22 August 1863

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Written at camp near Stevenson, Alabama. When the mail came he was busy cutting up some green corn-on-the-cob for dinner. He explains that he has been unable to write because of the constant marching and change of locations. Writes that they had to ascend a road into the mountains which took them quite a while. The troops had to help the wagons and artillery climb the mountain. At night after climbing the mountain they camped on an abandoned plantation called Peach Orchard. The next day they marched through 24 miles of "wilderness destitute of inhabitants." The heat was intense and the 24…

GLC03523.42.28

28 August 1863 - 29 August 1863

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Written at camp near Stephenson, Alabama. They again have marching orders and are liable to leave at any time. Writes that he has received some of the items Low's family had sent him. The boots and socks were most appreciated. He is very thankful for Mary for her years of devotion. He feels that she will be subject to "ridicule and unpleasant remarks by ill natured and unsympathizing people" for helping him so much. He is very grateful for all that she has done for him. He is also thankful for Mary's mother doing all she can to help him. Writes that he will do all he can as Mary's husband and…

GLC03523.42.29

5 September 1863

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Written at camp in Wills Valley, Alabama. He thanks her for remembering him in his "soldier life" and for writing him as much as she can. Explains that her letters arrive every four or five days while his take as long as two weeks to be delivered. This is because of the large number of letters leaving camp. He has time to write as they have stopped their march to wait for a train of supplies. He explains that since the troops are unsure of when the mail will leave they must have the letters written and ready to go whenever the mail arrives. Writes of the hardships of marching and being away…

GLC03523.42.30

6 September 1863

Murdoch, Ella, fl. 1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to her cousin

Written to him by his cousin Ella Murdoch. She writes that everyone at home is doing well. She does not have any news to report to him. She thinks it must be a hard life being a soldier. Write that she has not heard from Uncle Jason or Owen for some time now. She is said to say that she has not been able to visit their families as she has had so much to do. Writes about all the things she did over the past summer and wishes she could do something for the "poor soldier boys." She explains that she has been steadily busy throughout the summer. Her father and mother were very glad to hear from…

GLC03523.42.31

27 September 1863

Stark, Lydia, fl. 1862-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to her brother

Signed by Lydia. She has read in the newspaper of the terrible battle [Battle of Chickamauga] that he was involved in. She is very worried about him and asks if he is safe and hopes that he is alright. Asks that he write to her immediately to let her know as soon as possible what his condition is. She has watched the Army of the Cumberland with "great interest" and has tried to keep herself informed of the army's status. Some of their relatives are visiting her and they hope that he will write them a letter as well. She writes that her and her family are well, as are their brothers and…

GLC03523.42.32

12 October 1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to W

Writes that they were very happy to receive his letter. They were worried that he would not receive their letter as he changes his position so often. Asks that he write to them again. His friends are glad that they enjoy their letters and are happy that he praises them so much. They have heard many "exaggerated accounts" of the battle [of Chickamauga]. The Copperheads in the North are deeming the battle a "defeat" of Union Major General William Rosecrans. From the latest reports, it appears, that the "rebs had much the worst of it." Hopes that Rosecrans will be spared so that he can go on to…

GLC03523.42.33

27 October 1863

Fuller, Milton, fl. 1862-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother

Appears to be written and signed by Franklin's brother Milton. Writes that he is happy yet sad that he received Franklin's letter from Nashville, Tennessee. He is surprised to hear that Franklin has not received his last letter as he mailed it before the Battle of Stone River. He has read the papers and reports of the Battle of Chickamauga carefully to see if there is any indication as to his "silence." He has asked anyone if they have heard news on him. Thinks that Franklin "forgetting him" is a poor excuse as his brother thinks of him often. Writes that he watches the movement of the Army…

GLC03523.42.34

December 17, 1863

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Writes that her letter was the first he received in four weeks since the regiment left here for Knoxville, Tennessee. He was upset that he was unable to write her as he knew she had written him. Most of the mail had gone to the regiment and the mail will probably not reach him until it first gets to the regiment. He has been surviving on half rations of hard tack. He has received a letter from one of his friends and he has been trying to send him mail as he does not want his friend to think he is dead. He is not surprised that so few letters have reached his family and friends due to all the…

GLC03523.42.35

1861-1865

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Sends her two small knitted "presents" as a small token of his love for her. They are also for all of the wonderful things she has done for him while he as been away. Asks her to wear them and to think of him when she does. Enclosed are two small pieces of knitted yarn. One is red the other is yellow and purple with a star shape. Written underneath them is "The good luck twins."

GLC03523.42.39

24 April 1864

Stark, Herbert, fl. 1864-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his uncle

Writes that both he and Willie have received his letters. Writes about how he received the letter when it arrived at his home. States that both he and Willie were very excited to received their letter. Asks that his uncle write to him as often as he can.

GLC03523.42.43

13 June 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Franklin

Written by Mary. Even though he is not home she is glad she is able to write and receive letters to and from him. She is looking forward to the day when she will not have to worry about writing or receiving letters and instead can talk to him. Writes that she is feeling much better. Before she was so unwell that she could not leave her room but now she can go up and downstairs as she pleases. Writes that Father is feeling "very much down" and has been sick for two or three days. She is also sorry to have read in his sister Cordelia's letter that her health is so poor. She is very sad and…

GLC03523.42.48

19 June 1864 - 20 June 1864

Hogeland, Sally W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to her brother

She is glad to learn that he has escaped unharmed and feels for the many brave soldiers who gave their lives in battle. Writes that she is visiting their sister Lydia. She thinks that the visit will do her good both "bodily and mentally." Likes the weather and country there very much. Compared to all of the sad scenes they are used to she is "comparatively speaking, happy." Writes that everyone at Lydia's is doing well. Thinks that their home is very "delightful" as there is often music and flowers. Writes that Henry delivers papers which pays 15 dollars a week. She does not have a job.…

GLC03523.42.49

30 June 1864 - 3 August 1864

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his mother and relatives and Mary

A series of short diary-like entries for the past few days. There are also three pencil sketches: one of Buffalo Spring at Catoosa Springs, Georgia; another of a bridge at Catoosa Springs; the third is a drawing of a tree. There was no activity until Monday when the Confederates began to shell the Union lines "vigorously." But the damage was light killing a mule and wounding one soldier. Writes that the shelling did not improve the taste of the coffee and made supper difficult to get. There was a letter in the "Freeport Journal" about the death of one of his friends. He has been thinking…

GLC03523.42.50

21 August 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to W

Letter is signed by "Mary & Cornell." They were very happy to have received his letter and it has been a long time since he had last written. They write that Uncle John and Aunt Lydia are feeling poorly. The other family friends are well. The new house is very nice and a family friend, Justice Clarke, is building it for them. With help being scarce and Uncle John not feeling well, they gave up the idea of using stone for their house and are busy working on a frame. They provide a detailed description of the dimensions of the new house. Write about the excellent bedrooms, cellar and other…

GLC03523.42.51

22 August 1864

Fuller, James W., fl. 1863-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his uncle

Writes that his family is doing well and apologizes for not writing for such a long time. States that his father is so busy he has not had time to have his picture taken. He did go down to the picture gallery and have his photograph taken. The picture did not "suit" his mother and father. Wishes that he could be with his uncle as he thinks he would like the sound of the artillery. His father is running a grocery store where he works as a clerk. Writes that he has kept the domino and rebel script his uncle gave him. Writes that because his family moved around during the summer he was unable to…

GLC03523.42.52

5 May 1865

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Written on the ammunition train of the 2nd Division of the 4th Alabama, near Nashville, Tennessee. He thanks her for sending him money as they have not received any pay yet. There are rumors that they will be paid soon but he does not expect to be paid until he is mustered out. He has sent her a package with some clothing items and a blanket; he asks her to "stow" these items away for him. Thinks only the veteran troops and the new recruits with at least one year to serve will go to Texas. There is little said about returning home but he is "confident" that they will be home by 4 July. Plans…

GLC03523.42.57

August 23, 1863

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Written at camp near Stephenson, Alabama. Thanks her for continuing to write to him while he is at war. Writes that Lieutenant Heuburt [?] returned but he has yet to see him. He has still not received some of her letters and is disappointed. He is sorry that she has so much to do and tells her not to worry about making pants for him. Hopes that Low has sent his boots. Captain Legne [?] has returned with 20 men from the regiment but none from the company. Writes about a few of the soldiers who came back with the captain that he knows. He has sent her father a paper from Nashville, Tennessee…

GLC03523.42.65

22 July 1861

Clark, Hank S., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Washington

He writes that the army has left Alton and are under marching orders to St. Charles, Missouri. The troops are ready to leave and waiting for the cars to arrive. The engineer was worried that the rebels had obstructed or damaged part of the train track during the night. They are ready to go at a moment's notice but are still waiting for the train. Mentions General John Pope. Writes that there are many enslaved people stationed around the camp but they are not allowed in. States that the rebels are more likely to run then fight, "unless they can get behind a tree." Gus Taylor has the measles.

GLC03523.42.03

19 August 1861

Clark, Hank S., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Washington

Written at camp near Rolla, Missouri. Writes that is he sorry that Franklin Fuller's army was so "knocked up." He states that he cannot complain because things have not been bad in Missouri. The officers refused to move until they had been paid and received rifles. When they received word that General Nathaniel Lyon had been killed, the men were ready to go on the condition that Major General John C. Fremont provide rifles and money. According to Clark, General Fremont did not have enough money so used money from his "own pocket and took the government as security for it." He thinks there is…

GLC03523.42.04

1 September 1861

Clark, Hank S., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Washington

Written at camp near Rolla, Missouri. The scouting party has captured a secessionist who is now in the guard house. Thinks that the prisoner will be made to take an oath of loyalty to the Union then released. They may deal with him more harshly because Missouri is now under martial law. He has been digging trenches and chopping down trees to prepare for a Confederate attack. They have four 32 pound cannon to emplace and are digging positions for them. Once the guns are ready "a greater part of the forces now here will be taken away." There is a "vacancy" in his current regiment and he would…

GLC03523.42.05

24 March 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

He is glad to hear that Emma is doing well. He writes that he is doing well also. Once he arrived in Washington, D.C. he is unsure of what the army's next move will be. On the march from Charlestown, Maryland to Berryville, Virginia there was a great amount of rain and the roads became extremely muddy. Once the Union Army arrived in Berryville they drove off the rebels there by firing their artillery. The troops had no tents and had to sleep on the cold ground while it rained. They also had no fires as the rebels were close by. The troops expected an attack at night but none came. In the…

GLC03523.42.09

13 May 1862 - 15 May 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to W

Writes that by keeping in contact with home the soldiers and those they left at home feel better. Explains the anguish felt while waiting to hear from loved ones or friends after a battle. Hopes that General Ulysses S. Grant will "hurry affairs" in Tennessee. Hopes that the Union will soon liberate their fellow soldiers in the rebel capital Richmond, Virginia. Wants to see Confederate President Jefferson Davis defeated. States that the rebel leaders should get the "rewards of treason." Writes that it is doubtful the rebels will get such a treatment as the people in Washington, D.C. will most…

GLC03523.42.11

21 May 1865 - 22 May 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written at Cloud's Mill near Alexandria, Virginia. His regiment passed through Richmond, Virginia on 10 and 11 May. They marched through the principal streets in column formation. Union Army Chief of Staff Henry Halleck did not receive them and General William T. Sherman did not want them reviewed without his consent and told Halleck this. Halleck responded by stating he had not "made up his mind to let us go through the city." Sherman replied that he would go through the city if he had to "do it by fighting." They comforted themselves knowing that only "a few more days" were left and they…

GLC07460.120

26 May 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes that he is very grateful to be able to see his family once again and looks forward to being reunited with them. He hopes that the war is over for good and that they will be able to return home soon. Writes that the government is working hard on getting the army's papers ready so the troops can be sent home. There are rumors that the troops will be sent home by regiments to a military post nearest to their hometowns. From there they will be mustered out. He thinks that his regiment will go to Chicago, Illinois but he cannot say how soon they will leave. Writes of how the regiment was…

GLC07460.121

circa 1861-1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Writes that during the holidays he was very busy and had a lot of work to do around the farm. He has received a book from his class and an album with a photograph in it came to him in a "mysterious" way. He has also received several smaller presents from some children and is very grateful that they think so highly of him. He discusses some of the politics going on in Washington, D.C. and in Congress. Thinks that it was "naughty" not to have a letter of recommendation written for his friend. Writes of the good qualities his friend has and why she should be recommended.

GLC07460.122