7 November 1862

Damuth, Dolphus, fl. 1839-1913

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Damuth

Writes to let his family know that he arrived safely in Helena, Arkansas, and that the army has crossed the Mississippi River. Gives detailed description of setting up camp, pitching tents and preparing for guard duty along the river. Damuth is in command of twenty-seven men on the look out for guerrilla Rebel soldiers. Tells a story about a Black mule driver who was forced to give up his team and wagon to Damuth's colonel. Mentions that there are "20000 more [men] across the river at Helena and more coming every day." There are few other troops from Wisconsin. Rumors have been…

GLC03523.14.02

4 December 1862

Damuth, Dolphus, fl. 1839-1913

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Maria Damuth

Tells about being on picket duty beside the Mississippi River and his job as a sergeant, keeping watch over the line. Sergeants and officers of the guard "stand twenty four hours at a time in pleasant weather," conditions which prompt the camp orderly to try standing guard - only to find himself rained on. Tells his sister that she should stay at home instead of searching for work and "by your words and deeds make home as pleasant as you can." Also reminds her to "not speak a crass word to eather Pa or Ma." Damuth makes it clear that he has no regrets about enlisting to be a soldier, for…

GLC03523.14.04

24 March 1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Angeline Henry

Probably from a cousin in Keeseville. Signature on letter appears to be Elvira. Mentions a visit from Angie's brother George. Discusses Josiah's possible discharge, although his whereabouts are unknown. Speculates he may be in Washington. Encourages Angie to "...try and teach with your other instruction, the little ones the fear of God."

GLC03523.07.36

18 August 1861

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Reports from Georgetown Heights to his sister. Mentions that he received her letter. Comments that they are experiencing very poor weather, and are very busy preparing for an attack next week. States "we cant even get out now for water with out having a corporal with us. We are penned up here like prisoners. As the camp is a prison itself."

GLC03523.08.14

3 September 1861

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Informs his sister that they are camped opposite the Big Falls of the Potomac River. Provides details about fighting, mentioning General Benjamin Franklin Butler's movements in North Carolina. Indicates they are ready "to show the South aint to be fooled by here." Reports that their next movement will be on Manassas Junction and Richmond, Virginia. Asks that his sister write to him at the address previously given to her in Washington. Written on red and blue bordered stationery with a small image of a woman and the words, "Union and Prosperity" in the top left corner.

GLC03523.08.15

11 September 1861

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Informs his sister that they have returned to their old camp ground in Georgetown. Describes a recent battle they fought, "on the other side of the Potomac," relaying stories of "balls a whizzing through the air." Reports that during the battle they received a dispatch from General Nathaniel Banks, but the Rebels did not cross the river again. Reports that he should be home for Christmas. Written on red and blue bordered stationery with a small image of a woman and the words, "Union and Prosperity" in the top left corner.

GLC03523.08.16

16 September 1861

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Relays, "That account of the affair at big falls is all a big lie they put in anything to make the papers sell. Their was no musketry shot returned by our Regiment. The Artillery only answered them the next day and then they did not return the fire." Continues on about the newspapers, commenting "I reckon the newspapers had another blow in about that affair down the falls church. We was called out but only get down as far as the chain bridge before the fight was over." Mentions that she will probably "here tell of a Movement of McClellan that will quite surprise you. In his speech to the…

GLC03523.08.17

20 September 1861

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

Writes to his mother, discussing whether or not some men from home will be enlisting in the army. Confides, "As I know about a soldiers life. But the best thing he can do is stay at home and have a little more sense than I had." Reports that he heard heavy firing on Tuesday while he was on picket duty, but a "heavy storm came and put a stop to the firing." Asks that she send him a number of things, such as woolen socks, shirts, and a wooden pipe. Written on red and blue bordered stationery with a small image of a woman and the words, "Union and Prosperity" in the top left corner.

GLC03523.08.18

25 September 1861

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Informs sister that some of the "Baptor five Zouaves" came through his camp this morning. Reports that they were received by General George McClellan and their new Brigadier General, George Meade. Tells her that everything is quiet now. In a post script, relates that she should not be concerned if he isn't home for Christmas, stating that he expects to eat Christmas dinner in Philadelphia, "for they are now getting the enemy completely surrounded." Last page of letter written in pencil. Written on red and blue bordered stationery with a small image of a woman and the words, "Union and…

GLC03523.08.19

17 December 1861

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister and Father

First half of letter written to his sister from Camp Pierpont. Includes newspaper clippings, noting that they are in regards to General George McCall and his division, as well as some "poetry dedicated to the Ranger's which I knew you will like it after you read it." The second half of the letter is addressed to his father, relaying information of the trial of Lieutenant Howell in Washington and "about a dozen" other men. Comments that "the reason we took the women prisinors was on account of being spies." Also divulges that a man named Johnson, who joined the Lincoln Cavalry in New York was…

GLC03523.08.24

18 August 1862

Knox, Andrew, 1835-?

Autograph letter

Title: to Sarah Knox

Knox writes to his wife from Harrison's Landing. Complains about her scarce letters and wonders if it is because she is sick. Expresses anger about nephew George F. Knox enlisting because so many men are dying daily. Recommends George tries to get out of the company he is assigned to because it is comprised of inexperienced young boys. Requests the name of the man who enlisted George and informs he will write to him. Reports he will be moving onto Fredericksburg or Washington, D.C. soon.

GLC03523.20.05

25 October 1861

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Writes from Camp Pierpont, Virginia. Recounts to him, "you heard of the battle of Balls Bluff where the Rebels were victorious. They killed about 600 men altogether... besides the prisoners they took." Also reports that they caught the traitor, a clerk from the War Department, who had defeated General George McClellan's plans of taking Munson Hill. States that "if we had stayed 24 hours longer we would all been killed or taken Prisinors." Confesses, "I made no attempt to vote as I aint of age." First 4 pages of letter written on stationery with a image of red, white, and blue image of woman…

GLC03523.08.20

7 November 1861

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Expresses dismay about the news of his father's sickness. Complains of the cold weather, remarking that "if they dont put us in Winter Quarters this winter we will all be dead before spring." Written on stationery with embossed image of soldier holding flag with the words, "Brave in the field, Wise in council, A true patriot, Loyal to the Constitution & Union" underneath. Letter written in pencil.

GLC03523.08.21

25 November 1861

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Reports "within 3 weeks, you will hear tell of the Battle of Manassas Junction for Gen. McClellan has deceided to take that place what ever it may cost them. the campaign in Virginia will be over. And I guess we the Pennsylvania Reserve will have to face the music." Letter written on stationery that has a large image of an eagle and an American flag on the top, alongside the words "Union & Liberty." "Now & forever" is written underneath the stationery's image in the author's hand.

GLC03523.08.22

9 December 1861

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister and Father

First half of letter written to his sister from Camp Pierpont, reporting that they went on a foraging party, where they obtained one secession barn and "2 Contraband Negroes, 5 men Prisoners, and 3 women. 2 of the men were dandy looking fellows beging small in statue and dressed up to kill." The second half of the letter is addressed to his father, informing him of army matters. Indicates that he is going to try and get a furlough so that he can come home once they go into Winter Quarters. Letter written on stationery that has a large image of an eagle and an American flag on the top,…

GLC03523.08.23

6 January 1862

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Reports from Camp Pierpont. Professes to her, "I think I told you once before that you must not believe all the newspapers say about [this] war for they dont know more than you do. Or not much more. You must not suppose that General George McCall is a going to publish his movements before he make them. As the enemy hears soon enough of his moves without published them. It seem they knew it very near as quick as we do ourselves." Speaks of the rumor that there are 30,000 Rebels at Drainsville who are putting up fortifications, but remarks that he hasn't see any yet. Mentions General George…

GLC03523.08.25

14 January 1862

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Writes from Camp Pierpont telling him that Christmas and New Year's "passed off pleasently and on New Years day we had a grand Oyster Dinner." Provides detail about picketing, particularly noting the harsh and cold weather. Relays military information. "I heard that part of Rush's Calvary are now on this side of the river..." Also discusses military tactics, "Napoleon plan was never to attack an enemy that was a killing itself. And thats the way with General [George] B. McClellan for the longer we lay here the longer the Rebels are suffering for want of proper provision clothing Blankets etc…

GLC03523.08.26

6 August 1862

Knox, Andrew, 1835-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sarah Knox

Knox writes to his wife from Harrison's Landing. Expresses concern for her health. Inquires how the new baby is doing. Mentions he sent her ten dollars. States he is watching for Rebel gunboats. Expects to move on to Malvern Hill soon. Complains of the heat and mosquitoes. Refers to a talk he had with Union General George McClellan "...about the niggers that were marching for us."

GLC03523.20.04

6 April 1863

Maitland, John A., fl. 1854-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [James M. Maitland]

Tells his brother that he has been happily working at the Rolling Mill, where he has made 900 dollars. He is also in good health. Reports on farm activities and comments that their uncle, James Maitland died two years ago. States, "Conflict has come upon us at last the Fanatics North & South have Cursed our Country and God only knows when it will end. We have had a repetition of the reign of terror that our Forefathers Experienced." Continues on about the war, "Why I hardly know Who I was he says you are going to fight for your Country aint you boy you'll Fight for the Constitution &…

GLC03523.10.062

27 April 1863

Maitland, Joseph M., 1836-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Grier Maitland

Reports to his brother, discussing possible troop movements. Reports a "rumour" the Rebels are evacuating Vicksburg. Writes that all their friends are doing well, and notes that his brother may call "the Colt after Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, the last name will do very well." Includes a short note which was written 28 April.

GLC03523.10.065

10 May 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Provides his son with details about various friends and family members. Admits he previously published one of Joseph's letters without his permission and asks if he can continue doing so. Writes to him, "The recent News of the taking of Richmond has cheered the hearts of those who are anxious for the Suppression of the Rebellion and the dawn of Peace." There are two small holes on the left side of the letter, causing text loss.

GLC03523.10.066

24 May 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Shares with his son that his grandmother has died recently. Notes that he does not know whether or not Joseph participated in the 16 May 1863 battle "West of Jackson," (the Battle of Champion Hill, an engagement in the Vicksburg Campaign). Includes a short note at the bottom written the next day discussing the draft. States that previously, drafted men had been able to purchase exemption for $300. Notes that many men are outraged regarding Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton's intention to eliminate the exemption, requiring drafted men to either serve in the war or find a substitute. Likely…

GLC03523.10.068

29 May 1863

Byers, Ephraim, fl. 1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James M. Maitland

Laments the recent death of his mother. Mentions that he heard that Maitland sold his mill, and asks for the particulars of the sale.

GLC03523.10.069

23 June 1863

Maitland, Grier, fl. 1837-1920

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Writes to his brother, telling him all the news from home, such as the status of the corn and their mother's health. Discusses organization of the local militia. Continues writing 24 June, noting that General Rosecrans's brother, Bishop Sylvester Rosecrans, will speak at a picnic at the fair grounds. In a post script, asks his brother "Have you shaved since you are in the service; if not How big's your mustache and whiskers."

GLC03523.10.075

14 July 1861

Blanchard, Ira, 1835-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from camp outside St. Louis. Describes in great detail his trip down the Mississippi River aboard a government steamer "City of Alton." Mentions being applauded by Union people as they went down the river. Comments they have plenty of ripe fruit. "The little girls bring us plenty of apples and pies if we have any suspicion of them being poison we make them eat some first." States that were about 15 to 20 enslaved people at every home. Remarks that they appear to be people "...who seem to be a very happy set of fellows." Asks her to send a likeness of herself…

GLC03523.31.07