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to Stockton Bates

They have moved to the Rapidan river under Lee's orders. Here the locals who remain are destitute, each house with its own distillery, with very few churches and schools. Speculates about Longstreet's future actions. Written from Camp 61st P.V...

GLC03523.23.23

to Stockton Bates

A portion of their army has been moved to other points, thus weakening their army. He disagrees with this strategy, for the "rebels are as busy as bees strengthening their position." A meeting to express political opinion and support for Governor...

GLC03523.23.24

to Stockton Bates

Lee has started playing "the brilliant game of strategy" with Meade, costing the Rebels 2,000 men. Soldiers have confidence in Meade but are waiting to see how he leads. "We hardly know whom to trust." Lincoln has called for more volunteers.

GLC03523.23.25

to Stockton Bates

They move towards Richmond. Describes a battle and the capture of 4 artillery, 2000 small arms, 2 brigade commanders, and 1600 privates with 120 officers prisoners, including the "Louisiana Tigers, the men who carried long knives for the purpose of...

GLC03523.23.26

to Stockton Bates

They held "un grand revue du Corps" for a party of visiting English officers, to which he is opposed. Heard about the Gettysburg dedication. Meade has reduced the 8-day ration to 5 because men cannot carry that much. Asks for a copy of the...

GLC03523.23.27

to Stockton Bates

Soldiers have agreed to extend service for three years with the promise of a 30-day furlough. At Christmas, everyone got drunk. Looks forward to his own 10-day furlough, though realizes it may not happen in all reality.

GLC03523.23.28

to Stockton Bates

Is grateful for the news; it provides freedom from boredom for the entire camp. Describes their winter quarters, a rude combination of log cabin and tent. His roommate is a German soldier who participated in the disturbances of 1848 then fled his...

GLC03523.23.29

to Stockton Bates

Has spent the last three days on picket, near a widow with 21 contraband slaves who refuse to leave her. "They are a careless, happy set singing and dancing from sunrise to sunset; their enslaved condition affecting them but little." Men are...

GLC03523.23.30

to Stockton Bates

Reminisces upon reading about commencement at his old school. The administration is trying a new plan to enlist old troops, promising 60-days furlough and $500 bounty to enlist for five additional years. Believes the offer will be popular. Written...

GLC03523.23.31

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

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 Benjamin A. Woolston

Writes to his father in Tullytown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania that he is well and reports that he enlisted in the third Pennsylvania Cavalry yesterday but was rejected as of yet. States that he left his clothes in the receiving office to be picked...

GLC03523.26.01

to Benjamin A. Woolston

Writes to his father in Tullytown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that his regiment is at City Point, Virginia where he will be going soon to meet them. Says they have plenty to eat and can do what they want so he is in no hurry to go. Reports...

GLC03523.26.02

to Benjamin A. Woolston

Addressed from "Camp Near Gen. Mead/ Headquarters in Front of Platersburg." Writes to his father in Tullytown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Reports that it took 30 hours to get to City Point from Alexandria. States he is happy, "we set up on the top...

GLC03523.26.03

to Benjamin A. Woolston

Written from headquarters of the Army of the Potomac. Writes to his father in Tullytown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that he is well and that the weather has been very rainy. Heard some musket firing last night but is not sure if it was...

GLC03523.26.07

to Benjamin A. Wooston and Maria Woolston

Written from headquarters of the Army of the Potomac. Writes to his parents in Tullytown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Reports that they broke camp in front of Petersburg on 28 March, forced the Confederate forces out of Petersburg, and chased them...

GLC03523.26.08

to Maria Woolston

Reports to his mother that they have marching for miles and miles to Essex County, Virginia in order to get to the house of Virginia Senator Robert Mercer T. Hunter, whom they captured. He called Hunter, "a big dark complected man and said to been...

GLC03523.26.09

to Charles Woolston

Letter to Charles signed by both his mother, M. Woolston, and his father, who signed with his initials, B.A.W. His father tells him to try and save his money, and asks Charles to let him know if he is staying in a barrack or tents. His mother...

GLC03523.26.10

to his family

Ticknor writes to his family from camp in Cairo, Illinois. Reports he is in good health and made Corporal. States his company is the left wing of the regiment. Mentions they have fifty to sixty prisoners. Says he has been loading canons onto boats to...

GLC03523.30.01

to his family

Ticknor writes to his family from camp in Farmington, three miles outside Corinth, Mississippi. Reports his line extends fifteen to twenty-five miles. States he is in Union General John Pope's division expecting a battle any moment, "... if we whip...

GLC03523.30.03

to his family

Ticknor writes to his family from an unknown location. Refers to his recent illness and how he "... would like to be there vary much to have some bread and milk..." Comments he eats a lot of fruit, peaches, apples, watermelon and pears. Says he has...

GLC03523.30.04

to an unknown cousin

Ticknor writes to an unknown cousin from sixteen miles outside Cincinnati, Ohio. Expresses relief his cousin was not accepted when he tried to enlist "...for i think if we are ever whipped it will be before the new recruits and volunteers get into...

GLC03523.30.05

to his family

Ticknor writes to his family from Cairo, Illinois. Reports ten boats of rebel prisoners are in the harbor. Mentions they were in Kentucky for fifteen days. Comments the march was very hard due to rain and mud. Writes abut one regiment "...that could...

GLC03523.30.06

to his family

Ticknor writes to his family from Camp Dennison in Ohio. Mentions he's recovered from an illness and is ready to return to his regiment at Camp Corinth, Mississippi. Comments how pleasant the weather is and the wheat crop is ready. Informs he's had...

GLC03523.30.07

to father, mother, brother and sister

Ticknor writes to his family from Camp Dennison in Ohio. Reports he will return to his regiment the following day. States his regiment is in either Alabama or east Tennessee. Informs he sent his "likeness" to them. Expresses his desire for the war to...

GLC03523.30.08

to his family

Ticknor writes to his family from Nashville. Reports the weather is pleasant. Informs of all the stops he made on the way to Nashville. Comments he has picket duty every four days. Discusses foraging for food and cattle. Anticipates an attack soon...

GLC03523.30.09

to father, mother, brother and sisters

Ticknor writes to his family from camp on Stone River, Tennessee. Reports on the successful battle of Stone River that took place on 31 December 1862. Praises Union General William S. Rosecrans. Comments he is waiting to hear good news from Union...

GLC03523.30.10

to his family

Ticknor writes to his family from Chattanooga. Reports the rebels are on three sides of them, and the Tennessee River is at their rear. Complains of hard times, living on one quarter rations with very little clothing. Reports very little shelling...

GLC03523.30.11

to friends at home

Ticknor writes to his friends from Kingston, Georgia. Reports they are in pursuit of Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston and his troops. Informs they routed Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston at Dalton, Georgia and again ten miles away...

GLC03523.30.12

to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Camp Lyon. Discusses his holiday party and how he "...devoured his share of all the delicate dishes from the North." Complains of the hard crackers used as bread on marches. Informs there are two hundred...

GLC03523.31.01

to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Camp Goodell. Reports there are 1200 soldiers there. Complains of sleeping on the cold ground with no blanket for a few nights. Says they are divided into squads of eight men who share a tent. Mentions they do...

GLC03523.31.02

to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Camp Goodell. Expresses gratitude for her letter and says when the mail arrives, the soldiers "...flock to the office like sheep." Says once the letters are read the band plays "the girl I left behind." Reports...

GLC03523.31.03

to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Camp Goodell. Reflects on the possibility of being killed. Reports his regiment is now part of the U.S. Army under Union General George B. McClellan, and they will be moving to western Virginia. Letter is very...

GLC03523.31.04

to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Camp Pope. Discusses his loneliness for the female sex, "You know it is not nature to be thus alone." Mentions shaving his whiskers close to his face and getting a severe cold. Comments on the constant rain, damp...

GLC03523.31.05

to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Camp Pope. Discusses in great detail the Fourth of July celebration in the camp. "The entire Brigade took a solom oath never to return to there homes until the last vestage of rebelion is wiped out." Describes a...

GLC03523.31.06

to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from camp outside St. Louis. Describes in great detail his trip down the Mississippi River aboard a government steamer "City of Alton." Mentions being applauded by Union people as they went down the river. Comments...

GLC03523.31.07

to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Camp Tremont outside St. Louis. Mentions cooking for the soldiers when he has nothing else to do even though there are five cooks for each company. Says they just received their uniforms and bayonets. Explains in...

GLC03523.31.08

to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Camp Tremont outside St. Louis. Thanks her for the magazine she sent him. Reports Confederate General Gideon J. Pillow has a strong army in the state. Says St. Louis is under martial law and a very dangerous place...

GLC03523.31.09

to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from a hospital in Mound City, Illinois. Reports he has been sick with fever for six weeks. Says the hospital is three stories high and capable of treating 6000 patients. Comments that war "...tries men's souls."...

GLC03523.31.10

to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Camp Lyon in Illinois. Apologizes for using the word "love" in his letters to her. Responds to her inquiry about the hospital in Cairo, Illinois. Expresses doubt that the rumors of poor treatment for the soldiers...

GLC03523.31.11

to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Fort Henry, Tennessee. Mentions Union General Halbert E. Paine leaving with the sick soldiers and supplies. Reports on his trip to Cairo, Illinois by steamer on the Ohio River. Says the boat was so crowded they...

GLC03523.31.12

to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Fort Donelson, Tennessee. Reports his troops are pushing forward to Nashville, Tennessee. Refers to the battle and capture of Fort Henry, the first important Union victory in the Western Theater. Informs that...

GLC03523.31.13

to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from the General Hospital in Savannah. Reports on the Battle of Shiloh, "...a day never to be forgotten by me." Says the battlefield was littered with dead and wounded. Informs his right arm was wounded on the...

GLC03523.31.14