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to Stockton Bates

Complains about recent useless parades and reviews, preliminary to reorganization of the army into three corps, similar to Lee's army, under Sedgwick, Hancock, and a third General. Notes malcontent, particularly with the Army of the Potomac....

GLC03523.23.32

to Stockton Bates

Reports on local rumors of reorganization and a new focus on Richmond, with Grant moving his headquarters to the Army of the Potomac.

GLC03523.23.33

to Stockton Bates

Complains about rain; would rather march than be cooped up in his tent. Reports on recent army reorganization and Meade's current actions. Asks a hypothetical question translating the value of gold to greenbacks.

GLC03523.23.34

to Stockton Bates

Has been named high private, rear rank, Co. H, 61st P.V. Must readjust after returning from his recent furlough, during which his corps was reorganized.

GLC03523.23.35

to Stockton Bates

Remains in winter quarters. Burnside, who was supposed to be on the Peninsular campaign, is nearby with his colored troops distributed as railroad guards. Writes that they fear for black soldiers on the front: "With the 'darkies' it is victory or...

GLC03523.23.36

to Stockton Bates

Written from Camp Parole, where Union prisoners of war were held until they were exchanged with Confederate prisoners of war, then returned to their regiments. Expresses fear that every officer would apprehend him after he had been taken into...

GLC03523.23.37

to Stockton Bates

Describes how marching to the front now is somewhat different now than a year ago because their army is much more victorious. Reacts to presidential communication with Britain; wonders about Canada.
Written from Camp Parole, where Union prisoners...

GLC03523.23.38

to Stockton Bates

Was a prisoner of war a year ago here; has visited his old prison. Local attitudes towards the Union have changed due to Grant. "The conduct of the soldiers has been remarkable, when we consider the bitterness, the cruelty, the fiendishness with...

GLC03523.23.40

to Stockton Bates

Complains about how veteran soldiers are being treated, especially those who have reenlisted. Has prepared the muster-out rolls and complains about inefficient officers. Looks forward to spending the 4th of July at home in Philadelphia. Several...

GLC03523.23.41

to Stockton Bates

Has visited old friends in Illinois, a place he now admires greatly. "I have come to the conclusion that there is no place like it for a young man to start in the world, with assurance of success."

GLC03523.23.43

to Hat

Recounts meeting "Majors Burnham and Merriman on board the boat" at Fort Monroe. Describes war torn Petersburg, noting that "almost every house shows the marks of our Shells." Explains that the troops were weary from travelling 165 miles in six...

GLC04498.07

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Parapet to a friend. Mentions rumors that Stonewall Jackson has been taken prisoner in Washington or that he has conquered Washington. Talks of gifts sent from home (one especially exciting was a piece of cheese.) In return, he sends...

GLC02165.10

to John Reeser

Jones writes from headquarters, Camp White House. Wishes Reeser well. Reports that he is within twenty miles of Richmond, Virginia and his company is fighting off Confederate guerrilla parties. Describes a skirmish in which the Confederates...

GLC03523.43.02

to unknown

Signed G. J. H. Writes from Camp Alexandria. Thanks the recipient for the "interesting" letter he received. Mentions traveling 600 miles from Washington junction to Harpers Ferry, Virginia to Cumberland, Maryland by [train] cars. Describes the...

GLC03523.43.03

to [Syrs] Glowner

Writes that he is in the hospital and that he would like to see him and the boys. Complains about not being able to rest and looking over Washington and seeing all the action. Discusses the presidential race between "old Abraham" [Abraham Lincoln]...

GLC03523.43.13

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Lyon to a friend. Talks of mutual acquaintances, (including a death, one in an "insane retreat" and one who goes down town and returns "pretty tight"), Christmas (when he hears a sermon by an African missionary on "what shall be done...

GLC02165.01

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Lyon to a friend. Confesses that the people enjoying the winter, sleighing etc., makes him miss home and that he hopes he never sees fighting like that which has been going on in Kentucky. Also says the stormy winter inhibits drilling...

GLC02165.02

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Lyon to a friend. Laments camp accommodations ("you are at Church listening to a good sermon while I am seated on a wash basin and writing on a Camp Kettle") and not being able to spend "the last Sunday in Brookfield that perhaps I...

GLC02165.03

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Parapet to a friend. Describes his time in New Orleans in the beginning of May, including the abuse from the natives, such as threats of the Yellow Jack. Also describes in good detail his regiment's role in the taking of New Orleans...

GLC02165.04

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Parapet to a friend. Talks of the attempts of some (such as his friends Wilkinson and Johnson) to be discharged, and Sunday morning mandatory cleaning routines. Mentions General Ambrose Burnside will be reinforcing General George...

GLC02165.06

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Parapet to a friend. First mentions a skirmish near Lake Pontchartrain. Visits a nearby plantation, visiting its sugar house, and conversing with former enslaved people who say they would rather be there than in the camp. Describes...

GLC02165.07

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Hubbard to a friend. Talks of the departure of "Doctor" for whom Holly most likely works and whom Holly is sad to see go. A man comes along and asks for whiskey; describes his practices of "prescribing" whiskey. Comments that though...

GLC02165.08

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at an unkown location to a friend. First, he compares a soldier's occupation to a teacher's and observes that if he is paid no matter the amount of work he does, it is logical that he should be lazy. Is dubious whether they will defeat the...

GLC02165.09

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Parapet to a friend. Expresses boredom at the monotony of life. Describes an incident in which Confederate soldiers escorted under a flag of truce the wife of General John Bullock Clark, who had been taken prisoner, so that she could...

GLC02165.11

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Kearney to a friend. Talks in awe of a herd of 1500 cattle captured by forces to be eaten. Describes the quarters of Dr. Benedict, a friend, for whom Holley most likely works, in a former home of Confederates. Then, talks of the...

GLC02165.12

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Stevens to a friend. Criticizes the self-interest that seems to taint much of the war and harsh officers who are "inferior in every thing" who "curse and damn you;" however, when they do this, he threatens to report them and they stop...

GLC02165.13

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Stevens to a friend. Talks of the good weather, and the effect that the rainy weather has on his moods. Laments his lack of exercise. Tells of drawing clothes, and his regiment's getting last picks. Discusses plans to break up his...

GLC02165.14

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Vermilion Bayou to a friend. Describes reading Mary's letters on the march, and the expansive plantation of a Rebel General "Moota" (perhaps General Alfred Mouton), commenting "you can imagine how things will look here in a day or two, not...

GLC02165.15

to Mary Ann Davis

Written to a friend. Talks of a Colonel Merritt suspected of stealing from his regiment's mail, and a man accused of the same thing sent to Ship Island. Expresses hope for coming home in 11 months, but acceptance that, of course, he could die...

GLC02165.16

to Mary Ann Davis

Written from "Lakeport, La." to a friend. Talks of the visit of the wife of his friend, William Hoyt, whom he will be sad to see leave as he enjoys having a "respectable female friend to chat with." Talks of how he wants to leave the army--"what a...

GLC02165.17

to Mary

Written at camp near Stephenson, Alabama. Thanks her for continuing to write to him while he is at war. Writes that Lieutenant Heuburt [?] returned but he has yet to see him. He has still not received some of her letters and is disappointed. He is...

GLC03523.42.65

to John Reeser

Writes to Reeser wishing him well. States they will be heading to Richmond, Virginia. Comments on the boys being in good health and ready to fight the Confederates. Mentions hearing General Ambrose E. Burnside being defeated along the Potomac....

GLC03523.43.05

to John Reeser

Describes fighting another hard battle. States, "the Army never fought So hard befor thair wos so men killed and wonded and missen in our Rege- thair is 40 men left in the three Compene and some of them wos wounded but some wore out by hard marches...

GLC03523.43.06

to John Reeser

Describes the camp being nice and seeing the Potomac River. Reports seeing plenty of rebels that "are hard looking fases some of them are very neare naked and as dirty as hogs…" Mentions being able to wash every week and having a "sporting horse he...

GLC03523.43.07

to John Reeser

Comments on deserters being shot. Describes a deserter being led through camp behind his coffin, allowed to speak a few words, and "his leges wos tide up and kneeled becide his coffen and then thair wos twelve men shot at him…" Reports that two...

GLC03523.43.08

to Mary

Apologizes for not writing sooner. Mentions being homesick and Sundays being lonesome. Writes about a visit with Edwin and having a "clean meal" and eating beef steak, butter, apple sauce, and coffee. Inquires after Mary's farm. Describes his...

GLC03523.43.10

to John Reeser

Talks of being on picket every third day and having both drill company and brigade drill daily. Mentions that reentry is good and that they have 57 men on the roll compared to 17. Complains about another man named Jacob not paying them the local...

GLC03523.43.11

to John Reeser

Writes to John Reeser from Company B. Describes being about ten miles from fighting and hearing the soldiers firing at each other all the time. Comments that the rebels are "firing at our pickits every nights." Describes taking a man prisoner while...

GLC03523.43.12

to John Reeser

Writes from the White Horse Motel in Philadelphia. Informs Reeser that he will be in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and wants Reeser to meet him. Plans on traveling home with Reeser. Talks of taking the stage home if Reeser is unavailable. Mentions...

GLC03523.43.14

to John Reeser

Discusses putting Lincoln in for four more years. Inquires if Reeser received his letter requesting gloves and if so for Reeser to send him the gloves along with ten dollars. Tells him that he is out of money and won't get paid for another month....

GLC03523.43.17

to unknown

Comments that he is doing well other than a bad cold that he caught on the boat. Describes being at the old dismounted camp where the regimental property is. Reports that Company B is about six miles away on picket duty and that he will be out as...

GLC03523.43.18

to Mary Reeser

Mentions that he received the ten dollars that Reeser sent him. Reports that Dan has not joined the Company yet and that he is at the dismounted camp on the other side of the river. Inquires after a pair of boots that he requested the "old man"...

GLC03523.43.19

to Mary H. Benedict

Apologizes for taking so long to write back. Mentions that he is sick and has been for about ten days but believes that he will get better. Inquires after her singing and and asks how George is coming along with his melodies. Wishes that he could...

GLC03523.43.20

to Father

A letter from son to father detailing the son joining the ship the Savannah after leaving the Connecticut.
The year estimate is based on mention of the Fort Pickins affair in the letter. Fort Pickins was one of the only southern forts that remained...

GLC04188.02

to Rosa McKean

Discusses a military action off Pensacola

GLC04188.15

to W. McKean

Discusses the events at the opening of the Civil War

GLC04188.16

to parents

Received a letter from them last night. Generally, when they mail a letter on a Monday, it arrives on a Thursday. Is happy to read their letters no matter how long they are. Is no longer working for the General Court Martial. The division...

GLC09355.041

to Parents

Just returned home from chapel. Two men were baptized today. One was Sergeant John W. Stockwell. "If a man can be a Christian in this army he can be one anywhere." Went down to Brandy Station this morning, and needed a pass signed by a company leader...

GLC09355.054

to Parents

Will be home 17 months from tomorrow. "God grant that the cloud which now hangs over our nation" will be gone by then. The war is God's punishment. "There was never a more corrupt and sinful government than ours has been" for the past 20 years...

GLC09355.058

to Parents

Received a letter and a package containing tobacco, paper, and envelopes. Was almost out of envelopes, but had enough paper "to last me a month." Hopes he will be able to write a lot during the summer. Now has enough paper to write for the next two...

GLC09355.061