16 February 1865

Clapp, George, fl. 1839-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Parents

Got their letter Tuesday morning. Hopes his arm will stop running soon. Got a letter from Ed Bridgman on Saturday. The regiment had just returned from another raid. It is a shame how much marching the troops have to do. Met Mrs. Whitney, the mother of a man in his company. Did not have much news to give her, but will see her again as soon as possible. Will write to Bridgman today. Written at Dale General Hospital

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12 April 1865

Clapp, George, fl. 1839-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Parents

Received their letter last night. Hopes he gets his discharge before his three years are up on July 15th. If they bring him back to his regiment, however, he would have to stay until September 4th. Is sorry to hear that Elisha is sick. Would like to go to Boston with Sid, but will wait until he is discharged. "We have been celebrating the smash up of this Glorious Rebellion for the past week." They lit up the entire hospital one night. Fired a 200-gun salute another night. Listened to a lecture from S.E. Bridgman last night. Everything "is rather quiet" now. Pleased to hear that he will get…

GLC09355.119

11 June 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

He briefly outlines a battle that took place at Bethel where the enemy was 8,000 strong. They expect them to attack again. the union lays siege with 10,000 federal troops.

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8 July 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

He writes about the capture of four Lousiana Zouaves and a secession flag. He thinks his father has a better chance of getting his discharge if he applies to the magistrate on a writ of Habeus Corpus.

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24 July 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

A gun-boat called Penguin lies there for the purpose of watching the movements of the enemy. He heard the sound of muskets firing while at brigade drill. He later learned it was a sham battle between regiments.

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December 29, 1861-8 January 1862

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

They are still building the fort while waiting for the rebel to attack. He regrets they were not in New York for New Year's. He intends to send him most of his pay.

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10 February 1862-22 February 1862

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Their regiment has captured Roanoke Island (50 pieces of artillery and over 2000 prisoners). Next they go to Raleigh. He received his pay again and sent most of it to his father.

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30 August 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Since General Wool took over, things have improved greatly, down to the cook. He witnessed a naval battle between the Frigate Savannah and a Secession gun-boat. He writes that he received more clothes including a regular's fatigue suit. He now longs for a brush with the enemy,

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19 September 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

They are in possession of Fort Clark. He describes it as dreary and desolate, just like Coney Island. There are no inhabitants for five miles except mosquitos, but well populated five or six miles from the mainland. got a pass and explored. The people were very courteous. Written at Fort Clark.

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7 October 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

One of their boats, the Fanny, was captured and the crew was taken unaware near Roanoke Island. Written at Fort Clark.

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31 October 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

He writes there is a great number of sea shells to collect. He wants to know what the people in New York think of his regiment. Then tells his father not to worry if he is taken prisoner. If he ever meets a secessionist "I will not try to take him prisoner but jab my bayonet through him..."

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3 December 1861-5 December 1861

Jackson, Richard H., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

He describes the weather but then says he has nothing to write about. He is currently helping to build barracks. Then describes two rebel propellers that shot at their boats.

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22 February 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Writes on the anniversary of Washington's birthday and likens his service as a soldier to those of Washington and his men. Strongly expresses his feelings against the rebels and their actions: " those ambitious madmen who are instigated by Beelzebub the chief of rebels, to destroy the fair fabric of our government and bury the republic and liberty along with that of Greece." Reports that there were loud cheers heard everywhere when the troops heard of the fall of Richmond. The actual fall of Richmond would occur in April 1865,…

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4 April 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Reports on the fall of Richmond and describes the streets of the city as being full of people cheering and playing music in celebration of the "conquering heroes." Writes that the city was burning and various explosions were happening when he arrived there. Comments that the people of the city are "resigned to their lot and submit to the national authority with good grace." The 3rd division, 24th Army Corps were the first to enter the city. Reports on a siege at Petersburg. Has written to his sisters and asks his aunt to tell…

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11 April 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Anna

Written two days after Lee's surrender to Grant at Appomatox Court House. Describes the scene in Richmond a week after its fall. Criticizes Jefferson Davis' for fleeing after he called for the burning of Richmond. Writes that there were half starved children and women in Richmond whose food supplies had been cut off. Reports that the men in blue gave their food to begging children; an act which later reassured Richmonders that "they were among friends instead of enemies." Painter and his company had expected to encounter another struggle for the capitol after leaving Signal Hill, but…

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13 April 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Comments that everyone thinks that the war is coming to a close. Likens main Street in Richmond to Chestnut Street in Philadelphia and observes that the people of the city are beginning to "come out of their holes and reconcile themselves to the new order of things." Is sorry and worried that his sister Kate is ill and waits for news from her. Reports that he went before the military Board of Examinations and passed his exam for promotion to First Lieutenant.

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16 April 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Reflects on the atrocities of war. Criticizes those who venerate the dead Confederate soldiers and feels that the widows and children should be given more attention. Writes that 50 to 60 dead soldiers are buried daily and most graves are unmarked. The rebel soldiers are returning home to Richmond in large numbers. A second part of the letter is dated 17 April 1865. Painter describes hearing the news of Lincoln's assassination. Writes that he has never seen the soldiers so anguished. Reports that an order was given for every…

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20 July 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Describes his camp as being on a hill where he can look down at the city of Staunton. Writes that the women of the city are very bitter towards the Union soldiers, while the men seem sociable. Also writes that he has noticed many amputees in the area. Would like to visit the Weirs cave, which is only about 16 miles from camp. Reports that there has been a conflict of command involving the Army of the Shenandoah and General Terry who commands at Richmond.

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16 August 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Writes that most of the people of the town are beginning to reconcile with the "new state of things" with the exception of the women. There are many women left (many widows), but few men especially young men in the city. Writes that some of the officers have brought their wives and other female family members to Staunton. Is still acting as adjutant and commander of the company. Writes that he can collect pay as either adjutant or commander but not both, and decides to collect as commander. Does not know of Captain Johnson, who…

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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.…

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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…

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