1862

Keyes, Samuel. fl. 1862-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: [Collection of Samuel Keyes]

11 letters with covers, written by a private in the 16th Massachusetts Regiment. He describes actions in the Army of the Potomac from the troop buildup at Fort Monroe, initiating the Peninsula Campaign, to the Second Battle of Bull Run, where he was badly wounded. Comments on camp life, battles and commanders, and slaves. "The time I miss home the worst," he writes, "is when we are on picket … on a post in a dense wood liable to be shot at any moment, then is the time my mind wanders back to home and friends."

GLC09354

18 June 1861

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Complains that letters from family in Memphis are few. Writes about his experience during a scouting expedition. Also mentions that the soldiers have been getting very good food because they are paying a nearby plantation cook to prepare food for them weekly. Comments on the independence of a soldier.

GLC02232.02

27 May 1862

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Ward writes that they will be moving from Corinth soon, as the enemy is too close to the Tennessee River and Beauregard doesn't have room for strategic operations in Corinth. He complains of skirmishing with enemy pickets and being in the cold rain without any blankets, food, or sleep. Writes that every time the men go out on picket, they say goodbye to their friends. Reports that he expected to be promoted but still remains a non-commissioned officer. He fears that communication with his family in Memphis and Port Gibson will soon be cut off and would like photographs of his sisters. He…

GLC02232.06

14 June 1862

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

He writes that they are encamped on the Mobile and Ohio railroad. Expresses his hatred for the war and writes "if ever I get into another I want somebody to have me put in the lunatic asylum". Writes that he often wishes he were a negro with a good master, as the soldiers are kept hungry and are only given small portions of fresh beef and biscuits. Hopes to get appointed officer soon just so that he can get something to eat. He writes that Sam (his brother Sam Marshall Ward, also in company A) has been detailed to work in the hospital. He has not seen Clarence ( a brother or family…

GLC02232.07

18 June 1862

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes that he is unwell. Reports on some of the news at camp and home. His brother Sam, also known as "Marshall," is still detained in the hospital. Reports that it is likely that the men will be moving soon and has been assured by the officers that they will not move further South. Also reports that Samuel Lapsley of Company A is dead. Comments that he is going to quit his foolishness and find some nice pretty, smart, and rich girl that will marry him. Comments on how he's lost his good looks stating that he looks as "black as a negro." Writes that there is a good supply of turkey…

GLC02232.08

11 July 1862

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes that some letters he sent to his father were confiscated and later returned to him by General Grant. He laments that General Clarke has been reassigned and writes that "there was never a general so beloved by his troops." Explains that his company has every Saturday to clean up camp, and do the wash and other chores "like negroes" do. He jokingly admits that the men are better at playing poker on Saturdays. Ward is anxious to see girls again and is still resolved to marry. Discusses his feelings on women and marrying and warns his sister to never be "green enough" to let someone…

GLC02232.09

23 December 1862

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes that spending Christmas away from home will be difficult for him and he will miss his family. Discusses his celebration plans for the holidays. Explains that despite being away from home, he is able to visit his lady friends. Reports on news of various men that serve with Ward including Charly Locke whom he believes was been taken prisoner. Describes an incident where a shot hit his canteen and he mistook the water running down his leg for blood. When he determined he was not injured, he continued until shortly after, he was shot in the foot. Asks his sister to remember him to…

GLC02232.11

January 26, 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

He describes the interior of his tent in detail including some of the books and newspapers sitting on his table. Ward tells his sister that he and his tent mate, Webber, have hired an old hotel cook at $40 per month to cook for them. Writes that he usually visits the ladies of the town he is in, but hasn't been to town this time because he has boils on his neck. In an effort to get rid of the boils, he has stopped eating meat and is taking a dash of salt every morning. He updates his sister on camp news and news of other soldiers. Ward closes the letter by stating that he has lost "many…

GLC02232.13

16 July 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

He was upset with his sister but has decided to write to her despite of it. Referring to why he was upset, he writes that he had not intended to be engaged and that "in love making you may either naturally run into an engagement or are led into it." Describes a difficult march from Shelbyville and complains that they haven't had tents for a long time. Informs her that he has caught a cold, the first one since enlisting and continues to have headaches, slight fever, and achy limbs. Writes that there is little chance for furlough and that the ladies should think about making a trip to Dixie…

GLC02232.19

14 August 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes that he hasn't heard from his family in a long time. He updates his sister on Marshall's (Ward's brother, also referred to as Sam) whereabouts and condition. Ward writes that he spends most of his time in camp reading Waverly novels and the Bible because he doesn't care for Chattanooga or its residents. He complains that he is broke and needs a new pair of boots, which he hopes his sister will be able to furnish for him. Mentions Ms. Ettie (a former love interest with abolitionist tendencies) and writes that he wishes never to discuss her again. Informs his sister that Clarence (a…

GLC02232.20

25 September 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes from the line of battle before Chattanooga. Reports that he has survived the Battle of Chickahominy with just a slight wound to the chest. He spent two days in the hospital and rejoined his command on 22 September. Ward writes that the enemy is still in Chattanooga and he predicts that there will be another battle soon. Reports that his messmate and friend, Lieutenant Webber, was killed in the field. Writes that his consolidated company went into the fight with 40 men and lost 10 (one killed, eight wounded, and one missing). Ward writes that they've had a difficult four weeks with…

GLC02232.23

31 October 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Refers to "P" from the previous letter and writes that he is likely to go to Marietta to see Marshall (their brother, Samuel Marshall Ward). He writes that he has fallen "powerfully in love" with Miss Mollie. Discusses leaving the battle line before Chattanooga and marching up the railroad. They are presently located about 12 miles from Lauden and 40 miles from Knoxville. Complains of the cold weather, lack of food, and shelter but reassures his sister that the boys are still in fine spirits. Tells his sister that he has forwarded all the letters he's received from home to his brother…

GLC02232.26

30 August 1863

Kessler, A.P., fl. 1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his friends

Writes from Camp Douglas. Notes the cold weather. Discusses another soldier in camp who is a mean drunk.

GLC03523.52.10

26 September 1863

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from Camp Douglas. Reports 1500 Confederate prisoners have arrived in camp over the last two days. Discusses two men who were killed in camp. The first was a sharpshooter who shot himself. The other was a "negro boy" who was shot by a guard. Writes, "… He felt getting Rather careless He was going to His quarters and crossed the gard [sic] when the gard [sic] Halted him 3 times and He did not stop the 4th time shot him…" Thanks her for the stamps. Encourages her to go to school this winter. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner. Addressee name…

GLC03523.52.15

27 December 1863

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from Camp Douglas. Complains about the rainy weather. Describes a dance that the sharpshooters had with the wash women. Requests that she send him his razor when his father sends him a turkey. Discusses the theater and the women showing their knees. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner.

GLC03523.52.27

1 April 1864

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from camp. Reports on the sickness back home and in camp. Writes, "we have 8 or 9 kinds of lice five or six kinds of [each] put these altogether would make it rather sickly…" Notes she should not fret too much about the sickness at home. Comments on the miserable food. Request she writes him back with the latest news. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner.

GLC03523.52.42

20 April 1864

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Kessler

Writes to his brother from camp. Describes living in small tents with three other men. Reports not having a cook or a stove. Notes they do all their cooking over the fire, meet twice a day for bread and coffee, and get three meals a day. Writes, " I am harty [sic] enough to eat a raw mule and chase the rider."

GLC03523.52.49

October 26, 1861

Hollingsworth, William T., fl. 1861-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 illnesses in camp. Draft transcript is available.

GLC00653.20.03

21 December 1861

Davis, Samuel H., ?-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Dolly Davis

Writes to his wife. Discusses camp conditions and illnesses. A draft transcript is available.

GLC02738.01

January 10, 1862

Davis, Samuel H., ?-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Dolly Davis

Writes to his wife. Discusses illnesses in the camp. Mentions they are expecting heavy fighting soon. A draft transcript is available.

GLC02738.02

7 March 1862

Brown, James H., fl. 1861-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Brown

Writes to his sister discussing his journey and mentions the cutting of the rail road lines. Written at "Camp at Oak Grove."

GLC03060.02

6-7 October 1863

Holt, Talbert, fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Carrie Holt

Writes to his wife from camp near Chattanooga, Tennessee. Describes soldiering, commenting on marching and deserters. Discusses fighting in Chattanooga, noting the shelling and the hard life of soldiering. Writes, "I changed my clothing yesterday for the first time in nearly two months... many of our boys have not dressed or pulled of a garment, in over two months." Letter is partially damaged, causing minor text loss.

GLC03061.04

20 March 1864

Denson, Virginius S., fl. 1842

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Denson

Discusses his boredom at camp, his correspondence and surroundings.

GLC03135.02.03

circa 20 December 1861

Johnston, Witter H., fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Sue Johnston

He loves the muster rolls that are nearly completed. They have a new cook house. He is very healthy but does not have much time for reading.

GLC02167.06

25 December 1863

Johnston, Witter H., fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Sue Johnston

He wishes her merry christmas. The company had oysters for dinner last night. He was tempoarily assigned to company A so he had to move all his things from his tent. Includes newspaper clipping about the Ladies' Aid Societies of the North.

GLC02167.07