August 24, 1782

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: [Later copy of a letter August 24, 1782 letter to Lord Stirling]

"My Lord: I thank you for naming a gentleman for the officer of Commissary of Prisoners...I thank you, also for the loan of the History of Jno. Sobeiski...If your Lordship is done with the map of Staten Island, I should be glad to have it returned as I am about packing up my papers..."

GLC09069

10 October 1851

Welles, Gideon, 1802-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Medary

Writes about the Fugitive Slave Act: "...the law of 1850...is the most unwarrantable violation of the rights and sovereignty of the states we have ever witnessed. The South, in my opinion, are committing a fatal error in urging and insisting on this law. The clause in the Constitution is a mere compact among the States...the great interest involved has made our Southern friends oblivious to the fundamental doctrines of the party and the teachings of Jefferson, and in their desires to get their runaways, they forget or are unmindful of constitutional rights & restrictions...The fugitive…

GLC09070

January 15, 1862

Whiting, Jasper S., fl. 1861-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Paul J. Semmes

Whiting, major and assistant adjutant general, tells Semmes to ascertain which regiments in his command do not have proper medical officers. Also requests that he makes sure to enforce General Orders no. 27 and 69. Written from the Headquarters of the 2nd Corps. Addressed to Semmes as Colonel commanding the 9th Brigade.

GLC00572.35.02

3 February 1862

Whiting, Jasper S., fl. 1861-1862

Manuscript signed

Title: Copy of General Orders No. 20

Copy of orders from Acting Assistant Adjutant General A.P. Mason by command of General Johnston. Information on recruiting to fill companies. Advises each company should have 125 rank and file who will be compensated with $50 bounty upon joining. Signed official by Jasper S. Whiting as Major and Assistant Adjutant General. Written from the Headquarters of the Department of Northern Virginia.

GLC00572.35.03

February 4, 1862

Whiting, Jasper S., fl. 1861-1862

Letter signed

Title: to Paul J. Semmes

Major and Assistant Adjutant General Whiting gives instructions on leaves and furloughs and stresses that leaves should not be granted except under extraordinary circumstances. Written from Headquarters, 1st Division A.P.

GLC00572.35.04

February 5, 1862

Whiting, Jasper S., fl. 1861-1862

Letter signed

Title: to Paul J. Semmes

Major and Assistant Adjutant General Whiting informs Semmes of modifications made to recruiting details. Also instructs that as per General Joseph E. Johnston's directions, "it is expected that a Bill providing for recruiting the One year Regiments, with men for three years or the War, will immediately become a Law." Written from Headquarters, 1st Division A.P.

GLC00572.35.05

February 11, 1862

Whiting, Jasper S., fl. 1861-1862

Letter signed

Title: to Paul J. Semmes

Major and Assistant Adjutant General Whiting replies to a report Semmes filed noting deficiencies in supplies for his command. Informs Semmes that he should do whatever is necessary to obtain the necessary supplies. Advises that brigade commanders are responsible for the condition of their troops. Written from Headquarters, 1st Division A.P.

GLC00572.35.06

January 5, 1863

Gorsuch, Joseph B., 1834-1908

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Curtis

Written on the Mississippi River. Gorsuch, Captain of the 83rd Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, writes to his uncle in Hamilton, Ohio regarding the recent Battle of Chickasaw Bayou. Relates that his regiment left Memphis, Tennessee 23 December 1861 and sailed toward Vicksburg, Mississippi (possibly on the Mississippi River). Mentions foliage, sawmills, and plantations visible from the river. Reports the destruction of Confederate rail lines, cotton gins, and bridges. Relates that his men went six miles up the Yazoo River, and waited outside of Vicksburg before battle began 28 December…

GLC00653.09.01

January 5, 1862

Gorsuch, Joseph B., 1834-1908

Map

Title: [Depiction of the battle of Chickasaw Bayou]

Drawn by Gorsuch, Captain of the 83rd Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Depicts the Yazoo River, fleet location, Confederate fortifications, Chickasaw Bayou, the Mississippi River, and the Vicksburg Texas Railroad, among other details. Indicates the line of battle, position of Gorsuch's regiment, and Union batteries. This map is possibly the map transmitted within a letter Gorsuch wrote to his uncle Joseph Curtis 5 January 1863 (refer to GLC00653.09.01). Fragile, including a slightly torn crease.

GLC00653.09.02

February 1, 1863

Gorsuch, Joseph B., 1834-1908

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph and his wife

Written in the field near Vicksburg, on the Louisiana side of the Mississippi River. Gorsuch, Captain of the 83rd Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, discusses recent Union attempts to take Vicksburg, Mississippi by way of a constructed canal. Writes: "You need not be troubled but what we will take Vicksburg, but I confess that I consider it very doubtful whether we will now. If we do take it, it will be by very hard fighting. The rebels appreciate the importance of this point as well as we do... I hope that our Generals will not waste any more valuable lives... Bayonet charges are very…

GLC00653.09.03

February 5, 1863

Gorsuch, Joseph B., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Curtis

Written in camp near Vicksburg, Mississippi (possibly in Louisiana). Gorsuch, Captain of the 83rd Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, transmits announcements (not included) of deaths of soldiers in his company. Informs Curtis, his uncle, of the deaths of Enos Scudder, and fears that Daniel Collins might die soon. Writes "Nearly every one of the wounded are so disabled that they will never be fit for service. Taken all together it was a severe stroke on my company." States that he was surprised to see a previous letter he wrote published in the Telegraph, a newspaper (possibly the Hamilton…

GLC00653.09.04

February 5, 1863

Gorsuch, Joseph B., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to the editor of the Hamilton Telegraph

Written in camp near Vicksburg, Mississippi (possibly in Louisiana). Gorsuch, Captain of the 83rd Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, requests that the editor of the Telegraph publish a message announcing the death of Enos Scudder. Scudder died 16 January 1863 after the Battle of Arkansas Post. Also announces the death of Thomas Deem, who died 2 February 1863. Relates that Jeremiah Reese, who died 3 February 1863, was the first man Gorsuch's company lost from disease. Cites the locations where wounded members of his company are receiving treatment.

GLC00653.09.05

February 12, 1863

Gorsuch, Joseph B., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Curtis and his wife, Mary Gorsuch Curtis

Written in camp near Vicksburg, Mississippi (possibly in Louisiana). Gorsuch, Captain of the 83rd Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, informs his aunt and uncle "I write to you quite frequently, and hear from you but rarely." Transmits a box of things he does not want or need, such as white shirts, a gown, books, and Confederate breast plates. Of the breast plates, writes "They are worn inside of the vest, and I think are a pretty good sign of a coward... If my flesh is too tender for bullets and shells, then I had better quit soldiering." Predicts that the Curtis's could use the plates,…

GLC00653.09.06

February 23, 1863

Gorsuch, Joseph B., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Curtis and his wife, Mary Gorsuch Curtis

Written in camp near Vicksburg, Mississippi (possibly in Louisiana). Gorsuch, Captain of the 83rd Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, replies to a letter from his aunt and uncle. Relates that two men from his company, Daniel D. Avey and Hillriah G. Walker, died. Reports that previous sanitary supplies sent by the Curtises were used by other men. Instructs the Curtises to send future boxes in his care, so soldiers serving under him from Butler County, Ohio, will receive their benefit. Relates that Joe Harris is his present secretary. Relates that he has been busy on General Court Martial…

GLC00653.09.07

March 23, 1863

Gorsuch, Joseph B., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Curtis and his wife, Mary Gorsuch Curtis

Written in camp near Vicksburg, Mississippi (possibly in Louisiana). Gorsuch, Captain of the 83rd Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, replies to a letter from his aunt and uncle. Expects the Battle of Vicksburg to commence soon. Has heard rumors that Admiral David G. Farragut's fleet is ready to cooperate with ground troops against Vicksburg. Doubts whether the Union army will perform as well at Vicksburg as they did at the Battle of Arkansas Post (9-11 January 1863). Discusses his wages and savings. Discusses money he owes to George Wood, of Delta, Ohio. States "Alphonso wants me in his…

GLC00653.09.08

May 14, 1863

Gorsuch, Joseph B., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Curtis

Written in the field between Vicksburg and Jackson, Mississippi. Gorsuch, Captain of the 83rd Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, writes to his uncle. Wishes to describe the movement of his troops in detail, but writes that newspapers have covered their activity from Williken's Bend to Perkin's Plantation. Relates that his regiment engaged in the Battle of Port Gibson (1 May 1863), and suffered no losses. Discusses the battle in detail, expressing pride at compliments on his bravery in battle. Describes the harsh conditions to which he has endured while marching, including lack of food and…

GLC00653.09.09

June 5, 1863

Gorsuch, Joseph B., ?-1864

Autograph letter

Title: to Sallie F. H. Keely

Author inferred based on handwriting and content. Writes to Sallie, apparently a former member of a Sunday School class he taught in Brookville (possibly Ohio or Indiana). Reminisces about life before the war: "Dear old Brookville... How my heart warms and a smile creeps up to my sober face, at that name, whose very sound fills me with dreamy memories of quiet happy days. I forgot for a moment that I am a soldier, in whose ears have rung, for more than a month, almost unceasingly, the deep roar of artillery, the quick rattle of rifles, the screaming of flying shells, and their sullen boom…

GLC00653.09.10

June 13, 1863

Gorsuch, Joseph B., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Curtis

Gorsuch, Captain and Provost Marshal of the 13th Army Corps, Army of the Tennessee, writes to his uncle Joseph during the Battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi. States "My office is perfectly over run with business worse than ever you were 1st of March. In the first place I have to feed all the rebel citizens between here and... Black River... You may believe that this is galling to these bitter secessionists to have to come to a Yankee, and ask for something to eat... Then I have charge of all the prisoners and deserters from the rebel army, and have to examine them as we get them, to get…

GLC00653.09.11

July 4, 1863

Gorsuch, Joseph B., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Beckett

Gorsuch, Captain and Provost Marshal of the 13th Army Corps, writes to his friend the day the Union won the Battle of Vicksburg. Declares "Today is an era in our career as an army, and as individuals, for today Vicksburg has fallen. Long and patiently have we marched, and toiled and fought for this, and it is very fit that on Freedom's Day, Freedom's flag should wave from the parapets of Slavery's boasted redoubt." Mentions his pride of the soldiers he led from Butler County, Ohio as Captain of the 83rd Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Discusses the hardships soldiers had to endure,…

GLC00653.09.12

November 15, 1860

Columbus Guard

Letter signed

Title: to Paul J. Semmes

Encloses a copy of the "Southern Guard" (see GLC 715.09.01) a publication of the proceeds of a meeting held at Temperance Hall on 13 November. Announces that Semmes has been appointed commander. Ask that Semmes accept this proposition. Signed all in one hand by James M. Rupell, F. G. Wilkins, W.R. Turman, Thomas J. Nicholls, and G.W. Atkinson as members of the Columbus Guard.

GLC00715.09.02

15 May 1865

Fenton, Reuben Eaton, 1819-1885

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Fidelia E. Stanley

Governor Fenton sends Mrs. Stanley a duplicate of a commission for her son, Lucius T. Stanley, as a 1st Lieutenant in the 65th New York Volunteers. Tells her that he holds her son in high esteem. He was placed in the 65th because there were no openings in the 107th, in order to avoid a delay in his promotion. Written on State of New York, Executive Department stationary. Mrs. Stanley's maiden name was Warner.

GLC02710.44.04

6 February 1883

Farnsworth, John G., 1832-1895

Printed document signed

Title: [Lucius T. Stanley certificate of Civil War service]

Signed by Adjutant General Farnsworth and countersigned by the Acting Assistant Adjutant General. Partially printed document sent to Stanley by the New York Adjutant General's Office by his request (see GLC02710.46.01). The filled in blanks describe Stanley's enlistment history in the 107th New York Volunteers from 1862-1865. Numbered 281.

GLC02710.46.02

1862

Gottshall, Samuel G., 1841-1902

Diary

Title: [Diary of Samuel G. Gottshall]

Leather bound autograph manuscript signed. Describes activity at Fort Donelson (the Battle of Fort Donelson was fought from 11 February to 16 February 1862), Yorktown (Siege of Yorktown took place from 5 April to 4 May 1862, as part of the Peninsula Campaign), the Peninsula Campaign withdrawal (March through July 1862), Second Bull Run (28-30 August 1862), and South Mountain (Battle of South Mountain was fought on 14 September 1862), and being wounded by a cannonball. This cannonball is found in GLC04564.02. Writes of his recuperation in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he spent the rest of…

GLC04564.03

1863

Gottshall, Samuel G., 1841-1902

Diary

Title: [Diary of Samuel G. Gottshall]

Leather bound autograph manuscript signed. Gottshall returns to the Army after being wounded in the arm by a cannonball. Throughout the early months Gottshall sees little action and he discusses his recovery and soldiering in the winter. In [13-15] February he reports an insurrection taking place in which a regiment refused to do picket duty due to the location of their camp and the cold weather. Writes of another incidence that took place on 1 July where he was defending the baggage and supply train from Confederates, 2 miles from Hanover, Pennsylvania. Also discusses [Confederate…

GLC04564.04

30 December 1864

Blair, D.F., fl. 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Written on board the U.S.S. Mohican, possibly near Wilmington, North Carolina. Discusses the Mohican's participation with Rear Admiral David Dixon Porter's North Atlantic Blockading Squadron at the close of the Battle of Fort Fisher (24 and 25 December). Recalls being the closest wooden vessel to the Fort, and exclaims that survival of the vessel and crew is a miracle. Writes "I fell quite thankfull to the Rebs for not taking better aim..." Possibly referring to General Benjamin Franklin Butler, writes "if Old Butler had had the Spark of a Louse I think he would have got the Fort his…

GLC08470.02