Collection Search

to Thomas H. Sullivan

He lists the countersigns by date and city.

GLC02745.021

to Mary

He describes the battle of the eight. 5 or 6 men were wounded, one of which ended up dying.. He was detailed to take care of the wounded and in the hospital he was appointed ward master

GLC02415.006

to Mary

He is anxious to hear about the farming affairs. He inquires after family members and friends. He thinks they will be stuck at their present location three or four weeks.

GLC02415.007

to Mary

He thinks they will go to a town called Lebanon about 19 miles away. His only real satisfaction these days is knowing he will get mail. He is sorry to hear that she is sick. He is healthy.

GLC02415.008

to Mary

He arrived in Nashville on the 5th and the next day joined a regiment about six miles from there. Their company has been reduced to half its former size. Alot of soldiers are sick but not in body, in mind, he writes. Everyone is tired of the war. He...

GLC02415.009

to Mary

He explains why he has not written as often as he could have. He then describes how amazing the army can look in battle and how splendid they can look as they take their position.Written in a camp near Nashville, Tennessee

GLC02415.010

to Mary

There has been terrible fighting. They lost 160 men in the first round. He fears that W.J Scare has died. He was shot int he knee and he does not know what happened afterward. He tells her to kiss the children for him.

GLC02415.011

to Mary

He has a cold but otherwise is fine. They started toward Memphis. A lot of rain has been falling and turning into mud. On Monday fighting commenced. They camped near a corn field and the next morning after breakfast started fighting again. He goes on...

GLC02415.012

to Mary

They are having an easy time of it lately but he does not know how long it will last. They are getting plenty to eat and he may get a raise. He had to make out a muster roll for the captain the other day.

GLC02415.013

to Mary

He has not been as well as he was before the battle. He notes that she found the house in poor condition. If she lets it, he wants her to get a good down payment for it.

GLC02415.014

to Mary

There is nothing going on at the moment. They left him at camp for the last five days because he has not been feeling well. He wants to know all about the animals on their farm. He tells her not ask Father for help in the farm because he is old and...

GLC02415.015

to Mary

He thinks his regiment has seen harder times than most, since they have been in two battles already. He responds to her request for details of William Sears' death.

GLC02415.016

to Mary

.There has been a lot of sickness in the camp. He remarks that Southern homes have a chimney on the end instead of the side and this looks strange to Northerners. He describes the way plantations are built.Later he notes that William and Jane will...

GLC02415.017

to Mary

William H. Tratt is in the hospital with a pain in his side. He himself has been unable to participate in any hard duty since he hurt his back trying to lift a brass cannon.

GLC02415.018

to Mary

After marching a good deal they arrived in camp where they had a feast. The weather is getting warmer and he can go without socks. He will send her five dollars.Written at a camp near Stony River

GLC02415.019

to dear wife and beloved children

He is glad she is trying to sell the farm but the price she has set on it is the lowest it could possibly go for. He is not that anxious to sell but if the money is there take it. He says to pay Uncle Cheleb what he owes him.

GLC02415.020

to Mary

He talks about the business of selling or keeping the farm. The buyer wants it on account of the house which they may or may not keep. He talks about the possibility of crops.

GLC02415.021

to Mary

He is glad she finalized agreements with Mr. Shaw to let the farm. He talks about the possibility of crops in the orchard.

GLC02415.022

to Mary

He talks about the differences in climate in the North vs. the South. This leads to the next topic of Southern diseases.

GLC02415.023

to Mary

He figures it is time to send her some money. They will stay where they are five more days. There are four sick men in the company.

GLC02415.024

to Mary

He is concerned because she doesn't have any money to get the children shoes. He doesn't want them to catch cold so he will spare some money, though he sent her some previously. He warns her he may have to do the best she can without.

GLC02415.025

to Mary

He is anxious to hear from the boys in the potomac. He goes on to talk about the sacred principles of defending one's country as his grandfather and father did. David is not very well

GLC02415.026

to Mary

He heard of the death of a fellow soldier, whom he hoped had lived. They are under marching orders and have to be ready to leave at any time. He talks about the hand of providence.

GLC02415.027

to Mary

He is glad the only time he has gotten sick was when he had jaundice last winter. He describes a chase between the Rebels and some of the men in the company. There 8 of them and 20 Rebels. They were cornered at one point and decided to take them on...

GLC02415.028

to Mary

He is getting news about Vicksburgh and he hopes the victory there won't be confined to Vicksburgh. David English has left Murfreesboro and was sent to a hospital in Detroit. He is getting better.

GLC02415.029

to Mary

He refers to slavery as one of the most degrading institutions ever and says the Rebels should soon see the error of their evil ways. They have broken up camp. Everyone is being sent elsewhere and they expect to join the others soon.

GLC02415.030

to Mary

He has been sick on his back, but is improving. The medicine could only do so much. He is too weak to write many letters so he tells his wife to tell everyone he will write as soon as he is able.

GLC02415.031

to Mary

He explains why he has not written lately. Picket duty has started. Once again he alludes to the day the last Southern flag will be hailed in the dust.

GLC02415.032

to Mary

He is in Nashville now but he doesn't think he will stay there long. He is in the hospital and he is eating well. His appetite is good.

GLC02415.033

to Mary

He is now in Lousiville. He thinks he may go farther north as they have been sending all the men that are unfit for duty to their own state hospitals.

GLC02415.034

to Mary

The doctor doesn't have a very high success rate in treating his disease. He thinks if things keep going the way they are, the war will end soon with the Union coming out on top.

GLC02415.035

to Mary

2 of their friends recently died. He talks about restoring the nation.

GLC02415.036

to Mary

He tells her to be thankful for the care he is receiving. Hopefully he can come home soon. He is waiting on six months pay. His father had some business luck recently, so he wants to give him some money.

GLC02415.037

to Mary

He will get better but he may never be fit for active duty again. It is hard to get discharged on account of a lame back though, because a lot of people try to fake it.

GLC02415.038

to Mary

He describes his diet since she asked in a previous letter. He owes money to a Wesley.

GLC02415.039

to Mrs. Kellog

A letter informing her of Wesley Kellog's death. He provides a detailed account of how how he was shot and killed.

GLC02415.040

to Mary

A very patriotic letter about why it is important to make sacrifices for the nation. Fighting for your country will benefit posterity.

GLC02415.041

to Mary

He is getting better and a discharge does not seem far away. He mentions the numerous deserters.

GLC02415.042

to Mary

He is glad his family knows nothing of the hardships he has seen amongst the Rebel army in Kentucky. Meanwhile, he waits for the Paymaster.

GLC02415.043

to Mary

He talks about Bragg and Gen. Rosecrans. He says Bragg is a coward and a traitor and is afraid of Rosecrans. Then he goes on to speculate whether Father ought to save his wheat for the Spring market or Fall.

GLC02415.044

to Mary

He still doesn't know where they will send him, either to the regiment or the Convalescent Camp, but ultimately feels he will go back with his regiment. He hopes it is true that H. Pratt was discharged.

GLC02415.045

to Mary

He says there are those who have gotten out of touch because they are fighting on opposite sides and in some cases have not heard from their friends in 8 or 10 months.

GLC02415.046

to Mary

He has been detailed in the hospital dining room. He has to set the table and do the dishes. He apologizes for not having sent her money yet, but he should be able to do so this week.

GLC02415.047

to Mary

He reminds her that there are thousands of women who no longer have a husband to write to. A lot is riding on the current battle they are in. If the Rebels lose it, they will all be taken prisoner. Right now there are 1100 prisoners from Bragg's army...

GLC02415.048

to Mary

He warns her about keeping warm because warm clothes are cheaper than doctors' bills. Also he says if she wants to live in Saranac this winter she ought to consider the costs of such an endeavour.

GLC02415.049

to Mary

He asks her to let him know right away if she does not receive the money he sent. She mentioned that a Mr. Shear has written to him but he has not received any of the letters.

GLC02415.050

to Mary

He is glad their daughter Nellie is attending school for he says all they have to give them is an education and it is better than gold or silver. He goes on to brag that he is used to hard living now and has gotten by on nothing but hard bread for...

GLC02415.051

to Mary

It iis difficult to see what he is referring to exactly, but he says a Fletcher has not made a payment. But when he does, to add interest. Barton is in a bragging move.

GLC02415.052

to Mary

She acquired a five year old cow as a result of trading. If the cow yields a hundred punds of beef then the trade was a good one. He tells her to let the farm to Mr. Graw. His advice is not to let them know she has money or she will have to pay a tax...

GLC02415.053

to Mary

He talks about the importancce of Chattanugh and how they need to keep the Rebels contained. They do not want them to get into Eastern Tennessee so they will try to cut off their supplies.

GLC02415.054

to Mary

Money goes very fast these days he says. Even after receiving two months pay some of the boys have no money left. But he is very careful about how he spends his money. Other soldiers waste their money on drinking and gambling.

GLC02415.055

to Mary

He changed jobs from working in the dining room to giving medicine. The size of the company has diminished greatly in the past year. He asks how her provisions are.

GLC02415.056

to Mary

He wants to know how living in Mr. Sterans house is for her. Apparently their corn crop did not do well this year. He asks what Mr. Graw wants to do with their farm.

GLC02415.057

to Mary

He is working in the dining room again. She told him a Mr. Holland wants to build a wood house on the end of their house and he discusses the cost of such a project. He wants Mr. Holland to write to him.

GLC02415.058

to Mary

He received a letter from his father who is well. His father told him that William H. Pratt is in the hospital. James assures Mary that he is safer now than if he had stayed in the brigade.

GLC02415.059

to Mary

He has no wish to rejoin his regiment and march around in the cold. He would like to have a taste of her mince pies. He says to tell Mr. Roland he can work on the improved land.

GLC02415.060

to Mary

He is now in Chattanooga, after having spent some time at the Convalescent Camp. He has now rejoined his regiment.

GLC02415.061

to Mary

They are near Lookout Mountain, in the heart of the enemy's country. He describes the country they passed through on the way from Lousiville to Chattanooga which he says is unlike anything she's ever seen before.

GLC02415.062

to Mary

He writes again how education is so important for their children. If she does not have money for the taxes, he insists she let him know and he will send her some money.Their pay is late.

GLC02415.063

to Mary

There are many deserting the rebel ranks. There are reports that these deserters may join the Union but he does not see much truth in these reports. One of the shirts she made him has shrunk terribly.

GLC02415.064

to Mary

He saw the boys from Boston the other day and it made him nostalgic. He will send some more money.

GLC02415.065

to Mary

He refers to the spirit of the war and says it has grown into an animal... He got 2 months pay recently and he will send her fifty dollars.

GLC02415.066

to Mary

He talks about the music they practice playing in camp to keep busy during down times. Some of the boys play cards, while he prefers to read.

GLC02415.067

to Mary

He saw his old friend General Wood and they had a grand time. He has been practicing on the bugle lately. He has to learn 25 different calls.

GLC02415.068

to Mary

He has never been healthier. There is some talk of going to Cincinnati but he thinks they will most likely go to Georgia or Alabama.

GLC02415.069

to Mary

He responds to the news from his wife. She has said William and Jane Nickerson might move back to Calhoun. Mary has not decided if she will go to Dester this summer.

GLC02415.070

to Mary

He would like William to work the farm so that he could live there with Mary and the children and then she wouldn't have to worry about the milling.

GLC02415.071

to Mary

He is sending her a book he thinks she will enjoy.

GLC02415.072

to Mary

Benjamin Vasper will bring the book and money to her. He thinks back to 1862 when the Cumberland army left Louisville and who has died.

GLC02415.073

to Mary

There is sickness and death lately, mostly among the new recruits. He asks her to tell him the price of produce, so that he can allocate funds appropriately. He warns her that he has become a hard drinker and that is why he has gained weight.

GLC02415.074

to Mary

He describes a funeral he attended of a new recruit who died of a heart disease. He will send her more money soon.

GLC02415.075

to Mary

He will not be able to get a furlough because all the men were wanted in the field. There has been some bad fighting and the Rebels have captured a cavalry unit. There is heavy cannoning at the foot of Racoon Mountain.

GLC02415.076

to Mary

He talks about the current prices of different articles of clothing. He says he is getting lazy and doesn't know how long he will remain in Chattanooga. He still owes his uncle money.

GLC02415.077

to Mary

He predicts that Virginia will see a bloody time. The Rebels think they can get Chattanooga again, but he doesn't think so. He describes the landscape surrounding the camp.

GLC02415.078

to Mary

He talks about the inevitability of death and the many vices of the army. It takes a very stable mind to reject all the vices of the army. He mentions a friend who wants to enlist because his wife died, but he thinks it would be better if he stayed...

GLC02415.079

to Mary

He is anxious for the time to come, when the Rebel capital will fall. It will not be easy becasue there will be many widows and fatherless children.He thinks the Rebels made their own bed and now they must lie in it.

GLC02415.080

to Mary

He talks of money matters. Still he owes his uncle money. He goes over his monthly expenses.

GLC02415.081

to Mary

Their regiment has not had a chaplain for some time They are thinking of starting a bible class and he is all for it.

GLC02415.082

to Mary

He promises to get his picture taken soon. Since he joined the army he has lost 2 back teeth eating hard tack. He says he has become a very rough looking fellow. Written in camp opposite Chattanooga

GLC02415.083

to Mary

He tells her to some of the money he gave her to uncle, whom he is still in debt to. He has been prospecting. The regiment is divided into small groups in Tennessee and Georgia. He describes his travels which included mountain climbing. Written in...

GLC02415.084

to Mary

He responds to the news that Mr. Benson has taken to drinking. He asks how his father and Jerome are doing. He thinks the army was never better than now and they will whip the Rebels. Written in camp opposite Chattanooga

GLC02415.085

A View on the Hillside

Dedicated to his wife. A description of his surroundings.

GLC02415.086

to Mary

He tell her to take good care of herself and the children. Lately the rations are very good. They have all the food they need. It has been very rainy. Written in camp opposite Chattanooga

GLC02415.087

to Mary

Mr Rollin has been working on their place but he says not to pay him right away. The man is hard to get along with and he may take advantage of women. He talks about the diameter of a cannon ball. Written in camp opposite Chattanooga

GLC02415.088

to Mary

He asks what Fletcher is doing on their farm. He doesn't have anything very positive to say about him. They will leave Tennessee tomorrow and go to Georgia. They are going to a healthier place. Written in camp opposite Chattanooga

GLC02415.089

to Mary

They didn't actually go to Georgia, but they are close enough, on Lookout Mountain. He describes the peaks and vallies along with the incredible views. He mentions Abraham Lincoln and hopes he can end the war soon. Written at camp on Lookout Mountain

GLC02415.090

to Mary

Small pox has been going around.They have been picketing in Georgia. One night he was ordered to dine with the Captain and the Lieutenant. They had a big meal. Written at camp on Lookout Mountain.

GLC02415.091

to Mary

They bought some potatoes and onions at what he thinks are unfair prices.He warns her to have someone get the wheat as soon as possible or else they will ahve to see what rights the man who worked their farm has.

GLC02415.092

to Mary

He thought the people of the South "were the most humain in the world" when he saw their barns. For he thought they ahd no houses, but they in fact had no barns. Their barns did not hold stock, only negroes and mules. Written at camp on Lookout...

GLC02415.093

to Mary

Every time the Rebels make a raid, they are helping the Union. Lee was "badly whipped," and driven back. He mentions Grant, who had a position, but realized it wouldn't work. He predicts the Rebels will soon have to abandon Petersburg and Richmond...

GLC02415.094

to Mary

He tells her not to worry about the farm as long as it is worked by men who care more the produce it yields than the government that protects them. Perhaps she will think him a different man when he returns. Written at camp on Lookout Mountain

GLC02415.095

to Mary

He has become very cynical, for he's been a soldier too long to think that anyone would get discharged before the end of the war. They've been having pickets on one side of the mountain but there has been no fight. Some of the boys say the new...

GLC02415.096

to Mary

He went down to Georgia to sign the pay rolls recently and draw 2 months pay. He is very positive of the Union's success. Soon the army will have 500,000 men. Written at camp on Lookout Mountain

GLC02415.097

to Mary

He is getting tired of having to write as it is a poor substitute for communication. He prides himself on how well he budgets. If the other boys thought of their families as much as he does they'd have more money. Written at camp on Lookout Mountain

GLC02415.098

to Mary

He talks of money matters. His uncle has been paid off for the most part. He mentions getting clothes for the children and for her. Written at camp on Lookout Mountain

GLC02415.099

to Mary

They wanted to have their pictures taken by Lookout Mountain but there were too many people ahead of them. He describes the scenery of Chattanooga and concludes with a poem. Written at camp on Lookout Mountain

GLC02415.100

to Mary

He says as soldiers they expected to endure hardships and he will face them without fear. To be a coward is worse than anything so he tells her not to worry so much because he is ready for whatever may come his way. Written at camp on Lookout...

GLC02415.101

to Mary

He discusses money matters and how she can run the farm more efficiently. When he comes home, he expects to farm again.Written at camp on Lookout Mountain

GLC02415.102

to Mary

Never has the end of the war looked so promising as it does now. Even if they draft more soldiers, they will be sent home soon if the war ends. David English came by and is doing well. Written at camp on Lookout Mountain

GLC02415.103

to Mary

He has not received any mail lately. He reminds her not to neglect writing.Written at camp on Lookout Mountain

GLC02415.104