22 January 1865

Damuth, Dolphus, fl. 1839-1913

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister. Responds to family concerns that he might reenlist and promises this is not the case. He will come home and "take care of you as you intended I would when you gave me a deed of the farm." Warns his brother not to reenlist, since he has served a hundred days in Memphis and "seen a dead rebel and now he ought to stay at home and trot his young one on his knee." Writes about friends of the family. Ends the letter with the warning, "Dont let evryone [sic] see this."

GLC03523.14.81

4 September 1862

Knox, Andrew, 1835-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sarah Knox

Knox writes to his wife from Fort Scott in Virginia. Expresses pleasure at receiving her letters, and the Herald and Danbury newspapers. Reports he has seen nephew George and he is very thin. States the rebels will have to capture the forts before they can take Washington, D.C. and is confident that will not happen due to the determination of the men in his company. Refers to the conflict between Union Generals George B. McClellan and John Pope. Remarks that "the troops of Gen. Pope when they came in look more like a mob than disciplined soldiers." Expresses confidence in the superiority of…

GLC03523.20.06

26 January 1862

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Writes from Camp Pierpont, informing his sister that they are preparing to move against the enemy at Centreville and Manassas Junction, Virginia. He estimates however, that it will be two weeks before they actually make a move. Encloses a daguerreotype with the letter (not included).

GLC03523.08.28

26 January 1862

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Reports from Camp Pierpont, telling his father that they expect an attack from the Rebels any day. Relays that Centreville is fortified by about 60,000 Rebel troops and 175 pieces of artillery. Informs him about General George McClellan's plan to attack from the front and rear and comments, "McClellan dont intend that his men shall be cut up by them." Notes that General George McCall is attempting to get his division to go on General Ambrose Burnside's expedition. Discusses his father's approval to General George McClellan's recent address. Confides in his father about his sadness that…

GLC03523.08.29

11 February 1862

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Reports to his father from Camp Pierpont, mentioning that Union General Charles Stone has been rearrested and sent to Fort Lafayette. "The following are the charges brought against him. 1st For misbeavior at the Battle of Balls Bluff. 2nd For holding correspondence with the enemy before and since the Battle of Balls Bluff and receiving Rebel officers in his camp. 3rd For treacherously suffering the enemy to build a fort or strong work since the Battle of Balls Bluff under his guns without molestation." Tells him that he will include an abstract which he cut out of the Sunday Mercury; however…

GLC03523.08.32

19 February 1862

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Writes to his sister from Camp Pierpont, informing her that Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, and Roanoke Island have been captured. Also mentions "the taking of Winchester and Savannah. The evacuation of Springfield and Bowling Green." Speaks of Confederate General Henry Alexander Wise's "escape." Convey's his admiration for Union General George McClellan's military planning and states "another month goes by this vile monster of Rebellion will be crushed to rise no more. And then with that pride we shall stand forth as a nation." Comments that "their no use of having a President if he dont do a…

GLC03523.08.33

12 March 1862

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father and Sister

In the first portion of the letter, he reports to his father from Hunter Mills, [Virginia]. Notes that Centreville, Manassas Junction, and Winchester are in their possession. Mentions that the road through Richmond is now open, and that they have also taken control of a railroad. Informs his father that they are currently staying at a railroad station called Hunter Station, which is located near the Harry Bready Farm, possibly owned by family friends. States that he went over to General George McCall's headquarters to get a pass so that he could go past the picket lines. Indicates that he had…

GLC03523.08.34

24 March 1862

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Reports that he is waiting to board a fleet, but does not yet know where he is going. Notes there are 80,000 troops who will also possibly go to Richmond. Describes their march from Hunters Mill to Alexandria. States "we were a hollering Crackers at all the Generals that passed us." Mentions that there is talk of General George McClellan being superceded. Written on stationery with red and blue image of woman, wearing a crown and holding an American flag.

GLC03523.08.35

12 May 1862

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Writes that the Rebels have retreated, but have destroyed the bridge going across the Rappahannock River. Informs her that Fredricksburg is now in their possession, and that Rebels have destroyed two million dollars worth of property there. Speculates he will be home by September.

GLC03523.08.37

23 May 1862

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Informs his father that they are preparing for battle, and will move across the river where they will meet about 25,000 Rebel soldiers. Reports that a portion of General Nathaniel Bank's troops have come, but because the Confederates have "worked their way into the rear" of General Johnson, they will have to return. Also informs him that General James Shields returned as well. Notes that President Abraham Lincoln, Secretary Edwin M. Stanton, and Major General Irvin McDowell, "with Jefferson Davis negro" reviewed them on Friday afternoon. Comments on General George McCall's position as Major…

GLC03523.08.38

8 June 1862

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Provides his father with a comprehensive military report. Mentions that General Irvin McDowell has received orders to come across the river and reinforce General George McClellan. McDowell refused, so instead, a portion of General Nathaniel Bank's force had to come. Notes that Richmond is still in enemy possession. States that General George McCall has received a dispatch to proceed directly to Richmond. Speaks of the weather, telling his father that the rain has been so heavy it washed away four of the Rappahannock River's bridges.

GLC03523.08.39

6 July 1862

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Writes from a camp near James River, [Virginia]. Details latest military endeavors, starting with an arms inspection by General George McClellan. Soon thereafter, the Rebels began to shell and the soldiers were ordered onto a different part of the field by General George McCall. Notes that Confederate General Stonewall Jackson was there. Describes a battle that was full of such panic he wrote, "the Rebels were right behind them, shur it was that Stonewall Jackson lost his life struck by shell from our own battery." Written in pencil on stationery with small blue and red image of man holding a…

GLC03523.08.40

28 October 1862

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Writes that he is not sure how much longer it will be until he rejoins the regiments. Reports to his sister that he is still feeling very sick, with a fever and no appetite. Mentions that he thinks the whole army may cross the river into Virginia and that "the papers here state that they are to have possession of both Petersburg & Gardensville before the first freeze."

GLC03523.08.47

11 November 1862

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Reports that he has gained four pounds since he has been at the hospital, noting that "the night I left Uncle Jimmy's I weighed 120 pounds" and he now weighs 124. Asks for his father's opinion on General George McClellan's removal of the army from the Potomac. Remarks that he has seen in the papers here "that they censure both him and General Wool on this Harper's Ferry surrender." Written on stationery with "US Army General Hospital, Newton University, Baltimore" letterhead.

GLC03523.08.49

12 June 1863

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Informs his father about the draft commencing in Baltimore on Monday, noting that the "Secessionist dont like it much." States that there have "been two Hospitals broken up in this city the last week or two," noting that his hospital now has 158 patients. Reports that he enjoys his position at the hospital more than he anticipated. Written on stationery with "US Army General Hospital, Newton University, Baltimore" letterhead.

GLC03523.08.73

19 June 1863

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Reports that 1200 prisoners passed through Baltimore from Vicksburg today and that The New York Seventh arrived yesterday. Tells his father that the hospital now has 185 patients and is filling up quickly as the "wonded are arriving in this city by the Hundreds." Informs him that he has heard that "[Joseph] Hooker is at the point of Rocks and [Robert E.] Lee is at Harpers Ferry. The supposition is now that the next battle fought will be on the old Antietam Battle Ground." Remarks that is time for General George McClellan to be placed in command of the Army of the Potomac. Shares that he…

GLC03523.08.74

26 June 1863

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Describes the atmosphere in Baltimore, telling his sister that "the Military Authorities are throwing up Earthworks all around the city. Now seizing every Nigger they find on the streets and sending them out to work on the entrenchements." Informs her that they now have over 200 patients in the hospital, and he recently saw in the papers that the Rebels are near the Capital. Writes, "If [Ulysses S.] Grant keep on fooling at Vicksburg it will be a second pennisula affair." Notes he has not heard much from General Joseph Hooker's army. Testifies that he thinks the two armies are "about equally…

GLC03523.08.75

6 July 1863

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Reports that they are receiving patients "every five minutes" at the hospital, as the "city is flooded with wounded." Tells her there "was considerable excitement in the city...as some of the scouting parties of the rebels came within 7 miles of the city." Asks for their father's opinion on General George Meade, noting that since General George McClellan left they need a man "capable of handling the army of the Potomac." Also writes, "The report came in here to night that Lee has offered to surrender. But I know better than that. For Meade is a smart man, but he cant take Lee a prisoner."…

GLC03523.08.76

8 July 1863

Knox, Andrew, 1835-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sarah Knox

Knox writes to his wife from Fort Scott in Virginia. Expresses deep love for her. Comments "It will be a source of great gratification for me to know that we have done our share towards preserving the Union and Liberties of our country." Inquires about the baby and requests a lock of her hair. Asks when the baby will be baptized. Reports he is officer of the day and they will start for Fort Richardson. Complains about fleas. Says Confederate General Robert E. Lee is so badly defeated, the rebels will not be able to recover. Letter has a Union logo on it.

GLC03523.20.08

11 July 1864

Knox, Andrew, 1835-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sarah Knox

Knox writes to his wife from camp outside Petersburg, Virginia. Inquires about the shirt and socks she sent him. Informs her the gun he fires into Petersburg is called the Petersburg Express and takes fourteen seconds to reach its target. Mentions his regiment reports directly to Union General Ulysses S. Grant. States he is along the Appomattox River. Comments Union General Ambrose Burnside is there with the 9th Corps.

GLC03523.20.11

19 July 1864

Knox, Andrew, 1835-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sarah Knox

Knox writes to his wife from camp outside Petersburg, Virginia. Expresses how down-hearted and lonesome he feels. Reports heavy artillery on the picket lines, even at night. Informs her they will use new thirteen inch mortar shells that weigh 200 pounds each instead of the Petersburg Express. Writes about the death of their young child and his belief that she was too good for this earth. Letter includes a brief postscript written the following morning.

GLC03523.20.12

27 July 1864

Knox, Andrew, 1835-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sarah Knox

Knox writes to his wife from camp outside Petersburg, Virginia. Complains about the lack of letters from her. Expresses anxiety about her well-being. Suspects the siege has not begun yet. States he is not kept busy enough, and they cannot get the rebels to fire a shell at their battery. Claims he has never missed her more. Reports he has a severe cold. Mentions two men in the company died of typhoid fever. Letter continues on 28 July 1864. Says the rebels opened fire and he had to return fire for two hours which silenced them.

GLC03523.20.14

14 September 1864

Knox, Andrew, 1835-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sarah Knox

Knox writes to his wife from a camp outside Petersburg, Virginia. Reports eight shells were fired into Petersburg last night. Expresses happiness at receiving three letters from her. Complains of the cold weather and sleeping outside. Comments on the large number of men from Danbury, Connecticut who have enlisted and expresses his wish they would join his regiment. Discusses several rumors regarding the discharge date for officers. Informs he will stay until March 1865 due to his sense of duty. Feels he will be offered a promotion to Captain, but will decline as he wants to get home to her.…

GLC03523.20.17

23 August 1863

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Reports to his sister from the U.S. Army General Hospital that they currently have a Conferderate major general, a brigadier, a captain, and a couple of lieutenants in the hospital. Tells her that "no news a stirring around the City."

GLC03523.08.80

24 March 1864

Terry, Robert B., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Louisa B. Terry

Reports to his sister "Lou," about his thoughts that "the 'Army of the Potomac' will be reorganized soon," noting that he believes only Veterans will be in it. Remarks on newspaper article about how the Reserves will be concentrated, commenting that they will probably have to go to the state to recruit. States "it is true [General Ulysses S.] Grant has got considerate power invested in him and of course their are more expected on that account." Remarks that he thinks the "Great Raid" was a failure, proclaiming that the 119 P.V. [Pennsylvania Volunteers] "may have supported [General George]…

GLC03523.08.95