Collection Search

to Maria Damuth

Writes about the surrender of Vicksburg the day before: "you could see white flags on all of thear works it was the happyest 4th of July I ever saw." Is going on an expedition to Black River. Describes the defeated Rebels scavenging for food. The...

GLC03523.14.32

to Maria Damuth

Damuth's regiment has moved from Natchez, Mississippi, to New Orleans, where "we have a good cool breeze right off the Salt water." Describes the trip down the river. Some deserters are left off the boat at Port Hudson and Damuth proclaims, "I had...

GLC03523.14.33

to Maria Damuth

The men have marching orders but no information about how long they will stay in New Orleans. Damuth reminisces about Grant's succinct orders. Believes they will travel to "[Mobile] or Texas." Writes that the weather is mild, "I have seen warmer...

GLC03523.14.34

to Maria Damuth

Writes on paper sent to him by his sister and teases, "I guess you thought if you sent this size paper you would get large letters." She has also sent him some socks, and Damuth thanks her for them but adds, "I think I would rather be the one that...

GLC03523.14.35

to Maria Damuth

The soldiers have been setting up camp in Berwick, tearing down old buildings and establishing their own quarters. It rains all the time and the men are woken in the night with their tents flooded, but they make the best of it. Damuth writes that...

GLC03523.14.36

to Maria Damuth

The men have moved to a new camp. They pass through Franklin, Louisiana, and marched a total of fifty-five miles to their new campground. The men are eating well and Damuth believes they will "all come out fat." They are marching for the Gulf of...

GLC03523.14.37

to Damuth family

In two days, the soldier have marched twenty-five miles, "the greatest marching we have ever done." Towards the end of the day's march, Damuth and another soldier fall back from exhaustion and arrive at camp after the rest of the regiment. He...

GLC03523.14.38

to Maria Damuth

Writes from the same campground where he wrote his last letter. Damuth thinks they will be there for some time. They are very isolated, "for all I know peace may be declaired now we are so far from any whear." The men have noticed a "great...

GLC03523.14.39

to Maria Damuth

The men have turned around and he thinks they may be heading back to New Orleans. On their return path, they meet some mounted Rebel soldiers and engage in a skirmish until the Rebels are driven back. Eagerly anticipates voting for the Union ticket...

GLC03523.14.40

to John and Joan Damuth

Describes a battle in which the Union men chased the Rebel cavalry to Opelousas. After the battle, the Union forces camped in Barron's Landing, Louisiana, for eight days. The men believe that any expedition to Texas has been forgotten. They...

GLC03523.14.41

to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister about doing guard duty on a plantation near camp. The soldiers encounter enslaved people who remained living on the plantation. Damuth purchases food from them and enters their homes. Describes that the enslaved people observe...

GLC03523.14.42

to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister about a skirmish between Union cavalry and Rebel mounted infantry a few days earlier, "we heard the canon very plain but it was 4 mils away from here." Mentions rumors that many infantry regiments have been transformed into...

GLC03523.14.43

to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister from a camp in New Iberia, Louisiana. Begins the letter with a description of "what the folks in our house are doing Barney is fixing a short tailed shirt that I sold him...Don Stanley is mixing up pancakes for dinner." The men...

GLC03523.14.44

to Ida

Writes to "friend Ida." Says that the weather is getting cold, and the men need new clothes and tents. Although their captain is strictly against foraging, Damuth says "he dont know all that is going on in Co D Dave dont care how much the boys...

GLC03523.14.45

to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister about the men enlisting in the Veteran Corp. They are mostly older soldiers who will go home to recruit. Discusses the strangeness of seeing some men, who have already served three years, re-enlisting while others pay to get...

GLC03523.14.46

to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister to tell her that "the next time you hear from me I shall be in Texas." Wonders when the war will end and says some people in Louisiana think that as long as Lincoln is president, the country will continue to be at war....

GLC03523.14.47

to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister. His brother, John, has enlisted and is joining Damuth's company. Damuth promises to make him comfortable, but admits that "it was hard enough for me to leave home but it is nothing compared with leaving a wife and five little...

GLC03523.14.48

to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister about gossip from home in response to a letter he has recently received. The 29th Wisconsin and some Indiana regiments they have been traveling with have parted ways after a year together. Reminisces about General McClernand...

GLC03523.14.49

to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister from Berwick City. Damuth wants to stay in the army once his three years are up, despite the fact that his father has expressed displeasure at the proposition. Sends some camp news.

GLC03523.14.50

to Maria Damuth

Writes that the men are waiting to fight. A battle is going to take place at Pleasant Hill, thirty-five miles from their campsite. Tells a story about some men out on picket the day before who were captured by a plantation owner who "mad his negros...

GLC03523.14.52

to Maria Damuth

Writes his sister that the "29 have been in a fight and nearly all killed wounded and taken prisoners 5 companys were engaged and out of 180 men we lost 64." Lists the fates of various family friends. After the fight, the men meet new recruits at...

GLC03523.14.53

to Maria Damuth

Writes his sister to describe the battles of the previous few days in more detail, with particular attention to the amount of marching his company engaged in and the specific places where friends died. Writes about the moment of realizing "our Co...

GLC03523.14.54

to Maria Damuth

Describes being put on emergency picket outside town two days before. Damuth enjoys standing guard and complains only of the lack of blankets during the night. Tells of his fears during the night, wondering "which one of us had got to fall this...

GLC03523.14.55

to Maria Damuth

Writes that the men are camping beside the Mississippi River again. They are waiting to take a boat down river. Mail arrives for the first time in a month.

GLC03523.14.56

to Maria Damuth

Has been helping to write out papers, although it is not his job as an orderly. The men have been assigned garrison duty along the river, and Damuth suspects they will end up near New Orleans. Speculates about visiting home. Mentions a friend who...

GLC03523.14.57

to Ida

Writes that the whole camp is on picket, except for himself (the orderly) and the cooks. One of Damuth's friends has adopted birds, and it is Damuth's job to care for them. He dislikes them, but his friend "thinks every thing of them and will talk...

GLC03523.14.58

to Maria Damuth

The men have nothing to do and are relaxing in camp. The regiment has heard "good news from Grant to day" but doesn't know if it is true; they hope Grant "whips Lee at Richmond." Damuth's brother John has enlisted for a period of a hundred days....

GLC03523.14.59

to Maria Damuth

Has recently arrived at a new camp on the Mississippi River, twelve miles from [Carrollton]. Damuth does not know why the men are there: "I cant see anything to guard except fences houses and hog pens." Says that it is too hot for the men to march...

GLC03523.14.60

to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister about how busy life is at camp. Damuth is in charge of pay roll and "mad out four Muster & pay Rolls this week besides making out other papers." One of the captains in Company C has been promoted to major, much to the chagrin...

GLC03523.14.61

to Maria Damuth

The men are going to march for Algiers in the morning. Damuth has heard "there is Ocien Steamers waiting for troops at Algiers." Comments on family affairs, his father has sold their oxen, but Damuth reminds him not to sell his colt. Damuth is...

GLC03523.14.62

to Maria Damuth

Reports the deaths of more members of Company D at a fight against the Confederate Army on the Atchafalaya River. Mourns a friend and writes, "I cant think otherwise than that cotton and whiskey was the cause of Jeromes death… I do know that a great...

GLC03523.14.63

to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister with little war news, there has not been recent action, and Damuth says, "I sleep most of my time." There have been rumors that the men will be moved to the Potomac. The men have received information about "the great fight that...

GLC03523.14.64

to Maria Damuth

Writes about the soldiers who died in the skirmish on the Atchafalaya. A few days earlier, a "big scare down to Baton Rouge" caused the officers to load all the men into boats; the men fell asleep and woke up the next morning still in port, and...

GLC03523.14.65

to Maria Damuth

The men are happy at their camp. A fort is being built "and some force will have to stay here and hold it." The 24th Indiana and the 35th Wisconsin have joined Damuth's regiment; all of the 35th Wisconsin is ill. Damuth says his company is well...

GLC03523.14.66

to Maria Damuth

Writes that the men have marching orders, possibly to go to Grand Gulph. Damuth may have the opportunity to become a lieutenant. Writes about Lincoln's reelection and the "copperheads and disappointed politicians" who are against him. Damuth...

GLC03523.14.67

to Maria Damuth

The men are on guard against the Confederates in a camp on the bank of the White River. The Cavalry has captured some Confederate soldiers. Damuth is working as Provost Marshal. He reminisces about coming to Arkansas before with his friend Jessie...

GLC03523.14.68

to Maria Damuth

Is busy drawing rations for the men. "We drew 70 lbs of good whitefish for our co but we have no potatoes to cook them with." The men are bored in camp and lazy; Damuth says they do not get enough exercise, but have plenty to eat and drink. Of his...

GLC03523.14.69

to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister that he has been taking quinine to keep away "the ague." Thinks that the change of water has made the regiment sick, "when we were here a year a go last winter the water made a great many of the boys sick." The men are building...

GLC03523.14.70

to unknown

Writes about an election held by the 21st Iowa Regiment. The votes are overwhelmingly in favor of Lincoln, and they are "for fun, or to show the Peace Sneaks, and Copperheads how men of sense vote." The 47th Indiana Regiment has also held a mock...

GLC03523.14.71

to Mr. Curtis

Writes to Curtis. Damuth is reading the paper, which is full of good news for the Union forces. Reminds Curtis to vote. Knows the soldiers will vote for Lincoln, because "you cant Stuff Copperheadism down the Soldiers." Writes about the...

GLC03523.14.72

to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister. Two regiments from Damuth's brigade are moving to Devil's Bluff. Discusses the camp they will set up, like the one they built while staying in St. Charles. Does not anticipate much fighting, and thinks the regiment will only...

GLC03523.14.73

to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister. The men have arrived at Devil's Bluff and will soon move to Little Rock. The colonel is hunting deer, but "evry one cant get out of the picket line." The mail has brought a death announcement about one of Damuth's close...

GLC03523.14.74

to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister. Describes the early morning arrival at Little Rock. The day before, "one hundred men went out to cut timber to build us good houses and to day four teems have been drawing it up." Damuth thinks the regiment will be there all...

GLC03523.14.75

to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister "[o]n board Steamer Fannie Ogden bound for Memphis." The men end up leaving Little Rock on the 24th of November and move to "the Bluffs," where they have boarded a boat for Memphis. On board, they meet up with a soldier from...

GLC03523.14.76

to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister. The men are busy preparing for an inspection, because "they say that the Regt that passes the best inspection will do Provost Guard duty in the city this winter." Damuth has received a pair of suspenders from his family by...

GLC03523.14.77

to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister. Damuth has visited a friend from home stationed nearby. The friend is married to a girl who cooks for the army. Of the visit, Damuth writes, "that day was the first time I had sat down to a table with a woman since I ate...

GLC03523.14.78

to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister from a camp outside of New Orleans. The soldiers often go into the city. Damuth is going to get photographs taken. Some of the men taken prisoner the year before at Red River are now in the city. Of one of them, Damuth writes...

GLC03523.14.79

to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister. The morning paper has brought news of "a peace movement…you cant think how the word peace sounds to us we at once begin to build castles in the air." Writes that Jefferson Davis probably "sees no hopes of ever getting his...

GLC03523.14.80

to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister. Responds to family concerns that he might reenlist and promises this is not the case. He will come home and "take care of you as you intended I would when you gave me a deed of the farm." Warns his brother not to reenlist...

GLC03523.14.81

to Damuth family

Sends a list of the killed, dead, sick, wounded and discharged. Writes about action at an unidentified battle. Letter written some time after "the fight at Champion Hills."

GLC03523.14.82

to Damuth family

Writes short note to his family with information about directing letters to the Wisconsin Volunteers.

GLC03523.14.83

to Dolphus Damuth

Envelope is addressed to "[Mr.] Dolph Damuth." Return address not listed.

GLC03523.14.84

to Jennie and Elizabeth Damuth.

Printed ballot for George H. Pounder. Printed with a poem called "Then and Now!" and a photograph of Pounder. Also contains biographical information for Pounder, who grew up in Wisconsin and was part of the Wisconsin Cavalry during the Civil War.

GLC03523.14.85

Collection of Jesse Brown [decimalized GLC03523.15.01-.20]

Consists primarily of letters written by Brown to his parents, Caleb and Emily Brown (4-8, 10, 13-18), to his sister Maria and his brother [unnamed] (1, 3, 19), to Nen (9), and to his sister Marenda (2). Also includes a letter from Brown's brother...

GLC03523.15

to [brother and sister]

He writes from a hospital, describing it as a "regular palice," where "evry thing is so clean." He had an ambrotype made but it turned out poorly, especially because he's been sick.

GLC03523.15.01

to sister

He has been sick and finally saw the doctor, who gave him some pills but did not excuse him from duty. Comments on the list of drafted men in the newspaper (Enrollment Act of July 1863).

GLC03523.15.02

to [sister]

He asks her to write more often. Comments on her adopted son. "Every day makes one less for me to be in uncle Sams grand Army that is all the comfort I have."

GLC03523.15.03

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Tells them never to let Jed enlist, even if a high sum of money is offered. "Helth is worth more than money." Describes the effects of the war on him physically: "only 22 years from my looks you would say I was 40." Written from the 5th Maine...

GLC03523.15.04

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

He is afraid that Jed will enlist. Receives weekly letters from his friend James, but John does not write very often. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.05

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Reminisces about going down to Presket Point in heavy winds and how the boat sank. "Danger seems to be my lot for I am always in it." Expresses hope in Grant's leadership. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.06

to Emily Brown

He recounts the various notes and items he has sent recently, including a pipe for Jed. Their march slowly progresses, but "be of good cheer at home and we will try to do the best we can in the field." Includes a photo of Aggness's daughter (not...

GLC03523.15.07

to Emily Brown

Reports a slight wound on his left leg. They have been in fighting position for over 50 hours but are doing well under Grant. "Oh when I come home I shall have plenty to tell you that I cannot now." Sends a belt buckle from a dead Rebel for Jed....

GLC03523.15.08

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Asks them to send stamps and a red pepper. It would be more expensive to send blankets than for his mother to buy them at home. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.10

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Expresses confidence in Grant, then complains that Congress insults the poor man with low pay.

GLC03523.15.11

to friend Brown

Apologizes for not visiting him while he was at home due to sickness. Although they have had hard times, Jesse visited. They all hope this summer would see the end of fighting. While Jesse has not reenlisted, he has; he wants to see the end of the...

GLC03523.15.12

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

They are doing more marching, and he is avoiding action. Again he requests $50 if it's not too difficult. He waits for six months' pay and won't be paid again until he is discharged. Mailed from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.14

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Apologizes for his parents not having received his recent letters, but again requests $50, preferably not in state money because it is not good there. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.15

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Has received the money. Although $20 was in state money and is not worth anything there, it worked out because he owed a friend $20 who sent it home to Rhode Island, where it had full value. Is anxious to start a tug boat business after the war....

GLC03523.15.16

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Thanks them for the final $10 they sent. Though it was state money, he manages to use it by trading it to another soldier who sent it home. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.17

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Received a slight wound in his side and is now in the hospital. His leg wound is recovering well, and he hopes to be in good shape when he is discharged. He suffered considerably in transport to the hospital, riding 32 miles in a six-mule wagon.

GLC03523.15.18

to Maria Brown

Finds no excitement in the upcoming election, though they may send soldiers home to vote. Hopes to see her before long.

GLC03523.15.19

[Collection of Otis D. Munsell, I company, 22nd regiment, Massachussetts, infantry]

Collection includes 20 documents, 16 envelopes, and one wallet containing a metal coin.

GLC03523.17

[Collection of Charles C. Morey, E company, 2nd regiment, Vermont, infantry] [Decimalized .01-.63]

Consists of letters written from Morey to members of his family while enrolled as a member of the Second Regiment Vermont Volunteer Infantry. The Second was organized at Burlington, and was mustered into the United States service on 20 June 1861. It...

GLC03523.18

to Sister Mamie

Discusses the "[t]errible" battle of Bull Run and the poor conditions of camp life, including difficult marches and poor diet. Discusses the execution of a "Zouave" soldier in camp for the "crime of murder." Also makes reference to the politics of...

GLC03523.18.01

to Sister Mamie

Mentions receipt of socks, gloves and diary from home. References Battle of Fredericksburg, Union Commander William S. Rosecrans and the Battle of Murfreesboro. Also comments on General W. T. Brooks' thoughts on the 2nd Regiment and their courage...

GLC03523.18.02

to Sister Mamie

Provides an illustration and description of Union and Confederate battle formations including skirmish lines, lines of battle for infantry, batteries, and reserves. Mentions his promotion to orderly sergeant, and details the duties associated with...

GLC03523.18.03

to Sister Mamie

Discusses the Second Battle of Fredericksburg and the death of his tent mate who was "shot dead after we gained the [Marye's] heights." Wishes "the President would put his conscription in force for one million of men…and make putting down the...

GLC03523.18.04

to Sister Mamie

Expresses his disappointment over Hooker's decision to attend a ball at the headquarters of General A. P. Howe. Provides a full description of a brigade dress-parade.

GLC03523.18.05

to parents

Requests that his parents collect his town bounty from the town treasury. Encourages them to move and open a store in West Lebanon, New Hampshire. Also includes a quote from David Crocket: "be sure you are right then go ahead." Comments on the...

GLC03523.18.06

to mother

Provides orderly duties and specific orders received from Captain Orville Bixby. Details work including the completion of muster rolls and vouchers. Mentions clothing, books and monthly returns. Inquires about town bounty, state pay, and the opening...

GLC03523.18.07

to mother

Expresses confidence in General Ulysses S. Grant's current plans and prays that "God may grant that this campaign may end this Hydra headed rebellion and cause the people of the south to see the error of their ways and return to their aliegance."...

GLC03523.18.08

to parents

Describes fighting during Wilderness Campaign and the death of Captain Orville Bixby. Lists casualties and includes a description of battle. Praises and gives thanks to God for sparing his life during fighting, and provides an account of being...

GLC03523.18.09

to parents

Discusses "very hard fighting" in recent battles, and lists the names of the men from the regiment killed in action. Most likely referencing the battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse that occurred on 12 May, though this is not indicated in the letter...

GLC03523.18.10

to parents

Written from the south side of the Pamunkey River. Declares, "we have taken the Peninsular as the proper approach on Richmond." Indicates his pleasure with General Ulysses S. Grant and Grant's decision to "go precisely on [General George B.]...

GLC03523.18.11

to parents

Discusses the Baltimore convention and nomination of the next president. Requests newspaper announcing winner of nomination. Writes of skirmishes during and after Battle of Cold Harbor. Describes in detail the circumstances surrounding the deaths...

GLC03523.18.12

to parents

Reports on conditions at Cold Harbor, and details the regiment's plan to cross the James River. Describes a recent meal: "I have just been to dinner and what do you guess I had? It was this good nice ham, coffee, and hard-tack soacked soft in cold...

GLC03523.18.13

to parents

Writes from camp outside of the city of Petersburg. References General Ulysses S. Grant's suggestion to consolidate regiment into six companies. Describes, in detail, the troops' five-day march from Cold Harbor to present location. Expects hard...

GLC03523.18.14

to mother

Reports that he is under fire nearly everyday. Describes capture of the 4th Regiment and one battallion of the 11th Vermont Regiment. Also mentions the consolidation of 6 companies.

GLC03523.18.15

to mother

Mentions a 45-day drought, dust-filled marches, and destruction of rebel-held facilities. Discusses General W. F. Smith's advance on Fort Clifton: "we marched out to Reams station on the Petersburg & Weldon R.R. Destroyed a large machine shop, tore...

GLC03523.18.16

to mother

Mentions his work on muster rolls. Discusses general operations, including the landing of 19th army corps at City Point, Virginia and reinforcements from the 13th corps. Prays for the end of the rebellion, mentions inconsistency of mail, and...

GLC03523.18.17

to parents

Discusses George B. McClellan's oration at West Point. Describes Edwin M. Stanton's lack of respect towards McClellan, and Lincoln's efforts to "allow it to be so." Recounts fighting and near death experience during the Battle of Spotsylvania...

GLC03523.18.18

to parents

Reports on a delay in getting mail, and mentions marching in extreme heat: "I never saw so many men sun stroke in any one during all my service... I hear there were 7 men of the 11th regiment died in consequence of hard marching and the excessive...

GLC03523.18.20

to parents

Reports on his first day of service as 1st Lieutenant of Company "C" of the 2nd Regiment of Vermont Infantry. Encamped near Brickeystown, Maryland. Mentions Captain [Nathaniel] Wales' injury during the Battle of the Wilderness. Discusses a delay in...

GLC03523.18.21

to parents

Written from camp near Cedar Creek. Reports that extreme heat is causing deaths on marches, and that springs and brooks are dry. Prays for General Ulysses S. Grant's success in his campaign against Richmond, Virginia: "I want this war to close as...

GLC03523.18.22

to parents

Written from camp near Charlestown, Virginia. Discusses John Brown and treason. Expresses concern over mother's health and father's business affairs. Discusses the burning of resources during a recent retreat. Describes citizen guerrillas and their...

GLC03523.18.23

to parents

References battle of Charlestown, Virginia. Provides full account of being shot in the leg by "Johnnie Rebs." Describes the circumstances surrounding the shooting and deaths of other members of the Union army. Provides a description of the hospital...

GLC03523.18.24

to mother

Discusses the nomination of George McClellan. Denounces the Copperheads and comments on the peace platform.

GLC03523.18.25

to mother

Discusses his furlough home, his travels to New York to visit with family, and his stop in Brooklyn to hear "Mr. [Henry Ward] Beecher preach." Mentions that over 3,000 people came to hear Mr. Beecher preach. Comments on the importance of church, the...

GLC03523.18.26

to sister Mamie

Mentions his return to the hospital and his trip to New York, including seeing "Mr. Beecher" [Henry Ward Beecher] preach.

GLC03523.18.27

to mother

Mentions recent victories and discusses General James Longstreet's command of the enemy at Fisher's Hill. Talks of a trip to rejoin his regiment after injury. Also includes reference to the fight at Middletown, and General Philip H. Sheridan's...

GLC03523.18.28