11 September 1861

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Mary

He prefers to go on duty with the command. He was in New York recently but was unable to write her from there. His sister is well and he did not see his mother though he passed by her house. He sent Mary a present from New York.

GLC02830.06

22 September 1861

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Mary

He has not heard from her but is choosing to believe this is because of irregularity in the mail rather than disinterest. If it is disinterest, all she has to do is tell him and he will stop writing. He writes that the officers are very good. Written at Fort Trumbull

GLC02830.07

24 September 1861

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Mary

He is glad to have finally received a letter from her. The officers are currently teaching the young ones their military duties. He received a letter from his brother recently. He was in New York a couple of days ago but he didn't have time to see Miss B. Written at Fort Trumbull

GLC02830.08

30 September 1861

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Mary

He bought some music for the piano and sent it to her. The men in his regiment are all good people. They don't know where they will go for the winter because there are not sufficient accomodations for them. Written at Fort Trumbull

GLC02830.09

8 October 1861

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Mary

He asked the bandmaster to pick out some pieces of music for her. He just can't stand to be separated from her. New London is described as a pretty place. Written at Fort Trumbull

GLC02830.10

14 October 1861

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Mary

He is annoyed that she doesn't seem to have a lot of time to write to him. Meanwhile, he is preparing to go to the South. They intend to go to Perrysville, MD. He received a letter from his brother. He wants to know why she doesn't like Dr. D. Written at Fort Trumbull

GLC02830.11

18 October 1861

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Mary

It's been raining a lot. He plans to send her the Philadelphia paper. Very few people are seen cultivating the soil now. Written at Fort Trumbull

GLC02830.12

29 October 1861

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Mary

The officer of his regiment got married. They didn't wait until after the war because she wanted ro be able to take care of him if he were wounded.

GLC02830.13

16 November 1861

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Mary

He doesn't undertstand her silence. If she ceases to love him he will stop writing to her. He wrote to her mother the other day.

GLC02830.14

19 November 1861

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Mary

He finally got a letter from her and is much relieved. He hadn't known what to think. He says I love you for the first time. They are camped near Perrysville where there is a strong wind breaking up the tent.

GLC02830.15

24 November 1861

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Mary

He has just heard from McClellan who says there is a strong possibility they will be moving. He feels sorry for poor Bond, a former member of his regiment.

GLC02830.16

29 November 1861

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Mary

GLC02830.17

30 November 1861

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Mary

Mary wishes he could attend parties with her but he warns her it could be many months or even years. He is plagued by all his memories of having spent time with her. He wonders if their engagement will ever be consummated.

GLC02830.18

4 December 1861

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Mary

He saw in the President's message that he recommends an increase in the corps of cadets. This is favored by Congress and an act has been proposed.

GLC02830.19

12 December 1861

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Mary

Their regiment is considered to be one of the best. No one knows whether they will stay where they are. He says she is the only person in Saint Louis he corresponds with. He asks what time she wishes the engagement to be consummated.

GLC02830.20

16 December 1861

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Mary

He mention his friend Captain Brown and says the country is becoming like its neighbors to the East. He would be sorry if we got into trouble with Great Britain.

GLC02830.21

18 December 1861

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Mary

He is happy she gave him a locket with her picture. He assures her that she is the only person in St. Louis he talks to.

GLC02830.22

January 11, 1862

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Mary

He wonders if he has loved her too much, paid her too much attention or written her too much. Front page cross written.

GLC02830.23

January 16, 1862

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Mary

He dined with Capatain Santille on Christmas and went to a town about 5 miles up the river where they had tea with a friend. The friend took them to a house where there were 15 or 20 ladies. He enjoys the company of ladies.

GLC02830.24

January 19, 1862

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Mary

He feels bad because he has not been in a church in a long time. He received a letter from her mother. His friend gave him a couple pieces of music to give to her.

GLC02830.25

January 25, 1862

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Mary

He refers to a promise she made without asking but does not say what it is. He has a strong appreciation of her worth and takes a great interest in her welfare.

GLC02830.26

10 February 1862

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Mary

He hasn't had much time lately but he spends what little time he has thinking of Mary. He is sorry she is sick and hopes she recovers soon.

GLC02830.27

20 February 1862

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Mary

He is sorry to hear that she is so indisposed. He can only hope she will recover soon.

GLC02830.28

February 23, 1862

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Mary

He says military is a trade that cannot be learned in a day. For most of the rest of the letter he expresses concern over her sickness and hopes she recovers soon.

GLC02830.29

12 March 1862

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Mary

He hasn't had time to write. They have been so busy. He notes she will not write until she hears from him.

GLC02830.30