18 March 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

They've been told they'll get 20 dollars a month now. But he is not sure if he believes it. The officers will get a pay cut so there is not such a big discrepancy between the privates' pay and the officers' pay.

GLC02831.21

25 March 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

He is hearty and healthy so soldiering agrees with him. He will reenlist for 3 more years so that he can draw his bounty.

GLC02831.22

27 March 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

It looks like they are headed south this spring. There was a bad winter storm after they had some of the nicest weather for the past month or so.

GLC02831.23

1 April 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

He notes she must be lonely now that Jane has left. He sends out so many letters that he is completely out of stamps. The papers have been coming regularly.

GLC02831.24

3 April 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

He has been enjoying the papers he receives. He is trying to grow a mustache and beard. He plans to send her a gold pen for which the holder is broken.

GLC02831.25

24 April 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

25 April 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

He mistakenly received a letter meant for his Aunt Betty. He is glad she received the money he sent even if a letter he wrote got lost in the mail.

GLC02831.27

2 May 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

4 May 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

19 May 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

He complains about the mail and wishes it would run more regularly. He mentions Norton and Museatine.

GLC02831.30

19 May 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister Hattie

He asks about Ed. They are having great weather.

GLC02831.31

20 May 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

24 May 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

2 June 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

10 June 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

Tommorow they will march again. His mother thinks a certain lady is too old for him but he says now that he is taller it should be okay.

GLC02831.36

11 June 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

24 June 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

He is sick and tired of everything. He doesn't even care where he is as long he has enough to eat. It has been really hot.

GLC02831.38

13 July 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

9 September 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

There is an emigrant train 200 miles west of where they are that is surrounded by Indians. They have sent in for reinforcements. Drake is wounded. They have had two fights with the Indians so far. Written at Fort Rice.

GLC02831.40

2 October 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

Drake died. The emigrant train was surrounded for 2 weeks and they sent out 1,000 men and 200 cavalry as reinforcements. 45 men escorted the emigrants through the Indian country. Written at Fort Rice

GLC02831.41

1861-1877

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

12 miles from Fort Pierre they will build a fort and name it after the general. He has been without family or friends for months and he has only seen "one white woman" and she was from the hospital boat.

GLC02831.42

24 December 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

9 March 1865

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

12 March 1865

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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