Summer 2025 PD for K–12 teachers: Registration is now open!
Or
to: Mary [Armstrong].
1865/03/08
Armstrong, Halleck, fl. 1865
Reports various rumors about Sheridan's maneuvers. Also reports on nearby black uprising: "Our allies, the darkies, are evidently burning out their beloved Masters…"
GLC06734.010
1865/03/09
Describes army medic routines & ambulances, describes desolation of landscape due to war.
GLC06734.011
1865/03/10
Reports on troop maneuvers, Sheridan's whereabouts, etc.
GLC06734.012
March 10, 1865
Describes wounding of his troops, & ministering to soldiers.
GLC06734.013
March 11, 1865
Describes the death of soldiers, his inspection of their graveyards.
GLC06734.014
1865/03/12
Reports on rumors that "Sherman, & Schoield, and Sheridan are working up, & Grant has Lee by the throat." Also describes in detail his work as a Chaplain & what it consists of.
GLC06734.015
1865/03/13
"I keep no diary of events, so I guess I had better send my diary home in the form of letters."
GLC06734.016
to: Mary [Armstrong]
1865/03/14
Describes battle in detail. Also: "…The good news from Sheridan was read to the boys at inspection in the form of a dispatch from Gen. Grant. It was received with loud cheers. Surely the end draws nigh…"
GLC06734.017
1865/03/15
Describes impending battle plans .
GLC06734.018
1865/03/16
Describes feeling of impending battle. In part: "…Everything is quiet this morning, but it may be the calm before the storm. Sheridan is here, & his wonderful cavalry are not far off…"
GLC06734.019
1865/03/17
Describes widespread desertion by Confederate troops, intra-troop Confederate violence.
GLC06734.020
1861-1865
GLC06734.021
to Henry Knox
7 March 1774
Oliver, Andrew, 1731-1799
Reminds Knox about a year-old order for books that has not been filled. Wonders if the list he gave Knox has been lost. Oliver was one of the founders of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a member of the American Philosophical Society.
GLC02437.00124
to Lucy Knox
1773 and 7 March 1774
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Later copy of two love letters from Henry Knox to Lucy Flucker (Knox) written during their courtship. In the first, Knox complains of not receiving a message from Lucy, expresses his affection, and attempts to solidify plans for a meeting at a coffee...
GLC02437.00125
March 18, 1774
Fowle, Robert Luist, 1743-1802
Promises to settle his account and requests that Knox return his and his uncle's note, so his uncle can pay it. A post script asks Knox not to indicate that Fowle desired the note sent to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This long-standing debt for...
GLC02437.00126
March 17, 1774
Rivington, James, 1724-1802
Discusses their business relationship. Asks Knox to have Paul Revere send him the prices of engraving plates titled the Storm and the Head. Asks if Knox wants his named placed in books Rivington was printing and indicates that he is sending some...
GLC02437.00128
March 21, 1774
Indicates that he has sent six lottery tickets, six copies of the "Account of the Connecticut Claim" concerning the Susquehanna Claim in Pennsylvania, and other books. Discusses pricing. Rivington was a bookseller, printer, and journalist who came...
GLC02437.00129
to: F. W. Stuart [wife].
1863/05/16
Stuart, James, fl. 1862-1869
Might send her some money. Received a letter. He is sending her finger ring that he made out of laurel root.
GLC06268.01
to: father.
1863/6/9
He feels like he is blessed for being kind to his fellow soldiers. He now knows how it feels to be away from friends and out of money.
GLC06268.02
to: F. W. Stuart.
1863/6/28
Hopes the letter cheers up wife. Writes about things that are going on in Ohio.
GLC06268.03
1864/1/8
The Chaplain's tent caught fire. Writes about all the bad luck the Chaplain has been having. He does not have any pity for him because he is "kind of a nuisance." "Such a Chaplain is worse than a wooden man."
GLC06268.04
January 28, 1864
Went on a 3 day scout. Described the weather and what he did on the scout. Captured a spy. Written at Fort Wood.
GLC06268.05
1864/2/7
Has a pin for her but it is not done yet. Explains what the pin is made of.
GLC06268.06
1864/3/20
Explains what happened while he stood on picket.
GLC06268.07
to his wife
12 May 1862
Williams, George M., fl. 1862
Expects a telegraph from her. He describes uncomfortable conditions at a local tavern where he shared a room with three men and his bed with one of them. However, by the next day he was able to get a room that was vacated. He also says that he misses...
GLC06582.14
17 May 1862
Writes that the city was thrown into "great commotion" by an announcement that the Yankees were eight miles away with gunboats despite the obstructions placed since Norfolk. He was given permission by Colonel Deas to go and stay for as long as he...
GLC06582.15
20 May 1862
Mentions that the end of the war will "require strict economy and management in all affairs." Predicts that after the war is over, money will be harder to get and taxes will be "mountain high." He warns wife to treat servants kindly but to not...
GLC06582.16
24 May 1862
Heard cannon firing in the morning and suspects (but does not know for a fact) that it was a "scary sight" since it lasted for about four hours. Thinks "the enemy" wants to enter Richmond. Believes "Jeff" (Davis) and his cabinet are a "failure." He...
GLC06582.17
5 June 1862
Writes a reply to her two letters, to be sent by Uncle Merton. Agrees that his letters have been unfortunate because very few have made it through the mails. He mentions that Uncle Merton has been to Richmond to see Bruce who is stationed three miles...
GLC06582.18
7 June 1862
Asks whether she and his aunt have received the supplies he sent. Hopes to get two weeks leave soon so that he can visit. He contradicts rumors that the south will soon be conquered, writing that "our people can never be subdued, unless our leaders...
GLC06582.19
10 June 1862
Sends this letter by a Mr. Jones. He says that not an hour passes that he does not think of her. Asks about the baby and if she can say "father" or if instead she continues her "babbling" of "dad dad dad." He also mentions that she is old enough to...
GLC06582.20
11 June 1862
Writes that the current "state of things" leads him to worry. Mentions that Tom Jones may not be able to go out because he may be part of the reinforcements for Jackson in the valley. Claims that 5,000 men were to leave this morning and that no...
GLC06582.21
12 June 1862
Describes two battles two weeks in passing where 3,000 were killed, wounded, or missing. Furthermore, he describes the battle to be more destructive than all other previous battles in the war with the exception of Kernstown. He informs her of the...
GLC06582.22
17 June 1862
He sent a pencil letter to his wife with Mr. Day including lemon syrup and castor oil. Writes that he will send his aunt soda powders. "Richmond is starving almost" due to the high selling prices and scarcity of goods. Asks her if she has noticed how...
GLC06582.23
He has received letters from her every day for the past several days. The news is dull, but he has seen General Price, who looks too benevolent to be a warrior. Price's troops have not yet arrived. Plans on going home to see her "as soon as the...
GLC06582.24
20 June 1862
Asks if she is sick or in need of stamps. He asks her to write to him if she has not done so already. He would like her to record the progress of Liz and to report the effect the chicken pox had on Lizzie's "head piece." He describes the rising...
GLC06582.25
21 June 1862
Comments on how her last letter seemed to be "under gloomy feeling." He says he has written to Sister several times and that she has only written once. Writes of Cousin Albert, Cousin James, and Cousin Narcissa. Comments that Narcissa is dissatisfied...
GLC06582.26
24 June 1862
Writes that he will get the cotton and send it at along with another item she requested at "first safe opportunity." Does not think Mr. Jameson has come to the city yet. The weather has been "excessively hot." He writes that "the city is dull" except...
GLC06582.27
26 June 1862
Writes that the "roar of cannon & musketry was painfully audible and exceeded the thunder of the fiercest storm." He mentions that General Hill's division fought on his side where his troops drove the enemy three or four miles and captured three...
GLC06582.28
1 July 1862
Tells his wife she should not give way to the gloom she expressed in her letter, and reminds her that their condition is much better than that of others. Explains that he and she are both alive whereas many from the south such as Mr. Daniel and Capt...
GLC06582.29
8 July 1862
Complains about the heat, he has "never known it to be warmer. . ." Writes that he has left all that is dear to him. Although he is exhausted, upon hearing that Maj. Parks would deliver this letter he was determined to write. Informs her that...
GLC06582.30
16 July 1862
Asks if she is safe, if there have been any arrests, and the whereabouts of Uncle Jack. He would like also to hear from Greenwood. Claims that the army has received great news from Arkansas & the Mississippi River. The news is that Yankee General...
GLC06582.31
26 July 1862
Reports that "every day brings the most distressing rumors from Culpeper". Most unfortunate, he confides, is that the rumors are in accordance with General Pope's orders so that he believes they may be true. As a result, he fears for his wife and...
GLC06582.32
27 July 1862
He writes that he is worried about family's safety especially since he has not heard from them. Thinks that General Pope's orders will jeopardize her safety. He informs her that the fifth division of the army is on the march for Jackson and if Pope's...
GLC06582.33
31 July 1862
He writes that he spent the day with "C B****." He asks her to kiss the baby, encourage the servants, and to pray to God for his blessings. Explains that it would have been imprudent to mention names in his letters and thus give away valuable...
GLC06582.34
to Clayton
1 August 1862
Writes that he is suffering from occasional headaches, neuralgia, and a sharp pain in his side. He mentions that he "would give much" to hear from family and even more to see them. He tells her that if possible she should "secure all [his] traps and...
GLC06582.35
5 August 1862
Writes that he has not heard a word from home but worse yet he has not heard a rumor. Heard that Greenwood was stripped of everything except 5 barrels of corn and 300 pounds of bacon. He also heard of Parsons Cole being dragged from Church and...
GLC06582.36
11 September 1862
Mentions missing travel connections and seeing Uncle Jack and William. He reported to Colonel Deas but because Deas might have to go the field George may have to find another office. He writes of plans following the departure of Deas. He says that he...
GLC06582.37
12 September 1862
Writes that he will be home the following week if he is still feeling ill. He tells her to ask Uncle Jack to tell Tom Rixey that the ad failed to reach either the Whig or the Enquirer. He mentions not being able to find a soldier to serve as his...
GLC06582.38
15 September 1862
Feels he is a changed man since leaving home. He believes that faith in God is the foundation to domestic happiness and national prosperity. "Equality of rights can only be secured to man . . .by establishing the sovereignty of God." Wants her to get...
GLC06582.39
16 September 1862
He has been informed by Mr. Brown that Thom Lewis is dead and that Mrs. Shackleford is extremely low. Mr. Brown also informed George of the diseased conscripts that are to report to Camp Lee. He writes that he expects a "large congregation of...
GLC06582.40
17 September 1862
Hopes that the war ends soon. Asks her to tell Uncle Jack that three of his pieces have been published. Encloses copies of Lee's and Johnson's proclamations to the people of Maryland, and praises Lee's leadership: "Did any General ever give greater...
GLC06582.41
19 September 1862
Writes about a "scheme" he has thought of that may allow him to leave the army without fear of conscription. His scheme involves making an arrangement with Mr. Short, the Sheriff of Culpeper, to be a deputy sheriff until his health is fully restored...
GLC06582.42
8 October 1862
Wants her to tell Cousin Ella that he is honest enough to pay his own debts. He discusses Jimmy, old accounts, and loans. Describes how grateful he was to be given an "untarnished last name." He writes that he is "always too sanguine." Comments on...
GLC06582.43
24 October 1862
Writes that he is staying with Cousin James for a fee of ten dollars a month and that he is suffering from a sore throat. He still has the pain in his side, which he hopes does not augur anything fatal. Informs her that he is "applying for the...
GLC06582.44
25 October 1862
Asks her if she liked the "old homestead of [his] ancestors." He informs her that he passed most of his childhood there and goes on to describe the beauty of the land. Advises her to get Tom to accompany her to Newman's Hill from which she "can see...
GLC06582.45
26 October 1862
Writes that the weather is somber with a "winter spirit." In addition to informing her that he has received a letter from Uncle Jack, he writes that he will try to send a dress for Lizzie and a handkerchief for Aunt Betsy (with prices marked on them...
GLC06582.46
29 October 1862
Reasons that she may not be letter writing as much because she is staying at a "frontier place" where communication can be "occasional & uncertain." He informs her that Col. Taylor has heard from Col. Deas that George should have no trouble receiving...
GLC06582.47
4 November 1862
Mentions that he is "quite well with the exception of the side pain" which he does not believe will ever go away. He provides a sketch of his "mode of life." He explains why he may not win the appointment ("unknown to the appointing power, don't...
GLC06582.48
7 November 1862
Informs her that he received a two-day-old telegraphic dispatch as a reply to his letters from Jack. He thinks that his family must be in a "hurry & bustle" since the army headquarters are now stationed where they live. He asks who the various...
GLC06582.49
11 November 1862
He received her letter, detailing her flight from home. He also learned by reading someone else's letter that she and his aunt are going to go to "Halifax to Mr. Bruce's," but reasons that Cousin Ella must have been mistaken because she has not...
GLC06582.50
14 November 1862
Writes that although he was surprised he was also pleased to see John, who arrived last night. He thinks the best thing she can do right now is board with Mrs. Pannill because the board is cheaper. He also thinks that it will be the safest choice...
GLC06582.51
18 November 1862
Informs her that Jack will go up in the morning and will bring with him a package of soap, candy, a dress for Liz, and this letter. He saw Dr. Rixey today and sent him $51 to be delivered to her. He got three handkerchiefs for Aunt Betsy at $1.50 a...
GLC06582.52
19 November 1862
Informs her that John left that morning for Soldier's Rest. He mentions sending fifty dollars with Dr. Rixey and says that he will send fifty more dollars when he gets paid. He writes that he has heard nothing more about his application. Additionally...
GLC06582.53
22 November 1862
Writes that he knows nothing about his appointment. However, he predicts that he will not receive the appointment because the other applicants "are men of great influence." He is uncertain about entering the army because he does not have enough money...
GLC06582.54
25 November 1862
He still does not know about his application but hopes he will soon hear the results. He is unsure about when he will be home and for how long he will stay. Admits to not knowing what to write since he has not heard word from home. He writes "the...
GLC06582.55
27 November 1862
He is worried because his wife has not written. Thus he thinks she is sick or has been offended by his letters, and so asks her to write back. He informs her of the Yankees' position. He tells her "they have evacuated Manassas, Warrenton & all the...
GLC06582.56
3 December 1862
Informs her that he received her letter and is very thankful. He also mentions that he bought her several hairpins "and any other little articles I think you may need." He tells her of his departure which will be between the 16th and 20th, and...
GLC06582.57
December 6, 1862
Writes that the day before was one of the worse days of the season. He mentions that at approximately four o'clock the guard cried out that some prisoners were escaping. He writes that it was later discovered that three prisoners escaped and that one...
GLC06582.58
December 7, 1862
Enjoyed reading the letters she sent him by Bob Daniel despite the fact that they were weeks old. He also mentions receiving a letter written by her the same day but delivered by John Gibson. He asks her to tell John that the 16,000 Yankees are in...
GLC06582.59
December 11, 1862
Writes that John will bring this letter up to her as well as a package of things for the family. He mentions that Uncle Jack got to Richmond last night. Says that Hansborough will be at their house within the next week or so she is to remember what...
GLC06582.60
15 December 1862
Since Uncle Jack will be going back up, George has decided to take advantage of the opportunity to write and send her this letter. He mentions that he has not heard from home since Jack left but expects that she has written to him. He writes that he...
GLC06582.61
December 19, 1862
He writes that Uncle Jack has yet to be awarded a contract and that the Secretary of War has yet to sign his commission as Quarter Master. He mentions his "horrid dream" about her last night that bothered him all day. He says that Nannie Pendleton...
GLC06582.62
to: "My dear Sister."
1861/05/02
Hall, Edward H., fl. 1860-1917
GLC02234.02
to: "My dear Mother."
1861/05/10
GLC02234.03
to Aaron Hobart
January 19, 1821
Cutting, Nathaniel, 1774-?
Informs Hobart that Joshua Willis (as the heir of Revolutionary War veteran James Willis) has been issued a land warrant. Written from the Department of War.
GLC06313.04.098
January 20, 1821
Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848
Encloses "a copy of the Journal of the Federal Convention," in accord with a congressional resolution issued on 19 January 1820. Written from the Department of State.
GLC06313.04.099
to Jemima Shifflet
December 13, 1861
Shifflet, Hillary, 1823-1863
Written on patriotic stationery. Shifflet hopes that Johney will be well soon. He got paid today, twenty-three dollars, and "will send you all I can spar." He encourages his wife to persevere until he returns, "if I ever doo." They "expect a...
GLC02174.01
January 1862
Shifflet cried upon reading her last letter, glad to hear that the family was well. He reports that "our union men have gain[ed] another greate victory on cumberland river" though the men "had to dis mount from thare horses and fight on foot." He...
GLC02174.02
March 11, 1862
Written on patriotic stationery. Shifflet was very thankful to receive the box of chicken, pies, and cakes she sent as he "had nothing fit to eat for three weeks" and "it puts me in mind of home." He expects to see the family very soon if all goes...
GLC02174.03
to Fanny Shifflet
August 19, 1862
Shifflet encourages his daughter to "be a good girl and mind your mother" and to "go to school ever chance you git." He asks her to look after the other children, Patsy, Mariah, and Jonney and promises to send money so that Fanny may have new...
GLC02174.04
October 6, 1862
Written in pencil on patriotic stationery. Shifflet asks his wife to write as soon as she receives the money he has sent as he worries it is lost. He was nearby when George Ennis was shot and "my cap box was shot off of my belt and fore bullets...
GLC02174.05
December 22, 1862
Shifflet was unhappy to hear that his wife is "striping tobacco for I donte want you to hav to work for noboddy but your self." He has "but one oald shirt and hit [it] is full of holes and no socks a tall." He asks for descriptions of the children...
GLC02174.06
February 8, 1863
Shifflet received Fanny's ring and will keep it until he goes home, "if I live to git home." He will go home the next time he is paid "if I can git off enny way a tall." His division is "alooking for another big fight in a few days" and has "bin a...
GLC02174.07
February 13, 1863
Shifflet went out with a forage team today and they are "as tired as I am of the war." He declares that "this onholy war wood a bin over if oald Lincoln wood a let the negros alone I wish he had forty the blackest negroes in the South tide to him."...
GLC02174.08
March 15, 1863
GLC02174.09
May 3, 1863
GLC02174.10
June 4, 1863
GLC02174.11
July 30, 1863
GLC02174.12
November 18, 1863
GLC02174.13
Circa November 22, 1861
Written in pencil. Dated November 22 but no year.
GLC02174.14
to Hillary Shifflet
March 13, 1863
Digly, James, fl. 1863
GLC02174.15
to: "Dear Mother."
1860/?/07
GLC02234.01
to: "My dear Father."
1862/09/10
GLC02234.04
1862/12/12
.
GLC02234.05
1864/05/08
Written at the Hanover Court House
GLC02234.06
1864/06/09
Writes "I was taken prisoner on the 27 of May. I arrived here yesterday ... Please send me a good thick blanket."
GLC02234.07
1864/06/02
GLC02234.08
1864/06/20
Writes "We are allowed to receive boxes of provisions, please send some sugar & coffee & cheese & ham &c. ... I was very sorry to hear that some of my friends should have been pleased that I was captured. ... I lost all my shirts & socks the day I...
GLC02234.09
1864/06/27
Writes "I have no way to pay for my washing except by borrowing."
GLC02234.10
Showing results 68,601 - 68,700