25 November 1861

Smith, Asa, fl. 1861-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

to mother [Ann Smith] He notes the arrival of three regiments, saying that it appears there is going to be a fight and implying that Yorktown will be hurt by the Union's forces. He describes how troops from Delaware caught a Confederate soldier, and also captured six more Confederates nearby. He tells of an altercation between the Massachusetts 16th and the New York 20th, a largely German unit. The New York 20th men attacked a Massachusetts 16th soldier one day, which resulted in a huge brawl where the New York 20th got the worse of it. He tells about giving up their meals to a cavalry unit…

GLC03696.04

17 November 1861

Smith, Asa, fl. 1861-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister

He writes that he heard southern regiments mutinied by Norfolk when they were not allowed to go to the defense of their states and said they would only fight under "the stars and stripes." A hard-of-hearing Union sergeant was accidentally shot by his own sentry when he failed to respond to the cry. He hopes he will be ordered to Beaufort. He reports that German scouts saw "2000 rebels" nearby and says if the Confederates attack Newport News, "they will get awfully whipped." The chaplain saw Senators Mason and Slidell. The men badly need new pants. Smith received letters from Wallace and…

GLC03696.06

31 October 1861

Smith, Asa, fl. 1861-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

to mother [Ann Smith] Companies A, C, and D marched to Newport News and saw white flags in house windows and a house on fire. The "great expedition" sailed, and he saw it in the paper and in person. Yesterday [October 30] there was a grand review, and Col. Wyman was in good shape. He received a bundle of papers and a letter from Wallace. A Lieut. Hagg [a friend from Massachusetts] told him that his letters were being read at the lyceum, and "if you [his mother] don't stop doing so, I am afraid that I shall have to stop writing." Numbered in pencil "21." Written at Camp Hamilton.

GLC03696.07

20 October 1861

Smith, Asa, fl. 1861-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister

to sister He says there is nothing new to report except the arrival of more troops. One of the soldiers in Company C deserted and will either run to the "secesh camp" or be shot if he returns. He praises Colonel Wyman for his character, saying "for my part, I like him better every day." There are many ships in the shipyard, including a cigar company boat that is being used by the military. He received a letter from Wallace [his brother who enlisted in the Mass. 22nd], and Wallace is in good spirits. Numbered in pencil "18." Written at Camp Hamilton.

GLC03696.10

February 2, 1862

Smith, Asa, fl. 1861-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

to mother [Ann Smith] The men took up a collection to replace the twenty-three dollars he lost, and he says, "It came unexpected but was welcome and shows a good feeling towards me that pleases me much." He sent fifteen dollars home to avoid losing it again. He responds to the news of Carrie's death [his sister] and the receipt of a book from home. Rum in camp caused a scuffle between some soldiers. He notes the movement of some military ships. Numbered in pencil "47." Written at Camp Hamilton/

GLC03696.11

31 May 1862

Smith, Asa, fl. 1861-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

to mother [Ann Smith] He is feeling better now and his shakes are gone. The "mounted rifles" [cavalry] have arrived, and brought a "secesh" with them. Another squad of cavalry had a skirmish with 150 rebels and was overpowered. Eventually the Confederates retreated and the next day they found 7 dead horses in a pit on the road. The Union does not have sufficient forces at this place. He tells the story of a traitorous preacher. Numbered in pencil "79."

GLC03696.12

8 June 1862

Smith, Asa, fl. 1861-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

to mother [Ann Smith] The regiment has received orders, and will probably soon be moving to Richmond. He was unable to break the bill from home. The Union boys "played some rough games on the ignorant Secesh, in the matter of money," using wrappers and papers marked with numbers as money. He hasn't heard from Wallace. He seems ready for battle, remarking that he doesn't want to fight, but if he must, the regiment will "give them a taste of our steel which don't seem to suit them." He seems very restless in Suffolk: "One thing is certain, I don't care how quick I get out of Suffolk to some…

GLC03696.13

24 May 1862

Smith, Asa, fl. 1861-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

to mother [Ann Smith] He received a letter from the clerk of Victor, and sends it on to other men. The troops have left Camp Huger and marched to the fairgrounds. He has the shakes. The mayor of the town has given up his keys, and the Union military has successfully insisted that the stores remain open and accept Northern currency. He says the relationship with the local white people is improving but still embittered, and notes that "The darkeys are very fond of us, and I verily believe that the yellow girls all expect to get yankee husbands." Four Confederate deserters arrived at the camp. A…

GLC03696.14

11 April 1865

Cranor, Franklin, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Delia Slocum

re: Records the reaction in camp to Lee's surrender to Grant at Appomattox. "Cheering, yelling an shooting of there guns and it was kept up till about three Oclock this morning[.]"

GLC03791.025

28 April 1865

Cranor, Franklin, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Delia Slocum

re: Cranor describes his move from Blue Springs back to Nashville and the somber mood present after Lincoln's assassination ("evry thing is dressed in mourning.") He writes that he talked to the "rebs" who said that they thought Johnson would be harder on them then Lincoln.

GLC03791.026

16 July 1862

Parrott, John A., fl. 1861-1877

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister

sister [Sophia Parrott] He is camped near the junction of the Nashville, Chattanooga, Memphis, and Charleston Rail Road. "[T]he Army is being divided up and distributed over the country to guard the Points already in our possession" because "there are Guerrilla Parties all through the country" and 'it will be necessary to put a stop to such work before the main Army can advance any farther with safety." He believes that it is "safe to conclude that active operations have ceased" and they will have a chance to recruit men for the regiments. Signed with the rank of Captain.

GLC03858.01.05

16 December 1862

Parrott, John A., fl. 1861-1877

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister

He is happy to hear that she is feeling better. The "rebels have a large force at Murfreesboro" and his regiment will likely move there. He was nearly killed supporting a battery of artillery in a fight that lasted over four hours.

GLC03858.01.11

January 15, 1863

Parrott, John A., fl. 1861-1877

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister

John describes the Battle of Murfreesboro, reassuring his sister that he and Henry were unhurt. "[T]he battle lasted 4 ½ days…my company were on picket when the fight commenced and 16 of them were taken prisoners…."

GLC03858.01.12

14 November 1864

Morse, George F., fl. 1864-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to father

a visit from his mother, the request of writing paper and envelopes, report of conversation with Confederate soldier who, after being taken prisoner at Vicksburg, joined the Union Army; also includes a brief reply to his sister's letter. Written on Hart Island

GLC02180.09

21 November 1864

Pearson, Charles G., fl. 1864-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George F. Morse

expressions of friendship, speculations about the arrival of prisoners to Hart's Island, Morse's transfer to Fort McHenry, and anticipation of his 21st birthday

GLC02180.10

04 November 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He marched for four miles only to find the enemy had retreated. marched for another two miles and bivouaced. He speculates about where the enemy is and where they will go next.

GLC02744.091

03 November 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

There were skirmishes. Pressing onward to Strasburg. Mentions Billy and instructs her not to pay out any more money for him.

GLC02744.092

08 November 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He marched six miles in a snow storm. He describes what they carry in their saddlebags. He has not been paid since he left.

GLC02744.093

11 November 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

Their connection is so strong that when he is writing to her it almost seems like they are talking face to face.

GLC02744.094

09 November 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He writes about his faith in God. He answers her questions regarding his trunk.

GLC02744.095

20 November 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He writes that one of their men fell from a tree and dislocated his wrist. He reiterates that God gave him the greatest gift of all: her.

GLC02744.096

21 November 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He writes about how an officer of his rank never has to worry about food or shelter. Notes how much money the war is costing.

GLC02744.097

22 November 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter

Title: to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He is anxious for Lucien to attend school. He writes that he feels the sufferings of his fellow soldiers. Notes that enemy is in Fredricksburg.

GLC02744.098

25 November 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

Tells her not to worry so much. Writes he might be able to send for her in 4-6 weeks. They have both gained weight. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg

GLC02744.099

28 November 1862

Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee

He writes the possibility of a battle has now become very faint. tells her to always confide in God. Mentions Park. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg

GLC02744.100