30 August 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Ella

Writes that the young women of Staunton are pretty, but hate Yankees. Mentions that the major's sister was treated unkindly by Southern women at Church. Reports that he met Major General Curtis (the hero of Ft. Fisher) and was told that there was no chance of getting out of the service. The men are all anxious to get home. He writes thatmany veterans have deserted. Made a list and came up with a total of fifty-five men that have deserted, four from his own company. Writes that he has sent home $400. Will try to find Capt. Jackson for his aunt. Hopes to be mustered out as captain.…

GLC02016.088

15 September 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Writes that there is nothing to report from camp. Is disappointed that his sister Ella couldn't find the time to respond to his letter. Writes that he turned in a man to the Provost Marshall because the man's daughter was singing anti-Yankee songs. Tells her to ask their aunt for fifty dollars so that he can renew his wardrobe. Hopes that there is some chance of getting a leave of absence next month.

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5 November 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Has just completed muster rolls and will be mustering out nine one-year soldiers who are the best in his company. Writes that the men are opposed to president Johnson's reconstruction policies and leniency on the rebels. Two men were imprisoned and charged $25 each for refusing to take off rebel buttons from their coats. Painter requests $50 to help with his wardrobe and rent expenses.

GLC02016.093

19 November 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Ella

Writes that he has been appointed court recorder and Provost Marshall. Two military commissions will convene for two murder trials. Everyone is anxiously awaiting the upcoming Congressional meeting, which will determine whether soldiers will remain in service during the winter and if Southern congressmen will be admitted into Congress. He is not sure he will be able to go home anytime soon, as there is no chance of mustering out and a furlough would require an expensive trip home. Writes that if she sends him $100 dollars, he will apply for furlough.

GLC02016.094

15 May 1865

Howe, John T., fl. 1836-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Heber Painter

Explains why he was unable to respond sooner to Painter's letter. He is overjoyed that the war has finally ended. Briefly discusses his feelings on Sherman allowing Johnson's army to return to their homes with their arms. Wishes good health to Painter. The letter is written on U.S. Christian Commission letterhead.

GLC02016.098

9 April 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at camp of the 2nd Michigan Infantry near Lebanon, Kentucky. Worries that he and many of the other officers in the regiment will not be paid for two months. As soon as he receives his commission from home he will ask for a leave of absence. He writes that he is mad at his wife for riding with Mr. Palmer and will discuss the matter with her when he comes home. There are reports that Charleston, South Carolina has been captured by Union forces. Writes that the army is advancing rapidly and that deserters are returning to the regiments. He thinks that the army will gain 100,000 men…

GLC03523.13.091

16-17 April 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at the camp of the 2nd Michigan Infantry near Lebanon, Kentucky. He was very glad to receive her portrait but he was upset to hear that she had such poor things to say about her friends. Suggests that his wife finds another place to live if her friends continue to treat her so poorly. He does not think he will be able to come home soon and will be away until the first of June. Asked several of his superior officers if he could go home for a while and they all said no. He would like to be promoted once more before the war is over, but they are not expecting any battles soon. Reports…

GLC03523.13.093

18 May 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at the residence of Mr. [Carlile] to his wife. He has been unwell so he came to Mr. Carlile's and is feeling much better. Writes that he is with one of the best families in Kentucky and they give him everything he requires and take excellent care of him. Reports that the family has two sons; one was a major in the Union Army who was killed and another a colonel in the Union Army who resigned. States that Mrs. Carlile looks like his grandmother. The regiment has marched from the Green River Bridge in Kentucky and he hopes to re-join the regiment soon. The 20th Michigan engaged the…

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19 June 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at camp of the 2nd Michigan Infantry near Haines Bluff, Mississippi to his wife. He is outside of the city of Vicksburg, Mississippi. General Ulysses S. Grant is laying siege to the city because attempting to storm it would most likely cause a great loss of life and would most likely fail. There have been reports that Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston is somewhere on the Black River near Vicksburg, Mississippi. A Confederate deserter reported that there are 24,000 troops in Vicksburg, Mississippi but only 15,000 are fit for duty and that the troops in the city have very little to…

GLC03523.13.102

11 March 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written at Camp of 105th Illinois Regiment, eight miles from Chattanooga, Tennessee. The regiment has marched from Bridgeport, Alabama to Chattanooga, Tennessee. He describes this as the hardest march the regiment has ever had. He also reports that the roads were in very poor condition. Thanks his family for sending him the trunk of provisions and is very grateful to the family friends who also sent him some items. Notes that there were a great many dead mules along the road from Bridgeport, most of them shot by the rebels on the other side of the Tennessee River. Writes that the regiment…

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28 July 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

There is occasional shelling from both sides. Beyond that little has changed and his regiment is still in the same locations as when he last wrote. Most of the Confederate shells fall too short or go too far to cause much damage to the Union lines. He writes that he can clearly see Atlanta, Georgia and this will most certainly be the rebels last stand here. The Union has recently received re-enforcements and are putting more pressure on the Confederate flanks. According to orders recently read to him General Joseph Hooker has relieved himself of command of the 20th Corps. and will report to…

GLC07460.089

5 July 1864 - 6 July 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written at the Camp of the 105th Illinois regiment. States that he is in good health and that his division is near the 23rd Corps. The 1st and 2nd divisions of his Corps is on the front lines where the Confederates are making a stand near Marietta, Georgia. He thinks the 23rd Corps will move to the right to allow his division to move up to the front line. Reports that Union skirmishers found the rebels strong breastworks deserted. As their division advanced on the rebel breastwork they found them severely damaged by the Union cannon. Reports that he saw a body with at least 50 bullets hole in…

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15 July 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written at the Camp of the 105th Illinois regiment near the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. A friend of the family - a colonel in the Union Army- will be visiting his family soon if he has not called on them already. He has sent his watch home with the colonel because the crystal is broken and he would like to have it repaired. Writes that they are improving their camp daily since they arrived on 6 July. They are sending out pickets towards the river bank because the rebels are on the other side of the river. Reports that there is not much firing but a good deal of trading between Union and…

GLC07460.086

18 July 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written at the Camp of the 105th Illinois south of the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. His Corps. has crossed the river on a pontoon bridge. Soon afterward his regiment was sent on picket duty. To his left he has heard the sound of musketry. The 3rd Brigade of his division is currently building a bridge across a stream. He describes the area as "all woodland" and the country is "as rough as ever." He regrets that they could not prevent the rebels from crossing the river last night. Writes that they are only 10 or 11 miles from Atlanta, Georgia which is doomed to fall soon. Writes that if he…

GLC07460.087

21 July 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

He writes that his regiment played an important role in the Battle of Atlanta. They marched to within two miles of Atlanta, 22 July, 1864, Georgia and formed two lines of battle in an open valley on the hill to their front. The pickets kept up a steady fire as word came to them that the Confederates appeared ready to charge them. Writes that both the Union and Confederate forces marched on the double quick to the top of the hill trying to gain an advantage. Despite the steady pressure of the Union skirmishers the Confederate soldiers reached the crest of the hill first and came down the other…

GLC07460.088

29 July 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Martha and all at home

Written at the Camp of the 105th Illinois regiment near the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. Writes that the 20th Corps. has moved back towards the rear closer to the river. His picket did not leave the front line until four in the morning. The 1st Division was then deployed near the bridge acting in support of the rear. His regiment worked all day felling trees to their front. Write that some Confederates pickets advanced but made no aggressive movement. The 2nd Division crossed the river on 16 and 17 July. The other two brigades of the division moved down river to ford there and skirmished…

GLC07460.090

30 July 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

He write that he is now on the right wing not far from the Atlanta, Georgia railroad. Reports that during the night as they were moving they were attacked by Confederates who were severely "whipped for their tenacity that they may stick to Atlanta." He has heard reports that if the main Confederate Army cannot hold Atlanta the Georgia militia will surrender. According to the papers from Illinois Atlanta has been captured by the Union which is not true but they will soon be in possession of it. Last night the rebels attacked and were repulsed suffering heavy casualties. His division was order…

GLC07460.091

5 August 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

The items he requested from home were brought to him by the colonel. Some of the items, the cheese and butter, will start to melt soon due to the hot weather. He was sent up to the right-center of the line and his corps. relieved some of the 14th Corps. Working parties continue to improve and expand the Union defenses under the cover of darkness. He notes that the Confederate and Union lines are close now, no more than 750 yards apart. He writes that the skirmishers are close enough to taunt each other although the Confederates do not usually respond. Writes that one of the Corps. attacked…

GLC07460.092

15 August 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother-in-law Davis and all at home

He write that he is well but he cannot say so for other members of the regiment as they have just recently learned that Chas Tubbs has died. The report is that he died of the bloody flux [dysentery]. Details some of the other casualties received by the regiment. Writes that there has been a steady drain on the regiment and that the war must surely end when all men are dead, "offered up to the Goddess of Liberty." He hopes that the recent losses will not discourage the men as they must fight on in order to assure liberty. The men have been busy constructing a fort for the cannon. The rebels…

GLC07460.093

22 August 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes that one month and 15 days ago the Union army began the siege of Atlanta, Georgia. There are reports that the right of the Union Army is within a half-mile of the Macon Road. States that is difficult to find out what is really going on as each part of the line hears or sees something different. He writes that what they read in the papers is probably not much better. Due to the attacks on the railroad the mail has been delayed a few days. The skirmishers on each side have made a small truce to stop firing for a while near his picket. This is not the first time the Union has tried for a…

GLC07460.094

20 March 1864

Breese, Kidder Randolph, 1831-1881

Autograph letter signed

Title: Orders

Ordering the "officer in charge of Picket Tug" to relay Porter's order to the fleet: "Keep the tug as close to the falls as possible and a bright lookout for anything up the bend. Blow one whistle if you see a vessel coming down. Examine all floating objects and tow any suspicious looking things clear of the vessels - giving warning with two whistles if she sees anything like a Torpedo...this order will be turned over to Relief...at daylight to be given to the officer of the deck..."

GLC09146

10 June 1861

Wayne, Henry C., fl. 1861

Autograph letter signed

Title: Orders

About a Union rally by Baptists and Methodists. "The leaders of these two systems, are either designing demagogues, or ignorant enthusiasts...The President [Jefferson Davis] has proclaimed next Thursday as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer, and the sects are getting up a Grant Union demonstration to be held in the State House...I have advised our people not to reply, but simply when do charged to ask for the prayers of the accuser that we may be enlightened as we are earnest seekers after truth..."

GLC09147

circa 1862

Sherman, William T. (William Tecumseh), 1820-1891

Autograph letter signed

Title: to David D. Porter

During Arkansas expedition. "admiral Porter As soon as General Steele reports in the Continental, will fire a Gun and run down the Gaines's Landing at the rate of ten miles the hour Sherman."

GLC09148

February 24, 1893

Smith, Edmund Kirby, 1824-1893

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Darwin C. Pavey

"Fitz John Porter was my classmate and has always been and is one of my dearest friends. He was always faithful and true in his allegiance and devotion of his country and I place him amongst the very best of your Generals...a born soldier and leader. His friendship for and attachment to McClelland [sic] was his cardinal sin and produced that cruel and unjust finding of the court which degraded Porter as a soldier and citizen. The whole country now recognizes his loyalty and devotion...Mr. Hayes is a good and true man and his administration as honest and pure is well recognized throughout…

GLC09149

24 May 1863

Hill, Ambrose P., 1825-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert E. Lee

"If a judicious appointment of Major General is not made, I fear that all this will be lost... Gen. Pender has fought with the Divisions in every battle, he has been four times wounded and never left the field, he has risen by death and wounds from fifth Brigadier to be its senior, had the best drilled and disciplined Brigade in the Division, and more than all, possesses the unbridled confidence of the Division. At the battle of Chancellorsville he seized the colors, and on horseback led his Brigade up and in to the Federal intrenchments. The effect of such examples of daring gallantry at…

GLC09154