February 15, 1863

Swain, Julius Marshall, 1835-1811

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Julius Marshall Swain describes the financial situation. He has been burning log cabins in the vicinity: "the citizens are about sick of soldiers and I can't blame them for that for fences suffer dreadfully and always will where seasoned wood is scarce." A postscript dated March 1, describes the change in command and his new position with his old company.

GLC00653.10.04

March 1, 1863

Swain, Julius Marshall, 1835-1811

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Comments on the horrible wind and is grateful to be an officer at HQ where the tents are much more sturdy and pleasant. Describes the political relationships among commanders and his lack of hope for promotion or distinction.

GLC00653.10.05

10 June 1864

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Nen

Sends a piece of a Confederate skull from the Battle of Chancellorsville, as well as a piece of Washington's mother's monument from Fredericksburg. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.09

16 August 1864

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Emily Brown

Instructs her to direct her letters to him through Washington as they are never in one place for more than three or four days. Asks for $50 because he won't receive any more pay until he is discharged.

GLC03523.15.13

8 June 1862

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [brother and sister]

He writes from a hospital, describing it as a "regular palice," where "evry thing is so clean." He had an ambrotype made but it turned out poorly, especially because he's been sick.

GLC03523.15.01

28 August 1863

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister

He has been sick and finally saw the doctor, who gave him some pills but did not excuse him from duty. Comments on the list of drafted men in the newspaper (Enrollment Act of July 1863).

GLC03523.15.02

4 September 1863

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [sister]

He asks her to write more often. Comments on her adopted son. "Every day makes one less for me to be in uncle Sams grand Army that is all the comfort I have."

GLC03523.15.03

February 14, 1864

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

He is afraid that Jed will enlist. Receives weekly letters from his friend James, but John does not write very often. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.05

26 March 1864

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Reminisces about going down to Presket Point in heavy winds and how the boat sank. "Danger seems to be my lot for I am always in it." Expresses hope in Grant's leadership. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.06

20 May 1864

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Emily Brown

He recounts the various notes and items he has sent recently, including a pipe for Jed. Their march slowly progresses, but "be of good cheer at home and we will try to do the best we can in the field." Includes a photo of Aggness's daughter (not included here). Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.07

5 June 1864

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Emily Brown

Reports a slight wound on his left leg. They have been in fighting position for over 50 hours but are doing well under Grant. "Oh when I come home I shall have plenty to tell you that I cannot now." Sends a belt buckle from a dead Rebel for Jed. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.08

24 June 1864

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Asks them to send stamps and a red pepper. It would be more expensive to send blankets than for his mother to buy them at home. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.10

27 June 1864

Brown, Harvey T., fl. 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Expresses confidence in Grant, then complains that Congress insults the poor man with low pay.

GLC03523.15.11

29 June 1864

Canty, James, fl. 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to friend Brown

Apologizes for not visiting him while he was at home due to sickness. Although they have had hard times, Jesse visited. They all hope this summer would see the end of fighting. While Jesse has not reenlisted, he has; he wants to see the end of the war.

GLC03523.15.12

23 August 1864

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

They are doing more marching, and he is avoiding action. Again he requests $50 if it's not too difficult. He waits for six months' pay and won't be paid again until he is discharged. Mailed from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.14

31 August 1864

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Apologizes for his parents not having received his recent letters, but again requests $50, preferably not in state money because it is not good there. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.15

13 September 1864

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Has received the money. Although $20 was in state money and is not worth anything there, it worked out because he owed a friend $20 who sent it home to Rhode Island, where it had full value. Is anxious to start a tug boat business after the war. Gives news of friends James Canty, James Kerns, and Major McMahorn. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.16

17 September 1864

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Thanks them for the final $10 they sent. Though it was state money, he manages to use it by trading it to another soldier who sent it home. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.17

27 September 1864

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Received a slight wound in his side and is now in the hospital. His leg wound is recovering well, and he hopes to be in good shape when he is discharged. He suffered considerably in transport to the hospital, riding 32 miles in a six-mule wagon.

GLC03523.15.18

23 October 1864

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Maria Brown

Finds no excitement in the upcoming election, though they may send soldiers home to vote. Hopes to see her before long.

GLC03523.15.19

2 April 1861

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mon ami

Comments on a recently received photograph and his friend's new maturity from a schoolboy to a businessman, with philosophical underpinnings. Reports their company drilling schedule, with particular attention to the word "skirmish" and its definition.

GLC03523.23.01

28 April 1862

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

He writes while squatting on the ground with his portfolio on his knees. Describes the soldier's life with the bulk of time spent in marching: "marching is what breaks the men down so much; they hate it worse than they do fighting." He prefers picket duty. He describes the battleground of Sharpsburg and the march to Williamsport. "The Mined balls, shells, and grape and canister make a fellow feel a little shaky." He also describes food.

GLC03523.23.02

27 October 1862

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Describes the scene as "a cold, rainy Sunday in a crowded, leaky tent, three more letters to write, and no dinner in prospective except 'beans.'" Mentions constant marching with little rest. As it is getting cold, "the boys draw around the fire, where we have some gay time, telling yarns, arguing, &c." Fellow soldiers call him "Pud" or "Clothes" for his large shape. "With us, the war seems but little advanced toward the end."

GLC03523.23.03

15 November 1862

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

While they are located in a beautiful overlook of the Blue Ridge, "there is not the slightest romance in walking a mile up and down the mountain for water." While on picket, they got food from several homes, more by intimidation than by gift, "followed by their maledictions."

GLC03523.23.04

4 January 1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Describes the recuperation following the battle of Rappahannock due to mismanagement. The men are discouraged and do not support the recent presidential proclamation. There is constant effort to increase comfort, building log structures in camp, and little sickness.

GLC03523.23.05