10 August 1863

Letter

Title: to W

Letter appears to be unsigned. Writes that Franklin's's friends are very grateful to hear from him. They are glad he is doing well and pray that God is watching over him while he is away. His friend writes that it is unfortunate that the youths must be sacrificed for their country. Thinks that the southerners are traitors and that their previous opinion of them was "erroneous." Writes that some of the northerners have become "canker'd with the base metal of Copperheadism." The Copperheads are only supporting this movement in order to line their already deep pockets with "gold they never earn'…

GLC03523.42.27

22 August 1863

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Written at camp near Stevenson, Alabama. When the mail came he was busy cutting up some green corn-on-the-cob for dinner. He explains that he has been unable to write because of the constant marching and change of locations. Writes that they had to ascend a road into the mountains which took them quite a while. The troops had to help the wagons and artillery climb the mountain. At night after climbing the mountain they camped on an abandoned plantation called Peach Orchard. The next day they marched through 24 miles of "wilderness destitute of inhabitants." The heat was intense and the 24…

GLC03523.42.28

28 August 1863 - 29 August 1863

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Written at camp near Stephenson, Alabama. They again have marching orders and are liable to leave at any time. Writes that he has received some of the items Low's family had sent him. The boots and socks were most appreciated. He is very thankful for Mary for her years of devotion. He feels that she will be subject to "ridicule and unpleasant remarks by ill natured and unsympathizing people" for helping him so much. He is very grateful for all that she has done for him. He is also thankful for Mary's mother doing all she can to help him. Writes that he will do all he can as Mary's husband and…

GLC03523.42.29

5 September 1863

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Written at camp in Wills Valley, Alabama. He thanks her for remembering him in his "soldier life" and for writing him as much as she can. Explains that her letters arrive every four or five days while his take as long as two weeks to be delivered. This is because of the large number of letters leaving camp. He has time to write as they have stopped their march to wait for a train of supplies. He explains that since the troops are unsure of when the mail will leave they must have the letters written and ready to go whenever the mail arrives. Writes of the hardships of marching and being away…

GLC03523.42.30

6 September 1863

Murdoch, Ella, fl. 1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to her cousin

Written to him by his cousin Ella Murdoch. She writes that everyone at home is doing well. She does not have any news to report to him. She thinks it must be a hard life being a soldier. Write that she has not heard from Uncle Jason or Owen for some time now. She is said to say that she has not been able to visit their families as she has had so much to do. Writes about all the things she did over the past summer and wishes she could do something for the "poor soldier boys." She explains that she has been steadily busy throughout the summer. Her father and mother were very glad to hear from…

GLC03523.42.31

27 September 1863

Stark, Lydia, fl. 1862-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to her brother

Signed by Lydia. She has read in the newspaper of the terrible battle [Battle of Chickamauga] that he was involved in. She is very worried about him and asks if he is safe and hopes that he is alright. Asks that he write to her immediately to let her know as soon as possible what his condition is. She has watched the Army of the Cumberland with "great interest" and has tried to keep herself informed of the army's status. Some of their relatives are visiting her and they hope that he will write them a letter as well. She writes that her and her family are well, as are their brothers and…

GLC03523.42.32

12 October 1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to W

Writes that they were very happy to receive his letter. They were worried that he would not receive their letter as he changes his position so often. Asks that he write to them again. His friends are glad that they enjoy their letters and are happy that he praises them so much. They have heard many "exaggerated accounts" of the battle [of Chickamauga]. The Copperheads in the North are deeming the battle a "defeat" of Union Major General William Rosecrans. From the latest reports, it appears, that the "rebs had much the worst of it." Hopes that Rosecrans will be spared so that he can go on to…

GLC03523.42.33

27 October 1863

Fuller, Milton, fl. 1862-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother

Appears to be written and signed by Franklin's brother Milton. Writes that he is happy yet sad that he received Franklin's letter from Nashville, Tennessee. He is surprised to hear that Franklin has not received his last letter as he mailed it before the Battle of Stone River. He has read the papers and reports of the Battle of Chickamauga carefully to see if there is any indication as to his "silence." He has asked anyone if they have heard news on him. Thinks that Franklin "forgetting him" is a poor excuse as his brother thinks of him often. Writes that he watches the movement of the Army…

GLC03523.42.34

December 17, 1863

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Writes that her letter was the first he received in four weeks since the regiment left here for Knoxville, Tennessee. He was upset that he was unable to write her as he knew she had written him. Most of the mail had gone to the regiment and the mail will probably not reach him until it first gets to the regiment. He has been surviving on half rations of hard tack. He has received a letter from one of his friends and he has been trying to send him mail as he does not want his friend to think he is dead. He is not surprised that so few letters have reached his family and friends due to all the…

GLC03523.42.35

December 27, 1863 - January 10, 1864

Stark, Lydia, fl. 1862-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to her brother

Written and signed by his sister Lydia. Thinks that there are angels watching her children. Writes that Henry has gone to see his Aunt Phebe. She remembers the first time she held him, a few hours after he had been born. Writes of the many memories she has of him as a little boy. She has memories in her dreams of her brothers and sisters as children. States that she has heard rumors that he is engaged to a woman named Mary Cable [?] but she is unsure if that is her name. She tells her brother that she has written a letter to Mary but it was returned because there was no such P.O. in Illinois…

GLC03523.42.36

February 12, 1864

Flower, May, fl. 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to her uncle

Written at Penfield by May Flower. States that her mother will not let her write because she does not write well enough yet. Asks if he has to "work" on Sunday. Writes that her mother has told her about his childhood. Tells him that sometimes her uncle allows her to do his hair. She would like to do his hair for church. A note is added by May's mother explaining that the uncle whose hair May does is a man named Mr. Marvin [?].

GLC03523.42.37

19 February 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to their friend W.

Letter is signed by Herm and Cal [?]. Written at Lysander. They write that long ago they had written him a long letter and have since sent him papers but have received no reply from him. States that they have written him several times and have not received a reply. They are worried that the letter may have become lost. They are also worried about his status. Thinks that he may also be at home on furlough as some of the troops from Lysander currently are. Writes that one of the soldiers came home so he could get married. They think that he is preparing himself to become captain of a regiment.…

GLC03523.42.38

1861-1865

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Sends her two small knitted "presents" as a small token of his love for her. They are also for all of the wonderful things she has done for him while he as been away. Asks her to wear them and to think of him when she does. Enclosed are two small pieces of knitted yarn. One is red the other is yellow and purple with a star shape. Written underneath them is "The good luck twins."

GLC03523.42.39

1 March 1864

Stark, Lydia, fl. 1862-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to her brother

Letter is signed by his sister Lydia. Writes that they have had a very unpleasant winter. The roads were so muddy that they were nearly impassable and her family remained at home for most of the winter. The weather changed so suddenly and frequently that someone in the family almost always had a cold. Writes about the family members who visited her. She is sad to think of how their family seems to become separated further and further each year. His sister Cordelia visited and they read some of his old letters together. States that several more of his family members have written to him. She…

GLC03523.42.40

19 March 1864

Stark, Herbert, fl. 1864-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his uncle

Writes that this afternoon the family is going to the gallery to have their photographs taken. He states that the school is very good as is their principal, Mr French. He wishes that he could see him or be down there with him so he could "wear the United States uniform." Writes of the festival at Union Hall.

GLC03523.42.41

4 April 1864

Hogeland, Sally W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to her brother

Written at Granby, with no state listed. She apologizes for not having written in so long. Writes that she has received his photograph. Tells him that he no longer looks like a boy but like a man. She is surprised at how many years have passed. Writes that both she and his sister Cordelia had their photographs taken but have yet to receive them. States that it has taken so long because the photographer and their cousin Beekman suggested that the photographs could be "larger" and more "life-like" if done separately. She is glad to hear that he is doing well. She wishes that the war was over so…

GLC03523.42.42

24 April 1864

Stark, Herbert, fl. 1864-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his uncle

Writes that both he and Willie have received his letters. Writes about how he received the letter when it arrived at his home. States that both he and Willie were very excited to received their letter. Asks that his uncle write to him as often as he can.

GLC03523.42.43

24 April 1864

Stark, Lydia, fl. 1862-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to her brother

Writes about the nice weather they are having and that the children are outside playing in the back yard while her husband plays the violin. Gives him a detailed description of her home. Draws a small floor plan of the house. She has been busy cleaning the house, making carpets, and getting the children ready to start school. Herbert and Willie were greatly excited to receive his letters and will be writing to him again soon. She has read his letter to her friend Susan. Writes that she would like to visit the western part of the country. She is also excited for when he gets married. His…

GLC03523.42.44

10 May 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to her cousin

Written by his cousin Mary. She is very glad to hear from him. She apologizes for not having mailed a long letter she had written for him, she found it in her desk sealed. She hopes and prays that he will return home safely. She will write him a long letter soon. States that her heart "aches" for the soldiers in the war.

GLC03523.42.45

25 May 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Signed by Sarah Le Van Valkenburgh [?]. Written at Council Bluffs, Iowa [?]. Writes that they are camping with some of the "local folks" and their children are playing as the author writes. The weather has been very dry since they have been on the road. Writes that "the whole place looks like a soldier camp." There are a large number of people waiting to cross the river, including the author. The dirt has been the worst here. Wishes that Mary could write to them more often and that they could see their "dear old home." Asks her to keep a "corner" of her heart warm for them. They only have…

GLC03523.42.46

12 June 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to her brother

Written by his sister Laura. Writes how much she misses him and about the last time he spent the summer at her house. She prays that he is safe and that he will survive the war. Lousia is very happy that Henry has returned and she hopes that the two of them will have a very good life together. Writes that his Mary is doing better but is still not well. Thinks that Mary will come again to visit in a few days. She fears that their father is very sick and even if he recovers will not be truly well ever again. Writes about gathering flowers in the yard and her garden at home. Thinks about sending…

GLC03523.42.47

13 June 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Franklin

Written by Mary. Even though he is not home she is glad she is able to write and receive letters to and from him. She is looking forward to the day when she will not have to worry about writing or receiving letters and instead can talk to him. Writes that she is feeling much better. Before she was so unwell that she could not leave her room but now she can go up and downstairs as she pleases. Writes that Father is feeling "very much down" and has been sick for two or three days. She is also sorry to have read in his sister Cordelia's letter that her health is so poor. She is very sad and…

GLC03523.42.48

19 June 1864 - 20 June 1864

Hogeland, Sally W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to her brother

She is glad to learn that he has escaped unharmed and feels for the many brave soldiers who gave their lives in battle. Writes that she is visiting their sister Lydia. She thinks that the visit will do her good both "bodily and mentally." Likes the weather and country there very much. Compared to all of the sad scenes they are used to she is "comparatively speaking, happy." Writes that everyone at Lydia's is doing well. Thinks that their home is very "delightful" as there is often music and flowers. Writes that Henry delivers papers which pays 15 dollars a week. She does not have a job.…

GLC03523.42.49

30 June 1864 - 3 August 1864

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his mother and relatives and Mary

A series of short diary-like entries for the past few days. There are also three pencil sketches: one of Buffalo Spring at Catoosa Springs, Georgia; another of a bridge at Catoosa Springs; the third is a drawing of a tree. There was no activity until Monday when the Confederates began to shell the Union lines "vigorously." But the damage was light killing a mule and wounding one soldier. Writes that the shelling did not improve the taste of the coffee and made supper difficult to get. There was a letter in the "Freeport Journal" about the death of one of his friends. He has been thinking…

GLC03523.42.50

21 August 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to W

Letter is signed by "Mary & Cornell." They were very happy to have received his letter and it has been a long time since he had last written. They write that Uncle John and Aunt Lydia are feeling poorly. The other family friends are well. The new house is very nice and a family friend, Justice Clarke, is building it for them. With help being scarce and Uncle John not feeling well, they gave up the idea of using stone for their house and are busy working on a frame. They provide a detailed description of the dimensions of the new house. Write about the excellent bedrooms, cellar and other…

GLC03523.42.51