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to mother

His stock is not selling as fast as he had hoped. He thinks Darlington is the wealthiest district in the state and adds, "The people are very sesech in their proclivities and are as 'ugly as sin', as the children say."

GLC04662.111

to mother

He has been renting out his teams, but will now sell them. He received a job offer from Pratt & Co. and plans to accept it.

GLC04662.112

to mother

His stock is selling slowly, but he has already made enough to cover his original purchase and all his expenses. He will hold an auction and hopes to sell of the rest of the teams at that time. Hopes to be home before Christmas.

GLC04662.113

to mother

Describes the damage done by union bombardment and subsequent fires. Hopes to dispose of his stock in auction. Wants to be home for Christmas.

GLC04662.114

to mother

He asks his mother to buy Christmas presents for him to give to the rest of the family. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving in Charleston, "But the southern people know nothing about our time honored anniversary. Thanksgiving is pre-eminently a New England...

GLC04662.115

to mother

He has made $3000 in profit in the last three months. Still hopes to be home for Christmas.

GLC04662.116

to mother

Describes the auctions which are occurring throughout the state. Discusses the weather, which is quite warm one day and cool the next. Also discusses the economic stagnation of the south.

GLC04662.117

to mother

Does not think his family needs to worry about an outbreak of small pox near their house. He thinks his vaccination kept him from getting the disease, even though he was in the company of small pox victims on several occasions. He has been delayed...

GLC04662.118

to mother

He has purchased many items at auction, including 257 army wagons. He spilled a mixture of kerosene oil and lamp black all over his face and clothes and had a horrible time trying to clean up.

GLC04662.119

to mother

He is feeling homesick. Selling the mules and wagons is taking a long time. He writes of a girl from home, Katie Pratt, whom he is interested in and who his mother thinks would be a good choice for a wife. Yet he will not marry until he is...

GLC04662.120

to mother

He has a 22 hour lay over while waiting for a train. He plans to go to Macon, and Savannah, Georgia before catching a steamer bound for New York. The family oil well has made "a fair show." He can not wait to come home and work.

GLC04662.122

to mother

He writes of the health of family members in the city, discusses repairs made to family property, and attended an organ concert at Henry Ward Beecher's church.

GLC04662.124

to mother

He encloses $30 and contains a list for the dispersal of the money as Christmas gifts. Date inferred from information in letter # 85.

GLC04662.125

to Minnie

Writes to his sister about the discharge of troops, including Leon Brown. Mentions the garden back home and that he does not think he will get a furlough.

GLC04662.126

[Collection of Charles E. Walbridge, H company, 100th Regiment, New York, Infantry] [Decimalized .01-.74]

Collection contains the letters of Charles E. Walbridge, of Buffalo, New York, to his sister Louise. The collection consists of 71 letters to his sister, 2 letters of his sister to Charles Walbridge, and 1 letter from Leon Brown to Louise Walbridge...

GLC04663

to Louise Walbridge

Discusses marching orders, his impression of Warwick, and building a road to Yorktown.

GLC04663.02

to Louise Walbridge

Advises his sister not to teach any longer, managing the property and defends his brigade from attacks resulting from their performance at Fair Oaks. He also tells of wounded men who lay on the battlefield for three days and who claimed to have been...

GLC04663.03

to Louise Walbridge

Mentions Stuart's raid at Tunstall's Station.

GLC04663.04

to Louise Walbridge

He estimates the Confederate army at 200,000. There have been thunderstorms every night for several days, yet the days have been sunny.

GLC04663.05

to Louise Walbridge

Notes he saw a girl from home in Alexandria. Discusses the fate of friends, the weather and two photographs that have disappeared.

GLC04663.08

to Louise Walbridge

Writes of the cold weather and a recent snowfall. Notes he ixed up his tent for the winter months and has received gloves from mother.

GLC04663.09

to Louise Walbridge

Tells how a Southern woman tried to burn down her house rather than let the North use it for a hospital. Also speculates on the possibility of foreign war, reparations for damages caused by a pirate, invasion from Canada, and advice for fortifying...

GLC04663.10

to Louise Walbridge

Interesting story of a lady and child who left a package addressed to General Dix near a picket line. Upon receiving the package, Dix boarded a steamer bound for Fortress Monroe.

GLC04663.11

to Louise Walbridge

Transport via steamer, description of conditions aboard the ship. Written on board steamer Belvidere, Hampton Roads.

GLC04663.12

to Louise Walbridge

Tells of the Montauk's attack on Fort Pulaski. "I know my letters are very dull now a days but you must remember, that we are completely cut off from the outer world."

GLC04663.13

to Louise Walbridge

Talks about family affairs: his sister Sarah's illness and her decision to wean the baby; his wish to attend a party; asks about Louise's birthday.

GLC04663.14

to Louise Walbridge

"Gen'l Hunter issued an order yesterday which says that all able bodied Negroes between the ages of eighteen and fifty one, not regularly employed in the Quartermaster and Commissary Departments, or as Officer's servants, shall be drafted, and...

GLC04663.15

to Louise Walbridge

"It rains in smart little showers four times an hour." Discusses news about the 100th NY regiment. Writes of books he has read and one which he wants to read.

GLC04663.16

to Louise Walbridge

Posted to a "battery" of one brass gun and two palmetto guns, rumors of a renewed attack on Charleston, exchanging newspapers with the Confederates, who "beat us in getting possession of the New York Papers." He then discusses the dangers of such...

GLC04663.17

to Louise Walbridge

Death of friends, moving toward Charleston. Also mentions news from home: a fair raised $500, "Cousins Elbridge and Mary have done me the honor to name their baby after me."

GLC04663.18

to Louise Walbridge

News of the reception of a regiment returning to Buffalo, the homesickness of soldiers, and bathing in the ocean. Also discusses the Confederate advantage architect of interior lines.

GLC04663.19

to Louise Walbridge

Provides a reconnaissance on James Island. Reflects on the Battle of Fair Oaks, and the anniversary of that battle. Dicusses home and mentions that will leave on furlough in two weeks.

GLC04663.20

to Louise Walbridge

Read The New System of Tactics and enjoyed it. A confederate steamer runs aground and is boarded every night by union troops who take her cargo. A boil is growing on his neck.

GLC04663.21

to his son

Describes the attack on Fort Wagner. A page dated 7/20, lists missing and wounded officers. "Shortly after dark our troops advanced to the assault. The 54th Mass. (colored regiment) in the lead... [T]his regiment which went into the charge with...

GLC04663.22

to Louise Walbridge

Siege of Charleston. Four regiments of Negroes who are better at fatigue work than white soldiers. "The consequence is that fifty Negroes are equal to a hundred white soldiers, for ordinary work." Closes with the expectation that bombardment of...

GLC04663.23

to Louise Walbridge

Sister Rosalie [a Roman Catholic nun?] arrives at Folly Island from Buffalo. The joys of soldiering, progress of the siege, death of a sergeant.

GLC04663.24

to Louise Walbridge

Provides a description of the attack on the "New Ironsides" by the Confederate torpedo boat "David." "The rebels came down the harbor in a small cigar shaped steamer... She lay off some distance from the Ironsides and sent a small boat with a...

GLC04663.25

to Louise Walbridge

Encloses a piece of brick taken from Fort Sumter [not included in collection] by a scouting party. Asks about the farm and selling the mill.

GLC04663.26

to Louise Walbridge

Embarrassed by the news that several ladies inspected a uniform he sent home, worries about the recently discovered Canada Conspiracy, and pay of a black regiment. "The North Carolina regiment (colored), are to be paid off to morrow, it seems all...

GLC04663.27

to Louise Walbridge

Discusses the weather and his brother George's decision to move to New York City.

GLC04663.30

to Louise Walbridge

Troops reviewed by General Gordon. Walbridge states it was a wonderful occasion.

GLC04663.31

to Louise Walbridge

News concerning his trip to Beaufort, blockade runner tried to enter Union occupied Charleston Harbor and ran aground near Fort Moultrie.

GLC04663.32

to Louise Walbridge

Ordered to report to Jacksonville, Florida. "I have existed on Folly Island for ten months, and I am not sorry to leave it, I don't well see how I can change for the worse, as far as location is concerned."

GLC04663.33

to Louise Walbridge

Written on board steamer "Maple Leaf." Continued on 25 February and the 28 February. Describes the ship which formerly sailed on Lake Ontario and was "chartered" by the government. The section dated 25 February is written from Jacksonville...

GLC04663.34

to Louise Walbridge

Continued 3 April. Notes that General Hatch relieved General Seymour as commander of the District of Florida. Seymour is under investigation by a congressional committee on the Florida campaign. The section dated 3 April explains that a steamer...

GLC04663.35

to Louise Walbridge

Assigned to General Seymour's staff. Discusses Kilpatrick's advance toward Richmond and hopes that Sherman will capture Mobile.

GLC04663.36

to Louise Walbridge

Receives his commission [as captain, see # 42]. He is starting home on furlough but must first be mustered out of his old regiment. Hopes to visit home before George [his brother?] leaves. Death of a sister's young child.

GLC04663.37

to Louise Walbridge

Assigned to Bermuda Hundred under Major General Butler. Describes the houses and trip up the river.

GLC04663.38

to Louise Walbridge

Confederate attack near Fort Darling. Lists officers wounded and killed.

GLC04663.39

to Louise Walbridge

Reinforcements sent to Grant from Bermuda Hundred. Butler failed to capture the Petersburg and Richmond Railroad.

GLC04663.40

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

Another soldier asks Walbridge to send money home for him, news concerning the arrival of another captain from Buffalo.

GLC04663.42

to Louise Walbridge

A visit to the Petersburg lines, requests paintings done by Sarah and Louise, wonders why Lydia Walbridge still succumbs to "the humbug of spiritualism" after it has taken the lives of several of her children.

GLC04663.43

to Louise Walbridge

Requests the location of the 94th NY. Writes that most of the officers in the 100th NY regiment will not re-enlist.

GLC04663.44

to Louise Walbridge

Writing to let the family know he arrived safely [from a furlough]. The weather is very hot and there is a new chief Quartermaster.

GLC04663.45

to Louise Walbridge

Failed attempt of the 2nd and 10th Corps to take Richmond. Has not received any letters from home since his return.

GLC04663.46

to Louise Walbridge

Describes his new quarters, two tents and an open space over which is a "fly", with a diagram of the tents. Failed rebel attack at Bermuda Hundred, intercepted message from General Beauregard to General Pickett ordering the latter to destroy a...

GLC04663.47

to Louise Walbridge

Asks Louise to send to him some official papers he left at home. A detailed description of various forms used by the Quartermaster's office.

GLC04663.48

to Louise Walbridge

First encounter with persimmons [type of fruit], the success of Sheridan, building a log office for winter, reports that he knows no McClellan supporters in the Army.

GLC04663.49

to Louise Walbridge

Battle of Chapins Bluff. Rebel prisoners say they did not run because they realized that there was no hope. Thinks Sheridan will soon take Lynchburg. Regrets that Louise and Mother have to take in boarders.

GLC04663.50

to Louise Walbridge

Acknowledges receipt of a package containing honey (most of which spilled), pants, a cake, and butter. Describes the weather, is saddened to hear of the deaths of two ladies from Buffalo, expects a big battle soon. Encloses a piece of petrified...

GLC04663.51

to Louise Walbridge

Sent George a pass to come visit him as an "employee of the Quartermaster Department" and explains that Harry cannot visit because he is too young for such a pass. Preparations for George's visit: putting a stove in his tent; obtaining a horse for...

GLC04663.52

to Louise Walbridge

Discusses the mild weather they have been having, anxiously awaiting news from Sherman's campaign in Georgia, news of other officers, wishes he could attend the winter parties. "[I]t is difficult for me to write a letter; my life is so monotonous...

GLC04663.53

to Louise Walbridge

George H. Thomas' victory over John B. Hood, excitement over Sherman's march in Georgia, hopeful that peace is near, and wishes he was home for the holidays.

GLC04663.54

to Louise Walbridge

Tells of the Christmas telegram sent from [General William T.] Sherman to [President Abraham] Lincoln offering his gift of the city of Savannah, Georgia. Mentions receiving a gift from George and awaiting a package from home.

GLC04663.55

to Louise Walbridge

Trip to Winter Garden to see Booth in Hamlet, had to leave early to get a birth in the sleeping car. Leaving for Norfolk this evening.

GLC04663.56

to Louise Walbridge

Has been sick for about 10 days and has a boil on his neck. Heavy rain has turned everything to mud. "Elbridge and J.F. Whiting (Will's partner,) have become my sureties for the sum of ten thousand dollars" so he can "give bonds."

GLC04663.57

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

Weather: winter in Buffalo, spring in camp. Believes the fighting will be over by mid-summer, possibly June. News concerning Sherman, Sheridan, and Grant. He has been "brevetted" to the rank of a major, "Brevets I suppose you know are a kind of...

GLC04663.59

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 Louise Walbridge

Informs his brother that since they last communicated, several important events have taken place, the defeat and capture of General Robert E. Lee, the occupation of Richmond, and General Joseph E. Johnston's surrender to Generals Ulysses S. Grant and...

GLC04663.61

to Louise Walbridge

Appointed Inspector of the Quartermaster Department for the Department of North Carolina. Reports that there are 3,500 contrabands colonized on the island, and describes a large seminary at Raleigh.

GLC04663.62

to Louise Walbridge

Notes he selected the house of Dr. Haywood for his office and a smaller one for his quarters. The owner, a secessionist, had fled before the Union army entered the city. Family members had asked for the house to be returned to them, Walbridge...

GLC04663.63

to Louise Walbridge

Acknowledges receipt of photograph. Advice for managing rented property, read newspaper accounts of Jefferson Davis' capture while he was wearing petticoats. The Treasury confiscated the Haywood house. The officers will not be turned out since it...

GLC04663.64

to Louise Walbridge

Discusses an inspection tour. Notes he needs to sell a large number of horses and mules which the army no longer needs and are a great expense. Describes the ladies of the town of Edenton, North Carolina, and tells how the people there sing...

GLC04663.65

to Louise Walbridge

Notes that the temperature has been over 100 for several days. Notes he was promoted to Colonel. Says that he has decided to remain in the army another two or three months. Encloses a recipe for "tomato wine" [not in the collection]. Mentions he...

GLC04663.66

to Louise Walbridge

Notes that he expects to go home soon. Says that he needs to inspect, appraise and sell some animals and stores. Reports that 8,000 white troops will be mustered out of his department.

GLC04663.67

to Louise Walbridge

Has been busy with trips to Charlotte and Newberne. Business opportunities in Raleigh in which he could make a considerable amount of money in a few months, but wishes to go home. He has an opportunity to buy horses at government prices and sell...

GLC04663.68

to Louise Walbridge

Acknowledges a letter he received since venturing south on a speculation scheme. Describes the trouble of trying to travel by rail in South Carolina. The land ladies speak against Yankees during meals at boarding houses. States that South...

GLC04663.69

to Louise Walbridge

He has sold over two thousand dollars worth of horses and mules in one day. He assures his family that he is safe. Remarks on the elegant buildings. Hopes to sell all his stock in ten days.

GLC04663.70

to Louise Walbridge

Writes that he is still selling his stock. "[W]ent within ten miles of the Savannah river. I found the country almost a desert, and all the people as poor as rats. Some who formerly had splendid dwellings surrounded by every luxury, are now living...

GLC04663.71

to Charles Walbridge

Acknowledges receipt of handbills. Hopes Charles will be home for the holidays. News from family friends. Attends a reception.

GLC04663.72

to Charles Walbridge

Family news and weather. A rash of break-ins has made the family uneasy. "I heard a commotion down stairs and Mother opening the front door, a very little thing alarms us in these days of murders and robberies so I ran down stairs as fast as I could...

GLC04663.73

to Louise Walbridge

Writes that General Bidwell has been killed. Reports that Charlie is now in charge of the whole Quartermasters Department. Leon is acting as storage clerk. Talks about the election of 1864. The democrats "had an unpleasant time indeed at their...

GLC04663.74

Collection of Nicholas A. Dederer, E company, 114th regiment, New York, infantry [Decimalized .01-.12]

Letters written as Captain and Quartermaster. By end of his letters, Dederer was Provost Marshall. Rathbone seems to have been his son-in-law. The letters discuss Louisiana and New Orleans. There is much talk of arresting deserters. Brief mention...

GLC04703

to Peter B. Rathbone

The regiment's journey from Elmira to Baltimore by rail. Their march through the city, his wish for "the shoulder straps of a captain instead of a Lieut[ant's]."

GLC04703.01

to Peter B. Rathbone

Continued on 24 November and 25 November. Written on board Transport Thames near Fortress Monroe. The ship carried General Emory's Brigade. Provides instructions for dispensing money he sent home. Describes attending "Divine Worship" on the ship...

GLC04703.02

to Peter B. Rathbone

Says that he is disturbed by the news that the family has not received any of his letters. Expresses joy at the arrest of one deserter from his unit and wonders why another has not been arrested as well. Scolds his family for publishing his letters...

GLC04703.03

to Peter B. Rathbone

Continued 1 February and 2 February. Due to a measles outbreak, three companies are being detained on another ship further up the river. On his ship many are sick with fever. Describes Southern plantation houses, arrival and setting up at their new...

GLC04703.04

to Peter B. Rathbone

Continued 21 February. Receives photographs of his family and comments on their "over sanctimonious countenances." Lists some of his duties including distributing clothing to contrabands, and attending to the complaint of a Negro who was shot by an...

GLC04703.05

to Peter B. Rathbone

Admits that he feels a little down, complains about the draft and is upset by the idea that so many men are succumbing to illness, never having a chance to fight in battle. Speculates that the regiment will be sent to Texas once Vicksburg...

GLC04703.06

to Peter B. Rathbone

His leg and ankle are swollen. The regiments receives orders to be ready to march at a moments notice with a blanket, change of clothes and a few days rations. Held together by two contemporary postage stamps.

GLC04703.07

to Peter B. Rathbone

His regiment and another are assigned to drive cattle, horses, mules and sheep; an assignment he finds disgraceful. Dederer suggests that the commanding officers committed a number of mistakes in battle [possibly the Battle of Port Hudson 6/11/1863]...

GLC04703.08

to Peter B. Rathbone

He is in the hospital with jaundice. He had been sick for a week, but put off getting medical attention because he felt an engagement was immanent.

GLC04703.09

to Peter B. Rathbone

He is still in the hospital. Reassures his family that he is getting better. Acknowledges receipt of a package (the cheese was spoiled but he appreciated the brandy). General Banks orders Dederer and two other captains to report for duty or tender...

GLC04703.10

to Peter B. Rathbone

Writing from the Marine Hospital, Dederer, with the New York Volunteer Regiment notes the success of Grant at Vicksburg. His opinion of pardoning rebel soldiers: "Gen'l Butler is the damned'st Scoundrel in the whole Federal Army, but it needs such...

GLC04703.11

to Peter B. Rathbone

"A man in charge of a gang of Negroes at work on the Levee Shot a Negro and then came over here to deliver himself up to me . . . . [T]he only offense of the Negro was that he refused to work . . . ." Also writes that sugar season is coming to an...

GLC04703.12

[New York Civil War soldiers' archive, letters to Almira Winchell from four soldiers] [Decimalized .01-.26]

Letters to Winchell, from Belleville or Belle Isle, New York (Onondaga County). Winchell received letters from three soldiers, stationed mostly in Virginia: Thomas Donahue (1st NY Art., Batt. B), William Remington (101st NYS Vols.) and William...

GLC04706

to Almira Winchell

He is writing from his "little Log hut" and laments the death of General Edwin Sumner. He expects to attack Richmond and claims the army is not as demoralized as the people back home think.

GLC04706.01

to Almira Winchell

Written from the battlefield. Expects the Confederates to withdraw by the next night. Reports that Confederate prisoners are poorly clothed but "are as saucy as ever." Expresses patriotism and confidence in the Union cause and also"[G]reat...

GLC04706.02