January 10,1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Has just received her letter and assures her "my heart is yours although my Country demands my poor pittance to endevor to rescue her from barbarity." Feels this barbarity, exemplified by Indians slaughtering innocents, enslaved people killing their masters, and the general desolation caused by the Hessian mercenaries is all a result of British tyranny. Chastises the "boasted humanity of these people who calls themselves the mother Country!" Repeatedly expresses his love and longing for her. Warns her to "take care of your heart" with Colonel Stewart who will deliver this letter. States…

GLC02437.00517

22 May 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Discusses their recent exchange, noting that he had not received some of her letters due to the postman's mistake. Expresses how much he misses her, emphasizing that nothing but an obligation to his country could separate them. Mentions the threat posed by General John Burgoyne, stating that Lucy, in Boston, should "get a House in the Country as a Retreat." Can not assure Lucy regarding a possible visit due to the danger of the roads and the uncertainty of his location. In closing, notes "I shall always make it a rule to write you by the post, and expect the same from you."

GLC02437.00599

14 June 1813

Hewson, John, 1744-1821

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rufus Lincoln

After a long lapse in correspondence, Hewson is updating Lincoln on his family life. Mentions Lincoln's letter from May 1813. Also mentions that Lincoln's daughter lives in the house of his wife's sister and that she is weak in health, but happy in Philadelphia. Says they had an enjoyable visit with her. His wife just recovered from a painful illness that necessitated a six month confinement. Says he is weak and can only walk 50 yards before tiring after a three month illness. Says he only recovered because of his faith. Is glad a present he sent arrived safely. Thanks Lincoln for the…

GLC03849.01

17 March 1863

Damuth, Dolphus, fl. 1839-1913

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Damuth

Writes to his brother with little war news. Asks John if he is a member of the Democratic Club and warns him that "I would shoot my own brother as soon as I would a snake if I should see him in the ranks of such a Good forsaken set of trators." Says that any Democrat who speaks or writes to him will be purposefully trying to insult him. Takes pride in enlisting and opines, "thear can be but two parties engaged in it [the war] Patriots & Trators." More of the men are dying of typhoid fever.

GLC03523.14.16

10 June 1863

Ticknor, Horace L., 1836-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to father, mother, brother and sisters

Ticknor writes to his family from camp on Stone River, Tennessee. Reports on the successful battle of Stone River that took place on 31 December 1862. Praises Union General William S. Rosecrans. Comments he is waiting to hear good news from Union General Ulysses S. Grant and his troops in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Informs that General William Rosecrans has between 50,000 and 75,000 troops ready to move. Mentions they were ordered to put seven days rations in their knapsacks and be ready to march at a moment's notice. Says they drill a little, play ball, pitch quarters and lounge. Expresses…

GLC03523.30.10

20 June 1863

Damuth, Dolphus, fl. 1839-1913

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Maria Damuth

Writes to thanks his sister for a package she has sent him, "I think more of the handkerchief than any thing." Describes the evening before when, on picket, "we could here the rebels sing Methodist hyms I think they are all like devils very pious when they get in a dangerous place." Gives details of a bombardment of Rebel lines in the morning. A new general is coming to replace McClernand, since he "done some thing the day they made the charge that dident suit Grant." Their new general is named Orff. Opines that Northern Democrats have been patriotic "onely to save thear own cowardly…

GLC03523.14.28

1 March 1864

Damuth, Dolphus, fl. 1839-1913

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister about gossip from home in response to a letter he has recently received. The 29th Wisconsin and some Indiana regiments they have been traveling with have parted ways after a year together. Reminisces about General McClernand and says of him: "there is no kinder men or trur Patriots." They have met some men from the Army of the Potomac who "put on more style than we do they wear white gloves and are well drilled." The men receive no news about the war. Written from Algiers, New Orleans, Louisiana.

GLC03523.14.49

6 August 1864

Damuth, Dolphus, fl. 1839-1913

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Maria Damuth

Writes about the soldiers who died in the skirmish on the Atchafalaya. A few days earlier, a "big scare down to Baton Rouge" caused the officers to load all the men into boats; the men fell asleep and woke up the next morning still in port, and since then "have heard nothing of Rebs." Agrees with his sister on her judgment of young men who have avoided the draft, "I had rather a sister of mine would marry a soldiers old shirt." Writes about the draft that he hopes it will be the least, although "things look rather dark and discouraging but my faith in the wisdom and Patriotism of our…

GLC03523.14.65

19 July 1863

S., Mattie, fl. 1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elhanan M. Mast

A vibrant letter written to "brother Mast." Writes, "Good morning brother Mast! What are you doing this delightful sabbath sunday! The bells are ringing the birds are singing and every thing and every body seems to say 'God and gratitude' and you Mr. Mast, you too should feel free from responsibility and sadness." Discusses soldiering, remarking how it has a "tendency to make you look sober." Comments on recent Union victories at Gettysburg, Vicksburg, and Port Hudson: "Vicksburg and Port Hudson have [certainly] fallen Charleston must capitulate. Rosecrans has been doing admirably, and Lees…

GLC03523.10.081

17 August 1863

Maitland, Joseph M., 1836-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Grier Maitland

Writes to his brother from Camp Bear Creek. Tells him, "I am now seated in the Capt's Tent with no one to disturb me, and as I sit here my mind wanders back to the old Homestead, in my imagination I see you all as you ply your Evening Care, Mother busied washing dishes, &c Pap & your self eagerly reading the Contents of the 'Daily'... I can't help getting the 'Blues' a little, but then I think my Country needs my service... I believe it is my duty and I must not complain." Asks if Grier attended the "Grand Union Rally" at Urbana. Written in pencil.

GLC03523.10.092

10 March 1864

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Louisa B. Terry

Addresses letter to his sister "Lou," telling her that he thinks "Gen. [Ulysses S.] Grant deserves the extra Star for the service he has rendered the U.S. during the present Rebellion..." Also remarks that he would like to see General George Meade receive one as well, and speculates that he will "if the President does not listen to these Celebrated Politicians that is hovering around the white house a filling his ears with 'What ought to be done' by the The Army of the Potomac." Reports that General George McCall's official report of his division's Peninsula Campaign was in the Inquirer.…

GLC03523.08.94

8 September 1862

Ticknor, Horace L., 1836-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to an unknown cousin

Ticknor writes to an unknown cousin from sixteen miles outside Cincinnati, Ohio. Expresses relief his cousin was not accepted when he tried to enlist "...for i think if we are ever whipped it will be before the new recruits and volunteers get into the field and get drilled..." Comments "...this soldiering is hard harsh business." Complains about sleeping in water three to four inches deep and eating hard crackers and raw meat. Expresses deep belief the Union must be preserved at all costs. Mentions the reports from Virginia are not good and things "...look rather dark...." Reports learning…

GLC03523.30.05

24 August 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

Comments that he is pleased that his family has received all of his letters and writes that he is fighting for their rights. Describes his journey to Stevenson, Alabama by train. Reports that during his trip he met an old friend, John Hegeman who fought at Murfreesboro and Perryville. He also writes about riding on the train through the Cumberland Mountain range. Upon arriving at Stevenson his company took up lodging in Rosecrans' headquarters. Writes that Union pickets extend along one side of the Tennessee River and the rebel pickets on the opposite side of the river. Wheeler…

GLC07460.046

12 November 1780

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph document

Title: To The Honorable The Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General Court assembled

Draft. States their support for the new Massachusetts Constitution. Offers suggestions and opinions on better governing practices, particularly in regards to military service. Suggests that "the number of men required from each State be proportioned on the respective Counties and Towns ... " and that "to complete your battalions, and properly supply them, would greatly inspirit the brave men in the field engaged for the war, and stimulate them to the highest exertions for the honor and itnerest of their Country." The lines added at the top of the document are in the hand of Timothy…

GLC02437.00855

12 November 1780

Pickering, Timothy, 1745-1829

Autograph document

Title: A draft to the Legislature of the State of Massachusetts

Title from docket, which is in the hand of Samuel Shaw. Requests better treatment of men in the military service and for their families. Content comprises Pickering's redrafting of those that have been struck form GLC02437.00855.

GLC02437.00856

20 September 1863

Prentice, George Dennison, 1802-1870

Newspaper

Title: Louisville daily journal. [Vol. 33, no. 303 (September 20, 1863)]

Rebs Fleeing Towards Texas, Arkansas Will Soon be Redeemed, News From the Army of the Cumberland, General Thomas Punishes the Rebels. An article reports Cumberland Gap since its Union takeover. Superstitious warnings are given. An editorial extols the war effort to produce feelings of patriotism. This Sunday edition also contains fictional stories, poetry, and travel accounts. A list of prizes awarded at the state fair is printed here.

GLC05959.14.14

3 December 1862

Reynolds, J. L. (James Lawrence), 1814-1877

Newspaper

Title: Confederate Baptist. [Vol. 1, no. 10 (December 3, 1862)]

An article titled "On Dueling" examines the dangers of dueling with a religious context. A brief comment encourages the patriotism and responsibility of participating in the war, while another one promotes peace. A treatise on "Truth" is based on the essays of Lord Bacon. An article (title missing) about baptism of infants draws a reply, concurring that babies do not need baptism. Other articles include a sarcastic joke regarding Lincoln's [preliminary] Emancipation Proclamation, report of Yankees "butchering" slave children, and an essay called "Morally Blind" vilifying Benjamin Butler.…

GLC05959.39.07

18 May 1862

Stanton, Edwin M. (Edwin McMasters), 1814-1869

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Herman Dyer

Secretary of War Stanton writes to his friend Reverend Dyer about Union strategy in Peninsula Campaign, responding to criticism in the press. He expresses condemnation of General McClellan. Stanton insists that Lincoln agrees with him concerning the defense of Washington. He also expresses his thoughts about his position: "I knew that everything I cherish and hold dear would be sacrificed by accepting this office. But I thought I might help to save the country and for that I am willing to perish." Written on four folios.

GLC07102.01

30 April 1861

Carey, George, fl. 1837-1861

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Galloway Cheston

Writes to his uncle about Baltimore at the beginning of the Civil War. Reports that someone from the bank has said the "run" has ended and people are depositing money again. Of the people that withdrew their money, he states "Great leniency ought to be extended to the poor & ignorant depositers who, in their fear of loss, drew out their all." Informs that the Mayor has said that no flags may fly except over government buildings. Says "...the Stars & Stripes will be hoisted, by own, over the Custom House & P. Officer - and our eyes will be once more greeted with the sight of the…

GLC03228.09

4 May 1861

Carey, George, fl. 1837-1861

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Galloway Cheston

Writes to his uncle about Baltimore at the beginning of the Civil War. Reports that the Union meetings were held last night and based on the results, he is sure any measures taken toward secession would fail. States that the authorities have disbanded all the troops, proving that Union sentiment is high. Feels that the events of the last two weeks have aged him. Proclaims his love for the country and resists believing that this will end in war. "What adds to my gloom is that I cannot see the end - I cannot, however, bring my mind to any other conclusion than that it will end without…

GLC03228.10

28 November 1863

Prentice, George Dennison, 1802-1870

Newspaper

Title: Louisville daily journal. [Vol. 34, no. 5 (November 28, 1863)]

Jefferson Davis Reviews Lee's Troops, Rapidan Crossed & Recrossed, Bragg Unable to Make Stand, The War in Charleston, Affairs in North East Kentucky. Various Southern news items are combined on the front page, with an excerpt of Mr. Everett's speech at Gettysburg. A letter from McClellan to General B.F. Butler defines Butler's assignment. A letter to the editor expresses support for the Journal's Union patriotism. An editorial marks the need for states to express their concern with the Union, using Tennessee as an example, and another editorial examines money, taxes, and currency.

GLC05959.14.31

23 December 1863

Reynolds, J. L. (James Lawrence), 1814-1877

Newspaper

Title: Confederate Baptist. [Vol. 2, no. 12 (December 23, 1863)]

Letters to the editor address situations at the writers' locations, including Jackson Hospital in Richmond and Sullivan's Island, amongst other places. An article describes the "Patriotism of Southern Women" and their efforts to support the war cause. A brief editorial titled "Lincoln's Proclamation" comments on it as an attempt to demoralize the Confederacy. Also printed are brief comments on various religious topics, including "The Cost of Blessings," "New England Puritans," "Christmas," "Courage," "Happiness," "Tolerance," and "A Just Vindication." "Trials -- A Test of Faith" asks readers…

GLC05959.39.44

20 April 1864

Reynolds, J. L. (James Lawrence), 1814-1877

Newspaper

Title: Confederate Baptist. [Vol. 2, no. 29 (April 20, 1864)]

An untitled letter to the editor discusses the kingdom of God. An editorial titled "Never Cease to Act" encourages patriots to act. Additional articles examine the state of the poor ("The Poor"), faith ("The Exemplar of Faith"), and prayer ("Prayer"). "Notes on the Times" reports on the capture of Fort Pillow, a Confederate Victory at Shrevenport, and General Banks' defeat at Mansfield, La in the Battle of Pleasant Hill, amongst other items.

GLC05959.39.51

25 May 1864

Reynolds, J. L. (James Lawrence), 1814-1877

Newspaper

Title: Confederate Baptist. [Vol. 2, no. 34 (May 25, 1864)]

Articles include "Ministerial Enthusiasm," "Sunday Schools," and "Baptizing Children." A special report on the burial of soldiers is included. An editorial titled "Our Young Men" lauds the patriotism of especially young soldiers. A report on page 2 and 3 from Dalton highlights prayer and baptism on the battlefront. "Notes on the Times" reports on a Union assault on Petersburg, General Sherman's victory at Resaca, skirmishes around Atlanta, and the resignation of General J. C. Pemberton, amongst other items.

GLC05959.39.53

29 June 1864

Reynolds, J. L. (James Lawrence), 1814-1877

Newspaper

Title: Confederate Baptist. [Vol. 2, no. 38 (June 29, 1864)]

Army correspondents send reports of their various units, including from Richmond, Virginia (Kershaw's Brigade) and Columbus, Mississippi. A letter regarding "The Released Prisoner" entreats any prisoners to follow God. "Songs upon the Battle-field" reports on Christian hymns being sung on the front. Brief articles on page 2 include"Yankee Nonsense," "Bounty Bonds," "Dependence on God," and more. "Secular News" reports on Charleston, Generals Grant and Sherman, and an attack on Danville Road, amongst other news items.

GLC05959.39.55