24 March 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

He is glad to hear that Emma is doing well. He writes that he is doing well also. Once he arrived in Washington, D.C. he is unsure of what the army's next move will be. On the march from Charlestown, Maryland to Berryville, Virginia there was a great amount of rain and the roads became extremely muddy. Once the Union Army arrived in Berryville they drove off the rebels there by firing their artillery. The troops had no tents and had to sleep on the cold ground while it rained. They also had no fires as the rebels were close by. The troops expected an attack at night but none came. In the…

GLC03523.42.09

13 May 1862 - 15 May 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to W

Writes that by keeping in contact with home the soldiers and those they left at home feel better. Explains the anguish felt while waiting to hear from loved ones or friends after a battle. Hopes that General Ulysses S. Grant will "hurry affairs" in Tennessee. Hopes that the Union will soon liberate their fellow soldiers in the rebel capital Richmond, Virginia. Wants to see Confederate President Jefferson Davis defeated. States that the rebel leaders should get the "rewards of treason." Writes that it is doubtful the rebels will get such a treatment as the people in Washington, D.C. will most…

GLC03523.42.11

11 June 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Signed by Frederick. Written at camp near the Battle of Fair Oaks [Seven Pines] in Henrico County, Virginia. Writes that Mr. Foss is in the camp with him but he arrived after the battle. Explains that the rebels tried to shell them out of their position but that his section did not see many cannonballs. During the battle they had about 40 wounded and "some" killed. Thinks that there will be a great battle before the Union Army gets to Richmond, Virginia. Writes that the troops sleep with their equipment on and have to get up at three A.M. to form a line of battle. He feels unsure about her…

GLC03523.42.13

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

13 April 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes that his health is very good and mail leaves Raleigh, North Carolina for Goldsboro, North Carolina by rail. They have received the great news that Richmond, Virginia has been captured along with General Robert E. Lee's army. The camp cheered upon hearing the news. They are hopefully that General Joseph E. Johnston will soon surrender. When they marched out from Goldsboro it was very rainy and muddy. Writes that many men fell out of the march and even one man from the 70th dropped dead. He states that the regiment received news of Lee's surrender on 12 April. The advanced units of the…

GLC07460.119

9 April 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at camp of the 2nd Michigan Infantry near Lebanon, Kentucky. Worries that he and many of the other officers in the regiment will not be paid for two months. As soon as he receives his commission from home he will ask for a leave of absence. He writes that he is mad at his wife for riding with Mr. Palmer and will discuss the matter with her when he comes home. There are reports that Charleston, South Carolina has been captured by Union forces. Writes that the army is advancing rapidly and that deserters are returning to the regiments. He thinks that the army will gain 100,000 men…

GLC03523.13.091

30 May 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that he has returned to camp with much improved health. He is glad to hear that she is doing so well. He states that he will unfortunately not be able to come home for at least another several weeks. Knows that he is of no great use and longs to return home to her. Writes that it is unfortunate that his fate was to spend two years in the army away from his family. Feels that he has done his duty. Reports that the men of the regiment have returned and bring no news of importance. States there are two kinds of treason. One kind is an "overt act against the government" which…

GLC03523.13.100

19 June 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at camp of the 2nd Michigan Infantry near Haines Bluff, Mississippi to his wife. He is outside of the city of Vicksburg, Mississippi. General Ulysses S. Grant is laying siege to the city because attempting to storm it would most likely cause a great loss of life and would most likely fail. There have been reports that Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston is somewhere on the Black River near Vicksburg, Mississippi. A Confederate deserter reported that there are 24,000 troops in Vicksburg, Mississippi but only 15,000 are fit for duty and that the troops in the city have very little to…

GLC03523.13.102

11 March 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written at Camp of 105th Illinois Regiment, eight miles from Chattanooga, Tennessee. The regiment has marched from Bridgeport, Alabama to Chattanooga, Tennessee. He describes this as the hardest march the regiment has ever had. He also reports that the roads were in very poor condition. Thanks his family for sending him the trunk of provisions and is very grateful to the family friends who also sent him some items. Notes that there were a great many dead mules along the road from Bridgeport, most of them shot by the rebels on the other side of the Tennessee River. Writes that the regiment…

GLC07460.071

28 July 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

There is occasional shelling from both sides. Beyond that little has changed and his regiment is still in the same locations as when he last wrote. Most of the Confederate shells fall too short or go too far to cause much damage to the Union lines. He writes that he can clearly see Atlanta, Georgia and this will most certainly be the rebels last stand here. The Union has recently received re-enforcements and are putting more pressure on the Confederate flanks. According to orders recently read to him General Joseph Hooker has relieved himself of command of the 20th Corps. and will report to…

GLC07460.089

25 May 1864

Peyster, John Watts de, 1821-1907

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to W. H. Whitimore

Thanks Whitmore for four volumes and accompanying pamphlets. Writes that the cost of publishing has deterred Mr. Morgan from publishing biographies on [John] Watts (New York politican and member of the Third U.S. Congress) [John George] Leake (New York lawyer and founder of the Leake and Watt's Orphange), and another de Peyster family member. Encloses photographs (not included) of the dePeyster and Watts family vaults at Trinity Church in New York City. Mentions a letter from his son regarding the battle of Williamsburg in 1862. His son was aide de camp to General Philip Kearny, a member…

GLC02016.177

18 July 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written at the Camp of the 105th Illinois south of the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. His Corps. has crossed the river on a pontoon bridge. Soon afterward his regiment was sent on picket duty. To his left he has heard the sound of musketry. The 3rd Brigade of his division is currently building a bridge across a stream. He describes the area as "all woodland" and the country is "as rough as ever." He regrets that they could not prevent the rebels from crossing the river last night. Writes that they are only 10 or 11 miles from Atlanta, Georgia which is doomed to fall soon. Writes that if he…

GLC07460.087

21 July 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

He writes that his regiment played an important role in the Battle of Atlanta. They marched to within two miles of Atlanta, 22 July, 1864, Georgia and formed two lines of battle in an open valley on the hill to their front. The pickets kept up a steady fire as word came to them that the Confederates appeared ready to charge them. Writes that both the Union and Confederate forces marched on the double quick to the top of the hill trying to gain an advantage. Despite the steady pressure of the Union skirmishers the Confederate soldiers reached the crest of the hill first and came down the other…

GLC07460.088

29 July 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Martha and all at home

Written at the Camp of the 105th Illinois regiment near the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. Writes that the 20th Corps. has moved back towards the rear closer to the river. His picket did not leave the front line until four in the morning. The 1st Division was then deployed near the bridge acting in support of the rear. His regiment worked all day felling trees to their front. Write that some Confederates pickets advanced but made no aggressive movement. The 2nd Division crossed the river on 16 and 17 July. The other two brigades of the division moved down river to ford there and skirmished…

GLC07460.090

30 July 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

He write that he is now on the right wing not far from the Atlanta, Georgia railroad. Reports that during the night as they were moving they were attacked by Confederates who were severely "whipped for their tenacity that they may stick to Atlanta." He has heard reports that if the main Confederate Army cannot hold Atlanta the Georgia militia will surrender. According to the papers from Illinois Atlanta has been captured by the Union which is not true but they will soon be in possession of it. Last night the rebels attacked and were repulsed suffering heavy casualties. His division was order…

GLC07460.091

5 August 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

The items he requested from home were brought to him by the colonel. Some of the items, the cheese and butter, will start to melt soon due to the hot weather. He was sent up to the right-center of the line and his corps. relieved some of the 14th Corps. Working parties continue to improve and expand the Union defenses under the cover of darkness. He notes that the Confederate and Union lines are close now, no more than 750 yards apart. He writes that the skirmishers are close enough to taunt each other although the Confederates do not usually respond. Writes that one of the Corps. attacked…

GLC07460.092

22 August 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes that one month and 15 days ago the Union army began the siege of Atlanta, Georgia. There are reports that the right of the Union Army is within a half-mile of the Macon Road. States that is difficult to find out what is really going on as each part of the line hears or sees something different. He writes that what they read in the papers is probably not much better. Due to the attacks on the railroad the mail has been delayed a few days. The skirmishers on each side have made a small truce to stop firing for a while near his picket. This is not the first time the Union has tried for a…

GLC07460.094

24 May 1863

Hill, Ambrose P., 1825-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert E. Lee

"If a judicious appointment of Major General is not made, I fear that all this will be lost... Gen. Pender has fought with the Divisions in every battle, he has been four times wounded and never left the field, he has risen by death and wounds from fifth Brigadier to be its senior, had the best drilled and disciplined Brigade in the Division, and more than all, possesses the unbridled confidence of the Division. At the battle of Chancellorsville he seized the colors, and on horseback led his Brigade up and in to the Federal intrenchments. The effect of such examples of daring gallantry at…

GLC09154

9 April 1865

Armstrong, George A., fl. 1865

Manuscript document

Title: [Civil war appreciation for soldiers from George A. Armstrong]

"Copy of Order / Head Qrs 3d Cavalry Division / Appomattox Court House April 9-1865 / Soldiers of the 3d Cavalry Division / With profound gratitude towards the god of battles by whose blessings our enemies have been humbled and our armis rendered triumphant Your commanding Genral...express[es] to you his admiration of the heroic manner in which you have passed through the Series of battles which to day resulted in the surrender of the enemys entire army - the record established by your indomitable courage is unparralelled in the annals of war. your prowess has won for you the respect and…

GLC09160

August 25, 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes that the weather is very nice even though the country is filled with rebel shoulders. He thinks it would be a nice place to visit if the inhabitants "were what they ought to be." He has received a hat from his sister Martha and some tobacco from his father. The other troops think that his hat is they best they have seen. States that the army rarely gives out tobacco and that the troops must get some from the enemy when they empty their kettles near the Union camp. Reports that some mail has been lost between Atlanta, Georgia and Louisville, Kentucky because some mail cars drove off a…

GLC07460.095

3 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. Writes that one of his teeth has decayed because of the hard tack and tough beef he has been eating. Part of Atlanta, Georgia has been occupied by the Union Army thanks to General William T. Sherman's "last grand move." Sherman's main army is still 25 to 30 miles away and that Confederate General John Bell Hood's army is divided in the center. At night he heard noises that sounded like cannonading of Atlanta but it turned out to be the rebels destroying their own magazines and military stores. Writes that during the siege Atlanta was surrounded…

GLC07460.096

9 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. Writes that for about eight or ten days he was filling ill. He is better now and is almost ready to rejoin his unit. He is a little thinner but he is feeling well and can eat hard tack again. Writes that they have recrossed the Chattahoochee River and are now encamped on the north bank. The rest of his brigade has marched through Atlanta, Georgia. There was a guerrilla attack by ten rebel soldiers who captured a wagon of supplies and an ambulance. Writes that they have been busy building houses and fixing up camp. He hopes that they will be…

GLC07460.097

10 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. There are numerous raids on the roads north of Atlanta, Georgia and have interrupted mail and supplies moving south. Their camp has moved to the south side of the Chattahoochee River. Writes that they expect go to into Atlanta soon. The center of the main Union Army is about two or three miles from Atlanta. The city has suffered much damage from Union shell and shot. The rebels had constructed some defenses to keep the Union out of the city. The Union attacked and retreated while General William T. Sherman moved into the Confederate rear. This…

GLC07460.099

27 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. Writes that the weather has been getting a lot cooler especially at night. The change from daytime temperature to nighttime temperature is very similar to that of Kentucky. He is still in the same camp as when he last wrote and he thinks that the army will be staying for a little while in that location. He has been roaming around the southern countryside and really enjoys it. He thinks that his family can fix up their home "southern style" to make it look more attractive. He is thinking of buying a place for his family with what he gets paid…

GLC07460.101

1863-1865

Header Record

Title: [Army of the Potomac Circular Orders] [Decimalized .01- .12]

Thirteen circular orders issued between June 13, 1863 and April 4, 1865. Carbon copies of orders issued from 2nd Corps and General Meade's headquarters for battles of Gettysburg, Spotsylvania, North Anna River, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and pursuit of Lee's army toward Appomattox.

GLC09177