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to Maria Damuth

Written on board the steamer Charles Bowen. The regiment is heading toward Youngs Point, "oposit Vicksburgh." It is Damuth's birthday, he is twenty-four years old. Has been recommended by his colonel and General McGinnis for possible organizer of...

GLC03523.14.21

to [John Damuth]

Writes that the soldiers have camped in an old plantation. Describes Louisiana as "the most beautiful place I ever saw such fruit trees all kinds." Plans to send a rose "that grew away down South in Dixie." Of the coming fighting, Damuth writes...

GLC03523.14.22

to John and Joan Damuth

Writes that the 29th Wisconsin left its plantation campground, and has been on the march since. In the woods, they find evidence of rebel building projects and bridges. Damuth and a group of men go out to fix up the roads ahead. Describes their...

GLC03523.14.23

to Maria Damuth

The 29th are still on the march. Curtis has taken a party of men to Grand Gulph to guard a train if provisions. There is little food among the marching men, who have been reduced to killing stolen animals and eating dried corn - "when a felow gets...

GLC03523.14.24

to Parents Brothers & Sisters

Writes quickly to tell his family that he has survived "another hard fought Battle." Lists the many soldiers from his company who have been killed. His division has lost a total of 1,300 men. The battle was fought on 16 May and the men have stayed...

GLC03523.14.25

to Maria Damuth

Writes of promotions among the men after the battle of Champion Hill. His own feelings on promotion are strong: "I am more ambitious to see this war end so that I can get home once more than I am to get an office." Damuth is the only sergeant left...

GLC03523.14.26

to Maria Damuth

Has just learned that it is Sunday, and writes that "I never have seen a day since I have been South that realy seemed like our old fashion Sundays that we used to have up north." Has been suffering from dysentery. Describes what it is like to be a...

GLC03523.14.27

to Maria Damuth

Writes to thanks his sister for a package she has sent him, "I think more of the handkerchief than any thing." Describes the evening before when, on picket, "we could here the rebels sing Methodist hyms I think they are all like devils very pious...

GLC03523.14.28

to John Damuth

Describes the daily routine of the soldiers, who "sharp shoot day times and stand picket and dig rifle pits nights." Some men are about to attempt to infiltrate a nearby Rebel fort. The life of the soldiers laying siege to Vicksburg is filled with...

GLC03523.14.29

to Maria Damuth

Complains of boils all over his legs. Firing on Rebel lines continues and "yesterday our men blew up another of thear Forts." Rails against Democrats as traitors and tells his sister not to spend any money at stores owned by Wisconsin Democrats....

GLC03523.14.30

to Maria Damuth

Rebels are flying flags of truce and Grant has declared "that the surrender must be unconditionly and compleat." Describes "a friendly chat" between Union and Rebel soldiers, taking place as they stood in their picket lines.

GLC03523.14.31

to Maria Damuth

Writes about the surrender of Vicksburg the day before: "you could see white flags on all of thear works it was the happyest 4th of July I ever saw." Is going on an expedition to Black River. Describes the defeated Rebels scavenging for food. The...

GLC03523.14.32

to Maria Damuth

Damuth's regiment has moved from Natchez, Mississippi, to New Orleans, where "we have a good cool breeze right off the Salt water." Describes the trip down the river. Some deserters are left off the boat at Port Hudson and Damuth proclaims, "I had...

GLC03523.14.33

to Maria Damuth

The men have marching orders but no information about how long they will stay in New Orleans. Damuth reminisces about Grant's succinct orders. Believes they will travel to "[Mobile] or Texas." Writes that the weather is mild, "I have seen warmer...

GLC03523.14.34

to Maria Damuth

Writes on paper sent to him by his sister and teases, "I guess you thought if you sent this size paper you would get large letters." She has also sent him some socks, and Damuth thanks her for them but adds, "I think I would rather be the one that...

GLC03523.14.35

to Maria Damuth

The soldiers have been setting up camp in Berwick, tearing down old buildings and establishing their own quarters. It rains all the time and the men are woken in the night with their tents flooded, but they make the best of it. Damuth writes that...

GLC03523.14.36

to Maria Damuth

The men have moved to a new camp. They pass through Franklin, Louisiana, and marched a total of fifty-five miles to their new campground. The men are eating well and Damuth believes they will "all come out fat." They are marching for the Gulf of...

GLC03523.14.37

to Damuth family

In two days, the soldier have marched twenty-five miles, "the greatest marching we have ever done." Towards the end of the day's march, Damuth and another soldier fall back from exhaustion and arrive at camp after the rest of the regiment. He...

GLC03523.14.38

to Maria Damuth

Writes from the same campground where he wrote his last letter. Damuth thinks they will be there for some time. They are very isolated, "for all I know peace may be declaired now we are so far from any whear." The men have noticed a "great...

GLC03523.14.39

to Maria Damuth

The men have turned around and he thinks they may be heading back to New Orleans. On their return path, they meet some mounted Rebel soldiers and engage in a skirmish until the Rebels are driven back. Eagerly anticipates voting for the Union ticket...

GLC03523.14.40

to John and Joan Damuth

Describes a battle in which the Union men chased the Rebel cavalry to Opelousas. After the battle, the Union forces camped in Barron's Landing, Louisiana, for eight days. The men believe that any expedition to Texas has been forgotten. They...

GLC03523.14.41

to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister about doing guard duty on a plantation near camp. The soldiers encounter enslaved people who remained living on the plantation. Damuth purchases food from them and enters their homes. Describes that the enslaved people observe...

GLC03523.14.42

to his family

Ticknor writes to his family from Nashville. Reports the weather is pleasant. Informs of all the stops he made on the way to Nashville. Comments he has picket duty every four days. Discusses foraging for food and cattle. Anticipates an attack soon...

GLC03523.30.09

to father, mother, brother and sisters

Ticknor writes to his family from camp on Stone River, Tennessee. Reports on the successful battle of Stone River that took place on 31 December 1862. Praises Union General William S. Rosecrans. Comments he is waiting to hear good news from Union...

GLC03523.30.10

to his family

Ticknor writes to his family from Chattanooga. Reports the rebels are on three sides of them, and the Tennessee River is at their rear. Complains of hard times, living on one quarter rations with very little clothing. Reports very little shelling...

GLC03523.30.11