23 October 1864

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Maria Brown

Finds no excitement in the upcoming election, though they may send soldiers home to vote. Hopes to see her before long.

GLC03523.15.19

2 April 1861

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mon ami

Comments on a recently received photograph and his friend's new maturity from a schoolboy to a businessman, with philosophical underpinnings. Reports their company drilling schedule, with particular attention to the word "skirmish" and its definition.

GLC03523.23.01

28 April 1862

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

He writes while squatting on the ground with his portfolio on his knees. Describes the soldier's life with the bulk of time spent in marching: "marching is what breaks the men down so much; they hate it worse than they do fighting." He prefers picket duty. He describes the battleground of Sharpsburg and the march to Williamsport. "The Mined balls, shells, and grape and canister make a fellow feel a little shaky." He also describes food.

GLC03523.23.02

27 October 1862

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Describes the scene as "a cold, rainy Sunday in a crowded, leaky tent, three more letters to write, and no dinner in prospective except 'beans.'" Mentions constant marching with little rest. As it is getting cold, "the boys draw around the fire, where we have some gay time, telling yarns, arguing, &c." Fellow soldiers call him "Pud" or "Clothes" for his large shape. "With us, the war seems but little advanced toward the end."

GLC03523.23.03

15 November 1862

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

While they are located in a beautiful overlook of the Blue Ridge, "there is not the slightest romance in walking a mile up and down the mountain for water." While on picket, they got food from several homes, more by intimidation than by gift, "followed by their maledictions."

GLC03523.23.04

4 January 1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Describes the recuperation following the battle of Rappahannock due to mismanagement. The men are discouraged and do not support the recent presidential proclamation. There is constant effort to increase comfort, building log structures in camp, and little sickness.

GLC03523.23.05

January 13, 1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

His regiment has been transferred from Cochrane's Brigade to Pratt's Light Division, assigned to skirmish, reconnaissance, and the prevention of guerrilla raids. Their camp is much more comfortable. Wonders how greenbacks are functioning with several rumors abounding.

GLC03523.23.06

January 26, 1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Describes Burnside's "mud march" and the return to their old camps, where rations are short due to the mud. Praises General Cochrane. While on picket on the Rapppahannok, they had friendly conversation with Rebel soldiers.

GLC03523.23.07

January 31, 1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Describes the excitement of mail call. They will soon receive another new general; "if they keep going down the list, I think I shall have a brush at commander-in-chief before the war is over." Hooker is not very popular; they prefer McClellan. He misses reading material.

GLC03523.23.08

1 March1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Complains about snow and mud preventing any action. Mentions the conscription bill, necessary only because of the inability of the war to be successful with volunteers. Writes, "The public does not know the true history of this war." Reminisces about the past.

GLC03523.23.09

7 March1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Complains about the slow news to arrive from Philadelphia or New York. Describes the visits of local citizens to their camp out of curiosity. The Regiment has several POWs under charge of desertion. Mentions black soldiers, one of whom escaped from his master during a battle. Describes alcohol use.

GLC03523.23.10

16 March1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Generals Sedgwick and Newton visited their division. Sedgwick appears to overindulge in alcohol. Allison notes the dangers of alcohol. Responds to news from home.

GLC03523.23.11

22 March1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Describes the lack of religion in camp; his regiment has not had a chaplain since the battle of Fair Oaks (which took place 31 May and 1 June 1862). Comments on the Copperhead attempts to divide the North and its impact on the soldiers. There are several intelligent men in his company, though the majority have a common school education and a few are uneducated.

GLC03523.23.12

14 April1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Is frustrated not to get furlough. Their division was recently reviewed by Lincoln, who "looks wearied and careworn." The army is in good condition. Expresses hope that "this summer will close the war."

GLC03523.23.13

10 May 1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Recounts recent battles, during which their colonel was killed and 50 soldiers were killed and wounded, losing in total 107 of 350 in the regiment and 1100 of 2300 in the division. Believes that Fredericksburg cannot be taken: "Every strip of woods is intersected with rifle pits, and every brook fortified." The men are very discouraged and the rebel soldiers look healthy and have great faith in their generals. Describes Fredericksburg.

GLC03523.23.14

19 May 1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Takes delight in his Virginia surroundings: "With the Rappahannock sweeping gaily in front of us, the blue water of the Potomac stretching in full view of us to our left, the wild scenery around, and the pure canopy of heaven above, I cannot wonder at the enthusiasm, with which Thos. Jefferson always spoke of his native state." Is against the conscription; believes their army is sufficient, but questions their leaders, particularly Grant.

GLC03523.23.15

30 May 1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Has heard rumors of success but has not seen anything. Doubts Hooker's ability to lead. Expresses concern about the Copperheads and lack of war support. Written from the camp of the 61st Regiment.

GLC03523.23.16

24 June 1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Has not received mail or news for a while and does not know what is happening. Their location has seen several battles before their arrival, with bullet marks in trees and casings on the ground. Describes a recent raid.

GLC03523.23.17

12 July 1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

They have crossed the river on a reconnaissance mission, "the quickest movement the Army of Potomac has been guilty of for some time." "It is pretty evident that Gen. Lee is trying to euchre 'Fighting Joe;' he plays his hands well, but it is a game two can play at, and clubs are trumps now." Hooker continues to be unpopular with the men.

GLC03523.23.18

28 July 1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Doesn't want to leave Maryland for Virginia; "Men could not be better treated than we have been by the people of Maryland." Comments on Gettysburg. Describes a young local lady's support. Was pleasantly surprised to see old friends from high school.

GLC03523.23.19

2 August 1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

They've been fixing up their camp, overlooking the Blue Ridge mountains. Comments on the arrival of conscripts and the need to drill them. "Charleston appears a hard place to take, but it is of so much importance that it deserves continued efforts." Comments on local farmers spying on their operations.

GLC03523.23.20

15 August 1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

They're resting. Praises cavalry men. They camp near the famous Sulpher Springs summer resort. "I would say there is a decided objection to Negro soldiers throughout the army, even among the Yankees who are generally abolitionists."

GLC03523.23.21

1 January 1865

Woolston, Charles, fl. 1864-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Maria Woolston

Writes from the headquarters of the Army of the Potomac. Writes to his mother in Tullytown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Describes how they were summoned out of bed to confront attacking Rebels who they were able to drive away. Writes that they may get paid in two weeks, but that it could be in six months. Wants to send money home but states that most letters with money in it never reach their destination. Mentions some acquaintances. Informs that he has not received his box yet and that he has heard that no boxes have left Washington since December 20th.

GLC03523.26.05

6 January 1865

Woolston, Charles, fl. 1864-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Maria Woolston

Written from headquarters of the Army of the Potomac. Writes to his mother in Tullytown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Reports that he is well and received his box. Reports that a man was shot nearby for desertion. Discusses his discharge and is worried that if his father puts up the money, they still might not give him the discharge papers. Writes, "there is a Rebel Congressman in the house at Washington a trying to Negotiate peace none of the soldiers here want to see peace ... when our armies if on the point of victory they dont want to see a dishonerable peace." Describes seeing…

GLC03523.26.06

20 November 1864

Woolston, Charles, fl. 1864-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin A. Woolston

Addressed from "Camp Near Gen. Mead/ Headquarters in Front of Platersburg." Writes to his father in Tullytown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Reports that it took 30 hours to get to City Point from Alexandria. States he is happy, "we set up on the top & feel as happy as a lord and am as well content as if were at home it is raining now but it dont faise us" Says he is not yet armed but their arms will be a saber carbine and a revolver. Comments, "...this squad will soon be mounted soon the cannon keep a constant cannonade the rebels and our pickets and ours goes pop pop all night at one…

GLC03523.26.03