10 November 1864

Maitland, William G., 1846-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Bell Wharton

Writes from the court martial offices in Memphis. Expresses great pleasure at receiving her letter. Says "It rejoices my heart to hear you declare that I have the uppermost seat in your affections, and I sincerely hope your love for me may never grow cold." Reports on a visit from dear friend John Petty. States his division has been ordered to march with [General William T.] Sherman. Mentions he will never regret having served three years in the Army, "but ever since my dear Father died, I have thought my duty was more at home than any place else."

GLC03523.10.143

5 December 1864

Petty, John S., 1838-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Writes from the mouth of the White River, expressing his wish they were together, "but the fates have willed it otherwise, and we must rest content." Informs him of the consolidation of the 120th Ohio Volunteer Infantry with the 114th. States he is Adjutant of the new regiment which totals 946 men. Says he is sorry Grier took offense when he did not visit him on furlough and has written him a letter.

GLC03523.10.147

8 December 1864

Maitland, Joseph M., 1836-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Bell Wharton

"Headquarters District of Memphis..." is printed at the top of the letter. Reports on a conversation with a friend where he said, "I had a girl at home whom my hopes for happiness in the future were centered." States Union General Napoleon J.T. Dana is now in command of his department in Memphis. Mentions snowy weather. Letter continues the next morning.

GLC03523.10.148

20 December 1864

Maitland, Joseph M., 1836-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Bell Wharton

Reports Union General James C. Veatch issued the order dissolving all court-martial and military commissions within the district of western Tennessee, and he is temporarily unemployed. Says once the courts are reorganized in a few days, he will be retained as clerk. Comments the news looks good as Confederate General John B. Hood "...has been completely used up at Nashville." Complains of constant rain and slushy streets. Wishes he could be home for the holidays. Begs her to write more frequently.

GLC03523.10.149

23 December 1864

Maitland, Joseph M., 1836-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Bell Wharton

Complains about the lack of letters from home, "...I thought I was forgotten by them at home and you too." Says he doesn't like the tone of her recent letter, "...your speaking of the love you had for me you said it in such a light way, that there might be a question as to whether you were sincere or not." Comments he is sorry to hear that small pox is still going around. States he is still uncertain of his employment as a clerk, but doesn't think he could survive "Field Service."

GLC03523.10.150

25 December 1864

Maitland, Joseph M., 1836-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Bell Wharton

Wishes Bell "A Happy Christmas." Shares his sadness at being away from home and all the changes that have taken place in one year, especially the death of his father. Remarks he had turkey at the boarding house, "...but it didn't seem like eating Christmas dinner up north." Adds, "Since last night every one has been on a big drunk, of course I except myself, I only drank a quart or two of egg-nog." Reports his court has been reorganized and he is still on duty as a clerk. Closes letter with,"Remember me in your prayers Bell, for I have many temptations that you know not of."

GLC03523.10.151

20 November 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister and family

Comments on the rainy weather and muddy conditions. Reports that the troops were reviewed by General R.S. Granger. He writes that the men put their best appearance on for the general and made a very good impression. Wheeler remarks that he's glad that the Methodist Ministers have taken the oath "if for nothing else but to sift out the miserable copperheads" (referring to Illinoisian Democratic Methodist ministers that sympathized with the South). Wheeler writes that there is no prospect of leaving Nashville. He also writes that the men don't belong to any specific army corps or division,…

GLC07460.061

27 November 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes that some of the men returning from the front were exposed to small pox on the train. Those who were not vaccinated have been taken to the hospital and given vaccinations. He writes that a tent was built to house all the men that came down with small pox. Informs his family that he attended Post Chapel no. 2 and comments on the platform speeches of the Army chaplains. He writes: "Army Chaplains are not afraid to talk politics if need be or state Slavery sentiments now that they have so good a chance in a slave state." Mentions a Sabbath school that has been set up at the Chapel…

GLC07460.062

December 11, 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister and family

Reports that one of the soldiers, [Zod] Howe, almost died from small pox and another man is thought to have come down with it. Remarks that the men in camp seem very nonchalant about the small pox outbreak. He writes that the hospital building and all the clothes from infected soldiers will be burned. Recollects that one year ago he and Darius (his brother-in-law) were in South Tunnel. He writes, "we never think of that place with any very good feelings as there we lost a good many of our boys." There has been talk of moving to Gallatin but hopes that they don't have to leave Nashville…

GLC07460.064

19 October 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister Martha [Spohn]

Discusses the weather, particularly the muddy conditions. He states that the local rock is limestone and that the mud makes good mortar for building chimneys. Wheeler expects that they will stay in Nashville for some time, possibly through the winter. Mentions that his Uncle Washington is a peace man of the "Vallandingham stripe", referring to Clement Vallandingham, an Ohio Statesman and leader of the Copperhead faction of Democrats in the North. Of the Copperheads, Wheeler remarks: " the Devil is a more likely man than these Copperheads for he is always on one side, and you know how to…

GLC07460.056

18 April 1864

Maitland, Joseph M., 1836-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Bell Wharton

Writes to Bell from a camp near Memphis. Comments on a box of provisions he received, including cakes. Notes he sent a box by express with several pictures inside and asks her to take care of them. States he has not received any letters from her recently and hopes there is one today. Includes a three cent stamp on the envelope.

GLC03523.10.120

12 June 1864

Cherry, Joseph M., 1840-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Addresses letter "Dear Cousin." Reports on the movements of his regiment, the Ohio 46th Infantry. States they have been on the move for over a month since leaving camp in Scottsboro, Alabama. Discusses the battle at Dallas, Alabama in great detail. Says they laid in their breastworks for ten days. Informs him they use the Spencer rifle with great success. Expresses relief at his duties as clerk, allowing him to stay back with the wagons to take care of books and papers. Mentions his furlough and how enjoyable it was.

GLC03523.10.124

1 July 1864

Maitland, Joseph M., 1836-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Bell Wharton

Maitland writes to Bell from camp outside La Grange. Complains of very dry, hot weather and dusty roads. Writes, "I dont think I ever suffered as much in my life with the heat as I have within the past week." Expresses concern over her lack of letters to him and asks if she has forgotten him. Mentions its been a year since the surrender of Vicksburg, Mississippi, but still no end to the war in sight. Writes "If General [Ulysses] Grant could only succeed in taking Richmond...." Reminds her his service will de done in little over a year and imagines what it will be like to come home. Reports…

GLC03523.10.127

11 August 1864

Lafferty, Samuel, fl. 1840-1908

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Addresses letter "Friend Joe." Writes from a camp outside Uniontown. Says he didn't think he would live, "...but I am getting tolerably stout again, but not stout enough to stand much exposure." Remarks he didn't think he would be leaving the regiment for good. Discusses going to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with his company. Informs him he is now waiting for the enemy to approach. States they are well-prepared and fortified. Anticipates going back to Camp Reynolds in Pennsylvania soon. Mentions all "the pretty girls of this state."

GLC03523.10.132

15 August 1864

Maitland, Joseph M., 1836-1918

Autograph letter

Title: to Bell Wharton

Letter is not signed, but based on content it is likely written by Joseph Maitland. Expresses great pleasure at receiving her letter. Reports on the food in camp: coffee, sour bread, strong pork, rice and beans once in awhile. "We have an old nigger wench Blacker than the 'Ace of Spades' to cook for us..." Mentions the hundred days men (temporary soldiers), their difficulty adjusting to the climate, and the high amount of sickness among them. Reports that "every evening we hear the muffled Drums & the shrill notes of the Fife telling us that another victim is being borne to his long home…

GLC03523.10.133

16 August 1864

Moore, S.R., fl. 1863-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Writes to Joseph from camp near the Tallahatchie River. Complains of being nearly shirtless and plans to take some Rebel's wardrobe when he gets a chance. Requests Joseph sends some stamps and promises to repay him. Reports a forage party of five men have been detailed to go outside camp, "...we have rather slim rations the country around here for miles is stripped of forage and we have very strict orders about going outside the pickets as there have been several of our men captured."

GLC03523.10.134

4 October 1864

Maitland, Joseph M., 1836-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Bell Wharton

Writes to Bell from camp near Memphis. Complains the weather has been wet for a week. Says he has a headache and a sore throat. Reports he was in the city today clerking for a court-martial and is now detailed for that job as long as his regiment is in the county. Informs him he will move to new quarters in the city next week. Mentions a letter from his mother wishing he was home and married. Comments he's "been thinking seriously about keeping 'Bachelor's Hall' if I live to get out of the service." Expresses confidence "that the selection of old 'Abe' will have a great deal to do with…

GLC03523.10.135

7 October 1864

Maitland, Joseph M., 1836-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Bell Wharton

Writes to Bell from the "Rooms of General Court Martial" in Memphis. Reports he likes his new job clerking and his room is very nice with a good bed, a coal grate, and gas lighting. Says his work is from nine o'clock in the morning until noon with the rest of the day free. Informs him he received a package from an unknown sender with the "Democratic Ticket" in it and a request to distribute them in the regiment and use his influence in favor of McClellan. Exclaims he does not intend to vote for McClellan. Anticipates the war will be over soon. Discovers he has bed-bugs and is sleeping on the…

GLC03523.10.136

13 October 1864

Maitland, Joseph M., 1836-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Bell Wharton

Writes to Bell from the "Rooms of General Court Martial" in Memphis. Claims it's a night for lovers; with dry weather and a shining moon. Informs her there is a "Tin Pan Alley" and shooting gallery in the basement of his building. Reports Union General Ralph P. Buckland won't permit any troops to leave Memphis. Says they expect Confederate General James R. Chalmers to try and take Memphis. States the results of the election were one hundred eighty-nine total votes; one hundred sixty-seven for the Union candidate and twenty-seven for the Democratic. Includes a three cent stamp on the envelope.

GLC03523.10.137

9 October 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Thanks his family for the needle and thread they sent. Reports that General Ward is still in Murfreesboro. Writes that the 129th Ills has gone down to Columbia on the Franklin Road, but have not returned. Expresses his appreciation for the clothes that he's received from home by writing that he shall wear all his clothes on his back should he enter into battle or be in a position where he is likely to lose them. Writes that the prices of clothing have risen considerably since he first entered the service and provides prices for dress coats, overcoats, and blankets. Describes the stove he…

GLC07460.053

11 October 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Reports that General Ward is back in Murfreesboro. Writes that he has sent his ambrotype with the letter (not included) and has framed his mother's likeness, commenting that he is always proud to show it off. Wheeler mentions that he has bought an overcoat and had his boots tapped and nailed in preparation for winter. Writes that he's been so busy mending his clothes that he hasn't had time to make his mother's ring. Reports that the men have inspection this afternoon and jokes that he wants to get the office of inspector general of his mother's pantry when he comes home. In a post…

GLC07460.054

16 October 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Reports on some of the activity going on including train guard and the arrival of trains loaded with men which he thinks may be ill or convalescents. Writes that Confederate General Wheeler has not frightened them with his raids. Writes that ten days rations have been put in the fort but will probably be brought out again for the soldiers to eat. Discusses the price of grain and is glad to hear that oats is selling for a good price. Writes to his mother that he has been singing again. Updates his family on some of the other soldiers from his hometown including John Defield who is sick in…

GLC07460.055

24 October 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister Martha and family

Discusses activity regarding train guard. Writes that they would be able to drive the Rebels from Georgia without firing a gun, if they had Austrian rifles. Mentions that U.S. Grant is now their commander and reports that he passed through Nashville a few days ago with some generals on the way to the front. Writes that it is unlikely that his regiment will be called to the war front. Asks that cheese and butter be delivered to him with someone that is going back to camp. He writes that he'd rather not have more than four or five pounds of butter and a few of cheese at a time. Remarks…

GLC07460.057

29 October 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes that some of the men from his regiment are out on train guard duty on a branch road leading out to Tullahoma, Tennessee. He asks that Thomas Albee's mother be told that Albee hasn't been able to write because he's been on train duty. Reports a train attack and raids by some guerillas, but assures his family that the 105th regiment (Wheeler's regiment) hasn't been attacked. Reassures his sister that Lincoln's increasing of troops doesn't mean the war is not going to end soon; on the contrary he writes " if he would call for a million men it would be better." Remarks that " Old Abe…

GLC07460.058

5 November 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes that he has just returned from performing the funeral services and burial of George H. Gould. Gould, who shared a tent with Wheeler, had been sick since June from diahrrea, and was transferred to the regimental hospital in August where he died. He also writes that Gould's discharge papers were made out while he was sick in hospital but have not been returned. Furthermore, he explains that if a soldier dies or is discharged before serving two years, the seventy-five dollar bounty is lost. Discusses news about various soldiers from the regiment including a twenty-year old whose legs…

GLC07460.059