sity With our Hevy...

GLC03859.18

to: Drazilla Churchill.

Churchill's foot was run over by a wagon on the march to Bridgeport, so he is now driving the ambulance with the doctor. He observes a great rush to the front, but is not certain whether his regiment will be advancing there as well. Churchill notes...

GLC03859.19

to: Drazilla Churchill.

Churchill's regiment is moving towards Atlanta, driving the Confederates before them. Recent fighting has resulted in no casualties in Churchill's regiment, although he reports 16 wounded.

GLC03859.20

to: Drazilla Churchill.

Churchill reports the evacuation of the enemy from their works the night before last, and men are now engaged in "reversing the rebel works." All is quiet as of this morning. Churchill tells how he spent the Fourth of July marching 16 miles or more...

GLC03859.21

to: Drazilla Churchill.

Churchill reports that he was involved in heavy fighting on both the 22nd and 28th, but fortunately escaped unhurt. The surgeon believes that there were 33 men wounded, one killed, and one who died of his wounds. There appears to be some sort of...

GLC03859.22

to: Drazilla Churchill.

Brief note enclosing his certificate of reenlistment.

GLC03859.23

to: Drazilla Churchill.

Churchill reports little action, with the exception of the artillery exchanging shots now and then. Camp was moved this morning and all are now engaged in erecting shelter against the sun, heat, and rain. Churchill was on the skirmish line all the...

GLC03859.24

to: Drazilla Churchill.

Churchill reports very little going on: "[We] don't have ena thing [anything] to do onlee to eat and sleap." This respite apparently comes after a busy period of building works. Churchill received a letter from Olive in Illinois, who reports that...

GLC03859.25

to: Drazilla Churchill.

Churchill wishes his mother to know that he is alive and that he arrived at the hospital at David's Island from Wilmington, where he spent a month in the hospital there. Previously, he was a prisoner in Florence, S.C., where he suffered frostbite...

GLC03859.26

to: Drazilla Churchill.

Churchill would like his mother to send a box from home as his appetite is very good. Mrs. Robins laments the suffering of the soldiers, and urges the end of the war. She wishes no mercy for the South for their part in this "terrible tragedy."

GLC03859.27

to: Drazilla Churchill.

Churchill is making strides in his recovery, and believes that if he could get a furlough he could make the journey home, despite the fact that he cannot walk due to the condition of his feet. Mrs. Robins has hope that Col. Geer, who accompanied...

GLC03859.28

to: Drazilla Churchill.

Churchill requests that his Uncle Nelson come and escort him home. He expects to be well enough to get out of bed in a few days.

GLC03859.29

to: Drazilla Churchill.

Churchill is well enough to go outdoors, but is not yet completely recovered. He requests ten to fifteen dollars from his mother to last him the remainder of his stay in the hospital, and expects to receive his discharge soon.

GLC03859.30

to: Drazilla Churchill.

Churchill chastises his mother for not writing, and reminds her to send the money he requested previously. It was announced in the newspaper that all who have suffered in Southern prisons should be discharged with three months extra pay, thus he and...

GLC03859.31

to: Drazilla Churchill.

Churchill has still received no word from his mother, nor has he received any money from her. Mrs. Robins argues that the money is unnecessary, as he gets plenty to eat at the hospital. He is recovering rapidly and should be able to walk by the...

GLC03859.32

to: "Well Brothe."

Churchill's doctor has taken another bone out of his toe, thus his recovery has been slightly delayed. He seems bored and restless ("I can't find anything to do….I have nothing to write so I do this to amuse myself…"), and asks the recipient to send...

GLC03859.33

to Drazilla Churchill

Churchill has finally received the letter and money sent by his mother. He writes of a few boys leaving the hospital each day, though there is no sign yet of his own discharge. His health is generally good, although he is bothered by an itch in his...

GLC03859.34

[Collection of Eleazer L. Sarsons, C company, 4th regiment, New Hampshire, infantry] [decimalized]

Contains account of his capture and release from Andersonville; his exchange; Lee's surrender. Includes description and drawing of Fort Marion.

GLC03953

to his brothers and sisters

Explains the course of travel that brought him to Goldsboro, North Carolina and his expectation to head to the front. Comments that "this Rebellion is about played out they are in our grasp. Lee has surrendered and Johnson is hemed in...Richmond is...

GLC03953.01

to C.W. Foster

Writes to Colonel Foster, the assistant adjutant-general of volunteers, to request that he be allowed to remain in the service in a "colored organization." Recounts his history of service in the Union Army since 1861, which included a period as a...

GLC03953.02

[Drawing of Fort Marion (Castillo de San Marcos) in St. Augustine, Florida]

The drawing shows an east side view of Fort Marion, which was controlled by the Confederacy during the Civil War. On the back is a note describing the fort, it's building material (coquina) made from crushed shells and its construction by the...

GLC03953.03

to Asa W. Slayton

Chester mentions a letter sent the day before and the continued good health of their brothers with him. He describes the location of regiment in relationship to Atlanta and the rail road tracks and expresses hope that they will be in possession of...

GLC03955.01

to Asa W. Slayton

Chester mentions a letter sent a week ago. He explains that because it is a holiday no work has been assigned. He describes fighting in recent week in the battles of Kennesaw Mountain and Marietta, GA as particularly bloody. He describes a break...

GLC03955.02

to Asa W. Slayton

All is quite on the front but troops expect to fight again soon. Chester requests that Asa send him a new diary. He mentions the inferiority of camp medical care and fear of comrade's death. A comrade who had a good chance of recovery in last...

GLC03955.03

to Asa W. Slayton

Chester comments on his disappointment at not receiving frequent correspondence from home. Claims to have been kept very busy, "Uncle Samyuel, or his Generals, kept us so busy making strategical movements trying to get around the left flank of the...

GLC03955.04

to unknown

Chester M. Slayton [to unknown recipient on piece of scrap paper] "A hard battle is raging Co. B unharmed." C.M.S.

GLC03955.06

to unknown

[Written on scrap paper with no names or date] "Look out for thieves Roch. has lost four or five bushels of wheat lately others have lost oats & - we keep on the look-out- & somebody will get caught- some of these times Il bet."

GLC03955.07

to Asa W. Slayton

Mary sends holiday wishes. Expresses surprise at the receipt of letter. Gives news of the death of Herman Hunt enlisted in 21st Michigan. Describes funeral of fellow teacher. Reports of good health among Asa's wife, sister, and sister-in-law....

GLC03955.12

to Asa W. Slayton

Emma thanks Asa for sending her a birthday package. She reports that the other brothers have also sent packages. Emma reminisces about times when the family was together and expresses grievance over recent death of their father. She offers to...

GLC03955.13

to citizens of Grattan Michigan

Slayton thanks the committee for their recognition, but accepts the sword on the behalf of all the men who have enlisted. Slayton recognizes that enslaved people are being used to aide the Confederates and that the continued allowance of slavery is...

GLC03955.15

Monitors on the James River with ALS to Hallie Mayers from "Joe" and album

Albumen print of monitors on the James River and an accompanying letter. ALS measures 20.2 x 12.5 cm.

GLC04938

to mother

He has received a thirty day furlough and will start home on Friday. He describes ships decorated and batteries firing in observance of the 4th of July.

GLC04662.071

to mother

He is on his way back to the front. He has seen a physician about his "comforter" trouble. It caused his eye to swell shut and had to be opened by the doctor.

GLC04662.072

to mother

Rumors that the federal line at Petersburg has advanced and captured several lines of rifle pits.

GLC04662.073

to mother

The death of Cousin Lydia's child. Reports on a battle [Weldon Railroad] and expects that Grant will remove all troops from the other side of the James and begin a new strategy.

GLC04662.074

to mother

A quick note sent with a check for $100.

GLC04662.075

to mother

He was sorry to learn that his mother has a sore finger and urges her to use a soap and sugar poultice prescribed by the doctor. He reports that men injured early in the campaign are now returning to duty.

GLC04662.076

to mother

They have received word of the capture of Atlanta. His train and depot were inspected and Col. Howard said, "he never before saw a depot in as good order..." Grant's army has taken possession of the Weldon railroad. He is trying to find a...

GLC04662.077

to mother

Reports that more and more reinforcements arrive daily. Leon [Brown # 126 , in 4663 his letter is addressed to cousin Louise] has become a clerk for Walbridge.

GLC04662.078

to mother

He wishes his mother would not feel guilty about using the money he sends home, and instructs her to hire a servant if she intends to take in boarders. Thomas [Colson, see # 80.] has had financial troubles. Walbridge offered him a job at $30 a...

GLC04662.079

to mother

Thomas Colson has arrived and now works in the blacksmith shop. Walbridge must assume the duties of depot Quartermaster in addition to his regular duties. He hopes to be promoted and is building a log office. Notes 33 Confederates deserted and...

GLC04662.080

to mother

He is glad to hear that his mother's boarders are not disagreeable. Louise has resumed teaching school. He needs to buy a coat and has assumed responsibilities for foraging and steamers.

GLC04662.081

to mother

Received a package from home. The honey jar broke and made everything sticky, but did no real damage. A family across the river sent some butter and wine jelly as a thank you for ice sent to them when they were sick. The family had treated...

GLC04662.082

to mother

The enlistments of many men of the 100th have expired, but the government will not muster them out until 1/9. He is angry that someone told his family there was a yellow fever epidemic at Bermuda Hundred; there had not been one case yet.

GLC04662.083

to mother

Had Thanksgiving dinner with Captain Phelm onboard the "Daylight." A scrap book had started correspondence between Phelm and Annie [Walbridge's sister]. Rumors that Sherman is close to capturing Savannah. Wishes he was home to escort his sisters...

GLC04662.084

to mother

Sent home money for Christmas presents. Wishes he could be home for Christmas. He has been busy getting supplies ready for an upcoming expedition.

GLC04662.085

to mother

Short note sent with a Christmas gift [a tea service, see #89].

GLC04662.086

to mother

A steamer arrived with 1700 express boxes, two of which were for Walbridge. Hopes that the good fortune shown with the surrender of Savannah and Fort Fisher will continue with future success. A letter from Annie makes his wonder if she has become...

GLC04662.087

to mother

He will deliver Annie's Christmas present to Phelm on New Years Day. An expedition to take Wilmington, North Carolina failed.

GLC04662.088

to mother

Notes he is glad to hear his mother liked the tea service, but worries that she has not acknowledge the money he sent. An explosion finished construction on the Dutch Gap Canal.

GLC04662.089

to mother

He and George have visited family members in New York and have been to the Brooklyn Academy of Music. He leaves for Baltimore in the evening.

GLC04662.090

to mother

General Butler has been removed from command and some of his staff officers are going with him. His mother has finally received the letter and money he sent before Christmas. He had a mild case of dysentery.

GLC04662.091

to mother

He thinks the rebellion will be over by the 4th of July. Reminisces about friends and playing in the snow. Leon must return to his regiment. Confederate peace commissioners came into Union lines while Confederate bands played patriotic union songs...

GLC04662.092

to mother

The capture of Wilmington and Fort Anderson. Worries that Beauregard and Lee will join forces. Many southerners are deserting into union lines and even more are simply going home. He has been ordered to the Department of the South. Describes the...

GLC04662.093

to mother

He has no news to relate. Is anxiously awaiting news about Sherman. The Richmond papers will not print anything about Sherman's march because they do not want to reveal any information the North might not know.

GLC04662.094

to mother

Visiting acquaintances who have rented a plantation and planted a corn crop. He was surprised to learn that some of the plowhands were women. Walbridge has invested $1000.

GLC04662.095

to mother

He is looking forward to the end of the war so he can find employment. He writes that he can give a family friend a job as a driver for $30 a month plus rations.

GLC04662.096

to mother

He writes to announce his commission as a brevet major.

GLC04662.097

to mother

The quartermaster is buying the arms of Confederates who have deserted. Walbridge advises his mother on financial affairs.

GLC04662.098

to mother

Order to be the quartermaster of General Turner's division at Wilmington, N.C. His employees at Bermuda Hundred gave him a watch and a chair as a going away present. Written on board steamer "Transit."

GLC04662.099

to mother

He is now Chief Quartermaster of the 10th Army Corps, which gives him the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Leon is also stationed at Wilmington.

GLC04662.100

to Mrs. Walbridge

Writes to his mother that Union General William T. Sherman's army is in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he is also comfortably stationed. Reports that they left Faisson's depot on 10 April and marched four days to Raleigh. Recounts his duty during...

GLC04662.101

to mother

Mr. Pratt has offered to help George and Walbridge start their own business in Chicago. Walbridge announces he will stay in the army for a few months.

GLC04662.102

to mother

Quick note sent with a check for $100.

GLC04662.103

to mother

Describes the contents of his house as a bunk, table, washstand, chair, and bench all made of unpainted wood. The cooking is done in a small tent in back of the house. He hopes to get a furlough.

GLC04662.104

to mother

He has just returned from furlough and has finally received his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. He is rethinking his intention to resign since his new rank brings with it an annual salary of $2700.

GLC04662.105

to mother

The troops have been paid off and are beginning to desert. He thinks he may resign from the army soon.

GLC04662.106

to mother

He no longer receives the pay of a Lieutenant Colonel. He plans to leave the army in a few days. The 100th regiment is in Richmond and will be mustered out.

GLC04662.107