22 May 1864

Maitland, William G., 1846-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Grier writes to his brother informing him of their mother's poor health due to overwork and her concern for his safety. Reports on the successful corn crop. Comments that Bell is progressing well with her school work. Says no news of importance from General Ulysses S. Grant's army in the paper. Informs him he will attend a colt show next week. Letter continues the next morning. Mentions he will plant beans and watermelon today. Gives information on a new neighbor with "very high strung" daughters. Includes a partial three cent stamp on the envelope.

GLC03523.10.123

12 June 1864

Cherry, Joseph M., 1840-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Addresses letter "Dear Cousin." Reports on the movements of his regiment, the Ohio 46th Infantry. States they have been on the move for over a month since leaving camp in Scottsboro, Alabama. Discusses the battle at Dallas, Alabama in great detail. Says they laid in their breastworks for ten days. Informs him they use the Spencer rifle with great success. Expresses relief at his duties as clerk, allowing him to stay back with the wagons to take care of books and papers. Mentions his furlough and how enjoyable it was.

GLC03523.10.124

15 June 1864

Taylor, D.O., fl. 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Addresses letter "Friend Joe." Writes about "...the young folks enjoying themselves..." at parties. Says he took Bell to a party. Informs him he bought a new buggy with no top. Comments he broke up with Maggie and is now a free man. Inquires if the rumors are true that Joseph is wounded. Includes a three cent stamp on the envelope.

GLC03523.10.125

22 June 1864

Maitland, William G., 1846-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Addresses letter "My Dear Brother." Expresses relief that he survived "that terrible battle..." (probably the battle of Brice's Cross Roads fought on 10 June 1864 near Tupelo, Mississippi). Comments, "I think that it was rather a pity that Gen Sturgess was not put out of the way. I see he is relieved from Command but that will not bring back the men that he has lost." Says the weather has been dry and hot for five weeks and the crops desperately need rain. Discusses possibly selling the colt if he can get one hundred twenty-five dollars for it. Reports the National Guard from their county…

GLC03523.10.126

1 July 1864

Maitland, Joseph M., 1836-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Bell Wharton

Maitland writes to Bell from camp outside La Grange. Complains of very dry, hot weather and dusty roads. Writes, "I dont think I ever suffered as much in my life with the heat as I have within the past week." Expresses concern over her lack of letters to him and asks if she has forgotten him. Mentions its been a year since the surrender of Vicksburg, Mississippi, but still no end to the war in sight. Writes "If General [Ulysses] Grant could only succeed in taking Richmond...." Reminds her his service will de done in little over a year and imagines what it will be like to come home. Reports…

GLC03523.10.127

10 July 1864

Deardorff, E.S., fl. 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Addresses letter "Dear Friend." Questions why he has not received any letters from him. Complains that the hills of Indiana do not agree with him, "it wearies me to climb these hills." Envelope has a map of Indiana on the back and a list of all counties on the front. Includes a 3 cent stamp on the envelope.

GLC03523.10.128

11 July 1864

Maitland, Ann, 1813-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Addresses letter "My Dear Son." Place not listed, but based on prior letters likely written from Kingston, Ohio. Discusses the harvesting going on and compliments Grier on his hard work. Expects the grain to be cut by the end of the week. Comments on the shortage of hands available for the harvest. Remarks the corn, potatoes, and oats are all in good shape. Expresses relief that he will send money home, as the interest is due; but cautions if he needs it they will make do. Refers to a family friend coming home from the war who says, "I have seen so much of this cruel war that I feel…

GLC03523.10.129

14 July 1864

Coleman, George W., fl. 1857-1886

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Addresses letter "Dear Cousin Joseph." Refers to the Battle of Brice's Crossroads and Confederate General Nathan B. Forrest's rout of the Union forces on June 10, 1864. Writes, "I am glad that you escaped so well in your chase after Forrest or rather in his chase after you." Expresses thanks that Joseph survived the battle. Comments on all those who died in the battle or were taken prisoner. Asks him to send details of the battle. Remarks wages are very high for harvesting, "from two dollars fifty cents to three dollars per diem." Says "All seem to be tired of the war but few seem to be…

GLC03523.10.130

17 July 1864

Maitland, William G., 1846-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Addresses letter "My Dear Bro." Says he has been working very hard on the harvest for the last nine days. Anticipates four tons of hay from two acres and twenty bushels of wheat per acre. Remarks that school is opening next week and if he finishes the harvesting he will try his "hand at getting a certificate..." Reports a friend was killed at the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain (27 June 1864) led by Union general William T. Sherman, whose wife just had a child a few days ago. Expresses sadness for "the widows and orphans this war is making." Letter continues the following day. Includes a three…

GLC03523.10.131

11 August 1864

Lafferty, Samuel, fl. 1840-1908

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Addresses letter "Friend Joe." Writes from a camp outside Uniontown. Says he didn't think he would live, "...but I am getting tolerably stout again, but not stout enough to stand much exposure." Remarks he didn't think he would be leaving the regiment for good. Discusses going to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with his company. Informs him he is now waiting for the enemy to approach. States they are well-prepared and fortified. Anticipates going back to Camp Reynolds in Pennsylvania soon. Mentions all "the pretty girls of this state."

GLC03523.10.132

15 August 1864

Maitland, Joseph M., 1836-1918

Autograph letter

Title: to Bell Wharton

Letter is not signed, but based on content it is likely written by Joseph Maitland. Expresses great pleasure at receiving her letter. Reports on the food in camp: coffee, sour bread, strong pork, rice and beans once in awhile. "We have an old nigger wench Blacker than the 'Ace of Spades' to cook for us..." Mentions the hundred days men (temporary soldiers), their difficulty adjusting to the climate, and the high amount of sickness among them. Reports that "every evening we hear the muffled Drums & the shrill notes of the Fife telling us that another victim is being borne to his long home…

GLC03523.10.133

16 August 1864

Moore, S.R., fl. 1863-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Writes to Joseph from camp near the Tallahatchie River. Complains of being nearly shirtless and plans to take some Rebel's wardrobe when he gets a chance. Requests Joseph sends some stamps and promises to repay him. Reports a forage party of five men have been detailed to go outside camp, "...we have rather slim rations the country around here for miles is stripped of forage and we have very strict orders about going outside the pickets as there have been several of our men captured."

GLC03523.10.134

4 October 1864

Maitland, Joseph M., 1836-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Bell Wharton

Writes to Bell from camp near Memphis. Complains the weather has been wet for a week. Says he has a headache and a sore throat. Reports he was in the city today clerking for a court-martial and is now detailed for that job as long as his regiment is in the county. Informs him he will move to new quarters in the city next week. Mentions a letter from his mother wishing he was home and married. Comments he's "been thinking seriously about keeping 'Bachelor's Hall' if I live to get out of the service." Expresses confidence "that the selection of old 'Abe' will have a great deal to do with…

GLC03523.10.135

7 October 1864

Maitland, Joseph M., 1836-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Bell Wharton

Writes to Bell from the "Rooms of General Court Martial" in Memphis. Reports he likes his new job clerking and his room is very nice with a good bed, a coal grate, and gas lighting. Says his work is from nine o'clock in the morning until noon with the rest of the day free. Informs him he received a package from an unknown sender with the "Democratic Ticket" in it and a request to distribute them in the regiment and use his influence in favor of McClellan. Exclaims he does not intend to vote for McClellan. Anticipates the war will be over soon. Discovers he has bed-bugs and is sleeping on the…

GLC03523.10.136

13 October 1864

Maitland, Joseph M., 1836-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Bell Wharton

Writes to Bell from the "Rooms of General Court Martial" in Memphis. Claims it's a night for lovers; with dry weather and a shining moon. Informs her there is a "Tin Pan Alley" and shooting gallery in the basement of his building. Reports Union General Ralph P. Buckland won't permit any troops to leave Memphis. Says they expect Confederate General James R. Chalmers to try and take Memphis. States the results of the election were one hundred eighty-nine total votes; one hundred sixty-seven for the Union candidate and twenty-seven for the Democratic. Includes a three cent stamp on the envelope.

GLC03523.10.137

17 October 1864

Maitland, William G., 1846-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: Joseph M. Maitland

Addresses letter "My Dear Bro." Says he is sending him a box with ten dollars, a hat, a pair of cuff gloves, a necktie, three pairs of socks and two shirts. Reports he is done seeding except for the potato patch. Mentions he will use a steam thresher. Discusses the upcoming presidential election and writes "...you and I had better mutually agree to disagree..." Proclaims his loyal support "for the loyal patriot George B. McClellan." Envelope includes a three cent stamp and writing on the back.

GLC03523.10.138

9 October 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Thanks his family for the needle and thread they sent. Reports that General Ward is still in Murfreesboro. Writes that the 129th Ills has gone down to Columbia on the Franklin Road, but have not returned. Expresses his appreciation for the clothes that he's received from home by writing that he shall wear all his clothes on his back should he enter into battle or be in a position where he is likely to lose them. Writes that the prices of clothing have risen considerably since he first entered the service and provides prices for dress coats, overcoats, and blankets. Describes the stove he…

GLC07460.053

11 October 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Reports that General Ward is back in Murfreesboro. Writes that he has sent his ambrotype with the letter (not included) and has framed his mother's likeness, commenting that he is always proud to show it off. Wheeler mentions that he has bought an overcoat and had his boots tapped and nailed in preparation for winter. Writes that he's been so busy mending his clothes that he hasn't had time to make his mother's ring. Reports that the men have inspection this afternoon and jokes that he wants to get the office of inspector general of his mother's pantry when he comes home. In a post…

GLC07460.054

16 October 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Reports on some of the activity going on including train guard and the arrival of trains loaded with men which he thinks may be ill or convalescents. Writes that Confederate General Wheeler has not frightened them with his raids. Writes that ten days rations have been put in the fort but will probably be brought out again for the soldiers to eat. Discusses the price of grain and is glad to hear that oats is selling for a good price. Writes to his mother that he has been singing again. Updates his family on some of the other soldiers from his hometown including John Defield who is sick in…

GLC07460.055

24 October 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister Martha and family

Discusses activity regarding train guard. Writes that they would be able to drive the Rebels from Georgia without firing a gun, if they had Austrian rifles. Mentions that U.S. Grant is now their commander and reports that he passed through Nashville a few days ago with some generals on the way to the front. Writes that it is unlikely that his regiment will be called to the war front. Asks that cheese and butter be delivered to him with someone that is going back to camp. He writes that he'd rather not have more than four or five pounds of butter and a few of cheese at a time. Remarks…

GLC07460.057

29 October 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes that some of the men from his regiment are out on train guard duty on a branch road leading out to Tullahoma, Tennessee. He asks that Thomas Albee's mother be told that Albee hasn't been able to write because he's been on train duty. Reports a train attack and raids by some guerillas, but assures his family that the 105th regiment (Wheeler's regiment) hasn't been attacked. Reassures his sister that Lincoln's increasing of troops doesn't mean the war is not going to end soon; on the contrary he writes " if he would call for a million men it would be better." Remarks that " Old Abe…

GLC07460.058

5 November 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes that he has just returned from performing the funeral services and burial of George H. Gould. Gould, who shared a tent with Wheeler, had been sick since June from diahrrea, and was transferred to the regimental hospital in August where he died. He also writes that Gould's discharge papers were made out while he was sick in hospital but have not been returned. Furthermore, he explains that if a soldier dies or is discharged before serving two years, the seventy-five dollar bounty is lost. Discusses news about various soldiers from the regiment including a twenty-year old whose legs…

GLC07460.059

14 November 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Remarks that city folks "live too high" compared to soldiers. Writes that he was given three pounds of butter by another soldier which will last him for a while. He will soon know if the company will stay in Nashville through the winter. Reports that the 13th Illinois will be joining the 105th at the front and will arrive at Stevenson in a few days. Writes that he was satisfied with the election returns and states "they certainly bode no evil for our cause and furnish no consolation for Rebels." Jokingly writes that he won't be snow sleighing this winter but will "slay" some Rebels and…

GLC07460.060

1918

Gustrine, Charles, fl. 1918

Poster

Title: True Sons of Freedom

True Sons of Freedom broadside by Charles Gustrine, Chicago, Illinois. Depicts a regiment of African American soldiers gallantly assaulting a line of Germans with the spirit of Abraham Lincoln looking on approvingly.

GLC09121

circa 11 March 1783

Putnam, Rufus, 1738-1824

Manuscript letter

Title: [Rufus Putnam's examination "of certain anonymous letters" leading to officers' discontent]

Pertains to the Newburgh Petition and Conspiracy. General Putnam writes an open letter "to the Officers in the Army" expressing reservations about officers' plan to obtain back pay and other concessions from Congress. Urges them not to threaten or wage "War against the community" or Congress. Instructs the officers not to persuade Congress by negative means, noting "...having once made a Separation between the Civil and Military power, between Congress & her Army, you have then passed the Rubicon." Argues that the men will have to remain in the field until all debts are discharged, if…

GLC02437.10105