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to Brother Henry
17 August 1862
Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863
He has been sick for the last two weeks. He requests 5 or 10 dollars and a couple of shirts.
GLC02172.53
February 17, 1863
They learned of the capture of Fort Donaldson and 15,000 prisoners. He hopes his brother had fun sleigh riding and wonders if any of the fellows talk about him when they are hugging the girls. The regiment got new guns. Written in a camp near...
GLC02172.60
to Brother H. (Henry)
March 29, 1863
Two weeks ago they left camp. The journey to Baltimore was rough. Many men became sea sick. They then went to Louisville and are now in Bardsville. He sent his brother some money.
GLC02172.65
16 September 1863
He wanted to come home to the state fair but his horse was too tired. He went to see Ms. Castes to see if he could hire a horse, but her folks will be using all the horses. He may get home next week. He hasn't heard from Frank.
GLC02172.73
18 December 1863
Porter, Charles F., fl. 1861-1865
They are now in Knoxville. The regiment has suffered losses. Major Byington is dead. Captain Farren is wounded.
GLC02172.77
February 4, 1864
The officers have been trying to get soldiers to reenlist. More reenlisted than the number of people who actually showed up for duty. Those that did not reenlist had to be transferred to another regiment. Was written near Knoxville, Tennessee.
GLC02172.78
to Father
28 August 1864
Porter, Hank, fl. 1860
He was sorry to hear of the death of Uncle James. They have not heard from Sam or Matt. Theyw ere offered 1 dollar per pound for their wool.
GLC02172.80
He hopes his father has gotten over his sickness. They had a disagreement and he hopes this does not chnage his father's opinion of him.
GLC02172.81
to Father and Mother
14 October 1862
Scarborough, William H., fl. 1862-1865
They've been marching for four days. John Larr is currently in the hospital. He, himself has a cold and has been exempt from duty for two days. He requests a pair of boots be made for him.
GLC02173.01
04 April 1863
They just got paid for four months. They received orders to leave that morning from the river.He is feeling good.
GLC02173.05
22 April 1863
It is his birthday and he is 24. He would love to be at home but he understands how necessary it is for him to be here. He expects a battle soon and he hopes a speedy peace to follow.
GLC02173.06
to Parents
31 May 1863
He was sorry to hear of the mare's death. They have since left Perkins' Plantation. It was a hard march. They are in the midst of a battle and can hear Rebels' shells overhead.
GLC02173.07
25 June 1863
Many people are sick with fever and chills.
GLC02173.08
02 July 1863
He is writing from the hospital where there are over 200 patients. He has heard the hospital may be moved. He mentions Rebel Johnson and how he doesn't think they can catch him after the fall of Vicksburg.
GLC02173.09
4 August 1863
He writes he is enjoying himself and has received the handkerchief.
GLC02173.14
14 August 1863
He is healthy and happy because he received a lot of mail recently. Their sharp shooters are within gun shot of Fort Morgan.
GLC02173.15
to Father, Mother, Brother, Sister
5 October 1863
They took the railroad to Brashies City. They will have about 200 miles to march. He requests socks.
GLC02173.19
11 November 1863
The Rebels acknowledged a loss of 200 men while their side did not lose more than 20, but many were captured and wounded. He gives suggestions for boots and an overcoat he wants made for him.
GLC02173.20
February 6, 1864
He went to the army church and enjoyed it immensely. They recently built a new fort and two companies have to sleep in it every night to be ready for an attack, but he is not alarmed, he does not think the Rebels would be dumb enough to attack.
GLC02173.23
6 March 1864
He describes being sea sick on the St. Mary. They landed and there is much washing going on, so he can't write much. Some say they will move again tomorrow.
GLC02173.26
10 April 1864
Fort Spanish was evacuated after a siege of 12 days and capturing 500 prisoners and 33 pieces of cannon. The next morning they marched and soon they ran into heavy musketry. Their men were charging the fort. Over 3000 men were taken prisoner.
GLC02173.28
7 June 1864
A fellow soldier, Bob, has something wrong with one of his legs and this will affect marching. Their lieutinant has applied for a furlough and if he gets it, he can visit them.
GLC02173.30
to Jemima Shifflet
March 11, 1862
Shifflet, Hillary, 1823-1863
Written on patriotic stationery. Shifflet was very thankful to receive the box of chicken, pies, and cakes she sent as he "had nothing fit to eat for three weeks" and "it puts me in mind of home." He expects to see the family very soon if all goes...
GLC02174.03
to Fanny Shifflet
August 19, 1862
Shifflet encourages his daughter to "be a good girl and mind your mother" and to "go to school ever chance you git." He asks her to look after the other children, Patsy, Mariah, and Jonney and promises to send money so that Fanny may have new...
GLC02174.04
February 8, 1863
Shifflet received Fanny's ring and will keep it until he goes home, "if I live to git home." He will go home the next time he is paid "if I can git off enny way a tall." His division is "alooking for another big fight in a few days" and has "bin a...
GLC02174.07
March 15, 1863
GLC02174.09
Circa November 22, 1861
Written in pencil. Dated November 22 but no year.
GLC02174.14
to Hillary Shifflet
March 13, 1863
Digly, James, fl. 1863
GLC02174.15
to Sarah Wood
5 December 1862
Wood, Matthew, fl. 1862-1865
Written at Camp Zanesville to his wife. Talks of arrival at Camp Zanesville via steam boat ("smoke boat.") His goods were lost in shipping between home and the camp. Finally, tells his wife if she sends $100 quickly, he could come home, as he won't...
GLC02176.01
to Matthew Wood
January 16, 1863
Wood, Sarah, fl. 1862-1865
Written to her husband. Wants him to return as he's doing "no good." Talks of lack of money, and the financial transactions with a Samuel Clift. Mentions a neighbor offering for her to stay at his house, another offering to haul her coal for free...
GLC02176.02
23 April 1863
Written at Camp Dennison to his wife. Tells of a dream he had that he was at home again and that the war was over, though expresses certainty that the end will come soon. Is waiting for orders to march any day. Talks of how much a soldier values a...
GLC02176.06
12 July 1863
Written from Stanford, Kentucky to his wife. Is concerned that the $10 he sent won't get to her because 'it is such a secesh place." Observes "all armies is on the move it appears to be the grand rally now that is to decide the contest." Continues...
GLC02176.08
16 April 1864
Written from Nashville, Tennessee to his wife. Was sent to Nashville to retrieve a horse, but there are many cavalrymen waiting for horses. Compares the cold weather to Ohio winters. Describes the terrain of East Tennessee, the abundance of fruits...
GLC02176.14
25 April 1864
Written from Camp Smith to his wife. Describes spells of depression after sinning. Continues speaking of trust in God. Mentions receiving some old letters. Says the Colonel is determined to keep them there on duty, even if they have to ride mules...
GLC02176.16
to Sarah Wood and Lydia Jane Wood
October 27, 1864
Written from Chattanooga, Tennessee to his wife and daughter. Talks of reuniting with a friend from home named Dempsy. Speculates his regiment will move on to Atlanta. Is too ill to ride, so in free time will have another likeness taken with money...
GLC02176.22
to Catherine (Kitty)
circa 1861-1865
Morse, Justus, fl. 1861-1864
Ona scouting expedition the other day, some shells were thrown. He wants to see her again but he will have to be patient.
GLC02170.65
to Alice
14 March 1865
Nicolson, Charles, fl. 1862-1864
He was sick but is now feeling much better. He is glad that her father, who is an inavalid, is hoping to move to Morgan Town, It will be good for his health. He instructs her to only buy things she needs as most items are still piced very high.
GLC02171.04
to Unknown
The author of the note says the recipient should think of taking care of her father as a satisafction instead of a duty. The author also wishes to visit at one point but doesn't know when it will happen.
GLC02171.08
to Heather
3 June 1861
He is getting used to being a soldier and he will send all his things home today. They have to be ready to march tomorrow.
GLC02172.03
to Brother
15 July 1861
A hundred of them marched for a couple of miles so that they could guard a dam. Eventually they will go to Fairfax where there are 4,000 men.
GLC02172.05
12 August 1861
He sent his brother some money. The weather has been warm and rainy lately. He complains of having written to various family members but has not received an answer.
GLC02172.08
31 August 1861
He begs his brother not to enlist. He tells him to please stay at home and make all the money can. He will take his picture soon. They have recenlt got new clothes and blankets.
GLC02172.15
8 September 1861
There has been fighting among the pickets.Three of their men were wounded and one died yesterday. There are a lot of peach and apple trees where he is.Troops are continually coming in. 70,000 crossed into Virginia Thursday night. Written in Camp...
GLC02172.16
26 September 1861
They heard about General Mulligan's surrender to the rebels supposedly because General Freemont did not send reinforcements. Written in Camp Arlington
GLC02172.19
29 September 1861
The Rebels have evacuated Munson's Hill. Most of the regiments were moving toward Fairfax. He mentions a Charley STevens who seems to have changed his mind about enlisting. Written in Camp Arlington
GLC02172.21
6 October 1861
They are going to get new guns, either the sharps or Enfield rifles. He mentions the cavalry. The boys are in good spirits. He will not get down to the city thsi week. Written in Camp Arlington
GLC02172.23
December 31, 1861
The Rebel pickets are three miles away. There is firing on both the right and left. He wishes could get a chance to take a sleigh ride. He will get his next two months pay this morning.
GLC02172.34
7 May 1862
He describes a battle in which 139 were wounded and a few reported missing. There was a swamp in the equation and descriptions of being six inches deep.
GLC02172.46
4 August 1862
Everything has been quiet around the picket lines lately. He spoke to Ed a week ago and learned that he is sick. He will have the paymaster send his brother a draft of 90 dollars every pay day.
GLC02172.52
20 September 1862
He does not know when he will rejin the regiment but at prsent he only works 4 hours a day washing dishes. He has rheumatism. The box he was supposed to have received has still not arrived.
GLC02172.56
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