2 June 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

He is glad to finally be leaving Rikers Island, and says he would have deserted if they had been there one more week. Once they reach Fort Monroe, everyone will have to have a rifle. He insists his father draw his pay every month as it will be of no use to him.

GLC07705.007

4 June 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

He writes that he is very busy and cannot write much now but will write a long letter soon.

GLC07705.008

11 June 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

He briefly outlines a battle that took place at Bethel where the enemy was 8,000 strong. They expect them to attack again. the union lays siege with 10,000 federal troops.

GLC07705.009

17 June 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Lately the accomodations are very bad and he begs his father to entreat his discharge and promises never to enlist again.

GLC07705.010

19 June 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Once again asks his father to writer to the Colonel asking for his discharge. He thinks he can get it because he is underage.

GLC07705.011

22 June 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

He begs his father to get him discharged on account of his age.

GLC07705.012

27 June 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

He thanks his father for his kind letter and for writing to the Secretary for his discharge. Sorry to hear his father feels bad about it.

GLC07705.013

8 July 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

He writes about the capture of four Lousiana Zouaves and a secession flag. He thinks his father has a better chance of getting his discharge if he applies to the magistrate on a writ of Habeus Corpus.

GLC07705.014

14 July 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

He thanks him for all he is doing to try to get his discharge, but says he does not want his father to feel bad if he does not succeed.

GLC07705.015

17 July 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

He no longer cares whether he goes home or not. Says he was only homesick and has grown accustomed to his circumstances.

GLC07705.016

24 July 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

A gun-boat called Penguin lies there for the purpose of watching the movements of the enemy. He heard the sound of muskets firing while at brigade drill. He later learned it was a sham battle between regiments.

GLC07705.017

30 August 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Since General Wool took over, things have improved greatly, down to the cook. He witnessed a naval battle between the Frigate Savannah and a Secession gun-boat. He writes that he received more clothes including a regular's fatigue suit. He now longs for a brush with the enemy,

GLC07705.018

5 September 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

He anticipates that they will move to Fort Clark on Saturday and tells him not to write until he hears from him first.

GLC07705.019

7 September 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

He writes that he really likes this life and would like it even more if he were fighting...reminds him to call on John's sister.

GLC07705.020

12 September 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Written onboard a steamer. He describes Fort Hattera where they met two schooners on their way to Philadelphia. They have captured five vessels since the boys have been there. He describes the island as the one that Robinson Crusoe lived on. The fishing is first class, but the water is awful. There are no wells and the water is almost unfit to drink.

GLC07705.021

19 September 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

They are in possession of Fort Clark. He describes it as dreary and desolate, just like Coney Island. There are no inhabitants for five miles except mosquitos, but well populated five or six miles from the mainland. got a pass and explored. The people were very courteous. Written at Fort Clark.

GLC07705.022

30 September 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

He saw an English vessel and a ship from Cuba called the Neptune's Car headed for Philadelphia. He is enclosing this letter in a box of shells. Written at Fort Clark.

GLC07705.023

7 October 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

One of their boats, the Fanny, was captured and the crew was taken unaware near Roanoke Island. Written at Fort Clark.

GLC07705.024

8 October 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

The post master came and delivered his salary up to Sept. 1. later he tells the dramatic story of how they rescued the Indiana men from the boat, the Fanny. Written at Fort Clark.

GLC07705.025

19 October 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

There is a change in command. They are losing Gen. Wool who will no doubt be missed by all. This will change their whole schedule which he lists for his father starting at 5 am. He writes that he caught a deserter and earned extra money.

GLC07705.026

20 October 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

He left their last camp because it was an unhealthy place and a lot of the boys were getting sick. He would like to go to Virginia or N. Carolina next.

GLC07705.027

28 October 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

He writes he will be forwarding most of his pay and provides a list of things he wants his father to send him from home. There is fighting amonst the officials over who is appointed where and by whom. One of the Captains resigned and said he would not remain there for a $1000 a day.

GLC07705.028

31 October 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

He writes there is a great number of sea shells to collect. He wants to know what the people in New York think of his regiment. Then tells his father not to worry if he is taken prisoner. If he ever meets a secessionist "I will not try to take him prisoner but jab my bayonet through him..."

GLC07705.029

2 November 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

No news. A large mail came but there was nothing from his father. He will write another letter later.

GLC07705.030

13 November 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

He is glad his father put the money he sent to good use...has a gripe with Mr. Choate. thinks he does not deserve to be paid back and doesn't understand why he doesn't fight for his country. He quotes from a letter of him that illustrates why he doesn't have much respect for Mr. Choate.

GLC07705.031