6 December 1862

Bettes, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lodema

[Writes from Chantilly Camp]. Writes that they are still in their old camp. Has been out on a scouting expedition once since he last wrote. Started about 12 o'clock at night and returned the next day at four o'clock in the afternoon. Is certain that there are almost no Rebels left in the northern part of Virginia except for a few Guerilla bands, which do not amount to much. Has not read the President's message yet, but it is greatly eulogized by those who had already read it. Expects this affair will end in a compromise, but Bettes would rather a fight ended the war since battles have…

GLC02596.06

9 December 1862

Bettes, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lodema

Writes from Chantilly Camp. Experiencing extreme winter weather, such as snow, but are surprisingly comfortable. Has no war news to report, there is more information in the papers. S. Z. Dickinson is still in the Regimental Hospital and very sick, he does not want to go to Washington if he can help it. Received a letter from Wellington yesterday; will send it with his letter so that mother will know how he is getting on. Applied for a pass to go down and see Wellington, but he failed to obtain one. Has written to Edgerton to have him go down and see Wellington. His wife has written two…

GLC02596.07

11 December 1862

Bettes, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lodema

The day before yesterday, orders came for Sigel's Corps to change position. When they came to load up, it was discovered that one of the wagons needed repairing and would have to be sent back to Washington; someone would have to accompany the wagon to ensure that it was repaired. Went to the city to see Wellington today. Found him sitting up and quite comfortable. Says he has a good appetite and feels very well but he is still weak; Bettes stayed with him for an hour. Everything about the hospital is as neat as a pin; Wellington says he has everything he needs and the best kind of care…

GLC02596.08

22 December 1862

Bettes, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lodema

Received her letter containing postage stamps and a five cent bill today. Writes that he can happily go around camp knowing that his family is all in good health. His health is very good and has been since they left camp in Washington. Has not heard from Wellington but is not concerned because he is well provided for and his sickness is not dangerous, although he will probably not be fit for duty again this winter. S. Z. Dickinson has gone to Finley Hospital in Washington. Received a letter from him today which said that he had to walk three miles, which took him three hours, and he was…

GLC02596.12

1861-1877

Bettes, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lieutenant W. H. Betty

Writing a few lines to let Betty know that he sits up for most of the day but is very weak. Has all the care that he could wish for, and everything in the hospital is kept clean. The 60 to 70 patients there all seem to be doing well; Bettes does not think there is anyone who is dangerously sick and no one has died since he arrived at the Union Chapel Hospital in Washington. Believes he will apply for a discharge. Does not know if he can get one or not, but there is no harm in trying. Asks Betty to send him the letters that have arrived for him at camp. If he does not get his discharge,…

GLC02596.14

10 August 1862

Bell, Grove L., 1844-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to home friends

Bell to friends. Stationery has a Union stamp of a stars and stripes shield inside a five-pointed white star. On guard duty today. Left Washington on Thursday; arrived in Fredericks City [Fredericksburg?] on Friday. Witnessed heavy fighting with the Confederates. Stonewall Jackson fought McClellan and Burnside. Miles let Stonewall up the mountain, and was accused of treason. "They say old Stonewall is the man… I wish we had a few Generals as wide awake as him. It would not take long to finish the war" then. Is on the move to Harpers Ferry, where John Brown "first commenced his execution."

GLC08913.01

1862

Bell, Grove L., 1844-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to home friends

Month is unknown, but based on the known whereabouts of the 20th Connecticut, this letter was written on October, November, or December 28th, 1862. Printed on stationery portraying the battle of Mill Spring, Kentucky. Implores his friends to write as often as possible, as much as once a week. Has had trouble finding time to write, for they have been drilling "almost all of the time." His commanding officer is extremely tough, and he is very unpopular amongst the troops: "although he is a grand good military man he… is as wicked as he can be." His company is going to be placed in the thick of…

GLC08913.03

1 October 1863

Bell, Grove L., 1844-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to home friends

Is somewhere between Indianapolis and Louisville on a train. Decided to write as soon as the cars stopped moving. Had to be ready to leave at a moment's notice. Marched to Rappahannock Station, where they were put "into cattle cars." No room to lie down to sleep; have to sleep sitting up. Train travelled to Washington D. C. through the night; continued on to Wheeling, VA/WV. Had to change to their current train at Wheeling. Got "a good supper" last night. Arrived in Louisville at about dark. The dinner he had last night was better than even the nicest dinner he had had back home. Describes…

GLC08913.14

12 December 1862

Bettes, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Carrie

[to Carrie, his daughter] No date on the letter, date is from the envelope. Carrie is usefully employed in mending her apron; Bettes is glad that she is making herself useful. Tells her to help out her mother as much as she can, to not quarrel with her brother, and to not bother her Grandmother. Concludes the letter by telling her to be a good girl.

GLC02596.09

12 December 1862

Bettes, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Charley

[to his son, Charley Bettes] No date on the letter, date is from the envelope (presumably the same envelope as letter #9). Charley was very anxious to get a letter from his father. Wants Charley to be a good boy and help his mother by bringing in the wood and chips for her. Tells him to not tease or bother his Grandmother and to not quarrel with his sister. Tells Charley that he must learn to read and write so you can read your letters and then answer them.

GLC02596.10

19 December 1862

Bettes, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lodema

Encamped near Potomac Creek, Virginia about four miles from Hartford Court House and six or seven miles from Fredericksburg, Virginia. Left the camp at Hall Farm on Saturday and went to Fairfax, Ohio and found the troops. Saw S. Z. Dickinson at Fairfax, Ohio; he was still sick but able to walk. They came through Dumfries, Virginia and the roads were extremely muddy so the teams had to stop every few roads. It took them half a day to go a mile and a half. Writes that one would think this distance should be traveled in a day. The roads from here to Fairfax, Ohio run through the woods.…

GLC02596.11

16 June 1865

Bettes, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lodema

Sent a box this morning containing his overcoat and pants. The coat with red lining and the two shirts are Sanford Ticknor's. Writes that "one package of letters belongs to Carter of Brimfield, Ohio which he sends home." The shells, books, cap all in the box belong to Bettes. Sent the shells to his wife as a present. The Dutch Testament of the Bible is for Charley. They have just received orders to be ready to go to Bridgeport, Connecticut this afternoon at 3 o'clock. On the third page, Bettes has written: "send this box to Lodema Bettes. Atwater Portage Co. Ohio."

GLC02596.13

1863

Seuss, John L., fl. 1863

Manuscript document

Title: [Diagram of a hole dug for an iron cylinder]

Diagram of a hole dug for an iron cylinder to be used as a support for a bridge or trestle.

GLC06166.02

1863

Seuss, John L., fl. 1863

Manuscript document

Title: [Diagram of an arch]

Diagram of the proper usage of an arch in internal construction.

GLC06166.03

1863

Seuss, John L., fl. 1863

Manuscript document

Title: [Diagram of an fascine]

Diagram of of a properly constructed fascine.

GLC06166.04

1863

Seuss, John L., fl. 1863

Manuscript document

Title: "Section and Isometric View of a Gabion."

Technical diagram showing two views of a gabion, a fortification constructed by Suess.

GLC06166.05

1863

Seuss, John L., fl. 1863

Autograph manuscript

Title: [Manuscript on Fortifications and Combat}

re: usage of fortifications in combat situations. Discusses alignment of fortifications, principle of augmenting artillery over diminished infantry, fabrication of fortifications to match several situations. Suess also discusses several innovations on fortification construction, and siege construction and deployment tactics.

GLC06166.06

1863

Seuss, John L., fl. 1863

Autograph manuscript

Title: [Manual for Fortification Construction]

re: a manual for the construction of a fortification, with sections on "Notes about Fascines," "Blockhouses," "Of Batteries."

GLC06166.07

22 October 1862

Bell, Grove L., 1844-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to home friends

Bell to friends. Letter written in pencil. Very faded. Some parts are illegible. The envelope is addressed to Mr. Edwin Bell. Received last letter two days ago. Had tried a couple of times to write a letter but had not been able to do so. Some mail and provisions came for Company D today, but because he did not move quickly he did not get any. "Everyone but me had a large bundle of cake." "Felt as if I hadn't any friends." Got some cookies; first time he had not been hungry in a long time. "There [are] a few big men with scraps on their shoulders that are making all of the money." Considering…

GLC08913.02

25 November 1862

Bell, Grove L., 1844-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister

Received a letter night before last. Have not had much time to sleep. Happy to receive mail; "had it not have been for that barrel, I should not have been here now." "Living pretty hard" at the moment. Have built log huts. Very cold while standing guard. Asks for new boots and emphasizes just how much he wants them. Fireplace in the camp reminds him of his fireplace at home. Asks to hear about the quarry. Asks for stamps, paper, and "a little hunk of black thread."

GLC08913.04

26 December 1862

Bell, Grove L., 1844-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister

Had not received stamps in a long time and was therefore unable to write. Sorry to hear of his friend's sickness. Arrived in Fairfax a few days ago. "Threw away everything" on the march. Everyone had too much to carry, and one soldier in particular was very sore and tired from the march. Threw away everything they had except blankets and clothing. Mud soaked right through stockings because it is deeper than his boots. Very hungry; makes sure to eat all of his food. "It is a shame for us not to get any more rations." It is getting very cold very quickly. His friend is writing the same letter…

GLC08913.05

6 January 1863

Bell, Grove L., 1844-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to home friends

Friends have asked for boxes from home, and now wants to do the same. Asks to have the box ready as quickly as possible, within a day of the delivery of this letter if possible. Says to speak to Max Cadwell to see when he sent his box down. If they send the box express mail, it could arrive at the regiment in the next day or two. Asks for boots. Gives specific specifications for what kind of boot he wants and what size it should be. Asks for the boots to be "two sizes larger" than they think they should be for unexplained reasons. Also wants to make sure the boots are high enough. Also asks…

GLC08913.06

16 January 1863

Bell, Grove L., 1844-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to home friends

So angry he "can hardly write." Had to wait a long time in the cold. Angry because he has not received favorable news about his box. Instead was advised to get some good boots on because they would be marching the next day. Had his friends done as he said, Bell would have the boots right now. Will "never [write] for anything" else. Upset because he does not have a decent pair of shoes. Soldiers only have three days' rations. Discusses the difficulty of pulling horses out of the thick, deep mud. "Everyone is sick of this war… I don't blame anyone for skedadeling" One soldier named Geer "is but…

GLC08913.07

2 February 1863

Bell, Grove L., 1844-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to home friends

Happy to finally have received the box that he had been complaining about in his earlier letter. Box was mostly undamaged, and his boots arrived in good condition; they fit well. Had a particularly good breakfast today of sausage and fried potatoes. Various members of his regiment have been sick, and some have spent time in the hospital. Describes members of his company as "messy mice." Hopes to get a picture of himself taken to send back home so they "can see a soldier boy." Asks if they can get his [walick] fixed and sent to him. Asks if they want the box back, thinks they might need it…

GLC08913.08

1 March 1863

Bell, Grove L., 1844-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister

Borrowed a friend's pen to write with, although he has practically forgotten how to use one. Has very poor ink. Wishes he had his own pen so badly that he is thinking of sending for one in his next letter home. Afraid he would ruin the pen while down in camp. Understands he would need a good bottle of ink along with the pen. Hopes she saw Gaston before he left. Hopes she will get to see John at some point. Has a new commander of the company. Seems like a "grand good fellow." He is the best officer in the regiment. Has received every paper she has sent so far. Has read them with the rest of…

GLC08913.09