Collection Search

to Robert Treat Paine

A detailed answer to a request for artillery information concerning the weight and bore of howitzers on hand in New York. Reports that they have none, although Colonel Richard Gridley ordered some cast. Also provides other artillery information...

GLC02437.00365

[Paper calling for "a well regulated and numerous body of artillery"]

Explains that the war is in its infancy and its success will require "a well regulated and numerous body of artillery." Argues that the present force is insufficient and that the current system of temporarily drafting men into the artillery leaves...

GLC02437.00366

to William Knox

Thanks William for his recent letter. Discusses Lucy Knox's hasty evacuation from New York when British ships were spotted in the Hudson and the unhappiness it caused both Lucy and himself (also see GLC024327.00364). Lucy is distressed but Henry...

GLC02437.00367

to Lucy Knox

Gives his sister-in-law news of her friends in Halifax. Also gives news of Lucy's mother and father, who were separated from each other at the time. Indicates that Lucy's mother is well, although she is in a smaller house than she desires. Reports...

GLC02437.00368

to Elizabeth Smith

He has been sick since he joined the Army and now believes that his illness is due to bad food which "the devil can not eat." He describes how the regiment left New Jersey and traveled via railroad to Maryland. His regiment captured three of...

GLC04189.01

to Elizabeth Smith

The Confederates camped twenty miles away in Frederick, Maryland. He has "Inflamatory Rheumatism" in his legs. The regiment's officers think that they will all be discharged by Christmas. Smith begs his wife to write him more frequently and adds...

GLC04189.02

to Elizabeth Smith

His legs feel much better. He asks his wife to write him several times a week and he hopes to do the same. Written from Camp Johnson.

GLC04189.03

to Elizabeth Smith

Smith hopes he will soon be fit for duty. He has not received some letters his wife sent and is dismayed that she will not rewrite the news that was in them. He mentions trains full of soldiers passing by and, responding to her questions about...

GLC04189.04

to Elizabeth Smith

He received the letter she mailed yesterday (10/1/1862). He has only received one of four letters she sent. He gives her instructions concerning the "Post Office Matter" and how to file returns for stamps. In response to her complaint that he does...

GLC04189.05

[Certificate of David V. M. Smith]

Certifying that David V. M. Smith is a member of Company D, 12th Regiment New Jersey Volunteers and entitled to the state bounty.

GLC04189.06

to Elizabeth Smith

Describes the capture of a hearse that carried arms for the Confederacy. He found two newspapers lying on the road and mailed them to Anna [his daughter]. He asks Elizabeth to send him a letter detailing all the "impossibilities" she must deal with...

GLC04189.07

to Elizabeth Smith

Smith gives his wife instructions for renting out his blacksmith shop. [see also #2, 13] He is dismayed that she rented out part of the house against his wishes. His legs are giving him trouble again. Discusses types of punishments in camp...

GLC04189.08

to Elizabeth Smith

He expects to be in the army for quite some time but hopes to come home to visit. He will say no more about the "shop affair" since he can do nothing about it. Undated letter fragment.

GLC04189.09

to Elizabeth Smith

He expects to leave for home in a few days. Page 3 and 4 are addressed to Charles.

GLC04189.10

to unknown [fragment]

The rebels have torn up the road between camp and Frederick, Maryland and are now within 5 miles of the federal camp.

GLC04189.11

to David Sithen or Thomas Sharp

Gives permission for D. V. M. Smith's wife to have a cord of wood.

GLC04189.12

to Elizabeth Smith

The blacksmith shop has been rented out. Mentions rumor that the army will move soon and General Wool has stopped issuing furloughs. Smith begs his wife not to mention his liquor consumption. He assures her that he is now a sober man and it hurts...

GLC04189.13

to Elizabeth Smith & children

Describes an offer in which ten men from each company would have the "privilege" of being allowed to join the regular army for five years. They have captured quite a few rebels and spies including: "A big nigger that has been watching us and...

GLC04189.14

to Charles

He describes non-stop guard duty to his son Charles. Smith also tells the story of a young drummer boy his son's age, who snuck out of camp in a flour barrel in order to visit town. He advises his son not to become a soldier.

GLC04189.15

to Elizabeth Smith

He is still on guard duty. Discloses accounts that he would like his wife to collect. He also wants her to find out whether soldiers have to pay tax and, if so, how much. Briefly mentions the removal of McClellan and his renewed hope for a furlough...

GLC04189.16

to Elizabeth Smith & children

The army is building a General Hospital in town and his regiment has been assigned to guard it. He again asks his wife not to mention the "Rum question," claiming it makes him "feel a little dry until I forget it again." Continues on 11/26 to...

GLC04189.17

to his family

He has turned in his gun and reported to the doctor. He rode in an ambulance to Culpeper. He mentions the capture of two guerrillas and adds that "woman & children & negroes packed up & left for parts unknown."

GLC04189.55

[Report of the death of Samuel Watson Van Nuys]

Testament reporting the death of Samuel Watson Van Nuys. Date is from post mark. Written on "Head Quarters 3d Brigade 3d Division 18th Army Corps" letterhead (half sheet).

GLC07687.154

[Certificate of corpse]

"Certificate of corpse" that accompanied [Samuel Watson] Van Nuys's body from Virginia to Indiana.

GLC07687.173

to mother

Plans to attend a big government auction in Macon, Georgia. Before he goes home, he must stop in Washington and settle his old quartermaster accounts. He advises his mother on financial affairs including rent houses, and an oil well.

GLC04662.121

to mother

His quartermaster paper work is being inspected. He has met many of his army friends in the city.

GLC04662.123

to Louise Walbridge

Walbridge describes Washington D.C. and includes a lengthy descriptions of an equestrian statue of General Andrew Jackson, capitol building and its statues, the paintings in the dome, and its ventilation system.

GLC04663.01

to Louise Walbridge

Relays rumors of Confederates in Maryland and the death of Kearny: "he was brave as a lion. The city is in mourning over the death tolls in recent battles. He used in battle to take his reins in his mouth, and with his sword in his right hand (he...

GLC04663.06

to Louise Walbridge

Writes that he has become separated from his regiment and has gone to Washington to find their location. Mentions soldiers from Buffalo whom he has met in Virginia. Discusses his sister's "school of instruction." He is sorry to hear of Lydia Cornell...

GLC04663.07

[Lieutenant Colonel George DePeyster Arden]

Vignette bust portrait showing Arden with mustache. Identifying inscription on verso states that Arden commanded the 10th New York Heavy Artillery regiment on 7 September 1864.

GLC05528.02

to mother

Describes the contents of his house as a bunk, table, washstand, chair, and bench all made of unpainted wood. The cooking is done in a small tent in back of the house. He hopes to get a furlough.

GLC04662.104

to mother

He has just returned from furlough and has finally received his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. He is rethinking his intention to resign since his new rank brings with it an annual salary of $2700.

GLC04662.105

to mother

The troops have been paid off and are beginning to desert. He thinks he may resign from the army soon.

GLC04662.106

to mother

He no longer receives the pay of a Lieutenant Colonel. He plans to leave the army in a few days. The 100th regiment is in Richmond and will be mustered out.

GLC04662.107

to mother

He will stay in the South for two or three months. He has borrowed $3000 from Mr. Pratt and is investing in stock [selling horses and mules in South Carolina, see # 68 ] speculation. He has been formally relieved of duty and is anxious to get home...

GLC04662.108

to mother

He has purchased his stock and will start South immediately.

GLC04662.109

to mother

He is on his way to Augusta, Georgia to sell his stock. He thinks Columbia must have been a beautiful city before Sherman marched through. "There are a few fire places left yet, which serve to show what the city was, but most of the buildings are...

GLC04662.110

to mother

His stock is not selling as fast as he had hoped. He thinks Darlington is the wealthiest district in the state and adds, "The people are very sesech in their proclivities and are as 'ugly as sin', as the children say."

GLC04662.111

to mother

He has been renting out his teams, but will now sell them. He received a job offer from Pratt & Co. and plans to accept it.

GLC04662.112

to mother

His stock is selling slowly, but he has already made enough to cover his original purchase and all his expenses. He will hold an auction and hopes to sell of the rest of the teams at that time. Hopes to be home before Christmas.

GLC04662.113

to mother

Describes the damage done by union bombardment and subsequent fires. Hopes to dispose of his stock in auction. Wants to be home for Christmas.

GLC04662.114

to mother

He asks his mother to buy Christmas presents for him to give to the rest of the family. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving in Charleston, "But the southern people know nothing about our time honored anniversary. Thanksgiving is pre-eminently a New England...

GLC04662.115

to mother

He has made $3000 in profit in the last three months. Still hopes to be home for Christmas.

GLC04662.116

to mother

Describes the auctions which are occurring throughout the state. Discusses the weather, which is quite warm one day and cool the next. Also discusses the economic stagnation of the south.

GLC04662.117

to mother

Does not think his family needs to worry about an outbreak of small pox near their house. He thinks his vaccination kept him from getting the disease, even though he was in the company of small pox victims on several occasions. He has been delayed...

GLC04662.118

to mother

He has purchased many items at auction, including 257 army wagons. He spilled a mixture of kerosene oil and lamp black all over his face and clothes and had a horrible time trying to clean up.

GLC04662.119

to mother

He is feeling homesick. Selling the mules and wagons is taking a long time. He writes of a girl from home, Katie Pratt, whom he is interested in and who his mother thinks would be a good choice for a wife. Yet he will not marry until he is...

GLC04662.120

to mother

He has a 22 hour lay over while waiting for a train. He plans to go to Macon, and Savannah, Georgia before catching a steamer bound for New York. The family oil well has made "a fair show." He can not wait to come home and work.

GLC04662.122

to mother

He writes of the health of family members in the city, discusses repairs made to family property, and attended an organ concert at Henry Ward Beecher's church.

GLC04662.124

to mother

He encloses $30 and contains a list for the dispersal of the money as Christmas gifts. Date inferred from information in letter # 85.

GLC04662.125

to Minnie

Writes to his sister about the discharge of troops, including Leon Brown. Mentions the garden back home and that he does not think he will get a furlough.

GLC04662.126

to Louise Walbridge

Discusses marching orders, his impression of Warwick, and building a road to Yorktown.

GLC04663.02

to Louise Walbridge

Advises his sister not to teach any longer, managing the property and defends his brigade from attacks resulting from their performance at Fair Oaks. He also tells of wounded men who lay on the battlefield for three days and who claimed to have been...

GLC04663.03

to Louise Walbridge

Mentions Stuart's raid at Tunstall's Station.

GLC04663.04

to Louise Walbridge

He estimates the Confederate army at 200,000. There have been thunderstorms every night for several days, yet the days have been sunny.

GLC04663.05

to Louise Walbridge

Notes he saw a girl from home in Alexandria. Discusses the fate of friends, the weather and two photographs that have disappeared.

GLC04663.08

to Louise Walbridge

Writes of the cold weather and a recent snowfall. Notes he ixed up his tent for the winter months and has received gloves from mother.

GLC04663.09

to Louise Walbridge

Tells how a Southern woman tried to burn down her house rather than let the North use it for a hospital. Also speculates on the possibility of foreign war, reparations for damages caused by a pirate, invasion from Canada, and advice for fortifying...

GLC04663.10

to Louise Walbridge

Interesting story of a lady and child who left a package addressed to General Dix near a picket line. Upon receiving the package, Dix boarded a steamer bound for Fortress Monroe.

GLC04663.11

to Louise Walbridge

Transport via steamer, description of conditions aboard the ship. Written on board steamer Belvidere, Hampton Roads.

GLC04663.12

to Louise Walbridge

Tells of the Montauk's attack on Fort Pulaski. "I know my letters are very dull now a days but you must remember, that we are completely cut off from the outer world."

GLC04663.13

to Louise Walbridge

Talks about family affairs: his sister Sarah's illness and her decision to wean the baby; his wish to attend a party; asks about Louise's birthday.

GLC04663.14

to Louise Walbridge

"Gen'l Hunter issued an order yesterday which says that all able bodied Negroes between the ages of eighteen and fifty one, not regularly employed in the Quartermaster and Commissary Departments, or as Officer's servants, shall be drafted, and...

GLC04663.15

to Louise Walbridge

"It rains in smart little showers four times an hour." Discusses news about the 100th NY regiment. Writes of books he has read and one which he wants to read.

GLC04663.16

to Louise Walbridge

Posted to a "battery" of one brass gun and two palmetto guns, rumors of a renewed attack on Charleston, exchanging newspapers with the Confederates, who "beat us in getting possession of the New York Papers." He then discusses the dangers of such...

GLC04663.17

to Louise Walbridge

Death of friends, moving toward Charleston. Also mentions news from home: a fair raised $500, "Cousins Elbridge and Mary have done me the honor to name their baby after me."

GLC04663.18

to Louise Walbridge

News of the reception of a regiment returning to Buffalo, the homesickness of soldiers, and bathing in the ocean. Also discusses the Confederate advantage architect of interior lines.

GLC04663.19

to Louise Walbridge

Provides a reconnaissance on James Island. Reflects on the Battle of Fair Oaks, and the anniversary of that battle. Dicusses home and mentions that will leave on furlough in two weeks.

GLC04663.20

to Louise Walbridge

Read The New System of Tactics and enjoyed it. A confederate steamer runs aground and is boarded every night by union troops who take her cargo. A boil is growing on his neck.

GLC04663.21

to his son

Describes the attack on Fort Wagner. A page dated 7/20, lists missing and wounded officers. "Shortly after dark our troops advanced to the assault. The 54th Mass. (colored regiment) in the lead... [T]his regiment which went into the charge with...

GLC04663.22

to Louise Walbridge

Siege of Charleston. Four regiments of Negroes who are better at fatigue work than white soldiers. "The consequence is that fifty Negroes are equal to a hundred white soldiers, for ordinary work." Closes with the expectation that bombardment of...

GLC04663.23

to Louise Walbridge

Sister Rosalie [a Roman Catholic nun?] arrives at Folly Island from Buffalo. The joys of soldiering, progress of the siege, death of a sergeant.

GLC04663.24

to Louise Walbridge

Provides a description of the attack on the "New Ironsides" by the Confederate torpedo boat "David." "The rebels came down the harbor in a small cigar shaped steamer... She lay off some distance from the Ironsides and sent a small boat with a...

GLC04663.25

to Louise Walbridge

Encloses a piece of brick taken from Fort Sumter [not included in collection] by a scouting party. Asks about the farm and selling the mill.

GLC04663.26

to Louise Walbridge

Embarrassed by the news that several ladies inspected a uniform he sent home, worries about the recently discovered Canada Conspiracy, and pay of a black regiment. "The North Carolina regiment (colored), are to be paid off to morrow, it seems all...

GLC04663.27

to Louise Walbridge

Notes that he received a piece of wedding cake. Discusses the Sanitary Commission, the sinking of the "Weehawken," and an explosion in Fort Sumter, which was followed by Union mortar fire. Sarah sent him a book entitled, "The Wife's Strategy," which...

GLC04663.28

to Louise Walbridge

Some members of the regiment went home on a recruiting campaign. Walbridge asked them to stop by the house. Reflects on the coming Christmas and Christmas past. Briefly discusses Hugo's description of the battle of Waterloo.

GLC04663.29

to Louise Walbridge

Discusses the weather and his brother George's decision to move to New York City.

GLC04663.30

to Louise Walbridge

Troops reviewed by General Gordon. Walbridge states it was a wonderful occasion.

GLC04663.31

to Louise Walbridge

News concerning his trip to Beaufort, blockade runner tried to enter Union occupied Charleston Harbor and ran aground near Fort Moultrie.

GLC04663.32

to Louise Walbridge

Ordered to report to Jacksonville, Florida. "I have existed on Folly Island for ten months, and I am not sorry to leave it, I don't well see how I can change for the worse, as far as location is concerned."

GLC04663.33

to Louise Walbridge

Written on board steamer "Maple Leaf." Continued on 25 February and the 28 February. Describes the ship which formerly sailed on Lake Ontario and was "chartered" by the government. The section dated 25 February is written from Jacksonville...

GLC04663.34

to Louise Walbridge

Continued 3 April. Notes that General Hatch relieved General Seymour as commander of the District of Florida. Seymour is under investigation by a congressional committee on the Florida campaign. The section dated 3 April explains that a steamer...

GLC04663.35

to Louise Walbridge

Assigned to General Seymour's staff. Discusses Kilpatrick's advance toward Richmond and hopes that Sherman will capture Mobile.

GLC04663.36

to Louise Walbridge

Receives his commission [as captain, see # 42]. He is starting home on furlough but must first be mustered out of his old regiment. Hopes to visit home before George [his brother?] leaves. Death of a sister's young child.

GLC04663.37

to Louise Walbridge

Assigned to Bermuda Hundred under Major General Butler. Describes the houses and trip up the river.

GLC04663.38

to Louise Walbridge

Confederate attack near Fort Darling. Lists officers wounded and killed.

GLC04663.39

to Louise Walbridge

Reinforcements sent to Grant from Bermuda Hundred. Butler failed to capture the Petersburg and Richmond Railroad.

GLC04663.40

to Louise Walbridge

Wishes he was with Grant's army, where there is more excitement and work. "I have great faith in Grant, and the old army of the Potomac . . . ." Mentions Sherman's expedition in Georgia.

GLC04663.41

to Louise Walbridge

Another soldier asks Walbridge to send money home for him, news concerning the arrival of another captain from Buffalo.

GLC04663.42

to Louise Walbridge

A visit to the Petersburg lines, requests paintings done by Sarah and Louise, wonders why Lydia Walbridge still succumbs to "the humbug of spiritualism" after it has taken the lives of several of her children.

GLC04663.43

to Louise Walbridge

Requests the location of the 94th NY. Writes that most of the officers in the 100th NY regiment will not re-enlist.

GLC04663.44

to Louise Walbridge

Writing to let the family know he arrived safely [from a furlough]. The weather is very hot and there is a new chief Quartermaster.

GLC04663.45

to Louise Walbridge

Failed attempt of the 2nd and 10th Corps to take Richmond. Has not received any letters from home since his return.

GLC04663.46

to Louise Walbridge

Describes his new quarters, two tents and an open space over which is a "fly", with a diagram of the tents. Failed rebel attack at Bermuda Hundred, intercepted message from General Beauregard to General Pickett ordering the latter to destroy a...

GLC04663.47

to Louise Walbridge

Asks Louise to send to him some official papers he left at home. A detailed description of various forms used by the Quartermaster's office.

GLC04663.48

to Louise Walbridge

First encounter with persimmons [type of fruit], the success of Sheridan, building a log office for winter, reports that he knows no McClellan supporters in the Army.

GLC04663.49

to Louise Walbridge

Battle of Chapins Bluff. Rebel prisoners say they did not run because they realized that there was no hope. Thinks Sheridan will soon take Lynchburg. Regrets that Louise and Mother have to take in boarders.

GLC04663.50

to Louise Walbridge

Acknowledges receipt of a package containing honey (most of which spilled), pants, a cake, and butter. Describes the weather, is saddened to hear of the deaths of two ladies from Buffalo, expects a big battle soon. Encloses a piece of petrified...

GLC04663.51

to Louise Walbridge

Sent George a pass to come visit him as an "employee of the Quartermaster Department" and explains that Harry cannot visit because he is too young for such a pass. Preparations for George's visit: putting a stove in his tent; obtaining a horse for...

GLC04663.52