1862/9/24

Smith, David V.M., 1823-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elizabeth Smith

The Confederates camped twenty miles away in Frederick, Maryland. He has "Inflamatory Rheumatism" in his legs. The regiment's officers think that they will all be discharged by Christmas. Smith begs his wife to write him more frequently and adds "I hopes if there is a spark of love left for a sick souldier [sic] in a strange land that you will send it to me in a letter..."

GLC04189.02

1862/9/26

Smith, David V.M., 1823-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elizabeth Smith

His legs feel much better. He asks his wife to write him several times a week and he hopes to do the same. Written from Camp Johnson.

GLC04189.03

1862/9/31

Smith, David V.M., 1823-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elizabeth Smith

Smith hopes he will soon be fit for duty. He has not received some letters his wife sent and is dismayed that she will not rewrite the news that was in them. He mentions trains full of soldiers passing by and, responding to her questions about whiskey in the camp, asserts that he does not drink. He forlornly speaks of recent family troubles: "you state in your letter that all our misfortunes was brought on by myself which I think is not the case but if it is so it is much better to forgive the past if it cannot be forgot [sic] . . . ." Written from Camp Johnson.

GLC04189.04

1862/10/2

Smith, David V.M., 1823-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elizabeth Smith

He received the letter she mailed yesterday (10/1/1862). He has only received one of four letters she sent. He gives her instructions concerning the "Post Office Matter" and how to file returns for stamps. In response to her complaint that he does not write enough, he states that he sent an number of letters, "[B]ut I see you are just like you used to be that is you must have something to find fault off [sic] but I take it all in good part . . . ." He hopes she will eventually receive the letters.

GLC04189.05

1862/10/4

Moore, W. Henry, fl. 1862

Document signed

Title: [Certificate of David V. M. Smith]

Certifying that David V. M. Smith is a member of Company D, 12th Regiment New Jersey Volunteers and entitled to the state bounty.

GLC04189.06

1863/9/14

Smith, David V.M., 1823-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his family

He has turned in his gun and reported to the doctor. He rode in an ambulance to Culpeper. He mentions the capture of two guerrillas and adds that "woman & children & negroes packed up & left for parts unknown."

GLC04189.55

23 October 1864

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Louise Walbridge

Acknowledges receipt of a package containing honey (most of which spilled), pants, a cake, and butter. Describes the weather, is saddened to hear of the deaths of two ladies from Buffalo, expects a big battle soon. Encloses a piece of petrified wood (not included in the collection) found by workmen excavating the "Dutch Gap Canal."

GLC04663.51

31 October 1864

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Louise Walbridge

Sent George a pass to come visit him as an "employee of the Quartermaster Department" and explains that Harry cannot visit because he is too young for such a pass. Preparations for George's visit: putting a stove in his tent; obtaining a horse for his buggy and harness. Mention reports to be filed on the first of the month, a large fleet assembled at Fortress Monroe preparing to attack Wilmington, NC. A raid at St. Alban's, Vermont [10/19/1864] worries him and he urges precaution. Apologizes that Minnie cannot attend parties since neither he nor George are there to "beau our sisters…

GLC04663.52

30 November 1864

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Louise Walbridge

Discusses the mild weather they have been having, anxiously awaiting news from Sherman's campaign in Georgia, news of other officers, wishes he could attend the winter parties. "[I]t is difficult for me to write a letter; my life is so monotonous here, that I have nothing to write about."

GLC04663.53

December 17, 1864

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Louise Walbridge

George H. Thomas' victory over John B. Hood, excitement over Sherman's march in Georgia, hopeful that peace is near, and wishes he was home for the holidays.

GLC04663.54

circa December 25, 1864

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Louise Walbridge

Tells of the Christmas telegram sent from [General William T.] Sherman to [President Abraham] Lincoln offering his gift of the city of Savannah, Georgia. Mentions receiving a gift from George and awaiting a package from home.

GLC04663.55

5 January 1865

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Louise Walbridge

Trip to Winter Garden to see Booth in Hamlet, had to leave early to get a birth in the sleeping car. Leaving for Norfolk this evening.

GLC04663.56

January 25, 1865

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Louise Walbridge

Has been sick for about 10 days and has a boil on his neck. Heavy rain has turned everything to mud. "Elbridge and J.F. Whiting (Will's partner,) have become my sureties for the sum of ten thousand dollars" so he can "give bonds."

GLC04663.57

19 February 1865

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Louise Walbridge

George's visit. Describes their trip to Dutch Gap, Headquarters, Fort Harrison, and City Point. Describes the layout, and operation of Point of Rock hospital. Tomorrow they plan to go to Meade's Station and Patrick's Station "inspecting the works and the far famed 'Army of the Potomac' as we go along."

GLC04663.58

14 March 1865

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Louise Walbridge

Weather: winter in Buffalo, spring in camp. Believes the fighting will be over by mid-summer, possibly June. News concerning Sherman, Sheridan, and Grant. He has been "brevetted" to the rank of a major, "Brevets I suppose you know are a kind of honorary degree...They entitle the recipient to the rank, but not to the pay..."

GLC04663.59

21 March 1865

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Louise Walbridge

Expects to be transferred to General Turner's division. Saddened by the prospect of leaving a place that has been his home for almost a year. Writes about some friends he has made at the post. Mentions fighting "in front of the Army of the Potomac."

GLC04663.60

28 April 1865

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Louise Walbridge

Informs his brother that since they last communicated, several important events have taken place, the defeat and capture of General Robert E. Lee, the occupation of Richmond, and General Joseph E. Johnston's surrender to Generals Ulysses S. Grant and William T. Sherman. Writes that Johnston has surrendered all the confederate forces this side of the Chatahoochie River, including Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. States that Sherman's army will march for home but the 10th and 23rd corps will remain in Raleigh. Mentions that he will try to get a leave of absence soon to visit…

GLC04663.61

3 May 1865

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Louise Walbridge

Appointed Inspector of the Quartermaster Department for the Department of North Carolina. Reports that there are 3,500 contrabands colonized on the island, and describes a large seminary at Raleigh.

GLC04663.62

16 May 1865

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Louise Walbridge

Notes he selected the house of Dr. Haywood for his office and a smaller one for his quarters. The owner, a secessionist, had fled before the Union army entered the city. Family members had asked for the house to be returned to them, Walbridge refused. Reports that civilians were stealing horses from other civilians. Heard that [Confederate President] Jefferson Davis had been captured by Wilson's Cavalry. Acknowledges receipt of letter detailing [Abraham] Lincoln's funeral in Buffalo. Thinks President [Andrew] Johnson is doing a good job.

GLC04663.63

19 May 1865

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Louise Walbridge

Acknowledges receipt of photograph. Advice for managing rented property, read newspaper accounts of Jefferson Davis' capture while he was wearing petticoats. The Treasury confiscated the Haywood house. The officers will not be turned out since it is no longer owned by the family. Signature cut off.

GLC04663.64

18 June 1865

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Louise Walbridge

Discusses an inspection tour. Notes he needs to sell a large number of horses and mules which the army no longer needs and are a great expense. Describes the ladies of the town of Edenton, North Carolina, and tells how the people there sing secessionist songs to Union soldiers. Says that he then discovered that they used to sing Union songs to Confederate soldiers. Written on board steamer "Pilot Boy" stationery.

GLC04663.65

29 July 1865

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Louise Walbridge

Notes that the temperature has been over 100 for several days. Notes he was promoted to Colonel. Says that he has decided to remain in the army another two or three months. Encloses a recipe for "tomato wine" [not in the collection]. Mentions he has a bad eye and a boil on his right eyebrow.

GLC04663.66

20 August 1865

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Louise Walbridge

Notes that he expects to go home soon. Says that he needs to inspect, appraise and sell some animals and stores. Reports that 8,000 white troops will be mustered out of his department.

GLC04663.67

3 September 1865

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Louise Walbridge

Has been busy with trips to Charlotte and Newberne. Business opportunities in Raleigh in which he could make a considerable amount of money in a few months, but wishes to go home. He has an opportunity to buy horses at government prices and sell them in areas devastated by Sherman. He read about the collision of two steamers of the same line.

GLC04663.68

21 October 1865

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Louise Walbridge

Acknowledges a letter he received since venturing south on a speculation scheme. Describes the trouble of trying to travel by rail in South Carolina. The land ladies speak against Yankees during meals at boarding houses. States that South Carolinians are more hot headed than the people of North Carolina. Negroes in the cities believe that the government will supply them with houses and 40 acres so they do not work. The problems of working a plantation with free Negroes. Describes the plight of blacks in the cities. Describes a tournament. [See also GLC04662.118, regarding blacks…

GLC04663.69