1863/6/22

Smith, David V.M., 1823-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elizabeth Smith

A description of the old Bull Run battlefield. He describes trees cut in half and open graves. "We passed over an old Battle Field they say it was one of Bull Run Battles. I saw a number of Graves Some with legs out. Some with arms out & Some Scarcely Covered at all. Boots lay about with feet still in them & Some seen fingers laying on the ground & I seen several sculls & other Bones about the feild [sic] & woods." The regiment belongs to French's division, which is being held in reserve to guard supplies and ammunition.

GLC04189.48

1863/7/10-11

Smith, David V.M., 1823-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elizabeth Smith

Describes the Battle of Gettysburg. Smith was stationed in the Union center near a stone wall. Smith's regiment may have missed the first day's battle because he writes Pickett's Charge occurred on the second day. "We was in the front & center for 3 days & nights it Rained every day & night. 2 nights I lay or sit in water about 6 inches deep by the side of a Stone fence that was of good use to us for protection against their Balls there was a powerful effort made on the centre the Second day after they had tried the Right & Left & been Repulsed in both they had 160…

GLC04189.49

1863/7/19

Smith, David V.M., 1823-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Family

He reports that Marylanders act more friendly toward the troops than the people in Pennsylvania. News concerning the fall of Vicksburg and Port Hudson.

GLC04189.50

1863/7/29

Smith, David V.M., 1823-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elizabeth Smith

His legs are bothering him again. He hopes to either get a job as a blacksmith in the brigade or get a transfer to the invalid Corps. Currently his regiment is guarding the supply train [wagons] against guerrilla attacks.

GLC04189.51

1863/8/14

Smith, David V.M., 1823-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elizabeth Smith

Discusses the problem of locating Confederate guerrillas. He is very ill and his legs are swollen. He predicts that the war will be over soon.

GLC04189.53

1863/8/21

Smith, David V.M., 1823-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elizabeth Smith

His right leg is getting worse. He believes Lee may attack them near Alexandria. The regiment now totals 343 men out of the 984 men who enlisted one year ago. In a section addressed to his wife, Smith indicates someone wrote him a note, on one of Charley's letters, requesting money. He is not sure she wrote the note but will send her money any way. He writes that he will have to go to the hospital.

GLC04189.54

1900/12/01

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

He describes his daily morning chores. There was ice on the beach 10-15 feet high that morning. He would give $50,000.00 if he had it to be able to spend Thanksgiving at home with his family.

GLC05245.06

1900/12/10

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

Writes to his son that at times he becomes discouraged not knowing what the coming season will bring. The days are short, the sun rises at 9:30 am and sets at 1:45 pm. "The camp is quite civilized this winter compared to last…" The Editor of the "Nome News" stated that this Thanksgiving there was turkey and mince pies, and last Thanksgiving there was beans and rice. This year there were dress suits and "decollette dresses" at a dance, and last year there were overalls and parkas. There is a school there with 2 teachers and 50 pupils.

GLC05245.07

1901/01/21-1901/1/22

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

Wants his family to spend the winter with him after they find land. Feels he has to make up for his past drinking and gambling, and states, "All my best endeavors for the rest of my life shall be put forward to atone for my neglect during the past year and a half." Describes himself as a "broken reed" and hopes his son doesn't turn out like him.

GLC05245.08

1901/03/03

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

Describes doctoring Pearson for badly frozen toes, wrists, and cheeks,using carbonized water and vaseline. Complains about the long winter. "March has come in like a lamb and will probably go out like the proverbial lion."

GLC05245.09

1901/07/10

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

He's leaving camp for the hills for a few months. His hair is turning white, he says he's "not cut out for a miner or prospector especially to commence it so late in life." See GLC05245.11 for a note that was included with this letter.

GLC05245.10

1901/07/10

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

A list of words which Owen spelled wrong on his last letter, the corrections, and a note that Charles is sending a book of views under a separate cover. Written on a report form from the Alaska Gold Mining Company. (See GLC 5245.10 for the letter this accompanied).

GLC05245.11

1901/09/03

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

He started out on a prospecting trip and went as far as Teller, but returned to his cabin because, "his chicken had enough of prospecting in such beastly weather." When he returned home he found his cabin had been broken into, and all of his clothes, blankets, and canned foods were stolen. He wants Owen to send him some more clothes

GLC05245.12

1901/10/27

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

As he writes, he hears "the sound of Sirrash kids enjoying themselves on the ice covered river." He lost two dogs and now only has nine. He's going to apply to construct a bridge across the Nome River.

GLC05245.13

1902/01/06

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

He did not go on the 31st because there was not "gold enough in Alaska" to tempt him out during "the worst blizzard of the season." He enjoyed exercising two of the dogs who ran to town when untied. He hopes to get a position with a big company as "Engineer or Master Mechanic." He expects to hear from Berry in Australia. One man froze to death and three others were badly frozen. [continued on 01/08] He thinks Owen and Eddie would really enjoy a visit. He has lost weight. He would like to send for The Nature Cure by Physical and Mental Methods.

GLC05245.14

1902/04/20

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to: "my dear boys."

Describes the blizzard last night. Discusses his work building a suspension bridge across Nome River at the expense of about $5,000 but storms are delaying the construction. Afterwards, he expects to work for the North American Trading and Transportation Company for $10 to $15 per day. He has disposed of the horses and all but two dogs. Berry has left Australia. Hopes the boys will visit and asks them to send him Appleton's Mechanical Encyclodpedia. The "Bering Strait is frozen clear across the Siberian coast." Describes rescuing a Government horse that had fallen through the ice. […

GLC05245.15

1902/06/19

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

He is awaiting the arrival of books he requested and gives instructions as to how to send them. He caught a cold and has just finished working at the Military Post this morning. He is going to meet with Mr. Watson and tell Mr. Watson that he is " not accountable to him."

GLC05245.16

1902/10/28

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to: "my dear children."

He has fallen behind in collecting the money he intended to send to them. He will start a job at a Road House tomorrow for $25 per month and lodging. A man is going to ask the government to either purchase his bridge or pay for using it. Laps and Eskimos are ice fishing again.

GLC05245.17

1903/06/19

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary.

He has heard that Orson and Gaffer have died and Eddie has had an accident. He worries that his letters to her may be ignored or returned. He is amazed that "one so kind hearted could be so hard and unforgiving." He will continue to send money when he can.

GLC05245.19

1903/08/16

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

He thanks Owen for the "nicest and newsiest letter" yet. He will send money to Owen for a vacation and to Aunt Annie for his parents' headstones. He advises Owen that diet is the key to perfect health. He wants the whole family to visit next summer. He has arranged for Owen to get his diamond stud. He will check Carol's horoscope and describes the importance of astrology as well as palmistry. He mentions automobiles and their frequent accidents. Written at Fort Davis

GLC05245.20

1903/10/17

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

He is sending Owen and Eddie several gifts including watch chains and Eskimo trinkets. The river has seven inches of frozen ice and the skating is terrific. He recommends "a regular and judicious course of athletics and gymnastics" as health is necessary for a sound mind and should not be sacrificed to obtain an education. Written at Fort Davis.

GLC05245.21

1903/10/24

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to boys

Mush ice is forming in the Bering Sea and "the great white silence" is coming. He would do anything to see them. He sent them the gifts and not money because he wants them "to be able to put on as good an appearance as anyone." He counsels Eddie to "be contented." His horoscope says he "can shoulder great responsibilities and yet at the same time worry and fret over trifles." Written at Fort Davis

GLC05245.22

1903/11/13

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

He wishes he could see the family and wishes them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The Army company in Alaska will be relieved next year. "Nome has become quite metropolitan" and he will soon be a member of the "Arctic Brotherhood." They provide many recreational facilities such as a gymnasium and a bowling alley. Written at Fort Davis

GLC05245.23

1904/04/16

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

Smith the mailman set a record with his dogteam averaging 100 miles per day. He explains the idea that glaciers or volcanoes left the gold nuggets and that Alaska was originally tropical. The Republicans are "between the devil and the deep sea" because if they turn Smoot down, it will cost them Utah in the Presidential election and if they don't, they will lose party standing in the east. [continued on 04/22] The firemen and three other men attempted to get him fired but the firemen was fired and one of the other men turned down as the replacement. He wants to know what the boys intend…

GLC05245.24

1904/01/12

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

Hopes to get a mail contractor's position as the pay is not bad. Will try to visit them next summer if possible. Telegraphic news told of "imminent" war between Russia and Japan, a Chicago theatre fire, and a railroad wreck. Wishes he were better at saving money. Written at Fort Davis

GLC05245.25