25 May 1864

Peyster, John Watts de, 1821-1907

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to W. H. Whitimore

Thanks Whitmore for four volumes and accompanying pamphlets. Writes that the cost of publishing has deterred Mr. Morgan from publishing biographies on [John] Watts (New York politican and member of the Third U.S. Congress) [John George] Leake (New York lawyer and founder of the Leake and Watt's Orphange), and another de Peyster family member. Encloses photographs (not included) of the dePeyster and Watts family vaults at Trinity Church in New York City. Mentions a letter from his son regarding the battle of Williamsburg in 1862. His son was aide de camp to General Philip Kearny, a member…

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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…

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3 September 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law and sister

Written near the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. Writes that one of his teeth has decayed because of the hard tack and tough beef he has been eating. Part of Atlanta, Georgia has been occupied by the Union Army thanks to General William T. Sherman's "last grand move." Sherman's main army is still 25 to 30 miles away and that Confederate General John Bell Hood's army is divided in the center. At night he heard noises that sounded like cannonading of Atlanta but it turned out to be the rebels destroying their own magazines and military stores. Writes that during the siege Atlanta was surrounded…

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10 September 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law and sister

Written near the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. There are numerous raids on the roads north of Atlanta, Georgia and have interrupted mail and supplies moving south. Their camp has moved to the south side of the Chattahoochee River. Writes that they expect go to into Atlanta soon. The center of the main Union Army is about two or three miles from Atlanta. The city has suffered much damage from Union shell and shot. The rebels had constructed some defenses to keep the Union out of the city. The Union attacked and retreated while General William T. Sherman moved into the Confederate rear. This…

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14 September 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 has not received any mail dated before 12 September for ten days as the rebel attacks have disrupted the mail service. He thinks that a rebel named Wheeler is to blame for all of the attacks. He wonders if there is any relation between him and the rebel. It has been over two years and he thought the rebellion would have been stopped by now but the fight continues on. Writes that if the North had a unified front and had there been no copperheads the war would be over. He hopes that the Republican Party will get Abraham Lincoln elected again.…

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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…

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16 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. The line of communication have once again been opened. The mail came in all last night and he received three letters from Martha. He is sorry to hear that Johnny Burst [?] is not doing any better. He wishes he could help Johnny to feel better even though he knows he cannot. Asks for a good pair of boots and some shoe nails. He does not need his shirts from home as the clothing he left at the previous camp has arrived. Thinks that the regiment might stay at camp for a while as there have been reports that General William T. Sherman has been "…

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10 May 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Believes that the rebel forces at Kinston, North Carolina have moved to assist Lee in suppressing the advancement of the Grand Army of the Potomac. He has heard news that the rebels have "held their ground" in two days of fighting and have captured 5,000 prisoners. Writes "we have just begun to see the rough side of war" and relays the stories of two Southern families whose homes were taken over by Union soldiers and were forced out. Reports that there is rumor of General Hooker re-crossing the Rappahannock River with greater loss than General Burnside. Expresses his concern of the effect…

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1 August 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rebecca Frick

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Writes that he is still in Washington and has not done much fighting recently. Discusses a position for which he applied, stating that he won't be disappointed if he doesn't get it but could use the increase in pay. Reports that General Foster has raided North Carolina and brought in a number of prisoners and horses. States that many Union men in North Carolina are trying to bring the state back to its old allegiance. Feels that if all the rebels are driven out of Virginia, North Carolina will return to the Union. Reports that…

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10 August 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Complains about the excessive heat and comments on the health of the soldiers. States that the men in New Bern are healthy, but those in Washington, Roanoke, and Plymouth have got chills and fever. Discusses his recent attack of fever, for which he took quinine. Writes that there has been no mail going north for the last ten days, which is why his sister hasn't received any correspondence from him. Reports that a colored regiment had just arrived, but doesn't know where they came from. He is very anxious to hear reports from General Meade's army. Jokingly mentions all the parties that…

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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.

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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.

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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…

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29 May 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rebecca Frick

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Reports on a long skirmish involving Union forces, 175 prisoners, and some equipment including a "splendid set of surgical instruments." Gives a detailed description of a surprise attack on rebel forces and news that Col. [John Richter] Jones had been killed. Writes that a general gloom came over the regiment upon seeing Jones' body coming up the road in a stretcher. High military honors were paid to Jones by General Foster and the town's flags were set at half mast for three days. He has written an account of the recent fight…

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26 May 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Writes that the rebels keep the Union lines surrounded so much that when the sharpshooters watch from the trees they shoot every time they see a shoulder strap. As a result, one man was killed in his tent and another wounded. Reports that some skirmishing occurred. Also reports that Colonel Dutton of the 21st Connecticut was seriously wounded while taking a survey of rebel works. Writes that the colonel is a highly regarded man amongst the soldiers. Believes that Butler will not be able to make any moves until Grant is able to reinforce him or has driven Lee into Richmond. States that…

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May 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rebecca Frick

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). He writes that he is stiff and sore from a seventeen-mile march from Cold Harbor to Whitehouse. Updates his aunt on the locations of the various corps. Reports on rumors that the 18th corps will be going back to Bermuda Hundred and the rest will be making another one of Grant's flanks towards the north bank of the James River. the men were met by calls and taunts from the enemy and responded with "volies of musketry, grape, camister, and shrapinel." Is looking forward to moving to a new camp, possibly in the North or South of the…

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22 September 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Sarcastically informs his sister that he has stopped writing weekly letters because his sisters never reply. Is happy that his sister has decided to attend school and advises against reading "wishy-washy" novels, which do not enlighten people or make them wise. Was surprised to hear that N.F. Lightner, Esq. had joined the Grand Army of the Union. Reports that Grant is receiving reinforcements daily and in large numbers. Recounts a brief interaction between a Confederate and a Union soldier regarding some stray cattle. Reports that there is no news from the Army of the James.

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9 October 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rebecca Frick

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Mentions that he is thankful to be alive and in good health. Reports that fifteen men from his company were wounded or killed at the battle of Chaffin's Farm. Names and describes some of the men wounded and lost in the battle, including Corporal Housewearst, who was considered the pride of the company. Writes that General Butler has sent Major Winn to Harrisburg for more recruits to "fill up" the regiment.

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January 21, 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

He writes to his wife that he is sorry he has not sent more money home. States that the country is "hard up for money" and therefore cannot send as much as he would like or as much as she deserves. Comments that he asks no one to watch his wife. He will try and come home after the next battle. Writes that he wishes her to send more letters and notes. States that 17 days have passed since he has received her last letter. Comments that he will be paid soon and try to take a leave of absence. If not, he will resign in order to settle his affairs. In the second letter he writes that there is to…

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11 April 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother-in-law, parents and sister

Written at Lookout Valley, Tennessee. He writes that spring is coming and the army is excited. Notes that the weather is much better and that some of the apple trees are beginning to blossom. Believes that the farming here at camp will be poor as most of the land is used for camping. Writes that many of the refugees have been ordered north. Describes the women of the Lookout Valley stating they are very slim in appearance. He thinks of settling down in Lookout Valley after the war is over. Writes that he wants to "hunt rabbits for a living" and he will keep "our niggers" for the garden.…

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18 April 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother-in-law, parents and sister

Written in Lookout Valley, Tennessee. He reports that the weather is nice but there has been some rain. States that he left his overcoat in Nashville, Tennessee with Ann the regiment's "negro woman." Notes that prices are high both at home in Illinois and in the camp. Suggests to his family what to plant this spring. Writes that he will not be coming home for harvest time as he expects the army to move south to engage the rebels. Reports that he is now in the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division of the 20th Army Corps. States that Major General Joseph Hooker commands the Army Corp, Major General Daniel…

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12 May 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother-in-law, parents and sister

Written at Snake Creek Gap, Georgia. The regiment marched again and is currently working on roads for the army to march on. Writes that he thinks they are about five miles from the main body of the rebel army. The brigade took such a circuitous march that he had trouble keeping track of the distances and locations. Thinks there will be a raid tonight on the rebels near the railroad. Reports that a dispatch by General Joseph E. Johnston called on the city of Atlanta, Georgia for 30,000 volunteers was captured. The good news from the Army of the Potomac was read to them and they cheered. When…

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31 May 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother-in-law, parents and sister

Written on the battle field near Dallas, Georgia. He explains that he is unsure of what effect the army has had on the war being in Georgia but hopes that it is good. Writes that they have had all the rations they can eat and keep several days worth in their haversacks. Notes that General William T. Sherman is with the army in Georgia. Reports that General Sherman was not afraid to go to the front with the skirmishers. The rebels leveled the log house that was the headquarters of Ward who commands their brigade. He writes that he celebrated his birthday on the battlefield and that part of the…

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16 May 1864- 2 June 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother-in-law, parents and sister

Written at Camp of the Illinois 105th. States that he is in good health although he is worried about the casualties the Union army is sustaining. Writes that he is glad his mother worries less even though her feelings are natural. Part of the regiment was sent out on picket duty and to the skirmish line. Yesterday afternoon their corps were relieved from the center of the line. The rest of their corps has not reached them. He believes they are headed to Marietta, Georgia. Reports that there has been skirmishing all day and occasional artillery fire from the Union guns. He has heard reports…

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4 June 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother-in-law, parents and sister

Written behind the breastworks of the Illinois 105th regiment. Reports that his regiment had received marching orders but it rained so hard they only marched a short distance. He marched with the regiment toward the left wing and then to the front where the 23rd Corp was already skirmishing with the enemy. In the breastworks the 23rd was supported by the 20th Corp waiting in the reserve line. His regiment was sent to the very end of the left wing to prevent the Union forces from being outflanked. The rebels were surprised by this and his regiment turned them "pretty sharply." Writes that…

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