23 April 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes that the regiment has established a camp near the portion of the river that they are trying to defend. Comments about Colonel Ward having command over a few regiments as a "compliment for his gallant behavior" when he took control of all the troops. Says that he is unsure of the "shape of the enemy" and that his field glass is very useful.

GLC03603.226

26 April 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes that they marched to Fort Dix. Describes General Corcoran and 6-8,000 troops going on a recognizance mission and retreating when they saw a rebel battery with a few hundred troops manning it. Criticizes other recent military moves and complains about the newspapers giving all the credit to the New York regiments. Requests that a vest be made for him and that his family send a new strap for his field glass.

GLC03603.227

3 May 1863

Coit, Charles M., 1838-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

Writes that there is a "heavy force across the river and the firing has been incessant." Notes that his Regiment is split in two with one half out on a mission and Coit's half camped in the woods. He passes on descriptions of fighting near the river, saying that the Rebels were "in rifle pits as usual." Believes that the goal of the Rebels is to capture part of the railroad and "forage the whole country and prevent the planting."

GLC03603.229

15 March 1866

McSherry, Anna, 1833-?

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry F. McSherry [incomplete]

Written by Anna to her brother Henry. Says she is sorry she sent her last letter, which reported that Henry's resignation was accepted and that another surgeon was being sent to replace him. Says it is not true. Says Admirals Lee and De Clymer both intervened in Washington to keep the resignation from going through. Wonders where he is and says "how I would like that wonderful trunk of the Danish storyteller Anderson to carry me to China and in ... the Wyoming." Says their father is still anxious about his resignation and that he would "just [be] throwing away what is most valuable, a…

GLC03523.21.52

28 March 1866

McSherry, Richard M., 1792-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry F. McSherry

Written by Richard to his son Henry. Makes reference to Henry's sister Anna returning from Washington where bureaucratic infighting involving Henry's resignation was taking place. Says reports of intemperance were stated against him. Says "Do my dear boy quit the poison I believe I once before went to you on the subject. It will destroy soul and body, distress fathers[,] sisters[,] and brothers." Envelope marked by Henry stating that the letter was received in Hong Kong on 5 May 1866.

GLC03523.21.54

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

24 December 1865

McSherry, Anna, 1833-?

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry F. McSherry

Written by Anna to her brother Henry. Says he has not heard from him in some time. Last letter from Henry was dated from Singapore. Mentions that their father wants him to withdraw his resignation. Is worried about him. Makes reference to friends and family members. Says she is going to the opera. Page 4 is dated from 27 December and then 31 December. Says she heard his ship, the USS "Wyoming" will be assigned to the East India Squadron and fears he won't be home for quite some time. Further updates on family and friends. Tells him the nuns have a new convent about 2 miles from Wheeling, West…

GLC03523.21.50

27 February 1866

McSherry, Anna, 1833-?

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry F. McSherry

Written by Anna to her brother Henry. Makes reference to the resignation and their father's disapproval again. Says she left Baltimore yesterday and has been ill since January and is taking cod liver oil. Mentions that the price of corn is 60 cents/bushel. Says the old town (probably Martinsburg) looks as usual and that "the railroad is its life." Claims that "Prices are high here, marketing and everything so the country people ought to have some money. Pa has rented the home next door for 250 dollars. the brick house ... for 375 and the small house ... for 75 dollars." Most of the letter…

GLC03523.21.51

27 March 1866

McSherry, Anna, 1833-?

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry F. McSherry

Written by Anna to her brother Henry. Relates the story of the bureaucratic infighting involving his resignation. A man named Horowitz wanted to take Henry's place, but Admiral Lee intervened to keep the resignation open. There were accusations of Henry smuggling liquor on board and that he was "a drinking man." His honor was defended though and says "no one will ever say one word against you if I can help it." Creator inferred from content.

GLC03523.21.53

February 23, 1861

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his father Tobias Gibson

Requests a blank book and white army gloves. Discusses the amount of sugar and molasses being sold by the plantation.

GLC04501.004

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

11 September 1861 to 31 October 1861

Destez, St. L., fl. 1861

Printed document signed

Title: Muster roll of Captain B. Avegno

Muster information for the company, with remarks written in French. Includes the name "Elisabeth Laporte", possibly a relative of Alexander Laporte, a soldier in company D Louisiana Volunteers.

GLC04501.006

5 October 1861

Devereux, John G., fl. 1861

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Randall Lee Gibson

Lt. Devereux writes that Captain J. A. Fremaux has been granted leave until October 8th 1861.

GLC04501.007

10 November 1861

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Col. Gibson recommends officers (as surgeon, assistant surgeon, quartermaster and commissary) for the 13th Reg. La. Volunteers and inquires whether a civilian can be appointed as quartermaster. Written at Camp Chlamette.

GLC04501.008

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