1775

Manuscript document

Title: [Two muster rolls taken during the siege of Boston, September-October 1775]

A roll for Captain Luke Drury's company in the 32nd Continental Regiment of Foot under Colonel Jonathan Ward.

GLC09048

12 November 1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

They move towards Richmond. Describes a battle and the capture of 4 artillery, 2000 small arms, 2 brigade commanders, and 1600 privates with 120 officers prisoners, including the "Louisiana Tigers, the men who carried long knives for the purpose of butchering our wounded." The Rebels left supplies and excellent quarters. "We make ourselves comfortable, these cold evenings, over large fires, discussing the various agitated questions of the day."

GLC03523.23.26

January 10, 1864

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Is grateful for the news; it provides freedom from boredom for the entire camp. Describes their winter quarters, a rude combination of log cabin and tent. His roommate is a German soldier who participated in the disturbances of 1848 then fled his native land to the United States, hoping to live in peace.

GLC03523.23.29

2 April 1864

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Complains about rain; would rather march than be cooped up in his tent. Reports on recent army reorganization and Meade's current actions. Asks a hypothetical question translating the value of gold to greenbacks.

GLC03523.23.34

21 April 1865

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Written from Camp Parole, where Union prisoners of war were held until they were exchanged with Confederate prisoners of war, then returned to their regiments. Expresses fear that every officer would apprehend him after he had been taken into custody. So few men have reported back that the camp appears deserted. Describes the recent day of mourning for Lincoln. While exploring camp, discovered a library of castaway volumes with a few interesting books.

GLC03523.23.37

27 April 1865

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Describes how marching to the front now is somewhat different now than a year ago because their army is much more victorious. Reacts to presidential communication with Britain; wonders about Canada. Written from Camp Parole, where Union prisoners of war were held until they were exchanged with Confederate prisoners of war, until being returned to their regiments.

GLC03523.23.38

1779-1780

Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786

Manuscript document

Title: Estimate of camp equipage necessary for an Army of 30,000 infantry &c. for 1 year no: 3

Main page is a large list counting the necessary amounts of various military stores, where they are required, their cost in 1775, and the total cost in 1775 of all these stores. Stores include items such as tents, buckets and iron cups. Second page contains the title and a note. Note explaining that if the army is forced to fight in the winter the tents may be ruined, and that a stationary army needs fewer kettles, canteens and knapsacks than a marching army. These factors will affect the total cost. Prepared by the office of the Quarter Master General, Nathanael Greene, for the budget…

GLC00634.01.02

November 4, 1863

Fuller, Josiah C., 1827-1896

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

He describes the troop's movement between Marenten Junction and Falmouth and changes in leadership. He charges her for expecting his brothers to take care of her when she can take care of herself. He describes camp food. Letter is cross-written.

GLC00653.06.02

January 11, 1863

Swain, Julius Marshall, 1835-1811

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Julius Marshall Swain reports his troop's movements and his hope for a winter camp soon. He was temporarily appointed commanding brigade quartermaster and oversees the provision of clothing and horse feed, as well as supervision of teamsters, carpenters, and blacksmiths. He expresses concern about money.

GLC00653.10.03

March 1, 1863

Swain, Julius Marshall, 1835-1811

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Comments on the horrible wind and is grateful to be an officer at HQ where the tents are much more sturdy and pleasant. Describes the political relationships among commanders and his lack of hope for promotion or distinction.

GLC00653.10.05

28 April 1862

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

He writes while squatting on the ground with his portfolio on his knees. Describes the soldier's life with the bulk of time spent in marching: "marching is what breaks the men down so much; they hate it worse than they do fighting." He prefers picket duty. He describes the battleground of Sharpsburg and the march to Williamsport. "The Mined balls, shells, and grape and canister make a fellow feel a little shaky." He also describes food.

GLC03523.23.02

27 October 1862

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Describes the scene as "a cold, rainy Sunday in a crowded, leaky tent, three more letters to write, and no dinner in prospective except 'beans.'" Mentions constant marching with little rest. As it is getting cold, "the boys draw around the fire, where we have some gay time, telling yarns, arguing, &c." Fellow soldiers call him "Pud" or "Clothes" for his large shape. "With us, the war seems but little advanced toward the end."

GLC03523.23.03

15 November 1862

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

While they are located in a beautiful overlook of the Blue Ridge, "there is not the slightest romance in walking a mile up and down the mountain for water." While on picket, they got food from several homes, more by intimidation than by gift, "followed by their maledictions."

GLC03523.23.04

4 January 1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Describes the recuperation following the battle of Rappahannock due to mismanagement. The men are discouraged and do not support the recent presidential proclamation. There is constant effort to increase comfort, building log structures in camp, and little sickness.

GLC03523.23.05

January 13, 1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

His regiment has been transferred from Cochrane's Brigade to Pratt's Light Division, assigned to skirmish, reconnaissance, and the prevention of guerrilla raids. Their camp is much more comfortable. Wonders how greenbacks are functioning with several rumors abounding.

GLC03523.23.06

January 26, 1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Describes Burnside's "mud march" and the return to their old camps, where rations are short due to the mud. Praises General Cochrane. While on picket on the Rapppahannok, they had friendly conversation with Rebel soldiers.

GLC03523.23.07

January 31, 1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Describes the excitement of mail call. They will soon receive another new general; "if they keep going down the list, I think I shall have a brush at commander-in-chief before the war is over." Hooker is not very popular; they prefer McClellan. He misses reading material.

GLC03523.23.08

1 March1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Complains about snow and mud preventing any action. Mentions the conscription bill, necessary only because of the inability of the war to be successful with volunteers. Writes, "The public does not know the true history of this war." Reminisces about the past.

GLC03523.23.09

24 June 1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Has not received mail or news for a while and does not know what is happening. Their location has seen several battles before their arrival, with bullet marks in trees and casings on the ground. Describes a recent raid.

GLC03523.23.17

2 August 1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

They've been fixing up their camp, overlooking the Blue Ridge mountains. Comments on the arrival of conscripts and the need to drill them. "Charleston appears a hard place to take, but it is of so much importance that it deserves continued efforts." Comments on local farmers spying on their operations.

GLC03523.23.20

1 January 1865

Woolston, Charles, fl. 1864-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Maria Woolston

Writes from the headquarters of the Army of the Potomac. Writes to his mother in Tullytown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Describes how they were summoned out of bed to confront attacking Rebels who they were able to drive away. Writes that they may get paid in two weeks, but that it could be in six months. Wants to send money home but states that most letters with money in it never reach their destination. Mentions some acquaintances. Informs that he has not received his box yet and that he has heard that no boxes have left Washington since December 20th.

GLC03523.26.05

21 November 1864

Woolston, Benjamin A., fl. 1864-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Charles Woolston

Letter to Charles signed by both his mother, M. Woolston, and his father, who signed with his initials, B.A.W. His father tells him to try and save his money, and asks Charles to let him know if he is staying in a barrack or tents. His mother writes that she is happy to hear from him. Wants him to try to get detailed for a job in the camp because it will be safer for him. Asks if there are pickpockets there and advises him to keep all his clothes. Warns him, "keep out of bad company and shun all bad habbits such as gambling drinking whisky make no bets with any body for they know you are…

GLC03523.26.10

1865

Mansfield, John W., fl. 1865

Sketchbook

Title: Book of Military Scraps by John W. Mansfield

Includes watercolor and pencil and ink drawings of: Sibley tents; Zouaves; shoulder straps by rank (in color); Fort Independence; Fort Winthrop; 'Instrument of Torture for Negroes;' several canon, mortars, and guns, including Winan's steam gun, 'Lincoln Gun at Fortress Monroe,' and Parrott Gun; flag of the Cumberland; a Berdan sharpshooter's rifle; Whitney Battery [Keokuk] 'sunk at the bombardment of Fort Sumpter'; Mississippi River gun boat; Privateer Savannah; 'Gun bent double by a cannon ball at Big Bethel'; U.S. Volunteer & Rebel; 'Field of Antietam'; 'A Skirmish at Yorktown'; Monitor…

GLC09041

1865

Mansfield, John W., fl. 1865

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: A Trip to the Army of the James

Journal illustrated by Mansfield. Includes fine pencil illustrations of 3rd Division camp and various studies of an officer, one of him in action wielding a sword. Inscribed to Mrs. Jesse J. Underhill.

GLC09042

1864

Gottshall, Samuel G., 1841-1902

Diary

Title: [Diary of Samuel G. Gottshall] [Incomplete]

Leather bound manuscript signed. First entry is not logged down until 18 February 1864. On 25 March, he reports that General Ulysses Grant is visiting. Reports on the battles of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania. Reports of heavy fighting from May through the 24th, right when his enlistment expired. On 5 May, he relates how "we crossed the Rabidan 1 p.m. fight commenced on plank road 11 p.m." On 6 May he reports, "fighting heavy," then a few hours later "still heavy fighting." Writes on 11 May that Company A is reported to have "suffered severely in loss… a regular engagement took place in…

GLC04564.05