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to Father

Last Thursday they managed to push back the rebel skirmishers but after two hours they were forced back to their original position. He heard that Clearland has Typhoid fever and he will visit him. They expect to get paid soon.

GLC00653.11.14

to Sister

The Rebels are well fortified from the base to the summit of the mountain and they have been skirmishing all the time. Hooker advanced. Written at Big Shanty Camp.

GLC00653.11.15

to Sister Mary

The fourth division suffered in the skirmishes. The rebels ended up retreating again. They picked up some prisoners but were unable to make an advance. Around the 9th, they camped near Marietta.

GLC00653.11.16

to Sister Mary

They were able to gain all the ground desired from the recent skirmishes. Even though they have used their artillery on the present camp they have not done much damage. Their accommodations are a little better now. Letter was written near Atlanta...

GLC00653.11.17

to Sister Ellen

They have been on the march through Dalton and Resaca. Fighting took place left and center. They skirmished until Kingston and then marched to Dallas.

GLC00653.11.18

to Father

He has been sick lately and even had to be taken away in an ambulance. He is feeling better however. They had a battle recently in which 10,000 volunteers came to help them. Yesterday there was heavy skirmishing.

GLC00653.11.19

to Mother

He just returned from a three day march. They marched through the dark and the rain and encountered fallen logs. He requests butter and dried apples. Pages missing.

GLC00653.11.20

to Mother

In the letter, Laurens W. Wolcott describes how they got across Bear River to meet the enemy where they immediately began fighting. The enemy rescued some of their prisoners. The next day they marched back and camped near a mountain.

GLC00653.11.21

to Mother

Letter is completely faded.

GLC00653.11.22

to Mother

In the letter, Laurens W. Wolcott talks about the new clothes he has purchased and received from the army. He bought new shirts and received a new blanket.

GLC00653.11.23

to Sister

In the letter, Laurens W. Wolcott talks about mutual friends and acquaintances. He is glad Robert did not enlist because he would not have liked a soldier's life all. He also notes that the chaplain returned. Letter written in Camp Montgomery.

GLC00653.11.24

to Father

Laurens W Wolcott writes that the 42nd regiment passed by and he got to see people he hadn't seen in a while. One of four gunboats was captured in battle. Afterwards more than half the company was sick but they are feeling better now. The weather has...

GLC00653.11.25

to Sister

Yesterday there was skirmishing among the pickets. They also received strict orders not to cross the lines of their division except on business. The weather has been pleasant.

GLC00653.11.26

to Sister

Laurens W. Wolcott is writing from the hospital where he has been ill with fever. Now, however, he is doing much better but will stay a little longer before resuming hard duty.

GLC00653.11.27

to Mother

Laurens W. Wolcott writes that they got on a steamer bound for St. Louis where he met a friend who entrusted a package with him. Letter written at Benton Barracks (also know as Camp Benton).

GLC00653.11.28

to Sister

Laurens W. Wolcott writes that on Thursday night they were taken out of their tents to go to Stewartsville. They were expected to have a major skirmish there, but nothing happened. Letter written at Benton Barracks (also know as Camp Benton).

GLC00653.11.29

to Brother

Laurens W. Wolcott writes that there are some people who say they have defective arms, but he thinks their weapons are very well-made. He says they have been living on 2 meals per days and he has enjoyed good health. He writes that they marched at...

GLC00653.11.30

to Mother

Laurens W. Wolcott writes that he wants his father to send him newspapers like the Independent. He mentions that the weather has been pleasant, and that more troops keep arriving.

GLC00653.11.31

to Sister

Laurens W. Wolcott writes that the weather has been warm and apples are growing. Lately, he has been learning how to cook. He writes that they are camped in a pleasant place. Letter written in Camp Montgomery.

GLC00653.11.32

to Father

Laurens W. Wolcott writes that there is less sickness than at any other time among the company. General "Oglesbee" visited the hospital, and Doctor Humphrey was appointed assistant surgeon. Wolcott's mother urged him to get a discharge, but he is not...

GLC00653.11.33

Shiloh National Park

Photograph of Shiloh National Park. Inscription on the back reads: "View showing superintendant's lodge and park of Shiloh cemetary. Also 200 cannon hereafter to be placed on Shiloh National Park, May 13th, 1897." Lt. Laurens Wolcott is standing at...

GLC00653.11.34

Calling Card for Laurens Wolcott

GLC00653.11.35

Photograph of Lt. Laurens Wolcott

Inscription on back reads: "Lt. Laurens W. Wolcott. 52nd Ills. Vol. Inf." Published by Tompkins' N.Y. Gallery, 34 Canal St., Grand Rapids, Michigan.

GLC00653.11.36

Wolcott Coat of Arms

In Latin it reads: "Nullius Addictus Jurare In Verba Magistri," ["(being) not obliged to swear allegiance to a master."]

GLC00653.11.37

[Laurens Wolcott]

Photo bust of Lt. Laurens W. Wolcott.

GLC00653.11.38

[Print of General Philip Henry Sheridan]

Depicts Sheridan seated in military uniform, hat in hand, with a sword leaning against a table beside him. He appears to be in a tent. Possibly based on an 1864 photograph by Mathew Brady, though the tent and chair have been slightly altered in the...

GLC00653.12.02

Diary of Eseck G. Wilber

Entries are pretty regular from March 1863 to July of that same year. He mainly records the daily weather. but does mention being a prisoner and some of activities there.

GLC00653.15.1

Photograph of unidentified boy

Boy is dressed in a suit and standing next to a table.

GLC00653.15.2

Photograph of unidentified woman

Woman is sitting down and wearing an everyday dress.

GLC00653.15.3

Photograph of unidentified girl

Girl is standing next to a table.

GLC00653.15.4

Photograph of unidentified man

Man is sitting down and wearing a suit. He has a beard.

GLC00653.15.5

[Diary of John S. Tucker, D company, 5th regiment, Alabama, infantry]

Tucker's 1864-1865 autograph manuscript diary signed includes his account of the famous mine explosion at the Siege of Petersburg as well as other daily events. Also mentions the death of General William E. Jones at the Battle of Piedmont.

GLC00653.19.02

to James H. Hollingsworth

William T. Hollingsworth writes to his brother. Draft transcript is available. Envelope is stamped "5" and "PAID."

GLC00653.20.01

to James H. Hollingsworth

William T. Hollingsworth writes a detailed letter to his brother in which he discusses the Battle of Bull Run (fought on July 21, 1861, near Manassas, Virginia). He reports 500 Confederate soldiers were killed, another 1500 wounded, and some 7,000 or...

GLC00653.20.02

to James H. Hollingsworth

William T. Hollingsworth writes to his brother. He notes he has been offered an office with the Medical Corps with the ranking of Sergeant Major. He reports intermittent & remittent fever, pneumonia, bronchitis, measles, and mumps are the chief...

GLC00653.20.03

to James H. Hollingsworth

Writes to his brother from Camp Georgia, North Carolina. He includes a green five cent postage stamp. Draft transcript is available.

GLC00653.20.04

to James H. Hollingsworth

William T. Hollingsworth writes to his brother. He discusses the Confederacy's "brilliant naval victory" in Hampton Roads, between the Merrimac and the Monitor. He also reports the damages inflicted on the Union frigates, the Cumberland, the Congress...

GLC00653.20.05

to James H. Hollingsworth

William T. Hollingsworth writes to his brother. He reports the city is being quickly evacuated and that they may leave the city as early as tomorrow. He also mentions the fall of New Orleans and its consequences on the Confederate Army and its future...

GLC00653.20.06

to James H. Hollingsworth

William T. Hollingsworth writes to his brother from camp, which is six miles from Richmond, Virginia. He discusses a great upcoming battle expected in Richmond, Virginia. Envelope includes an 1862 postage stamp. Draft transcript is available.

GLC00653.20.07

to James H. Hollingsworth

William T. Hollingsworth writes to his brother from Bridgewater Farm, approximately five miles from Richmond, Virginia. He provides a detailed account of the Seven Pines battle fought "May 31st until 7th 1862". The Battle of Seven Pines, also known...

GLC00653.20.08

to his mother

GLC00653.21.01

to his mother

Henry F. Spencer describes his regiment's travels through Maryland and Pennsylvania, and mentions the Battle of Gettysburg, though does not go into much detail. Also mentions exchanging fire on July 4, evidently the last of the skirmishing after the...

GLC00653.21.03

to his Father

Letter written from Drummondtown, present-day Accomac, Virginia.

GLC00653.21.04

to his Parents

Letter written from "Camp Burnside near Point Isabel" (likely Point Isabele), present-day Burnside, Kentucky.

GLC00653.21.05

to his Parents

Letter written from "Poplars Grove Church," Virginia.

GLC00653.21.09

Ellsworth Avengers

Song entitled "Ellsworth Avengers."

GLC00653.21.10

to mother

He is well; hopes she is too. He has joined company E of the 42nd regiment. "I just got [here] in time to see a man shot… It was Fred Lammer's brother. He deserted and went to the [Yankee] lines." Another man deserted last night. Two more deserters...

GLC00653.22.01

to mother

He got his mother's letter this evening. He is sorry to hear of his brother's injury but glad to hear he is getting better. Also heard that "Pa" had to go to Concord to court, and wants to know why he did that. He got the shirt, socks, and gloves two...

GLC00653.22.02

to father and mother

"We are faring badly [here] now," as they are not getting nearly enough to eat. The regiment might have to head home, for "we can't get neither clothes nor money nor provisions here." He does not know how much longer the troops can stand such poor...

GLC00653.22.03

to father and mother

He has written them several times since arriving here but has only received two letters. He will not write again until he receives another letter. "There was a fight on our lines last night." His comrades killed or captured about 300 enemy soldiers....

GLC00653.22.04

to mother

George B. Cook got his mother's letter from the 20th. He is happy to hear Frank [Frost] was as close to home as Raleigh, but is sorry to hear he was ill. They must tell Mr. Whitlocks to come visit him when he comes up to Richmond. His current...

GLC00653.22.05

to sister

George B. Cook got his sister's letter from Eli Howell, who brought the letter from Salisbury. He got marching orders at 11:00 PM last night to go to Richmond to bury General [Gracy], who was killed by Union artillery. He is currently in a very...

GLC00653.22.06

to sister

George B. Cook is replying to his sister's letter from the 2nd. "I am not well at this time." Had a difficult march starting the night of the 7th. The marched started at night and continued until 12:00 AM in the middle of a rainstorm. Returned to...

GLC00653.22.07

to family

This letter is printed on half of a regimental attendance sheet, perhaps demonstrating the lack of paper in the Confederate camp. He is well and hopes these lines find them in a similar condition. "We are having some very [cold] weather here." It...

GLC00653.22.08

to sister

This letter is printed on the second half of the attendance sheet titled "Consolidated Morning Report." He is replying to his sister's letter from the 11th. He is glad to hear that his cousin Frank got home alright. He hopes they enjoy Christmas at...

GLC00653.22.09

to parents

George B. Cook mistakenly writes on the letter that the year is 1864. He is camped about a mile northeast of Wilmington. He left Richmond on December 20, 1864 and arrived on Christmas Eve. He immediately saw action at Fort Fisher. He lost "three or...

GLC00653.22.10

to sister

George B. Cook is replying to his sister's letter dated December 25, 1864, which he received this evening. He can only enjoy Christmas so much when there are thousands of shells falling around him every hour. Fortunately, no one in the company was...

GLC00653.22.11

to sister

George B. Cook is replying to his sister's letter from the 6th of this month, which he received yesterday. The letter found him well. He hopes Cousin Frank will recover soon from his "suffering condition." No news of interest. He heard that General...

GLC00653.22.12

to sister

George B. Cook is replying to his sister's letter from the 19th. He is glad to hear all is well with her but sorry to hear about Frank's sickness. He hopes he will get home soon. "I think this war will soon end." He heard word of a 60-day armistice...

GLC00653.22.13

to mother

George B. Cook is replying to his sister's letter from January 22, 1865. Not much news to report. There is "a heap" of talk about peace. Everyone believes the war is coming to an end. "The boys will all run away if they [aren't] fed a little better."...

GLC00653.22.14

to parents

He is well. Got a letter from her and a letter from his sister. Mr. Bailey gave him $200 but he does not need it now. He will keep $60 of it. He cannot tell them if William McMehan had received the clothes he ordered. He asked the captain if he would...

GLC00653.22.15

to sister

George B. Cook is writing in reply to his sister's letter from the 9th. He is well; hopes she is too. He got the box they sent through Mr. Bailey. He did not need tobacco, as it "is an article I have quit using." He sends the box home; asks her to...

GLC00653.22.16

to father

George B. Cook writes in response to his father's letter from March 13th. He is well and it was good to hear from them again. It has been a long time since he has received a letter. "We haven't had any mail for a month." Nothing new to write about....

GLC00653.22.17

to Judge Haden

John P. Furniss thanks Judge Haden for sending $100. He explains that room and board must be paid in advance and he was concerned he would not have the money in time. He discusses his concerns about being able to help his mother financially. He...

GLC00653.24.02

[Carte-de-visite of Henry W. Halleck]

Carte-de-visite of Henry W. Halleck, printed by D. Appleton & Co.

GLC00664.02

[Carte-de-visite of Major General George B. McClellan and his wife]

Carte-de-visite of McClellan and his wife Ellen Marcy McClellan. Titled "Maj. Gen. Geo B. McClellan and Lady."

GLC00664.03

to Elvira Winegar

They got 4 months pay. He expressed 75 dollars to her. It will be some time before they leave their present location.

GLC01014.185

[Diary of Benjamin F. Thomas]

Book intended for use as diary for 1864. Earliest entry near back of book for November 1864, then returns to front of book for start of 1865. Last entry is two weeks before Thomas is mustered out. No entries from 27 March 1865 through 9 April 1865...

GLC01016.01

[Photograph of Benjamin F. Johnson]

Photograph showing Benjamin F. Thomas as an old man. Housed with diary GLC01016.01.

GLC01016.02

Engraving of Andrew Jackson

"Likeness from a Daguerreotype taken from life." Published by Johnson, Fry & Co. New York. "Entered according to act of Congress A.D. 1861 by Johnson, Fry & Co. in the clerks office of the district court for the southern district of New York."

GLC01060.01

[Portrait of Samuel Houston]

Portrait of Samuel Houston. Included with GLC01119.01. Date drawn from handwritten note in pencil.

GLC01119.02

[Deborah Sylvester's Journal]

Most entries are recorded in Scituate, Massachusetts. Records accounts and thoughts as well as biblical readings, sermons and family births and deaths. On 19 April 1775, states "the Regulars march out of Bouston and march to Lexington whare the...

GLC01144.01

[8 weaving patterns] [Decimalized .02.01- .02.08]

Dates inferred from Sylvester's journal at GLC01144.01.

GLC01144.02

[Weaving pattern]

Date inferred from Sylvester's journal (GLC01144.01). Includes columns and rows, and indicates number of threads to use. Writes "tread this as it is heavy" above the pattern. Indicates that this pattern is possibly intended for "muslen net."

GLC01144.02.01

[Weaving pattern]

Date inferred from Sylvester's journal (GLC01144.01). Includes columns and rows, and indicates number of threads to use. Contains two pattern drafts.

GLC01144.02.02

[Weaving pattern]

Date inferred from Sylvester's journal (GLC01144.01). Includes columns and rows containing the numbers 2 and 3, possibly indicating the number of threads used.

GLC01144.02.03

[Weaving pattern]

Date inferred from Sylvester's journal (GLC01144.01). Includes columns and rows containing numbers.

GLC01144.02.04

[Weaving pattern]

Date inferred from Sylvester's journal (GLC01144.01). Includes columns and rows containing numbers.

GLC01144.02.05

[Weaving pattern]

Date inferred from Sylvester's journal (GLC01144.01). Includes columns and rows containing numbers. Below the pattern, Sylvester writes "The Border of Said Civerled."

GLC01144.02.06

[Weaving pattern]

Date inferred from Sylvester's journal (GLC01144.01). Includes columns and rows containing numbers. Above the pattern, Sylvester writes "The Draft of a Civerled."

GLC01144.02.07

[Weaving pattern]

Date inferred from Sylvester's journal (GLC01144.01). Includes columns and rows containing numbers.

GLC01144.02.08

[Photograph of General William J. Hardee]

Oval photograph of General Hardee (bearded and wearing epaulets) on one side of board and oval photograph of an unknown man on the verso. Date taken from document the photograph accompanied (GLC01179.01).

GLC01179.02

to Mercy Otis Warren

Letter written by Lothrop, a friend to the writer Warren. In 1773, Warren and her husband James were already well known in Revolutionary circles. She thanks Warren for her previous letter and says she is going to try very hard to make the trip to...

GLC01189.02

Anti-Slavery Constitutional Amendment Picture

One photograph montage dated January 31, 1865 entitled, "Anti-Slavery Constitutional Amendment Picture." Reverse side contains a key for each senator photographed. Those photographed had voted to prohibit slavery. (see another copy in the Powell...

GLC01230.01

Anti-Slavery Constitutional Amendment Picture

One photograph montage dated January 31, 1865 entitled, "Anti-Slavery Constitutional Amendment Picture." Reverse side contains a key for each senator photographed. Those photographed had voted to prohibit slavery. (see another copy in the Powell...

GLC01230.02

The Conscription Act: a Series of Articles Communicated to the Journal of Commerce

Published by the Loyal Publication Society of New York. Number 7 in a series. Printed by William C. Bryant & Co. A.F. Warburton reported the text of Butler's speech. Major-General Butler refers to the Confederate States as "alien enemies" who are...

GLC01265.01

Slavery, plantations, and the yeomanry

Pamphlet No. 29 in a series published by the Loyal Publication Society of New York. Basing his argument on Joseph Kay's work "Social Condition and Education of the people of England," Francis Lieber compares the downfall of the English yeomanry...

GLC01265.02

The Conscription Act: a Series of Articles Communicated to the Journal of Commerce

Pamphlet No. 40 in a series published by the Loyal Publication Society of New York. Printed by W. C. Bryant & Co. The essays, numbered 1, 2, and 3, were published on November 18th, 21st, and 24th respectively.
Written in response to the decision...

GLC01265.03

The Future of the Country

Proposes solutions for the reconstruction of the Union. Criticizes the idea of a national convention where rebel Southerners and Union victors can meet on equal terms. Concludes by stating that it is important for citizens to organize nation-wide...

GLC01265.04

An Address Delivered by Hon. William D. Kelley at Girard Avenue, Above Eleventh St. on October 3rd, 1856

Published by "Philadelphia Morning Times", No. 3. Discusses various topics including the character of the Republican Party, threats of dissolution of the Union, and emigration from the South to the North. Includes a map of the U.S. showing "free...

GLC01265.05

Prophecy and fulfillment

A printed speech of A.H. Stephens delivered November 4 1860 opposing secession. Also includes an address by E.W. Gantt in favor of reuniting the states, delivered October 7, 1863. Published between 1863 and 1864.

GLC01265.07

Speech of R.T. Merrick, Delivered Before the Illinois State Democratic Convention at Springfield, Illinois, January 16, 1861

Published by S.P. Rounds' Steam Book and Job Printing House. Includes resolutions adopted by the Illinois State Democratic Convention. In his speech, Merrick blames the dissolution of the Union on the "bitter, vindictive, fanatical and...

GLC01265.09

How the South Rejected Compromise in the Peace Conference of 1861

Published by the Loyal Publication Society. Number 37 in a series. The contents of the pamphlet come form the notes of a member of the Loyal Publication Society. Includes a brief historical introduction to the Peace Conference of February 1861....

GLC01265.10

A reply to the "Bible View of Slavery, by J.H. Hopkins, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Vermont"

One article written by H. Drisler dated 1863. Opposes and criticizes the essay written by Bishop Hopkins entitled "Bible View of Slavery", which claims that the Bible "authorized" slavery. Published by the Loyal Publication Society of New York....

GLC01265.11

The Monroe Doctrine

Published by the Loyal Publication Society of New York. Number 34 in a series. Reprinted from the New York Ledger. Includes a letter written by John Quincy Adams on the Monroe Doctrine; reprinted from the Providence Journal and dated August 11...

GLC01265.12

Nullification and compromise; a retrospective view

Published by the Loyal Publication Society of New York. Number 27 in a series. Reviews the history of the Nullification Crisis as a means to demonstrate that South Carolina's actions were a "mere pretext" to slavery and civil war.

GLC01265.13

Brief Appeals for the Loyal Cause

Published by John W. Amerman. Includes two addresses given in New York City, resolutions and a poem. The first address, given at Union Square, was delivered at a war meeting which was called by various committees in response to an appeal of President...

GLC01265.14

Against the Degradation of the States: an Oration Delivered Before the Peace Democracy, at Canton, Stark County, Ohio, July 4, 1863

Published at the request of the Democrats. Argues that the recognition of the South is inevitable. Proclaims that the federal government is attempting to overthrow the sovereignty of the Confederate States. Emphasizes the right and constitutional...

GLC01265.17

The Wrongs to Missouri's Loyal People

Speech given before a convention at Jefferson City, Missouri on September 1 , 1863. Denounces the "conservatives" of Missouri as disloyal secessionists and Southern sympathizers. Expresses his outrage for the injustices done to the loyal people of...

GLC01265.18

President Lincoln's views

May 16, 1863 resolutions from a group of New York Democrats led by Erastus Corning, along with Lincoln's response. The committee argues that the arrest of Clement L. Vallandigham of Ohio for treason had violated the latter's rights under the...

GLC01265.19