4 September 1861

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

He is sorry to hear that his wife is unhappy. From the letter it appears that Amanda and Frederick's mother do not get along. Notes that there is a rebel battery not far from his position and he can see 200 or 300 soldiers there. States that there have been a great many men killed on both sides. He encloses 17 dollars, his state pay. He states he went to Alexandria where Colonel Ellsworth was killed. Adds that his mother is worried about him.

GLC03523.13.012

11 September 1861

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Compliments his wife saying that the last letter he received from her was the best she has ever written. He is impressed with her penmanship and her composition and wishes for her to keep practicing by writing to him. Says he is not worthy of all the praise his wife gives him in front of her friends. Notes that it will be a "great while" before he is promoted. Another one of his fellow soldiers was killed today. A small note is also included stating that 16 dollars are enclosed instead of the original 17.

GLC03523.13.013

26 September 1861

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes that he loves and misses his wife very much. Instructs her to take the enclosed money and spend it to make herself comfortable. Suggests that she should continue to stay with her mother because of her present condition.

GLC03523.13.016

2 October 1861

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson and his mother

The first part of the letter is addressed to his wife, Amanda. He tells his wife that he has been promoted to Sergeant. Says there was a hard fight on the river between gun boats and a rebel battery. He thinks not much damage was done to either side because the battery was on a high hill far away from the boats. He states there are many rumors about the fighting but little to be confirmed. The second part of the letter is to his mother. He thanks his mother for being kind and that he has been dreaming of coming home for a long time.

GLC03523.13.017

22 July 1861

Clark, Hank S., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Washington

He writes that the army has left Alton and are under marching orders to St. Charles, Missouri. The troops are ready to leave and waiting for the cars to arrive. The engineer was worried that the rebels had obstructed or damaged part of the train track during the night. They are ready to go at a moment's notice but are still waiting for the train. Mentions General John Pope. Writes that there are many enslaved people stationed around the camp but they are not allowed in. States that the rebels are more likely to run then fight, "unless they can get behind a tree." Gus Taylor has the measles.

GLC03523.42.03

19 August 1861

Clark, Hank S., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Washington

Written at camp near Rolla, Missouri. Writes that is he sorry that Franklin Fuller's army was so "knocked up." He states that he cannot complain because things have not been bad in Missouri. The officers refused to move until they had been paid and received rifles. When they received word that General Nathaniel Lyon had been killed, the men were ready to go on the condition that Major General John C. Fremont provide rifles and money. According to Clark, General Fremont did not have enough money so used money from his "own pocket and took the government as security for it." He thinks there is…

GLC03523.42.04

1 September 1861

Clark, Hank S., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Washington

Written at camp near Rolla, Missouri. The scouting party has captured a secessionist who is now in the guard house. Thinks that the prisoner will be made to take an oath of loyalty to the Union then released. They may deal with him more harshly because Missouri is now under martial law. He has been digging trenches and chopping down trees to prepare for a Confederate attack. They have four 32 pound cannon to emplace and are digging positions for them. Once the guns are ready "a greater part of the forces now here will be taken away." There is a "vacancy" in his current regiment and he would…

GLC03523.42.05

24 March 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

He is glad to hear that Emma is doing well. He writes that he is doing well also. Once he arrived in Washington, D.C. he is unsure of what the army's next move will be. On the march from Charlestown, Maryland to Berryville, Virginia there was a great amount of rain and the roads became extremely muddy. Once the Union Army arrived in Berryville they drove off the rebels there by firing their artillery. The troops had no tents and had to sleep on the cold ground while it rained. They also had no fires as the rebels were close by. The troops expected an attack at night but none came. In the…

GLC03523.42.09

13 May 1862 - 15 May 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to W

Writes that by keeping in contact with home the soldiers and those they left at home feel better. Explains the anguish felt while waiting to hear from loved ones or friends after a battle. Hopes that General Ulysses S. Grant will "hurry affairs" in Tennessee. Hopes that the Union will soon liberate their fellow soldiers in the rebel capital Richmond, Virginia. Wants to see Confederate President Jefferson Davis defeated. States that the rebel leaders should get the "rewards of treason." Writes that it is doubtful the rebels will get such a treatment as the people in Washington, D.C. will most…

GLC03523.42.11

21 May 1865 - 22 May 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written at Cloud's Mill near Alexandria, Virginia. His regiment passed through Richmond, Virginia on 10 and 11 May. They marched through the principal streets in column formation. Union Army Chief of Staff Henry Halleck did not receive them and General William T. Sherman did not want them reviewed without his consent and told Halleck this. Halleck responded by stating he had not "made up his mind to let us go through the city." Sherman replied that he would go through the city if he had to "do it by fighting." They comforted themselves knowing that only "a few more days" were left and they…

GLC07460.120

26 May 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes that he is very grateful to be able to see his family once again and looks forward to being reunited with them. He hopes that the war is over for good and that they will be able to return home soon. Writes that the government is working hard on getting the army's papers ready so the troops can be sent home. There are rumors that the troops will be sent home by regiments to a military post nearest to their hometowns. From there they will be mustered out. He thinks that his regiment will go to Chicago, Illinois but he cannot say how soon they will leave. Writes of how the regiment was…

GLC07460.121

circa 1861-1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Writes that during the holidays he was very busy and had a lot of work to do around the farm. He has received a book from his class and an album with a photograph in it came to him in a "mysterious" way. He has also received several smaller presents from some children and is very grateful that they think so highly of him. He discusses some of the politics going on in Washington, D.C. and in Congress. Thinks that it was "naughty" not to have a letter of recommendation written for his friend. Writes of the good qualities his friend has and why she should be recommended.

GLC07460.122

17 February 1861-26 February 1861

Hogeland, Sally W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to her brother

Written at Granby, with no state listed. She is happy to hear that he went sleigh riding with some girls. Answers him that Carrie has not said anything of him, though she saw Carrie at the Gaylords' and did not expect her to say anything in front of them. She has not yet formed an opinion on Carrie but hears only good things about her. Writes later that there was a party and Carrie is now married. The child they took in, Sarah Jane Gifford, has "deserted" them. Tells him of all the events happening at home and about the passing of a friend who died before she was married.

GLC03523.42.01

12 July 1861

Clark, Hank S., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his friend

Letter signed by "Henry." Written at Camp Pope. Writes that he is as mad as a "wet hen" because he was sitting in an uncomfortable position and when he stood up he knocked over his inkwell and it spilled all over the paper. He is glad to hear that Franklin is doing well and that he is doing well also and is still "as lazy as ever." Writes about the drills he goes through in the morning. Some of the men were sent out of the camp to look for "fancy women." They managed to capture a few boys and women. The boys were marched into the camp while the women were taken to Alton.

GLC03523.42.02

18 September 1861

Clark, Hank S., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Wash

Written at camp near Rolla, Missouri. He writes that he is in excellent health. General David Hunter has arrived to take command of the post. Many of the troops are sick and the healthy ones are constantly at work. He would like it if Franklin would join the regiment as they are in need of new recurits. Writes that he will teach Franklin the "hooks and crooks" of being a soldier. He would very much like Franklin to join the regiment as he will gain valuable experience and not have to wait while a new regiment is organized. Writes about the health of some of their friends from home. In a post-…

GLC03523.42.06

23 February 1862 - 26 February 1862

Hogeland, Sally W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to her brother

Written in Granby, with no state listed. She apologizes for not writing him in over three months. Just as she was making preparations to visit him their brother Milton arrived with his child and new wife. She was also glad to hear that Milton has visited him. She is happy that he did not go to war yet and she hopes that it will end soon. Comments on the sad death of friend who was married about two years ago. Writes about the health and news of their family. The "school-marn" she told him about is now married. On two smaller pieces of paper she apologizes for the short letter and then…

GLC03523.42.07

28 February 1862

Clark, Hank S., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Wash

Suggests that when writing him that he should send two letters each by different cables so that one is sure to arrive. Writes that while he is still sick with a cold he has improved significantly. He was wounded in a recent battle but does not think it will do any good to recount the details of the victory as Franklin has probably read about it in the papers. Writes that there are hundreds of civilians from the North who came to the battlefield to pick up shell fragments for mementos. Describes a thicket where a charge was made and how all of the trees, even small saplings, have musket ball…

GLC03523.42.08

27 April 1862

Hogeland, Sally W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to her brother

She is glad the war has taken so favorable a turn as it will keep her brother home. There is plenty of work to do at home and she would rather have him do that then take the lives of our "fellow beings." Writes that Milton's wife is sick. Describes how the Howes feel about Milton's wife and her sickness. Amanda felt that the letter he had written her was "queer." She suggests that if he sent something to Amanda to "wound, you must send something to heal." Writes how everyone has changed. She writes that he can feel his bachelorship "oozing" out of him. The man who lived in their old house,…

GLC03523.42.10

1 June 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Does not like that he is so far away from her and that he cannot visit her whenever he pleases. Writes that is a cloudy, gloomy day. His thinks about her constantly and misses her greatly. He wonders if she loves him as he loves her. He writes that he has been hurt in the past and is distrustful of "all professions of friendship." He has talked to Milton about his feelings. He has started to believe her though because she told him she wishes to "leave her friends." Dreams of having a home with her. Writes about his feelings on love and marriage. He think both are "holy" and should not be of "…

GLC03523.42.12

11 June 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Signed by Frederick. Written at camp near the Battle of Fair Oaks [Seven Pines] in Henrico County, Virginia. Writes that Mr. Foss is in the camp with him but he arrived after the battle. Explains that the rebels tried to shell them out of their position but that his section did not see many cannonballs. During the battle they had about 40 wounded and "some" killed. Thinks that there will be a great battle before the Union Army gets to Richmond, Virginia. Writes that the troops sleep with their equipment on and have to get up at three A.M. to form a line of battle. He feels unsure about her…

GLC03523.42.13

10 August 1862 - 11 August 1862

Hogeland, Sally W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to her brother

Written from Granby, with no state listed. She apologizes for not writing him more often knowing that he was looking forward to her letters. Writes that she is very troubled by the "dark" state of the country. She is very sorry that her brother must go to war and that so much of the country will be involved in it. Thinks that her other brothers will most likely be drafted. Some say that if they are drafted they will only fight at home. Thinks that it is "awful wicked" for the white race to destroy itself in order to "build up the black." However, she feels that if it is the will of God the…

GLC03523.42.14

22 August 1862

Clark, Hank S., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Frank

Apologizes for not writing to him in such a long time. He has had a long journey and recounts his travels through Chicago, Illinois and many other towns. Writes of the many "eager applicants" he found at the draft office of Captain Christopher. Says that many of them are "shoulder strapped gentry." Writes of the conversation between him and Captain Christopher about needing transportation to rejoin his regiment [15th Illinois Infantry]. Captain Christopher did not have his uniform on and he added his name to a list of other soldiers who had been waiting to rejoin their regiments. Some of the…

GLC03523.42.15

17 November 1862

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Written in Hospital No. 5. Writes that Leow had just arrived safely while he was finishing his letter to Laura. Thanks her and Sarah for the "goodies" she sent. Writes that Hayden has written to his mother. He still feels very weak and has not been able to sit up all day.

GLC03523.42.16

23 November 1862

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Written at the residence of the men on Bowling Green, Kentucky. He writes that he has been thinking about her and her family frequently. He is sorry for not having written to her more and he has tried to write as much as he could. It was difficult to write her as they were marching so often that when they stopped all he wanted to do was sleep. He has written to Amanda, his first letter to her since arriving in Kentucky. Writes that Amanda has a deep interest for him and that she will soon develop great "love and respect" for Mary. The weather has been very pleasant and warm. States he owes…

GLC03523.42.17

30 November 1862

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

It is raining out so he cannot go for his usual walk. Writes that it is discouraging to be an "invalid" sometimes. He states that his appetite and strength are only a "little better." Writes that he is still having difficulty with his stomach but that it is better then before. Wishes that he could have a few weeks with his friends but does not think that this will be possible. He has a plan to go see his uncle by boarding a train with help of some friends. From there he will be able to see her and then will head back to rejoin his regiment. He has thought of this plan because he cannot get a…

GLC03523.42.18