2 November 1864 - 3 November 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written near the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. He writes that the weather has been poor as it continues to rain. Assumes that by the time his family receives the letter the army will have moved from their currently location to an unknown destination. They are expected to be ready to move out by 4 November. The men have heard that the 20th Corps and the Army of the Tennessee are preparing to conduct a large raid. The troops have prepared 50 days worth of rations and have sent all their heavy baggage and equipment to the rear. Writes that he visited Atlanta, Georgia and was interested in the…

GLC07460.105

December 18, 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes that he is alright and has survived the march. General William T. Sherman's army is in front of Savannah, Georgia. The army has captured Fort McAllister at the mouth of the Ogeechee River. This allows the Union forces to have communication with the coast. They have recently received their first mail since leaving Atlanta, Georgia. He is glad to hear everyone is doing well and hopes that this letter reaches them in time for New Year's. His regiment is currently behind breastworks on the road running into Savannah. There are rebel batteries to their front throwing shells into the tall…

GLC07460.108

23 December 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes that the mail is becoming somewhat regular as more has come in today and is being sent out as well. He is happy to report that their camp situation has improved from when he last wrote. The regiment has advanced into the trenches around Savannah, Georgia. Reports that the rebels left the day before yesterday and the Union now controls Savannah. The 2nd Division of his corps captured the few remaining rebels in the city. They captured a rebel captain and 29 men guarding a magazine. There were many rebels cannons around only a few were spiked. On some of the cannon the spike was done so…

GLC07460.109

January 22, 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

It is almost impossible to receive or sent out any mail, the last letter he received from home was from 25 December. They are about 23 miles from Savannah, Georgia. It has been raining so hard for the past few days that it was nearly impossible to move. The troops are still unsure of what the goal is with their current movements. Fort Fisher has been captured and is seen as an important victory. The numerous fortifications beyond Savannah into South Carolina so far have caused little harm to the advancing Union Army. He has finally received the package from home with all the items he…

GLC07460.111

December 25, 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Writes that he must stay in command of his post during the holidays in fear that there will be an insurrection by blacks. Writes that blacks and whites came together for Christmas, yet this has been the dullest Christmas he's ever had with the exception of last year. He will be very busy working on pay roll and other business for the end of the fourth quarter. Writes that he's been having much trouble with his freedmen duties and is on the brink of resigning.

GLC02016.096

29 April 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written on the Green River in Kentucky. He writes that they have marched 30 miles inland and are very far from any railroad station. Expects that they will soon march again but is unsure as to where they are headed. Writes that he has been sick for the past few days, the sickest he has been since joining the army. He thinks this area of the country very pleasant and states "the inhabitants are as wealthy as negro owners can get." Writes of the many different colors of the slaves. States that Colonel Humphry is now in command of the regiment. Humphry was a captain when he left Michigan but has…

GLC03523.13.096

29 April 1788

Newspaper

Title: The Pennsylvania Mercury and Universal Advertiser

Letter from "A Free Negro" printed in the Pennsylvania Mercury and Universal Advertiser. "I am one of that unfortunate race of men who are distinguished from the rest of the human species by black skin and woolly hair, disadvantages of very little moment in themselves, but which prove to us a source of the greatest misery, because there are men who will not be persuaded, that it is impossible for a human soul to be lodged within a sable body..." Issue also includes one of John Dickinson's "Letters of Fabius" supporting the Federal Constitution.

GLC09151

circa 1864

Sketch

Title: Escape of 'contrabands' from Col. Avery's estate near Petersburg Virginia

Pencil sketch signed "S.H.S." The siege of Petersburg lasted from 15 June 1864 to 25 March 1865.

GLC09153

14 September 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written near the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. He has not received any mail dated before 12 September for ten days as the rebel attacks have disrupted the mail service. He thinks that a rebel named Wheeler is to blame for all of the attacks. He wonders if there is any relation between him and the rebel. It has been over two years and he thought the rebellion would have been stopped by now but the fight continues on. Writes that if the North had a unified front and had there been no copperheads the war would be over. He hopes that the Republican Party will get Abraham Lincoln elected again.…

GLC07460.100

29 November 1866

Garrison, William Lloyd, 1805-1879

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Reverend Putnam

"All that you said of Massachusetts...was true to the letter...she has always been the foremost state of the Union. How intensely has South Carolina - - slavery cursed, degraded, barbarous South Carolina - - hated her from the beginning!"

GLC09167

circa 1860s

Object

Title: [Corn cob black doll]

With black dyed muslin head and hands, printed cotton dress, belt, and scarf.

GLC09188

circa 1860s

Header Record

Title: [Slavery related collection] [Decimalized .01- .10]

Collection of 7 abolitionist and slavery related autograph letter signed and one John Brown carte-de-visite. Autograph letter signed dated 25 June 1861 from H. Giles, "If this war continues, we can not now even imagine our worst days - nor, do I believe that it will emancipate the slave. But I hope in all these dark forebodings, I may prove a false prophet. Yet...the war was inevitable...the English Press...rage at us because we will not make the Slavery question, the direct object of the war...Who asked more from England than neutrality?" Autograph letter signed from E. Littell to…

GLC09190

1 August 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rebecca Frick

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Writes that he is still in Washington and has not done much fighting recently. Discusses a position for which he applied, stating that he won't be disappointed if he doesn't get it but could use the increase in pay. Reports that General Foster has raided North Carolina and brought in a number of prisoners and horses. States that many Union men in North Carolina are trying to bring the state back to its old allegiance. Feels that if all the rebels are driven out of Virginia, North Carolina will return to the Union. Reports that…

GLC02016.034

10 August 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Complains about the excessive heat and comments on the health of the soldiers. States that the men in New Bern are healthy, but those in Washington, Roanoke, and Plymouth have got chills and fever. Discusses his recent attack of fever, for which he took quinine. Writes that there has been no mail going north for the last ten days, which is why his sister hasn't received any correspondence from him. Reports that a colored regiment had just arrived, but doesn't know where they came from. He is very anxious to hear reports from General Meade's army. Jokingly mentions all the parties that…

GLC02016.035

February 1, 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). He writes that a battle is currently raging in New Bern and the Rebels are at an advantage. The rebels, advancing during the previous night from Kinston, opened fire on the Union soldiers at Batchelder's Creek. Various Union regiments have been driven back by the rebels. The townspeople and negroes are being armed in preparation for battle. He has heard rumor that the enemy force is at 15,000. A lieutenant colonel, officers, and soldiers have been lost. Reports that the river below Washington is blockaded. Continues writing 2…

GLC02016.047

February 4, 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Recounts the Battle at Batchelder's Creek. There was severe loss on both sides; 200-300 Confederates lost and about 1000 Union men lost at Newport Barracks. Reports that firing was heard in the direction of Washington, but does not know if Plymouth and Washington were attacked. The [Provost Marshal] armed and put blacks in the entrenchments while citizens patrolled the streets with arms. He has written to the portion of his family in Danville about the siege. Expects that he won't be going home anytime soon.

GLC02016.048

11 April 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written at Lookout Valley, Tennessee. He writes that spring is coming and the army is excited. Notes that the weather is much better and that some of the apple trees are beginning to blossom. Believes that the farming here at camp will be poor as most of the land is used for camping. Writes that many of the refugees have been ordered north. Describes the women of the Lookout Valley stating they are very slim in appearance. He thinks of settling down in Lookout Valley after the war is over. Writes that he wants to "hunt rabbits for a living" and he will keep "our niggers" for the garden.…

GLC07460.073

18 April 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written in Lookout Valley, Tennessee. He reports that the weather is nice but there has been some rain. States that he left his overcoat in Nashville, Tennessee with Ann the regiment's "negro woman." Notes that prices are high both at home in Illinois and in the camp. Suggests to his family what to plant this spring. Writes that he will not be coming home for harvest time as he expects the army to move south to engage the rebels. Reports that he is now in the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division of the 20th Army Corps. States that Major General Joseph Hooker commands the Army Corp, Major General Daniel…

GLC07460.074

7 June 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written at Camp of the 105th Illinois regiment. Explains that the mail has not gone out for a while because of the Battle of Resaca. He is glad to hear everyone at home is doing well. Writes that he hopes that when the fighting is done the war is over for good. He does not like the idea of all the political connections in the North as there are "so many candidates" for the 1864 elections. Expresses his continued support for Abraham Lincoln. He hopes that the North will unite in order to stop the rebellion and the war. He writes that the regiment is still marching around on the left wing…

GLC07460.080

9 October 1859

Lyon, Nathaniel, 1818-1861

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Dr. George Work

Abolitionist and future Union Brigadier General writes of tension in "Bleeding Kansas." "I was stationed here about a year ago, after leaving California. I have marched about 450 miles in reaching here...we were ordered...to protect the emigrants...the old slavery issue, which did so much mischief, and embittered all the relations of society, seems to be dead, and the free state policy firmly established. The new Wyandotte constitution is doubtless adopted and most likely Kansas will be admitted under it. We have no apprehensions of war on account of [commanding Gen. William S.] Harney's…

GLC09138

8 January 1865

Houghton, M., fl. 1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to a family member

"[Nashville is] under the control of our guns from the forts and batteries...I saw 3 or 4 dead Rebs still lying on the ground unburied and some that had been buried with some parts still visible above the ground...the point B.F. is where the greatest slaughter was made in our ranks. It was a charge that was made on a Rebel battery on quite a high steep hill...the charge was mostly done by colored troops...everything here is under martial law..." With autograph map on last page showing railroad lines, roads, the scene of charge by Colored troops, Confederate lines, batteries, trenches,…

GLC09139

4 September 1839

Noble, Patrick, fl. 1839

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George R. Gilman, Governor of Georgia

Letter about the crisis over fugitive slaves and the landmark Supreme Court case, Prigg vs. Pennsylvania, which determined that states were not required to enforce slave laws of other states. From South Carolina Gov. Patrick Noble to Gov. of Georgia, George Gilman: "Have heard with much regret that a grave controversy has risen between the States of Georgia & Maine touching an alleged violation, by the latter, of that important provision in the Constitution of the United States which relates to the apprehension and delivery of 'Fugitives from justice. This state, in common with her…

GLC09141.01

December 4, 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Writes that white troops from the 10th and 18th Army Corps and colored troops of the same will be consolidated to form one colored Corps and one white Corps. Feels that the new arrangement will not be as efficient because the colored troops need the morale of the white troops to inspire in them the confidence that they lack. Advantageously for the white troops, the new arrangement will force the colored troops to do picket and fatigue duties, which they have not done before. Reports that the canal is finished with the exception of…

GLC02016.069

December 31, 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Reminisces about the past year and his fallen comrades. Is hopeful that the regiment will be able to return to Pennsylvania "to reap the fruits of war which is peace." Thanks Grant, Sherman, Thomas, and Sheridan for their victories and hopes that African Slavery will be "blotted from the institutions of the country as an evil not necessary to the peace but rather to the division of the country." Wishes his aunt and family many blessings for the new year.

GLC02016.072

3 April 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Writes that he has escaped from fighting in the south of Richmond. Only two divisions of troops were left behind at the north of the James River; one a colored troop division and the other Painter's division. Includes a postscript note reporting that some severe explosions have been heard and two large fires spotted, one in the direction of Richmond and the other in Petersburg.

GLC02016.078