21 May 1865

Hammond, Horace J., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eleanor Hammond

He and Fayette are healthy, but Joseph is "grunting some." Hopes this letter will find her and Oscar in good health. Very rainy at camp; it has rained for three days straight. Waiting to take part in the review that will take place on the 23rd and 24th. After that, they will likely head north to Elmira. That journey may take 3 or 4 weeks. Not much to do. Has to get three meals a day for three people in addition to himself, but that is his only responsibility. Sylvenus Cavill was here today on his way home on a furlough. "He went home when we was on the South Side railroad" and came to see…

GLC09273.46

25 May 1865

Hammond, Horace J., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eleanor Hammond

All are healthy; hopes she is too. The review is over, and "we expect to start for Elmira in a short time." The march might start on the 27th. The officers of the regiment are moving as fast as they can to discharge them. Charles [Jencks] was here to see him. After the review, the corps Jencks was in moved on. Still cooks for the captain and will continue to do so until they depart for Elmira. Will serve the Lord "as best as I can." "If we start Monday for Elmira we will get there about Wednesday." If he does not come home immediately upon arriving in Elmira, he will write to her. Will go…

GLC09273.47

29 May 1865

Hammond, Horace J., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eleanor Hammond

The whole company is in good health, and he hopes that this letter will find her and Oscar in a similar state. "We want to start" for home "today, but I think we will start in 3 or 4 days." The discharge papers are ready to go and have been signed. Will soon be mustered our and sent to Elmira. Will receive his discharge papers and pay there. Will take the train from Washington to Elmira. It will not be long until they are together, but she must keep good courage until then. She must write as soon as she gets this "for I want to know how you are getting along." Cannot get a furlough; no one is…

GLC09273.48

Circa 1864

Henry, Josiah E., 1840-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Dated April 16. Unknown year guessed as 1864. A man named George is now at home; Henry wants to know if George received the letters he sent to Westford, Massachusetts. Writes that there is $90 at Orlando if father wants it, unless George has given him some money already. Thinks that he should buy a cow or two if he can get them at a reasonable price. Butter is 55 cents a pound in Burlington, Vermont, 65 cents a pound in Boston, and 80 cents a pound in Brandy Station, Virginia. Writes that they "have no orders to march yet, but all extra baggage, property, and [stoves] are being sent to…

GLC02749.009

25 June 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to cousin [Lydia A. Bishoff]

Foglesong feels lonesome and sad, as he has recently received the news that his mother died while he was away. He claims he dreamt that she was sick, and ever since he had the dream, he was convinced that his mother was dead. He has only received three letters since he left Winchester. It has been two months since he received word from Lydia Bishoff, though he tells her it feels more like two years. He left Front Royal last Saturday and marched 90 miles east of the Blue Ridge to Manassas Junction. He is uncertain of his next destination, but says "the news is that old Abe said that he was…

GLC03523.40.10

25 June 1863

Swisher, Daniel, fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lydia A. Bishoff

Times are dull and lonesome, and Swisher has not received any news from home for the past two months. His regiment has continually been on the march, and has not stopped long enough for him to write a letter. He would like to know how Bishoff is getting along with her school. He is encamped four miles from Manassas Junction, but will not stay for long. He believes he will then go to Washington to rest for a while.

GLC03523.40.27

2 December 1861

Dewey, Orville S., fl. 1861-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Harriet W. Dewey

Mark hasn't arrived in Washington yet, but his baggage arrived. He is off to visit Col. Alberge and doesn't have time to write. Written at Camp Rogers.

GLC02161.011

January 19, 1862

Dewey, Orville S., fl. 1861-1902

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

He is camped near Washington and he is very interested in the town. He wants to get a pass and explore. He imagines a time when the great rebellion will end and the troops will go marching back to whoever is home.

GLC02161.016

February 14, 1862

Higgins, Patrick, fl. 1859-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Fannie Schoonmaker

Received a letter from her yesterday, and is glad to hear she is in good health. Does not have much to ask her because she wrote a very long letter. Wrote to her the Saturday before, but it appears that that letter did not arrive before she sent her letter. Hardly knows that day of the week it is. It is sunny today, but that does not help him figure out what day it is. Has enjoyed himself with some down time. Was sick, but pretended to be well so that he could stay with the rest of the company. Nat Hodge, presumably a mutual friend, arrived at camp the day before, which pleases Higgins…

GLC02164.05

17 March 1862

Higgins, Patrick, fl. 1859-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Fannie Schoonmaker

Printed on stationery marked "Liberty and Union." Has a "troubled mind." Does not know why she has not responded to his letter. Is "ready to face the enemy and stand fast." The regiment is going to move, and he has to go to the "cursed hospital" for a day. Is "bound" to go, but does not want to. The doctor will force him to go to the Hospital unless he leaves, and none of the soldiers are allowed to leave. The whole army of the Potomac is on the move. Has seen gun boats on the river. Hopes she will write him a letter soon explaining her delay in responding to him.

GLC02164.07

22 December 1862

Bettes, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lodema

Received her letter containing postage stamps and a five cent bill today. Writes that he can happily go around camp knowing that his family is all in good health. His health is very good and has been since they left camp in Washington. Has not heard from Wellington but is not concerned because he is well provided for and his sickness is not dangerous, although he will probably not be fit for duty again this winter. S. Z. Dickinson has gone to Finley Hospital in Washington. Received a letter from him today which said that he had to walk three miles, which took him three hours, and he was…

GLC02596.12

1861-1877

Bettes, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lieutenant W. H. Betty

Writing a few lines to let Betty know that he sits up for most of the day but is very weak. Has all the care that he could wish for, and everything in the hospital is kept clean. The 60 to 70 patients there all seem to be doing well; Bettes does not think there is anyone who is dangerously sick and no one has died since he arrived at the Union Chapel Hospital in Washington. Believes he will apply for a discharge. Does not know if he can get one or not, but there is no harm in trying. Asks Betty to send him the letters that have arrived for him at camp. If he does not get his discharge,…

GLC02596.14

11 August 1861

Norton, Levi W., fl. 1861-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to wife

Envelope has free frank signature of Reuben Eaton Fenton. Writes from Camp Caldwell near Mt. Hope. Has just commenced his work as chaplain for the 3rd Regt. Excelsior. A committee of two colored men from the nearby church asked him to preach at 3PM, but he puts it off till next Sunday as he feels unwell from the hot weather. He finds it very difficult to be away from his wife and children but believes that it is God's will for him to be in the Army. Writes that he has now given one service and hopes to do more when they get their Chapel tent. He has a health problem with his bowel so he…

GLC09006.01

13 October 1861

Norton, Levi W., fl. 1861-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Fred

Envelope has free frank signature of Reuben Eaton Fenton. Writes from Camp Caldwell. Writes that Fred's [his son] letters give him assurance that he has a "good and faithful boy at home to look after things" in his absence. Receiving letters about home pleases him more than anyone realizes. He is glad that Fred and Frank are able to get potatoes and other vegetables from the farm for the winter. Feels very proud that his sons are caring for their mother and younger siblings during this difficult time. Writes that he prays to God to keep his family safe and "preserve us till we may meet…

GLC09006.05

23 April 1862

Norton, Levi W., fl. 1861-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to wife

Envelope has free frank signature of Reuben Eaton Fenton. Visited the Washington Navy Yard yesterday evening with Dr. Sam. Entered through Latrobe Gate, which has a large eagle placed on top of the gateway. Comments that the yard contains other devices which have been "specifically adapted to the naval character of the place." Sentinels are walking around the yard in their neat uniforms. Inside near the entrance are four huge cannons. Two of them came from Algiers and the other two were cast at the same place and time in France. Afterwards, one was sent to an unnamed area in the…

GLC09006.12

27 April 1862

Norton, Levi W., fl. 1861-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to wife

Meeting a man named Church at 9AM; Church promised to be his tour guide for the day. They went to the Smithsonian Museum. Saw so many things that it would be impossible to even attempt to describe them all. Saw the coat, pants, and gloves that John Franklin, the British Royal Navy officer and Arctic explorer, wore on one of his expeditions to the Arctic region. One room is devoted to paintings and sculptures, and another room is a gallery of Indian paintings and portraits. Went for dinner at a restaurant and Church suggested they go to Alexandria if it is not too late. Greatly wanted to…

GLC09006.13

14 October 1864

Hammond, Horace J., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eleanor Hammond

All are "kicking about." Has not had much to do. Joseph has gone with some men along the railroad to guard some men, but he will be back tonight. Is in the tent with Guernsey. The rest of the companies in the regiment are back in Washington, but they should be arriving here "today or tomorrow." She should be happy that he was not drafted. Draftees and substitutes are sent to the front immediately by the thousands. "They have got Petersburg surrounded and next week they say they will take Richmond and Petersburg both. There [are] some ironclads - 25 - going up to Richmond." Still has yet to…

GLC09273.05

27 May 1943

Weiner, Sylvia, 1912-2008

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Morris "Moe" Weiner

Sylvia went to the Executive Board Meeting the night before and she is now the Educational Chairman. While in Washington D.C. representatives of Community CIO Council met with the president [FDR] who discussed prices and rationing with them and said he needed their help in persuading Congress. She talked about a sailor who had come to see Congress in session when they were debating the Anti-Poll Tax Bill and had shouted that he was fighting to save democracy. The papers printed what he said, not what the Southerners in Congress said.

GLC09414.0047

6 June 1875

Tilley, M.E., Mrs., fl. 1875

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Blanche Kelso Bruce

This letter from Mrs. Tilly covers a few topics. The major topic is her asking the Senator for support in being re-appointed to her job, at a higher salary on the 1st of July. She asks the Senator to remember her, and put in a good word in for her. Tilley also remarks on the weather in Washington D.C. She also briefly mentions a robbery at the treasury that was recently in the newspapers.

GLC09400.012

19 November 1862

Bettes, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lodema

Left Gainesville, Virginia yesterday at 5PM and is now between Centerville and Fairfax, Virginia. On the way, they passed the memorable battlefield of Bull Run. Encamped about six miles west of Centerville; they are now about four miles east of that place and comfortably encamped in the woods. Have their tent up and plenty of hay for their bed. They have "good soft bread, good butter, good fries, good coffee and milk for supper tonight and we have enough for breakfast. We live on the best when it can be had." Feels that the public will no longer be "bored with the old stereotyped phrase…

GLC02596.03

22 November 1862

Bettes, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lodema

Has not received any letters from home this week but expects there is one or two on the road. They are encamped on the Chantilly Plantation between Fairfax, Virginia and Centerville, Ohio. When he last wrote, the Army was up at Aldie, Virginia. Ordered to march to Thoroughfare Gap, where they stayed for one day, and then ordered to march to Gainesville, Virginia. The Army arrived in Gainesville around 10 o'clock and remained there until five o'clock, when all the troops had passed and their war guard came up. Started for Centerville and passes over the historic Battlefield of Bull Run,…

GLC02596.04

24 November 1862

Bettes, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lodema

Writes from Chantilly Camp. Received a letter from his family and was very glad to hear that they are all well at home. Writes that it appears Wilford Merriman is doomed to suffer as long as he lives. Glad to hear that Eusebus Austin is likely to succeed in getting his quota of men because he is a good man and would make a good officer. His wife wrote about sending his trunk by Eusebus, but Bettes does not think that this is the best idea. Needs two pairs of drawers, one pair of socks, one pair of pants, a shirt, and a quilt sent to him. Finds it very difficult to get clothing while…

GLC02596.05

December 11, 1862

Bettes, William H., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lodema

The day before yesterday, orders came for Sigel's Corps to change position. When they came to load up, it was discovered that one of the wagons needed repairing and would have to be sent back to Washington; someone would have to accompany the wagon to ensure that it was repaired. Went to the city to see Wellington today. Found him sitting up and quite comfortable. Says he has a good appetite and feels very well but he is still weak; Bettes stayed with him for an hour. Everything about the hospital is as neat as a pin; Wellington says he has everything he needs and the best kind of care…

GLC02596.08

1862

Bell, Grove L., 1844-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to home friends

Month is unknown, but based on the known whereabouts of the 20th Connecticut, this letter was written on October, November, or December 28th, 1862. Printed on stationery portraying the battle of Mill Spring, Kentucky. Implores his friends to write as often as possible, as much as once a week. Has had trouble finding time to write, for they have been drilling "almost all of the time." His commanding officer is extremely tough, and he is very unpopular amongst the troops: "although he is a grand good military man he… is as wicked as he can be." His company is going to be placed in the thick of…

GLC08913.03

1 October 1863

Bell, Grove L., 1844-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to home friends

Is somewhere between Indianapolis and Louisville on a train. Decided to write as soon as the cars stopped moving. Had to be ready to leave at a moment's notice. Marched to Rappahannock Station, where they were put "into cattle cars." No room to lie down to sleep; have to sleep sitting up. Train travelled to Washington D. C. through the night; continued on to Wheeling, VA/WV. Had to change to their current train at Wheeling. Got "a good supper" last night. Arrived in Louisville at about dark. The dinner he had last night was better than even the nicest dinner he had had back home. Describes…

GLC08913.14