28 October 1863

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Writes that he came back to camp to find that the men were living on half rations of hard tack and beef with no other food. Explains that the short rations are due to the limitations of transporting provisions. Reports that four soldiers were killed and some are missing. Also reports that only two hundred soldiers were mustered, fifty of which are sick. Writes that he can see the rebel camp from his camp. An agreement has been made between Union and Confederate pickets to not bother each other. Writes that the pickets have been exchanging papers, but the practice has now been prohibited…

GLC06728.057

5 November 1863

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sisters

Complains about the reduced rations of food. Reports that the rebels still hold Lookout Mountain but the breastworks are substantial enough that the rebels would be defeated. Writes that General Osterhaus is in Tuscumbia, Alabama. Continues to write about the lack of food. The soldiers contemplated eating some mule meat, but were able to get some hard tack and sow belly to appease their hunger. Mentions the exemption law and hopes that it is repealed by January of 1864. Advises that a friend not move to the West as "the conveniences he will find in the West he will find as many…

GLC06728.058

26 November 1863

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Hank

Writes that he is enjoying Thanksgiving in celebration of taking Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain and the valley. Reports that his regiment suffered more in proportion to numbers at Chickamauga than Murfreesboro. Writes that he got through the battle of (Mission Ridge) without a scratch and that none in his company were killed or wounded. Believes that the loss of the enemy is greater than that of his regiment.

GLC06728.059

27 November 1863

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Hank

A continuation of the previous letter. Writes that he marched to Chickamauga Creek the day before and spotted rebels burning bridges and their own baggage. Reports that the men have taken 80 pieces of rebel artillery and estimates that they will have 15,000 rebel prisoners. Writes that the envelope and paper are of Confederate style, the envelope being made of wallpaper.

GLC06728.060

22 December 1863

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Has been too busy marching and hasn't had a chance to write. Reports that General Granger's corps and Wood's and Sheridan's divisions are there. Is expecting Longstreet to get to Virginia as fast as possible. Hopes to take Richmond before leaving the service. Encloses a Masonic badge found in Decatur during a march.

GLC06728.061

5 January 1864

Smith, Romain, fl. 1860-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his friend Frank

He writes that he is disappointed in not receiving as much correspondence as promised by his friend. Informs Frank that since the last time he wrote, he has taught himself how to use a telegraph machine. As a telegraph operator, he has been able to leave the regiment and receive up to $100 per month. Names several soldiers who have been killed or wounded and states that he will not go back to the regiment. Written at Nashville Depot.

GLC06728.062

7 January 1864

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Writes that three fourths of his regiment has reenlisted, but he does not feel that $402 is enough incentive for him to reenlist. Reports that he has been assigned duty in the 88th Illinois, Co. K. Also writes that Grant had visited Sheridan's headquarters about a week ago. Rations are short, so many of the soldiers have to grate corn in order to have something to eat. Writes about a camp dish named "sun of a Bitch" consisting of crackers fried in grease. Expects to be home at the end of the current term of service. Includes a note dated 9th of January 1864 in which he writes about the…

GLC06728.063

January 31, 1864

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Complains about the lack and quality of food at camp. Writes that corn meal and beef bones are the primary sustenance and that the beef the soldiers eat "would stagger an American's appetite". Reports that the farthest East he's been is Dandridge, forty miles east of Knoxville, TN. Complains that he has not heard from his family since Mission Ridge and wonders why they haven't written. Describes the area he is in as very rocky and mountainous; not suitable for him.

GLC06728.064

28 February 1864

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother and sister

Writes that he is having trouble with his lungs but is in comfortable winter quarters. Believes that contrary to newspaper reports, Longstreet's forces will attack in Georgia not Knoxville. Akins his like of soldiering to a cat's love for hot soap and writes that the rebel forces shoot carelessly. Names the battles he's participated which include Pea Ridge, Perryville, Stone River, and Mission Ridge. Gives an account of men in his company that were killed or wounded in Stone River, Chickamauga, and Mission Ridge. Tells his siblings that he will teach them how to make a soldier's holiday…

GLC06728.065

1 March 1864

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Reports that Longstreet has left the vicinity of Knoxville and is likely headed towards Georgia. Writes that there is considerable sickness at camp caused by "sick wheat flour". Believes that the bridge crossing will be finished by the middle of the month. Hopes to be paid soon upon which he will try to send some money home.

GLC06728.066

3 April 1864

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Writes that he has been ill with mumps but has almost fully recovered. Reports that the railroad from Knoxville to Chattanooga is complete. Also reports that Major General Howard is commanding the 4th corps. instead of [General Robert Granger]. In addition, Brig. General Wagner is commanding the division instead of "Little Phil" Sheridan who has left for the Potomac to command a cavalry force. Also, General George Stoneman is organizing a cavalry command in the department of the Ohio. Asks that he be informed about any troops returning home on furlough. Inquires about the price of gold.

GLC06728.067

15 April 1864

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Complains of poor weather at camp. Writes that the "old 36" (36th regiment) is on its way from Nashville to Loudon

GLC06728.068

2 May 1864

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Writes that he is preparing to move as far as Stevenson, Alabama. Warns that the 23rd Army Corps is within ten miles of Cleveland, TN and will be acting in concert with the Cumberland Army. Asks that the impending battle not worry his parents and in retrospect wishes that he had not written about the possible engagement.

GLC06728.069

10 May 1864

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother Henry Weeks

Writes that he has been in the line of battle for a few days and is now in front of enemy works. Some heavy skirmishing began yesterday and is still going on. Reports that Harker and Wagner's brigades charged Buzzards Roost and were repulsed. Also writes that the colonel of the 69th Ohio has been reported dead.

GLC06728.070

20 May 1864

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Writes that he has fought in three engagements and is unharmed, but one of his comrades has been killed and five wounded. Names the Army Corps present: 4th, 14th, 15th, 20th, 23rd, and a part of the 16th. Reports that heavy fighting was heard last night and that the rebel train can be seen. Written north of Atlanta, Georgia.

GLC06728.071

2 June 1864

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister Ettie Weeks

Writes that they have been under musketry attack for eight days, but their works have been a safe place. Hopes that more one-year men will be drafted into the war. Asks his father about the late quotations of gold and how it will affect their interests. Reports that the 15th Corps. took position on the left to relieve Hooker who is moving into Marietta. Also reports that during this campaign, the regiment has lost 83 men killed and wounded.

GLC06728.072

28 June 1864

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Reports that Brig. Gen. Harker was killed yesterday along with two of Weeks' company. Of Weeks' regiment, 43 were killed and wounded leaving 108 men. Writes that the only battle he has missed was the Chickamauga campaign but has been with his comrades for every other battle. Report that they are south of the Kenessaw Mountain where they can see Yankee shells exploding. He writes "sometimes a few of the calico tribe can be seen on the top of the MT. but the soft entreating voice of the Yankee Parrott induces them to vamoose the ranch at a rate of note." Asks that a piece of the "old 36…

GLC06728.073

17 August 1864

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents

Writes that he was following the Augusta Railroad while skirmishing. Updates his parents on other soldiers from home. Inquires about recruitment at home. Reports on some of the movements of his company. Writes that Colonel Miller has died after being wounded a month ago. Also writes that his captain, George Biddulph is in the hospital. Was written near Atlanta, Georgia.

GLC06728.074

September 9, 1864

Weeks, John F., fl. 1860-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sisters

Describes Atlanta in ruins. Writes that Sherman has issued an order of evacuation for the city. He is anxious to complete his term of service and come home which he expects to do in thirteen days.

GLC06728.075

29 September 1864

Smith, Romain, fl. 1860-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Frank

Updates his friend on regimental news since his departure. Writes about some news that the rebels had attacked Dalton and had a garrison of 44th USCT surrounded.

GLC06728.076

[1861-1864]

Photograph

Title: [Van Nuys, Mollie and Charlie?]

Portrait of a little girl seated on a chair with a young boy standing beside her.

GLC07687.164

27 December 1864

Autograph manuscript

Title: [Poem about soldiers]

Four line poem about soldiers.

GLC07687.176

1861-1864

Autograph endorsement

Title: List of field Staff and Line Officers of Fourth Regiment U.S. : Colored Troops

Shows Van Nuys as 1st Lieut. of Co. H.

GLC07687.177

28 October 1861

Cincinnati Gazette

Newspaper clipping

Title: From Western Virginia The Battle at Romney

Report of events at the Battle of Romney, Virginia

GLC07687.178

31 October 1861

Newspaper clipping

Title: The Retirement of General Scott

Reprints Scott's letter of resignation to Simon Cameron, Lincoln's address acknowledging the resignation, Scott's reply to Lincoln, and Cameron's letter to Scott.

GLC07687.179