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to sister Kate

Writes that General Sheridan is getting rid of all unserviceable stock. Asks his sister to send him fifteen dollars, as he has not been paid and needs money.

GLC02016.076

[to his aunt]

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Reports that the troops have moved from the south bank of the Pamunkey River to the north bank of the James River. Complains of a grueling three-day march accompanied by Sheridan's cavalry...

GLC02016.077

to sister Kate

Writes that he has escaped from fighting in the south of Richmond. Only two divisions of troops were left behind at the north of the James River; one a colored troop division and the other Painter's division. Includes a postscript note reporting...

GLC02016.078

to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Reports on the fall of Richmond and describes the streets of the city as being full of people cheering and playing music in celebration of the "conquering heroes." Writes that the city was...

GLC02016.079

to sister Anna

Written two days after Lee's surrender to Grant at Appomatox Court House. Describes the scene in Richmond a week after its fall. Criticizes Jefferson Davis' for fleeing after he called for the burning of Richmond. Writes that there were half...

GLC02016.080

to his sister

Comments that everyone thinks that the war is coming to a close. Likens main Street in Richmond to Chestnut Street in Philadelphia and observes that the people of the city are beginning to "come out of their holes and reconcile themselves to the new...

GLC02016.081

to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Reflects on the atrocities of war. Criticizes those who venerate the dead Confederate soldiers and feels that the widows and children should be given more attention. Writes that 50 to 60...

GLC02016.082

to sister Kate

He is happy to hear that his aunt and uncle may be visiting Richmond, but warns her that the city is in shambles. Writes that his name was forwarded for recognition for meritorious conduct. Asks that his sister not mention the news to anyone, as he...

GLC02016.083

to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Reports that he will be leaving for Staunton, Va. by rail. Painter will be staying in Virginia to oversee state elections which will postpone his discharge. Complains that all the newer...

GLC02016.084

to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Describes his camp as being on a hill where he can look down at the city of Staunton. Writes that the women of the city are very bitter towards the Union soldiers, while the men seem...

GLC02016.085

to sister Kate

Discusses his visit to Weirs cave and wishes that his family could have accompanied him. Writes that Col. Clay is in command of the sub-district of Staunton. Reports that not much is happening at camp and feels that the men will become demoralized...

GLC02016.086

to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Writes that most of the people of the town are beginning to reconcile with the "new state of things" with the exception of the women. There are many women left (many widows), but few men...

GLC02016.087

to sister Ella

Writes that the young women of Staunton are pretty, but hate Yankees. Mentions that the major's sister was treated unkindly by Southern women at Church. Reports that he met Major General Curtis (the hero of Ft. Fisher) and was told that there was...

GLC02016.088

to sister Kate

Writes that he has not attended church since arriving in Staunton. He has been very busy working on monthly returns. There are still no signs of mustering out or getting leave of absence. Writes that the men indulge too much when they get paid.

GLC02016.089

to Margaret McClelland

Writes to his friend about the hot weather and having received the letter she wrote yesterday. Mentions having received two New York newspapers to keep him informed of what is going on at home. Asks about her plans to travel while he is gone....

GLC05522.01

to Margaret McClelland

Discusses their correspondence and his improving health. Asks about her stay at her aunt's house and whether she has begun work yet. Written from the Cliffburn Barracks. Includes an incomplete reply from Maggie on page two regarding her health....

GLC05522.02

to S. P. Oakes

Written at Camp Wallace

GLC03136.003

to Grier Maitland

Writes to his brother from Camp Bear Creek. Tells him, "I am now seated in the Capt's Tent with no one to disturb me, and as I sit here my mind wanders back to the old Homestead, in my imagination I see you all as you ply your Evening Care, Mother...

GLC03523.10.092

to Joseph M. Maitland

Discusses daily life and happenings at camp. Mentions [Brigadier General James W.] McMillan inspected their camp last Sunday and "Put several privates under arrest and I think reduced some Corporal to the ranks." Lists several promotions that have...

GLC03523.10.105

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

to his sister Martha and family

He writes that it is his one year anniversary of enlistment and that he is glad he made the decision to enlist. Comments that the soldiers forage for most of their food, living "almost independent from Unkle [Uncle] Sam". Reports that Lieut. Culver...

GLC07460.042

to Bell Wharton

Maitland writes to Bell from a camp outside Memphis. Reports he received a pass to go into Memphis and visited the Union Chapel for services. Complains there was a choir and no one else sang. Remarks the service was too stiff and formal for him....

GLC03523.10.117

[to his parents]

Reports that he has left Rienzi and will be going to either Cincinnati or Louisville, KY. Writes that Corinth is heavily fortified and is presently deserted. Would like to see his parents if he travels to Cincinnati.

GLC06728.021

to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

Writes that he is encouraged by his mother's message of strength and courage. Mentions that the men are drilling five days out of the week and travel a mile to find suitable ground for drillling. He reports that the 129th Illinois and the 3rd Ohio...

GLC07460.048

[to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister]

Writes that the rainy weather prohibits soldiers from drilling. Mentions that he visited the Christian Commission and got three or four papers (newspapers or writing paper; the duties of the Commission's delegates required them to provide reading...

GLC07460.049

to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

He is happy to hear news about home from a friend that has just returned to camp from Sycamore (Wheeler's hometown in Illinois). Writes that he has only been on picket once since leaving Murfreesboro and his duties have been very light. Wheeler and...

GLC07460.050

to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from camp on the Mississippi River. Mentions the levee was cut and submerged the whole country around it, sweeping away many homes and forcing people to flee to higher ground. Reports visits from Union Generals Lorenzo...

GLC03523.31.22

to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Vicksburg. Discusses in detail the fall of Vicksburg and the long siege. Claims "...70,000 men had received the death blow and fell into the hands of the invincible troops of U. S. Grant..." Reports the stars and...

GLC03523.31.23

to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from a camp in Vicksburg. Thanks her for copies of the newspaper "Independent." Reports they are not campaigning now and have much free time. Comments letters from the North are scarce and wonders if his friends have...

GLC03523.31.24

to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

Describes an arduous seventeen mile march from Lavergne to Nashville. Writes that more ambulances are accompanying the men while marching, which allowes the soldiers to get passes to ride in the ambulance when they can't march any further. Wheeler...

GLC07460.045

to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

Comments that he is pleased that his family has received all of his letters and writes that he is fighting for their rights. Describes his journey to Stevenson, Alabama by train. Reports that during his trip he met an old friend, John Hegeman who...

GLC07460.046

to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

Wheeler is very pleased with the consistency in which his family writes him and states that he thinks no one else in camp gets as much correspondence from home as he does. Reports that Union forces are in Chattanooga and his entire Brigade in...

GLC07460.047

to Brother [incomplete]

Writes from the "Rear of Vicksburg" to his brother. Tells him, "last night Co. E of our Regt. went on Picket. They advanced so close to the Rebs. that they were fired into & 8 or 9 of Co. were wounded..." Reports that the next morning, "a general...

GLC03523.10.073

to his friend

Writes to a friend from camp near Black River, Mississippi, reporting that they recently left their camp in Vicksburg because "old Joe Johnston was coming up in our rear." Mentions that Generals Ambrose Burnside and Stephen Hurlbut have come with...

GLC03523.10.076

to Elhanan M. Mast

Informs his brother that he has heard from his son Joseph, who is on picket and fatigue duty near Vicksburg, Mississippi. Reports that John Petty, a family friend, is sick and is no longer on duty. Mentions that Petty was a Clerk under General John...

GLC03523.10.078

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 his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

Wheeler reminds his family that mail isn't always regular and asks them not to panic if they don't hear from him regularly. Feels that his company would have won the barrel of beer for best drilling had Captain Fields not mixed up his orders....

GLC07460.038

to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

Thanks his family for sending him the trunk of food and writes that it came at a good time because rations have been meager. Jokes that he will take his trunk with him now that he knows it can be carried and will give it furlough when it needs to...

GLC07460.039

to his parents, brother, and sister

Writes that musicians have it the easiest in the regiment because they can always stay in camp and out of the weather. Mentions to Darius, his brother-in-law, that the musicians speak highly of him all the time. Writes that he is glad his mother...

GLC07460.040

to his parents, brother, and sister

Writes that the company is back in Lavergne and was able to return to the log buildings they had built there a month ago. Discusses General [William Thomas] Ward, his sixteen year commission, and his refusal to report to General Morgan. Writes that...

GLC07460.041

to Maria Damuth

The camp is having a day of rest so Damuth writes to his sister. The men have marched 119 miles in seven days and are heading for Alexandria. The 29th Wisconsin is traveling with the 19th Army Corps, an eastern regiment who "have not seen much if...

GLC03523.14.51

to Joseph M. Maitland

Reports to his son that "I learned further through your chaplain that rigorous measures would be adopted to take those Boys back that had left and punish them. I repeat to you that we would like to see you but unless you can get a pass I think it...

GLC03523.10.056

to Bell Wharton

Writes to "My Dear Bell" from Fort Pickering. Describes fort conditions, noting that is very different than Camp Chase. Tells her, "Oh how I wish I was only at home long enough to get a few meals and then the loss of Female Society to one who is a...

GLC03523.10.059

to [William Grier Maitland] [incomplete]

Informs brother, from Fort Pickering, that three men from his regiment died last night from illness. Reports that there is news of "guerillas" burning a steamboat a few miles outside of Memphis, speculating that everyone was taken prisoner. Tells him...

GLC03523.10.060

to Joseph M. Maitland

Reports to son about the death of a family friend, Ben Morgan. Writes that "I asked him of his hope of Heaven. He said it was strong, strong enough to bear him over the Jordon of waters." Instructs his son to make himself acquainted with his officers...

GLC03523.10.061