15 July 1862

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister and Father

Addresses his sister in first half of letter about her "new young man." Asks if she will send him a number of things, such as a shirt, some tobacco, and some "Jamaca Ginger" because the water there gives him diarrhea. The second half of the letter is written to his father, telling him that his regiment lost about 400 men, as well as six or eight commanding officers. States, "I dont think General [George] McClellan will attack Richmond for some time yet..." Also tells him that "the president [Abraham Lincoln] reviewed the Army of the Potomac when he was here." Mentions that he has heard…

GLC03523.08.41

6 September 1862

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Reports that they have gone on picket duty on the South side of the James River, one week before Harrison's Landing was evacuated. Details that they have been ordered to reinforce General John Pope's army at Rappahannock Station. Describes a battle, noting that his troops were commanded by General Irvin McDowell, who "made a regular piece of botched work out of it." Notes that General John Reynolds, "whose got command of the Division brought us up to time..." States that he is glad General George McClellan is in command. Written in pencil.

GLC03523.08.43

3 November 1862

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Informs his father that he has gotten the position of Assistant Clerk at the hospital, and his health is much improved as he only has a "touch" of dysentery. Writes that he hopes Martha, possibly his sister, feels better soon. Reports that "they had quite a stir here on account of General [John] Wool arresting some of the leading men and sending them to Delaware, but they are released now and it is pretty much blowed over." Asks that she send him the New York Ledgers. Written on stationery with "US Army General Hospital, Newton University, Baltimore" letterhead.

GLC03523.08.48

11 November 1862

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Reports that he has gained four pounds since he has been at the hospital, noting that "the night I left Uncle Jimmy's I weighed 120 pounds" and he now weighs 124. Asks for his father's opinion on General George McClellan's removal of the army from the Potomac. Remarks that he has seen in the papers here "that they censure both him and General Wool on this Harper's Ferry surrender." Written on stationery with "US Army General Hospital, Newton University, Baltimore" letterhead.

GLC03523.08.49

February 4, 1863

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

States to father, "George B. McClellan is the only man that can manage the Army of the Potomac. And I think their wont be much done with that Army till he gets command of it." Writes small note to sister at bottom of the letter, "Do you know I think you will get your 'Piano.' " Written on stationery with "US Army General Hospital, Newton University, Baltimore" letterhead.

GLC03523.08.61

February 21, 1863

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Tells his sister not to be worried about Ben, possibly their brother, losing his leg. Writes "he wont lose it. Let him be out as much as he will. I reckon the Surgeons their want something to practice on." Asks his sister to tell Ben that he was very pleased to hear of his promotion to Sergeant, and thinks he should ask for Lieutenancy next. Reports that General Benjamin Franklin Butler is in Baltimore now and "their was an excitement the other day on a small scale." Written on stationery with "US Army General Hospital, Newton University, Baltimore" letterhead.

GLC03523.08.63

23 March 1863

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Reports that he is in good health. Tells her that he has enclosed a couple of photographs in the letter, which are no longer with the letter. Writes, "I will send you Piano in it providing I can get an envelope large enough to hold it. As I have got my eye on one that will just suit you... if I would get you a Piano you would want me to get you a Music Teacher and Book... " Relays that the Ninth Army arrived yesterday with General Ambrose Burnside, who is now in Baltimore. Written on stationery with "US Army General Hospital, Newton University, Baltimore" letterhead.

GLC03523.08.67

6 May 1863

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Writes to his sister from the Army Hospital at Newton University. Tells her "I will say nothing about the Army as you know as much as I do about the moves. But [General Joseph] Hooker will not end the war." Reports that there was a "Negro Surgeon" that came through Baltimore and was attacked by a crowd, even though he was in uniform. Writes that "the people here are down on Nigger soldiers."

GLC03523.08.70

19 June 1863

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Reports that 1200 prisoners passed through Baltimore from Vicksburg today and that The New York Seventh arrived yesterday. Tells his father that the hospital now has 185 patients and is filling up quickly as the "wonded are arriving in this city by the Hundreds." Informs him that he has heard that "[Joseph] Hooker is at the point of Rocks and [Robert E.] Lee is at Harpers Ferry. The supposition is now that the next battle fought will be on the old Antietam Battle Ground." Remarks that is time for General George McClellan to be placed in command of the Army of the Potomac. Shares that he…

GLC03523.08.74

26 June 1863

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Describes the atmosphere in Baltimore, telling his sister that "the Military Authorities are throwing up Earthworks all around the city. Now seizing every Nigger they find on the streets and sending them out to work on the entrenchements." Informs her that they now have over 200 patients in the hospital, and he recently saw in the papers that the Rebels are near the Capital. Writes, "If [Ulysses S.] Grant keep on fooling at Vicksburg it will be a second pennisula affair." Notes he has not heard much from General Joseph Hooker's army. Testifies that he thinks the two armies are "about equally…

GLC03523.08.75

6 July 1863

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Reports that they are receiving patients "every five minutes" at the hospital, as the "city is flooded with wounded." Tells her there "was considerable excitement in the city...as some of the scouting parties of the rebels came within 7 miles of the city." Asks for their father's opinion on General George Meade, noting that since General George McClellan left they need a man "capable of handling the army of the Potomac." Also writes, "The report came in here to night that Lee has offered to surrender. But I know better than that. For Meade is a smart man, but he cant take Lee a prisoner."…

GLC03523.08.76

25 April 1864

Knox, Andrew, 1835-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sarah Knox

Knox writes to his wife from Fort Scott in Virginia. Reports he took the company to Fort Ward for a very severe brigade review and inspection. Expresses deep love for her. Expects to move to the front as artillery. Reports Union General Ambrose Burnside passed by their fort with nearly 40,000 men who are camped all around them. States he is being asked to give up his bed for the night for a sick General. Informs he was officer of the day. .

GLC03523.20.09

11 July 1864

Knox, Andrew, 1835-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sarah Knox

Knox writes to his wife from camp outside Petersburg, Virginia. Inquires about the shirt and socks she sent him. Informs her the gun he fires into Petersburg is called the Petersburg Express and takes fourteen seconds to reach its target. Mentions his regiment reports directly to Union General Ulysses S. Grant. States he is along the Appomattox River. Comments Union General Ambrose Burnside is there with the 9th Corps.

GLC03523.20.11

11 August 1864

Knox, Andrew, 1835-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sarah Knox

Knox writes to his wife from Spring Hill, Virginia. Worries about her lack of letters and wonders if her health is compromised. Expresses desire to "...enjoy each others society again..." Mentions he will be exempt from any future drafts unlike "...others who have neglected their plain duty in this war." Refers to the explosion at Civil Point, Virginia, Union General Ulysses S. Grant's headquarters next to the James River. Expresses relief he was not nearby at the time.

GLC03523.20.15

16 September 1861

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Relays, "That account of the affair at big falls is all a big lie they put in anything to make the papers sell. Their was no musketry shot returned by our Regiment. The Artillery only answered them the next day and then they did not return the fire." Continues on about the newspapers, commenting "I reckon the newspapers had another blow in about that affair down the falls church. We was called out but only get down as far as the chain bridge before the fight was over." Mentions that she will probably "here tell of a Movement of McClellan that will quite surprise you. In his speech to the…

GLC03523.08.17

25 September 1861

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Informs sister that some of the "Baptor five Zouaves" came through his camp this morning. Reports that they were received by General George McClellan and their new Brigadier General, George Meade. Tells her that everything is quiet now. In a post script, relates that she should not be concerned if he isn't home for Christmas, stating that he expects to eat Christmas dinner in Philadelphia, "for they are now getting the enemy completely surrounded." Last page of letter written in pencil. Written on red and blue bordered stationery with a small image of a woman and the words, "Union and…

GLC03523.08.19

17 December 1861

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister and Father

First half of letter written to his sister from Camp Pierpont. Includes newspaper clippings, noting that they are in regards to General George McCall and his division, as well as some "poetry dedicated to the Ranger's which I knew you will like it after you read it." The second half of the letter is addressed to his father, relaying information of the trial of Lieutenant Howell in Washington and "about a dozen" other men. Comments that "the reason we took the women prisinors was on account of being spies." Also divulges that a man named Johnson, who joined the Lincoln Cavalry in New York was…

GLC03523.08.24

25 October 1861

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Writes from Camp Pierpont, Virginia. Recounts to him, "you heard of the battle of Balls Bluff where the Rebels were victorious. They killed about 600 men altogether... besides the prisoners they took." Also reports that they caught the traitor, a clerk from the War Department, who had defeated General George McClellan's plans of taking Munson Hill. States that "if we had stayed 24 hours longer we would all been killed or taken Prisinors." Confesses, "I made no attempt to vote as I aint of age." First 4 pages of letter written on stationery with a image of red, white, and blue image of woman…

GLC03523.08.20

25 November 1861

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Reports "within 3 weeks, you will hear tell of the Battle of Manassas Junction for Gen. McClellan has deceided to take that place what ever it may cost them. the campaign in Virginia will be over. And I guess we the Pennsylvania Reserve will have to face the music." Letter written on stationery that has a large image of an eagle and an American flag on the top, alongside the words "Union & Liberty." "Now & forever" is written underneath the stationery's image in the author's hand.

GLC03523.08.22

6 January 1862

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Reports from Camp Pierpont. Professes to her, "I think I told you once before that you must not believe all the newspapers say about [this] war for they dont know more than you do. Or not much more. You must not suppose that General George McCall is a going to publish his movements before he make them. As the enemy hears soon enough of his moves without published them. It seem they knew it very near as quick as we do ourselves." Speaks of the rumor that there are 30,000 Rebels at Drainsville who are putting up fortifications, but remarks that he hasn't see any yet. Mentions General George…

GLC03523.08.25

January 14, 1862

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Writes from Camp Pierpont telling him that Christmas and New Year's "passed off pleasently and on New Years day we had a grand Oyster Dinner." Provides detail about picketing, particularly noting the harsh and cold weather. Relays military information. "I heard that part of Rush's Calvary are now on this side of the river..." Also discusses military tactics, "Napoleon plan was never to attack an enemy that was a killing itself. And thats the way with General [George] B. McClellan for the longer we lay here the longer the Rebels are suffering for want of proper provision clothing Blankets etc…

GLC03523.08.26

January 20, 1862

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Writing from Camp Pierpont, he summarizes the military news for his father. Recently heard that some New York troops are coming across Chain Bridge, and that Birneys Zouaves (23rd Regiment) are coming to the area. Mentions that General George McClellan was supposed to come as well. Tells his father, "and when the word is given forward march you will not hear tell of any more blunders such as Bull Run. Ball Bull firing into their own Regiments and &c. But of a Victory as we know no such word as Defeat." Notes that his Division is to be increased to 20,000 soldiers, and that it is currently…

GLC03523.08.27

January 26, 1862

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Reports from Camp Pierpont, telling his father that they expect an attack from the Rebels any day. Relays that Centreville is fortified by about 60,000 Rebel troops and 175 pieces of artillery. Informs him about General George McClellan's plan to attack from the front and rear and comments, "McClellan dont intend that his men shall be cut up by them." Notes that General George McCall is attempting to get his division to go on General Ambrose Burnside's expedition. Discusses his father's approval to General George McClellan's recent address. Confides in his father about his sadness that…

GLC03523.08.29

January 30, 1862

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Summarizes daily duties to his sister, from Camp Pierpont. Tells her that he expects that General Ambrose Burnside's expedition will take place soon. Writes "I got nothing new to write it is the same old thing out here Rain Rain Rain Mud Mud Mud Slush Slush Slush..."

GLC03523.08.30

February 4, 1862

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father and Sister

First half of letter written to his sister from Camp Pierpont. Reports that The Burnside [General Ambrose Burnside] Expedition is "somewhere down South now." Communicates to her his opinion that "you better hunt of husband than a situation as a School Teacher." Refers to a previous camp of his as "Camp Starvation." The second half of the letter is written to his father, thanking him for looking into "Spiritous Liquers" for him. He professes that "not one cent of mine" has been used to buy any. Confesses that he has had some to drink a few times, noting that once it was because there was water…

GLC03523.08.31