3 November 1862

Moore, John, 1826-1907

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Moore Kelly

The Army of the Potomac has been crossing Harper's Ferry. He describes an engagement with Rebels, as well as the surrounding land and supplies, including local horses. He has suffered from jaundice. "There was a gap in the Blue Ridge here which was necessary to seize…Our troops had not been there more than an hour or two before ten or fifteen thousand Rebs were seen marching up to take possession. They were allowed to approach within easy cannon range, when our batteries pitched in and scattered them...In the mean time the army is advancing towards the country south-east of Winchester, where…

GLC04195.05

13 December 1862

Moore, John, 1826-1907

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Moore Kelly

As he prepares to treat the wounded from the Battle of Fredericksburg, an attack launched by 50,000 Union troops at dawn on Dec. 13, he discusses the possibility of being hit and makes arrangements for his belongings. He believes heavy losses are inevitable. The spirits of the troops are high. "If you fancy the approach of such a battle depresses the spirits of men or officers you are greatly mistaken. I have never seen more mirth and joking among the hundreds of officers assembled about this building, which is used as the Hd. Quar. of Gen. Burnside, and within range of the rebel guns."

GLC04195.06

20 December 1862

Moore, John, 1826-1907

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Moore Kelly

The battle of Fredericksburg is over, with little accomplished. He describes the endurance required of the soldiers. The attack was made against the orders of Gen. Hooker. He describes hospital work during and following the battle. Excerpt: "Our troops, in several places got within 50 or 100 yds of the crest of the hill, in fact the division of regulars, got to this point on saturday-night, where they had to lie on their bellies all day sunday and sunday night. Any man rising up or even elevating his arm was shot; 200 of them were killed and wounded while lying in this position; with…

GLC04195.07

8 March 1863

Moore, John, 1826-1907

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Moore Kelly

He expresses dismay that reports have not been prepared during his leave. He mentions several impending court martials for delinquents. He includes comments on the Confederacy and "butternuts" in the West. Written from the headquarters of the 5th Corps, in the Rappahannock Valley near Falmouth, Va.

GLC04195.08

6 April 1863

Moore, John, 1826-1907

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Moore Kelly

Lincoln and his wife arrived and presided over a grand review of the troops. He comments on the case of Gen. McClellan. They believe the rebels are significantly fortified across the river and hope to cross soon. Written at the headquarters of the 5th Corps. "Abe looks careworn. No wonder. He has a large contract on hand."

GLC04195.09

5 July 1863

Moore, John, 1826-1907

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Moore Kelly

They took possession of Vicksburg the previous day. All 27,000 prisoners will be paraded then released to spare expense. States that they took possession of "228 pieces of artillery between 30 and 40000 small arms and 27000 prisoners, including 16 generals. This is the biggest thing of the war. All prisoners will be paroled here and turned loose. This is done for two reasons: 1st is believed that the men will go home and will be difficult to get into the service again; 2nd it will save a vast expense in transportation and some 6 or 8000 of our own men as a guard. Those eight thousand…

GLC04195.14

26 July 1863

Moore, John, 1826-1907

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Moore Kelly

Mentions John Hunt Morgan's raids and Gen. Lewis Wallace's attempt to capture Morgan. (Morgan and his men surrendered in Ohio on this same day.)He praises Meade: "his army is an honor to the country, to do such terrible fighting after so many reverses." He describes the death of Gen. Weed. "I am glad to learn that your town was not visited by your friend J. Morgan. When I saw from the papers that Lew Wallace was in the field I felt confident that John was 'gone up a spout', but I was somewhat surprised to hear afterwards that he got into Ohio…. Seriously speaking, I think if Wallace found he…

GLC04195.17

14 August 1863

Moore, John, 1826-1907

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Moore Kelly

Many men are sick due to the poor climate, and he has sent many of the ill to northern hospitals. Local women have come into camp to ask for food. A Black man tells him about the marriage of their brother Robert, who had been there in Vicksburg two months previously. Robert served as a surgeon in the Confederate Army.

GLC04195.19

27 October 1863

Moore, John, 1826-1907

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Moore Kelly

New orders assign him to the Department of the Tennessee under Grant, who will command from Chattanooga. Grant's bold plan to break the Confederate siege of Chattanooga had gone into operation on the previous day. Moore looks forward to his new assignment at General Sherman's headquarters. "He is an excellent officer, and I hope to find him a pleasant man to serve with."

GLC04195.21

4 January 1864

Moore, John, 1826-1907

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Moore Kelly

They marched to Huntsville in the extreme cold, arriving on New Year's Day and taking over Sherman's comfortable headquarters. He describes the home of a wealthy rebel in town with paintings removed, now turned into a hospital.

GLC04195.22

May 16, 1864

Moore, John, 1826-1907

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Moore Kelly

After three days of intense fighting in a rough area from Dalton to Resaca, they have subdued the rebels. Both Union and rebel wounded will remain there in field hospitals. He hopes the rebel forces will stand and fight. In the days preceding this letter, Sherman had tried to break Johnston's defenses around Resaca. Confederate forces pulled back on 15 May.

GLC04195.25

October 31, 1864

Moore, John, 1826-1907

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Moore Kelly

Sherman prepares for a large raid (the March to the Sea began Nov. 15). Moore left Atlanta to supervise the transfer of the sick to hospitals further south. He is currently at a garrison 60 miles from Atlanta, near Rome. Written on letterhead from the Medical Director's Office, Headquarters, Department and Army of the Tennessee. "I hear that Jesse Alexander is engaged in making copperhead speeches. It would be beter for him if he had been killed in the trenches while fighting, before ruining himself in this way."

GLC04195.27

December 24, 1864

Moore, John, 1826-1907

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Moore Kelly

They arrived in Savannah ready for an assault but found the rebels had run away, leaving their artillery of a large number of guns. "The number of guns left is larger than we have ever found in any one place before; - it has not yet been ascertained, but is probably from 150 to 200. About 1000 prisoners were taken, but the Army left is so demoralized as to be but little reliable." With news of the victory near Nashville, the Confederacy may be close to ending. He mentions staying in furnished homes compared with usual outdoor lodging, but writes that "I find I can still sleep in a house,…

GLC04195.28

February 2, 1865

Moore, John, 1826-1907

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Moore Kelly

After 2 days' march the army is now 35 miles from Pocotaligo, South Carolina. He describes the field where he writes, with two or three recently killed rebels, and that he has captured geese, turkey, and chickens to eat. Written on letterhead for the Head-Quarters Military Division of the Mississippi.

GLC04195.29

February 27, 1865

Moore, John, 1826-1907

Autograph letter

Title: to Mary Moore Kelly

He describes their march through South Carolina, wading through swamps, repairing roads, and taking Columbia. Although they were welcomed by the townspeople, drunk Union soldiers set buildings on fire, and the wind carried flames throughout town. Homes were disgracefully pillaged. He describes the surrounding area and its Revolutionary War history. "I can't get up much sympathy of the Columbians for I believe both they and the people of Charleston deserve to have their cities blotted out of existence. The next day we went to work on their public buildings, such as Arsenals, Armorys, depots…

GLC04195.30

12 April 1863

Sumner, Charles, 1811-1874

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Mentions Mr. Woodman and a provostship. Writes "Charleston is to be taken on the field of battle - by beating their armies," a reference to the unsuccessful ironclad attack on Fort Sumter 7 April 1863 undertaken by Union admiral Samuel F. DuPont.

GLC02095.11

9 October 1864

Sumner, Charles, 1811-1874

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Theseus Apoleon Cheney

Writes that he is glad Cheney is regaining his health. Comments on the upcoming presidential election and the Civil War: "The good news must stimulate you. Of the result, political or military I cannot doubt. Mr. Lincoln will be re-elected, & Rebellion will be crushed -& with it Slavery which is nothing but another name for the Rebellion."

GLC02095.14

11 April 1866

Turner, John Wesley, 1833-1899

Manuscript document

Title: [Special Orders No. 64 ordering the release of Richard Bayly WInder from Libby Prison]

Copy of document by General Turner and Assistant Adjutant General William L. Hulbert. Pursuant to the instructions of the secretary of war, Winder was to be released from the prison in Richmond, Virginia, where he had been held for his role in the mistreatment of Union prisoners of war at Andersonville Prison.

GLC07271.06.02

1 January 1866

Winder, Richard Bayly, 1828-1894

Sketch

Title: [Drawing of a cell in Libby Prison]

The docket indicates that Winder drew this while imprisoned in Libby Prison after the Civil War. He had been held there for his role in the mistreatment of Union prisoners of war at Andersonville Prison.

GLC07271.06.03

1864

South Carolina Canal and Railroad Company, 1827-1843

Printed document signed

Title: [One dollar bill issued by the South Carolina Rail Road]

The auditor's signature is illegible. The money was in the wallet of Robert Bayly Winder, Captain and Assistant Quarter Master Confederate States of America (see GLC07271.07.01).

GLC07271.07.02

February 4, 1865

Mast, Isaac W., 1828-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Writes to his cousin from camp near Louisville. Expects to go down the Tennessee River very soon but has been detained due to ice in the river. Informs him that six companies left yesterday. Comments his brother Joseph "has a great deal to say about our country becoming bankrupt, the suffering of widows and orphans and the unnecessary destruction of life, all for the abolition of slavery." Says he doesn't have much faith in the peace rumors, "the Rebel Army at Richmond will have to be subdued before the Rebel authorities are willing to come back into the Union."

GLC03523.10.157

February 12, 1865

Taylor, Simeon, 1839-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Addresses letter "Dear Friend," and asks forgiveness for his delay in writing. Informs he "...got a representative in the army to carry a musket in my place..." Says the township still needs twelve men for the draft and "...they are generally offering about four-hundred dollars local bounty for one year." Comments the papers are filled with peace rumors, but he is not optimistic.

GLC03523.10.159

18 November 1884

Slifer, R.H., fl. 1884

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Mentions the recent Republican defeat; "Our democratic friends here have been jollifying noisily enough, yet not offensively, and rebel sentiment has not shown itself as far as I have seen or heard." Refers to the election of Confederate General John S. Marmaduke as Governor of Missouri. Discusses the weather and crops. Letter is illegible on bottom due to fraying.

GLC03523.10.199

20 December 1864

Maitland, Joseph M., 1836-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Bell Wharton

Reports Union General James C. Veatch issued the order dissolving all court-martial and military commissions within the district of western Tennessee, and he is temporarily unemployed. Says once the courts are reorganized in a few days, he will be retained as clerk. Comments the news looks good as Confederate General John B. Hood "...has been completely used up at Nashville." Complains of constant rain and slushy streets. Wishes he could be home for the holidays. Begs her to write more frequently.

GLC03523.10.149

14 July 1864

Coleman, George W., fl. 1857-1886

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Addresses letter "Dear Cousin Joseph." Refers to the Battle of Brice's Crossroads and Confederate General Nathan B. Forrest's rout of the Union forces on June 10, 1864. Writes, "I am glad that you escaped so well in your chase after Forrest or rather in his chase after you." Expresses thanks that Joseph survived the battle. Comments on all those who died in the battle or were taken prisoner. Asks him to send details of the battle. Remarks wages are very high for harvesting, "from two dollars fifty cents to three dollars per diem." Says "All seem to be tired of the war but few seem to be…

GLC03523.10.130