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

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

5 July 1864 - 6 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 regiment. States that he is in good health and that his division is near the 23rd Corps. The 1st and 2nd divisions of his Corps is on the front lines where the Confederates are making a stand near Marietta, Georgia. He thinks the 23rd Corps will move to the right to allow his division to move up to the front line. Reports that Union skirmishers found the rebels strong breastworks deserted. As their division advanced on the rebel breastwork they found them severely damaged by the Union cannon. Reports that he saw a body with at least 50 bullets hole in…

GLC07460.085

15 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 regiment near the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. A friend of the family - a colonel in the Union Army- will be visiting his family soon if he has not called on them already. He has sent his watch home with the colonel because the crystal is broken and he would like to have it repaired. Writes that they are improving their camp daily since they arrived on 6 July. They are sending out pickets towards the river bank because the rebels are on the other side of the river. Reports that there is not much firing but a good deal of trading between Union and…

GLC07460.086

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

15 August 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother-in-law Davis and all at home

He write that he is well but he cannot say so for other members of the regiment as they have just recently learned that Chas Tubbs has died. The report is that he died of the bloody flux [dysentery]. Details some of the other casualties received by the regiment. Writes that there has been a steady drain on the regiment and that the war must surely end when all men are dead, "offered up to the Goddess of Liberty." He hopes that the recent losses will not discourage the men as they must fight on in order to assure liberty. The men have been busy constructing a fort for the cannon. The rebels…

GLC07460.093

4 October 1864 - 11 October 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 is writing despite the fact that no mail has been coming in or out because the rebels have cut their line of communication. There are various reports as to the location of Confederate General Joseph Bell Hood's army. He assumes it is in their rear, however, a Union army is advancing upon the rear of the Confederates. The entire Union army, except the 20th Corps. left behind in Atlanta, Georgia, is turning to meet General Hood. The rest of the brigade has left Atlanta and have returned to camp. The Union General William T. Sherman is…

GLC07460.102

29 November 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Writes that although he would like to request furlough for the holidays, he feels it may be wiser to reserve his request for a time when he will really need it. Reports that Thanksgiving day was celebrated by the soldiers with a meal of hardtack and salt horse. Is anxious to receive further news of Grant's victory in the West. Writes that a rebel quartermaster deserter came into the lines the other day and later succeeded in capturing 52 rebels near Washington, North Carolina. Reports that the men of the company are recuperating and that he is also enjoying good health.

GLC02016.043

March 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Has just arrived from Washington. Talks about the arrival of his new niece. Discusses the importance of happiness to a soldier: " it is his life, his health, his everything." An expedition to the interior was put on hold due to the desertion of three men. Reports a rumor that the 9th Army Corps will be coming to New Bern. States that the appointment of Grant has strengthened morale of the soldiers. Feels that the "fighting part" of the war will end this year.

GLC02016.049

26 March 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister Kate

Hopes his sister is in good health when he returns so that she may welcome him with a "rich musical treat." Mentions the arrival of a new niece from his sister Anna. The men are anxious to be relieved by another regiment. Visits Washington on a semi-weekly basis but was unable to this week due to a bad storm. Reports that the storm almost grounded the men in rebel country, but the anchors grounded the boat about 200 hundred yards from the shore. The men were able to return to New Berne and tried to sail to Washington again the following Thursday. Is hopeful that Grant will "sow the…

GLC02016.050

January 12, 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that he has not slept because of the rain. He states that the troops are without shelter and that the mud in the camp is up to his knees. Notes that there are rumors about the army returning to Washington, D.C. in a few days. Explains to his wife that if he does indeed go to Washington, D.C. she should come to visit him there and bring their baby. If the army does not go to Washington, D.C. he will try to obtain a leave of absence. Writes that a rebel deserter surrendered to him while he was on picket duty. The deserter told him that the Confederate army is now on half-…

GLC03523.13.074

17 October 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Writes that he arrived at New Berne this morning. Reports that an expedition went to Elizabeth City and but didn't accomplish much there. Also reports that deserters are coming in daily at a great number. Hopes to hear good news regarding the election of Governor Curtin (Governor Andrew Gregg Curtin of Pennsylvania).

GLC02016.042

14 August 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Anna

Writes from Camp Jones that he is currently on furlough. Writes that due to the negligence of the officers, the men are still at Camp Jones with nothing to do. Reports that John Hardman, a man in his company, died from bad whiskey and excessive heat. Says that he is able to go into the city on mail business and return at his leisure, but finds Philadelphia to be a disagreeable place. Will send money home once he is paid. Most of the men are present at camp with a few exceptions. Those that do not return by tomorrow will be considered deserters.

GLC02016.055

20 August 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Writes that he has been relieved of his postmaster duties and assigned to recruiting services. Complains that the sixteen dollars a month he'll receive in recruiting services will not be enough. Expects to remain in Philadelphia a few more weeks. Some of the men have left the camp for home on a "French furlough" or absence without permission. Reports that the regiment is expected to leave for the Army the following Monday, but he is highly doubtful that it will actually happen. Hopes that the draft trouble in Columbia County serves as a warning to other communities. Requests that his…

GLC02016.056

30 June 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 regiment. He reports that he is in good health and still in the same location. He writes that his regiment has been relieved from the front lines and are now in the third line. He has washed his clothes and the regiment is getting some rest. Writes of a skirmish between the Confederate and Union pickets to their right, near the 23rd Corps. His regiment "sprung to their guns" in case the rebels broke through; hoping to pay the rebels back for the Battle of Resaca. The firing soon stopped and a quarter of the men were placed on guard duty and the rest…

GLC07460.084

February 22, 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Writes on the anniversary of Washington's birthday and likens his service as a soldier to those of Washington and his men. Strongly expresses his feelings against the rebels and their actions: " those ambitious madmen who are instigated by Beelzebub the chief of rebels, to destroy the fair fabric of our government and bury the republic and liberty along with that of Greece." Reports that there were loud cheers heard everywhere when the troops heard of the fall of Richmond. The actual fall of Richmond would occur in April 1865,…

GLC02016.075

25 October 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rebecca Frick

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Writes that he has send his aunt $100 and wishes her to write him upon receipt of the money. Reports that deserters continue to come in large numbers.

GLC02016.064

29 October 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to colonel

Updates him on the recent "disastrous battle" fought; the battle of Chaffin's Farm. Writes that he has received the electoral tickets and found that some were not correct. Is wary of fake electoral tickets and will make sure that the soldiers are not deceived. Hopes that Lincoln wins in Pennsylvania. The building of the canal is progressing, though it will take approximately another six weeks to complete. Writes that the rebel line captured at Chaffin's Farm could not be held. Reports that deserters continue to come in.

GLC02016.066

24 July 1778

Macomb, John, fl. 1778

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Burgoyne

Written by Macomb, a Royalist in Burgoyne's army during the Saratoga campaign, to Burgoyne in London. Writes that he wants to affirm his character with Burgoyne after General Haldiman believes he deserted the army with 1500 pounds after the defeat at Saratoga. Says Brigadier General Fraser, who died at Saratoga, said he would have a 50 pound-a-year salary, which he has not received. Says he only left the army before the Convention because he dreaded what the "Rebels" would do to him for helping his son-in-law raise a battalion for Burgoyne. Hopes Burgoyne will recommend establishing his…

GLC04764.75

28 July 1863

Burch, James Anderson, 1829-1906

Autograph document signed

Title: [Court Martial proceedings in the case of John Absher for being absent without leave]

Details court martial proceedings of John Absher, who pled guilty to the charge of "absence without leave," but attempted to defend his conduct, saying he was unable to return in time due to poor health. Records specifics of the charge, testimony from the trial, and resulting sentence. Despite Absher's defense, he was sentenced to "be bucked with a stick ¾ of an inch in diameter and gaged for twenty days two hours in the morning and be compelled to stand in the stocks two hours in the evening of each day." James A. Burch was a Captain in the Fiftieth North Carolina Infantry. Later served…

GLC02233.32

26 May 1863

Ford, George B., 1828-1911

Autograph document signed

Title: [Court Martial proceedings in the case of Wiley Sullivan for being absent without leave]

Details the trial and conviction of Sullivan for the charge of "absence without leave." Records specifics of the charge, testimony from the trial, and resulting sentence. Sullivan was sentenced to carry a twenty pound stick eight hours a day for fourteen days and then gagged eight hours a day for five days. With the names of James Dalrymple as the Judge Advocate and Captain Thomas R. Youngblood as if signed, but likely in Ford's hand. Wiley Sullivan was a private in the Fiftieth North Carolina Infantry. George B. Ford was a captain in the Fiftieth North Carolina Infantry. James Dalrymple…

GLC02233.23

26 May 1863

Ford, George B., 1828-1911

Autograph document signed

Title: [Court Martial proceedings in the case of John T. Jones for being absent without leave.]

Details court martial proceedings of John T. Jones, who pled guilty to the charge of "absence without leave." Jones was sentenced to carry a twenty pound stick eight hours a day for fourteen days. With the names of James Dalrymple as the Judge Advocate and Captain Thomas R. Youngblood as if signed, but likely in Ford's hand.

GLC02233.24

27 May 1863

Ford, George B., 1828-1911

Autograph document

Title: [Court Martial proceedings in the case of Haywood Sullivan for being absent without leave.]

Details the trial and conviction of Haywood Sullivan for the charge of "absence without leave." Records specifics of the charge, testimony from the trial, and resulting sentence. With the name of Captain Thomas R. Youngblood as if signed, but likely in Ford's hand. Torn near the top, and perhaps missing final pages.

GLC02233.25

27 May 1863

Ford, George B., 1828-1911

Autograph document signed

Title: [Court Martial proceedings in the case of W. H. Hutson for being absent without leave]

Details the trial and conviction of Hutson for the charge of "absence without leave." Records specifics of the charge, testimony from the trial, and resulting sentence. Hutson was sentenced to carry a twenty pound stick eight hours a day for sixteen days. With the names of James Dalrymple as the Judge Advocate and Lieutenant William H. Borden as if signed, but likely in Ford's hand.

GLC02233.26

27 May 1863

Ford, George B., 1828-1911

Autograph document signed

Title: [Court Martial proceedings in the case of Theophilus Goddin for being absent without leave]

Details court martial proceedings of Theophilus Goddin, who pled guilty to the charge of "absence without leave." Goddin was sentenced to carry a twenty pound stick eight hours a day for sixteen days. With the names of James Dalrymple as the Judge Advocate and Captain William H. Borden as if signed, but likely in Ford's hand.

GLC02233.27