4 December circa 1863

Epperly, Mary M., fl. 1859-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to C. M. Epperly

Reports that the army issued an order that all men between 17 and 50, who had not reported for service, were to be taken by force to join the army. [See #85] Writes that Harvey was caught when he went to town, not knowing about the order and that Christian has begun to speak. Date was taken GLC02715.085.

GLC02715.114

January 1865

Epperly, Christian M., 1837-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Phleagar

Writes that the army is in winter quarters. Tells his brother-in-law that if he must join the army, he hopes George can join his regiment. Adds a short note to Mary at the bottom of the second page.

GLC02715.115

January 16, 1865

Epperly, Christian M., 1837-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Epperly

Discusses losses at the battles of Columbia and Nashville, Tennessee. Reports that General [John Bell] Hood is disbanding brigades.

GLC02715.117

circa February 5, 1865

Epperly, Mary M., fl. 1859-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to C. M. Epperly

Writes that she just received his letters dated 13 January and 16 January. Notes that she had not received a letter since November 1864 and she was sure something had happened to him. Blasts the "sesech" who "look worse than a passle of Dog's catch" and vows to burn all her money before she will let them have any of it. She claims the "sesech" are trying to cheat people out of money by selling bale cotton for $100 Confederate currency or $2 in silver. Times are rough and many families are starving. Notes that George has been taken into the army. He now belongs to the 54th Regiment,…

GLC02715.118

8 March 1865

Epperly, Christian M., 1837-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Epperly

Writes that he has not heard from her since December 1864. Reports that the whole army is heading through North Carolina to Virginia. Notes Shaman's [General William T. Sherman] Army has destroyed all the railroads between Augusta, [Georgia] and Chesterville, [North Carolina?]. Comments that the people of South Carolina are beginning to feel the effects of the war as those in other states have felt all along.

GLC02715.119

11 March 1865

Epperly, Christian M., 1837-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Epperly

Reports that they have been ordered to Raleigh, North Carolina. Comments that he does not believe there are 14,000 men left in the Army of Tennessee.

GLC02715.120

12 March 1865

Epperly, Christian M., 1837-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sarah Phleagar

Writes that he hopes that she is feeling better.

GLC02715.121

24 March 1865

Epperly, Mary M., fl. 1859-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to C. M. Epperly

Writes that she thinks the Yankees have stopped the mail and that is why he has not received her letters. Notes that she believes the Federal Army will soon occupy Richmond and Lynchburg, Virginia. Comments that she does not believe the Yankees will treat them any worse than the Confederates have. If all the soldiers would desert then they would have peace.

GLC02715.122

20 September 1859

Epperly, T. B., fl. 1859

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Christian M. Epperly

Writes that there is enough work for six or eight months. Discusses girls and asks Christian not to get married without letting him know first.

GLC02715.123

circa 1862-1865

Epperly, Christian M., 1837-1904

Autograph note

Title: Service record of Christian M. Epperly.

[page one] "Went to the Army on the 15 of March 1862 and Remained thare untill June [inserted: the] 14 1863 When he returned and staid untill the 25 of the same month on which he returned to the army again and remained thare untill 27 Sep. on which he returned home and staid untill the 26 [?] of Oct. on which he returned to the Army again and remained there until the 28 of April 1865." [page two] Contains a listing of letters written to Harvey Desaan [?] by Christian M. Epperly and Mary M. Epperly. The list includes when each letter was written and when it was received.

GLC02715.125

April 24, 1872

Speakman, Jesse C., fl. 1872

Autograph letter signed

Title: to C. M. Epperly

Informs his cousins that his wife has died of consumption. Asks them to help take care of his three children. Inquires if they have sold their farm yet.

GLC02715.126

January 8, 1861-1865

Epperly, Sarah, fl. 1850

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Marion Epperly

Discusses a friend or family member [illegible] who she says ought to join her out west. Writes that there have been a number of weddings this season, but she has not yet been asked. Letter was written on 8 January, year and state not listed.

GLC02715.127

21 April 1864

Smith, Edward, fl. 1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Tobias Gibson

Dated at "Cotton Press No. 4." Smith, a member of the 2nd LA Cavalry, Co. G, informs Gibson of his being wounded, captured and imprisoned. He requests $200-$300 in city funds.

GLC04501.096

15 July 1864

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother John McKinley Gibson

A camp rumor states that Sherman gave up his campaign against Atlanta and is fortifying along the Chatahoochee. "But this is mere conjecture." Gibson goes on to offer offensive diversions to draw Sherman from Atlanta, such as massing Confederate troops along the Potomac or attacking Sherman's Army in the rear. "Kin" is John McKinley Gibson's nickname.

GLC04501.023

21 November 1861

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his father Tobias Gibson

Writes that his regiment has been ordered to Kentucky. "I am in the midst of departure for Ky. Bustle, Bustle on every hand and all alive with excitement - we go prepared for immediate action - and to sustain a sharp conflict. I believe my regiment will bear itself with credit and I shall lead it wherever the enemy shall make a stand...Expect we shall leave tomorrow or certainly the day after." Written at Camp Chlamette,

GLC04501.009

23 November 1861

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his father Tobias Gibson

Informs his father that his unit has just left New Orleans. They are the first regiment to receive orders to leave the state. Discusses local benefits given to raise money for his regiment, and the health of his brother Claude, who also commands a regiment. Claude Gibson suffered from consumption (tuberculosis); he died of the ailment in 1863. In part: "I am glad to tell you that my regiment is so well organized that I well feel no concern and henceforth will have but little to do beyond supervision. I had a long talk with Genl Ruggles to whose Brigade I belong...He is a very nice…

GLC04501.010

24 November 1861

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his father Tobias Gibson

Writes that he is on the way to Columbus, Kentucky. He also stopped in Memphis to visit relatives. Discusses his sister Louly's health.

GLC04501.011

2 December 1861

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his father Tobias Gibson

He arrived in Columbus, Kentucky in the midst of a winter storm. He is not impressed by the discipline of the Confederate troops. He has gained 15 pounds in 2 months and visited relatives in Vicksburg. In part: "Well you see we are at last in the face of the enemy...I have not yet had an opportunity of making an examination of our position but so far as I have seen it is exceedingly strong, Nor do I know how many men are here about - fifteen thousand perhaps including all the reinforcements. I am ignorant of the strength of the enemy either at Cairo or Paducah. From what I hear…

GLC04501.012

9 December 1861

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his father Tobias Gibson

Randall describes a prisoner exchange between Grant and Cheatham. He comments that Grant "had somewhat the appearance of a gentlemen but the rest seemed to me impudent upstarts--some made confidence in the 'on to New Orleans' intention and all of them declared they were fighting for us-- that they came to save not to destroy. Genl. Grant even saying he would resign his commission if war should be made against slavery -- but it was evident from the whole tenor of their remarks that their purpose individually was subjugation & confiscation. I was thoroughly disgusted with the whole party…

GLC04501.013

19 December 1861

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his father Tobias Gibson

Gibson has been given the command of the 3rd Brigade of General Pillow's 1st Division, which consists of the 13th La., 3rd Miss., and Williams' Light Battery. He is now acting Brigadier General and expects a full promotion. Gibson analyzes their military strengths and weaknesses, comments on the Mason and Slidell affair, and discusses the depreciation of money. Gibson signs at the close of the letter and again, with initials, at the end of his postscript. In part: "...I am well and standing the campaign magnificently. After having had occasion to examine our lines of…

GLC04501.014

1 January 1862

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his father Tobias Gibson

General Pillow has resigned, and Gibson analyzes his abilities. The citizens of St. Louis help provide for the troops. His soldiers expect to be ordered to New Orleans as soon as the weather clears up. "....we have accustomed ourselves to reports and camp rumors. Yet everything is prepared under my command either for a movement or a fight where we are...An idea still exists that whenever the expedition intended for New Orleans sets sail, we will be ordered back...Genl Pillow has resigned. I hope some scientific officer may be assigned to duty in this place. I got very well acquainted…

GLC04501.015

January 16, 1862

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his father Tobias Gibson

He has just learned that a large Federal force is moving against their position and writes his father that they soon may be surrounded. Gibson signs using his full name. In part: "I have just returned from a meeting of the General Officers at Head Quarters and it is now reduced to a certainty - that the enemy is moving against us, in very large force. Before this letter reaches its destination you will probably hear that we are surrounde dor that a great battle has been fought. We have a large supply of army stores and can live for several months - two at least. Our cause is just and…

GLC04501.017

January 20, 1862

Smith, C.M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Randall Lee Gibson

Resigning his position as a Surgeon in Gibson's regiment due to poor health. Smith notes that his fellow surgeon [Charles] Langenbacker is already "casting a wistful eye" upon Smith's post. He also discusses the parish crop, noting that some planters are planning to ship their produce to Texas where sugar and molasses are bringing ten and fifty cents a gallon, respectively. Though the date written on this letter is January 1861, the content and date of Gibson's commission suggest it was written in January 1862.

GLC04501.018

31 October 1862

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his father Tobias Gibson

Gibson describes a march ending at Chattanooga and estimates the sizes of John Buford's and Jonathan Hunt Morgan's respective cavalry units. He laments the failed campaign into Kentucky and vividly describes the Battle of Perryville (10/8/1862). He recommends moving the negroes to Eastern Louisiana, away from the Union lines. The army has lost confidence in General Bragg, who has gone to Richmond. Was written near Knoxville, Tennessee.

GLC04501.019

29 December 1861

Gibson, Tobias, fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Randall Lee Gibson

The letter provides news about the plantation crop and Randall's friends in New Orleans. Tobias Gibson believes Seward will "comply with the British demand."[Refers to the Trent Affair. Britain demanded the release of Southern Commissioners, James M. Mason and John Slidell.] Continued on 12/30. Surgeon C.M. Smith [see # 4] told Tobias he may not be able to return to duty. The North released Mason and Slidell.

GLC04501.020