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Dear Parents and Sisters

GLC03606.19

Dear Parents and Sisters

GLC03606.20

Dear Parents and Sisters

GLC03606.21

Dear Parents and Sisters

GLC03606.22

Dear Parents and Sisters

GLC03606.23

Dear Parents and Sisters

GLC03606.24

Dear Parents and Sisters

GLC03606.25

Dear Parents and Sisters

GLC03606.26

Dear Friends

Written at Camp Cash

GLC03606.27

Dear Friends

GLC03606.28

Dear Friends

GLC03606.29

Dear Friends

GLC03606.30

Dear Sister Sylvia

GLC03606.31

Dear Brother

GLC03606.32

[Collection of George and Bart Brigham] [Decimalized .01-.08]

Letters are from George Brigham and H. B. Brigham to their sister Lucretia. With a hand-drawn "Plan of the Battle of Fredericksburg, VA."

GLC03607

to Lucretia Bingham

Sending home part of his wages for her to keep for him. Asks for newspapers including Lesley's, Harpers Weekly and The True Flag. On patriotic stationery with the title "The Shield." Features the Union shield between the dates 1776 and 1861.

GLC03607.01

to Lucretia Bingham

Comments, "The Rebels Show themselves once in a While along the banks of the River but they all leave as soon as We give them a shot they Will not fight unless they have the advantage and then they fight like Bull Dogs and I whish that they were all...

GLC03607.02

to Lucretia Bingham

He wrote a letter to George. Also discusses the weather. He tells her to direct her letters to "H. B. Bingham 2nd Co. Heavy Artillary [sic]. Capt. Niebuhr. Fort Warren, Boston Harbor. "

GLC03607.04

to Lucretia Bingham

He arrived in camp two weeks ago. The regiment received their uniforms and expect to be issued their weapons with in the week. They drill four hours a day and spend the rest of their time playing cards or laying in their quarters. Written at Fort...

GLC03607.05

to Lucretia Bingham

He received the box she sent. Mentions the cold weather and that he has not heard from their brother George for a while. He is not worried though because George's name has not appeared on the list of killed. On patriotic stationery and with a...

GLC03607.06

to Lucretia Bingham

Signed Bart, but probably H. B. due to location. He discusses George's letter about the Battle of Fredericksburg. Place from post mark on envelope.

GLC03607.07

[Map of Fredericksburg]

A fairly complete and accurate map of the Union position at Fredericksburg. Shows federal positions, pontoon bridges, geographic features, roads and houses used as hospitals. The position held by Gibbon's Division is slightly exaggerated.

GLC03607.08

to Mary Williams

Williams, a Union soldier, informs his sister that he was taken prisoner during the Battle of the Crater by Confederate forces the previous day. Relates that he was not wounded, and is in excellent health. Instructs Mary to write to Mrs. L. F. Hand...

GLC03618

to his mother

Says there was a big fight at Newport News the day before. Says the "Merrimac" came down with the "Yorktown," "Jamestown," and other boats. Reports that "Merrimac ran into and sunk Cumberland killing half her crew, raked the Congress fore and aft...

GLC03681.01

to his mother

Not signed by Asa Smith. Says they are to remain there because of the "Monitor" and that if they can get through tonight they will be secure. Describes the sinking of the "Cumberland" and the burning of the "Congress" by the "Merrimac." Says the...

GLC03681.02

to his mother

Continuation of his letter from GLC03861.02 - he numbers the pages 5-8. Goes on to describe the situation involving the Confederate attack near Newport News, as well as the action of the CSS "Merrimac" and USS "Monitor." Says the 20th and 99th New...

GLC03681.03

to Mrs. Smith [incomplete]

Written to his mother on patriotic stationery reporting on his movements from the time of leaving camp until his arrival at the site of the Battle of Fair Oaks.

GLC03683

to Emily Corbin [Incomplete]

Lists some of the men and their injuries, all of which came from the 1st Regiment, Light Artillery, N. Y. S. Volunteers (Pettit's Battery). Also lists supplies lost, repairs made, patching up a Lieutenant Sheldon, and being left there "in care of...

GLC03685

[Collection of Asa Smith, K company, 16th regiment, Massachusetts, infantry] [decimalized]

The Asa D. Smith collection of Civil War correspondence includes letters written to his family in Massachusetts. Smith writes most of his letters from Camp Hamilton in Hampton, Virginia, with a few from Suffolk, Virginia as the regiment moves into...

GLC03696

to mother

to mother [Ann Smith] His life at camp is "quiet," and the troops are making their own fun by stealing beer from the sutler's tent. He was surprised when he saw in a paper that Corporal Asa Smith from Indiana was injured, but "was pleased to know...

GLC03696.01

to mother

to mother [Ann Smith] A "spasm" occurred involving an attack on a Union foraging party, causing orders to be prepared to leave. He describes the arrival of troops, arms, and ships, noting those ships from Massachusetts. He tells of a letter he...

GLC03696.02

to father

to father [Ebeniser Smith] the possibility of his regiment moving from Camp Cameron either on that day or the next. He says they will probably move by land, not steamer, but is unsure where they were going. Written at Camp Cameron.

GLC03696.03

to mother

to mother [Ann Smith] He notes the arrival of three regiments, saying that it appears there is going to be a fight and implying that Yorktown will be hurt by the Union's forces. He describes how troops from Delaware caught a Confederate soldier, and...

GLC03696.04

to mother

to mother [Ann Smith] Life in camp is dull. The regiment has a new lieutenant. His company is very good at drilling, and they are practicing under Col. Max Weber from Europe. The brigade practiced firing, and he says "there is music in the whistle...

GLC03696.05

to sister

He writes that he heard southern regiments mutinied by Norfolk when they were not allowed to go to the defense of their states and said they would only fight under "the stars and stripes." A hard-of-hearing Union sergeant was accidentally shot by his...

GLC03696.06

to mother

to mother [Ann Smith] Companies A, C, and D marched to Newport News and saw white flags in house windows and a house on fire. The "great expedition" sailed, and he saw it in the paper and in person. Yesterday [October 30] there was a grand review...

GLC03696.07

to mother

to mother [Ann Smith] He is bored, as "There is nothing stirring here now, it is the dullest time that I have seen since I have been here," and talks about a recent storm and requests a blanket be sent to him. The regiment may soon receive a Sibley...

GLC03696.08

to mother

to mother [Ann Smith] He thanks his mother for the food she sent. His regiment may move forward soon, and he hopes the Pennsylvanian troops are not put on picket duty as they are incompetent: "The soldiers of the 16th fear them more than they do the...

GLC03696.09

to sister

to sister He says there is nothing new to report except the arrival of more troops. One of the soldiers in Company C deserted and will either run to the "secesh camp" or be shot if he returns. He praises Colonel Wyman for his character, saying
"for...

GLC03696.10

to mother

to mother [Ann Smith] The men took up a collection to replace the twenty-three dollars he lost, and he says, "It came unexpected but was welcome and shows a good feeling towards me that pleases me much." He sent fifteen dollars home to avoid losing...

GLC03696.11

to mother

to mother [Ann Smith] He is feeling better now and his shakes are gone. The "mounted rifles" [cavalry] have arrived, and brought a "secesh" with them. Another squad of cavalry had a skirmish with 150 rebels and was overpowered. Eventually the...

GLC03696.12

to mother

to mother [Ann Smith] The regiment has received orders, and will probably soon be moving to Richmond. He was unable to break the bill from home. The Union boys "played some rough games on the ignorant Secesh, in the matter of money," using wrappers...

GLC03696.13

to mother

to mother [Ann Smith] He received a letter from the clerk of Victor, and sends it on to other men. The troops have left Camp Huger and marched to the fairgrounds. He has the shakes. The mayor of the town has given up his keys, and the Union military...

GLC03696.14

to mother

to mother [Ann Smith] The regiment is now under the command of General McClellan. General Wool has stepped down. He says Wool was starting to show his age. They have no orders to go yet, but it seems to be coming soon. Col. [Peirce] is a "disgrace to...

GLC03696.15

to Parents re: soldier's letter recounting details of Sherman's march

Unsigned letter, describing Sherman's march from Savannah, through Georgia and the Carolinas from 1/29/1865.

GLC03741

to Asa Smith

Letters from William Smith to his brother Asa Smith. The Smith family appears to be from Newton, Massachusetts. See GLC03681.01-.03 for letters by Asa Smith to his mother on the battle between the USS "Monitor" and the CSS "Merrimac."

GLC03742

to Asa Smith

There are four separate notes from various family members to Asa Smith updating him on family and home life. One is from his sister "Maria," one from his sister "Carrie," another from his sister "Mary," and the last is from his mother. Maria's note...

GLC03742.02

to Asa Smith

Written by William to his brother Asa. Says he has sent Asa three letters since his last letter of 14 January, even though he has not received any of them. Reports that "the army are alive with joy and excitement here over with the good news from the...

GLC03742.06

to Asa Smith

Written by William to his brother Asa. References receiving Asa's letter. Hopes the mud is no deeper than it is where he is. Says he almost got stuck with a team of 6 horses at Arlington. Says "25 negroes went out beyond our camp to cut wood for the...

GLC03742.07

to Asa Smith

Written by William Wallace Smith to his brother Asa Smith. Mentions high winds that blew through camp recently. Says in less than a half hour half the tents in camp were down, and by evening there were only 10 left standing. Says they were ordered to...

GLC03742.09

to Lewis Anthony

Discusses the Election of 1864 and soldiers support for President Abraham Lincoln.

GLC03755

[Collection of letters belonging to Clarence Calkins, 1863-1888][Decimalized .01-.46]

Collection of letters belonging to Clarence Calkins dated 1863-1888. Correspondence is primarily sent between Clarence to his family members; Samuel J. Calkins, his father; Nettie and Nellie his sisters; and his brother Oscar Calkins. Contents...

GLC03766

Louisville daily journal. [Vol. 34, no. 1 (November 24, 1863)]

General Steele's Course in Arkansas, Pursuit of Rebels under Faulkner.
A.J. Daugherty writes about various generals on their work in the Cumberland area. A letter from a Union solder to the Journal describes the ceremony of a flag presentation to the...

GLC05959.14.29

[Collection of 5 letters to his friend and wife] [Decimalized .01-.05]

Adam M. Hallidy was a Union Army soldier during the Civil War and was in Company K, 2nd D.C. Volunteers. He married his friend Maggie McClelland 19 March 1864.

GLC05522

to Margaret Hallidy

Replies to Maggie's letter about her serious cold and admits his deep fear of losing her to tuberculosis. Mentions his recent cold and his home remedy to cure it. Assures her that if she needs anything he will try to send her money if he can....

GLC05522.05

to Adi Meyers

Recipient is from Clear Creek, New York. Reports death of friend at Fair Oaks and mentions General O. O. Howard. Writes, "General Howard rode up to us & said 'The 64th Must not brake.' " On patriotic letterhead and envelope.

GLC05594

to Mary E. Hurlbut

Discusses his love for her and Ulysses Grant's drinking problem. To his fiancée, with pencil lines between the pen. On Grant's drinking: "The necessity of my presence has made almost absolute, by the free use of intoxicating spirits liquors at Head...

GLC05606

[Collection of John Jones, Company F, 45th regiment, Illinois, infantry] [decimalized]

Contains vivid battle descriptions and political content. On 13 March 1863, he writes of his opposition to a $300 fee to avoid draft "based precisely on the same principle with the conscription of the 'Southern Confederacy' which exempts a man...

GLC05981

to his wife

Explains the situation of the Civil War. Written from up the Tennessee River.

GLC05981.01

to his wife

Explains the mail he has received lately. Tells his wife he is sending 33 dollars and writes on what to do with the money. Tells her that his family cares about her very much.

GLC05981.02

to his wife

Discusses the Civil War.

GLC05981.03

to his wife

He is trying to cheer up his wife because she feels lonesome. Explains the evacuation of Corinth in detail.

GLC05981.04

to his wife

Described his trip to Jackson. Describes the land. Discusses the situation of the Civil War in Jackson.

GLC05981.05

to his wife

He says that July 4th (mistakenly written 1st) went quietly. He wanted at least a parade. Hopes to be back home by next year's 4th of July. Writes about the march.

GLC05981.06

to his wife

Gives a detailed account of a skirmish that happened earlier. Writes what happened after the skirmish in detail.

GLC05981.07

to his wife

He heard that the western army is in combat. Talks about the Negro Companies in the Civil War. Discusses the Emancipation Proclamation. Writes about a train accident. He hopes to be home by spring.

GLC05981.08

to his wife

His family is thinking about moving to the west. Received a few letters. He is asking his wife to teach in a certain district. Describes his colonel. Wants to know about Edwin, his brother.

GLC05981.10

to his wife

Explains in detail what happened when he was leaving Jackson. Wants to get paid.

GLC05981.11

to his wife

Thanks his wife for the items she sent him. Describes the place where he is sleeping. Thinks about the end of the war. Writes about a rumor. Includes a detailed weather report.

GLC05981.12

to his wife

Explains his daily routine. Describes his marching adventures. Tells wife what is going on with his sister.

GLC05981.13

to his wife

Writes about the food, an adventure with his regiment, and the rumors that have surfaced around camp. Hopes Vicksburg, Mississippi has fallen by now. Gives a short weather report.

GLC05981.14

to his wife

Says that he postponed sending this letter earlier in fear of someone taking the 10 dollars he was sending. Notes how the city of Memphis gets men drunk. Mentions his plans after the war is over. Gives his opinions on the war and "the Negro" in...

GLC05981.15

to his wife

Describes the letters he has received. Hopes to receive a large salary soon, and tells wife what to do with the money. Gives his opinion on African Americans.

GLC05981.16

to his wife

Mentions the first anniversary of their wedding day. Writes about when they first got married, and discusses how the first year of marriage has impacted his life. Writes, "We shall go toward Vicksburg." Expects to be paid in a few days. Mentions...

GLC05981.17

to his wife

Described his trip leaving Memphis. Describes the scenery and gives a weather report. Mentions some plans to fight against the South in and around Vicksburg. Describes a house where he found a mahogany table. Mentions receiving a few letters.

GLC05981.18

to his wife

Reveals his favorite time to write letters. Mentions his experience meeting someone from home. Writes, the "South will yield." Loves being in Lake Providence. Describes the situation at the bayou.

GLC05981.19

to his wife

Notes that he is happy to receive mail from Mary, his wife. Includes opinions on the Confederates. Explains a dream he had.

GLC05981.20

to his wife

Written from the bank of the Mississippi, six miles from Providence. Explains his trip leaving Lake Providence. He is camping in a corn field. Mentions a disaster in Louisiana. Feels sorry for the ones who lost loved ones in the war.

GLC05981.21

to his wife

Starts to number his letters because Mary complains of not receiving any of them. Includes his opinion on African Americans.

GLC05981.22

to his wife

He is admiring the scenery, feels a little homesick, and talks about his childhood. Soldiers are building a bridge to get healthier water.

GLC05981.23

to his wife

Writes about a few things that happened to his fellow soldiers. Notes that he wants new clothes.

GLC05981.24

to his wife

Writes from the "rear of Vicksburg." Does not know how long he will remain there. Thinks that the end of the war is near. Mentions the fall of Vicksburg, noting that the siege lasted two weeks. Describes his health and eating habits.

GLC05981.25

to his wife

Progress report on the situation at Vicksburg. Mentions [General Ulysses S.] Grant.

GLC05981.26

to his wife

Writes from the "rear of Vicksburg." Discusses why he does not like getting wet. Mentions the Illinois soldiers fighting in Vicksburg, noting that some soldiers were wounded.

GLC05981.27

to his wife

Writes from the "rear of Vicksburg." Notes that he is happy to receive a photo from Mary (his wife). Reports on the Civil War. Gives his opinion on African American regiments. Discusses the adventures of a man who went to jail. Mentions how...

GLC05981.28

to his wife

Writes from "befor Vicksburg." Notes that his regiment fought and his general was killed. During battle, many soldiers have been wounded but another regiment came in and helped. He wonders when the killing will stop.

GLC05981.29

to his wife

Discusses the situation with the mail. Writes about his friend who is a soldier. Notes that he has been working very hard.

GLC05981.30

to his wife

Writes "I don't think my poor body can stand much more severe broiling." Mentions his first experience on a mule.

GLC05981.31

to his wife

Wants to come home but has no idea where or how he will end up after the war. Tells Mary that he cannot come home at this time, like he said a year ago.

GLC05981.32

to his wife

Discusses his adventures going down the river. Hopes to be home soon.

GLC05981.33

to his wife

Complains about all the dust. Feels lonesome. Writes about an incident he had with a woman he met.

GLC05981.34

to his wife

Has been feeling very lonesome. Mentions when he first met Mary. He has been promoted to quartermaster in his regiment. Reports that a boat was burned and 40 people died in the fire.

GLC05981.35

to his wife

Has not been able to write because he was on an expedition. Writes about a woman with 6 children. Promises to send Mary some money as soon as he can.

GLC05981.36

to his wife

Expects a letter from Mary.

GLC05981.37

to his wife

He just got paid, and paid off his debts. Sends Mary 10 dollars. Gives a weather report.

GLC05981.38

to his wife

Went to Vicksburg, Mississippi on horseback. Mary told him to explain a passage in one of his letters, but he cannot because he does not remember. Wants to know what he wrote in previous letters. Notes that he gets the "blues" once in a while....

GLC05981.39

to his wife

Relates that nothing new is going on. Mentions a small skirmish that the Union won. Mentions reenlistment, noting that he is looking for someone to take his place in the army.

GLC05981.40

to his wife

Goes into detail about a person he met in town. Went to visit a regiment. Gives a detailed weather report.

GLC05981.41

to his wife

Expected mail from Vicksburg, but the mail never came. Notes that it has been a long time since he has received any mail. Writes a weather report. Some soldiers will be leaving on furlough. He envies them. Relays a conversation with Lieutenant Bush...

GLC05981.42

to his wife

Reports that mail came in, but he did not receive any. He is disappointed that he has not been able to go home yet. Gives a prediction of the end of the Civil War and a detailed weather report. Notes that he got paid.

GLC05981.43