January 21, 1865

McSherry, Anna, 1833-?

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry F. McSherry

Written by Anna to her brother Henry. Not signed, but handwriting matches previous signed letters by Anna. Refeneces receiving Henry's previous letter. Thought the danger he was in was over, but then they heard about the attack on Fort Fisher and they started to worry again. Hopes to hear he is alright. Tells him of the death of what appears to be a neighbor. Updates him on many friends and family members. Says she read reports of the stormy weather by him. Tells him "I think it is wonderful the fleet ships will not suffer more. I expect the loss of life was very great. I know you will do all…

GLC03523.21.37

8 October 1865

McSherry, Eliza, 1829-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry F. McSherry

Written by Eliza to her brother Henry. References receiving his letter from the Cape of Good Hope. Is glad he is well and tells him his future "is in the hands of God, ask him to direct you, and it will all be right." Updates him on family and friends, telling him their brother Willie is now back home. Says "while the whole world has almost stood still you have been carried around to the other side of it. tho to us they have been nearly the same, I think you did well to enter the Navy when you did. you certainly could not have been doing anything better during the last four or five years and…

GLC03523.21.43

1861-1865

McSherry, Anna, 1833-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry F. McSherry [incomplete]

Written by Anna to her brother Henry. Updates him on friends and family. Says this will be the last letter he sends to Batavia, as he said he would leave in November. Will send next to China. Says their father will sell $1,000 of stock and sell Noble Tabb's house because the taxes are too much. Tells him "there is not so much business since the war. Mr Donnet(?) told Pa he had made a mistake in bringing such a stock of wines." Makes a reference to the citizenship oath in West Virginia. Letter ends mid-sentence on page 2. Unsigned, but creator inferred from content.

GLC03523.21.48

5 October 1862

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents and sister

Wheeler's regiment has marched 33 miles and many of the men have discarded their belongings along the way. He writes that they pass slaves along the road at almost every house and although a few volunteered to join the Union soldiers, they later backed out. Wheeler describes the slaves as well brought up and states that they support the Union. He is wary of any news of movements and feels that he can't rely on anything that is said anymore.

GLC07460.002

26 November 1862

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents and sister

Wheeler has just marched fourteen miles to Gallatin, Tennessee and writes that he doesn't mind the marching as much as he used to. The letter is continued on Thursday, November 27th; Thanksgiving day. Wheeler writes that he will not march today but reports that there is talk of sending the company to Murfreesboro for rear guard. He mentions that Gallatin is the most beautiful town he's seen in a long time. There are many secessionists in the town and Lysander hopes that one day "we can go right in and clean them right out." He claims he is "willing to march to the Gulf of Mexico if we…

GLC07460.007

21 December 1862

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents and sister

Wheeler writes that his brother-in-law, Darius has been very ill and has not been on duty since they left Bowling Green, Kentucky. Furthermore, Darius is currently waiting for General Rosecrans to sign his discharge papers. Reports that they have been on the lookout for John Morgan and Kirby Smith. He writes that there are only about four or five hundred Union men at this lookout point while it is said that the rebels are eight thousand strong. In response to being outnumbered he writes that "it seems to be the policy of this war to put but few men in the places that need guarding the…

GLC07460.008

circa September

Sayles, Sumner, fl. 1862-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Isora Skinkle

Informs his sister that he will not be coming home on a furlough. Inquires on how her Sabbath school picnic went in Washington. Writes that there was an expedition in Louisiana to seek out the rebels. Reports that his brigade did not go on the expedition, they had to stay behind and guard Natchez, Louisiana. Reports that the rebels had sharpshooters that shot their men before they could be seen and that they blew up the magazine. Notes that they burnt the works before they left. Sumner Sayles' sister, Isora Sayles, has married and now goes by the name Isora Skinkle.

GLC03523.32.21

11 August 1861

Phelps, Diton, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter

Title: to Edith M. Phelps

Writes to his sister from Camp Gibson. Says that they are placing a masked battery about a mile from camp. Writes that they are clearing an area of trees that is about a mile in width. Says that 14 men out of his company were chopping down trees yesterday and today. Reports that they are about nine miles from Fairfax Court House where there is a rebel camp. They have picket guards in place between them and the rebel camp with the bridge being heavily guarded. Describes an impending battle that General [Winfield] Scott is planning. He is preparing a masked battery to relieve the picket…

GLC03523.49.04

January 30, 1862

Hamlin, Hannibal, 1809-1891

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Abraham Lincoln

Signed by Hannibal Hamlin as Vice President. Also signed by members of Congress including Representatives from Maine; Lot Myrick Morrill, John N. Goodwin, Charles Wesley Walton, John H. Rice, Frederick Augustus Pike, Anson Peaslee Morrill, and Ohio Representatives; William P. Cutler, and Albert Gallatin Riddle. Recommends William Archer for promotion to lieutenancy in the regular army. Praises his history in the service. Describes his loyalty to the Union even when tempted with bribes from the other traitorous soldiers and rebel forces. With endorsements and notes on verso. One stating…

GLC05603.01.10

2 April 1864

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Written from camp near Dalton, Georgia. Complains about not getting any correspondence from his family. Comments on the "abolitionizing" of his hometown. Chides his sister for associating with "blue coats" and abolitionists and advises her not to flaunt her associations as some people will hate her for it. He writes: I would rather see you fight open and above board against our cause than cloak your enmity under the treacherous disguise of reconstructionist." (As an individual state, Tennessee had entered its reconstruction period before the end of the Civil War). Discusses…

GLC02232.30

21 April 1864

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Written from camp near Dalton, Georgia. Asks if she can visit him at camp. Complains about the unusual cold weather and writes that men are living quite poorly as everything has become too expensive. Updates his sister on Miss Tillie and Kate Cook. On the verso of the letter he includes a short note "I would write more but can't write without tobacco and I have none or money to buy it."

GLC02232.31

17 July 1864

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes that their brother Marshall has returned from the hospital. As Ward had no immediate occupation to assign to his brother, he sent his brother back to the hospital and put him in the charge of one of the surgeons. He writes that Marshall is better off working in the hospital as he is paid $25 per month, which takes care of clothing and other necessities. Comments on the heavy trading of tobacco with Union soldiers. Some of the Confederate soldiers were found trading with the Union soldiers and have been punished. Ward describes the "ominous stillness" of the two armies; the calm…

GLC02232.32

7 August 1864

Thurman, B.S., fl. 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Dr. Ward

Written from the battle line near Atlanta, Georgia. Encloses the obituary for Ed Ward, which includes the autograph of each member of the company. He writes that Ed was beloved and esteemed by all of the men in the company. Informs Dr. Ward that Ed was first buried by the enemy which was unavoidable, but has since been reburied by the company men (including his brother Samuel Marshall Ward) in Atlanta, Georgia.

GLC02232.33

circa August 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: Obituary for Edward K. Ward

Obituary for Edward K. Ward, who was killed on 22 July 1864 near Atlanta, Georgia. The obituary is signed by all the members of the company.

GLC02232.34

18 November 1862

Nugent, John Perry, 1844-1920

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Anne L. Nugent

Writes to his mother because he has the opportunity to send a letter by hand. Comments that his shoes wore out and he had to walk 500 miles through Kentucky barefoot. Clothing and shoes in his unit are in similarly bad condition. Reports that his health is bad; he has had diarrhea for two months and still has it. He wants to return home on furlough, but his General will not allow it. A sister of an acquaintance has sent him socks. Notes that his company started with 112 men; it is now at 47. The captain has returned home to gather more conscripts under the draft. Speaks highly of the…

GLC03135.01.05

23 June 1864

Clifton, A. D., fl. 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sallie Clifton

Written from camp near [Colombus]. Describes a sore on his arm and the swelling it has caused. Teases her about the number of shirts she sent him and tells her the weight of them is ruining his horse's back. Assures her of his safety and says he has faith God will allow him to see his family again. Writes, "I hope to meete god at the judgement bare and then be welcome to a seete onn his right hand and it is my prayers that you may be prepared to go with me thare to dwell in piece and happiness where there is no wars and pestilence..." Complains about the contempt other regiments feel…

GLC03135.09.05

31 December 1862

Jones, Maxine Harris, fl. 1860-1920

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alfred Jones

Letter from his wife, signed "Max." Expresses her fears, anxiety, and despair over the war. Says they have heard bombing all day. Writes, "what agony would be mine to-night, did I not know this field of duty to your Country calls you, leads not to constant exposure on the field of battle, &c that today your dear bosom has not be exposed to those missles of death hurled by our enemies."

GLC03135.13.043

circa 1862

Sayles, Sumner, fl. 1862-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Isora Sayles

Informs his sister about the condition of a friend of theirs named Spencer. Writes that the last time he saw Spencer was back at the junction in the hospital and that he heard that he was really sick. Notes that a gentleman told him that Spencer did not know anything at all for four days but that he has since improved. Comments that the rebels burned down the depot at Abbeville, Mississippi just before they arrived. Reports that several thousands of dollars were lost in property. They managed to save about 100 dollars in horse shoes, sugar molasses, and iron pots. Apologizes for not…

GLC03523.32.04

22 March 1863

Sayles, Sumner, fl. 1862-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Isora Sayles

Sends his best wishes to everyone back home. Comments that he has not been sick since he has been in "Dixie." Writes that he is sorry to hear how many people are sick and dying back home. Describes how he would like to see all the deserters caught and returned to the regiment so they can see what soldiering is like. Informs her that he is not tired of soldiering yet. They completed cutting a canal through the levy last night. Mentions that some believe the whole lower part of Louisiana will flood. Writes of hearing cannons in the direction of Vicksburg, Mississippi every day and says…

GLC03523.32.08

6 May 1863

Sayles, Sumner, fl. 1862-1868

Autograph letter

Title: to Isora Sayles

Informs his sister that he sent 30 dollars by express to a man named Mr. Wells. Reports that there were 560 rebels who were marched into their camp the other night and that another 6000 to 8000 were taken in the same place. Writes that they are planning on taking them to Cincinnati, Ohio and exchanging them for our boys. Comments that he has heard that he may have another brother. Written on paper with an image of a liberty and the Union flag with a boat in the background. The ink has bled through the paper making some of the words illegible.

GLC03523.32.10

10 May 1863

Sayles, Sumner, fl. 1862-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Isora Sayles

Informs his sister that he will be marching out today towards Black River, Mississippi. Writes of a man named Nathan shooting himself in the hand, and says that his middle finger is now an inch back. Mentions various men in the army and reports on what they are up to and how they are doing. Comments on hearing big guns fired in the direction of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Reports that they took Grand Gulf, Mississippi and captured somewhere between 600 and 800 prisoners. Notes that some people believe that the prisoners have done their last fighting while others believe that they will be…

GLC03523.32.11

21 May 1863

Sayles, Sumner, fl. 1862-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Isora Sayles

Writes to his sister from camp Fort Hill, two miles from Vicksburg, Mississippi. Discusses charging on the enemy last Tuesday. Describes having to charge over a large hill and fallen timber and brush where they then laid low and fired on the enemy. Reports that seven of their men were killed and 52 wounded. Writes that a man a named Robert Meade from his company was killed on the field and that Meade's brother who was right beside him was wounded and had to be carried off the field.

GLC03523.32.12

29 May 1863

Sayles, Sumner, fl. 1862-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Isora Sayles

Writes to his sister from a camp two miles from Vicksburg, Mississippi. Reports that they have stormed the enemy's works twice, once on the 19th of May and the other on the 22nd of May. Writes that his company did not lose any men in the last assault, however, another company suffered heavy casualties, losing several men and wounding many others. Notes that several Captains were killed in the battle. Describes one of the men dying from a bullet entering through his neck and exiting out of his mouth.

GLC03523.32.13

6 June 1863

Sayles, Sumner, fl. 1862-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Isora Sayles

Requests that his sister tell their father to do what he thinks is best with the money that he sent home. Writes that he should be able to send more money after the fall of Vicksburg, Mississippi. Speaks of a friend being well and as fat as a pig. Mentions that he is also still fat but does not know how much he weighs. Comments that the plums are ripe right now and the peaches are almost ready. Writes that it is very warm there and that it barely rains now. Reports that they are digging rifle pits and making forts. Says that some of the rifle pits are close enough to the enemy where…

GLC03523.32.15

11 July 1863

Sayles, Sumner, fl. 1862-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Isora Sayles

Writes to his sister. Reports that they entered Vicksburg, Mississippi on July 4th. Describes conquering and entering Vicksburg, Mississippi as being the most glorious fourth he ever had. Reports that 30 to 40 thousand men surrendered and were taken prisoner. Remarks on the layout of Vicksburg, Mississippi and says that is made up of nothing but gulfs and levies. Comments that they are now busy fortifying and performing guard duty. Notes that they have to be on guard duty every other day and sometimes daily. Writes of a man named Burnsam being a scamp and wishes that he would have to…

GLC03523.32.17