12 June 1864

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Kessler

Writes to his brother from the battlefield. Complains about someone stealing his letters and the photograph of their mother. Describes shelling being fired above their heads. Reports his band is no longer playing and most of the members are employed as nurses in hospitals. Writes they have plenty of rations and just received new clothing. Comments his new clothes are making him sick; he has a headache. Request he sends him a newspaper and a day book. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner. A small fragment of paper is included.

GLC03523.52.56

2 July 1864

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter

Title: to A. P. Kessler

Writes to his father. Informs him he received the memorandum book, paper, envelopes, and stamps. Discusses the hot weather. Notes they have plenty of ice water, lemonade, and a sutler who supplies almost everything. Reports they are preparing for a siege and have received considerable shelling. Describes a cellar he has dug out to protect himself from the shelling. Comments he would like to get out of the army but does not believe his lawyer will succeed. Complains about the lack of respect and mistreatment of soldiers. Writes, "I always thought I was as good as any one of the…

GLC03523.52.57

5 July 1864

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister. Complains about having to wash his clothes in cold water. Comments he does not care how he looks or what he wears; however, she would find him dirty and ragged. Describes being sick with a bad case of dysentery. Notes he has cured it with cheese ginger snaps and brandy. Reports he was within 30 rods of the rebels line this morning. Writes they trade tobacco and coffee with each other and they all bathe in the same creek. Believes the two sides struck a deal not to fire at each other. Requests she writes him with all the news.

GLC03523.52.58

27 September 1864

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to A. P. Kessler

Writes to his father from camp. States it is quiet in camp but they are under marching orders. Describes being in the masters department where he cooks for six and has first rate living. Discusses the possibility of his father visiting him this fall. Explains he is on the move a lot and it may be difficult for him to catch up with them. Informs him he will be sending $60 home. Mentions his colonel believes some of the band members will be discharged and he will be one of them. Expresses his doubts on receiving a discharge. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner.

GLC03523.52.67

5 October 1864

Wirt, Matilda, fl. 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Cyrus Wirt

Writes to her brother and sister. Informs them that Elles, their brother, has volunteered for the service. Requests they come down and visit before he leaves. Asks them to send two gallons of molasses down with whoever comes. Discusses the cold weather and making a fence. Jefferson is listed as the city but state is not listed. The letter is signed by Matilda, "your loving sister and brother Elles & Matilda." Surname is not given. Assuming she is not married, Matilda's surname should be Wirt since the letter is addressed to her brother, Mr. Cyrus Wirt.

GLC03523.52.69

16 September 1864

Engberth, Jacob M., fl. 1863-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Syrs] Glowner

Writes that he is in the hospital and that he would like to see him and the boys. Complains about not being able to rest and looking over Washington and seeing all the action. Discusses the presidential race between "old Abraham" [Abraham Lincoln] and George B. McClellan. Comments that there will be peace if McClellan is voted in but "if old Abe Gets in the War is not Goen to stop till the South is Subdued and that wont take more then fore years more and then the Jonies will have to come under and then we will have Peace and no Sepration." Writes that there is plenty to eat, good nurses…

GLC03523.43.13

18 June 1861

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Complains that letters from family in Memphis are few. Writes about his experience during a scouting expedition. Also mentions that the soldiers have been getting very good food because they are paying a nearby plantation cook to prepare food for them weekly. Comments on the independence of a soldier.

GLC02232.02

27 May 1862

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Ward writes that they will be moving from Corinth soon, as the enemy is too close to the Tennessee River and Beauregard doesn't have room for strategic operations in Corinth. He complains of skirmishing with enemy pickets and being in the cold rain without any blankets, food, or sleep. Writes that every time the men go out on picket, they say goodbye to their friends. Reports that he expected to be promoted but still remains a non-commissioned officer. He fears that communication with his family in Memphis and Port Gibson will soon be cut off and would like photographs of his sisters. He…

GLC02232.06

14 June 1862

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

He writes that they are encamped on the Mobile and Ohio railroad. Expresses his hatred for the war and writes "if ever I get into another I want somebody to have me put in the lunatic asylum". Writes that he often wishes he were a negro with a good master, as the soldiers are kept hungry and are only given small portions of fresh beef and biscuits. Hopes to get appointed officer soon just so that he can get something to eat. He writes that Sam (his brother Sam Marshall Ward, also in company A) has been detailed to work in the hospital. He has not seen Clarence ( a brother or family…

GLC02232.07

18 June 1862

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes that he is unwell. Reports on some of the news at camp and home. His brother Sam, also known as "Marshall," is still detained in the hospital. Reports that it is likely that the men will be moving soon and has been assured by the officers that they will not move further South. Also reports that Samuel Lapsley of Company A is dead. Comments that he is going to quit his foolishness and find some nice pretty, smart, and rich girl that will marry him. Comments on how he's lost his good looks stating that he looks as "black as a negro." Writes that there is a good supply of turkey…

GLC02232.08

January 26, 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

He describes the interior of his tent in detail including some of the books and newspapers sitting on his table. Ward tells his sister that he and his tent mate, Webber, have hired an old hotel cook at $40 per month to cook for them. Writes that he usually visits the ladies of the town he is in, but hasn't been to town this time because he has boils on his neck. In an effort to get rid of the boils, he has stopped eating meat and is taking a dash of salt every morning. He updates his sister on camp news and news of other soldiers. Ward closes the letter by stating that he has lost "many…

GLC02232.13

19 April 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes that he is fat and healthy. He's been attending picnics and fishing parties with his lady friends. Reports that they have received orders to prepare for immediate service and advises his sister to keep posted for news of battles in the vicinity. Ward comments on the kindness of the ladies in the area. He writes that he's made many good friends and even has a sweetheart. Asks that his sister remember him to all the girls.

GLC02232.16

31 October 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Refers to "P" from the previous letter and writes that he is likely to go to Marietta to see Marshall (their brother, Samuel Marshall Ward). He writes that he has fallen "powerfully in love" with Miss Mollie. Discusses leaving the battle line before Chattanooga and marching up the railroad. They are presently located about 12 miles from Lauden and 40 miles from Knoxville. Complains of the cold weather, lack of food, and shelter but reassures his sister that the boys are still in fine spirits. Tells his sister that he has forwarded all the letters he's received from home to his brother…

GLC02232.26

1 June 1862

Ubil, Frederick, fl. 1862-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Reeser

Writes to a friend. Discusses working four miles from Delaware City and having beer and sweet cakes. Enjoys living in Delaware City and going out every Saturday night. Comments "they are the old time democrats true to the union and they think everything that is not for the union is fools…" States they went fishing for "cessesion hering" with "mules tales in their mouths." Mentions that "the old gentleman" heard General Nathaniel Banks was chased into Maryland. Reports that General George B. McClellan took Richmond, Virginia; Corinth, Mississippi was evacuated; and Memphis, Tennessee…

GLC03523.43.01

21 July 1863

Edwards, Daniel, fl. 1863-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Reeser

Describes the camp being nice and seeing the Potomac River. Reports seeing plenty of rebels that "are hard looking fases some of them are very neare naked and as dirty as hogs…" Mentions being able to wash every week and having a "sporting horse he can run with any and in the crowd when the spirs comes down he has to get up and run." Comments on being hungry when soldiering and "could eat the pork raw." Describes marching for two days and nights in the mud. Inquires about who has been drafted from Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Chester, Pennsylvania. Complains about the rebels taking all…

GLC03523.43.07

18 December 1864

Hulslander, C.B., fl. 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary H. Benedict

Apologizes for taking so long to write back. Mentions that he is sick and has been for about ten days but believes that he will get better. Inquires after her singing and and asks how George is coming along with his melodies. Wishes that he could hear her sing and play, and says "it will do me as much good as my diner." Writes about choosing what type of cake he would like. Informs her that he would like those "little round scallope cakes" and prefers it over the clove cake. Inquires after the children, Ed and Ellen, and ask if she has to whip them often or if they are good children.

GLC03523.43.20

10 August 1863

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes to his sister from camp. Discusses the weather. Comments they have been living off of hard crackers for a week and are expecting bread tomorrow. Complains about the bread being sour and dirty. Discusses two new tunes that their band has learned. Writes about the ladies who come into camp and listen to them play. Reports that officers sent 15 to 20 deserters to a prison where they are to be court marshaled. Notes that this is one of the prisoners third time deserting and he is expected to be shot. Reports General Ambrose E. Burnside issued orders that anyone absent from regiment…

GLC03523.52.06

7 September 1863

Birch, W.C., fl. 1863

Printed document

Title: Copartnership Document

Notice of a co-partnership agreement between W. C. Birch and Andrew Aitken for a General Food Business for a three year term.

GLC03523.52.11

8 October 1863

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from Camp Douglas. Informs her the fruit she sent was destroyed and not to send him any more. Discusses soldiers who have not reported back to camp. Comments they will be listed as deserters if they do not report back soon. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner. Addressee name taken from envelope.

GLC03523.52.16

27 December 1863

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from Camp Douglas. Complains about the rainy weather. Describes a dance that the sharpshooters had with the wash women. Requests that she send him his razor when his father sends him a turkey. Discusses the theater and the women showing their knees. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner.

GLC03523.52.27

1 April 1864

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from camp. Reports on the sickness back home and in camp. Writes, "we have 8 or 9 kinds of lice five or six kinds of [each] put these altogether would make it rather sickly…" Notes she should not fret too much about the sickness at home. Comments on the miserable food. Request she writes him back with the latest news. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner.

GLC03523.52.42

7 April 1864

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to A. P. Kessler

Writes to his father from camp. Reports they will not get a discharge. Comments the officers voted to keep the band and have promised to buy them new instruments, provide back pay, and have pledged themselves to prompt payment hereafter. Comments that he has two years left in the service and believes he can withstand it. Relays an incident involving two privates who robbed a church. List the prices of food. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner.

GLC03523.52.44

12 April 1864

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother

Writes to his brother from camp. Discusses the weather. Reports seeing General Ambrose E. Burnside pass through his camp. Notes there have been thousands of soldiers pouring into their camp. Describes oyster fishing and growing tobacco as the town's main livelihood.

GLC03523.52.45

20 April 1864

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to A. P. Kessler

Writes to his father from camp. Reports his band has broken up and their case (an appeal for a discharge) is now before the Secretary of War. Informs him he is hoping for a discharge. Discusses the price of potatoes and apples.

GLC03523.52.48

20 April 1864

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Kessler

Writes to his brother from camp. Describes living in small tents with three other men. Reports not having a cook or a stove. Notes they do all their cooking over the fire, meet twice a day for bread and coffee, and get three meals a day. Writes, " I am harty [sic] enough to eat a raw mule and chase the rider."

GLC03523.52.49