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to Mother

He got a letter from Ed who had the small pox and neuralgia. He thinks Gustus Fredding should send his money to his stepmother so that she can buy land for him.

GLC02831.28

to Mother

His mother doesn't want him to correspond with a particular girl but he is thinking to write her a letter just for spite.

GLC02831.29

to Sister Hattie

He asks about Ed. They are having great weather.

GLC02831.31

to Mother

They are back at Tacketts Station but not for long. They are under marching orders. They have not seen any Indians around but they will soon enough.

GLC02831.34

to Mother

He had to go on a 45 mile horse back ride recently but as a veteran he was used to it. Includes separate note to Hattie complimenting her on her math skills and handwriting.

GLC02831.48

to Mother

He thinks he will be in Crow Creek for about 2 months before he might be able to start home. He says to give his love to everyone.

GLC02831.51

William H. Alden

Portrait of William H. Alden in a suit. He has a goatee and mustache.

GLC02831.53

to Mother

Everybody wants a furlough. 4 were granted one, then three more wanted one and left without saying anything. 2 were caught before they had gone fifteen miles.

GLC02831.02

to Mother

They got 2 months pay. They are only a couple miles from the Indian reservation. He expects to be in Toledo in six months. He needs more news about the war. They are kept in the dark and he doesn't even know if Vicksburg has surrendered.

GLC02831.06

to Mother

He does not like how the officers have them attack the Indians at night since that is their best hold. It gives the Indians a chance to get away from them. They do not know how many Indians they killed since the Indians dragged off their dead...

GLC02831.09

to Mother

He suggests she give things to Brad Ladow who is on furlough to give to him. There is a lot of sickness around Toledo. He has gotten taller since she saw him last.

GLC02831.17

to Mother

The weather is wonderful. He complains about his old horse and says he is a poor boy. He imagines he will make his fortune one day.

GLC02831.26

to Mother

They are now at Fort Rice and may stay there 10 days. He was not suprised to hear of Luisa's death. Written at Fort Rice

GLC02831.39

to Mother

They finally moved into winter quarters. Getting there was an ordeal and they all got sore. Fred died and they buried him with military honors.

GLC02831.43

to Mother

Everyone is getting sick and he is sitting up with one of the boys tonight. He thinks there will be an expedition against the Indians in the summer.He mentions Hattie and Norton.

GLC02831.44

to Mother

The weather has been lousy. He asks her to subscribe to a good illustrated paper and send it to him.

GLC02831.08

to Mother

There was a terrible storm and a lot of their stock died. One man's tent blew away and he nearly froze to death. They came upon 700 Indians but did not attack. Instead they waited for reinforcements.

GLC02831.10

to Mother

He gives her permission to use all the money he sends for Hattie's education.He hopes the war will end before he reenlists. Reading letters puts him in a good mood.

GLC02831.32

to Mother

They saw a few Indians which quickly dispersed. They rode and rode but they couldn't find any more Indians though they saw signs. Everything is beginning to look green again.

GLC02831.33

to Mother

He is back in Yankton. There are about a dozen white men and 400 Indians there. Not much is happening. They will be marching in a few days.

GLC02831.35

to Mother

He is busy rounding up some loose horses that got away. General supply went up day before yesterday. He is very healthy.

GLC02831.37

to Mother

Some of their horses died so they had to come 350 miles on foot. He spent his Christmas like any other day except he took a ride on his horse and had an oyster dinner.

GLC02831.45

[receipt for Abraham Harding]

for preaching

GLC02891.006

[receipt for unnamed proprietor]

received by Abraham Harding

GLC02891.017

to Mother

He describes his journey from the Cedar Rapids all the way down to Davenport. From the houses they stayed in to the boats they took. He likes camp life.

GLC02831.01