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To his wife

Received pile of mail, including a letter from Edwin and Mary [abolitionist relations] which "didn't set very well on my stomach." Health of other soldiers; comments that Charleston probably will not fall right away. News reports of Rosecrans and...

GLC04558.117

To his wife

Notes that it is his tenth wedding anniversary and writes that the thought of her distance and the time remaining cause "a choaking sensation" and tears. Says that he is the only man in Co. H with a family. Mentions slow siege of Charleston, health...

GLC04558.118

To his wife

Worry of "calamity" at home; hopes for discharge next April 1st; sarcastically mentions letter of 1st Lt. of 114th NYS Vols. (unidentified); discusses current rations and how only cooks make cook food; comments that the food always causes digestive...

GLC04558.119

To his wife

Cold. Cannot make mud chimneys because sand will not stick; other soldiers enlisting as cavalry, including Capt. Lewis (who did not get along with GWT). This letter is fully addressed "Mrs. A. Elizabeth Tillotson"

GLC04558.120

To his wife

Has a runny nose; the siege drags on and another assault scheduled that night for Fort Sumter; expects conscripts to arrive soon and receive weapons, "til then they are guarded closer than rebel prisoners would be."

GLC04558.121

To his wife

Describes picket duty on the north side of the island and how his thoughts roam. Expectations of assault on Fort Sumter. Promises to send Edwin's letter (mentioned in #117 and accompanies this item). He writes "Not that I have any objections to...

GLC04558.122.01

To his wife

He has put on more weight; has gotten used to constant firing on Charleston; encloses a "greenback" for Dolly.

GLC04558.123

To his wife

Hopes for furlough; talks about presidential election "I dont suppose for a moment that any soldier would go home and vote a Copperhead ticket, and on the other hand, I wouldnt vote a republican ticket just merely because it was republican but I...

GLC04558.124

To his wife

News, other soldiers' furloughs; expects promotion; has daily, long drills; says he is cheered by news from the west.

GLC04558.126

To his wife

Writes that he enjoys good health; mentions seeing Gen. Gilmore riding "with a woman said to be his wife, but I will say I think him the best looking of the two." Mentions the special favors some Masons; receive; speculates on the destination of an...

GLC04558.127

To his wife

On furlough. Had hoped to surprise her by coming home, but must go to Albany. Still hopes to see her.

GLC04558.128

To his wife

Describes taking trains; expects to go to Folly Island.

GLC04558.129

To his wife

Unsure when he will leave; mentions visiting sights in New York City (Wood's minstrels, Barnum's Museum, theatre). Writes that Grant's name "got a tolerably good cheer (and I helped him on that) and then he got a good many hisses. But when...

GLC04558.130

To his wife

Still in New York, unsure about where the regiment will go next. Weary of traveling. Longs to here from his wife.

GLC04558.131

To his wife

Describes leaving New York and traveling to Yorktown without his regiment, journeying back to West Point to join them, and then the trip to Virginia. Briefly mentions battle for a railroad and the unit's transferred to the "seige Corps."

GLC04558.132

To his wife

Describes skirmishes and battle near the railroad between Petersburg and Richmond, where "lots of the men were sunstruck." Has not been able to "draw money for rations and I don't know when we shall"; mentions a letter from Urial, a need for stamps...

GLC04558.133

To his wife

Has not heard from his wife since he left New York. Lengthy decription of the back and forth fighting around Richmond and the heavy losses by both sides. Cross writing questions whether money sent from Elmira was received.

GLC04558.134

To his wife

Placed in command of a "post" along the James, GWT directs the defense of his troops as Confederates repeatedly attack from across a ravine. Also defends himself against rumors that he played games and drank at Parkers (in New York).

GLC04558.135

To his wife

Details the health of friends, including one who has measles, and acknowledges a pay raise. "This dearest is an awful campaign. Rivers of blood have already been shed but still the story is not half told yet."

GLC04558.136

To his wife

Describe marches and the break up of the brigade. Sends his wife his new address and cautions her not to work too hard.

GLC04558.137

To his wife

Writes news of the fighting at Cold Harbor and lists the fate of friends. "I take this opportunity of leting [sic] you know that I am still among the living, but still I have to acknowledge that life here at present is very uncertain."

GLC04558.138

To his wife

Still in the rifle pits at Cold Harbor. "On the 6th a flag of truce was sent out for the purpose of burying our dead that lay outside of our lines and began to smell so as to make it very disagreeable for us but the rebs would to allow it, the next...

GLC04558.139

To his wife

Continued June 13. Written in pencil while on picket duty "in a hole about four feet square." Describes the loneliness of picket duty and the unexpected orders to pull out which came on the morning of the 13th, possibly to Bermuda Hundreds. Asks...

GLC04558.140

To his wife

Writing from a hospital after bullet hit GWT in the foot, bruising the foot and making him lame. Discusses Grants losses in the campaign and the defenses of Petersburg.

GLC04558.141

To his wife

Written in pencil. Cross written. Coming back from the hospital, finding many of his regiment wounded GWT takes his place in the trenches surrounding Petersburg. Describes life in the trenches, gives the number of wounded and killed for his...

GLC04558.142

To his wife

Written in pencil. Camped less than a mile from the front. Observes that shells are more dangerous in the rear than at the front. Discusses events of past few days; wishes his foot had been wounded so he could get a furlough.

GLC04558.143

To his wife

Faint; written in pencil. Charging a confederate line; advice to his wife about breeding a horse.

GLC04558.144

To his wife

Written in pencil. Expresses disappointment that the fourth was not being "celebrated with more noise for it was rumored yesterday that at daylight this morning all of our batteries would open on Petersburg and the rebel fortifications."

GLC04558.145

To her father George Tillotson

Writes that she can't write very well yet as she has only been practicing for about four weeks. Describes her studies at school and wishes her father were home.

GLC04558.145.01

To his daughter Georgiana Tillotson

Compliments Georgiana on her writing and thanks her for the letter. Encourages her to keep practicing her lessons: "If . . . you wish to improve in any thing, always strive to do what you do do , well."

GLC04558.145.02

To his wife

Evaluates the damage that different types of artillery shells (i.e. mortar and rifled cannon shot) create at various distances from the front line. Mentions troops rotations between lines, and farm business. Gives a current price for cotton cloth...

GLC04558.146

To his wife

Written on U.S. Christian Commission stationery. More discussion of artillery shelling and trenches; predicts a possible evacuation; worries over not having heard from his wife; better rations; illness. Written in a camp near Petersburg, Virginia

GLC04558.147

To his wife

Cross written. Receives letters from home. Wonderful description of night time artillery barrages, comparing them to fireworks. Also writes of tearing down rebel fortifications, rain in the trenches, and news of comrades.Written in a camp near...

GLC04558.148

To his wife

Farm business, mainly the price of wool, leads into a discussion of the value of paper money versus gold. "You will probably notice that as gold goes up (and consequently paper down) that "prices" also "go up" so as just to keep pace with gold, so...

GLC04558.149

To his wife

Advises his wife on how to cope with a long drought and offers some remedies for her illness. Details a letter from Louisa, encloses a recipe for condensed milk with a request for a sample. Still has not been paid. Written in a camp near...

GLC04558.150

To his wife

Written in pencil with portions of pages 1-4 traced in a darker pencil. The explosion and charge on fort along the rebel line by Burnside's 9th Corps was at first rumored to be a great success although GWT noticed Grant "appeared a little troubled."...

GLC04558.151

To his wife

The discovery that rebels had mined some of the Union forts discouraged Burnside's plan to blow up additional rebel forts. Requests that his wife not publish his letters. "Maybe you wouldn't like to think that I had killed any body but I do know...

GLC04558.152

To his wife

Discusses farm business, friends, camp news, and politics. "I may vote for "Old Abe" if on keeps on behaveing [sic] himself, and calls for 300000, or 500000, more occasionally between this and election.

GLC04558.153

To his wife

Warns his wife of a reoccurring dream in which he is taken prisoner and recounts occasions when his dreams have come true. Page 4 is addressed to his daughter "Dollie". Encourages her to improve herself. Tells her of the dangers of camp life...

GLC04558.154.01

To her father George Tillotson

Writes that she has been sick and therefore unable to write. Updates her father on family members and wishes that her father were home.

GLC04558.154.02

To his wife

Thanks his wife for stamps and 50 cents. Assumed the duties of orderly after the previous orderly was mustered out. Describes preferential treatment he received due to his status as an orderly (orderlies were allowed to stay in camp when their...

GLC04558.155

To his wife

A flash flood prevented GWT from joining his regiment at the front and swept away many people's belongings. 40 bodies were found after the flood. One sutler offered a $3000 reward for the return of his cash box. After the regiment returned, their...

GLC04558.156

To his wife

Describes life in the trenches, including their proximity to the rebel line: "Every day our fellow[s] and the rebs are talking, and blackguarding, across, and yesterday one of Co. C's men went out half way and exchanged papers with them." Expects...

GLC04558.157

To his wife

Relieved from the trenches by the 10th Corps. New camp is in wooded area; picket duty becomes fun; corporal arrested for exchanging papers with rebel pickets. Georgiana's illness continue.

GLC04558.158

To his wife

Continued on Sept. 6. Promoted to first sergeant, regiment moves to Fort Powhattan. Expresses his views on blacks. "I think you must have been delightfully entertained by the "darkies" to form so favorable an opinion of them. I declare you are...

GLC04558.159

To his wife

Continued Sept. 10th. Cross written. Describes arrival at the Fort and Garrison duty. Fort is manned by "the 89th New York [GWT's regiment], one company of darkey cavalry, one company of heavy artillery, and a signal station." Relieved to hear...

GLC04558.160

To his wife

With discharge time drawing near, the letter centers on preparations for mustering out. New clothes issued. Col. Fairchilds wants the regiment to go to Elmira to do some recruiting. Relates news about Petersburg: rebel troops steal cattle; large...

GLC04558.161

to his wife

Farm advice; mustering out in one month's time. Politics: predicts Lincoln will win; eludes to soldiers support of Lincoln; Copperheads (democrats) are worse than sessionists. Has a cold. Written at Fort Powhatan .

GLC04558.162

To his wife

Cross written. Receives 10 months pay ($150) in "Green Backs": "four [months] of which I had drawn once before . . . . " Can not use the dollar his wife sent him because it is state money. Fever & ague strike the regiment; drawing clothes...

GLC04558.163

To his wife

Describes transfer from the fort to Chapins Farm and the action there including how he saved an officer. Long list of comrades killed, wounded and missing. Lost $130.

GLC04558.164

To his wife

The mustering out of the 89th New York begins slowly. Officers will be mustered out with their companies. GWT declares he will not reenlist even for a captain's to colonel's commission.

GLC04558.165

To his wife

Begins making out discharge papers for Company H. GWT given command after Lieutenant is taken to hospital. Weather turns cold; camp news.

GLC04558.166

To his wife

Travels to Point of Rocks to make out Muster Out rolls and to the hospital to visit friends. Sent money to wife. Written on U.S. Christian Commission stationery.

GLC04558.167

To his wife

Companies H, C and I are consolidated, GWT is in command. New recruits arriving to replace those mustered out - mostly foreigners.

GLC04558.168

To his wife

Relieved at Chapins Farm by a company of black soldiers; fought fierce battle near the old Fair Oaks battlefield. Written from Atkins Landing, in Moncks Corner, South Carolina.

GLC04558.169

To her husband George Tillotson

Asking her husband to accept a discharge instead of a promotion. Wishes he had been able to stay in the safety of Fort Powhattan. [see #166].

GLC04558.170

To her husband George Tillotson

Cross written. Family friends inquire on their son's death, wanting to bring the body home. Copperheads claiming the war will continue four more years if Lincoln is reelected. Farm business. Accompanied by a recipe for dye in a child's hand...

GLC04558.171

To her brother George Tillotson

Incomplete letter to George Tillotson from Mary. Writes encouraging words to her brother, asking him to take care of himself. Family news.

GLC04558.172

To her sister

Regarding spring planting, current prices and events. Mentions sending representatives to the "Woman's Rights Convention in N.Y. May 10th (possibly the First Women's National Loyal League Convention); opening correspondence with Mrs. Stanton, Lucy...

GLC04558.173

To her brother George Tillotson

George has lost a son. Describes the invalids who come to Vineland to be cured by fresh air and water. Also includes a letter to her sister-in-law Libbey on verso and a small postscript to her sister Fanny.

GLC04558.174

To her sister Fanny

Post war lettter also addressed to George Tillotson and his wife Libby. Discusses family news.

GLC04558.175

To George Tillotson

Inscribed at the top: "Daniel J.S. Lan[d? el?]. Soldier friend of George's who wishes to get a furlough so he may join George in NY.

GLC04558.176

To George Tillotson

From a former regiment mate, informing Tillotson of camp news. Asks to excuse his bad writing and spelling as it is half Dutch.

GLC04558.177

To George Tillotson

Camp news. Draines hopes to get his discharge soon.

GLC04558.178

To George Tillotson

Inquires about the condition of the regiment after a battle. The name of the hospital is inscribed on the back "Chesspeek Hospital, Va. Ward, No. C." Cole was Lieutenant in the 89th NY.

GLC04558.179

To George Tillotson

Still fulfilling his role as an officer, Cole asks GWT to keep watch over the regiment and to tell them to keep their heads down. Sends stamps. Written at Fort Monroe.

GLC04558.180

To George Tillotson

Conducting camp business: sending out receipt for clothes received at Fort Powhattan; amount of ordinance used in battle; paper work. Expects to be sent home. Written at Fort Monroe.

GLC04558.181

To George Tillotson

Being discharged next week. Requests that GWT bring home Cole things when GWT is discharged. Written at Fort Monroe.

GLC04558.182

To George Tillotson

McGill is being transferred. Hopes to make it home before his wife dies. Written at Fort Monroe.

GLC04558.183

To George Tillotson

Family news. Brother Nelson may have been captured in Tennessee. Nelson, a teamster, believed Negroes would be recruited to drive them teams so white men could fight.

GLC04558.185

To George Tillotson

Worried that her brother was in Battle of Roanoke Island. Scarlet Fever breaks out in the Tillotson's school district.

GLC04558.186

Camp records

Two small scraps of camp records. One dated May 6th lists companies and possibly their officers. The second is a count of men present for duty, sick, etc.

GLC04558.187

[Collection of William C. Hackett, B company, 111th regiment, Ohio, infantry][Decimalized .01-.53]

Collection of letters belonging to William C. Hackett. Consists of 53 items dated approximately 1862-1865. Primarily corresponding with his wife Rebecca E. Hackett and their daughter Mary Ellen. Mary Ellen's death becomes a focus towards the end of...

GLC04559

[Collection of Haviland Gifford, field and staff, 93rd regiment, New York, infantry] [Decimalized .01- .12]

Haviland Gifford served as a Lieutenant in charge of guarding Union General George Gordon Meade and his staff. Provides information he learned about strategy from being in close proximity to high command. Highlights include letter #1, written on 20...

GLC04560

Dear Father [Allen Gifford]

This letter is about opposing strategies of different generals Written at the Fairfax Court House near Fairfax, Virginia.

GLC04560.01

Dear Father [Allen Gifford]

GLC04560.02

Dear Father [Allen Gifford]

This is an eight-page letter concerning the draft and movements of the Army, with mentions of Generals Lee, Grant and Banks

GLC04560.03

Dear Father [Allen Gifford]

This letter contains a long analysis of how to take Richmond. Gifford also discusses Fort Wagner's hold-out, as well as General Burnside's problems in Tennessee.

GLC04560.04

Dear Father [Allen Gifford]

Was written near Bealton, Virginia.

GLC04560.05

Dear Father [Allen Gifford]

GLC04560.06

Dear Father [Allen Gifford]

Giford recounts a conversation with Senator John Minor Botts of Culpeper

GLC04560.07

Dear Father [Allen Gifford]

Gifford discusses strategy and rumors (Grant's army to meet Meade's at Richmond), including his opinion that Meade is "afraid of his own shadow

GLC04560.08

Dear Father [Allen Gifford]

GLC04560.09

Dear Father [Allen Gifford]

GLC04560.10

Dear Father [Allen Gifford]

Gifford describes the Battle of Kelly's Ford and crossing the Rappahannock

GLC04560.11

Dear Father [Allen Gifford]

Gifford describes the Battle of Kelly's Ford and crossing the Rappahannock

GLC04560.12

to his brother

Writes in great detail about the battle of Gettysburg 1-3 July 1863, where he served as Union General Abner Doubleday's adjutant. Describes his duties during the fighting, which mainly consisted of delivering messages back and forth between generals...

GLC04585

Soldier's letter. Second Colorado cavalry. [Vol. 1, no. 13 (January 28, 1865)]

GLC04587

to Emery Defoe

Defoe, a Civil War soldier, updates his parents on Union progress, stating "as yet we have had few killed the soldiers are all in good Spirits and fear nothing." Continues writing at a later time, requesting that if he is killed in battle, his...

GLC04634

to Sim Van Winkel

Kappes, a Union soldier waiting for his discharge in the Annapolis United States General Hospital, relates the events of his capture to friends in New Jersey. Reports that while engaged in battle near Richmond, Virginia, his corps was surrounded by...

GLC04635

Collection of Charles E. Walbridge, US volunteers quartermaster's department [Decimalized .001-.126]

The collection contains 125 letters of Charles E. Walbridge, of Buffalo, New York, to his mother. Two stray items are at the end of the inventory: an undated letter to his mother and a letter to Minnie Walbridge, his sister (#126). The letters...

GLC04662

to his mother

Camped at Park Barracks in front of the Astor House. The regiment has orders to be ready to march, but no one is sure exactly when they will move out. He briefly mentions sight-seeing in the city and gives the whereabouts of other relatives in the...

GLC04662.002

to his mother

Writes from camp Scott that his regiment has not been paid yet. He believes his brother George is not healthy enough to be a soldier. Discusses the condition of his clothing, says he gets along well with the other officers, and hopes that one day...

GLC04662.005

to his mother

Battle of Seven Pines [Fair Oaks] Lists the officers killed, wounded, and captured. He estimates that his regiment lost over 200. He has been made acting quartermaster.

GLC04662.006

to his mother

His regiment is resting for the first time since they left Camp Scott. A band of "guerrillas" [Stuart's cavalry] attacked the railroad at Tunstall's station. Discusses his duties as a quartermaster. He now wears a private's uniform with shoulder...

GLC04662.007

to his mother

A short visit to the front line, followed by a visit to the Commissary Sergeant, Bowen, who has commandeered a plantation. The owners fled and the slaves want Bowen to run the farm. Walbridge describes the house, food and slaves on plantation....

GLC04662.008

to his mother

They are currently camped at the birth place of William Henry Harrison. The house has been turned into a hospital. Stonewall Jackson turned the right flank of the Union Army, captured White House, Va and forced the retreat of the army. Many of the...

GLC04662.009

to his mother

He asks his mother to send various articles of clothing and leather goods such as sword belts, boots and a holster. The regimental quartermaster is returning so Walbridge may have to return to his company. Describes an officer's dinner and a visit...

GLC04662.010

to his mother

The regiment is electing a colonel. He is still a quartermaster.

GLC04662.011

to his mother

He has taken ill with Cholera Morbus and is in the hospital. Describes the facilities, including a hotel and cottages which have been taken over by the hospital. Hopes to rejoin his regiment soon. He thinks McClellan is "played out" and that Pope...

GLC04662.012