20 November 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He writes that one of their men fell from a tree and dislocated his wrist. He reiterates that God gave him the greatest gift of all: her.

GLC02744.096

21 November 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He writes about how an officer of his rank never has to worry about food or shelter. Notes how much money the war is costing.

GLC02744.097

22 November 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter

Title: to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He is anxious for Lucien to attend school. He writes that he feels the sufferings of his fellow soldiers. Notes that enemy is in Fredricksburg.

GLC02744.098

25 November 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

Tells her not to worry so much. Writes he might be able to send for her in 4-6 weeks. They have both gained weight. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg

GLC02744.099

28 November 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He writes the possibility of a battle has now become very faint. tells her to always confide in God. Mentions Park. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg

GLC02744.100

30 November 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He tells her again not to believe what she reads in the newspaper. currently has a cold. He is feeling lonely and homesick. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg

GLC02744.101

29 November 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He writes about Lucien. He tells her to let him outside as much as possible, otherwise if he is inside make sure he is in a warm room. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg

GLC02744.102.01

20 November 1862

Newspaper clipping

Title: On the Banks of the [Rappahannock] opposite Fredericksburg, Nov. 20, 1862

Union and rebel soldiers have a spat across the river.

GLC02744.102.02

01 December 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He talks about the change in leadership from McClellan to Burnside. He writes that McClellan is a genius but he failed to fight sometimes.

GLC02744.103

03 December 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He writes of a time when they thought nothing but death would separate them. Feels that he has not done enough for her over the years.

GLC02744.104

04 December 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He writes about how he can love God more as he does not feel his faith is strong enough. Written in a camp near Falmouth.

GLC02744.105

07 December 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He writes that sickness like Typhoid Fever has been claiming the lives of their men. Thirty have died. He talks about the advantages of getting a tenement. Written in a camp near Falmouth.

GLC02744.106

09 December 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He mentions that Chelsea is coming home. Talks about the whiskey ration that he says is usually unnecesary. Fortunately the officers in his regiment don't drink. Written in a camp near Falmouth

GLC02744.107

14 December 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He writes that there has been nonstop fighting for three days.

GLC02744.108

11 December 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He is unclear whether there will be any more fighting, but Burnside has pushed the rebels back. Fredricksburg has been badly damaged by artillery. Written in a camp near Falmouth.

GLC02744.109

16 December 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He describes a day of tremendous and continuous artillery. They lost very few men and only one of his friends was wounded but not seriously. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg

GLC02744.110.01

12 December 1862

Newspaper clipping

Title: The Latest News. By Telegraph. From the Army of the Potomac. The Main Body of Our Army Across the Rappahannock.

He describes artillery duel on the Potomac.

GLC02744.110.02

17 December 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He writes that his horse had a narrow escape from a bullet. M.B Metcalf was seriously injured but will be well soon. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg

GLC02744.111

20 December 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

Martin Metcalf ended up dying. He was entrusted with carrying out his last request; mailing his bible to his family. Written in a camp near Falmouth

GLC02744.112

22 December 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee and children

When he went with men down to river to support battery, he caught a cold. says Hartford account of the Fredericksburg battle is "outrageously false" and gives quick account of battle. Written in a camp near Falmouth

GLC02744.113

22 December 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: Friend Thayer

He compares the battle of Manassas which was bloodless to the battle of Fredricksburg which he describes as a cool atrocity. Written in a camp near Falmouth.

GLC02744.114

13 November 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: J.W. Thayer, Esq.

He writes she must have learned from the paper that the army has moved.speculates that McClellan could have destroyed the Rebels after the battle of Antietam, but he stopped to recruit, thus giving the Rebels time to regroup.

GLC02744.115

January 7,1863

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: Friend Thayer

The news is encouraging, would like to have her come down and stay with him for a few days. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg

GLC02744.116

24 December 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He talks about how the army is divided and organized. He writes that a young woman in Norwich presented him with a wreath of flowers as he was riding through the city. Written in a camp near Falmouth.

GLC02744.117

26 December 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He cannot really say what he thinks of those higher in command, nevertheless, he notes that Burnside thinks himself incompetetent. Yet he thinks Burnside has no superior in the army. Features poem about Fredricksburg.Written in a camp near Falmouth

GLC02744.118