22 August 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law and sister

Writes that one month and 15 days ago the Union army began the siege of Atlanta, Georgia. There are reports that the right of the Union Army is within a half-mile of the Macon Road. States that is difficult to find out what is really going on as each part of the line hears or sees something different. He writes that what they read in the papers is probably not much better. Due to the attacks on the railroad the mail has been delayed a few days. The skirmishers on each side have made a small truce to stop firing for a while near his picket. This is not the first time the Union has tried for a…

GLC07460.094

20 March 1864

Breese, Kidder Randolph, 1831-1881

Autograph letter signed

Title: Orders

Ordering the "officer in charge of Picket Tug" to relay Porter's order to the fleet: "Keep the tug as close to the falls as possible and a bright lookout for anything up the bend. Blow one whistle if you see a vessel coming down. Examine all floating objects and tow any suspicious looking things clear of the vessels - giving warning with two whistles if she sees anything like a Torpedo...this order will be turned over to Relief...at daylight to be given to the officer of the deck..."

GLC09146

10 June 1861

Wayne, Henry C., fl. 1861

Autograph letter signed

Title: Orders

About a Union rally by Baptists and Methodists. "The leaders of these two systems, are either designing demagogues, or ignorant enthusiasts...The President [Jefferson Davis] has proclaimed next Thursday as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer, and the sects are getting up a Grant Union demonstration to be held in the State House...I have advised our people not to reply, but simply when do charged to ask for the prayers of the accuser that we may be enlightened as we are earnest seekers after truth..."

GLC09147

circa 1862

Sherman, William T. (William Tecumseh), 1820-1891

Autograph letter signed

Title: to David D. Porter

During Arkansas expedition. "admiral Porter As soon as General Steele reports in the Continental, will fire a Gun and run down the Gaines's Landing at the rate of ten miles the hour Sherman."

GLC09148

February 24, 1893

Smith, Edmund Kirby, 1824-1893

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Darwin C. Pavey

"Fitz John Porter was my classmate and has always been and is one of my dearest friends. He was always faithful and true in his allegiance and devotion of his country and I place him amongst the very best of your Generals...a born soldier and leader. His friendship for and attachment to McClelland [sic] was his cardinal sin and produced that cruel and unjust finding of the court which degraded Porter as a soldier and citizen. The whole country now recognizes his loyalty and devotion...Mr. Hayes is a good and true man and his administration as honest and pure is well recognized throughout…

GLC09149

29 July 1862

Broadside

Title: Civil War recruiting broadside

Partially printed recruiting poster for Captain Pierce's company of Monroe County Regiment, headed "War!" above an eagle bearing slogan, "Stand up for the Old flat, Now or Never!" A. Strong & Co., Rochester. 14 x 20 inches.

GLC09150

29 April 1788

Newspaper

Title: The Pennsylvania Mercury and Universal Advertiser

Letter from "A Free Negro" printed in the Pennsylvania Mercury and Universal Advertiser. "I am one of that unfortunate race of men who are distinguished from the rest of the human species by black skin and woolly hair, disadvantages of very little moment in themselves, but which prove to us a source of the greatest misery, because there are men who will not be persuaded, that it is impossible for a human soul to be lodged within a sable body..." Issue also includes one of John Dickinson's "Letters of Fabius" supporting the Federal Constitution.

GLC09151

January 19, 1845

Stanton, Edwin M. (Edwin McMasters), 1814-1869

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Brinkeroff

"I cannot refrain from explaining the satisfaction with which I have read your speech on the Texas question. It would have delighted me to have been able to hear you deliver it, but the effect will tell upon the public mind as "A wood in season.' There is too much inclination among Northern men to submit to the insolent demands of the South, and one of the chief duties that will devolve upon us, as citizens of free and independent states, will be to curb the spirit of domination that has too long been suffered to prevail..." To Congressman Jacob Brinkeroff, Texas annexation opponent.

GLC09152

circa 1864

Sketch

Title: Escape of 'contrabands' from Col. Avery's estate near Petersburg Virginia

Pencil sketch signed "S.H.S." The siege of Petersburg lasted from 15 June 1864 to 25 March 1865.

GLC09153

24 May 1863

Hill, Ambrose P., 1825-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert E. Lee

"If a judicious appointment of Major General is not made, I fear that all this will be lost... Gen. Pender has fought with the Divisions in every battle, he has been four times wounded and never left the field, he has risen by death and wounds from fifth Brigadier to be its senior, had the best drilled and disciplined Brigade in the Division, and more than all, possesses the unbridled confidence of the Division. At the battle of Chancellorsville he seized the colors, and on horseback led his Brigade up and in to the Federal intrenchments. The effect of such examples of daring gallantry at…

GLC09154

4 July 1864

Pickett, George Edward, 1825-1875

Autograph letter signed

Title: to LaSalle Corbett Pickett

To "Sallie." "Does not your husband wish, pray and sigh to be with his Sallie, his only only love...You know...how much I detest outward show, and manifestations of religion...but to offer up you silent prayer with a truthful heart, and an entrusting spirit to our God to make us better, ...that I think is the true way. Thank God my wife I have tried, to follow the example which you have set me. No night do I close my eyes without a prayer to our Father enlisting him to preserve us both through our troubles, and to permit us hereafter to becomes better, no I should say good - for I have done…

GLC09155

11 April 1865

Pickett, Charles F., fl. 1865

Manuscript document signed

Title: to George Pickett

"Last Return of Pickett's Division as surrendered on April 9, 1865." Grid shows troops, listed by brigade, with officers and enlisted men counted separately. Just 987 men appear on the return. Also signed secretarially for his brother General George Pickett.

GLC09156

29 May 1864

Johnson, Edward, fl. 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Emily S.B. Brune

"I thank you for the box you and my other friends must not send me any more clothing...as I am taxing your genorosity too much. I am now well supplied with almost everything..." Emily S. B. Brune, "the Angel of Fort Delaware."

GLC09157

25 April 1864

Pendleton, Alexander S., 1840-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jubal Early

Writes of Jubal Early's arrest. "Your remarks upon the enclosed communication of Maj. Brown and G. are considered improper. They are therefore returned for withdrawal. Your attention is now called to the enclosed paper, marked A, showing the decision of the War Dept. and the comdg. General as to the method of transmission of orders in the Staff Departments. The instructions given by Maj. Brown to Maj. Hale are in accordance with their decision."

GLC09158.01

26 April 1864

Early, Jubal Anderson, 1816-1894

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alexander Swift Pendleton

Writes of his arrest, "I desire to know what is the extent of the limits of my confinement. When you informed me that I was placed under arrest, the condition was that I would confine myself to the limits of my camp. I wish to know if this means the camp of my quarters or my division..." With Alexander Pendleton endorsement on verso, "The limits of Maj. Gen. J.A. Early's arrest are extended to embrace all points within the limits of this army."

GLC09158.02

28 April 1864

Early, Jubal Anderson, 1816-1894

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sir

Writes of his arrest, "I received last night on my return the paper containing General Lee's remarks in regard to the subject of my arrest. Am I to understand that I am released from arrest and resume my command without any further delay? With Alexander Pendleton endorsement signed on verso, "Having been released from arrest by command of Genl. Lee Maj. Ge. Early will resume his sword & command. By orders of Lt. Gen. Ewell."

GLC09158.03

20 March 1863

Davis, Jefferson, 1808-1889

Letter signed

Title: to Joseph E. Brown

"In reference to the seizure of the State railroad, Genl. Bragg states, that the Ordnance officer at Atlanta asserted to him that the road refused to transport arms and ammunition, and that then he (Genl. Bragg) directed the Quartermaster's Department to use force, if necessary, to get forward these supplies, and report the facts to Col. Hadly, Supt. The supplies were forwarded, and force was not used. Such action on the part of the officers of the Confederate Government is much to be regretted; although force, as I am glad to learn, was not used in this case. Genl. Bragg has been directed…

GLC09159

9 April 1865

Armstrong, George A., fl. 1865

Manuscript document

Title: [Civil war appreciation for soldiers from George A. Armstrong]

"Copy of Order / Head Qrs 3d Cavalry Division / Appomattox Court House April 9-1865 / Soldiers of the 3d Cavalry Division / With profound gratitude towards the god of battles by whose blessings our enemies have been humbled and our armis rendered triumphant Your commanding Genral...express[es] to you his admiration of the heroic manner in which you have passed through the Series of battles which to day resulted in the surrender of the enemys entire army - the record established by your indomitable courage is unparralelled in the annals of war. your prowess has won for you the respect and…

GLC09160

18 March 1864

Dahlgren, John Adolphus Bernard, 1809-1870

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin French

"Accept my grateful thanks for your note and the lines to the memory of my beloved son...when he undertook the mission of freedom to the weary captives who pined in the Rebel dungeons of Richmond, he did it with a fullness of purpose that know no limit; the danger that lay in the way never palsied his resolve for an instant...His name should stand in living light before the young men of our land and inspire their hearts with the same unselfish resolution to carry the glorious banner of the Union over the ruins of a causeless Rebellion." Includes a poem inspired by Ulric Dahlgren's death,…

GLC09162

15 March 1864

Meade, George Gordon, 1815-1872

Autograph letter signed

Title: Recommendations for Major General Humphreys

"I have learned with great surprise & regret, that owing to certain false & slanderous reports, circulated by a subordinate officer, ...that your confirmation by the Senate has been jeopardised...you gave up the command of a division thereby sacrificing your personal interests in order to accept the position of Chief of my staff which position you have...[filled] with great value to the army & the country..."

GLC09163

25 November 1861

Meigs, Montgomery C. (Montgomery Cunningham), 1816-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Captain Andrew H. Foote

"Whatever I can do to assist you in gaining final success which you say 'is with the public this test of merit' I will gladly do. Final success I do not doubt for you...Wellington Napoleon Marlborough did much more than merely fight. A commander must be some thing more than a bulldog. He has to weld the wills & minds of men of all kinds...Having faith in the people & believing that right will triumph in the end I know a glorious conclusion is within reach." Captain Andrew H. Foote was in command of the Mississippi River Squadron.

GLC09164

1 January 1863

Thomas, Lorenzo, 1804-1875

Printed document

Title: Official price list of clothing

Includes detailed charts of clothing, camp and garrison equipage prices. Also notes that volunteers are given an allowance of $3.50 a month for clothing or $42 a year. Notation in pencil on verso reads "Auditor for the War Department, Washington DC, Treasury Department."

GLC02016.178

December 30, 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Manuscript document signed

Title: List of clothing transferred

List of clothing transferred by Lietenant Jospeh Hester to Heber Painter. The list includes coats, trousers, flannel shirts, drawers, boots, forage caps, blankets, and stockings.

GLC02016.115.02

1860

Harmon, A.W., fl. 1923

Printed document

Title: The soldier's return

Printed copy of the lyrics to "The Soldier's Return" or "Air, Just before the Battle, Mother".

GLC02016.179.01

1806

Stewart, Samuel, fl. 1806

Manuscript document

Title: [List of accounts]

List of accounts belonging to Captain Samuel Stewart. Includes the names of Samuel Stewart and Nathaniel Greene (not the Revolutionary War general).

GLC02016.179.02