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

6 December 1862

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Writes that Hayden is getting better and that his own health is improving daily. He is able to walk much better as well and thinks that he can start to march again soon. States that he will not leave Hayden until he is better or forced to do so. The plan from his previous letter was "given up" and Hayden came down with rheumatism the next day. Explains to her the various reasons why his plan would not have worked. He is very worried about Hayden as every time he manages to get over one sickness another one takes its place. However, since the doctor is unsure what is wrong with Hayden he…

GLC03523.42.19

7 April 1863

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Written at camp near Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He writes that while he was sewing a letter from her arrived and he was then ordered to go on picket duty. Thinks that her letter writing has improved and that she writes her letters "naturally" as if she were speaking to him. Explains that the troops are very happy when they receive letters because it feels like they are still at home with their loved ones. He is glad that she enjoyed the flowers he sent her. Wonder what Laura thinks of the flowers he picked for her. Gives her his permission to go through his trunk looking for old letters. Writes…

GLC03523.42.20

26 April 1863

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Written at camp near Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He has enclosed five dollars in each of his last letters for her. He has also mailed her his "likeness" [picture] and a few pages from his diary. Writes that he is feeling well and that he understands why she has so many fears for his health. Explains that his cough is gone and that his appetite is much better. He is more worried about her throat and suggests that she should have it taken care of as soon as possible. Writes that he could use a new rubber blanket as he was stolen last week. He will get another blanket from the Army. He is thinking…

GLC03523.42.21

3 June 1863

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Written at camp near Murfreesboro, Tennessee. They have received orders to move out. Writes that he has finished Laura's letter and was working on a letter to her when the order came to fall in. The troops were issued seven days rations and left behind all extra baggage. He is unsure where they are going but there is much speculation among the troops. Tells her that he will write again soon.

GLC03523.42.22

2 November 1864 - 3 November 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written near the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. He writes that the weather has been poor as it continues to rain. Assumes that by the time his family receives the letter the army will have moved from their currently location to an unknown destination. They are expected to be ready to move out by 4 November. The men have heard that the 20th Corps and the Army of the Tennessee are preparing to conduct a large raid. The troops have prepared 50 days worth of rations and have sent all their heavy baggage and equipment to the rear. Writes that he visited Atlanta, Georgia and was interested in the…

GLC07460.105

7 November 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written near the Chattahoochee Bridge in Georgia. The mail has been delayed by four or five days because of the army's movements. He does not think the army will stay long at its present location and he has heard that the limit of their stay in the area will be five or six days. Reports that the Army of the Tennessee is encamped only two or three miles from them and that they are waiting for their pay and clothing before they march out. Writes that if his family hears of the army marching through Georgia to Savannah, Georgia he will try and take care of himself as best he can.

GLC07460.106

9 November 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Written near Chattahoochee Bridge in Georgia. He has recently received his family's letter of 30 October and is glad to hear that everyone at home is doing well. Writes that the army is going to leave their camp tomorrow morning. He reports that as recently as two hours ago there was some cannon fire from Atlanta, Georgia. At first the troops did not know why there was firing. They thought that the cannon fire was in celebration of the election, however, it turns out that the Confederate General Joseph Wheeler has been making raids on Atlanta. He has not received any details as to the…

GLC07460.107

December 18, 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes that he is alright and has survived the march. General William T. Sherman's army is in front of Savannah, Georgia. The army has captured Fort McAllister at the mouth of the Ogeechee River. This allows the Union forces to have communication with the coast. They have recently received their first mail since leaving Atlanta, Georgia. He is glad to hear everyone is doing well and hopes that this letter reaches them in time for New Year's. His regiment is currently behind breastworks on the road running into Savannah. There are rebel batteries to their front throwing shells into the tall…

GLC07460.108

23 December 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes that the mail is becoming somewhat regular as more has come in today and is being sent out as well. He is happy to report that their camp situation has improved from when he last wrote. The regiment has advanced into the trenches around Savannah, Georgia. Reports that the rebels left the day before yesterday and the Union now controls Savannah. The 2nd Division of his corps captured the few remaining rebels in the city. They captured a rebel captain and 29 men guarding a magazine. There were many rebels cannons around only a few were spiked. On some of the cannon the spike was done so…

GLC07460.109

December 30, 1864 - January 4, 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes about those who have died during the past year and the sacrifice they made for their country. General William T. Sherman reviewed the 20th Corps. today. General Ulysses Grant was supposed to review the men as well but he failed to show up. A rebel blockage runner arrived in Savannah, Georgia not knowing the town was now occupied by the Union Army. The number of guns taken from Savannah is around 207, which is quite large, assuming the number is correct. He likes Savannah but thinks that many of the buildings looked "weather aged." He has a "Britannia" tea pot in his tent that was made…

GLC07460.110

January 22, 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

It is almost impossible to receive or sent out any mail, the last letter he received from home was from 25 December. They are about 23 miles from Savannah, Georgia. It has been raining so hard for the past few days that it was nearly impossible to move. The troops are still unsure of what the goal is with their current movements. Fort Fisher has been captured and is seen as an important victory. The numerous fortifications beyond Savannah into South Carolina so far have caused little harm to the advancing Union Army. He has finally received the package from home with all the items he…

GLC07460.111

January 26, 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes that he is not in camp and is feeling much better. His diarrhea has gone away thanks to some of the berries he ate. The weather has been very bad, there is a lot of mud which will prevent the army from moving very far. The Union scouts found Grahamville, South Carolina to be evacuated but encountered a rebel force west of the village and were forced to withdraw. The mail is very irregular. Writes that South Carolina has always been viewed as a "dank place." A small note is included that states a colonel had to sell some of the family's butter while in Nashville. The colonel gave him…

GLC07460.112

February 1, 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes that he and most of the men of the company are doing well. The wood they have been using for their fire turns everything black including their faces. They are camped about 25 [18 miles from Hardeeville, South Carolina to another site then another 7 miles to Robertsville, South Carolina] from where they last were. They advanced through swamps and low-lands. Believes that it is natural for soldiers to write to their mothers. The rest of the men feel the same way.

GLC07460.113

12 March 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

The Union 14th Corps. captured Fayetteville, North Carolina yesterday. They are now encamped there along with the 20th, 15th, and 17th Corps. On 2 February his regiment had a "brisk" skirmish with Confederates near Lawtonville, South Carolina. They suffered only eight wounded and they are all doing well, none of the wounded were the Sycamore men. They have had a severe and tedious march but they are doing well. He expects that will move on to Goldsboro, North Carolina next. The Union raids have been "gigantic" destroying as much as possible including buildings, cotton, and other provisions.…

GLC07460.114

27 March 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes that he is doing well and that the regiment is starting to receive a regular mail service. Since leaving Fayetteville, North Carolina there have been some hard fights. On 16 March their division and the First Division of the Corps. bore the brunt of the engagement with the Confederates. He reports that they charged into their works and captured three brass cannons. There were many dead and wounded as well as prisoners taken by the Union. One rebel prisoner stated that there was a 25,000 man brigade to their front. Writes that both sides suffered heavy losses. The rebels put up a…

GLC07460.115

28 March 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his nephew, Wellington

Writes about what life is like in the army. He states that the troops usually sleep outside and never have more than a thick blanket between him "and the sky." He does not want his nephew to have to go to war and if he comes home he will tell him why. Writes that if the men of the south would have been "good" there would have been no war and no trouble for the people at home. When he comes home he will give him the pistol he promised him. Advises Wellington not to enlist as it will make his mother worry too much.

GLC07460.116