5 May 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Advises his sister that in order to keep a sweetheart she should give him a daguerreotype and not a photograph of herself. Writes that his "sweetheart," Miss Melinda, has replaced him for another fellow. He discusses how many of the soldiers get positions (promotions) just talking their way up. Asks his sister to give his love to all the girls and writes that he will marry any that will take him, assuring them that he is still good looking and not "as some contraband, or American gentleman of African descent." There is missing text due to holes in the paper. The letter is very fragile.

GLC02232.17

10 May 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Informs his sister that he will be sending her a letter by way of a friend who has been discharged. Advises her to make acquaintances with him, as he can get letters out for her. Asks his sister to send him her daguerreotype and to correct the rumor that he is currently engaged. Writes that he never knew how much he loved his family until now. He also mentions that he and his brother Marshall have talked about transferring to the Navy. Requests that he be sent a blank diary from home, as the current diary will soon run out of space.

GLC02232.18

16 July 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

He was upset with his sister but has decided to write to her despite of it. Referring to why he was upset, he writes that he had not intended to be engaged and that "in love making you may either naturally run into an engagement or are led into it." Describes a difficult march from Shelbyville and complains that they haven't had tents for a long time. Informs her that he has caught a cold, the first one since enlisting and continues to have headaches, slight fever, and achy limbs. Writes that there is little chance for furlough and that the ladies should think about making a trip to Dixie…

GLC02232.19

14 August 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes that he hasn't heard from his family in a long time. He updates his sister on Marshall's (Ward's brother, also referred to as Sam) whereabouts and condition. Ward writes that he spends most of his time in camp reading Waverly novels and the Bible because he doesn't care for Chattanooga or its residents. He complains that he is broke and needs a new pair of boots, which he hopes his sister will be able to furnish for him. Mentions Ms. Ettie (a former love interest with abolitionist tendencies) and writes that he wishes never to discuss her again. Informs his sister that Clarence (a…

GLC02232.20

15 August 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Updates his sister on their brother Marshall's condition. He writes that Marshall is in a good place and being well taken care of. Mentions that he has requested money, drawers and undershirts from their sister Fannie. Informs his sister that he has applied for a four-day leave and is planning to go to Marietta to visit Miss Mollie and Miss Katie Cook.

GLC02232.21

17 September 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Apologizes for his last letter and the impact it had on his sister (referring to a letter regarding Miss Ettie). He writes that he wrote it on an impulse and wants to forget about the whole situation. He is on the eve of battle and he is willing to forgive all that have offended him. He has not heard from his brother Marshall, but thinks he is probably in Marietta, Georgia. Ward complains about the hard time they have had marching and skirmishing with the lack of rain. Ward also writes that he is part of the 'barefoot squad" which affords him the luxury of riding a horse. He mentions his…

GLC02232.22

6 October 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Written from the line of battle before Chattanooga. He writes that he's been in the same position for the last fifteen days. They opened on the enemy last night but he doesn't know if they are still shelling this morning, as he is too far away to hear. Ward reports to his sister that he's heard from their brother Marshall who has come down with dysentery and has lost a lot of weight. Writes that Marshall is anxious to get back but Edward is afraid he'll return before he is well. Discusses his affections for Miss Mollie. Requests that he be sent some undershirts, drawers, No. 8 boots,…

GLC02232.24

12 October 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Written from the line of battle before Chattanooga. Writes that he has heard from his brother Marshall who is slowly recovering from dysentery. Discusses communicating with Miss Mollie and Miss Tillie and other mutual friends. Writes that he has been promoted to Senior Second Lieutenant and his company has elected Ben Thurman to replace him as Junior Second Lieutenant. He mentions to his sister that he received a letter from his friend Page's father. Page has been missing and is believed to have been taken prisoner. Writes that someone named "P" will be getting out soon. Requests that…

GLC02232.25

31 October 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Refers to "P" from the previous letter and writes that he is likely to go to Marietta to see Marshall (their brother, Samuel Marshall Ward). He writes that he has fallen "powerfully in love" with Miss Mollie. Discusses leaving the battle line before Chattanooga and marching up the railroad. They are presently located about 12 miles from Lauden and 40 miles from Knoxville. Complains of the cold weather, lack of food, and shelter but reassures his sister that the boys are still in fine spirits. Tells his sister that he has forwarded all the letters he's received from home to his brother…

GLC02232.26

8 December 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Written from camp near Dalton, Georgia. Writes that he has been in poor spirits lately, especially since he was unable to see "P & M" ("M" refers to his brother Marshall). Desperately wants his sisters to visit him in Marietta, as he can get a few days off to see them. Updates his sister on their brother Marshall who has been living with a Mrs. Cook in Marietta. Provides a detailed description of fighting during the Battle of Missionary Ridge in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He expresses to his sister that he is thankful to God that his life has been spared once again. Mentions that a…

GLC02232.27

8 February 1864

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Written from camp near Dalton, Georgia. He writes that he's tempted to give up writing frequently to his sister because she seldom receives all the letters he sends. He expresses to his sister how even the most mundane details of her life are of interest to him. Inquires about the gossip regarding him and his love life. Comments that there are many Memphis ladies marrying rebels. Informs his sister that he's been appointed Judge Advocate of a court martial that is trying two men for staying past their furlough. Reports on the news that his regiment will be returning to Cheetham's…

GLC02232.29

21 April 1864

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Written from camp near Dalton, Georgia. Asks if she can visit him at camp. Complains about the unusual cold weather and writes that men are living quite poorly as everything has become too expensive. Updates his sister on Miss Tillie and Kate Cook. On the verso of the letter he includes a short note "I would write more but can't write without tobacco and I have none or money to buy it."

GLC02232.31

17 July 1864

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes that their brother Marshall has returned from the hospital. As Ward had no immediate occupation to assign to his brother, he sent his brother back to the hospital and put him in the charge of one of the surgeons. He writes that Marshall is better off working in the hospital as he is paid $25 per month, which takes care of clothing and other necessities. Comments on the heavy trading of tobacco with Union soldiers. Some of the Confederate soldiers were found trading with the Union soldiers and have been punished. Ward describes the "ominous stillness" of the two armies; the calm…

GLC02232.32

18 November 1862

Nugent, John Perry, 1844-1920

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Anne L. Nugent

Writes to his mother because he has the opportunity to send a letter by hand. Comments that his shoes wore out and he had to walk 500 miles through Kentucky barefoot. Clothing and shoes in his unit are in similarly bad condition. Reports that his health is bad; he has had diarrhea for two months and still has it. He wants to return home on furlough, but his General will not allow it. A sister of an acquaintance has sent him socks. Notes that his company started with 112 men; it is now at 47. The captain has returned home to gather more conscripts under the draft. Speaks highly of the…

GLC03135.01.05

13 July 1863

Engberth, Jacob M., fl. 1863-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Reeser

Describes fighting another hard battle. States, "the Army never fought So hard befor thair wos so men killed and wonded and missen in our Rege- thair is 40 men left in the three Compene and some of them wos wounded but some wore out by hard marches…all the officers is wonded but one Capt and Leutenet..." Describes the place being the prettiest area with the nicest girls. Comments on how many Copperheads there are in the states. Mentions the farmers complaining about the army marching through their fields: they "was not Pleased because we wos fiting on thair land but men in merland cheard…

GLC03523.43.06

28 February 1864

Colony, Charles E., fl. 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Apologizes for not writing sooner. Mentions being homesick and Sundays being lonesome. Writes about a visit with Edwin and having a "clean meal" and eating beef steak, butter, apple sauce, and coffee. Inquires after Mary's farm. Describes his trip down as being a good one. Refers to wanting to see a woman in camp. Possibly to Mary Reeser, John Reeser's wife.

GLC03523.43.10

2 November 1864

Ubil, Frederick, fl. 1862-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Reeser

Apologizes for not writing sooner, and for Si not writing. Mentions that Si is unhappy here because he doesn't have a girl yet but he is looking at two or three and will soon be all right. Writes that many of his friends have quit and moved away. Discusses a political meeting they had on Friday where the union spoke. Says that there is another meeting tomorrow and the Democrats will speak, or the "smut machine as the unnion speaker calls them." Writes that the election is on Tuesday and "after that the country is saved so the speakers said on both sides if they voted for there men."…

GLC03523.43.16

3 November 1864

Howe, Nathan, fl. 1864-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Reeser

Discusses putting Lincoln in for four more years. Inquires if Reeser received his letter requesting gloves and if so for Reeser to send him the gloves along with ten dollars. Tells him that he is out of money and won't get paid for another month. Inquires after a female, saying that if she is a Copperhead that she need not write to him. Comments that he will fight until the rebels are locked out. Describes giving the rebels hell on the 24th on the old barracks battleground.

GLC03523.43.17

18 December 1864

Hulslander, C.B., fl. 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary H. Benedict

Apologizes for taking so long to write back. Mentions that he is sick and has been for about ten days but believes that he will get better. Inquires after her singing and and asks how George is coming along with his melodies. Wishes that he could hear her sing and play, and says "it will do me as much good as my diner." Writes about choosing what type of cake he would like. Informs her that he would like those "little round scallope cakes" and prefers it over the clove cake. Inquires after the children, Ed and Ellen, and ask if she has to whip them often or if they are good children.

GLC03523.43.20

18 December 1864

G.F.H., fl. 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Reeser

Comments that he just returned from a meeting in Chandlersburg, [Pennsylvania] where they sang and had a prayer meeting. Tells Mary which girls went home with whom from the meeting. Describes eavesdropping on a conversation that he heard on his way back from the meeting. Writes of General George Meade stopping for the winter. Mentions that there will be a donation held at a gentleman's house next Wednesday.

GLC03523.43.21

19 February 1865

Edwards, Daniel, fl. 1863-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Reeser

Complains how long it takes Reeser to answer his letters. Writes about burying a man at the hospital. Says that there was "a old ded horse laying close beside me and the smell of him would kill rats." Tells of a conversation that he had with his friend, William M. Hampton, about introducing him to some women. He gave Hampton an address to a young woman named Caty Brown. Says that William wrote "a gay old Letter" to Caty. Caty wrote a letter back in care of Daniel and when he read it he "laft til I was sure thare was a valentine in it it was a old woman with one eye punched out the…

GLC03523.43.23

5 April 1865

Hulslander, George, fl. 1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes to his sister from Camp Biddle. Complains that he has only received one letter from her. Comments that he received a "kind" letter from Edwin yesterday but none from her. Writes that their tent is comfortable and that they have a flower in it. Wishes her well and ask that she writes him back. Letter is damaged causing minor text loss.

GLC03523.43.25

22 June 1789

Freeman, J., fl. 1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Thatcher

To George Thatcher, Massachusetts delegate to the Continental Congress, re news from House of Representatives in Boston, titles being discussed for George Washington: "Brother Davis … followed my advice in appearing very modest the first session. John Gardiner has harangued several times with great effect. I fear that, by talking too much and too vehemently, he will soon lose his influence… I am happy to find that your sentiments on title are the same as my own. The zeal which some manifest for them is truly ridiculous. The people in this town, and especially the women, think that no style…

GLC09374

10 August 1863

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes to his sister from camp. Discusses the weather. Comments they have been living off of hard crackers for a week and are expecting bread tomorrow. Complains about the bread being sour and dirty. Discusses two new tunes that their band has learned. Writes about the ladies who come into camp and listen to them play. Reports that officers sent 15 to 20 deserters to a prison where they are to be court marshaled. Notes that this is one of the prisoners third time deserting and he is expected to be shot. Reports General Ambrose E. Burnside issued orders that anyone absent from regiment…

GLC03523.52.06

13 August 1863

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Instructs his sister to sell some butter and eggs to purchase stamps. Advises her not to visit, says that the town is small and it would cost too much. Complains about the officers' backgrounds being in farming and not the military. Request that his father purchase him a colt with his money. Inquires after the family and everyone's health. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner.

GLC03523.52.07