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to Nancy E. Jones

Requesting furlough papers; his discharge. Written at the Benton Barracks Union Military Camp

GLC02739.154

to Nancy E. Jones [incomplete]

Likenesses of his children; plans to send money home when it is safe; taking of Charleston and Generals Lee and Rosecrans; Confederates switching sides.

GLC02739.155

to my dear wife

He is now in Augusta, but does not think he can get a furlough now. He discusses the money he will send.

GLC02740.03

to my dear wife

He sent her 100 dollars. He describes Gallops Island as a very "pretty place."

GLC02740.05

to my dear wife

He says he thinks of her all the time. He is very lonely, he says again and tells her to write as often as she can.

GLC02740.08

to my dear wife

He has had a lovely Christmas and spent most of it asleep. He wants her to send a picture of herself. Once again, he tells her to have more confidence in him, for he has only spoken to one woman since he left. He says "I know I am a wicked man, but I...

GLC02740.14

to my dear wife

He is on his way to Virginia. Iti is raining hard outside the tent while he writes. He describes the country as fine. There is one company from New York with them. He wishes she could be with them. Written at City Point- now named Hopewell

GLC02740.17

to my dear wife

He wants her to write more. He talks of searching for beans for breakfast but coming up empty-handed. He draws a picture full of dots and says it represents kisses for her and the baby.

GLC02740.28

to my dear wife

He does not think the Rebels will be able to fight much longer. He suspects the war will be settled in the summer.

GLC02740.30

to my dear wife

very difficult to read.

GLC02740.31

to my dear wife

One of the lieutenants deserted to see his parents, but they caught him and sentenced him to be shot. The weather is quite warm now. They have their guns now.

GLC02740.32

to my dear wife

He is in site of the Rebels' picket line. They plan to surround them and starve them. They can't last much longer. He thinks he will come out all right.

GLC02740.36

to my dear wife

He has been feeling sick lately. He reassures her that he won't be reenlisting. He tells her to keep up the courage, for he will be coming home soon.

GLC02740.40

to my dear wife

He has a bad cough. He plans to send her a picture of gallups island and city point. He will soon witness a man getting shot. They plan to shoot him so that he falls into the coffin. He worries his heart will get hardened to such sights.

GLC02740.46

to my dear wife

His cough is getting better. He talks of wanting to go home and the nice times they will have.

GLC02740.47

to my dear wife

There is a heavy battle going on nearby. They, on the other hand, are still having good times. They do not have their rifles yet. He reminds Lizzie that she is always in his prayers.

GLC02740.49

to Unknown

The author encloses a picture the boys gave to him. The picture is unidentified but is most likely Wilmot Thompson. He is shown with the picture of a car in the background.

GLC02740.50

to Mother

He gives her instructions on how to divide his property in case he doesn't return.

GLC02743.01

to Mother

They have orders to sail this morning. He promises to write as soon as they arrive somewhere. He describes a small beach in the distance. He mentions Aunt Elisabeth.

GLC02743.03

to Mother

They are now on the Mississippi River. The trip was, for the most part, uneventful but the night was rather rough and uncomfortable.

GLC02743.08

to Mother

He has decided to sell all his stock except the white heifer and the cults. He sold his horse. Recently he went to New Orleans and spent time with Charley.

GLC02743.11

to Mother

He believes the fighting will be over by the first of April. Nobody is hurt currently.

GLC02743.13

to Mother

They reach Baton Rouge and were ordered to march not long after. He hopes they will go to Texas next. He mentions that Uncle Dan owes him over 300 dollars.

GLC02743.16

to Mother

They are camped in the city opposite New Orleans.They've been having pleasant food like green peas, new potatoes and lettuce. Two large mules will be arriving from New Orleans. Written in the neighborhood of Algiers, New Orleans, Louisiana.

GLC02743.17

to Mother

They are getting ready to march. He wants Charley to send a powerful glass, like an opera glass but large and with a leather case.

GLC02743.23

to Doctor

He talks of how many states have recently joined the Union or elected emancipationists.He thinks Jefferson Davis will soon be pushed out of the places they currently occupy.

GLC02743.28

to Sir

They left Williamsport and have marched 15 miles. They currently have 18 Rebels and 18 horses. He is well and wants him to tell his folks that he is well.

GLC02743.30

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He gives instructions on how to make his drawers and under shirts.

GLC02744.009

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

On Capitol Hill. She stopped in Baltimore and Philadelphia on the way there.

GLC02744.022

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He asks if she has recevied all his letters, instructs her where to send his mail.

GLC02744.031

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He was visited by a couple of friends including Ed Marvin.

GLC02744.032

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He saw William and said he was looking better than he had ever seen him. talked about the mail he received.

GLC02744.033

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He feels it is a great privilege to be a part of the Union army.Written in Camp Plesant Valley

GLC02744.037

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He mentions the raid of the rebels up Chamenburg River. He writes about what he eats.Written in Camp Plesant Valley

GLC02744.040

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He writes of receiving food in the mail. Written in Camp Plesant Valley

GLC02744.042

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He saw Sam. He does not think he will get a furlough any time soon. Written in a camp near Suffolk, Virginia

GLC02744.050

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He is worried about the threat of Scarlet Fever for the children...talks about how his furlough may or may not affect her.

GLC02744.062

to Captain

Two draft copies.

Letter of resignation. Cannot assume current post because he suffers from Chronic Rheumatism and Billious Fever.

GLC02744.067

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He thinks that Vicksburg or Port Hudson will fall. He thinks that the Rebels do not have as many men as the Union.

GLC02744.069

to Mrs.Thomas F. Burpee

He writes to her how much it will cost her to take the train down to him. He suffers greatly without her and the children.

GLC02744.075

to Mrs.Thomas F. Burpee

He writes to her about what she will need to bring when she comes to visit him. describes the arrangements, who will pick her up, etc.

GLC02744.076

to Mrs.Thomas F. Burpee

There will be a new Provost Brigade commanded by Col. Dutton.

GLC02744.077

to Mrs.Thomas F. Burpee

He coming up with a strategy for getting her down to Baltimore. writes that she can say say she's coming for the benefit of soldier's aid. All she'd have to do is visit the hospital once a week.

GLC02744.081

to Mrs.Thomas F. Burpee

He has her pass but doesn't want to send it as it may get lost. tells her to get prepared to leave. Capt. Shepard will meet her in New London.

GLC02744.083

to Mrs.Thomas F. Burpee

He goes over the who, where, and how of the trip she will soon. Like previous letters except more definite.

GLC02744.084

to Mrs.Thomas F. Burpee

Once again discusses where and when to meet Mr. Burdick, as he will have her pass.

GLC02744.085

to Mrs.Thomas F. Burpee

More details as to where and how she will meet Mr. Burdick.

GLC02744.086

to Mr. and Mrs. Elijah Holt

Is sending a hundred dollars by way of another soldier who is going on furlough.

GLC02744.087

to Mr. Elijah Holt

Written to his brother Elijah, talks about General Butler taking over and how it will make the rebels sweat, the execution of Dr. Wright.

GLC02744.089

to Nancy E. Jones

Inquiring after presents for Phebe Jane.

GLC02739.157

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He writes he will send her $25.

GLC02744.011

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He is practicing drills, new regiments are settling in. He updates her on where the union and the rebels stand.

GLC02744.028

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He describes his hospital room. He is determined to come home soon. thinks of them often.

GLC02744.142

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

describes his sleeping quarters. He recently went to a party at Col. Chesney's. He met a Mrs. Eastman and a Mrs. Reed.

GLC02744.164

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He had Capt. Belden arrested for drunkeness and Lt. Brown for letting his men leave camp without permission. He tells Charley and Lucien to be patient.

GLC02744.166

to Lucien Burpee

He tells him a story of how one night the officer-in-command summoned him and told him the enemy was preparing a trap for them for the morning and the mishaps that subsequently followed.

GLC02744.174

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He acknowledges that she is going to Wilbraham and Somers. writes that Capt. Leastham is under arrest for overstaying his leave of absence, Doctor Tennant wants to see his intended wife, and Lucius Fowler just found out his father died.

GLC02744.178

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

Writes about the potential danger of the"Rebel Ram" and the Plymouth capture.

GLC02744.180

Circular No. 75

Outlines when soldiers are entitled to their commissions and promotions.

GLC02744.254

to Lucien Burpee

He describes the scenery and daily life. He asks him about school and tells him to always help his mother and to become a good Christian man.

GLC02744.308

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

There were skirmishes. Pressing onward to Strasburg. Mentions Billy and instructs her not to pay out any more money for him.

GLC02744.092

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He marched six miles in a snow storm. He describes what they carry in their saddlebags. He has not been paid since he left.

GLC02744.093

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

Their connection is so strong that when he is writing to her it almost seems like they are talking face to face.

GLC02744.094

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He writes that one of their men fell from a tree and dislocated his wrist. He reiterates that God gave him the greatest gift of all: her.

GLC02744.096

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He writes about how an officer of his rank never has to worry about food or shelter. Notes how much money the war is costing.

GLC02744.097

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He is anxious for Lucien to attend school. He writes that he feels the sufferings of his fellow soldiers. Notes that enemy is in Fredricksburg.

GLC02744.098

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

Tells her not to worry so much. Writes he might be able to send for her in 4-6 weeks. They have both gained weight. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg

GLC02744.099

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He writes the possibility of a battle has now become very faint. tells her to always confide in God. Mentions Park. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg

GLC02744.100

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He tells her again not to believe what she reads in the newspaper. currently has a cold. He is feeling lonely and homesick. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg

GLC02744.101

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He writes of a time when they thought nothing but death would separate them. Feels that he has not done enough for her over the years.

GLC02744.104

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He writes about how he can love God more as he does not feel his faith is strong enough. Written in a camp near Falmouth.

GLC02744.105

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee and children

When he went with men down to river to support battery, he caught a cold. says Hartford account of the Fredericksburg battle is "outrageously false" and gives quick account of battle. Written in a camp near Falmouth

GLC02744.113

Friend Thayer

He compares the battle of Manassas which was bloodless to the battle of Fredricksburg which he describes as a cool atrocity. Written in a camp near Falmouth.

GLC02744.114

Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He cannot really say what he thinks of those higher in command, nevertheless, he notes that Burnside thinks himself incompetetent. Yet he thinks Burnside has no superior in the army. Features poem about Fredricksburg.Written in a camp near Falmouth

GLC02744.118

Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He suggests Ms. King's tenement. He will write a letter asking for her. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg

GLC02744.119

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He lost his pocket memorandum the day before as it fell out of his pocket. mentions a doctor Lee he has made friends with. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg

GLC02744.126

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He is glad she got a tenement house, but wishes she would get a hired girl so she does not have to work too hard. He recalls several warm memories. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg

GLC02744.127

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He compares winter in Virginia to winter in Rockville. He describes his "little darkie servant."Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg

GLC02744.128

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

Glad she looks forward to the idea of keeping house. He talks about their unique relationship. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg

GLC02744.134

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He gives a recipe for headaches, details troop movements, and describes things getting stuck in the mud. End of letter indicates prescence of additional smaller sheet but there is no extra page in folder.

GLC02744.135

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He says some generals have retired and now Hooker heads up their army. Soldiers died from fatigue/exposure, strewn across ground, won't read about it in the papers. Includes January 28, where he reassures his wife about her anxiety about hearing a...

GLC02744.136

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

A man stayed in the camp last night and complained about it. Still sick currently experiencing fever and rheumatism. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg

GLC02744.137

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He writes that he is about to try to get a leave of absence and she need not write to him after she receives this letter. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg

GLC02744.138

[Consent of leave for Lieut. Col. Thomas F. Burpee]

Notation at top of document indicates this is a duplicate.

GLC02744.141

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He must find something to occupy his mind since his wife is not around. asks after the children. He wants to know if Lucien is in school now. The English language cannot describe what he feels for her.

GLC02744.149

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He is sending her an allotment check. He instructs her as to what to do with it.

GLC02744.151

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He regrets not being able to see her safely back to Fort Monroe. later all the men got sea sick aboard the ship. He bivouacked later and waited for the enemy who did not come. He will write his letters like a journal entry from now on.

GLC02744.152

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

Letter of arrival. Notes they made it safely but were sea sick.

GLC02744.153

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He describes the new town he is in as having "negro shanties" and no pavements. He writes he is making his tent very comfortable. Mentions Alonzo.

GLC02744.157

to Lucien

Glad Lucien is in school. reminds him that not only play is needed to to make him a man. Tells him to be like a father to Charley who is younger.

GLC02744.159

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

Copy of faded letter, GLC02744.169, possibly by Burpee's son.

GLC02744.168

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

Pages appear to be missing. Describes a violent storm aboard the steamer. writes about Lucien. He worries he has not been as attentive as he should have been. He describes all of Lucien's characteristics.

GLC02744.170

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He writes that the goverment bonds are far safer than Bissell Bank. Encamped outside Portsmouth in a very dry area. she believes his letter to Alonzo was very severe.

GLC02744.185

to Lucien Burpee

Happy to hear he had a pleasant visit with aunt Margery. Notes he has made an improvement in letter writing.

GLC02744.187

to Mrs. Thomas Burpee

He received her package safely. He moved camp. He provides new address at which to send mail.

GLC02744.188

to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

Discusses a battle where he loses 106 men.

GLC02744.192

to Mrs. Thomas Burpee

He writes that besides a little skirmishing they are fully entrenched. describes the arrangement of the fight (who was commanding who, how many regiments were under a specific General) he may not get much money when they are finally paid.

GLC02744.196

to Mrs. Thomas Burpee

He is glad to hear any news about the children. Gen. Dutten was wounded yesterday. But luckily she can tell the children that their father has not been hurt yet.

GLC02744.197

to Mrs. Thomas Burpee

Very impatient because they have been at Harrison's landing all day. tired of hanging out on a boat. General Dutten is recovering from a wound to his jaw.

GLC02744.199

to Mr. Thomas Burpee

He writes he is glad his father did not get hurt. Thanks him for the money he sent.

GLC02744.201