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to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes this letter after the troops have been traveling for thirty-seven hours. He describes the journey thus far.

GLC09120.218

to Estelle Spero

Diamond describes the Dales, a family that lives nearby to the camp. He writes that the "woman of the family epitomizes the motto of these backwood Southerners - 'Keep 'em pregnant and barefoot and you'll never have trouble with 'em!'

GLC09120.219

to Estelle Spero

Diamond writes that he has just returned from a lesson teaching him how to drive a two and a half ton truck. He proceeds to describe Leesville as the typical small army town, with the number of soldiers exceeding that of local civilians tremendously...

GLC09120.220

to Estelle Spero

Diamond instructs Estelle as to what information should be engraved on his identity bracelet. He then describes the contents of his field abode, a peep tent.

GLC09120.221

to Estelle Spero

Diamond describes the experience of having been train quartermaster for the duration of the journey from Louisiana. He then discusses the pleasure of sleeping in a bed and showering after six weeks in a tent.

GLC09120.222

to Estelle Spero

Diamond tells Estelle that the part of camp that he is stationed on is known as "Wake Island" as it's so isolated.

GLC09120.223

to Estelle Spero

Diamond tells Estelle that he should be home on a short period of leave on May 8th. Sidney asks Estelle if she will marry him.

GLC09120.224

to Estelle Spero

Letter written upon Sidney's return from the leave during which the couple became "engaged".

GLC09120.225

to Estelle Spero

Diamond discusses his "unsurpassable proposal" to Estelle, and then describes the train journey back from New York to Texas.

GLC09120.226

to Estelle Spero

Diamond tells Estelle that he intends to marry her.

GLC09120.227

to Estelle Spero

Diamond describes discomfort caused by a typhoid injection, being officer of the day on a Sunday and the immense heat of a summer day in Texas. He apologizes for not having written on Friday or Saturday, explaining that he had been on a battalion...

GLC09120.228

to Estelle Spero

Diamond describes the tests of physical endurance that he is both carrying out and overseeing, for example a five-mile hike executed in just one hour.

GLC09120.229

to Estelle Spero

Diamond comments on the fact that the couple's engagement had been announced in the Hunter magazine.

GLC09120.230

to Estelle Spero

Diamond describes having spent the weekend in Austin, and also serving on the defense counsels for the court-martials.

GLC09120.231

to Estelle Spero

Diamond informs Estelle that he does not know when his company is to actually leave.

GLC09120.232

to Estelle Spero

Diamond describes life in the "home for the aged".

GLC09120.233

to Edith M. Phelps

Writes to his sister from Camp Curtin, Pennsylvania. Mentions that they are under strict rules in the camp; two pages of paper are issued each day to a company and they can wash in the river every other day. Writes about a fellow who was court...

GLC03523.49.01

to Edith M. Phelps

Writes to his sister from Camp Gibson. Says that they are placing a masked battery about a mile from camp. Writes that they are clearing an area of trees that is about a mile in width. Says that 14 men out of his company were chopping down trees...

GLC03523.49.04

to Edith M. Phelps

Writes to his sister from Camp Pierpont. Describes trying to get a furlough to go home but says that they stopped issuing all furloughs except for officers. Comments that Lieutenant Forrest has been home three times since they started marching and...

GLC03523.49.08

to Abraham Lincoln

Signed by Hannibal Hamlin as Vice President. Also signed by members of Congress including Representatives from Maine; Lot Myrick Morrill, John N. Goodwin, Charles Wesley Walton, John H. Rice, Frederick Augustus Pike, Anson Peaslee Morrill, and Ohio...

GLC05603.01.10

to Henry C. Rives

States that he does not have an autograph of the late President Lincoln that he can send.

GLC05603.01.11

to Norris Howes

Note sending his autograph. On stationary of the Boston Athletic Association.

GLC05603.01.15

to Abraham Lincoln

Recommends T. J. Barnett of New York as a judge in one of the territories of the United States. On stationary of the Department of the Interior.

GLC05603.01.16

[Appointment of Albert Harrington as a cadet in the United States Military]

Signed by Stanton as Secretary of War and Edmund Schriver as Inspector of the Military Academy.

GLC05603.01.19

to Collector of Customs, Alexandria, Virginia

Orders that the Commanding Officer of the Brig Perry require all vessels to produce a certified list of their crew from the Custom house at Georgetown or Alexandria. This is to prevent parties from avoiding the pass system on the Potomac by claiming...

GLC05603.01.21

to Richard Rush

Recommends George Bass for a position in the Boston Port of Customs as a Boarding Officer. Addressed to Rush as the Secretary of the Treasury.

GLC05603.01.27

to his sister

Writes that he is very disappointed that a "fat letter" from home has been lost. Also writes that his brigade has been on outpost for over a month and he is anxious to leave. He asks his sister to deliver the enclosed notes to Miss Ettie (his ex...

GLC02232.15

to his sister

Writes that he is fat and healthy. He's been attending picnics and fishing parties with his lady friends. Reports that they have received orders to prepare for immediate service and advises his sister to keep posted for news of battles in the...

GLC02232.16

to his sister

Advises his sister that in order to keep a sweetheart she should give him a daguerreotype and not a photograph of herself. Writes that his "sweetheart," Miss Melinda, has replaced him for another fellow. He discusses how many of the soldiers get...

GLC02232.17

to his sister

Informs his sister that he will be sending her a letter by way of a friend who has been discharged. Advises her to make acquaintances with him, as he can get letters out for her. Asks his sister to send him her daguerreotype and to correct the...

GLC02232.18

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."...

GLC02232.19

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...

GLC02232.20

to his sister

Updates his sister on their brother Marshall's condition. He writes that Marshall is in a good place and being well taken care of. Mentions that he has requested money, drawers and undershirts from their sister Fannie. Informs his sister that he...

GLC02232.21

to his sister

Apologizes for his last letter and the impact it had on his sister (referring to a letter regarding Miss Ettie). He writes that he wrote it on an impulse and wants to forget about the whole situation. He is on the eve of battle and he is willing to...

GLC02232.22

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...

GLC02232.23

to his sister

Written from the line of battle before Chattanooga. He writes that he's been in the same position for the last fifteen days. They opened on the enemy last night but he doesn't know if they are still shelling this morning, as he is too far away to...

GLC02232.24

to his sister

Written from the line of battle before Chattanooga. Writes that he has heard from his brother Marshall who is slowly recovering from dysentery. Discusses communicating with Miss Mollie and Miss Tillie and other mutual friends. Writes that he has...

GLC02232.25

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...

GLC02232.26

to his sister

Written from camp near Dalton, Georgia. Writes that he has been in poor spirits lately, especially since he was unable to see "P & M" ("M" refers to his brother Marshall). Desperately wants his sisters to visit him in Marietta, as he can get a few...

GLC02232.27

to his sister

Tells his sister that George (possibly a friend) has taken Ward's daguerrotype of her and has asked to keep it. He requests a picture of his sister. Writes that he is afraid he won't get his furlough.

GLC02232.28

to his sister

Written from camp near Dalton, Georgia. He writes that he's tempted to give up writing frequently to his sister because she seldom receives all the letters he sends. He expresses to his sister how even the most mundane details of her life are of...

GLC02232.29

to his sister

Written from camp near Dalton, Georgia. Complains about not getting any correspondence from his family. Comments on the "abolitionizing" of his hometown. Chides his sister for associating with "blue coats" and abolitionists and advises her not to...

GLC02232.30

to his sister

Written from camp near Dalton, Georgia. Asks if she can visit him at camp. Complains about the unusual cold weather and writes that men are living quite poorly as everything has become too expensive. Updates his sister on Miss Tillie and Kate Cook...

GLC02232.31

to his sister

Writes that their brother Marshall has returned from the hospital. As Ward had no immediate occupation to assign to his brother, he sent his brother back to the hospital and put him in the charge of one of the surgeons. He writes that Marshall is...

GLC02232.32

to Dr. Ward

Written from the battle line near Atlanta, Georgia. Encloses the obituary for Ed Ward, which includes the autograph of each member of the company. He writes that Ed was beloved and esteemed by all of the men in the company. Informs Dr. Ward that...

GLC02232.33

Obituary for Edward K. Ward

Obituary for Edward K. Ward, who was killed on 22 July 1864 near Atlanta, Georgia. The obituary is signed by all the members of the company.

GLC02232.34

to Anne L. Nugent

Writes to his mother because he has the opportunity to send a letter by hand. Comments that his shoes wore out and he had to walk 500 miles through Kentucky barefoot. Clothing and shoes in his unit are in similarly bad condition. Reports that his...

GLC03135.01.05

to Sallie Clifton

Written from camp near [Colombus]. Describes a sore on his arm and the swelling it has caused. Teases her about the number of shirts she sent him and tells her the weight of them is ruining his horse's back. Assures her of his safety and says he...

GLC03135.09.05

to Alfred Jones

Letter from his wife, signed "Max." Expresses her fears, anxiety, and despair over the war. Says they have heard bombing all day. Writes, "what agony would be mine to-night, did I not know this field of duty to your Country calls you, leads not to...

GLC03135.13.043

to Isora Sayles

Discusses the upcoming presidential election. Writes about the Prince of Wales, Edward Albert, passing through the area. Comments that they had special train cars (the royal train) that were done up in the most beautiful style. Describes the train...

GLC03523.32.01

to Isora Sayles

Writes to her friend about how much she misses her. Wishes for her not to move away in case they may return. Comments how she has not been to church but once and how she longs to go. Notes that she has spent the last week in bed and that she needs...

GLC03523.32.02

to Isora Sayles

Writes to his sister. Describes how they were supposed to go to Cincinnati, Ohio but just as they loaded the train car they received orders to stay put because their destination had changed. Discusses how the men behaved the night before they were...

GLC03523.32.03

to Isora Sayles

Informs his sister about the condition of a friend of theirs named Spencer. Writes that the last time he saw Spencer was back at the junction in the hospital and that he heard that he was really sick. Notes that a gentleman told him that Spencer...

GLC03523.32.04

to Isora Sayles

Informs his sister that he and the boys are well. Discusses promotions that have been given out in his company. Notes that two of their sergeants were promoted to captains in "Negro Companys." Comments on all the marriages, including hers, that...

GLC03523.32.05

to Isora Sayles

Informs his sister about the men in camp. Writes of one man who is really sick in the hospital and of another who had "yelow janders" [yellow jaundice?]. Comments that several of the boys have had it. Describes his camp as being low and flat and...

GLC03523.32.06

to Isora Sayles

Writes to his sister from a camp two miles outside of Memphis, Tennessee. Mentions having some hard marches since they have been there. Comments that they have marched some 200 miles. Thanks her or his father (he does not know which one) for...

GLC03523.32.07

to Isora Sayles

Sends his best wishes to everyone back home. Comments that he has not been sick since he has been in "Dixie." Writes that he is sorry to hear how many people are sick and dying back home. Describes how he would like to see all the deserters caught...

GLC03523.32.08

to Isora Sayles

Informs his sister that he was happy to hear that people are still patriotic. Comments he was happy to hear their late friend Spencer's body was returned home to his family. Mentions how he would like to see the Havens family begin teaching at a...

GLC03523.32.09

to Isora Sayles

Informs his sister that he sent 30 dollars by express to a man named Mr. Wells. Reports that there were 560 rebels who were marched into their camp the other night and that another 6000 to 8000 were taken in the same place. Writes that they are...

GLC03523.32.10

to Isora Sayles

Informs his sister that he will be marching out today towards Black River, Mississippi. Writes of a man named Nathan shooting himself in the hand, and says that his middle finger is now an inch back. Mentions various men in the army and reports on...

GLC03523.32.11

to Mary Reeser

Comments that he just returned from a meeting in Chandlersburg, [Pennsylvania] where they sang and had a prayer meeting. Tells Mary which girls went home with whom from the meeting. Describes eavesdropping on a conversation that he heard on his way...

GLC03523.43.21

to John Reeser

Informs Reeser that he received the money, stamps, boots, and gloves that were sent to him but has not received the tobacco. Writes of a man named Polk being in the hospital. Speaks of this "god dam war," General [William T.] Sherman, and other...

GLC03523.43.22

to John Reeser

Complains how long it takes Reeser to answer his letters. Writes about burying a man at the hospital. Says that there was "a old ded horse laying close beside me and the smell of him would kill rats." Tells of a conversation that he had with his...

GLC03523.43.23

to John Reeser

Says that he is in good health and has enough to eat and a good place to sleep. Writes of the barracks being over crowded and more men piling in. Says nothing has taken place for a few days, however, a group of men may be sent out this afternoon....

GLC03523.43.24

to his sister

Writes to his sister from Camp Biddle. Complains that he has only received one letter from her. Comments that he received a "kind" letter from Edwin yesterday but none from her. Writes that their tent is comfortable and that they have a flower in...

GLC03523.43.25

to John Reeser

Thanks him for his letter and comments that he doesn't always receive them. Says that the railroad has been very bad lately and that they cannot receive any mail from them. Reports that he cannot go into town unless he takes a guard with him and...

GLC03523.43.26

to John Reeser

Writes that he will be coming up next Wednesday after he votes. Says that, "I will kill one Coperhead vote before I leave the City." Reports that the copperheads had a meeting last Saturday where several men were kicked and killed. On White Horse...

GLC03523.43.27

[Civil war era belt]

Black leather belt with faded striped red and gold overlay. The belt has a heavy rectangular metal buckle with an eagle emblem and "E PLURIBUS UNUM." Fragile. Leather rotting and cracking in places. Fabric is slightly deteriorated.

GLC03523.43.28

[Civil war era suspenders]

Black leather suspender with faded striped red and gold overlay. The suspender has gold toned hardware on it. Fragile. Leather rotting and cracking in places. Fabric is slightly deteriorated.

GLC03523.43.29

to his father

Writes to his father from Camp Curtain. Says that they received marching orders to leave tomorrow morning. Says that they might go to Chambersburg, Pennsylvania but it is not for certain. The Captain said that they might be in the hottest part of...

GLC03523.49.02

to sister

Writes to his sister from Camp Biddle. Reports that the camp is empty except for a few picket guards placed to guard the railroad. Comments that they are surrounded by secessionists who are armed. Says that the pickets are shot at almost every...

GLC03523.49.03

to Edith M. Phelps

Writes to his sister from Camp Pierpont. Reports of his crew going on a "foraging" and returning with 102 loads of corn and 20 loads of oats and hay. Describes having a good turkey dinner for Thanksgiving. A man named Bill Waldron purchased a...

GLC03523.49.05

to his father and his sister, Edith M. Phelps

Writes to his father and sister from Camp Pierpont. Says that he received his letter and the cheese that his mother sent. Mentions having very cold weather for this part of the country. Says that they only have boards, no furs, in their tents to...

GLC03523.49.06

to Edith M. Phelps

Writes to his sister from Camp Pierpont. Speaks of a friend named John choosing to "serve god." Comments that he is fond of Professor Waldon and believes him to be a "clever honest fellow." Says that they recently purchased a stove that smokes a...

GLC03523.49.07

to Don

Writes from Camp Pierpont. Wants Don to visit and see what camp life is like. Tells of the different kinds of societies that exist in camp. Inside the tents he states that there is usually gambling and card playing, even amongst the officers and...

GLC03523.49.09

to his sister

Writes that they have been heading up the James River since last Saturday. Reports that the rebels broke through General George McClellan's right and came upon them. They did not have enough force to defend that point and were ordered to leave....

GLC03523.49.10

to his mother

Writes about the preacher at camp. Comments that he is a good man but is not very smart. Says that he went to the preacher last night and was given a prayer book. States that he reads a chapter in the testament out loud every night before retiring...

GLC03523.49.11

to Edith M. Phelps

Writes to sister from Rappahannock Station. Comments about it being so dry that it is difficult to get water. Says that there is a spring nearby but there is hardly enough water to supply the regiment. Says that he misses home and looks forward to...

GLC03523.49.12

to sister

Writes to his sister from Culpepper Station. Talks about the boys making fun of a man named Greenleaf who recently arrived in camp. Comments that he likes Greenleaf and finds him an "honest fellow." Tells his sister that she is foolish for...

GLC03523.49.13

to sister

Describes leaving Rappahannock and having the rebels close on their heels. Says that the rebels continued to follow them until they crossed the river. Writes that they were not able to cross back over the river until the next evening. They sent...

GLC03523.49.14

to D. G. Tracy

Writes to his sister from Camp Pierpont, Virginia. Describes being court marshaled and how the hearing was adjourned until next Thursday. Comments that Forrest has had a long "siege of it," and there is no prospect of it ending until next Thursday...

GLC03523.49.15

to his sister and parents

Reports that he just heard that General Nathanial Banks was defeated and that General Thomas [Stonewall] Jackson has gotten himself into a scrape. He is surrounded by General "Seigal" [Franz Sigel?], General Edward Ord, and General [John] Frémont....

GLC03523.49.16

to father

Writes to his father from Harrison's Landing. Informs him that he sent twenty dollars home with a man named C. B. Riggs. Instructs his father to use the money to "the best advantage." Letter is faded. Letter has an image of a soldier printed on...

GLC03523.49.17

to mother

Writes to his mother from Harrison's Landing. Comments about the warm weather that they are having. Says that it is thundering and he hopes that it rains so they will get water. Reports that Lieutenant Forrest is at home and does not believe that...

GLC03523.49.18

to Hannah E. Russell and friends

Writes to wife that they are preparing to march. Describes leaving Mansfield, Ohio and traveling by train to Cincinnati, Ohio. Writes that they traveled by steamboat to Kentucky where they camped out at the edge of Louisville, Kentucky. Says that...

GLC03523.50.01

to Hannah E. Russell

Writes to his wife. Wishes that he could visit home but says that the colonel will not allow any furloughs. Comments that they now have their arms and equipment. Wants her not to fret about him and to take care of his "Dear little babes," and not...

GLC03523.50.02

to Hannah E. Russell

Writes that he is over 400 miles from home and is in the heart of the enemy. Reports that they marched for four days in hot weather with their knapsacks on their backs and their guns on their shoulders. On their third day, over 100 men fell out of...

GLC03523.50.03

to Hannah E. Russell

Chastens wife for her thinking that he is going to die and wanting him to cover transportation cost if it were to happen. Mentions that it is unreasonable for her to think that any man would go to the expense of paying 100 dollars to have his...

GLC03523.50.04

to Hannah E. Russell

Writes to wife from camp. Describes marching through snow, rain, and mud for three days. Comments that there were dozens of men who fell beside the road and laid in the rain and mud. One person did not make it and died on the way. Informs her...

GLC03523.50.05

to Hannah E. Russell

Writes to wife from camp outside of Somerset, Kentucky. Admonishes wife for making fun of his living conditions. Informs her that their living conditions have not improved and that they are upon hard times. Describes having to march on three...

GLC03523.50.06

to Hannah E. Russell

Writes to his wife listing everywhere they have been. They marched out of Bargetown, Kentucky on 13 December heading for Lebanon, Kentucky. Around 80 soldiers fell sick and had to stay behind. Writes that he fell sick and was told by the doctor to...

GLC03523.50.07

to Hannah E. Russell

Informs wife that he is not well, says he has a bad cold and dysentery. Comments that he was able to march everyday carrying his gun while sick but could not carry his knapsack. The doctor had it carried in his wagon. Writes that he does not have...

GLC03523.50.08

to Hannah E. Russell

Reports that he is not well and has been suffering from lung fever for the past eight days. Writes that he is slowly mending and can now walk around and eat a little. Comments that he is not in the general hospital but in a private house with 18...

GLC03523.50.09

to Hannah E. Russell

Informs wife that he is on the mend and hopes to be fully recovered soon. Writes that he is sending her 15 dollars.

GLC03523.50.10

to Hannah E. Russell

Writes that he sent 15 dollars and wants her to spend it wisely for he does not know when he will get paid again. Comments that he had a relapse of the fever since he last wrote to her but that God spared his life. Reports that his regiment is in...

GLC03523.50.11

to Hannah E. Russell

Informs his wife that he misses her and would like to see his family, friends, and neighbors. Comments that he does not want to see one particular family who has been telling lies about him and his family. Writes that he expects to stay in...

GLC03523.50.12

to Hannah E. Russell

Letter is signed by Russell but written in the hand of John Vangordon, a fellow patient in the hospital. Informs his wife that he is too weak to write. Reports that he intended to go to Nashville, Tennessee but the doctor said that he was diseased...

GLC03523.50.13

to Hannah E. Russell

Written by a nurse who cared for E. S. Russell at the Hospital. Informs Mrs. Russell that her husband, E. S. Russell, is very sick. Writes, "his case is almost a hopeless one...he cant live but a very few houres [sic] i wish you could be here and...

GLC03523.50.14

to Hannah E. Russell

Informs his wife that he is not doing any better and believes that his time is near. States that he is submitting to God's will. Writes, "my prayer is that God may be good to you & my dear children. Put your trust in him & he will be a friend to...

GLC03523.50.15

to Hannah E. Russell

Informs Mrs. Russell that her husband, E. S. Russell, passed away last night. Describes him as having suffered greatly his last few days but when he finally passed away it was easy. Believes that he "is now in the full enjoyment of that rest which...

GLC03523.50.16