January 17, 1863

West, Lewis H., 1829-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to R. West

Rumors abound of a Confederate attack on Newport News by Longstreet's Corps and riverboats. Says the "Galena," "Patapsco," "Minnesota," "Pawnee," "Ladona," "Commodore Morris," and "Commodore Perry," are present. Says things are in order, but he has been critical of some of the younger officers. Reports that they "Neither like me very well and I think they will like me still less as they get better acquainted." Says his ship will soon leave Newport News for Port Royal to join DuPont's fleet. Says the ship is "wretchedly out of stern," which has been slowing her down. Says it occurred when the…

GLC03836.40

January 23, 1863

West, Lewis H., 1829-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to R. West

References his mother's letter of 20 January. Says they are waiting in Newport News under sailing orders, which means they could leave at any minute or sit for an indefinite period. Says the tugboats are sent 8 or 9 miles upriver to keep a lookout for Confederate riverboats and that they announced an attack the night before. There was great confusion when the ships deployed to defend against the attack because of a night fog. Nothing came of the supposed attack. Goes on to describe the Norfolk navy yard in detail, saying it was "a scene of utter ruin and desolation." Says the hull of the USS…

GLC03836.41

February 5, 1863

West, Lewis H., 1829-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to R. West

Says they arrived at Port Royal towing the ironclad "Weehawken" after a stormy passage. Describes sailing in the storm in detail. They wanted to cut the "Weehawken" loose, but no one could get on her deck to release the chain. Updates her on recent blockading news around South Carolina. Continues letter on 6 February. Has just been told to have any letters to him directed to Key West, Florida. Says the "Weehawken," has sustained more damage than expected.

GLC03836.42

12 March 1863

West, Lewis H., 1829-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Weir

References Weir's poor health. Says "The only difference between the blockade here now, and last year is, that if possible it is more inefficient than it was. It seems to me that the slowest ships and the thickest headed commanding officers are always specially selected for duty." Is pessimistic about the future because of the leadership of Hunter and Turner specifically. Says there have been recent changes in their blockading system due to intelligence of the many ships reaching Nassau from Charleston, but he doubts they will amount to much. Says his captain is energetic and vigilant. Says…

GLC03836.44

22 March 1863

West, Lewis H., 1829-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to R. West

Says nothing has occurred since his last letter. Reports that the Confederates are improving their defenses to the harbor. Says "By the time they have completed their last battery, I presume there will be no longer any reasonable excuse for delaying the attack." Says they captured a small ship that had lost its way and drifted out to sea. Says he was able to speak to the captured sergeant and 8 privates. Written while aboard the USS "Ladona"

GLC03836.45

10 March 1862

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Reports that he has survived the battle (most likely the battle of Pea Ridge, fought on March 7th). Writes that it's been reported that Ben McCullough was killed by someone in Weeks' regiment. The battle lasted three days of which the last two were particularly severe.

GLC06728.013

17 March 1862

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Describes the Battle of Pea Ridge. Writes that the enemy lost about half its men with three thousand killed and wounded. Also writes that guns, muskets, and rifles are found stacked in the woods from soldiers that won't fight anymore and have gone home. Written at Camp Shearer.

GLC06728.014

11 April 1862

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Writes that he has not marched in ranks since the battle (Pea Ridge). Reports that an artillery lieutenant shot a Benton Hussar. The lieutenant was later struck on the head with a saber several times by another Benton Hussar and was almost killed. Writes that he has been appointed 3rd corporal.

GLC06728.015

20 April 1862

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Writes that he is six miles east from Forsyth, Mo., guarding a mill. Complains that the weather has been miserable and is made worse by the fact that he is corporal of a guard for the day. Is expecting to move tomorrow, but is not sure where. Is glad to hear of so many victories in the Eastern department. Writes that if Memphis is taken, the Confederacy will be crushed.

GLC06728.016

3 June 1862

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Nathan [King]

Reports that the enemy has been cut off while on the Tombigbee River. Cannonading has been heard every day as well as prisoners taken in. Writes that rebel paper is pretty and that there is plenty available in the area. Also writes that the corn is about two feet high and the wheat is ripe. The letter includes a note from King to Weeks' father.

GLC06728.018

August 1, 1862

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Updates his father on the commanders of the regiment. Writes that General Asboth is the Brigadier General, Nicolas Grensel is the colonel and also a member of the Free Masons;. Lieutenant Colonel Joselyn and Major Barry have resigned and Capt. J.Q. Adams (also a Mason) is very sick. Complains that the quality of clothes they are receiving is not as good as before. Would like to see his family but has a "good a will as ever to obliterate rebellion". Writes that he is in favor of the confiscation and emancipation bill if colonization is strictly attended to. Reports that a Negro was…

GLC06728.019

6 September 1862

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes that there was a brush with secesh cavalry who charged into the 7th Kansas cavalry. Seventeen men were killed two of which belong to Weeks' regiment. Describes his experience in Arkansas so far and writes that he was almost hit by firing enemies. Hopes that he will be home before the next fourth of July. Inquires about the Masons.

GLC06728.020

29 March 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

Weeks thanks his family for the food and updates them on cmp news. Describes the various foods he has consumed since he received his family's packages and writes that he's "grown fat since yesterday morning".

GLC07460.032

19 October 1861

Bope, Conrad, 1839-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Jane Bope

Bope writes to his sister reporting that brother John is well. Complains about the continuous rain and states that one of their men was shot. Writes about the rebels destroying a bridge over Green River. Comments that they are waiting for artillery: "...we have only 16 or 20 big guns here..." Asks her to use pen in future letters because pencil is hard to read. Complains that postage stamps are scarcer than money. Envelope has image of William G. Brownlow.

GLC03523.03.01

20 December 1861

Bope, John, 1838-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Bope Sr.

Bope writes to his father from Camp Wood. Reports on a battle with the Rebels and states that 19 men were killed and more wounded in his regiment. Comments that the Rebels have a camp four miles from him and he is sending his father ninety dollars. Letterhead has a drawing of a lion and donkey facing one another with the phrase "ONE OF US MUST CONQUER" underneath. Envelope has image of Union flag.

GLC03523.03.02

1 January 1862

Bope, John, 1838-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lydia Bope

Bope writes to his mother from Camp Wood. Expresses thanks for the candy she sent for Christmas. Letterhead has a drawing of a cannon and American flag with the phrase "OUR COMPROMISE" written underneath. Envelope has a humorous image and caption depicting soldiers being distracted from their commanding officer due to the presence of a young woman.

GLC03523.03.03

1 January 1862

Bope, Conrad, 1839-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Jane Bope

Conrad Bope writes to his sister. Comments it is the New Year and they have nothing to do. Brother John is well and in his tent as he writes. Reports he was on picket duty and once the bridge is rebuilt over the Green River, they will march to Bowling Green. Mentions that butter sells for twenty-five cents per pound and asks her to send him some. Letterhead has the logo "United We Stand Divided We Fall" and Kentucky underneath. Envelope has images and wording.

GLC03523.03.04

25 April 1862

Bope, John, 1838-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Bope writes to a friend from the Battlefield of Camp Shiloh. Reports he survived the bloody Battle of Shiloh (6-7 April 1862) unharmed. Discusses the battle strategy in depth and the horror he felt: "...we had to step over the daed [sic] and mutilated bodies of Friend and Enemy..." Letterhead contains a drawing of Andrew Jackson with the phrase "Our Federal Union, It MUST be preserved."

GLC03523.03.05

25 April 1862

Bope, John, 1838-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Bope Sr.

Bope writes to his father from the Battlefield of Shiloh, near Pittsburg Landing. Reports that "...some 20,000 men buried who fell in this great battle...", and they expect another attack. Mentions Easter, and notes that the cost of eggs is 30 cents a dozen. Discusses in great detail logistic battle plans and asks him to speak to the hardware man about the pistol he returned.

GLC03523.03.06

28 May 1865

Fairchild, Lewis D., 1829-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sephronia Fairchild

Fairchild writes to his wife from a camp near Alexandria, Virginia that he is frustrated by the delay of being mustered out. Anticipates he will be home no later than 1 July 1865. Informs that the last of the Rebel forces in Texas surrendered and his old commander, General Winfield S. Hancock, now commands the Veteran's Corps. Comments what a terrible fighter General Hancock was. Reports that a photograph of their regiment will go to New York Governor Reuben E. Fenton.

GLC03523.06.12

16 July 1865

Fairchild, Sephronia, fl. 1864-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lewis D. Fairchild

Sephronia writes to her husband Lewis asking when he will be discharged. States that the family is waiting and watching for his return every day. States many soldiers are returning home and that all who enlisted under the Act of 1863 (the first conscription act) will get their bounty. The fourth page of the letter is very faded and mostly illegible, but it is from his daughter Eunice and is dated 16 July 1865.

GLC03523.06.13

10 August 1865

Fairchild, Lewis D., 1829-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sephronia Fairchild

Fairchild writes to his wife Sephronia from Fort Corcoran in Arlington, Virginia. Reports he is ill with fever and dizziness and has little appetite. Says he will be home by 1 October 1865. Comments that his regiment is the last to muster out and they don't know yet where it will occur. He hopes for Albany. The letterhead reads "United States Sanitary Commission."

GLC03523.06.14

6 June 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

Wheeler writes that the colonel has ordered new 10x12 foot loghouses be built on the sight to accomodate eight men per building. He is fond of the area and wishes to stay there longer. Explains to his family why he is at Signal Hill and gives specific details about the telegraphing activites that go on there. Reports that there was fighting at Franklin two to three days ago and canonading could be heard throughout the whole battle. He also reports that Union forces have taken five hundred prisoners. Discusses the hanging of an old negro man who was aiding rebels in catching Union…

GLC07460.034

13 June 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

Writes of the possiblity of getting furloughed in late July but asks that this not be mentioned to anyone. He tells his family that he could have asked for a furlough sooner, but he felt that the men with wives and children deserved to be furloughed first. Wheeler writes about his friend Brundage whose father and brother are copperheads in West Chester County, New York. He writes that Brundage "could shoot his father as well as a southern Rebel." Mentions a Nashville paper's erroneous report of fighting that occurred at Lavergne,Tennessee between Union troops and three thousand rebels.…

GLC07460.035

25 April 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister Martha [Spohn]

Hopes that more men will be drafted to fill the regiments. Writes that he would like to see the North "whip" the South entirely with volunteers. He describes a reported rebel attack on a Union picket that forced the picket to retreat. Wheeler also describes the presentation of the regimental and national flags to the 105th. Of the national flag (battle flag) he writes, " is of blue and has on it but twelve stars- I think the absent one must be South Carolina." Wheeler describes a visit from the 79th Ohio which he describes as a visit of "mutual good feeling". The letter is accompanied…

GLC07460.025