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to: George M. Morris.

There was a fight and the men had to march 6 miles only to "drill quick" back to cross the "Chane Bridge." He tells his mother and brother that he is going to enlist for 15 years if they approve "for I like to sold[i]er."

GLC06451.004

to: Susannah L. Morris

Charles is enjoying himself, stating "I hafe [have] a grate [great] [deal] of fune [fun] hear [here] and I hop [hope] you hafe [have] as much at home." He hopes that Susannah is still good friends with William and that George and Mage "will not fall...

GLC06451.005

to: George M. Morris.

Charles is expecting "a bat[t]le hear [here] soon and I do not care how soon fore I would like to fight."
Written at Camp Pierpont.

GLC06451.006

to: George M. Morris.

[in another hand] Charles seems content declaring "I have a fine time here." He is cooking for the company and they only drill for an hour a day now. He promises to send Elizabeth and his mother his likeness. George has told him that there are no...

GLC06451.007

to: "Dear Brother."

Charles received and appreciated the box his brother sent to him. Written at Camp Pierpont.

GLC06451.008

to: "Dear brother."

Charles was not hurt but his hat was blown off and his gun knocked out of his hand in battle. The fight was hard and he hopes there won't be another like it soon.

GLC06451.010

to: brother.

Charles is unsure whether he will make it home this winter. He describes the meals the soldiers are served.

GLC06451.011

to: John Morris.

There was a fight and they were close enough to see the Confederates but they were unable to kill any of them.

GLC06451.012

to unknown

List of names with numeric notations written after each. [with Charles Morris' papers]

GLC06451.013

to: Wilmor W. Morris.

George tells Wilmor that he saw Tilley Wilson and Jones Stuart who "is s[u]ch a devel of a fool and it is good fun to watch him." George would like to know "if Matt Mitchel [got an] honorable discharge" as he so claims.

GLC06451.014

to: Wilmor W. Morris.

George reports that their father is getting better and promises to write Joseph very soon. He sends word to Joseph that "his purty girl Miss E. Talor had a litt[l]e one by old Hicky."

GLC06451.015

to: John Morris.

Jesse was wounded in the shoulder in the last battle. The steamer is headed for New York and then Pennsylvania but he will try to get a furlough to come home if his shoulder does not heal.

GLC06451.016

to: George M. Morris.

Jesse expects to leave soon but he is enjoying himself and knows that will end when he rejoins the army as it is no "pleasure to tote a heavy knapsack in warm weather." He believes all those who will volunteer already have and there will be a draft...

GLC06451.017

to: George M. Morris.

Jesse is getting better and his shoulder only hurts occasionally. He thinks "the girls will soon think different after the soldiers" return and if there are not enough, "two or three can take one in partnership." Joseph has not been well and is...

GLC06451.018

to: George M. Morris.

Jesse is sorry their brother Charles has died but says they must console themselves "as we know he died for a good cause." Jesse had a piece of bone removed from his shoulder and encloses it with the letter. He has heard that no more men will be...

GLC06451.019

to: Jesse M. Morris.

Trout's leg has gotten worse since Jesse left the hospital. A letter with five dollars came for Jesse from George and Wilmor and Trout distributed the money as Jesse had asked.

GLC06451.020

to: Jesse M. Morris and Joseph W. Morris.

John updates Jesse on the spasm in his mare's leg, which John [another with the same name] has been trying to cure. He read in the paper that there was another battle in Kentucky. John tells Joseph that their mother is working on a box to send them...

GLC06451.022

to: "Old Mr. Morris" [John Morris]

Davison apologizes for any insult one of his boys may have made against Mr. Morris. He was unaware of an offense but respects Mr. Morris and wishes to know who the boy was so that he may reprimand him.

GLC06451.023

to: Wilmor W. Morris.

There was a surprise snowstorm and the neighborhood seems "determined to get the interest of the money invested in their sleighs." He has not been sledding yet as he is taking the chance to fill the icehouse. He reports that Anthony is the only...

GLC06451.024

to: George M. Morris.

Joseph just bought a Clipper newspaper; he believes "there has been a battle some place, but I cannot tell you where till I read the paper." They are only able to shoot hogs and birds when on picket. Their shanty caught fire the night they were on...

GLC06451.026

to: George M. Morris.

Joseph heard that John is trying to find a wife "which I sup[p]ose he wil[l] while all the rest of the boys is away." He encourages George to look for a wife as well but supposes him to be "gon[e] with Darby Kain."

GLC06451.028

to: George M. Morris.

Joseph reports that they wade out to the oyster beds after the tide goes out early in the morning. General McClellan's division is coming soon so he should see Charles. Written at Camp Hamilton

GLC06451.029

to: Tilley Wilson.

There was a "sharp" fight two days ago during which his regiment and Hooker's distracted the enemy so that Porter could cross the Chickahominy and position his men on a hill above the Confederate capital from which he "can shell the city from where...

GLC06451.031

to: George M. Morris.

General McClellan gave orders for boxes to be forwarded because he "could not spare the gunboats to guard them up and down the James river." He has not heard from Charles. Joseph has gives a list of the wounded, which includes James Miller, James...

GLC06451.032

to: Wilmor W. Morris.

Joseph has seen several family members and sends word that Aunt Sally is dead. He gives news of the relatives and sends their addresses.

GLC06451.033

to: George M. Morris.

Joseph would like to know how Jesse felt when a letter from his wife got home before he did and how their mother reacted when she learned that he was married.

GLC06451.034

to: George M. Morris.

Joseph has not improved since George's visit. He got "power of attorney and sent it to Wilmor." His hand shakes so he will not write more.

GLC06451.035

to: Wilmor W. Morris.

Charles has been wounded. He intended to visit Wilmor on his way to see his brother Joseph E. but was unable to. Joseph E. is now three miles south of Harpers Ferry. Samuel asks Wilmor's opinion of the removal of McClellan from the command of the...

GLC06451.036

to: "Dear Brothers."

Wilmor writes his brothers that Jo will send three likenesses for Wilmor's mother, for Susan, and for Elizabeth. Jesse said to tell George he is too busy drilling to write George back. Wilmor asks after the sheep and cows and gives news of family...

GLC06451.039

to: Susannah L. Morris; John Morris.

Morris writes to his sister about guard duty, and to his father [in a separate letter on the same leaf]. Wilmor tells his father that "this regiment has the most stri[n]gent laws of any in the brigade you must toe the mark or the guard house is your...

GLC06451.040

to: Susannah L. Morris.

Jesse has a cold but "is able to kick foot ball." It is not true that Charles was shot, Wilmor just received a letter from him and "he said it was good funn he did not get hurt." They have received new French rifles which are "warented to shoot 1...

GLC06451.041

to: Susannah L. Morris.

Wilmor conjectures that "we will come home when we leave here fore the rebles are getting whip[p]ed every where thay meet our boys." He ate at a table for the first time since leaving home, at the home of a "pritty little plump girl" he met near the...

GLC06451.042

to: George M. Morris.

Wilmor's regiment is leaving Camp Johnston. He heard the Confederates "talking and whistling yankee doodle" on picket last night. The 63rd lost three men and one was wounded because Colonel Morgan thought the Confederates were "new york boys" when...

GLC06451.043

to: F. W. Stuart [wife].

Might send her some money. Received a letter. He is sending her finger ring that he made out of laurel root.

GLC06268.01

to: father.

He feels like he is blessed for being kind to his fellow soldiers. He now knows how it feels to be away from friends and out of money.

GLC06268.02

to: F. W. Stuart.

Hopes the letter cheers up wife. Writes about things that are going on in Ohio.

GLC06268.03

to: father.

The Chaplain's tent caught fire. Writes about all the bad luck the Chaplain has been having. He does not have any pity for him because he is "kind of a nuisance." "Such a Chaplain is worse than a wooden man."

GLC06268.04

to: F. W. Stuart.

Has a pin for her but it is not done yet. Explains what the pin is made of.

GLC06268.06

to: F. W. Stuart.

Explains what happened while he stood on picket.

GLC06268.07

to F. W. Stuart.

His ink ran out while he was writing the letter. Explained what was on a letter he received. An accident that happened.

GLC06268.08

to: the Baptist Church of Casstown.

Asks the church for their prayers.

GLC06268.09

to: F. W. Stuart.

Has been in battle for 9 days. He is in the reserve today. Writes that things seem "favorable" on his side. Mentions the people who were killed and wounded. He hopes that his group is successful.

GLC06268.11

to: F. W. Stuart.

Thinks that all the rebel forces have not arrived yet. Some fighting has been going on while he writes the letter. Written at Big Shanty Camp.

GLC06268.12

to: F. W. Stuart.

Still after the rebels. It is the 44th day they have been after them. Describes the fighting.

GLC06268.13

to: James Stuart.

Asks him to tell her if he has enough clothing. If he does not, she will get a box of clothing and send it to him. Hopes he does not work with the regiment anymore.

GLC06268.14

to: F. W. Stuart.

Describes the men that he is caring for in the hospital.
Written at the Cumberland Hospital.

GLC06268.15

to: F. W. Stuart.

Will probably be headed to Savannah, Georgia soon. It will take 30 to 40 days.

GLC06268.16

[to his wife]

Writes about what everybody is doing while he is writing the letter. What the rebels are up to.

GLC06268.17

to: his father.

He is in favor of abolishing slavery. Writes about slavery in the South.

GLC06268.18

to: F. W. Stuart.

He can see the White House from where he is camping. Expects to be in Ohio soon.

GLC06268.19

to: his brother.

Reminds brother of the last letter he sent. Puts emphasis on the fact that he is not angry with his brother.

GLC06268.20

to: his brother.

Mentions that it has been a while since he has heard from his brother. Writes about past times.

GLC06268.21

to: F. W. Stuart.

Hopes the person feels better after reading the letter. Wants the person to write back. Small weather report.

GLC06268.23

to: Wife, Daughters & Son.

Marked "No 1"; seemingly first letter sent to family while on post. Reports on news about Sherman & Charleston having fallen.

GLC06734.001

to: Mary [Armstrong, his wife].

Reporting on his arrival at the headquarters of the 9th Corps.

GLC06734.002

to: Wife.

Reports that he is now at the front, describes conditions at front & shells bursting in air around him, spreads news of capture of Wilmington.

GLC06734.003

to: Mary [Armstrong].

Describes being under enemy fire, ill health due to cold.

GLC06734.004

to: Mary [Armstrong].

Describes how he felt being under fire.

GLC06734.005

to: [?wife?].

GLC06734.006

to: Mary [Armstrong].

Reports on rumor that Sherman has been defeated, hopes it isn't true, talks about great number of dead and burial procedures, remarks on slavery as the sin of the South.

GLC06734.007

to: Mary [Armstrong].

Discusses his commanders & their religiosity, his preaching & religious ministering at the camp.

GLC06734.008

to: Mary [Armstrong].

Talks about systematic pilfering of the Sanitary Commission by high ranking soldiers; also reports on seeing black troops: "Today for the first time I saw whole regiments of black troops…They appear quite as well on parade as their more thoroughly...

GLC06734.009

to: Mary [Armstrong].

Reports various rumors about Sheridan's maneuvers. Also reports on nearby black uprising: "Our allies, the darkies, are evidently burning out their beloved Masters…"

GLC06734.010

to: Mary [Armstrong].

Describes army medic routines & ambulances, describes desolation of landscape due to war.

GLC06734.011

to: Mary [Armstrong].

Reports on troop maneuvers, Sheridan's whereabouts, etc.

GLC06734.012

to: Mary [Armstrong].

Reports on rumors that "Sherman, & Schoield, and Sheridan are working up, & Grant has Lee by the throat." Also describes in detail his work as a Chaplain & what it consists of.

GLC06734.015

to: Mary [Armstrong].

"I keep no diary of events, so I guess I had better send my diary home in the form of letters."

GLC06734.016

to: Mary [Armstrong]

Describes battle in detail. Also: "…The good news from Sheridan was read to the boys at inspection in the form of a dispatch from Gen. Grant. It was received with loud cheers. Surely the end draws nigh…"

GLC06734.017

to: Mary [Armstrong].

Describes impending battle plans .

GLC06734.018

to: Mary [Armstrong].

Describes feeling of impending battle. In part: "…Everything is quiet this morning, but it may be the calm before the storm. Sheridan is here, & his wonderful cavalry are not far off…"

GLC06734.019

to: Mary [Armstrong]

Describes widespread desertion by Confederate troops, intra-troop Confederate violence.

GLC06734.020

to Elizabeth Smith

He is very ill. Written from Stanton General Hospital.

GLC04189.56

to John Smith

Informing him that private D. V. M. Smith died on October 10th, 1863. Also informs him where Smith was buried.

GLC04189.57

to Elizabeth Smith

He found her husband's body and has sent it home by express. He warns her not to open the coffin because the body is "in an advanced state of decomposition."

GLC04189.58

to mother

Plans to attend a big government auction in Macon, Georgia. Before he goes home, he must stop in Washington and settle his old quartermaster accounts. He advises his mother on financial affairs including rent houses, and an oil well.

GLC04662.121

to mother

His quartermaster paper work is being inspected. He has met many of his army friends in the city.

GLC04662.123

to Elizabeth Smith

He has been sick since he joined the Army and now believes that his illness is due to bad food which "the devil can not eat." He describes how the regiment left New Jersey and traveled via railroad to Maryland. His regiment captured three of...

GLC04189.01

to Elizabeth Smith

The Confederates camped twenty miles away in Frederick, Maryland. He has "Inflamatory Rheumatism" in his legs. The regiment's officers think that they will all be discharged by Christmas. Smith begs his wife to write him more frequently and adds...

GLC04189.02

to Elizabeth Smith

His legs feel much better. He asks his wife to write him several times a week and he hopes to do the same. Written from Camp Johnson.

GLC04189.03

to Elizabeth Smith

Smith hopes he will soon be fit for duty. He has not received some letters his wife sent and is dismayed that she will not rewrite the news that was in them. He mentions trains full of soldiers passing by and, responding to her questions about...

GLC04189.04

to Elizabeth Smith

He received the letter she mailed yesterday (10/1/1862). He has only received one of four letters she sent. He gives her instructions concerning the "Post Office Matter" and how to file returns for stamps. In response to her complaint that he does...

GLC04189.05

to Elizabeth Smith

Describes the capture of a hearse that carried arms for the Confederacy. He found two newspapers lying on the road and mailed them to Anna [his daughter]. He asks Elizabeth to send him a letter detailing all the "impossibilities" she must deal with...

GLC04189.07

to Elizabeth Smith

Smith gives his wife instructions for renting out his blacksmith shop. [see also #2, 13] He is dismayed that she rented out part of the house against his wishes. His legs are giving him trouble again. Discusses types of punishments in camp...

GLC04189.08

to Elizabeth Smith

He expects to leave for home in a few days. Page 3 and 4 are addressed to Charles.

GLC04189.10

to unknown [fragment]

The rebels have torn up the road between camp and Frederick, Maryland and are now within 5 miles of the federal camp.

GLC04189.11

to Elizabeth Smith

The blacksmith shop has been rented out. Mentions rumor that the army will move soon and General Wool has stopped issuing furloughs. Smith begs his wife not to mention his liquor consumption. He assures her that he is now a sober man and it hurts...

GLC04189.13

to Elizabeth Smith & children

Describes an offer in which ten men from each company would have the "privilege" of being allowed to join the regular army for five years. They have captured quite a few rebels and spies including: "A big nigger that has been watching us and...

GLC04189.14

to Charles

He describes non-stop guard duty to his son Charles. Smith also tells the story of a young drummer boy his son's age, who snuck out of camp in a flour barrel in order to visit town. He advises his son not to become a soldier.

GLC04189.15

to Elizabeth Smith

He is still on guard duty. Discloses accounts that he would like his wife to collect. He also wants her to find out whether soldiers have to pay tax and, if so, how much. Briefly mentions the removal of McClellan and his renewed hope for a furlough...

GLC04189.16

to Elizabeth Smith & children

The army is building a General Hospital in town and his regiment has been assigned to guard it. He again asks his wife not to mention the "Rum question," claiming it makes him "feel a little dry until I forget it again." Continues on 11/26 to...

GLC04189.17

to his family

He has turned in his gun and reported to the doctor. He rode in an ambulance to Culpeper. He mentions the capture of two guerrillas and adds that "woman & children & negroes packed up & left for parts unknown."

GLC04189.55

to mother

He thinks the rebellion will be over by the 4th of July. Reminisces about friends and playing in the snow. Leon must return to his regiment. Confederate peace commissioners came into Union lines while Confederate bands played patriotic union songs...

GLC04662.092

to mother

The capture of Wilmington and Fort Anderson. Worries that Beauregard and Lee will join forces. Many southerners are deserting into union lines and even more are simply going home. He has been ordered to the Department of the South. Describes the...

GLC04662.093

to mother

He has no news to relate. Is anxiously awaiting news about Sherman. The Richmond papers will not print anything about Sherman's march because they do not want to reveal any information the North might not know.

GLC04662.094

to mother

He is looking forward to the end of the war so he can find employment. He writes that he can give a family friend a job as a driver for $30 a month plus rations.

GLC04662.096

to mother

He writes to announce his commission as a brevet major.

GLC04662.097

to mother

The quartermaster is buying the arms of Confederates who have deserted. Walbridge advises his mother on financial affairs.

GLC04662.098

to mother

Order to be the quartermaster of General Turner's division at Wilmington, N.C. His employees at Bermuda Hundred gave him a watch and a chair as a going away present. Written on board steamer "Transit."

GLC04662.099

to mother

He is now Chief Quartermaster of the 10th Army Corps, which gives him the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Leon is also stationed at Wilmington.

GLC04662.100

to mother

Mr. Pratt has offered to help George and Walbridge start their own business in Chicago. Walbridge announces he will stay in the army for a few months.

GLC04662.102