February 25, 1863

Goold, James, 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John S. and Abby Goold

Writes to his parents about the different letters that he has received. Tells them, "I have destroyed all my old letters - burned them up. I had so many that they were in the way. I shall burn all that receive hereafter, as soon as I answer them." He also reports that his brother Theodore was given a sword and revolver to look after by a Lieutenant. Theodore lost the sword and now is expected to pay for it. Describes his visit with a doctor. "The doctor gave me the same kind of medicine that he gave me for the dysentery at Sharpsburgh, - perhaps he leaves it to the imagination, to effect a…

GLC03523.05.12

8 March 1863

Goold, James, 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Abby Goold

Tells his mother about the temperance book Aunt Jane sent to Cousin James, which was passed along to him. The boys in the guard make fun of him for reading the book, but he doesn't mind as he has gotten used to the teasing. Tells her that he wishes his brother Theodore could go home and help, and that he would be a better worker now that he has been a soldier. Confides to her that he does not like soldiering, and never has: "I must put up with it, and get along the best I can, till the time comes for me to go home." Written in graphite.

GLC03523.05.13

21 April 1863

Goold, James, 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Abby Goold

Reports that brother Theodore has gone back to his regiment. Writes that he is glad Theodore has returned, as he speculates there were many temptations in his life in Philadelphia. Tells her that the weather is nice and "the few peach trees that there are about here are in blossom, and the little grass that remains is quite green and handsome." Also reports on his tent-mates who are trying to become more religious, beginning with their attempts to "leave off swearing." Written in graphite.

GLC03523.05.14

21 April 1863

Goold, James, 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John S. Goold

Tells father that he has enclosed $50, and apologizes for not writing a longer letter. Notes that he and brother Theodore are both in good spirits. Written in graphite.

GLC03523.05.15

11 June 1863

Goold, James, 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John S. Goold

Apologizes for not writing sooner. Details the Guard's march. Notes that his brother Theodore said he is going to be transferred into the New York Battalion when the 25th goes home, and discusses the potential for Theodore's promotion if this does happen. Reports that he is hoping to get a furlough to come home, but cannot at the present moment. Written in graphite.

GLC03523.05.16

21 July 1863

Goold, James, 1842-?

Autograph letter

Title: to John S. and Abby Goold

Mentions to his parents that he has been transferred and has a new captain, named Gibbs. Captain Gibbs is a son of Gibbs, the pattern maker in Albany. Reports that he lost his knapsack and that both he and his brother Theodore need clothing badly, "I have an overcoat, but no blanket. Theodore has a rubber-blanket and a poor piece of tent which is all we have to shelter us from the rain." He asks his parents to "have a good fat turkey ready for Thanksgiving, for I expect that we will be there to help eat it." Tells his parents that he and Theodore are tenting together, which is "pleasant for…

GLC03523.05.17

27 September 1863

Goold, Theodore, 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John S. Goold

Writes to his father that he and his brother James are in good health and spirits. Reports that they will both be shipped to the Penisula in less than a week. Describes the photograph that he had taken in case he is hurt in battle. "I think we will move soon, and maby, go into a fight, so I thought I would have my picture taken for I might get hit in the next fight and I would let you see a little what I looked like..." Tells his father that he must cut the letter short becuase he has to go to church. Written at the Culpeper Court House.

GLC03523.05.18

12 November 1863

Goold, James, 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Johny

Writes to his brother that part of his division has been engaged in a skirmish at Rappahannock station, and lost four men. Notes that "the second brigade of our division has the credit of helping take the forts near the river..." Informs his brother about the picket, "I was not detailed this time before, Theodore was detailed, but one of the men who was to remain in camp, and had to go on guard that day, wanted Theodore to exchange with him, and he did so, that is Theodore remained in camp, and did the guard duty for this man, and he went out on picket in Theodore's place, and perhaps it was…

GLC03523.05.19

4 October 1861

Henry, William, fl. 1861

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Henry

William writes to cousin George in Franklin Falls, New York. Inquires about George's crops and reports on his own. Comments he has not heard from Josiah Henry, his cousin. Reports that 45 boys from Westford, Vermont, enlisted. Discusses land in Franklin Falls and its value. Bottom portion of page one is missing, but letter appears to be intact. Envelope has a patriotic emblem.

GLC03523.07.03

24 September 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Parapet to a friend. Mentions rumors that Stonewall Jackson has been taken prisoner in Washington or that he has conquered Washington. Talks of gifts sent from home (one especially exciting was a piece of cheese.) In return, he sends a paper, Sunday Delta, home. Then, talks of the death of his fourth tent-mate, being paid again (now having saved up $100), and the resignation of General John Wolcott Phelps ("we all feel as if we had lost a friend.")

GLC02165.10

4 January 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Lyon to a friend. Talks of mutual acquaintances, (including a death, one in an "insane retreat" and one who goes down town and returns "pretty tight"), Christmas (when he hears a sermon by an African missionary on "what shall be done with the Black race,") and often of God and Church. Mentions having his photo taken, and the "Boys" needing the mittens that Mary's Sewing Society has made. Finally, he acknowledges Mary's invitation to spend next New Year's with her, adding, however, that "soldiers can not tell whether or what they will do much before hand." Written on military…

GLC02165.01

January 28, 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Lyon to a friend. Confesses that the people enjoying the winter, sleighing etc., makes him miss home and that he hopes he never sees fighting like that which has been going on in Kentucky. Also says the stormy winter inhibits drilling. Mentions General Ambrose Burnside and an expedition of some secrecy (perhaps the North Carolina Expeditionary Corps). Finally, he discusses a friend who has been drafted into the state militia, expresses some doubt whether he will ever be discharged, and describes the regiment receiving their colors "without ceremony" in the city at Col. Demong'…

GLC02165.02

February 23, 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Lyon to a friend. Laments camp accommodations ("you are at Church listening to a good sermon while I am seated on a wash basin and writing on a Camp Kettle") and not being able to spend "the last Sunday in Brookfield that perhaps I shall ever spend in Ct. with you." Talks of writing letters for soldiers in his company who are ill with measles or in the hospital. Jokes with some hints of jealousy that his friend went sleighing with a man named John. Then, describes part of the journey his company will take by railroad and steamboat, stopping at Fort Monroe (in Virginia).…

GLC02165.03

27 May 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Parapet to a friend. Describes his time in New Orleans in the beginning of May, including the abuse from the natives, such as threats of the Yellow Jack. Also describes in good detail his regiment's role in the taking of New Orleans upon his arrival on May 1st and their discovery of ammunition, cannon, and even money buried by the Rebels in their retreat.

GLC02165.04

25 July 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Parapet to a friend. Talks of the attempts of some (such as his friends Wilkinson and Johnson) to be discharged, and Sunday morning mandatory cleaning routines. Mentions General Ambrose Burnside will be reinforcing General George McClellan and that he doubts his regiment will stay put for long as the army needs them on the move. Says a scouting expedition will be going out because of a guerrilla band that has been harassing Union men. Written on military stationary with the image of an eagle.

GLC02165.06

29 July 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Parapet to a friend. First mentions a skirmish near Lake Pontchartrain. Visits a nearby plantation, visiting its sugar house, and conversing with former enslaved people who say they would rather be there than in the camp. Describes the situation of the Blacks in the camp and describes them as "independent and saucy." Talks of a funeral for two uncommisioned officers and a march through mud, then a Maine regiment that loses one or two men a day to disease.

GLC02165.07

16 August 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Hubbard to a friend. Talks of the departure of "Doctor" for whom Holly most likely works and whom Holly is sad to see go. A man comes along and asks for whiskey; describes his practices of "prescribing" whiskey. Comments that though his accommodations are fine, he wishes he were home with friends. Says he is glad he enlisted for three years instead of nine months, as the nine month enlistees have some disgrace attached to them. Anticipates news from Charleston, hoping that if Charleston falls, and they can take Mobile "the Rebs will have to cave."

GLC02165.08

28 August 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at an unkown location to a friend. First, he compares a soldier's occupation to a teacher's and observes that if he is paid no matter the amount of work he does, it is logical that he should be lazy. Is dubious whether they will defeat the rebels. Expresses dislike for Bethel Military Co., hoping they will have to fight in the front ranks. Talks of friends at home. Says furloughs are not being granted, but he would still not like to come home without being able to stay. Talks of Major General John C. Breckinridge's victory at Baton Rouge and gives a detailed description of their…

GLC02165.09

5 September 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Parapet to a friend. Expresses boredom at the monotony of life. Describes an incident in which Confederate soldiers escorted under a flag of truce the wife of General John Bullock Clark, who had been taken prisoner, so that she could nurse her husband. Contrasts treatment of Mrs. Clark to the treatment of the Union's General Robert Latimer McCook. Talks of letters received from friends, and the death of an L. Smith, who was "prepared [I] think for death" but laments the death of so many men in the "wicked war." Expresses hope that he and friend William will remain far from…

GLC02165.11

10 October 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Kearney to a friend. Talks in awe of a herd of 1500 cattle captured by forces to be eaten. Describes the quarters of Dr. Benedict, a friend, for whom Holley most likely works, in a former home of Confederates. Then, talks of the harsh drilling of the sargeant of his company and the cannon drills.

GLC02165.12

16 November 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Stevens to a friend. Criticizes the self-interest that seems to taint much of the war and harsh officers who are "inferior in every thing" who "curse and damn you;" however, when they do this, he threatens to report them and they stop. Talks of his attempts to be assigned a "situation," either with a Dr. Steward or with the brigade quartermaster, as a "private soldier does not have any influence, he is looked upon as a mere machine."

GLC02165.13

20 June 1863

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Written "out on picket" near Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The officers are becoming familiar with her hand writing. He is glad to receive letters as it makes him feel that everyone at home cares for and remembers him. Sergeant Potter was recently discharged and is headed home today. He has received some mail from his brother-in-law Henry Stark and notes that the envelope was completely covered with directions. Asks if she can make him a few cotton shirts and send one through the mail. If she is unable to make the shirts she should get the material and ask Sarah to make them for him. He does not…

GLC03523.42.23

29 June 1863

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Written at camp near Manchester, Tennessee. Writes that their most recent march was very bad because of the poor conditions of the roads. It rained so hard for two days that the men were completely soaked. Writes that the troops had to throw away everything they had because the rain had spoiled it. He was the only one who kept his knapsack because it had his paper and writing supplies. Writes that the case containing the picture of Mary and Laura is ruined but the pictures are not damaged. He gave his diary to Lieutenant Warner to carry or else that would have been ruined as well. His feet…

GLC03523.42.24

19 July 1863

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Written at camp near Winchester, Tennessee. He writes that he waited up rather late for her letter and that he received two papers from Henry Clark. The smell of the flower and cinnamon she enclosed in the letter reminded him of her. Writes that the smell also reminds him of his mother. He hopes that he receives some letters from his friends. He is also glad that his brother-in-law writes to him. Writes that in the event of his death she should take all of his effects. Around midnight on 4 July the bugle sounded and the troops were ordered to be ready to march by three in the morning. He…

GLC03523.42.25

31 July 1863

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Written at camp near Winchester, Tennessee. He will try and send a letter home with a lieutenant who is trying to receive a furlough. Writes that he is surprised she is not getting some of his letters as he has received all of hers. He is very upset that she has not been receiving his letters as he knows that she is very anxious about hearing from him. Writes that the flower she sent him is now in his diary and whenever he opens the book he is reminded of her. He is sorry to hear that Fred has been wounded.

GLC03523.42.26