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to Angeline M. Bennett

Dated 26 December. He describes his dinner. He asks what regiment her brother is in because he wants to write him.

GLC02161.180

to Eunice Lombard Edwards

Edwards, senior aide-de-camp on the staff of General Darius N. Couch, writes to his mother, from head quarters, Couch's brigade. Remarks that he will take the train to Washington, D.C., on 28 February. Does not know his precise destination, but...

GLC02163.01

to Fannie Schoonmaker

Printed on stationery marked "Liberty and Union." Has a "troubled mind." Does not know why she has not responded to his letter. Is "ready to face the enemy and stand fast." The regiment is going to move, and he has to go to the "cursed hospital" for...

GLC02164.07

to daughter

The letter has a green New York stamp that includes the New York State seal. Lets his daughter know he is well. Moved from Washington to Aliten [Alton?] Heights last Saturday. Are within eleven miles of the battlefield. "Do not know what minute we...

GLC02164.10

to his sister Sallie

GLC02160.04

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He was promoted to first lieutenancy and is trying to arrange for her and the children to come visit him. He expects their destination to be Harper's Ferry or Richmond.

GLC02161.007

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

Harry is ill with pneumonia. He worries about Harry because he has a slight build and doesn't think he'll be able to endure this "rough world."

GLC02161.012

to [Harriet W. Dewey]

He has been receiving compliments on his work. They are camped on the battlefield and as he writes the Rebels are throwing shells into their camp.

GLC02161.025

to [Harriet W. Dewey]

Accomodations are not good. They have had no regular meals and anything good is very expensive. He asks her to send fruit and vegetables. There will be a general exchange of prisoners soon and he hopes Will will be among them.

GLC02161.035

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He requests photos of mother and father. He is also enclosing a sketch from an illustrated newspaper depicting the cavalry battle that Will fought in. Not included here.

GLC02161.037

to [Norman R. Dewey]

He wants his father to stop working so hard. He should be as comfortable as possible. He warns his father it may be a year before he can visit him.

GLC02161.038

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He sent money to father and told mother to send him some things. Capt. M.went down to Fort Monroe. It is hot and uncomfortable.

GLC02161.039

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He has been working hard in the hot sun. He is looking forward to Will's release. She should go to Michigan to visit an uncle of theirs.

GLC02161.040

to [Norman R. Dewey]

The Rebels attacked the night before and he describes how the sky lit up because of the flash of the artillery. His theory as to why is that the attack drew their gunboats out, thus allowing the Rebels to follow them.

GLC02161.042

to his mother

Everyone is happy about the "drafting order." He knows Lincoln wants to end the war. He has not received any boxes yet. He wants a position in one of the conscript regiments.

GLC02161.048

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

Will is in the hospital and he is hoping he can get a leave because he will need lots of home care if he is to be fit for duty again. They leave for Newport News tonight. He is afraid the new movement will break the army up.

GLC02161.051

to William McLean

He tells a story in which a lot of soldiers and cavalry were standing around and someone asked, 'Where's Gen. Pope?' And someone else answered: 'In his headquarters.' Upon asking where his headquarters were, the reply was: 'In his saddle.' Written in...

GLC02161.055

to mother

He is very bitter towards the Buffalonians for their bias toward other regiments. It looks like many regiments will be consolidated since some have lost a considerable number of men. Some officers will be discharged and if he is one, he will not...

GLC02161.058

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

They were reviewed by Lincoln on the third. Unfortunately, they've had to wear the same clothes since before Richmond. There is much description concerning their raggedy clothes.

GLC02161.060

to mother

No one is getting paid. Some of the men have no clothes and few tents. He assures his sister he will send some money the moment he is paid.

GLC02161.062

to mother

He thanks her for the package she sent. He has rheumatism in his hip, he thinks. Their lieutenant resigned on account of sickness. Written at the Stafford Courthouse.

GLC02161.067

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He wrote to his uncle about Charley's horse. He has since recovered from his illness and feels great. Mrs. Bird and Nellie stopped by and they had a nice visit.

GLC02161.076

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He says he'd rather shoot copperheads than Southerners because copperheads are disgracing the North. They are in Philadelphia and he thinks Philadelphians are the friendliest people.

GLC02161.087

to mother

He is afraid he will never get his his back pay. Though if he gets mustered back to the 24th of January he'll get six months pay. This will be a big help to the entire family.

GLC02161.088

to father

He is finally to be mustered for his back pay He acknowledges all Al Wheeler is doing for him by offering him lieutenancy in his battery. He wishes Uncle S.P would offer him a commission in the regular army.

GLC02161.098

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

The mustering officer has not shown up yet. As soon as he comes, he can start for New York. He heard that head quarters approves of his new appointment.

GLC02161.099

to mother

He was assigned to the 10th army corps. He asks if a fellow lieutenant's body was received by the military.

GLC02161.123

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

Written "in the field." The "Johnnies" have been skirmishing with their infantry and artillery. They have a strong position. They have three regiments of colored troops but they have not been let in yet.

GLC02161.127

to Harriet W. Dewey

He is very healthy and there is no sickness in the army. They are all full of fight for the campaign that will decide whether this "nation is one or two."

GLC02161.132

[1864 diary]

In April, he notes that he does not like working under Butler which corresponds to one of his letters. In May he describes some very animated fighting occurring near their pickets. Later on the 28th he gives details of Henry's (a fellow soldier)...

GLC02161.146

to John R. Sherman

He has enclosed the bill against his mother's estate. It includes all fees and monies he advanced in defending suits against the stockholders of the First National Bank.

GLC02161.169

[Photograph of William E. Brewster]

William H. Brewster in military dress, seated.

GLC02161.172

[Photograph of John Parker Gould]

John Parker Gould in miltary dress.

GLC02161.173

[Envelope addressed to Carrie Wadlington]

Dated 24 March.

GLC02161.177

to his mother

He writes he is homesick without her. He read to grandma twice.

GLC02161.184

to Esther Ann Kinney

re: Blanchard writes about how "Gen Hooker got whiped the Boys are feeling down hearted." He also writes about his view on the Confederate cause, saying that he would rather let the rebels have their rights than be led by inept Generals. He also...

GLC02162.09

to Eunice Lombard Edwards

Writes to his mother from head quarters, 37th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Notes that he was recently on picket duty on the Rappahannock River, one hundred yards from enemy pickets: "they seemed greatly to enjoy the reading of Jeff Davises'...

GLC02163.05

to Eunice Lombard Edwards

Writes to his mother from head quarters, 37th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Thanks his mother for a box from home, which he received on his birthday. Notes that Mr. Tiffany and a judge from Chicopee, Massachusetts were present for the opening...

GLC02163.10

[Wrapper that previously contained letters from Oliver Edwards to his mother, Eunice Lombard Edwards]

GLC02163.15

to Fannie Schoonmaker

Printed with a red white and blue stamp of a woman clad in the American flag. Received her letter a day ago. Many have been wounded since he last wrote. Will give a short account of what has happened. Rebels spotted two miles from camp. When they...

GLC02164.08

to Fannie Schoonmaker

GLC02164.13

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Lyon to a friend. Talks of mutual acquaintances, (including a death, one in an "insane retreat" and one who goes down town and returns "pretty tight"), Christmas (when he hears a sermon by an African missionary on "what shall be done...

GLC02165.01

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Hubbard to a friend. Talks of the departure of "Doctor" for whom Holly most likely works and whom Holly is sad to see go. A man comes along and asks for whiskey; describes his practices of "prescribing" whiskey. Comments that though...

GLC02165.08

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Kearney to a friend. Talks in awe of a herd of 1500 cattle captured by forces to be eaten. Describes the quarters of Dr. Benedict, a friend, for whom Holley most likely works, in a former home of Confederates. Then, talks of the...

GLC02165.12

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Vermilion Bayou to a friend. Describes reading Mary's letters on the march, and the expansive plantation of a Rebel General "Moota" (perhaps General Alfred Mouton), commenting "you can imagine how things will look here in a day or two, not...

GLC02165.15

to his aunt

He is camped near Washington and he is very interested in the town. He wants to get a pass and explore. He imagines a time when the great rebellion will end and the troops will go marching back to whoever is home.

GLC02161.016

to sister

He mentions the apathy and the copperheads amongst the North. He says the Southerners are a remorseless people who are willing to win or die. Recently they had a grand review by Gen. Barry.

GLC02161.084

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He has not yet seen Tom McCabe but is watching closely for his arrival. He is Cassie's brother and may decide he is unworthy of her.

GLC02161.101

to mother

Mr. Page came to see him yesterday. He took him to a grand artillery review. He is looking forward to carving the turkey tomorrow.

GLC02161.109

to sister

He visited the Gardiners today and had a pleasant time. He liked the diary she sent. He wonders if Cassie will give him "the slip".

GLC02161.111

to sister

Cassie wrote, apologizing for her silence. She hasn't written because her sister has been ill and this has required all her time.

GLC02161.112

to Esther Ann Kinney

re: Blanchard describes the skirmishes his regiment has with the Confederate troops around the Rappahannock River in the defense of Washington DC. He also describes his camp, saying, "the huts were constructed of bags plastered with mud…every thing...

GLC02162.05

to Eunice Lombard Edwards

Writes to his mother from head quarters, 37th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Location inferred from content. States, "You see I am back at last and that without seeing my mother that was too bad. I had a splendid time in Cleveland but it made...

GLC02163.06

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Parapet to a friend. Mentions rumors that Stonewall Jackson has been taken prisoner in Washington or that he has conquered Washington. Talks of gifts sent from home (one especially exciting was a piece of cheese.) In return, he sends...

GLC02165.10

to his sister

Written on patriotic stationery.

GLC02160.05

to his sister

Discusses skirmishes with the rebels in North Carolina.

GLC02160.06

[Grant of power of attorney to Norman R. Dewey]

Document grants power of attorney to Norman R. Dewey. He can now make all decisions about the piece real estate in Lancaster.

GLC02161.004

[Warranty deed with Seth Clark]

Land agreement between Squire P. Dewey and Seth Blank. The land passes from Dewey to Blank.

GLC02161.005

to Harriet W. Dewey

Mollie has a touch of dysentary. He talks about how he spent his holidays. The prospect of a fight is good and he is looking forward to it. Written at Camp Niagara

GLC02161.013

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

One day he ran into a Doctor Coventry who persuaded him to stay with him. They went to a church now used as a hospital. He met Will in Alexandria.

GLC02161.018

to [Norman R. Dewey]

Some new officers in his company wrote a scathing letter to the paper attacking him. The primary culprit is someone at a country paper. Capt. Alberger and Capt. Cluney recommended him for promotion.

GLC02161.026

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He has news about her husband. His wounds have all healed and he has been moved to the officers' prison. He will most likely be among the first of those exchanged.

GLC02161.036

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He has been marching for four days. They have been on their way to Yorktown. But he was so tired he decided to go to Fort Monroe via a steamer. He has no idea what the army's final destination is.

GLC02161.050

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

They are between the enemy and the river. Marching is very rough. The skin on his heels came off and he had to march the entire way in that condition.

GLC02161.056

to sister

He does not like how she phrased his current activities. She said he was 'on the retreat' which sounds like he ran away. He mentions the recent raid in Pennsylvania. He doesn't agree with the general's decisions there.

GLC02161.063

to sister

He is glad Will got a promotion. He will be leaving the 49th and he is glad about that. A soldier named Hancock will have been court marshaled for several offenses.

GLC02161.064

to father

McClellan is gone now. He rather liked him and feels that the new commander, Burnside, may only do better because he is luckier. They may or may not have a heavy battle soon.

GLC02161.066

to Orville "Tom" S. Dewey

He speculates on when the war will end, at one point saying that some think not until the Southern race is exterminated. He asks how he has coped with the change in command, adding that he always like McClellan.

GLC02161.070

to father

He thanks his father for the $100 loan. From now on his pay will be $129 per month, an amount they can all live comfortably together.

GLC02161.073

to mother

He has enclosed his photograph. (Not included here.) Will and George gave Mrs. Forbes (the woman they boarded with) a silver urn.

GLC02161.075

to sister

They marched from Philadephia to Reading. He heard from Mooney who heard from her. He thinks there might be trouble in this section of the country among the miners who want to resist the draft.

GLC02161.090

to mother

He is extremely grateful for the box of food they sent and knows they must have denied themsleves many pleasures in order to have sent it. They have got the mines thoroughly intimidated.

GLC02161.092

to sister

He got a promotion as 1st lieutenant. He now has a better chance of getting his back pay as 2nd lieutenant. If so, he can come home for a week. He may have to put off his wedding for some time.

GLC02161.096

[Special orders for Lt. O. S. Dewey]

Dewey is ordered to go to Buffalo to recruit for the 33rd battery.

GLC02161.114

to Harriet W. Dewey

Written "in the field." He read of Henry's death in the papers after he thought he had escaped unharmed. They may lose their guns. He is sick of the expedition.

GLC02161.128

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He has someone else in mind for president. Someone who takes the bull by the horn. Someone like Sherman. He knows the war is coming to an end soon. He saw Charley recently.

GLC02161.140

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

There has been a lot of fighting in the past week. They drove the rebels out of key positions. It has rained a lot.

GLC02161.142

[Honorable discharge of O. S. Dewey]

Partially printed. Having tendered his resignation, Dewey is honorably discharged and will receive payment when it is determined that he owes nothing to the government.

GLC02161.145

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

Difficult to read but he says something [illegible] is harder than soldiering but pays better. There is a new set of officers. He asks when she will be married.

GLC02161.147

to Norman R. Dewey

He talks business. A place called Dinwood has his attention and he feels it would be a good place for a field business. He never says what kind of business it is.

GLC02161.151

to Norman R. Dewey

sender not named.

GLC02161.154

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He includes a collection of "old masters." Not included here. (Pictures by the great painters) So far there have been no orders. He thinks the war office is restrictive.

GLC02161.157

to father

He appreciates his friends but they could never take the place of his family. He thanks his father for the allowance. His doctor tells him not to do so much climbing. He refers to his sister's deferred marriage.

GLC02161.162

to Mary E. Blossom

He talks about paying the mortgage and getting out of debt. He received a favor from his niece and he is paying her back.

GLC02161.168

to A. H. "Mollie" Blossom

He asks if she is enjoying life with the "troupe?" They are such a talented crowd from the leading lady to the heavy villian. He is waiting for a ship to set sail in Philadelphia. He wants her to come visit. By June he should be able to get promoted...

GLC02161.170

[Envelope addressed to Mary E. McLean]

Dated 21 March.

GLC02161.176

to his sister

Ida's eye is better. Dr. Martin had a boy. He played euchre on wednesday and friday night.

GLC02161.181

to Esther Ann Kinney

re: Dodge admits that he has had dysentery and has "felt not fit to crall." He also writes about the attack on the retreating Confederates, specifically at Williamsburg. He is also suspicious of the rumored attack on Richmond, writing "I think...

GLC02162.03

to Esther Ann Kinney

re: Dodge explains his feelings on the coming campaign, and says that even though he could be mustered out in June, he will stay on "to see the war over first then [he] could come home satesfied." He is also "resolved to set a better example in futer...

GLC02162.06

to Esther Ann Kinney

re: After recovering from his wound, Blanchard visited the west, specifically Chicago. He said, "I have enjoyed my self…[but] I dont lik Chicago has well has some of the Eastern city." He writes about the vast tracts of land available in the west and...

GLC02162.12

to Esther Ann Kinney

re: Dodge thanks Kinney for the shirt she sent him. He wishes he could have gotten more, but realizes that sending the shirt cost thirty cents and was too expensive. He also explains that he was sick because his regiment had marched many miles with...

GLC02162.14

to Eunice Lombard Edwards

Writes to his mother from head quarters, 37th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Reports, "We are to cross the Rappahannock again tomorrow morning, although I am not so foolish as to allow myself to think that in the coming struggle I must die, yet...

GLC02163.09

to Fannie Schoonmaker

Writes to her for the first time since they saw each other almost three weeks before. Asks if she was insulted because Sarah heard him say he loved her. He "can't help telling the truth" about how he feels about her. Talks more of times they had...

GLC02164.03

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Parapet to a friend. Talks of the attempts of some (such as his friends Wilkinson and Johnson) to be discharged, and Sunday morning mandatory cleaning routines. Mentions General Ambrose Burnside will be reinforcing General George...

GLC02165.06

to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Parapet to a friend. Expresses boredom at the monotony of life. Describes an incident in which Confederate soldiers escorted under a flag of truce the wife of General John Bullock Clark, who had been taken prisoner, so that she could...

GLC02165.11

to Mary Ann Davis

Written to a friend. Talks of a Colonel Merritt suspected of stealing from his regiment's mail, and a man accused of the same thing sent to Ship Island. Expresses hope for coming home in 11 months, but acceptance that, of course, he could die...

GLC02165.16

to Mary Ann Davis

Written from "Lakeport, La." to a friend. Talks of the visit of the wife of his friend, William Hoyt, whom he will be sad to see leave as he enjoys having a "respectable female friend to chat with." Talks of how he wants to leave the army--"what a...

GLC02165.17

to Mary "Mollie" McLean

He was appointed Post-Adjutant in the morning. He did not like having to leave the battery.

GLC02161.106

to Eunice Lombard Edwards

Writes to his mother from head quarters, 37th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Appears to have been written the same day as GLC02163.06 and .07. Notes that he received a letter from his mother upon his return (from visiting his wife, Annie). His...

GLC02163.08

to Fannie Schoonmaker

Glad to see her picture in a letter that he received last Thursday. Has not heard from her in a long time. "Began to think you had forgotten me" because she had not responded to his last letter. Would "give anything" to see her. Remembers that they...

GLC02164.02