24 May 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Says that he has hired a new servant named Bill. The Chaplin gave the soldiers a supply of new books and newspapers. Requests that his mother take the money he has sent and buy some letter paper to write him rather than the "old scraps" she has been using. Notes that he waits until he is alone in his tent to open his letters because of the poor quality of the paper. Requests news from home on the marriages of Mrs. Bull and Mrs. Dyer. Sends his regards to his extended family and friends and requests a green checkered shirt. Responds to news that a doctor from Connecticut is planning on…

GLC03603.231

18 September 1861

Manuscript document

Title: [List of sick attended to this day of the thirteenth regiment Louisiana infantry]

Lists the names of sick soldiers by company, their ailments, and indicates if they are in the hospital. Among the maladies listed are fever, dysentery, rheumatism, bronchitis, gonorrhea, congestion of the brain and leg ulcers. A doctor's name (possibly Charles Langenbecker, who was surgeon for the 13th La.) is written or signed at lower right verso. Gibson was colonel of the 13th Louisiana Volunteers.

GLC04501.005

February 4, 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Wheeler writes that he was very happy to receive the box they sent him. His regiment marched to Gallatin to fight Morgan. Writes that the new camp is far better than any they have seen since Chicago and far exceeds their camp in Tunnel, Tennessee. Reports that Ruthven Russell has died in the hospital at Gallatin. Writes that some fifty or sixty blacks have run away and come into the camp where General Paine has put them to work. Wheeler writes that a "good many of the Secesh are getting sick of their job and they are sneaking home." Thirteen soldiers from Wheeler's regiment have also…

GLC07460.013

19 August 1864

St. John, Sister, fl. 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry F. McSherry

Written by "Sister St. John," who was working at the naval hospital in Memphis. References McSherry's letter of 30 July 1864. Says she is glad he is happy with "the change" - a reference to his apparent transfer from Memphis - and says he is missed. Updates him on several doctors and other friends in Memphis and say she will leave the city on 29 August to go to Washington, but that she expects to eventually return. At the top of first page is written "Blessed be the Holy name of God." Large water stains on all pages.

GLC03523.21.30

20 September 1862

Lee, Samuel Phillips, 1812-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry F. McSherry

Written on letterhead of the USS "Minnesota" by Acting Rear Admiral Lee as commander of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Lee was previously the commander of the USS "Vandalia," which Henry McSherry served on in 1860-1861. Says he has nearly worn Henry's letter of 3 September "to wadding whilst carrying it in my side pocket." Says he has 50 ships under his command and the "desk work is immense." Says one of the USS "Minnesota's" assistant surgeons, Dr. Dodge, is helping at the Navy hospital that recently opened. Says he would "like it vastly" if Henry was given Dodge's position if it…

GLC03523.21.18

4 October 1864

Cole, S.G., fl. 1861-1898

Autograph letter signed

Title: To George Tillotson

Inquires about the condition of the regiment after a battle. The name of the hospital is inscribed on the back "Chesspeek Hospital, Va. Ward, No. C." Cole was Lieutenant in the 89th NY.

GLC04558.179

2 April 1864

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Written from camp near Dalton, Georgia. Complains about not getting any correspondence from his family. Comments on the "abolitionizing" of his hometown. Chides his sister for associating with "blue coats" and abolitionists and advises her not to flaunt her associations as some people will hate her for it. He writes: I would rather see you fight open and above board against our cause than cloak your enmity under the treacherous disguise of reconstructionist." (As an individual state, Tennessee had entered its reconstruction period before the end of the Civil War). Discusses…

GLC02232.30

17 July 1864

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes that their brother Marshall has returned from the hospital. As Ward had no immediate occupation to assign to his brother, he sent his brother back to the hospital and put him in the charge of one of the surgeons. He writes that Marshall is better off working in the hospital as he is paid $25 per month, which takes care of clothing and other necessities. Comments on the heavy trading of tobacco with Union soldiers. Some of the Confederate soldiers were found trading with the Union soldiers and have been punished. Ward describes the "ominous stillness" of the two armies; the calm…

GLC02232.32

circa 1862

Sayles, Sumner, fl. 1862-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Isora Sayles

Informs his sister about the condition of a friend of theirs named Spencer. Writes that the last time he saw Spencer was back at the junction in the hospital and that he heard that he was really sick. Notes that a gentleman told him that Spencer did not know anything at all for four days but that he has since improved. Comments that the rebels burned down the depot at Abbeville, Mississippi just before they arrived. Reports that several thousands of dollars were lost in property. They managed to save about 100 dollars in horse shoes, sugar molasses, and iron pots. Apologizes for not…

GLC03523.32.04

February 22, 1863

Sayles, Sumner, fl. 1862-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Isora Sayles

Informs his sister about the men in camp. Writes of one man who is really sick in the hospital and of another who had "yelow janders" [yellow jaundice?]. Comments that several of the boys have had it. Describes his camp as being low and flat and that when it rains it gets very wet and muddy. The mud is so thick that it covers the men's boots and they cannot leave their tents without getting their feet wet. Requested that she writes him and tells him what the folks back home are doing.

GLC03523.32.06

circa 1862-1865

Sayles, Sumner, fl. 1862-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Isora Sayles

Writes to his sister from a camp two miles outside of Memphis, Tennessee. Mentions having some hard marches since they have been there. Comments that they have marched some 200 miles. Thanks her or his father (he does not know which one) for sending him stamps. Informs her about a man named Spencer dying of typhoid. Reports that his captain is on a furlough because he accidentally shot himself in the arm. The envelope has an image of a women and a flag on it.

GLC03523.32.07

6 January 1865

Howe, Nathan, fl. 1864-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Reeser

Informs Reeser that he received the money, stamps, boots, and gloves that were sent to him but has not received the tobacco. Writes of a man named Polk being in the hospital. Speaks of this "god dam war," General [William T.] Sherman, and other "felows." Wishes Reeser well and ask him to write back.

GLC03523.43.22

February 21, 1862

Russell, E. S., fl. 1861-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Hannah E. Russell

Reports that he is not well and has been suffering from lung fever for the past eight days. Writes that he is slowly mending and can now walk around and eat a little. Comments that he is not in the general hospital but in a private house with 18 others. Notes that they have good nurses and doctors but often poor food for sick people. Believes that he will remain there until he is well and expects the regiment to remain in place too. Tells her not to fret about him but to be as content as she can be and to take care or herself. Hopes to be home sometime in July. Writes that he was…

GLC03523.50.09

11 April 1862

Russell, E. S., fl. 1861-1862

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Hannah E. Russell

Letter is signed by Russell but written in the hand of John Vangordon, a fellow patient in the hospital. Informs his wife that he is too weak to write. Reports that he intended to go to Nashville, Tennessee but the doctor said that he was diseased in the right lung and had to stay put. Reports that the doctor is doubtful of him getting well. Describes spitting out a considerable amount of blood from his right lung and having severe pain in his right side. Request that she send his brother for him immediately if she can raise the money. If she cannot raise the money he wants her to sell…

GLC03523.50.13

13 April 1862

Bigalow, Marlin M., fl. 1862

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Hannah E. Russell

Written by a nurse who cared for E. S. Russell at the Hospital. Informs Mrs. Russell that her husband, E. S. Russell, is very sick. Writes, "his case is almost a hopeless one...he cant live but a very few houres [sic] i wish you could be here and see him in his last hours his panes has bin very severe since he came here form the barracks." Mentions that Mr. Russell sends his love to her and the children and that he wants them to live and grow in grace and meet him in heaven. Request that someone come after him and his things as soon as possible.

GLC03523.50.14

4 May 1862

Russell, E. S., fl. 1861-1862

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Hannah E. Russell

Informs his wife that he is not doing any better and believes that his time is near. States that he is submitting to God's will. Writes, "my prayer is that God may be good to you & my dear children. Put your trust in him & he will be a friend to you in every time of need." Sends his goodbyes and writes that they will meet again in heaven. The letter has watermark on the top left hand corner.

GLC03523.50.15

9 May 1862

Gordon, G., fl. 1862

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Hannah E. Russell

Informs Mrs. Russell that her husband, E. S. Russell, passed away last night. Describes him as having suffered greatly his last few days but when he finally passed away it was easy. Believes that he "is now in the full enjoyment of that rest which remains for the people of God." Informs her that Russell received a letter from his brother the day before his death but that he was unable to see it due to his suffering and loss of hearing and sight. Tells her that the steward will send her husband's knapsack and clothing to her. Writes that he is buried in a beautiful spot in Cape Hill…

GLC03523.50.16

27 May 1862

Gordon, G., fl. 1862

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Hannah E. Russell

Informs Mrs. Russell that if some of her husband's clothing is missing that it probably got mixed up with other people's. Explains to her that often the men who arrive from camp are so sick that they cannot take of their own baggage and that it is impossible to prevent some things from being mixed up. Writes that other than what Mr. Russell was buried in he believes that she has every article of clothing that was known to belong to her husband. Informs her that the clothes that were given to her husband while at the hospital get returned to the hospital. States that the $1.75 that Mr.…

GLC03523.50.17

22 September 1915

Smith, Francis Marion, 1842-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John E. Boos

States he has not replied until now because of a serious illness. Has attached his signature to a statement for the National Tribune giving his impressions of April 2, 1865, a day Abraham Lincoln came to visit City Point hospital and so impressed a Confederate prisoner that he swore to not raise arms against the government again (see GLC05603.18). Relays that he cannot send autographs of the officers of the Maryland Regiments because he does not have them.

GLC05603.01.17

1861-1865

Smith, Francis Marion, 1842-1917

Typed document signed

Title: [Anecdote about Lincoln's kindness towards a wounded Confederate soldier]

Signed as 1st Lieutenant and Adjutant, 1st Maryland Volunteer Infantry. Relates an incident at City Point hospital on 2 April 1865, where President Abraham Lincoln met a Confederate soldier and treated him with great kindness. After Lincoln left, the Confederate soldier asked "Who did you say that man was?" When he learned it was Lincoln, he declared that if other Confederates could meet Lincoln, they would lay down their arms and go home. According to Smith, the Confederate soldier exclaimed, "If God spares my life, I will never again raise my arms against the United States Government…

GLC05603.01.18

3 May 1864

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his friends

Writes to his friends. Describes being in some hard fighting. Writes, "the shells came poring in like Hail stone only had more affect than a hail stone would have…" Reports driving the enemy back and capturing their artillery. Complains about the bad food and small rations. Informs them the band members are all spread out, some are working in the hospital.

GLC03523.52.54

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

13 July 1864

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his friends

Writes to his friends. Reports some artillery firing and little picket firing. Discusses what his life would be like if he never enlisted. Writes, "we live to much on the heathen style Here have not much respect for each other especialy [sic] the soldiers quarrel and curs each other to a great extent." Discusses his band's drummer who is sick in the hospital and expected to die soon. Signs letter "from your affectionate brother and son."

GLC03523.52.61

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

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