22 August 1862

Clark, Hank S., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Frank

Apologizes for not writing to him in such a long time. He has had a long journey and recounts his travels through Chicago, Illinois and many other towns. Writes of the many "eager applicants" he found at the draft office of Captain Christopher. Says that many of them are "shoulder strapped gentry." Writes of the conversation between him and Captain Christopher about needing transportation to rejoin his regiment [15th Illinois Infantry]. Captain Christopher did not have his uniform on and he added his name to a list of other soldiers who had been waiting to rejoin their regiments. Some of the…

GLC03523.42.15

17 November 1862

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Written in Hospital No. 5. Writes that Leow had just arrived safely while he was finishing his letter to Laura. Thanks her and Sarah for the "goodies" she sent. Writes that Hayden has written to his mother. He still feels very weak and has not been able to sit up all day.

GLC03523.42.16

23 November 1862

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Written at the residence of the men on Bowling Green, Kentucky. He writes that he has been thinking about her and her family frequently. He is sorry for not having written to her more and he has tried to write as much as he could. It was difficult to write her as they were marching so often that when they stopped all he wanted to do was sleep. He has written to Amanda, his first letter to her since arriving in Kentucky. Writes that Amanda has a deep interest for him and that she will soon develop great "love and respect" for Mary. The weather has been very pleasant and warm. States he owes…

GLC03523.42.17

30 November 1862

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

It is raining out so he cannot go for his usual walk. Writes that it is discouraging to be an "invalid" sometimes. He states that his appetite and strength are only a "little better." Writes that he is still having difficulty with his stomach but that it is better then before. Wishes that he could have a few weeks with his friends but does not think that this will be possible. He has a plan to go see his uncle by boarding a train with help of some friends. From there he will be able to see her and then will head back to rejoin his regiment. He has thought of this plan because he cannot get a…

GLC03523.42.18

6 December 1862

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Writes that Hayden is getting better and that his own health is improving daily. He is able to walk much better as well and thinks that he can start to march again soon. States that he will not leave Hayden until he is better or forced to do so. The plan from his previous letter was "given up" and Hayden came down with rheumatism the next day. Explains to her the various reasons why his plan would not have worked. He is very worried about Hayden as every time he manages to get over one sickness another one takes its place. However, since the doctor is unsure what is wrong with Hayden he…

GLC03523.42.19

7 April 1863

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Written at camp near Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He writes that while he was sewing a letter from her arrived and he was then ordered to go on picket duty. Thinks that her letter writing has improved and that she writes her letters "naturally" as if she were speaking to him. Explains that the troops are very happy when they receive letters because it feels like they are still at home with their loved ones. He is glad that she enjoyed the flowers he sent her. Wonder what Laura thinks of the flowers he picked for her. Gives her his permission to go through his trunk looking for old letters. Writes…

GLC03523.42.20

26 April 1863

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Written at camp near Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He has enclosed five dollars in each of his last letters for her. He has also mailed her his "likeness" [picture] and a few pages from his diary. Writes that he is feeling well and that he understands why she has so many fears for his health. Explains that his cough is gone and that his appetite is much better. He is more worried about her throat and suggests that she should have it taken care of as soon as possible. Writes that he could use a new rubber blanket as he was stolen last week. He will get another blanket from the Army. He is thinking…

GLC03523.42.21

3 June 1863

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Written at camp near Murfreesboro, Tennessee. They have received orders to move out. Writes that he has finished Laura's letter and was working on a letter to her when the order came to fall in. The troops were issued seven days rations and left behind all extra baggage. He is unsure where they are going but there is much speculation among the troops. Tells her that he will write again soon.

GLC03523.42.22

2 November 1864 - 3 November 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister

Written near the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. He writes that the weather has been poor as it continues to rain. Assumes that by the time his family receives the letter the army will have moved from their currently location to an unknown destination. They are expected to be ready to move out by 4 November. The men have heard that the 20th Corps and the Army of the Tennessee are preparing to conduct a large raid. The troops have prepared 50 days worth of rations and have sent all their heavy baggage and equipment to the rear. Writes that he visited Atlanta, Georgia and was interested in the…

GLC07460.105

7 November 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister

Written near the Chattahoochee Bridge in Georgia. The mail has been delayed by four or five days because of the army's movements. He does not think the army will stay long at its present location and he has heard that the limit of their stay in the area will be five or six days. Reports that the Army of the Tennessee is encamped only two or three miles from them and that they are waiting for their pay and clothing before they march out. Writes that if his family hears of the army marching through Georgia to Savannah, Georgia he will try and take care of himself as best he can.

GLC07460.106

9 November 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister

Written near Chattahoochee Bridge in Georgia. He has recently received his family's letter of 30 October and is glad to hear that everyone at home is doing well. Writes that the army is going to leave their camp tomorrow morning. He reports that as recently as two hours ago there was some cannon fire from Atlanta, Georgia. At first the troops did not know why there was firing. They thought that the cannon fire was in celebration of the election, however, it turns out that the Confederate General Joseph Wheeler has been making raids on Atlanta. He has not received any details as to the…

GLC07460.107

December 18, 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister

Writes that he is alright and has survived the march. General William T. Sherman's army is in front of Savannah, Georgia. The army has captured Fort McAllister at the mouth of the Ogeechee River. This allows the Union forces to have communication with the coast. They have recently received their first mail since leaving Atlanta, Georgia. He is glad to hear everyone is doing well and hopes that this letter reaches them in time for New Year's. His regiment is currently behind breastworks on the road running into Savannah. There are rebel batteries to their front throwing shells into the tall…

GLC07460.108

23 December 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister

Writes that the mail is becoming somewhat regular as more has come in today and is being sent out as well. He is happy to report that their camp situation has improved from when he last wrote. The regiment has advanced into the trenches around Savannah, Georgia. Reports that the rebels left the day before yesterday and the Union now controls Savannah. The 2nd Division of his corps captured the few remaining rebels in the city. They captured a rebel captain and 29 men guarding a magazine. There were many rebels cannons around only a few were spiked. On some of the cannon the spike was done so…

GLC07460.109

December 30, 1864 - January 4, 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister

Writes about those who have died during the past year and the sacrifice they made for their country. General William T. Sherman reviewed the 20th Corps. today. General Ulysses Grant was supposed to review the men as well but he failed to show up. A rebel blockage runner arrived in Savannah, Georgia not knowing the town was now occupied by the Union Army. The number of guns taken from Savannah is around 207, which is quite large, assuming the number is correct. He likes Savannah but thinks that many of the buildings looked "weather aged." He has a "Britannia" tea pot in his tent that was made…

GLC07460.110

January 22, 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister

It is almost impossible to receive or sent out any mail, the last letter he received from home was from 25 December. They are about 23 miles from Savannah, Georgia. It has been raining so hard for the past few days that it was nearly impossible to move. The troops are still unsure of what the goal is with their current movements. Fort Fisher has been captured and is seen as an important victory. The numerous fortifications beyond Savannah into South Carolina so far have caused little harm to the advancing Union Army. He has finally received the package from home with all the items he…

GLC07460.111

January 26, 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister

Writes that he is not in camp and is feeling much better. His diarrhea has gone away thanks to some of the berries he ate. The weather has been very bad, there is a lot of mud which will prevent the army from moving very far. The Union scouts found Grahamville, South Carolina to be evacuated but encountered a rebel force west of the village and were forced to withdraw. The mail is very irregular. Writes that South Carolina has always been viewed as a "dank place." A small note is included that states a colonel had to sell some of the family's butter while in Nashville. The colonel gave him…

GLC07460.112

February 1, 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister

Writes that he and most of the men of the company are doing well. The wood they have been using for their fire turns everything black including their faces. They are camped about 25 [18 miles from Hardeeville, South Carolina to another site then another 7 miles to Robertsville, South Carolina] from where they last were. They advanced through swamps and low-lands. Believes that it is natural for soldiers to write to their mothers. The rest of the men feel the same way.

GLC07460.113

12 March 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister

The Union 14th Corps. captured Fayetteville, North Carolina yesterday. They are now encamped there along with the 20th, 15th, and 17th Corps. On 2 February his regiment had a "brisk" skirmish with Confederates near Lawtonville, South Carolina. They suffered only eight wounded and they are all doing well, none of the wounded were the Sycamore men. They have had a severe and tedious march but they are doing well. He expects that will move on to Goldsboro, North Carolina next. The Union raids have been "gigantic" destroying as much as possible including buildings, cotton, and other provisions.…

GLC07460.114

27 March 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister

Writes that he is doing well and that the regiment is starting to receive a regular mail service. Since leaving Fayetteville, North Carolina there have been some hard fights. On 16 March their division and the First Division of the Corps. bore the brunt of the engagement with the Confederates. He reports that they charged into their works and captured three brass cannons. There were many dead and wounded as well as prisoners taken by the Union. One rebel prisoner stated that there was a 25,000 man brigade to their front. Writes that both sides suffered heavy losses. The rebels put up a…

GLC07460.115

28 March 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his nephew, Wellington

Writes about what life is like in the army. He states that the troops usually sleep outside and never have more than a thick blanket between him "and the sky." He does not want his nephew to have to go to war and if he comes home he will tell him why. Writes that if the men of the south would have been "good" there would have been no war and no trouble for the people at home. When he comes home he will give him the pistol he promised him. Advises Wellington not to enlist as it will make his mother worry too much.

GLC07460.116

29 March 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister

Writes that he is very grateful for everyone at home for caring about him and worrying about his safety while he is at war. He feels bad for them because the letters they receive from him take so long to arrive so they are usually "in the dark" about his safety. Writes that the North is ignorant of the cost of the war; while the South understands its effects very well. The Union Army has ravaged much of the South and this greatly affects the women and children. Writes that the Union troops stole from houses and destroyed possessions of people. Gives an example saying that some troops…

GLC07460.117

4 April 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister

Writes that it takes a long time for the letters to arrive at camp and to be sent out. Thinks that General William T. Sherman is unwilling to give up his line of communication. He does not think the army could survive in North Carolina in the summer. The sweet potatoes are their chief foraging food but they are starting to rot. He is glad that everyone at home is keeping up their courage. Writes that he thinks the war will be over soon or "this summer will be a repetition of last." He will not come home before he has served his time in the army. Does not think the army will keep him longer…

GLC07460.118

13 April 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister

Writes that his health is very good and mail leaves Raleigh, North Carolina for Goldsboro, North Carolina by rail. They have received the great news that Richmond, Virginia has been captured along with General Robert E. Lee's army. The camp cheered upon hearing the news. They are hopefully that General Joseph E. Johnston will soon surrender. When they marched out from Goldsboro it was very rainy and muddy. Writes that many men fell out of the march and even one man from the 70th dropped dead. He states that the regiment received news of Lee's surrender on 12 April. The advanced units of the…

GLC07460.119

circa 1861-1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Writes that General Ward is commander of their division. He is in the 1st Brigade, 1st Division of the 11th Army Corps. commanded by General Harvard [?] Harrison, who is a nephew of former United States President William Henry Harrison. Colonel Dustan does not like this and is trying to get the regiment enlisted as veterans. He has not re-enlisted yet as no one is sure if the regiment will go home on a furlough. Asks for a few items from home and writes that he has received a letter from his friend as well. He has yet to receive even a mark upon his face and tells the recipient[s] not to…

GLC07460.123

9 July 1863

Bradley, George, fl. 1863

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Appointment to mail carrier]

Written from Department of Pamlico, Quarter Masters Department. Appoints Heber Painter as mail carrier from Washington, NC to New Berne, NC.

GLC02016.101