26 January 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

1 February 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

22 November 1863

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Written from camp near Kellys Ford. Complains that Lile, his wife, does not write to him often enough. Refers to the Battle of Gettysburg and the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery, where Abraham Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address and Edward Everett gave the Gettysburg Oration. Writes: "I suppose there was a Big time there on last Friday, we last evening saw a full account of it in the Washington Chronicle also the speech of Mr. Everett which I think was elegant, what a different spectacle must that day have presented to the 1st 2nd & 3rd of July, But as the Remembrance of…

GLC02155.117

1 March 1872

Thatcher, Henry Knox, 1806-1880

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Marshall P. Wilder

Discusses the papers of his grandfather, Henry Knox. Writes that he loaned them to the late Joseph Willard Esq. who was supposed to write a memoir of Knox. He is now having trouble getting them back from Willard's son but is working on the situation. Wants to ensure the transfer of the papers to the New England Historic Genealogical Society, of which Wilder is president. In a postscript states there are over 60 George Washington letters which he would like to place in the vault of the Society.

GLC02437.10734

26 May 1873

Thatcher, Henry Knox, 1806-1880

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Marshall P. Wilder

Transfers the papers of his grandfather, Henry Knox to the New England Historic Genealogical Society, of which Wilder is president. Stresses the importance of the collection and lists some conditions. Wants the papers to be "bound in a convenient form for reference as well as preservation," and indexed. Suggests they not be used or reproduced until this happens. Notes the George Washington letters are separated and should be kept in a fire proof safe. Does not want the papers to be removed form the Society for any reason.

GLC02437.10735

22 September 1863

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Writes a love letter to his wife. Expects to cross the Rapidan River and "[attack] Old Lee as he is sending reinforcements to Bragg."

GLC02155.108

1 October 1863

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Discusses another man, Mr. Spates, who apparently cheated on his wife. Professes his undying devotion to Lile. Hopes that Lile and Charles (his son) are in good health.

GLC02155.109

3 October 1863

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Reports that some men from the 9th regiment were involved in a skirmish while on picket. Notes that Newton Derboren, a friend of his, hopes to transfer to the Signal Corps. Predicts that too many Union corps have been sent away from the area for them to attack [General Robert E.] Lee. Philosophizes on the happiness and perils of marriage.

GLC02155.110

10 October 1863

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Written from camp at Fairfax Court House. Describes his involvement in the Battle of Bristoe (modern day Bristow) Station. Outlines his company's march to the Rapidan River, noting they fell back to Rappahannock Station and were followed by the enemy. Reports that they drove the enemy to Brandy Station and fell back to Bristoe Station. Written in pencil.

GLC02155.111

31 October 1863

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Written from camp near Warrenton Junction, Virginia. Expresses his regret that Uncle Wills' son died. Writes, "O what misery and heart aches children have caused thousands of Parents since this wretched war has been in progress." Mentions his cravings for vegetables, noting: "I would walk ten mile for a mess of cabbage and potatoes." Recounts some trouble he got into with a patrol when he went out of camp without a pass to buy turnips. Notes that there are hard feelings between his division and "the Regulars," the regulars being jealous of them since the Battle of Gettysburg.

GLC02155.112

2 November 1863

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Written from camp near Warrenton Junction, Virginia. Notes that they will likely move toward the Rappahannock River. Reports that [General Samuel] Crawford took command of their division. Complains that his rations consist of wormy crackers, pork, and beef. Comments on Pennsylvania Governor Andrew Curtin and the draft: "Now Dear Lile they have elected Old Andy Curtin, and the President has again called for three hundred thousand troops, and I judge the [Qota] [sic] of Penna will be between thirty and forty thousand, we will see whether they will be so anxious to come and fight they say the…

GLC02155.113

14 November 1863

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Written from camp near Kellys Ford. Dislikes the country between the Rapidan and Rappahannock Rivers, noting that the Confederates have "too much chance to flank us here." Writes, "Dear Lile I should love dearly to Be home with you this winter for I am sick of this worse than dogs life." Discusses reviews conducted by Abraham Lincoln: "I suppose there will be no great time there on the 19th especially to see Old Abe if it was to see him situated as I have always been when I saw him, there would not so many want to see him, (on Big Reviews) with a gun and Knapsack on their backs..." Relates…

GLC02155.114

16 November 1863

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Written from camp near Kellys Ford. Sympathizes regarding "the difficulties" between Lile and "the girls." Reports on camp news, expressing enjoyment that he received fresh bread, beans, potatoes, and rice as part of his rations the previous day. Continues writing on page four, 18 November, in pencil. Transmits money to Lile, his wife (not included).

GLC02155.115

19 November 1863

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Written from camp near Kellys Ford. Predicts that his company will soon move from their present location to cross the Rapidan. Notes, "I am afraid Dear Lile we are agoing to have a Pretty hard campaign of it yet this fall, But I hope it may all come off well."

GLC02155.116

25 November 1863

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Written from camp near Kellys Ford. Comments on his company's recent move, which had been intended to "cross the Rapidan and make the Rebels either Retreat or fight," but notes they had retreated based on General [George] G. Meade's orders. Thinks the move was intended so they could take possession of Fredericksburg Heights. Writes, "we get all the Papers here, and had a full Report of the dedication ceremonies," referring to the Dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery 19 November 1863 (where Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address).

GLC02155.118

6 December 1863

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Written from camp near Manassas Junction. Complains that Lile, his wife, should write to him more often. Notes that his company crossed the Rapidan and continued on to Orange Court House. Further discusses troop movements, noting his corps is putting up winter quarters at his present location. Written in pencil.

GLC02155.119

8 December 1863

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Written from camp near Manassas Junction. Discusses recent troop movements and the establishment of winter quarters at his present locations. Comments that Confederates had a strong position at Orange Court House. Notes that he is near [Robison's] Tavern, (possibly referring to Robinson's Tavern). Commends General George Meade's decision to retreat. Hopes to be discharged within six months, and says he would not reenlist for "Old Abes salary and three times the amount..." Written in pencil.

GLC02155.120

12 December 1863

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Written from camp near Manassas Junction. Complains that the mail has been slow. Reports that a mutual acquaintance, Jacob Stouffer, was taken prisoner during their last march. Discusses another corps's perception of the Pennsylvania Reserves, mentions General George G. Meade, and mentions a runaway soldier who has returned to the company.

GLC02155.121

14 December 1863

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Written from camp near Manassas Junction. Discusses a possible visit from Henry, noting that his camp is located near the Orange and Alexandria Rail Road. States that Lile can not come visit because there is nowhere for her to stay. Writes, "I see some of papers are terribly down on Genl Meade for not attacting [sic] Lee at Orange Court House, Dear Lile I wish all such men had been there in the front Rank to charge those works... the Bravery of the Reserves has been tested too often to be doubted, But it made their faces Blanche to face those works, where to charge would be death to two…

GLC02155.122

16 December 1863

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Written from camp near Manassas Junction. Discusses a possible visit from Henry, noting that his camp is located near the Orange and Alexandria Rail Road. States that Lile can not come visit because there is nowhere for her to stay. Writes, "I see some of papers are terribly down on Genl Meade for not attacting [sic] Lee at Orange Court House, Dear Lile I wish all such men had been there in the front Rank to charge those works... the Bravery of the Reserves has been tested too often to be doubted, But it made their faces Blanche to face those works, where to charge would be death to two…

GLC02155.123

20 December 1863

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Written from camp near Manassas Junction. Relates that he has been sick. Refers to the possibility that Lile may take their son, Charley, to be photographed. Discusses mutual acquaintances and his items of clothing. Recalls the Battle of Gettysburg.

GLC02155.124

circa 1860

Smith, Henry Wright, 1828-?

Engraving

Title: Henry Knox

Bust portrait of Henry Knox. Engraved by H.W. Smith from a painting by Edward Savage.

GLC02437.10731