14 November 1864

Maitland, Ann, 1813-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Writes she is recovering from a cold and still has a cough. Gives updates on various neighbors and relatives. Says they sent him new boots last week. Comments on the [1864 Presidential] Election results and hopes the war will soon end. Reports the corn is being husked, but the winter wood is not cut yet. Thanks him for the money he sent for the new wagon they need. Prays for his safe return.

GLC03523.10.144

18 November 1864

Maitland, William G., 1846-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Informs him he has been husking corn. Says he is hurt John Petty did not stop by to see him while on his furlough. Mentions he intends to go to school for two or three years after the war is over and asks his opinion. Thanks him for the money for a new wagon. Remarks he received two pamphlets, "Copperhead Conspiracy" and "A Scathing Review of General McClellan's Military Career." Claims he read one and was unable to finish the other "but whether I profited any by them remains to be seen." Envelope includes a three cent stamp.

GLC03523.10.145

4 December 1864

Cherry, Lydia, fl. 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Addresses the letter "Dear Cousin Jo's." Reports there are a few cases of small pox in the neighborhood. Replies to his inquiry about Bell, "I think she is a real good girl and knows how to do any kind of work, she will make a good wife..." Reports she expects to get married next May and wants him to attend the wedding, even if he needs to get a furlough. Letter is signed "Cousin Lydia." The last name of Cherry is assumed based on other cousins' last name, but not confirmed.

GLC03523.10.146

5 December 1864

Petty, John S., 1838-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Writes from the mouth of the White River, expressing his wish they were together, "but the fates have willed it otherwise, and we must rest content." Informs him of the consolidation of the 120th Ohio Volunteer Infantry with the 114th. States he is Adjutant of the new regiment which totals 946 men. Says he is sorry Grier took offense when he did not visit him on furlough and has written him a letter.

GLC03523.10.147

8 December 1864

Maitland, Joseph M., 1836-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Bell Wharton

"Headquarters District of Memphis..." is printed at the top of the letter. Reports on a conversation with a friend where he said, "I had a girl at home whom my hopes for happiness in the future were centered." States Union General Napoleon J.T. Dana is now in command of his department in Memphis. Mentions snowy weather. Letter continues the next morning.

GLC03523.10.148

20 December 1864

Maitland, Joseph M., 1836-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Bell Wharton

Reports Union General James C. Veatch issued the order dissolving all court-martial and military commissions within the district of western Tennessee, and he is temporarily unemployed. Says once the courts are reorganized in a few days, he will be retained as clerk. Comments the news looks good as Confederate General John B. Hood "...has been completely used up at Nashville." Complains of constant rain and slushy streets. Wishes he could be home for the holidays. Begs her to write more frequently.

GLC03523.10.149

23 December 1864

Maitland, Joseph M., 1836-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Bell Wharton

Complains about the lack of letters from home, "...I thought I was forgotten by them at home and you too." Says he doesn't like the tone of her recent letter, "...your speaking of the love you had for me you said it in such a light way, that there might be a question as to whether you were sincere or not." Comments he is sorry to hear that small pox is still going around. States he is still uncertain of his employment as a clerk, but doesn't think he could survive "Field Service."

GLC03523.10.150

25 December 1864

Maitland, Joseph M., 1836-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Bell Wharton

Wishes Bell "A Happy Christmas." Shares his sadness at being away from home and all the changes that have taken place in one year, especially the death of his father. Remarks he had turkey at the boarding house, "...but it didn't seem like eating Christmas dinner up north." Adds, "Since last night every one has been on a big drunk, of course I except myself, I only drank a quart or two of egg-nog." Reports his court has been reorganized and he is still on duty as a clerk. Closes letter with,"Remember me in your prayers Bell, for I have many temptations that you know not of."

GLC03523.10.151

30 December 1864

Maitland, Ann, 1813-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Reports in detail on the holiday parties in the neighborhood, including an oyster dinner for fifty people. States they sold the wheat for two-hundred and fifty-eight dollars. Says the prayer meeting begins tomorrow and wishes he could attend. Comments the draft "...is to come off again and the folks are very busy trying to raise the money to get the men from others places..." Expresses fear that Grier may be drafted. Letter continues the following morning.

GLC03523.10.152

20 November 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister and family

Comments on the rainy weather and muddy conditions. Reports that the troops were reviewed by General R.S. Granger. He writes that the men put their best appearance on for the general and made a very good impression. Wheeler remarks that he's glad that the Methodist Ministers have taken the oath "if for nothing else but to sift out the miserable copperheads" (referring to Illinoisian Democratic Methodist ministers that sympathized with the South). Wheeler writes that there is no prospect of leaving Nashville. He also writes that the men don't belong to any specific army corps or division,…

GLC07460.061

27 November 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes that some of the men returning from the front were exposed to small pox on the train. Those who were not vaccinated have been taken to the hospital and given vaccinations. He writes that a tent was built to house all the men that came down with small pox. Informs his family that he attended Post Chapel no. 2 and comments on the platform speeches of the Army chaplains. He writes: "Army Chaplains are not afraid to talk politics if need be or state Slavery sentiments now that they have so good a chance in a slave state." Mentions a Sabbath school that has been set up at the Chapel…

GLC07460.062

December 11, 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister and family

Reports that one of the soldiers, [Zod] Howe, almost died from small pox and another man is thought to have come down with it. Remarks that the men in camp seem very nonchalant about the small pox outbreak. He writes that the hospital building and all the clothes from infected soldiers will be burned. Recollects that one year ago he and Darius (his brother-in-law) were in South Tunnel. He writes, "we never think of that place with any very good feelings as there we lost a good many of our boys." There has been talk of moving to Gallatin but hopes that they don't have to leave Nashville…

GLC07460.064

19 October 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister Martha [Spohn]

Discusses the weather, particularly the muddy conditions. He states that the local rock is limestone and that the mud makes good mortar for building chimneys. Wheeler expects that they will stay in Nashville for some time, possibly through the winter. Mentions that his Uncle Washington is a peace man of the "Vallandingham stripe", referring to Clement Vallandingham, an Ohio Statesman and leader of the Copperhead faction of Democrats in the North. Of the Copperheads, Wheeler remarks: " the Devil is a more likely man than these Copperheads for he is always on one side, and you know how to…

GLC07460.056

30 March 1864

Taylor, A. O., fl. 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Addresses letter "Friend Joe" and thanks him for the recent letter. Reports on several parties he attended recently and comments he's "...having a grand time..." with all the women. Speculates on several relationships and whether they will marry. Informs him that Bell has rheumatism in her arm. Closes the letter with "Harra for Lincoln." Includes a three cent stamp on the envelope.

GLC03523.10.119

18 April 1864

Maitland, Joseph M., 1836-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Bell Wharton

Writes to Bell from a camp near Memphis. Comments on a box of provisions he received, including cakes. Notes he sent a box by express with several pictures inside and asks her to take care of them. States he has not received any letters from her recently and hopes there is one today. Includes a three cent stamp on the envelope.

GLC03523.10.120

24 April 1864

Maitland, Ann, 1813-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Mother Ann and brother Grier both write from home. Letter continues on 25 April. Ann reports Grier has been plowing the corn with a new horse. Expresses disappointment he can't come home yet. Questions "how it is that some get out of the service so easy while others that ought to be out has to be kept in..." Grier assures him he has been writing faithfully and doesn't understand why Joseph has not received his letters. Discusses the building of a new church and the disputes involved. States the committee will purchase a one acre building lot for three hundred dollars. Includes a three cent…

GLC03523.10.121

5 May 1864

Maitland, William G., 1846-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Grier writes to "My Dear Brother" from home, likely Kingston, Ohio, informing him he gave his old blanket and overcoat to an enlisted man. Mentions the "Independent Companies" were called out and they made "a Respectable appearance about 700 on the day they left..." Reports he's been plowing all day and expects to get the corn in next week. Letter continues the following day. States the oat crop is coming in fine. Discusses the arrival of a new colt and comments "...its neck is rather too short for the size of its body..." Includes a three cent stamp on the envelope.

GLC03523.10.122

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

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