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

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

February 23, 1862 - February 26, 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

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