14 March 1864

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Complains about recent useless parades and reviews, preliminary to reorganization of the army into three corps, similar to Lee's army, under Sedgwick, Hancock, and a third General. Notes malcontent, particularly with the Army of the Potomac. Kilpatrick's men have ravaged the countryside, stealing, burning, and shooting horses. "I am not one of those who thinks that our armies should destroy indiscriminately. Such destruction does not tend to subdue rebels, it enrages them the more."

GLC03523.23.32

22 March 1864

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Reports on local rumors of reorganization and a new focus on Richmond, with Grant moving his headquarters to the Army of the Potomac.

GLC03523.23.33

2 April 1864

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Complains about rain; would rather march than be cooped up in his tent. Reports on recent army reorganization and Meade's current actions. Asks a hypothetical question translating the value of gold to greenbacks.

GLC03523.23.34

22 April 1864

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Has been named high private, rear rank, Co. H, 61st P.V. Must readjust after returning from his recent furlough, during which his corps was reorganized.

GLC03523.23.35

1 May 1864

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Remains in winter quarters. Burnside, who was supposed to be on the Peninsular campaign, is nearby with his colored troops distributed as railroad guards. Writes that they fear for black soldiers on the front: "With the 'darkies' it is victory or death, and I venture to say that each 'Sambo' who has donned the Union blue, has a wholesome dread of the tender mercies of the 'chivalry.'" Reminisces on advances made a year previously.

GLC03523.23.36

21 April 1865

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Written from Camp Parole, where Union prisoners of war were held until they were exchanged with Confederate prisoners of war, then returned to their regiments. Expresses fear that every officer would apprehend him after he had been taken into custody. So few men have reported back that the camp appears deserted. Describes the recent day of mourning for Lincoln. While exploring camp, discovered a library of castaway volumes with a few interesting books.

GLC03523.23.37

27 April 1865

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Describes how marching to the front now is somewhat different now than a year ago because their army is much more victorious. Reacts to presidential communication with Britain; wonders about Canada. Written from Camp Parole, where Union prisoners of war were held until they were exchanged with Confederate prisoners of war, until being returned to their regiments.

GLC03523.23.38

19 May 1865

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Was a prisoner of war a year ago here; has visited his old prison. Local attitudes towards the Union have changed due to Grant. "The conduct of the soldiers has been remarkable, when we consider the bitterness, the cruelty, the fiendishness with which the Southrons waged war upon us. I ascribe it to influence which intelligence and Christianity has upon the Northern people." Confederate money is worthless and the people are destitute. Freedmen act in "mutinous conduct," and the soldiers must settle disputes.

GLC03523.23.40

5 June 1865

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Complains about how veteran soldiers are being treated, especially those who have reenlisted. Has prepared the muster-out rolls and complains about inefficient officers. Looks forward to spending the 4th of July at home in Philadelphia. Several soldiers want to go fight in Mexico, while he expresses contradictory opinion to events there.

GLC03523.23.41

5 October 1865

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Has visited old friends in Illinois, a place he now admires greatly. "I have come to the conclusion that there is no place like it for a young man to start in the world, with assurance of success."

GLC03523.23.43

7 May 1865

Stephens, Ashbury L., 1843-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Hat

Recounts meeting "Majors Burnham and Merriman on board the boat" at Fort Monroe. Describes war torn Petersburg, noting that "almost every house shows the marks of our Shells." Explains that the troops were weary from travelling 165 miles in six days, so they would take it slow on their way to Richmond. In reference to General Sherman, he boasts that "if 'old crazy Bill and his Bummers' had been here Petersburg would have been taken long ago." Comments on the troops' excitement about the upcoming muster and their support of Sherman. Indicates he will write again from Richmond. I note…

GLC04498.07

30 December 1864

Blair, D.F., fl. 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Written on board the U.S.S. Mohican, possibly near Wilmington, North Carolina. Discusses the Mohican's participation with Rear Admiral David Dixon Porter's North Atlantic Blockading Squadron at the close of the Battle of Fort Fisher (24 and 25 December). Recalls being the closest wooden vessel to the Fort, and exclaims that survival of the vessel and crew is a miracle. Writes "I fell quite thankfull to the Rebs for not taking better aim..." Possibly referring to General Benjamin Franklin Butler, writes "if Old Butler had had the Spark of a Louse I think he would have got the Fort his…

GLC08470.02

1911

Nash, Eugene Arus, 1837-1911

Book

Title: A history of the Forty-fourth regiment, New York volunteers

An in depth history of the 44th New York Volunteer Infantry, chronicling almost ever day. Printed copies of photographs, letters, and other primary sources.

GLC08966.02

8 October 1864

Woolston, Charles, fl. 1864-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin A. Woolston

Writes to his father in Tullytown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania that he is well and reports that he enlisted in the third Pennsylvania Cavalry yesterday but was rejected as of yet. States that he left his clothes in the receiving office to be picked up within the week. Writes that when he gets paid, he will send it home by express. Informs that he brought a gold lever watch but remarks that there are a lot of pickpockets. Written from Camp Cadwalader, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

GLC03523.26.01

16 November 1864

Woolston, Charles, fl. 1864-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin A. Woolston

Writes to his father in Tullytown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, that his regiment is at City Point, Virginia where he will be going soon to meet them. Says they have plenty to eat and can do what they want so he is in no hurry to go. Reports visiting the cemetery at Fairfax where General George B. McClellan fought in 1861. States that Confederate General Garnett was killed here. Says the men were all buried respectably in marked graves. Lists some purchases he has made, a gold pen, rubber suspenders, a pocket glass, etc. Written from Camp Distribution near Alexandria, Virginia.

GLC03523.26.02

November 4, 1863

Fuller, Josiah C., 1827-1896

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

He describes the troop's movement between Marenten Junction and Falmouth and changes in leadership. He charges her for expecting his brothers to take care of her when she can take care of herself. He describes camp food. Letter is cross-written.

GLC00653.06.02

June 7, 1863

Swain, Julius Marshall, 1835-1811

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his mother

Written from Georgetown, in Washington, D.C. He is anxious to take the right classes and pass his exam to prove his worthiness to receive a good commission. He recognizes that his family at home is opposed "to my joining a negro regiment," but is anxious to serve his country. He has ordered a life insurance policy.

GLC00653.10.07

July 19, 1863

Swain, Julius Marshall, 1835-1811

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joel

Written from Georgetown, in Washington, D.C. He describes his efforts to follow orders even in adverse conditions. He includes a copy of an order from Captain Nicodemus. He has been transferred several times, and complies in hopes for promotion. He remarks on the calvary's "reputation for courage and determination." Took three rebels captive, and found a stray valuable horse.

GLC00653.10.08

July 20, 1863

Swain, Julius Marshall, 1835-1811

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Written from Georgetown, in Washington, D.C. He reports his past military activity. He met the victorious army at Frederick returning from Gettysburg. "The failure to capture or drown a large portion of Lee's army has been I think a real & serious disaster to the country." He expresses concern for her son Charlie.

GLC00653.10.09

July 29, 1863

Swain, Julius Marshall, 1835-1811

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Written from Georgetown, in Washington, D.C. He expresses disappointment in her son, Charlie, for enlisting and not following the wishes of his mother.

GLC00653.10.10

September 7, 1863

Swain, Julius Marshall, 1835-1811

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Written from Georgetown, in Washington, D.C. He encourages his sister to influence her son, Charlie, to make the right decisions about fighting. He promises to care for her.

GLC00653.10.11

September 16, 1863

Swain, Julius Marshall, 1835-1811

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Written from Georgetown, in Washington, D.C. He defends Charlie's enlistment and takes partial responsibility for him, but criticizes Charlie's propensity for rich living.

GLC00653.10.12

January 14, 1862

Swain, Julius Marshall, 1835-1811

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Frank

Julius Marshall Swain wants to renew their friendship and tries to report latest activity of several people. The letter is written on patriotic letterhead for Rockland Bank.

GLC00653.10.01

December 12, 1862

Swain, Julius Marshall, 1835-1811

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elizabeth Swain

Describes his war responsibilities to draw and issue supplies. He oversees the brigade team, wagons, blacksmiths, carpenters, and saddlers. He refers to food and clothing sent him by his family.

GLC00653.10.02

January 11, 1863

Swain, Julius Marshall, 1835-1811

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Julius Marshall Swain reports his troop's movements and his hope for a winter camp soon. He was temporarily appointed commanding brigade quartermaster and oversees the provision of clothing and horse feed, as well as supervision of teamsters, carpenters, and blacksmiths. He expresses concern about money.

GLC00653.10.03