circa 12 September 1861-1864

Phelps, Diton, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Edith M. Phelps

Writes to sister from Rappahannock Station. Comments about it being so dry that it is difficult to get water. Says that there is a spring nearby but there is hardly enough water to supply the regiment. Says that he misses home and looks forward to his service expiring. Talks about how there will be rejoicing among the soldiers when it happens but hopes the rebellion will be over by that time; he saw the beginning and would like to see the end. Writes of an engagement between his father and another man. It was stated that his father did not keep his flank protected or his reserve in…

GLC03523.49.12

21 October 1863

Phelps, Diton, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister

Describes leaving Rappahannock and having the rebels close on their heels. Says that the rebels continued to follow them until they crossed the river. Writes that they were not able to cross back over the river until the next evening. They sent the cavalry out and were able to chase the rebels back to Culpepper and "made them skedaddle for dear life." Afterwards, they crossed the river again and continued their march to Fairfax, Virginia. The rebels followed closely behind them up to Bull Run. The rebels managed to plant a battery half a mile from them without being discovered and…

GLC03523.49.14

February 15, 1861-1864

Phelps, Diton, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to D. G. Tracy

Writes to his sister from Camp Pierpont, Virginia. Describes being court marshaled and how the hearing was adjourned until next Thursday. Comments that Forrest has had a long "siege of it," and there is no prospect of it ending until next Thursday. Reports that Fort Donelson was just captured and a lot of prisoners taken. Among the prisoners was the notorious traitor, [Sue] Floyd. Speaks of the captain yelling and swearing at people all the time. Says that he tried to get a furlough to come home but was denied. Writes that that he is sending $46 home and hopes to send $1000 over the…

GLC03523.49.15

circa June 1, 1864

Phelps, Diton, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister and parents

Reports that he just heard that General Nathanial Banks was defeated and that General Thomas [Stonewall] Jackson has gotten himself into a scrape. He is surrounded by General "Seigal" [Franz Sigel?], General Edward Ord, and General [John] Frémont. Comments about General Ord being their old Brigade General and that everyone hated to see him leave. Writes that he sent home a new dress coat and $18. The letter is dated 1 June but a year is not given.

GLC03523.49.16

January 27, 1862

Russell, E. S., fl. 1861-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Hannah E. Russell

Writes to wife from camp outside of Somerset, Kentucky. Admonishes wife for making fun of his living conditions. Informs her that their living conditions have not improved and that they are upon hard times. Describes having to march on three crackers per day and two different times they had to march on only a cup of coffee without cream, bread, meat or anything else. They had to lay on the cold ground with only a single blanket. Another time they went eight to ten days living off coffee and half cooked mush. Discusses a battle that they fought in Somerset, Kentucky. Writes that Union…

GLC03523.50.06

February 5, 1862

Russell, E. S., fl. 1861-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Hannah E. Russell

Writes to his wife listing everywhere they have been. They marched out of Bargetown, Kentucky on 13 December heading for Lebanon, Kentucky. Around 80 soldiers fell sick and had to stay behind. Writes that he fell sick and was told by the doctor to stay behind and head out with the sick, he had refused but the doctor took down his name and he was ordered in the wagon. The next morning he joined the ranks again and did a three day march to Lebanon, Kentucky. They remained in Lebanon, Kentucky for ten days then continued to Louisville, Kentucky. Writes that they marched passed Stanford,…

GLC03523.50.07

14 June 1864

Sayles, Sumner, fl. 1862-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Isora Skinkle

Writes to his sister. Reports on the casualties they received during a recent battle. Discusses the various men that were either killed or wounded, including their colonel. Describes his colonel as being one of the best and that "some of the boys cried like babies when they heard that he was killed." Comments that the rough march up the Red River was nothing compared to this last march. Describes marching for two nights and one day without halting more than an hour at a time. Writes that he does not know how many men they lost but they "are cut to pieces pretty bad."

GLC03523.32.35

1 July 1863

Manuscript telegram

Title: to unknown

Telegram to Brigadier General Scammon of the 23rd Ohio. "Reports from Harrisburg Represent all quiet there Rebels having dispersed from that neighborhood - Genl McClellan passed through here today on his way to Washington - it is now settled that Banks will be Secry of War." Written on the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg.

GLC02414.230

3 August 1861

Wright, Augustus Romaldus, 1813-1891

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miller A. Wright

Further problems getting troops there, because of the "difficulty between the Pres [Davis] & Genl [Brown]. It is to be hoped however, the country will not be permitted to suffer by a disagreement between these two distinguished gentlemen, both worthy the confidence of their countrymen." Richmond is "a very gay place at present because of the influx of strangers. The equestrian statue of Washington in the public grounds, is perhaps the finest in the world...Troops continue to pour in here. I presume we shall have some more terrific fighting before long. Great preparations are being made…

GLC02691.11.013

10 August 1861

Wright, Miller A., fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother

Miller has heard that there will be "a great battle to Come off soon" and that his brother may be slated to fight in it. "We have no news here all is uneasy as to the results of the coming Contest..." He also expresses some doubts about the war: "Courage fails when there is nothing but suffering no hope of martial triumph. But remember those who fought in the revolution they fought with but little hope of glory...there whole military life was one of suffering ...a man an die with composure perhaps with triumph when there is an eye to admire & a tongue to praise...but to die unknelled…

GLC02691.11.015

23 June 1863

Pryerley, Jake, fl. 1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miller A. Wright

Pryerley is marching a small band of convalescents from Richmond under his care to their division. They are to be armed in order to fight bushwhackers along the way. "Genl Ewells Hd. Qrs. is in Sharpsburg Md. a part of his corps was last Sunday morning in Chambersburg, Pa. making preperations [sic] to fire the town. Our Brigade done the principal part of the fighting at Winchester...Genl Ewell has so far proved himself to be as good if not better than Genl. Jackson...." Discusses capturing batteries and suggests that Miller's company should get a battery through his father's influence with…

GLC02691.11.039

26 April 1864

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his friends

Writes to his friends from camp. Reports after marching 50 miles from Annapolis, Maryland, they finally arrived in Alexandria, Virginia. Writes, "it was Hard for us not doing anything for so long a time I am not able to walk today as my feet are one blister all over…" Says they are heading out tomorrow, most likely to join the Army of the Potomac where a battle is expected. Describes falling out of yesterday's march and not catching up with the regiment until early morning. Notes thousands of soldiers fell out of march and several men died. Comments, "this was the Hardest work I ever…

GLC03523.52.51

3 May 1864

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his friends

Writes to his friends. Describes being in some hard fighting. Writes, "the shells came poring in like Hail stone only had more affect than a hail stone would have…" Reports driving the enemy back and capturing their artillery. Complains about the bad food and small rations. Informs them the band members are all spread out, some are working in the hospital.

GLC03523.52.54

12 June 1864

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Kessler

Writes to his brother from the battlefield. Complains about someone stealing his letters and the photograph of their mother. Describes shelling being fired above their heads. Reports his band is no longer playing and most of the members are employed as nurses in hospitals. Writes they have plenty of rations and just received new clothing. Comments his new clothes are making him sick; he has a headache. Request he sends him a newspaper and a day book. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner. A small fragment of paper is included.

GLC03523.52.56

2 July 1864

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter

Title: to A. P. Kessler

Writes to his father. Informs him he received the memorandum book, paper, envelopes, and stamps. Discusses the hot weather. Notes they have plenty of ice water, lemonade, and a sutler who supplies almost everything. Reports they are preparing for a siege and have received considerable shelling. Describes a cellar he has dug out to protect himself from the shelling. Comments he would like to get out of the army but does not believe his lawyer will succeed. Complains about the lack of respect and mistreatment of soldiers. Writes, "I always thought I was as good as any one of the…

GLC03523.52.57

5 July 1864

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister. Complains about having to wash his clothes in cold water. Comments he does not care how he looks or what he wears; however, she would find him dirty and ragged. Describes being sick with a bad case of dysentery. Notes he has cured it with cheese ginger snaps and brandy. Reports he was within 30 rods of the rebels line this morning. Writes they trade tobacco and coffee with each other and they all bathe in the same creek. Believes the two sides struck a deal not to fire at each other. Requests she writes him with all the news.

GLC03523.52.58

July 1864

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to A. P. Kessler

Writes to his father. Complains about not receiving any letters from home. Writes his regiment was ordered to the front last night but nothing happened. Describes their lieutenant getting shot in the face. Reports his old colonel is back in command and things are better. The envelope is dated 15 July but the day is not listed.

GLC03523.52.59

10 July 1864

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from camp. Reports it is very hot and many men are sick. Comments his regiment was relieved from the front lines and they are now camped out in an open field without any shade. Complains about not having any luxuries and every day being the same as the next. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner. Part of the letter is address to his father and mother.

GLC03523.52.60

13 July 1864

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his friends

Writes to his friends. Reports some artillery firing and little picket firing. Discusses what his life would be like if he never enlisted. Writes, "we live to much on the heathen style Here have not much respect for each other especialy [sic] the soldiers quarrel and curs each other to a great extent." Discusses his band's drummer who is sick in the hospital and expected to die soon. Signs letter "from your affectionate brother and son."

GLC03523.52.61

5 August 1864

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his friends

Writes to his friends from camp. Expresses his loneliness and boredom with the army. Reports on the fighting in Petersburg, Virginia. Describes soldiering and what a waste war is. Writes, "It is just calling young men from home and Bringing them here for slaughter and fast as they can kill them off call for more. A mans life is value nothing here and is not Respected By any one, is all for himself…" Comments he has not had a change of clothes for two months.

GLC03523.52.63

3 October 1864

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to A. P. Kessler

Writes to his father from camp. Reports they lost several men in a skirmish and their lieutenant was wounded and taken prisoner. States they are receiving reinforcements daily and will see more fighting. Believes they will soon take Petersburg, Virginia. Expresses skepticism of getting out of the army since his colonel was taken prisoner. Request they contact Mr. Kilbourn immediately and see if he can urge their case along. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner.

GLC03523.52.68

1864-1865

Header Record

Title: Collection of three letters signed by Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and Philip Sheridan [Decimalized .01-.03]

All refer to the Battle of Cedar Creek.

GLC09379

21 October 1864

Sheridan, Philip Henry, 1831-1888

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Corps Commanders/ Lieutenant Grant

The Battle of Cedar Creek: "We have again been favored by a great victory. A victory turned from disaster by the gallantry of our Officers & men." On an early form of carbon paper. Written at City Point- now named Hopewell.

GLC09379.01

1814

Charles, William, 1776-1820

Print

Title: John Bull making a new Batch of Ships to send to the Lakes.

War of 1812. A satire on British attempts to recover from the losses incurred in naval engagements on Lake Erie during 1813 & 1814. Phila: published and sold by William Charles.

GLC09391

20 December 1866

Lee, Fitzhugh, 1835-1905

Autograph document signed

Title: [Account of Army of Northern Virginia cavalry operations]

"…praise to the valor, endurance & patriotism of the noble band of troopers I had the honor to Comd. … they at least did their whole duty in the unsuccessful struggle in which we were engaged." Opening with the Wilderness and Spotsylvania battles, Fitz Lee provides a detailed account of Army of Northern Virginia cavalry operations, fighting practically non-stop from May 4, 1864 to April 9, 1865. Fitz Lee's account is especially informative for the campaigns of the spring and summer of 1864, including the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, the opening of the Petersburg siege, and Philip Sheridan's…

GLC09392