21 September 1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

They have moved to the Rapidan river under Lee's orders. Here the locals who remain are destitute, each house with its own distillery, with very few churches and schools. Speculates about Longstreet's future actions. Written from Camp 61st P.V., four miles west of Culpepper, Virginia.

GLC03523.23.23

3 October 1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

A portion of their army has been moved to other points, thus weakening their army. He disagrees with this strategy, for the "rebels are as busy as bees strengthening their position." A meeting to express political opinion and support for Governor Curtin; Union support helps soldier morale.

GLC03523.23.24

26 October 1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Lee has started playing "the brilliant game of strategy" with Meade, costing the Rebels 2,000 men. Soldiers have confidence in Meade but are waiting to see how he leads. "We hardly know whom to trust." Lincoln has called for more volunteers.

GLC03523.23.25

12 November 1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

They move towards Richmond. Describes a battle and the capture of 4 artillery, 2000 small arms, 2 brigade commanders, and 1600 privates with 120 officers prisoners, including the "Louisiana Tigers, the men who carried long knives for the purpose of butchering our wounded." The Rebels left supplies and excellent quarters. "We make ourselves comfortable, these cold evenings, over large fires, discussing the various agitated questions of the day."

GLC03523.23.26

23 November 1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

They held "un grand revue du Corps" for a party of visiting English officers, to which he is opposed. Heard about the Gettysburg dedication. Meade has reduced the 8-day ration to 5 because men cannot carry that much. Asks for a copy of the Constitution to better understand the conscription.

GLC03523.23.27

2 January 1864

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Soldiers have agreed to extend service for three years with the promise of a 30-day furlough. At Christmas, everyone got drunk. Looks forward to his own 10-day furlough, though realizes it may not happen in all reality.

GLC03523.23.28

January 10, 1864

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Is grateful for the news; it provides freedom from boredom for the entire camp. Describes their winter quarters, a rude combination of log cabin and tent. His roommate is a German soldier who participated in the disturbances of 1848 then fled his native land to the United States, hoping to live in peace.

GLC03523.23.29

9 February 1864

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Has spent the last three days on picket, near a widow with 21 contraband slaves who refuse to leave her. "They are a careless, happy set singing and dancing from sunrise to sunset; their enslaved condition affecting them but little." Men are returning unwillingly from their month-furlough for three more years' service.

GLC03523.23.30

February 21, 1864

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Reminisces upon reading about commencement at his old school. The administration is trying a new plan to enlist old troops, promising 60-days furlough and $500 bounty to enlist for five additional years. Believes the offer will be popular. Written from Camp 61st Reg. P.V.

GLC03523.23.31

14 March 1864

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Complains about recent useless parades and reviews, preliminary to reorganization of the army into three corps, similar to Lee's army, under Sedgwick, Hancock, and a third General. Notes malcontent, particularly with the Army of the Potomac. Kilpatrick's men have ravaged the countryside, stealing, burning, and shooting horses. "I am not one of those who thinks that our armies should destroy indiscriminately. Such destruction does not tend to subdue rebels, it enrages them the more."

GLC03523.23.32

22 March 1864

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Reports on local rumors of reorganization and a new focus on Richmond, with Grant moving his headquarters to the Army of the Potomac.

GLC03523.23.33

2 April 1864

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Complains about rain; would rather march than be cooped up in his tent. Reports on recent army reorganization and Meade's current actions. Asks a hypothetical question translating the value of gold to greenbacks.

GLC03523.23.34

22 April 1864

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Has been named high private, rear rank, Co. H, 61st P.V. Must readjust after returning from his recent furlough, during which his corps was reorganized.

GLC03523.23.35

1 May 1864

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Remains in winter quarters. Burnside, who was supposed to be on the Peninsular campaign, is nearby with his colored troops distributed as railroad guards. Writes that they fear for black soldiers on the front: "With the 'darkies' it is victory or death, and I venture to say that each 'Sambo' who has donned the Union blue, has a wholesome dread of the tender mercies of the 'chivalry.'" Reminisces on advances made a year previously.

GLC03523.23.36

21 April 1865

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Written from Camp Parole, where Union prisoners of war were held until they were exchanged with Confederate prisoners of war, then returned to their regiments. Expresses fear that every officer would apprehend him after he had been taken into custody. So few men have reported back that the camp appears deserted. Describes the recent day of mourning for Lincoln. While exploring camp, discovered a library of castaway volumes with a few interesting books.

GLC03523.23.37

27 April 1865

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Describes how marching to the front now is somewhat different now than a year ago because their army is much more victorious. Reacts to presidential communication with Britain; wonders about Canada. Written from Camp Parole, where Union prisoners of war were held until they were exchanged with Confederate prisoners of war, until being returned to their regiments.

GLC03523.23.38

19 May 1865

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Was a prisoner of war a year ago here; has visited his old prison. Local attitudes towards the Union have changed due to Grant. "The conduct of the soldiers has been remarkable, when we consider the bitterness, the cruelty, the fiendishness with which the Southrons waged war upon us. I ascribe it to influence which intelligence and Christianity has upon the Northern people." Confederate money is worthless and the people are destitute. Freedmen act in "mutinous conduct," and the soldiers must settle disputes.

GLC03523.23.40

5 June 1865

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Complains about how veteran soldiers are being treated, especially those who have reenlisted. Has prepared the muster-out rolls and complains about inefficient officers. Looks forward to spending the 4th of July at home in Philadelphia. Several soldiers want to go fight in Mexico, while he expresses contradictory opinion to events there.

GLC03523.23.41

5 October 1865

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Has visited old friends in Illinois, a place he now admires greatly. "I have come to the conclusion that there is no place like it for a young man to start in the world, with assurance of success."

GLC03523.23.43

22 July 1864

Stephens, Ashbury L., 1843-?

Map

Title: [Manuscript Civil War map of the position of the 2nd Division, 16th Army Corps in the Battle of Atlanta]

Shows the Confederate line, the positions of Union brigades, and a skirmish in the Battle of Atlanta. The legend indicates the positions at the beginning of the battle, the charging that occurred ("Rebel line charging") and the new line that was formed after the first fight. Major General James B. McPherson was killed on this date. Colored ink on paper.

GLC04498.02

27 July 1864

Snell, J.P., fl. 1864

Map

Title: [Manuscript Civil War map of the Battle of Atlanta]

Presented by Snell to Asbury Stephens, "one of the participants this 23d. day of Sept. 1864, at Eastpoint, Ga." Shows where the 2nd Brigade crossed the railroad, moved into battle, position at the works, and its efforts to repulse the Confederates. It also shows where Colonel August Mersy was wounded. The battle was part of General William T. Sherman's Atlanta campaign. Colored ink on paper , drawn at the Headquarters of the 2nd Division, 16th Army Corps.

GLC04498.03

8 October 1864

Stephens, Ashbury L., 1843-?

Map

Title: [Manuscript Civil War map of the Plan of Rome, Floyd County, Georgia]

Shows the locations of fortifications, a steam boat landing, and troop positions. Made two days before General Hood's army skirmished with General Sherman's supply line near Rome, causing Sherman's forces to fortify themselves in the town. Colored ink on paper.

GLC04498.04

8 October 1864

Stephens, Ashbury L., 1843-?

Map

Title: [Manuscript Civil War map of the position of an army division at the Ogeecheee River in Georgia]

Shows the position of the 4th Division of the 15th Army Corps, the road to Savannah, the Confederate lines across the swamp. Also shows positions of various troops and General William T. Sherman's headquarters. Drawn in brown and pink ink a month after the fall of Atlanta, when General Sherman was pursuing Confederate General John Hood.

GLC04498.05

February 1865

Stephens, Ashbury L., 1843-?

Map

Title: [Manuscript Civil War map of the siege of Columbia, South Carolina]

Circular map showing the position of the 4th Division of the 13th Army Corps, rivers, railroads, and roads around Columbia. General Sherman's siege was on 16-17 February 1865. Drawn in brown and pink ink.

GLC04498.06

7 May 1865

Stephens, Ashbury L., 1843-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Hat

Recounts meeting "Majors Burnham and Merriman on board the boat" at Fort Monroe. Describes war torn Petersburg, noting that "almost every house shows the marks of our Shells." Explains that the troops were weary from travelling 165 miles in six days, so they would take it slow on their way to Richmond. In reference to General Sherman, he boasts that "if 'old crazy Bill and his Bummers' had been here Petersburg would have been taken long ago." Comments on the troops' excitement about the upcoming muster and their support of Sherman. Indicates he will write again from Richmond. I note…

GLC04498.07