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to his sister and parents

Reports that he just heard that General Nathanial Banks was defeated and that General Thomas [Stonewall] Jackson has gotten himself into a scrape. He is surrounded by General "Seigal" [Franz Sigel?], General Edward Ord, and General [John] Frémont....

GLC03523.49.16

to father

Writes to his father from Harrison's Landing. Informs him that he sent twenty dollars home with a man named C. B. Riggs. Instructs his father to use the money to "the best advantage." Letter is faded. Letter has an image of a soldier printed on...

GLC03523.49.17

to mother

Writes to his mother from Harrison's Landing. Comments about the warm weather that they are having. Says that it is thundering and he hopes that it rains so they will get water. Reports that Lieutenant Forrest is at home and does not believe that...

GLC03523.49.18

Collection of E. S. Russell, G company, 65th regiment, Ohio, infantry [Decimalized .01-.23]

Most of the letters are written by E. S. Russell to his wife. There is a possibility that some of the letters are out of order due to no year being listed. Letters discuss camp life, marching experiences, and his health. Throughout his letters his...

GLC03523.50

to Hannah E. Russell and friends

Writes to wife that they are preparing to march. Describes leaving Mansfield, Ohio and traveling by train to Cincinnati, Ohio. Writes that they traveled by steamboat to Kentucky where they camped out at the edge of Louisville, Kentucky. Says that...

GLC03523.50.01

to Hannah E. Russell

Writes to his wife. Wishes that he could visit home but says that the colonel will not allow any furloughs. Comments that they now have their arms and equipment. Wants her not to fret about him and to take care of his "Dear little babes," and not...

GLC03523.50.02

to Hannah E. Russell

Writes that he is over 400 miles from home and is in the heart of the enemy. Reports that they marched for four days in hot weather with their knapsacks on their backs and their guns on their shoulders. On their third day, over 100 men fell out of...

GLC03523.50.03

to Hannah E. Russell

Chastens wife for her thinking that he is going to die and wanting him to cover transportation cost if it were to happen. Mentions that it is unreasonable for her to think that any man would go to the expense of paying 100 dollars to have his...

GLC03523.50.04

to Hannah E. Russell

Writes to wife from camp. Describes marching through snow, rain, and mud for three days. Comments that there were dozens of men who fell beside the road and laid in the rain and mud. One person did not make it and died on the way. Informs her...

GLC03523.50.05

to Hannah E. Russell

Writes to wife from camp outside of Somerset, Kentucky. Admonishes wife for making fun of his living conditions. Informs her that their living conditions have not improved and that they are upon hard times. Describes having to march on three...

GLC03523.50.06

to Hannah E. Russell

Writes to his wife listing everywhere they have been. They marched out of Bargetown, Kentucky on 13 December heading for Lebanon, Kentucky. Around 80 soldiers fell sick and had to stay behind. Writes that he fell sick and was told by the doctor to...

GLC03523.50.07

to Hannah E. Russell

Informs wife that he is not well, says he has a bad cold and dysentery. Comments that he was able to march everyday carrying his gun while sick but could not carry his knapsack. The doctor had it carried in his wagon. Writes that he does not have...

GLC03523.50.08

to Hannah E. Russell

Reports that he is not well and has been suffering from lung fever for the past eight days. Writes that he is slowly mending and can now walk around and eat a little. Comments that he is not in the general hospital but in a private house with 18...

GLC03523.50.09

to Hannah E. Russell

Informs wife that he is on the mend and hopes to be fully recovered soon. Writes that he is sending her 15 dollars.

GLC03523.50.10

to Hannah E. Russell

Writes that he sent 15 dollars and wants her to spend it wisely for he does not know when he will get paid again. Comments that he had a relapse of the fever since he last wrote to her but that God spared his life. Reports that his regiment is in...

GLC03523.50.11

to Hannah E. Russell

Informs his wife that he misses her and would like to see his family, friends, and neighbors. Comments that he does not want to see one particular family who has been telling lies about him and his family. Writes that he expects to stay in...

GLC03523.50.12

to Hannah E. Russell

Letter is signed by Russell but written in the hand of John Vangordon, a fellow patient in the hospital. Informs his wife that he is too weak to write. Reports that he intended to go to Nashville, Tennessee but the doctor said that he was diseased...

GLC03523.50.13

to Hannah E. Russell

Written by a nurse who cared for E. S. Russell at the Hospital. Informs Mrs. Russell that her husband, E. S. Russell, is very sick. Writes, "his case is almost a hopeless one...he cant live but a very few houres [sic] i wish you could be here and...

GLC03523.50.14

to Hannah E. Russell

Informs his wife that he is not doing any better and believes that his time is near. States that he is submitting to God's will. Writes, "my prayer is that God may be good to you & my dear children. Put your trust in him & he will be a friend to...

GLC03523.50.15

to Hannah E. Russell

Informs Mrs. Russell that her husband, E. S. Russell, passed away last night. Describes him as having suffered greatly his last few days but when he finally passed away it was easy. Believes that he "is now in the full enjoyment of that rest which...

GLC03523.50.16

to Hannah E. Russell

Informs Mrs. Russell that if some of her husband's clothing is missing that it probably got mixed up with other people's. Explains to her that often the men who arrive from camp are so sick that they cannot take of their own baggage and that it is...

GLC03523.50.17

to Hannah E. Russell

Writes to his cousin from camp. Informs her that he was sorry to hear about her husband's death but says that he died for a good cause. Writes that he has seen a great many good men killed and a good deal of women and children left widowed and...

GLC03523.50.18

[religious verse] [in German]

Appears to be a prayer. Throughout the document the Trinity and Mary are called upon. There is a passage at the end of the document that is written in English. "A true & approbiate [sic] fever knowledge that whosoever has this letter in his house...

GLC03523.50.19

[religious verse]

Appears to be a verse from the Bible or a prayer. "swelling swelling. I command in the Name of Jesus Christ that the N N so little injure Than our lord Jesus Christ the three Nails injured When the Jews drove them through his hands & feet +++ the...

GLC03523.50.20

[religious verse]

Speaks of the Trinity and of two evil eyes and three good eyes. Instructions are given on how to cure sore eyes, the fever, to make you firm, and knowledge to shoot.

GLC03523.50.21

[religious verse]

Writes of people from the Bible. Writes of Abraham and Jacob.

GLC03523.50.22

[recipe]

A recipe that calls for alcohol, cyanne, lobella seed, turpentine, and gum camphor.

GLC03523.50.23

[Collection of J. W. Vanscoyoc, A company, 64th company, Ohio, infantry] [Decimalized .01- .16]

GLC03523.51

Dear Sister

GLC03523.51.01

Dear Sister

GLC03523.51.02

Dear Sister

Written in a camp near Nashville, Tennessee

GLC03523.51.03

Dear Sister

GLC03523.51.04

Dear Sister

Written in a camp near Mursfreesboro, Tennessee

GLC03523.51.05

Dear Sister

Written in a camp near Mursfreesboro, Tennessee

GLC03523.51.06

Dear Sister

Written in a camp near Mursfreesboro, Tennessee

GLC03523.51.07

Dear Sister

Written in a camp near Mursfreesboro, Tennessee

GLC03523.51.08

Dear Sister

GLC03523.51.09

to H E Russell

GLC03523.51.10

Dear Sister

GLC03523.51.11

Dear Sister

GLC03523.51.12

Dear Sister

GLC03523.51.13

Dear Sister

GLC03523.51.14

Dear Sister

GLC03523.51.15

[Hand written prayer]

GLC03523.51.16

[Collection of Thomas J. Kessler, G company, 1st regiment, Michigan, sharpshooters] [decimalized]

Collection includes several writers. Topics include camp news, the battle before Petersburg, the surrender of Richmond, and the siege at Petersburg. There are extra envelopes that could not be matched up to the letters. Partially cataloged.

GLC03523.52

to Libby Kessler

Reminisces of their childhood in the schoolroom. Discusses her school and teacher. Letter has an embossed seal in the upper corner.

GLC03523.52.01

to Libby Kessler

Informs her she did not receive her letter in time to meet her. Inquires if she will be attending the excursion next week. Mentions she would like to room together if they attend school. Letter has an embossed seal in the upper corner.

GLC03523.52.02

to his friends

Writes to friends from Camp Douglas. Discusses a terrible storm and the cold weather. Comments he does not believe he has seen colder weather. Writes the soldiers are freezing and the prisoners are suffering, and many of them have died. Reports...

GLC03523.52.03

to his son and daughter

Inquires after a friend's (or family member's) farm and some financial matters. Requests his son to write him with the latest developments. The city listed in the letter is Springfield; state is not given.

GLC03523.52.04

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from camp. Reports they buried a man yesterday who was killed in battle. They marched 30 miles to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Discusses visiting the Michigan Museum, the law department, and the medical department while in Ann Arbor....

GLC03523.52.05

to his sister

Writes to his sister from camp. Discusses the weather. Comments they have been living off of hard crackers for a week and are expecting bread tomorrow. Complains about the bread being sour and dirty. Discusses two new tunes that their band has...

GLC03523.52.06

to his sister

Instructs his sister to sell some butter and eggs to purchase stamps. Advises her not to visit, says that the town is small and it would cost too much. Complains about the officers' backgrounds being in farming and not the military. Request that...

GLC03523.52.07

to A. P. Kessler

Discusses his farm and land. List the selling price of corn, hay, wheat, oats, potatoes, chicken, beef, and various other items. Request a favor to borrow their oxen and a horse. Writes he will pay them after harvest. Sends his best to the family...

GLC03523.52.08

to Libby Kessler

Reports that it is very cold this August and they just had a big frost. Expresses her sympathy about Henry Kessler's death. Writes that their neighbor's 12-year-old boy died yesterday from a diving accident. Addressee name taken from envelope.

GLC03523.52.09

to his friends

Writes from Camp Douglas. Notes the cold weather. Discusses another soldier in camp who is a mean drunk.

GLC03523.52.10

Copartnership Document

Notice of a co-partnership agreement between W. C. Birch and Andrew Aitken for a General Food Business for a three year term.

GLC03523.52.11

[Four newspaper clippings]

Newspaper clippings of jokes, poems and advice. Poem written by Mae De Ray. No author noted for the other three clippings.

GLC03523.52.12

to A. P. Kessler

Writes to his father from Camp Douglas. Reports he did not get paid as expected and is out of paper and postage. Discusses another man in camp whose body was sent home. Comments the soldier had a sore throat and had only been sick for a few days...

GLC03523.52.13

to Mary Kessler

Writes to his sister from camp. Describes the "great battle" [the Battle of Chickamauga] that is taking place. Notes his regiment has been in the battle since the beginning. Writes they fell back five miles and have been fortifying ever since....

GLC03523.52.14

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from Camp Douglas. Reports 1500 Confederate prisoners have arrived in camp over the last two days. Discusses two men who were killed in camp. The first was a sharpshooter who shot himself. The other was a "negro boy" who was...

GLC03523.52.15

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from Camp Douglas. Informs her the fruit she sent was destroyed and not to send him any more. Discusses soldiers who have not reported back to camp. Comments they will be listed as deserters if they do not report back soon....

GLC03523.52.16

to his friends

Writes to his friends from Camp Douglas. Reports on a soldier who has not reported back to camp. Informs them that he expects their band to break up. Their regiment is short men, and he writes that it is hard to find good replacements. Comments...

GLC03523.52.17

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from Camp Douglas. Informs her that they found some musicians to play in their band. Request that she not show his last letter to anyone. Writes that he was "pretty near whipped" when he wrote it. Relays an encounter he had...

GLC03523.52.18

to his friends

Writes to his friends from Camp Douglas. Informs them that he has been sick and confined to bed which has given him the opportunity to practice. Comments if he does not get well soon he will have to quit all exertions. Reports that they are short...

GLC03523.52.19

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from Camp Douglas. Comments about the rainy weather. Reports they marched almost five miles and played music most of the way. Notes the recent visitors they have had. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner....

GLC03523.52.20

to A. P. Kessler

Writes to his father from Camp Douglas. Informs him not to send him boots. Reports two cases of smallpox in camp. Notes all soldiers are to be vaccinated. Comments if it spreads to the rebel prisoners it will take them clean. Reports one...

GLC03523.52.21

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from Camp Douglas. Reports a few cases of smallpox and measles in camp. Comments he will not be able to take a furlough in two weeks. Notes that he and the boys are hoping to spend the winter at home. Warns another gentleman...

GLC03523.52.22

to the leader & steward of River Class

A notice of debt issued by the Official Board for the amount of $33.50. Requests the money to be paid immediately.

GLC03523.52.23

to A. P. Kessler

Writes to his father from Camp Douglas. Inquires after his health. Discusses another family member who is in the military. Comments they were invited to play in the city. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner.

GLC03523.52.24

to Mary L. Kessler

A. P. Kessler, the father of Thomas J. Kessler, writes to his wife. Informs her to visit all of their friends and to let him know a few days in advance when she is ready to come home. Comments that they will kill and roast a turkey for her return....

GLC03523.52.25

to A. P. Kessler

Writes to his father from Camp Douglas. Informs him that he has been sick for a week with dysentery. Notes most of the camp has it. Discusses the President's message that allows prisoners to keep their property if they take an oath of allegiance....

GLC03523.52.26

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from Camp Douglas. Complains about the rainy weather. Describes a dance that the sharpshooters had with the wash women. Requests that she send him his razor when his father sends him a turkey. Discusses the theater and the...

GLC03523.52.27

to A. P. Kessler

Writes to his father from Camp Douglas. Comments how happy he is to hear that everyone is on the mend. Informs him that he cannot get a furlough. Writes of other men who are reenlisting.

GLC03523.52.29

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from Camp Douglas. Complains about not receiving any letters from home. Requests she begin making him a red quilt. Informs her he was unable to get a furlough. Provides her with a list of items to send him. The letter has a...

GLC03523.52.30

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Discusses the music his band is playing. Informs her they may get a discharge. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner. Addressee name and year taken from envelope.

GLC03523.52.31

to his friends

Writes to his friends from Camp Douglas. Informs them he does not believe that they will get a discharge and has given up trying. Notes two or three of the band members will be discharged. Comments their band finally got paid. Writes of the call...

GLC03523.52.32

to Mary L. Kessler

Writes to his mother from Camp Douglas. Reports they may be heading to Mexico within a month. Notes they will go to New York City and connect with General Ambrose E. Burnside's expedition. Comments no furloughs are to be granted to their regiment...

GLC03523.52.33

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from Camp Douglas. Requests that she send him a shirt and a pair of boots. Informs her that another soldier wants her picture after seeing his picture of her. Discusses his picture and other soldier's pictures. The letter has...

GLC03523.52.34

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his friends from Camp Douglas. Discusses his trip back to camp. Informs them that another regiment arrived at their camp to relieve them. Comments that they may be leaving camp Douglas soon. The letter has a watermark on the top left...

GLC03523.52.35

to Nancy S. Kessler

Writes to his cousin from Camp Douglas. Discusses the cold weather. Describes shooting a gun and beating her father at target practice.

GLC03523.52.36

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to her sister from Camp Douglas. Discusses the nice weather. Comments that everyone is in high spirits and having a good time. Notes they may be heading to Michigan. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner.

GLC03523.52.38

to brother and sister

Writes to his brother and sister. Reports a lot of sickness and cases of smallpox. Describes attending three cases of small pox in one house. Comments that the whole town has been exposed to it and expects more cases. The letter has a watermark...

GLC03523.52.39

to his friends

Writes to his friends from Camp Douglas. Reports they will be leaving camp Douglas tomorrow and will head to Annapolis, Maryland. Believes they will finally go into battle. Comments he did not get paid enough to send any money home. Informs them...

GLC03523.52.40

to his friends

Writes to his friends from Camp Douglas. Discusses the weather. Describes how green everything is in Maryland. Complains about another soldier exaggerating his sickness to get a discharge. Comments the other soldier should have been discharged a...

GLC03523.52.41

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from camp. Reports on the sickness back home and in camp. Writes, "we have 8 or 9 kinds of lice five or six kinds of [each] put these altogether would make it rather sickly…" Notes she should not fret too much about the...

GLC03523.52.42

to Libbie Kessler

Writes to his friend from Camp Blue Springs. Discusses the weather. Notes they will not be doing any hard marches before the fall of Richmond, Virginia. Writes, "the fall of Richmond which I judge will come to pass before long for Gen. grant is...

GLC03523.52.43

to A. P. Kessler

Writes to his father from camp. Reports they will not get a discharge. Comments the officers voted to keep the band and have promised to buy them new instruments, provide back pay, and have pledged themselves to prompt payment hereafter. Comments...

GLC03523.52.44

to his brother

Writes to his brother from camp. Discusses the weather. Reports seeing General Ambrose E. Burnside pass through his camp. Notes there have been thousands of soldiers pouring into their camp. Describes oyster fishing and growing tobacco as the...

GLC03523.52.45

to his friends

Writes to his friends from camp. Reports that his band has broken up and they are now waiting for orders. Believes they will either be transferred into a brigade band or will be discharged. Expresses his disappointment with the officers for not...

GLC03523.52.46

to A. P. Kessler [incomplete]

Writes to his father. Discusses the farm and the prospects of his father buying a new farm. Comments he does not believe he will be fit enough to work on a farm or to do any hard work. Reports on a battle that took place a week ago. Notes they...

GLC03523.52.47

to A. P. Kessler

Writes to his father from camp. Reports his band has broken up and their case (an appeal for a discharge) is now before the Secretary of War. Informs him he is hoping for a discharge. Discusses the price of potatoes and apples.

GLC03523.52.48

to Henry Kessler

Writes to his brother from camp. Describes living in small tents with three other men. Reports not having a cook or a stove. Notes they do all their cooking over the fire, meet twice a day for bread and coffee, and get three meals a day. Writes,...

GLC03523.52.49

to his friends

Writes to his friends from camp. Informs them he received marching orders for tomorrow. Relays a rumor that General Robert E. Lee may be heading towards Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and they may head there too. Notes he sent a trunk of clothes home so...

GLC03523.52.50

to his friends

Writes to his friends from camp. Reports after marching 50 miles from Annapolis, Maryland, they finally arrived in Alexandria, Virginia. Writes, "it was Hard for us not doing anything for so long a time I am not able to walk today as my feet are...

GLC03523.52.51

to his friends

Writes to his friends from Camp Blue Springs. Reports a couple of cases of smallpox in camp. Comments on the copperheads and how he would have liked to confront them while on furlough back home. Discusses new recruits in camp. The letter has a...

GLC03523.52.52

to Libby Kessler

Writes to her friend. Discusses traveling to Mishawaka, Indiana. Writes of the townspeople. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner.

GLC03523.52.53

to his friends

Writes to his friends. Describes being in some hard fighting. Writes, "the shells came poring in like Hail stone only had more affect than a hail stone would have…" Reports driving the enemy back and capturing their artillery. Complains about the...

GLC03523.52.54

to Henry Kessler

Writes to his brother from the battlefield. Complains about someone stealing his letters and the photograph of their mother. Describes shelling being fired above their heads. Reports his band is no longer playing and most of the members are...

GLC03523.52.56

to A. P. Kessler

Writes to his father. Informs him he received the memorandum book, paper, envelopes, and stamps. Discusses the hot weather. Notes they have plenty of ice water, lemonade, and a sutler who supplies almost everything. Reports they are preparing for...

GLC03523.52.57

to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister. Complains about having to wash his clothes in cold water. Comments he does not care how he looks or what he wears; however, she would find him dirty and ragged. Describes being sick with a bad case of dysentery. Notes he has...

GLC03523.52.58