Collection Search

to Parents

It is tough to realize that it has already been 18 months since he first joined the army. Back then, "we were quite confident of a speedy success." Thought he would be back by the following spring. "Today everything denotes that we may confidently...

GLC09355.051

to Charlie

Is about as far from General Meade's headquarters as the distance from their home to the local school house. Never saw it until two days ago. Was given some leisure time while on guard duty and used it to go to Meade's headquarters. It covers "about...

GLC09355.052

to Father

Is sending him a package which includes a pair of gloves. If he does not send them home, he will throw them away within a few days of being on the march. "I have not worn them but very little." Received his letter tonight. Captain Robinson is home on...

GLC09355.055

to Parents

Decided to write today before going out on picket duty. It "pleases me to know my many friends at home are interested in" his letters. Pat Lovett has arrived at camp. Glad to hear they have been entertained by the various officers who have the...

GLC09355.056

to brother

Just dug a grave for a member of his own company. Henry Leonard died this morning at 8:35. He had a bad cold, and "was advised to go into our regiment hospital and was getting better until last night at 11 o'clock when he was taken worse and rapidly...

GLC09355.057

to Parents

Has been working to send Henry Leonard's body home to his family for the past three days. Went to the division headquarters on behalf of the company to see how it could be done. Made "3 or 4 trips" to Brandy Station to an embalmer. "There is quote a...

GLC09355.059

to Parents

Time is flying by. Will be home in just over 16 months. Expects the next 4 months of battles will "till loudly on our regiment." They have often been part of the reserves in a battle, and therefore expects to be put in the front line more often this...

GLC09355.060

to Parents

This is likely his last Sunday at this camp. Orders came in that when they do break camp, they must not burn the camp down like usual. They must also not light any fires for the first two weeks that they are on the move so as to not give away their...

GLC09355.063

to Parents

Is on duty at the division hospital. Today is the ninth day of fighting. "We are getting the best of the Rebs but it is slow work for they are desperate." Major Moody and Captain Wetherell were both wounded. "The loss is very heavy on both sides."...

GLC09355.064

to Parents

"Sid is reported taken prisoner. He has been missing since Friday night. The 10th were surrounded and a number taken prisoners." He definitely is not killed or injured because his body was not found when the army retook that area soon after. Had he...

GLC09355.065

to Parents

About two miles from the house he wrote the last letter in. Has marched from one side of the battle line to the other and back. Saw Sid's commanding officer carried away wounded. Captain Bigelow was wounded in the head. Hopes to be able to write "a...

GLC09355.066

to Parents

It has been impossible for him to write since he sent his last letter. Does not even know if his last letters reached them. "It has been march, dig, and fight all the time." Has crossed the Pamunkey River and engaged the Rebels on the other side. Is...

GLC09355.067

to Parents

Finally got a letter from them last night. Does not know if they have gotten his other letters; they had not received any when they wrote their most recent letter. Manson [Munyan] died a week ago at Fredericksburg. "I think we will have a big fight...

GLC09355.068

to Parents

Has a few moments to spare while there is a lull in the fighting. "I have weathered the storm unharmed" so far. Fighting starts at dawn and does not stop "for anything" until well after sundown. The Confederates have "quite a strong position here."...

GLC09355.069

to Parents

This letter was sent in the same envelope as the letter #69. Did not get to write as much as he had wanted to yesterday, and decided to write more today. The Rebels charged their lines last night between 9:00 and 10:00, but were unable to break...

GLC09355.070

to Parents

As he is neither on duty nor cooking, has some time to write. There is not much firing going on alone the lines at the moment. "Now both armies lay facing each other." Both sides fire 20 or 30 cannons over the course of 24 hours and have made heavy...

GLC09355.071

to Parents

Has received two letters from them since he last wrote. Would have written sooner, but has not had time to do so. "I am very well off." Suspects he would write more if Sid were here. Despite the address on this letter, they do not hold the city. "I...

GLC09355.072

to Parents

The letter is dated 1864/06/24, but Clapp's next letter, dated 1864/06/24, was written the next day, and he acknowledges his error in the prior letter. Would be sleeping instead of writing, "but the flies eat me up." Feels better than he did the last...

GLC09355.073

to Parents

Attached to this letter is a poem titled "Another Brave has Fallen" that was cut from a newspaper. Yesterday's letter dated the 24th was actually written on the 23rd. Did not march last night. Had heard that the Rebels were massing for an attack on...

GLC09355.074

to Parents

Mail has become more regular, so they can send as much as they want. Is almost out of paper and needs more. Also needs a lot of new envelopes. They can send those things fairly easily by speaking to a postman before sending it. If they write "Soldier...

GLC09355.075

to Parents

Finally received a letter from them. Will respond immediately, as he had held off writing another letter home for the arrival of one. The corps left on a raid to destroy part of the Weldon Railroad. "They met with no trouble at all" and returned 4...

GLC09355.076

to Parents

"I am once more with the regiment on duty." Is no longer with the provost guard. What remained of the 7th, 10th, and 37th regiments were consolidated into one regiment in the 3rd brigade, 1st division of the corps. "I felt some ashamed" of being so...

GLC09355.077

to brother

Received a letter from him and a letter from Mother yesterday. July 4th was a pretty quiet day, "hardly a gun fired all day." No July 4th could surpass that of last year when Vicksburg fell. Is back with the company he first came out with. General...

GLC09355.078

to Mother

Just finished writing a letter to Charlie and will now write to her. Glad to hear her July 4th was so pleasant. One year ago on the 4th his corps was celebrating the victory at Gettysburg. Does not know where he will be for the next July 4th, but...

GLC09355.079

to Parents

Just camped for the night. Feeling very tired. He and his friend John Banks decided to stop at 9:00 PM one night to get some rest while the army moved on. Found a good orchard to sleep in. Later caught up with the rest of the army at about 2:00 the...

GLC09355.081

to Parents

Does not know when he will be able to send his letters, for they are now over 50 miles from Harpers Ferry, the nearest supply station where he can send mail. His brigade was detached from the rest of the army and ordered to wait for the supply train...

GLC09355.084

to Parents

Clapp says Charles Town is in Virginia, but was mistaken. Received two letters from them yesterday. One also came with $1, socks, suspenders, and a handkerchief, all of which he appreciated greatly. Does not get mail as regularly as while at...

GLC09355.085

to Parents

Will write quickly; the mail goes out in half an hour. Does not feel "in the best mood." At about 8:00 AM on the 21st, the Rebels attacked the army's pickets. The entire army scrambled into fighting position "as soon as possible." His company was...

GLC09355.086

to Parents

Got a letter from them dated 1864/08/21 last night. They write of not having received a letter from him in a long time, but does not know why his letters have not been delivered. Most of his letters have been short, "hurried" ones simply letting them...

GLC09355.087

to Parents

Just received a letter from them. Glad to know that everyone is well. Has moved farther up the valley since his last letter. During the march, the cavalry fought in front of them the whole way. The Confederates turned back upon discovering the main...

GLC09355.088

to Parents

Would have sent the earlier letter sooner, but had to march the next day and therefore did not have time to mail it. Is now on picket for three days starting from last night. Elisha has not arrived yet. "The Johnnies are a not very great distance...

GLC09355.089

to Parents

Received his first letter from them in over two weeks. "I think this department is the worst we have ever been in for mail arrangements." Has started to drill twice a day. "The weather is variable." It often rains without warning, and nights can be...

GLC09355.090

to Parents

The supply train is here; will be able to send a letter tonight. Is "as well as usual." The weather has been very strange; it has alternated very quickly between sun and rain. Heard a rumor last night that Petersburg was taken but does not know if it...

GLC09355.091

to Parents

Is well and enjoying himself. Hates to write a letter and then send it many days later. Will write a longer letter to them soon. General Grant visited the corps last Friday. Sheridan appears to know what he is doing; "he keeps a shark look out for...

GLC09355.092

to parents of George Clapp

Hopes they are getting along well. They have no doubt heard that their son was wounded. "He was hit in the arm a little below the right shoulder joint by a piece of shell. The wound is about 2 inches long… half as wide, and ¾ of an inch deep." It did...

GLC09355.093

to parents of George Clapp

Just came from the room where Clapp is staying. There is a piece of shell still stuck in his arm. It is about an inch square. He "looked poorly" in the morning but is looking better now. The doctor thinks he is doing well.

GLC09355.094

to parents of George Clapp

George "is feeling better and he is looking better." George would write to them himself if he could. Has plenty of crackers and bread to eat. Read to him for a little while before writing this letter.

GLC09355.095

to parents of George Clapp

Just came from George's room. Brought him some food. Made him a cup of hot chocolate with milk and sugar too. George looks a lot better this morning; he "is sitting up."

GLC09355.096

to parents of George Clapp

George told him to tell them that "I am having the best of care and attention and am doing well." Believes he is indeed looking better.

GLC09355.097

to parents of George Clapp

Is sitting at George's feet while writing this letter. He just had a few pieces of bread. "He is not [at] all discouraged," but would love to be at home to "help Charles eat all the chickens." George will likely stay here 4 or 5 weeks and then might...

GLC09355.098

to parents of George Clapp

"I have nothing new to report concerning George." He is improving gradually. He will likely make a full recovery, but knows the importance of taking care of himself. George's appetite is also very good. Will write again in a day or two.

GLC09355.099

to parents of George Clapp

George was moved the day before yesterday to Sheridan Hospital, which is about ½ a mile away. He is still doing well, and his entire bunk was moved with him. "The surgeon says… there is no cause for worriment on his behalf; he has been a lucky boy."...

GLC09355.100

to parents of George Clapp

Saw George have his wound dressed and it looks to be doing well. "I think that in about two weeks he will be able to leave here." Brought the mail to him, which made him happy. Brandwell is dead. Letters "are of high value" to him, so they should be...

GLC09355.101

to parents of George Clapp

Went to see George again today. Found him sitting up and "looking quite well." Believes he will be sent home on furlough soon. The wound is about 5 inches long. George "is in good spirits and comfortable." Gave him the $10 they sent this morning...

GLC09355.102

to Parents

Is going to try writing with his left hand. "I am feeling quite nice and smart." Wants to come home very much, but must be patient. If he goes home too soon, the wound may get worse. Has "the best of care" here. Must stop; hand is getting tired. Ed...

GLC09355.103

to Parents

Left Winchester for Baltimore on the 18th. Spent three days at a hospital there, and was then ordered to Philadelphia, where he arrived yesterday. Wound is doing "very well." Is tired from the ride to the city. Does not know where he will be next or...

GLC09355.104

to Parents

There has been "nothing done" about the possibility of him heading home to Northampton. The wound is doing "better than one could expect." Wishes he had a good flannel shirt from Mother. One shoulder would have to be very wide so as to not hurt the...

GLC09355.105

to Parents

Will be going home "between now and next Tuesday." Arm is doing "first rate." Tries to enjoy himself as best he can.

GLC09355.106

to Parents

Had "no trouble at all" getting here; is in the best ward in the hospital. Is writing with his right hand for the first time since being wounded. Is "well as ever." Has a comfortable bed and plenty of blankets. Will get the best care possible at this...

GLC09355.107

to Parents

Wishes them a happy new year. Generally wakes up at about 5:30; lies there until 6:00. Then gets dressed, cleans up, and makes his bed. Gets breakfast, then walks around a little until 9:00 when the surgeon comes. Goes to sleep at 8:00 PM and sleeps...

GLC09355.108

to Parents

Does not have much to do to spend time, so he will write. Has been reading almost every day. Went down to the city of Worcester the other day and saw Simeon. Will go again tomorrow. "He is a man that appears to feel for the soldier, and he was very...

GLC09355.109

to Parents

Got their letter last night. "I can't say I really like life in hospital." Thinks the fact that he was home for several weeks makes being in the hospital even worse. Will try to get home as often as possible. Will get paid as soon as the paymaster is...

GLC09355.110

to Parents

Received their letter yesterday. There is a regular, "monotonous" rhythm to life at the hospital. Writes, reads, sleeps, and does little else. Goes into Worcester 2 or 3 times a week. On Monday, a library opened at the hospital for the use of the...

GLC09355.111

to Parents

Got back to the hospital last Friday. "My cold is much better." Finally found the key to his valise. Arm is doing much better, and "the swelling has left it." Hopes that it is warmer the next time he comes home. Written at Dale General Hospital

GLC09355.112

to Parents

Did not get a letter from them this week. The surgeon examined his arm last Monday. He said that "you never will be able to do any military duty whatever and if you wish for your discharge you can have it now, but I wish you would not take it at...

GLC09355.113

to Parents

Got their letter Tuesday morning. Hopes his arm will stop running soon. Got a letter from Ed Bridgman on Saturday. The regiment had just returned from another raid. It is a shame how much marching the troops have to do. Met Mrs. Whitney, the mother...

GLC09355.114

to Parents

Does not have anything to write, but it is a good way to pass the time. Is only barely able to use a pen. Hopes that "by the 1st of May… I shall be able to do something besides living in a Hospital." Hates life here. The Surgeon General and Governor...

GLC09355.115

to Parents

Got their letter on Tuesday. His arm "grows stronger every day, but I have almost lost all patience waiting for it." It has been almost six months since he was injured. Hopes the wound will stop discharging soon. "I wrote to Dr. Barry last week for a...

GLC09355.116

to Parents

Should have written them sooner, but has not felt like writing recently. "This month is the worst part of the year for wounds… because the weather is so changeable." Is anxious to go home as soon as possible. Hopes he will get to spend at least a...

GLC09355.117

to Mother

Will send her another letter soon. Wishes she would ask Kate to send him Elisha's address. Hopes he can get his address within a couple of weeks. Will write more soon. Written at Dale General Hospital

GLC09355.118

to Parents

Received their letter last night. Hopes he gets his discharge before his three years are up on July 15th. If they bring him back to his regiment, however, he would have to stay until September 4th. Is sorry to hear that Elisha is sick. Would like to...

GLC09355.119

to Parents

"I am a citizen once more." Got his discharge papers today. "I shall leave for Boston at midnight." Hopes Sid is as well as he is. Written at Dale General Hospital

GLC09355.120

to Bill

writes at great length about slavery and abolition. thinks the institution of slavery is repugnant, but at the same time, thinks it helped to introduce blacks to civilization and that they are better off now than they were before.

GLC09358.1

to Bill

one side of Fort Sumter is battered and they have the whole of Morris Island. 12 of their crew are prisoners. predicts it will take one or two more years for the war to end.

GLC09358.2

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Tennaly. Miller writes, "...we have to guard the village and the tavern doors to prevent the soldiers from getting liquor and they put such men there as does not drink and cannot be bribed for the soldiers will do almost anything for...

GLC02155.006

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Tennaly. Complains that Lile, his wife, does not write to him often enough. Asks for the Oddfellows to send a card or some other proof of his membership.

GLC02155.007

to Andrew Bushman Miller

Written at Camp Tennaly to his father. Writes, "...if only the darned Rebels would Be a little careful where they shoot, But as they are not we will have to Return the Compliment, we are well armed and equipped now with first Rate Rifles Muskets...

GLC02155.010

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Tennaly to his wife. Complains of a severe headache. Writes, "the army is moving in every direction today i do not know how far into virginia we are going..." Written in pencil.

GLC02155.011

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Discusses his march toward Leesburg, Virginia: "...we saw some verry pretty sights on our march and some verry Sorrowfull ones, on our march there we saw no men but plenty of women they stuck Bull Run at us every...

GLC02155.012

to Lile Miller

Reports that the Third Brigade has been moved to Washington, D.C., and the Second Brigade to Alexandria, Virginia. Notes that his brigade will remain where it is, Fairfax Station, a "quiet healthy Place." Doubts that he will receive a promotion...

GLC02155.097

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife: "This is rather a dangerous place to be as you cant trust any Body about here it is full of Rebels around here there is hardly a night but you can hear shots fired..." Written in pencil.

GLC02155.001

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife: "...i do not touch any kind of strong drink play no cards have nothing to do with any women in fact have not spent one cent... i have to day Been in the army seven weeks and have never Received one Black mark..."

GLC02155.004

to Lile Miller [incomplete]

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Comments on the death of Jesse Shank, a man in his company. Notes that Shank was an Oddfellow. Discusses camp life.

GLC02155.021

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Date inferred from content; this letter is labeled 14 January 1861. Discusses the possibility that men from his regiment might be sent out to recruit. Writes, "...i do get so downhearted and wretched some times...

GLC02155.026

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Complains about the rain and that Lile, his wife, does not write to him enough. Writes, "...the government has opened a Recruiting office at McCalls head quarters for the Regular Army any volunteer enlisting...

GLC02155.033

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Writes, "...the Boys are Jubilant of our late victories at Roanoke island and in the [tennessee] River, But i suppose ere you Receive this you will have heard of the taking of Roanoke island By our forces they...

GLC02155.034

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Complains that married women in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (where he was from) throw parties for and "walk the streets" with the Porter Guards.

GLC02155.036

to Lile Miller

Writes from camp near Alexandria. Ink is faded. "...you asked in your letter whether we had lost confidence in Genl McClellan No Dear Lile if there is a man in the world this army loves it is him, the Reason they are down on him, they think he ought...

GLC02155.041

to Lile Miller

Writes from Manassas Junction to his wife. Relates that Brigadier General Reynolds keeps quarters in their camp. Writes, "...i suppose you have heard of the Glorious Victory in the west, a few more of the kind i think will end the Rebellion..."

GLC02155.042

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife: "every thing is quiet here But a good deal of escitement [sic] about the recent defeat of Genl Banks [struck: defeat] in the [Shenandoah] valley and i have no doubt the excitement was not small in Gettysburg it was Rather a...

GLC02155.049

to Lile Miller

Miller writes from camp near the Chickahominy River to his wife. Notes that Confederates broke through the picket lines of General George McClellan's army, but that his company will likely remain held as a reserve force.

GLC02155.053

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife. Reminsces about her recent visit.

GLC02155.061

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife from camp near White Oak Church. Reports that he is under marching orders. Comments on his father's well being (his father is also apparently in the service). Notes, "tell him i am not now the Puny little sickly looking...

GLC02155.077

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife from camp near Union Mills. Describes another miserable night on picket. Notes that they will receive four months pay the following month.

GLC02155.084

to Lile Miller

Thinks Lieutenant Kitzmiller will be able to obtain a leave of absence. Discusses the complicated process of obtaining a furlough, noting that the request ultimately has to meet the approval of General [Samuel] Heintzelman.

GLC02155.103

to Lile Miller

Murray writes to his wife: "Dear Lile I almost dread when we are discharged it will Be almost like changing climate, the mode of living is so diferent, But I think I can manage..." Has been temporarily marked "off duty" by the doctor. Hopes to keep...

GLC02155.106

to Lile Miller [incomplete]

Complains about his brother-in-law (Lile's brother). Writes, "...if we leave here for washington i do not think we will Return without fighting they are gathering an immence army there for that purpose but whether we will be engaged in the first...

GLC02155.005

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Washington near Falmouth, Virginia, to his wife. Miller reports, "...the fleet footed Rebels have Run again from york town, and i feel very sorry for it But i suppose it is all for the best..." Notes that his company's picket line...

GLC02155.044

Paymaster gives check to George E. Armstrong

GLC02157.54

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Describes the funeral procession for a fallen soldier from his regiment.

GLC02155.015

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Writes, "Dear Wife it makes me so angry when i think of the way we have been humbuged and treated since we have been in the service that some times i think if the Rebels were coming into Gettys... i would barely...

GLC02155.018

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Describes entering a civilian house where the inhabitants professed to be loyal to the Union.

GLC02155.019

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Discusses the difficulty of obtaining wood and the possibility of acquiring a small sheet iron stove. Complains that soldiers from New York receive more press than the Pennsylvania troops: "...i see your Sunday...

GLC02155.027

to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Discusses camp life. Writes, "Oh i hope and pray to god it may not Be much longer till i can press you to my heart... and yet dear Lile to Protect this happy Land of ours i would fight those over Bearing Rebels...

GLC02155.032

to Lile Miller

Miller writes near White House, Virginia, to his wife. Describes his journey from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Heard that his division will travel toward Richmond to join General George McClellan.

GLC02155.052

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife from camp at Brooks Station. Writes, "there is a terrible Battle Raging at Fredericksburg the canonading [sic] yesterday was tremendous, i believe it exceeded any thing i ever heard, either Malvern hill or Sharpsburg, it is...

GLC02155.071

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife from camp near Union Mills. Comments on a recent situation in which some men in his regiment refused to obey orders; he previously described the incident to Lile and now reprimands her for reading the letter to another woman...

GLC02155.085

to Lile Miller

Miller writes to his wife from camp near Union Mills. Comments on the draft: "...the Conscription Act... comes down verry heavily on the men from 21 to 35 years of age, But it is only what they should have done one year ago, had they have given Genl...

GLC02155.086

to Lile Miller

Writes a depressing letter to his wife complaining about his inability to obtain a furlough and his lack of sleep.

GLC02155.089

to Lile Miller

Complains about his inability to obtain a furlough, noting Governor Andrew Curtin granted a soldier from his company a furlough. Another man wrote to "Little Eddy," possibly Representative Edward McPherson, who granted him a furlough. Miller notes,...

GLC02155.099