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to his mother

Describes a miserable march from Washington to Alexandria. A bivouac site on marshy land and a cold rain prompted soldiers to seek other places to sleep, including a tomb. Discusses rations for the troops and his dining at private homes. Inquires...

GLC04662.004

to his mother

He is feeling better and expects to return to his unit in about a week. Since he does not know where they are, he will have to go to Washington to learn their location. A gang of men are putting up a large building, which Walbridge thinks may be a...

GLC04662.013

to his mother

He is waiting to join up with his regiment. Due to the expense of staying in the city, he had to release his servant, a contraband from Virginia. He thinks the rebels are in a precarious situation in Maryland and adds that as long as the war lasts...

GLC04662.014

to his mother

Camped at Park Barracks in front of the Astor House. The regiment has orders to be ready to march, but no one is sure exactly when they will move out. He briefly mentions sight-seeing in the city and gives the whereabouts of other relatives in the...

GLC04662.002

to his mother

Writes from camp Scott that his regiment has not been paid yet. He believes his brother George is not healthy enough to be a soldier. Discusses the condition of his clothing, says he gets along well with the other officers, and hopes that one day...

GLC04662.005

to his mother

Battle of Seven Pines [Fair Oaks] Lists the officers killed, wounded, and captured. He estimates that his regiment lost over 200. He has been made acting quartermaster.

GLC04662.006

to his mother

His regiment is resting for the first time since they left Camp Scott. A band of "guerrillas" [Stuart's cavalry] attacked the railroad at Tunstall's station. Discusses his duties as a quartermaster. He now wears a private's uniform with shoulder...

GLC04662.007

to his mother

A short visit to the front line, followed by a visit to the Commissary Sergeant, Bowen, who has commandeered a plantation. The owners fled and the slaves want Bowen to run the farm. Walbridge describes the house, food and slaves on plantation....

GLC04662.008

to his mother

They are currently camped at the birth place of William Henry Harrison. The house has been turned into a hospital. Stonewall Jackson turned the right flank of the Union Army, captured White House, Va and forced the retreat of the army. Many of the...

GLC04662.009

to his mother

He asks his mother to send various articles of clothing and leather goods such as sword belts, boots and a holster. The regimental quartermaster is returning so Walbridge may have to return to his company. Describes an officer's dinner and a visit...

GLC04662.010

to his mother

The regiment is electing a colonel. He is still a quartermaster.

GLC04662.011

to his mother

He has taken ill with Cholera Morbus and is in the hospital. Describes the facilities, including a hotel and cottages which have been taken over by the hospital. Hopes to rejoin his regiment soon. He thinks McClellan is "played out" and that Pope...

GLC04662.012

to his mother

His return to the regiment with 100 new recruits from Alexandria. Thanks his mother and other family members for their letters.

GLC04662.015

to his mother

He has been recommended for a commission. Mentions a brigade drill and an upcoming undress parade, where the regiment will line up, without arms and with clean underwear in their haversacks, march to the river and undress for bathing. The regiment...

GLC04662.016

to mother

The regiment has been paid. He warns his mother to be careful about accumulating new debts.

GLC04662.017

to mother

A southerner came into the picket lines in order to ask that he and his family be allowed to cross into union territory and move north. The order was given to move the family and its property. Walbridge headed the detail to move the man and his...

GLC04662.018

to mother

Thanksgiving. He writes that he did not have turkey because his cook did not see the need to make it.

GLC04662.019

to mother

Captured a large number of prisoners and livestock. Discusses an expedition to Wood's Cross Roads and the regiments reception by the townsfolk, who were all secessionist. Received his commission as senior 1st lieutenant.

GLC04662.020

to mother

Regiment has received orders to be ready to march by the next morning. He worries about whether or not they will return to this camp. The enclosure wishes his mother a merry Christmas and indicates that he sent money.

GLC04662.021

to mother

Regiment is being transferred, possibly to North Carolina. Christmas Day was dull. Christmas eve was full of excitement as rebels fired on a picket line, causing the entire union line to prepare for attack. The only casualty was a hog.

GLC04662.022

to mother

Appointed acting brigade quartermaster. Was glad to hear everyone had a happy Christmas.

GLC04662.023

to mother

Discusses the staff of Col. Davis who is Walbridge's brigade commander. Walbridge is brigade quartermaster.

GLC04662.024

to mother

Short letter sent with some artillery shells [not included].

GLC04662.025

to mother

He is glad to hear from the family. He is living well but meals cost 50 cents shipboard. Discusses the failed attempt of a black servant to make apple dumplings. Written from U.S. Steamer Catawba, Beaufort Harbor.

GLC04662.026

to mother

Continued on February 13. Worries that their current expedition will turn out to be as bad as Banks' expedition. The men are shooting crocodiles and gathering oranges.

GLC04662.027