22 July 1782

Dundas, David, Sir, Bart, 1749-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Dundas

Writes in detail about his father's arrival and their activities. Indicates that "We are in hourly expectation of hearing something of Importance from Lord Howe." Explains that six ships have been sent to Howe to make a fleet of thirty and discusses related naval matters. Comments on their brother Ralph's difficulty getting a naval post. Comments on correspondence (and the lack of it) from their brother George and James Robertson. Notes that he can give no news of politics because it is difficulty to come by, quipping that "Self Interest is the secret spring to modern patriotism." Asks…

GLC02549.23

February 22, 1862

Moore, John, 1826-1907

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Moore Kelly

He refers to the Sanitary Commission's pretentious movement, and complains about their nurses. Laments the fact that while he and the Army medical department do all the work, and the government pays all the costs, they receive all the criticism while the Sanitary Commission ends up with all the credit. "The world you see is very much given to humbuggery. Even benevolence sometimes assumes that shape. Allow me to say, however, that the people mean well and freely give their money – give it more freely than I ever knew the bogus chivalry of the south to do, with all their flings and sneers at…

GLC04195.03

December 11, 1780

Dundas, David, Sir, Bart, 1749-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Dundas [fragment]

Discusses contested parliamentary elections in the south, remarking that "from the eagerness to get into Parliament, one would think that more Patriotism prevails now than ever." Notes that there is great expectation for news from Admiral Darby and Admiral Samuel Hood, particularly "how many French Admirals are brought into Portsmouth." Discusses the potential meeting of two fleets (apparently building on earlier comments in the lost part of the letter). One of the fleets was British, which Dundas describes as "dreadfully inferior in numbers yet there are many people who...think that even…

GLC02549.15

31 October 1864

Maitland, William G., 1846-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: Joseph M. Maitland

Explains his delay in writing to him because of the comment in his last letter home that "you thought no one with a spank of loyalty in them could support General McClellan..." Responds "I think as much of my country as anyone." Reports the crops have been threshed resulting in 188 bushels of wheat and 147 bushels of oats. Says he won't sell the wheat yet because the price is one dollar fifty cents per bushel and he thinks it will go higher. Envelope includes a three cent stamp.

GLC03523.10.141

January 29, 1864

Smith, Samuel Francis, 1808-1895

Autograph letter signed

Title: to J. Wiley Edmands

Smith writes to Edmands to provide the words for "My Country 'Tis of Thee" (GLC05505.230.02). Smith comments that the song's chief merit is the occasion and circumstances in which it was produced, referring to providing momentary joy during the suffering of the Civil War.

GLC05508.230.01

August 4, 1886

Smith, Samuel Francis, 1808-1895

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: America

Smith enclosed this copy of the words to America (My Country, 'Tis of Thee) with a letter to J. Wiley Edmands (GLC05508.230.01).

GLC05508.230.02

29 November 1862

Tyler & Allegre, fl. 1862-1865

Newspaper

Title: The daily richmond enquirer. [Vol. 36, no. 201 (November 29, 1862)]

From the "Chicago Times," a report of the Congressional returns from the North. Report from the "Galveston News" on the Bombardment of Port Lavacca. Update on "The Siutation in Tennessee." Report that the Army of the Potomac under General George McCellean was crippled at the battle of Sharpsburg. Advertisement for the hire of 500 negroes to work as laborers for the army in 1863. Editorial on "The People and the War," which says "We are delighted with the displays of patriotism of which our exchanges continue to bring us the evidence from all parts of the Confederacy." Short tidbit claims that…

GLC05959.80.05

23 September 1861

A.F. Crutchfield & Co., fl. 1861

Newspaper

Title: Daily express. [Vol. 11, no. 227, whole no. 3768 (September 23, 1861)]

Thrilling and patriotic appeal by General Buckner to the freemen of Kentucky, Lexington attacked by General Price.

GLC05959.74.20

12 November 1861

Gordon, H.L., fl. 1861

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: [A soldier's poem]

Writes from Camp Stone. Includes a poem entitled, "Lines on the death of my friend Louis Mitchell of Co. I 1st Regt Minnesota Vols: who was killed in a skirmish on the Virginia side of the Potomac. Oct. 21st 1861." Gordon's friend, Lewis Mitchell, was the only man killed in this battle. Describes his friend's death in detail in the poem, and states that he died an honorable death for the love of his country.

GLC06559.038

9 March 1864

Marvin, Matthew, fl. 1863-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sarah Ogden

Writes from the Military Department Marine Hospital that he has received another furlough for six days, in which he got a chance to walk around the city for the first time. Praises the "patriotic & charitable operations" headed by the women back home. He complains about his injury, which shows no sign of improvement. Includes an embossed seal in the upper left hand corner. Envelope includes a three cent stamp.

GLC06559.067

9 January 1862

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Complains about the Porter Guards from New York, who are stationed at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, noting that they boast of "Being nearly all Rich and leaving home through Principal," although "the Pennsylvanians are as Patriotick as ever New York was..."

GLC02155.028

January 26, 1862

Miller, Michael Murray, fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lile Miller

Written at Camp Pierpont to his wife. Discusses camp life. Writes, "Oh i hope and pray to god it may not Be much longer till i can press you to my heart... and yet dear Lile to Protect this happy Land of ours i would fight those over Bearing Rebels till the last drop of Blood was out of my veins..."

GLC02155.032

circa 1862-1864

Spencer, George A., fl. 1862-1864

Manuscript document signed

Title: Ellsworth Avengers

Song entitled "Ellsworth Avengers."

GLC00653.21.10

March 22, 1863

Beach, Elias William, 1841-1921

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his mother

Written near Fredericksburg. "My love for my country is as strong and ardent to day as it was the day I signed my enlistment papers and so long as there is breath in me I will be true to my country..." Discusses the future of their family farm, does not want to return to work on the farm, and hopes his mother and father will hire someone to do the heavy work. "Nothing new has transpired since I wrote last except the departure of Gen Woodburg and the arrival of our new Gen. Gen. Benham, who took command of the brigade yesterday..."

GLC00919.25.17

4 September 1862

Knox, Andrew, 1835-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sarah Knox

Knox writes to his wife from Fort Scott in Virginia. Expresses pleasure at receiving her letters, and the Herald and Danbury newspapers. Reports he has seen nephew George and he is very thin. States the rebels will have to capture the forts before they can take Washington, D.C. and is confident that will not happen due to the determination of the men in his company. Refers to the conflict between Union Generals George B. McClellan and John Pope. Remarks that "the troops of Gen. Pope when they came in look more like a mob than disciplined soldiers." Expresses confidence in the superiority of…

GLC03523.20.06

8 July 1863

Knox, Andrew, 1835-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sarah Knox

Knox writes to his wife from Fort Scott in Virginia. Expresses deep love for her. Comments "It will be a source of great gratification for me to know that we have done our share towards preserving the Union and Liberties of our country." Inquires about the baby and requests a lock of her hair. Asks when the baby will be baptized. Reports he is officer of the day and they will start for Fort Richardson. Complains about fleas. Says Confederate General Robert E. Lee is so badly defeated, the rebels will not be able to recover. Letter has a Union logo on it.

GLC03523.20.08

3 October 1861

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

He writes that he does not have picket duty because the enemy has left Munson's Hill and vicinity. The troops have been ready to march everyday and they go out in "stack columns" prepared to fight. Writes that they took the hill after the enemy left and laid on the ground all night and that it was cold enough to freeze. Wilkinson goes to Washington D.C. to see Amanda's uncle, Allen Goodridge, and has his "likeness" [picture] taken. States that he has been promoted to "orderly Sergeant." Writes that promotions are difficult because the regiment is the "best one in the field" and therefore…

GLC03523.13.018

16 November 1861

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at Camp Richardson. States that he loves her very much and is glad she has regained much of her strength. Is extremely excited that she will soon be a mother. Notes that they have been out on a "tramp" after seeing the enemy. He states that 16,000 men and 12 cannons went out after the enemy. He visited "Pohick Church" which was built by Washington 88 years ago. Wilkinson then goes on to describe the dimensions and aesthetics of the building. Also adds that he sat in Washington's pew which he liked very much. Reports that an old slave told him that 600 of the enemy cavalry came through…

GLC03523.13.024

17 October 1861

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Notes that their camp has moved twice since he last wrote and they are now in Alexandria, Virginia. States that they are two miles from the river and are currently employed in building a fort. He writes that the enemy is only 12 miles away. He is worried that the officers do not show enough bravery. So much so that he fears all will be lost if they do not show more. Writes that if there is a battle in which the enemy is to be defeated and give his country hope, he would not mind falling in that battle. One of his company is going home tomorrow and will pay her a visit. Tells her that he sent…

GLC03523.13.021

3 December 1861

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Dugen Ely

Written at the camp of the Michigan 2nd Regiment. Writes to Dugen Ely that he is now a noncommissioned officer. States that he is fighting for his country, risking his life and all that he has in service of it. But he is sorry that he has placed his wife in such an "unpleasant" situation.

GLC03523.13.026

28 April 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

He has been on the picket for the last 24 hours and feels very tired. They are being shot at and shelled all day and night. He writes that the enemy works are very strong and extend form the York River to the James River. Is glad that she has made friends in Lexington, Michigan. Sends her 10 dollars. Writes that he did not see Wink, his sister, or his mother while he was in Kalamazoo, Michigan before returning to the army because it would have made him seem like he was avoiding the battle. Explains to his wife not to fret about him and that if he were to die in battle it would be in "defense…

GLC03523.13.039

10 June 1861

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Informs his wife that he has arrived in Baltimore. Notes that most of the people passed along the way received them warmly. He does note a few exceptions where this was not so. He states that if he dies in battle he fell for a "noble cause." Sends his regards to his mother and friends.

GLC03523.13.001

5 January 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that he hopes she does not think his previous letter foolish for being a love letter. Thinks that most men give all their affection before marriage and then after marriage the wife is the one who professes affection. Enjoys the picture of the baby. Wants to know what his mother thinks of the baby. He has not been paid yet but expects to receive it soon. Thinks it is more honorable to earn a commission near the battlefield then to go home and get one. Hopes he will soon be made first lieutenant. States that he did not join the army to get promotions but to fight for his…

GLC03523.13.073

7 January 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Asks if she has received his previous letter (GLC02437.00511). Details the fighting from 2 January onward. Discusses the American retreat from Trenton, for which the artillery provided cover, Washington's decision to next attack Princeton where "about 1200 men" were stationed by the British, and the late night march to Princeton. Admits "we did not take them by surprise as at Trenton," because the British soldiers were already marching when the Continentals encountered them, whereas in Trenton they had been totally out of order. But still thinks the enemy "were as much asstonish'd as if…

GLC02437.00514

2 January 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Longs to be with her, and hopes that he will have a chance at the end of winter. The men are fighting on past their enlistment dates and have "high spirits but want Rum and clothing." Informs her that he has been made Brigadier General over all artillery, which was "unsolicited on my part, tho' I cannot say unexpected." Says that people are too lavish in their praise of him, and that he possesses nothing more than industry and love of country. "War my Lucy is not a humane trade," and says the attack on Trenton damaged the residents there. Dated 1776, but written 1777.

GLC02437.00511