8 December 1864

Fairchild, Lewis D., 1829-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sephronia Fairchild

Fairchild writes to his wife from City Point, Virginia says the siege is progressing slowly. Informs that General William T. Sherman captured Savannah. Discusses his wife joining a sewing society to make clothing for the soldiers and he questions what type of clothes they will make. He misses home and tells his daughters, Eunice and Ally, to work very hard on their writing skills, and promises buy his son Charlie a horse when he returns from the war.

GLC03523.06.09

31 May 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes favorable news from Vicksburg that Grant has captured many prisoners and canons. He spent his birthday on picket while it rained all day and night. Updates his family on camp news and his activities. On a separate sheet dated Sunday evening, Wheeler writes about the upcoming brigade inspection of surplus tents and baggage. He expects to leave for Murfreesboro soon. Writes that pup tents will be used for the summer. Also includes news of freight boats leaving from Louisville to Nashville. Pages five to seven of this letter are a different size from the size given in the extent…

GLC07460.033

10 September 1782

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Tench Tilghman

Writes that it is not in his power to send him Congress's resolve of 6 July 1779, concerning Margaret Corbin. Explains that her case is "peculiar": "Her husband and son killed and herself wounded in the services, were misfortunes of so aggravated as justly rendered her worthy of public attention." Congress has provided her with "a complete ration per day, and half pay for life," which Colonel [Lewis] Nicola helped her apply for, but she has received very little of the rations and pay she deserves. Explains that "[h]er present application is in consequence of the rum or whiskey which…

GLC02437.01595

11 September 1782

Tilghman, Tench, 1744-1786

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Shaw

Writes, "It appears clearly to me that the order forbidding the issue of Rum to Women does not extend to Mrs. [Margaret] Corbin - Granting provision at all, to Women who are followers of the Army, is altogether matter of courtesy, and therefore the commanding General may allow them such a Ration as he thinks proper - But Mrs. Corbin is a pensioner of Congress, and therefore, upon procuring the Resolve made in her favor - Genl. [Henry] Knox, as commandant, may direct the Contractor to commute her Retained Rations of liquor - perhaps it would not be prudent to give them to her all in liquor -…

GLC02437.01597

circa 1788-1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document

Title: Notes and explanations of Doctor Ramsays history respecting the Campaigns of 1777- the affairs of Trenton 1776

Title from docket. Pertains to Dr. David Ramsay's writing on the battles of Trenton and Princeton (26 December 1776 and 3 January 1777). Document begins with a list of numbered notes, which according to docket are a draft of rough minutes "delivered to Doctor Ramsay, who is writing the history of the late war..." (refers to Ramsay's book, The History of the American Revolution, first published in 1789). Circa date based on the first publication of Ramsay's book.

GLC02437.09438

25 October 1862

Bope, Conrad, 1839-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Bope Sr.

Bope writes to his father from a camp outside of Green River. Says they will go to Nashville next. Mentions that many soldiers from the Ohio 49th Infantry have deserted. Comments that there has been no fighting for him since Shiloh. Doesn't know where Confederate General Braxton Bragg and his troops are, but states that "...if they give us a chance at bragg we can whip them." Discusses the arrival of tents, and mentions the general good health of the 49th. Envelope has image and the slogan "Remember Ellsworth," who was a Union Colonel and the first casualty of the Civil War.

GLC03523.03.10

2 October 1863

Bope, Conrad, 1839-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Bope Sr.

Bope writes to his father from a camp outside Chattanooga after a fierce battle with Confederate General Braxton Bragg and his troops for control of Chattanooga. Praises the bravery of the Union soldiers despite being outnumbered. Describes the battle in detail. Discusses the upcoming election in Ohio.

GLC03523.03.13

27 September 1863

Goold, Theodore, 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John S. Goold

Writes to his father that he and his brother James are in good health and spirits. Reports that they will both be shipped to the Penisula in less than a week. Describes the photograph that he had taken in case he is hurt in battle. "I think we will move soon, and maby, go into a fight, so I thought I would have my picture taken for I might get hit in the next fight and I would let you see a little what I looked like..." Tells his father that he must cut the letter short becuase he has to go to church. Written at the Culpeper Court House.

GLC03523.05.18

12 November 1863

Goold, James, 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Johny

Writes to his brother that part of his division has been engaged in a skirmish at Rappahannock station, and lost four men. Notes that "the second brigade of our division has the credit of helping take the forts near the river..." Informs his brother about the picket, "I was not detailed this time before, Theodore was detailed, but one of the men who was to remain in camp, and had to go on guard that day, wanted Theodore to exchange with him, and he did so, that is Theodore remained in camp, and did the guard duty for this man, and he went out on picket in Theodore's place, and perhaps it was…

GLC03523.05.19

27 May 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Parapet to a friend. Describes his time in New Orleans in the beginning of May, including the abuse from the natives, such as threats of the Yellow Jack. Also describes in good detail his regiment's role in the taking of New Orleans upon his arrival on May 1st and their discovery of ammunition, cannon, and even money buried by the Rebels in their retreat.

GLC02165.04

16 August 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Hubbard to a friend. Talks of the departure of "Doctor" for whom Holly most likely works and whom Holly is sad to see go. A man comes along and asks for whiskey; describes his practices of "prescribing" whiskey. Comments that though his accommodations are fine, he wishes he were home with friends. Says he is glad he enlisted for three years instead of nine months, as the nine month enlistees have some disgrace attached to them. Anticipates news from Charleston, hoping that if Charleston falls, and they can take Mobile "the Rebs will have to cave."

GLC02165.08

28 August 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at an unkown location to a friend. First, he compares a soldier's occupation to a teacher's and observes that if he is paid no matter the amount of work he does, it is logical that he should be lazy. Is dubious whether they will defeat the rebels. Expresses dislike for Bethel Military Co., hoping they will have to fight in the front ranks. Talks of friends at home. Says furloughs are not being granted, but he would still not like to come home without being able to stay. Talks of Major General John C. Breckinridge's victory at Baton Rouge and gives a detailed description of their…

GLC02165.09

19 July 1863

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Written at camp near Winchester, Tennessee. He writes that he waited up rather late for her letter and that he received two papers from Henry Clark. The smell of the flower and cinnamon she enclosed in the letter reminded him of her. Writes that the smell also reminds him of his mother. He hopes that he receives some letters from his friends. He is also glad that his brother-in-law writes to him. Writes that in the event of his death she should take all of his effects. Around midnight on 4 July the bugle sounded and the troops were ordered to be ready to march by three in the morning. He…

GLC03523.42.25

31 July 1863

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Written at camp near Winchester, Tennessee. He will try and send a letter home with a lieutenant who is trying to receive a furlough. Writes that he is surprised she is not getting some of his letters as he has received all of hers. He is very upset that she has not been receiving his letters as he knows that she is very anxious about hearing from him. Writes that the flower she sent him is now in his diary and whenever he opens the book he is reminded of her. He is sorry to hear that Fred has been wounded.

GLC03523.42.26

27 September 1863

Stark, Lydia, fl. 1862-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to her brother

Signed by Lydia. She has read in the newspaper of the terrible battle [Battle of Chickamauga] that he was involved in. She is very worried about him and asks if he is safe and hopes that he is alright. Asks that he write to her immediately to let her know as soon as possible what his condition is. She has watched the Army of the Cumberland with "great interest" and has tried to keep herself informed of the army's status. Some of their relatives are visiting her and they hope that he will write them a letter as well. She writes that her and her family are well, as are their brothers and…

GLC03523.42.32

12 October 1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to W

Writes that they were very happy to receive his letter. They were worried that he would not receive their letter as he changes his position so often. Asks that he write to them again. His friends are glad that they enjoy their letters and are happy that he praises them so much. They have heard many "exaggerated accounts" of the battle [of Chickamauga]. The Copperheads in the North are deeming the battle a "defeat" of Union Major General William Rosecrans. From the latest reports, it appears, that the "rebs had much the worst of it." Hopes that Rosecrans will be spared so that he can go on to…

GLC03523.42.33

27 October 1863

Fuller, Milton, fl. 1862-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother

Appears to be written and signed by Franklin's brother Milton. Writes that he is happy yet sad that he received Franklin's letter from Nashville, Tennessee. He is surprised to hear that Franklin has not received his last letter as he mailed it before the Battle of Stone River. He has read the papers and reports of the Battle of Chickamauga carefully to see if there is any indication as to his "silence." He has asked anyone if they have heard news on him. Thinks that Franklin "forgetting him" is a poor excuse as his brother thinks of him often. Writes that he watches the movement of the Army…

GLC03523.42.34

December 17, 1863

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Writes that her letter was the first he received in four weeks since the regiment left here for Knoxville, Tennessee. He was upset that he was unable to write her as he knew she had written him. Most of the mail had gone to the regiment and the mail will probably not reach him until it first gets to the regiment. He has been surviving on half rations of hard tack. He has received a letter from one of his friends and he has been trying to send him mail as he does not want his friend to think he is dead. He is not surprised that so few letters have reached his family and friends due to all the…

GLC03523.42.35

December 27, 1863 - January 10, 1864

Stark, Lydia, fl. 1862-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to her brother

Written and signed by his sister Lydia. Thinks that there are angels watching her children. Writes that Henry has gone to see his Aunt Phebe. She remembers the first time she held him, a few hours after he had been born. Writes of the many memories she has of him as a little boy. She has memories in her dreams of her brothers and sisters as children. States that she has heard rumors that he is engaged to a woman named Mary Cable [?] but she is unsure if that is her name. She tells her brother that she has written a letter to Mary but it was returned because there was no such P.O. in Illinois…

GLC03523.42.36

19 June 1864 - 20 June 1864

Hogeland, Sally W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to her brother

She is glad to learn that he has escaped unharmed and feels for the many brave soldiers who gave their lives in battle. Writes that she is visiting their sister Lydia. She thinks that the visit will do her good both "bodily and mentally." Likes the weather and country there very much. Compared to all of the sad scenes they are used to she is "comparatively speaking, happy." Writes that everyone at Lydia's is doing well. Thinks that their home is very "delightful" as there is often music and flowers. Writes that Henry delivers papers which pays 15 dollars a week. She does not have a job.…

GLC03523.42.49

30 June 1864 - 3 August 1864

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his mother and relatives and Mary

A series of short diary-like entries for the past few days. There are also three pencil sketches: one of Buffalo Spring at Catoosa Springs, Georgia; another of a bridge at Catoosa Springs; the third is a drawing of a tree. There was no activity until Monday when the Confederates began to shell the Union lines "vigorously." But the damage was light killing a mule and wounding one soldier. Writes that the shelling did not improve the taste of the coffee and made supper difficult to get. There was a letter in the "Freeport Journal" about the death of one of his friends. He has been thinking…

GLC03523.42.50

October 2, 1864

Stark, Lydia, fl. 1862-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to her brother

A letter signed by Hem [?] and Cal is included with 03523.42.53. Describes the day as very cold and rainy. Writes about what the animals are doing. She states that her family is doing well and that James has visited his uncle Nathan, who was sick and unable to leave his house. She is thinking of sending Jane even though she has not traveled much on her own. Writes that she is very worried about Nathan as he got dysentery in a camp and has still not recovered. Is very glad that his campaign has ended. After such a "fearful struggle" for Atlanta, Georgia she thought that every soldier might "…

GLC03523.42.53

23 April 1865

Stark, Lydia, fl. 1862-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to her brother

Writes that the day is cold. There was a funeral service at the old church for Lieutenant Border. Lieutenant Border's family was there as well and they were all very distraught. Writes that she has received his letter from Huntsville, Alabama but expected that he would have written her from Illinois. Asks if he thinks he will have a hand in taking Richmond, Virginia or going after Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston. Hopes that when General William T. Sherman catches Johnston that he will not "let him off easy." Compares the rebels with the children from the story "The Woman Who Lived in a…

GLC03523.42.56

January 1, 1864-December 31, 1864

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Diary

Title: [Diary of Franklin W. Fuller]

January: Writes of the cold weather. Perry received his discharge papers. The weather ranges from pleasant to rainy and cold. Has played in parades. February: Describes the weather and notes that they were ordered to be ready to march with eight days worth of rations. Gibbs has started for home and he has played in more parades. He has had a sore throat. Some of the men got drunk. Marched to Culpepper, Tennessee. Turns 23 on 29 February 1864. March: The roads are becoming soft because of the rain. Two years ago they left Camp Griffin. Some of the men got drunk. They had a dance that…

GLC03523.42.70

19 August 1861

Clark, Hank S., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Washington

Written at camp near Rolla, Missouri. Writes that is he sorry that Franklin Fuller's army was so "knocked up." He states that he cannot complain because things have not been bad in Missouri. The officers refused to move until they had been paid and received rifles. When they received word that General Nathaniel Lyon had been killed, the men were ready to go on the condition that Major General John C. Fremont provide rifles and money. According to Clark, General Fremont did not have enough money so used money from his "own pocket and took the government as security for it." He thinks there is…

GLC03523.42.04