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to Brother Henry

He has just come back from picket where he has been on duty for days. They are not allowed to talk on both sides but when the officer are away the privates talk. Artillery, infantry and cavalry have passed. They expect to cross the river again...

GLC02172.59

to Father

He mentions that he was mistaken in his opinion that McCllelen could command the Potomac army. His actions have proved otherwise. He requests dried fruit, butter and cheese.

GLC02172.61

to Brother H. (Henry)

He encourages his brother not to miss out on opportunities like getting an education while he is young.

GLC02172.62

to Father

They are camped near a small town called Columbia. He wishes his father could come visit. He thinks they will cross the river since the Rebel general is reported to be across the river.

GLC02172.69

to Father

They returned from an expedition out to Cumberland river that did not amount to much. It rained much of the time and the Rebels captured some horses and made the sheriff sewr allegiance to their government.

GLC02172.70

to Brother Henry

Vicksburg surrendered. Very, very faded.

GLC02172.71

to Brother Henry

He does not know what to think about his brother's idea to sell the homestead. He doesn't know what he will do after he gets out of the service. Newspaper clipping features list of names of those drafted.

GLC02172.82

to Father and Mother

He has received any mail from his parents in two months but he has received mail from others. There have been a few cases of small pox. They do not know how long they'll remain in the present area.

GLC02173.03

to Father and Mother

Daniel Wright paid them a visit recently. William sent lots of mail with him. One soldier in the company died recently, leaving behind a wife and children.

GLC02173.04

to Father

He mentions a Capt. Leonard, whom he thinks every one will like because he is a very sociable gentleman. In Mississippi, the regiment has won most battles

GLC02173.12

to Parents

He has gained quite a bit of weight since he first went into the army. So far the Texas Rebel cavalry have lost 100 men. The report is that they are now evacuating Galveston.

GLC02173.22

to Parents

He refers to a John who complains for no reason and does not know what soldiering really is. He has a cushy, well-paid job and knows nothing nothing of the daily life of a soldier.

GLC02173.25

to Father

He witnessed the burial of a fellow soldier. Many are sick in the regiment, but he is doing doing extremely well. Extremely faded.

GLC02173.31

to Father

There are rumours that Gen. Burbridge will call on the 4th division to reinforce him in Kentucky, others say there will be an expedition to Mobile.

GLC02173.32

to Father

They had regimental inspection. There is considerable excitement in reenlisting for some as they are offering 1100 dollars to veterans.

GLC02173.33

to Parents

The 13th Army corps has been broken up and consolidated into one division, the 19th Army corps. A lot of reorganization has been taking place.

GLC02173.34

to Father

A bullet struck the tent of the comission sergeant and hit the bed, but he happened to be absent when this happened. He talks about Abraham Lincoln and how if the president were a democrat, the Rebels would call it a righteous war.

GLC02173.37

to Father

He compares his childhood to the present circumstances. The days are rainy and downcast. There have been a couple cases of small pox in the regiment and it may spread.

GLC02173.40

to Parents

Everyone is in good spirits because they'll be heading home.

GLC02173.43

to Parents

Pages missing. He has not heard from Mollie nor Phil since they got married. They are now in the 1st brigade, 13th army corps. No new cases of small pox have been discovered.

GLC02173.44

to Jemima Shifflet

Written on patriotic stationery. Shifflet hopes that Johney will be well soon. He got paid today, twenty-three dollars, and "will send you all I can spar." He encourages his wife to persevere until he returns, "if I ever doo." They "expect a...

GLC02174.01

to Jemima Shifflet

Written in pencil on patriotic stationery. Shifflet asks his wife to write as soon as she receives the money he has sent as he worries it is lost. He was nearby when George Ennis was shot and "my cap box was shot off of my belt and fore bullets...

GLC02174.05

to Jemima Shifflet

Shifflet was unhappy to hear that his wife is "striping tobacco for I donte want you to hav to work for noboddy but your self." He has "but one oald shirt and hit [it] is full of holes and no socks a tall." He asks for descriptions of the children...

GLC02174.06

to Sarah Wood

Written at a camp near Knoxville, Tennessee to his wife. Sends his wife thirty dollars, though he is uneasy because of the insecure mail. Sends the money because the rebels could come any time. Keeps ten dollars because "if the rebels come here again...

GLC02176.13

to Sarah Wood

Written from Camp Smith to his wife. Posits that he is missing some letters, expects "back mail" to arrive soon. Expresses concern again that his wife should receive the money he sent. Mentions an eye operation his wife is recovering from. Complains...

GLC02176.15

to Sarah Wood

Written from Pulaski, Tennessee to his wife. Describes the situation of refugees (including African Americans) in the camp: "...and the darkies are here by thousands, by field fulls like cattle, they call these darky Camps corrals. The same that we...

GLC02176.17

to Sarah Wood

Talks of cut rations, but says they function better on half rations. Describes somewhat dangerous duty accompanying the engineer, and his duty. Also describes the unreliable news he gets, even when a mile from the action, but says there is a...

GLC02176.19

to Sarah Wood

Written from Camp Smith near Nashville, Tennessee to his wife. Mentions being in the hospital, some of his comrades are in pursuit of General Joseph Wheeler's cavalry. Discusses tobacco he uses in camp. His regiment will go to Louisville, Kentucky to...

GLC02176.20

to Sarah Wood

Written from Chattanooga, Tennessee to his wife. Is unsure where he will be sent next. Talks of an acquaintance who went home on furlough for being very ill. Compares weather at home to Tennessee. Compares the winter--without snow--to seasons at home...

GLC02176.23

to Sarah Wood

Written from Savannah, Georgia to his wife. Describes the march through Georgia from Atlanta to Savannah, after receiving orders from General Judson Kilpatrick, and being harassed by guerrilla fighters. Describes the destruction in good detail: "All...

GLC02176.24

to Father

He talks of how they made the journey from Detroit to Washington and were then presented to the President and General Scott. Some men were detailed to go on picket duty. At some point shots were exhanged and 5 or 6 Rebels were killed.

GLC02172.06

to Brother Henry

The first place they visited in Mt. Vernon was Washington's tomb. Then they saw the gardens and the orchard.Next they went to the house. There were many things in the house including pistol holster and a large piano. Written in Camp Lyon.

GLC02172.30

to Brother H. (Henry)

They are about a hundred miles from Lousiville now. He says he has been very lucky the last few years. They have lost very few men to sickness and they have been lucky on the battlefield. He was disappointed to learn that a colonel of theirs was...

GLC02172.68

to Brother Henry

He went to a mass meeting out in Carthage. He saw several distinguished speakers including a poet. At the hospital, they are expecting a lot of wounded from Nashville.

GLC02172.74

to Brother Henry

He had a good visit with his father. There are some very sick people at the hospital and this keeps him busy. He hopes his brother will escape the draft.

GLC02172.75

to Catherine (KItty)

He knows she wants him to come home but it is hard for a well person to get a furlough. he thanks her for the lock of hair she sent. He has a book called 1001 Home Amusements filled with puzzles and stories.

GLC02170.66

to Allie

He learned by letter that his father has become an invalid. He talks of the various troubles associated with their father's illness. He tells Allie not undervalue letter writing, particularly when she is so gifted.

GLC02171.01

to Alice

He mentions other cousins like James and Mary. later he laments the death of president Lincoln. He refers to a Louis Wilson who chose to fight on the other side,

GLC02171.05

to Heather

He likes being a soldier and describes his routine, starting with roll call. He will get his picture taken soon and send it along.

GLC02172.02

to Brother Henry

There was an awful battle at Bull's Run He criticizes General Tyler who changed General Scott's orders, thereby ruining their position. Another General was drunk and their Colonel refused to obey the drunk General's orders. The next day General Tyler...

GLC02172.07

to Brother Henry

He heard from father and his uncle asked him to write. He discusses picket guard.

GLC02172.09

to Brother Henry

They lost their blankets at Bull Run but expect to have new ones in a few days and a full suit of clothes. He warns him not to enlist again and says he would rather his brother stay at home and look after their parents.

GLC02172.11

to Brother Henry

They had an inspection the other day, A tough day of fighting followed. They are told to "come out in style."The papers say thier focres are doing great in Missouri. Written in Camp Lyon.

GLC02172.24

to Brother Henry

During the battle of Bull Run, their company stayed back in a town called Centreville. They went out on picket again and ended up five miles away. They are unable to advance any further for now. Written at Camp Poe

GLC02172.25

to Brother Henry

Tomorrow morning the regiment marches toward Tahrick Church. Many think the South will sue for peace in about six weeks' time. Written in Camp Lyon

GLC02172.27

to Friend Henry

Last week on picket duty, they shot twelve rebels and took a couple prisoners.

GLC02172.39

to Brother Henry

There is much excitement over Fort Donaldson [Fort Donelson] and Burnsides' Expedition. They should make a forward movement soon. He likes the picture Henry sent.

GLC02172.40

to Brother Henry

He talks of money matters. He will send Henry 40 dollars and he may sell his cattle.

GLC02172.44

to Brother Henry

A lot of the boys are sick in the hospitals They haven't been able to get any newspapers for a while. He sees boats pull up to Cumberland's Landing. Written at McClellan's Camp at Cumberland's Landing.

GLC02172.47

to Brother Henry

They are camped near Richmond now and are awaiting reinforcements. The papers report the previous fight was particularly tough. He needs paper and postage stamps.

GLC02172.49