1862/10/11

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his mother

He has been recommended for a commission. Mentions a brigade drill and an upcoming undress parade, where the regiment will line up, without arms and with clean underwear in their haversacks, march to the river and undress for bathing. The regiment has not been paid since the 30th of April.

GLC04662.016

1862/10/26

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

The regiment has been paid. He warns his mother to be careful about accumulating new debts.

GLC04662.017

1862/11/3

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

A southerner came into the picket lines in order to ask that he and his family be allowed to cross into union territory and move north. The order was given to move the family and its property. Walbridge headed the detail to move the man and his property and bought a cow from the man.

GLC04662.018

1862/11/27

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

Thanksgiving. He writes that he did not have turkey because his cook did not see the need to make it.

GLC04662.019

1862/12/15

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

Captured a large number of prisoners and livestock. Discusses an expedition to Wood's Cross Roads and the regiments reception by the townsfolk, who were all secessionist. Received his commission as senior 1st lieutenant.

GLC04662.020

1862/12/19

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

Regiment has received orders to be ready to march by the next morning. He worries about whether or not they will return to this camp. The enclosure wishes his mother a merry Christmas and indicates that he sent money.

GLC04662.021

1862/12/27

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

Regiment is being transferred, possibly to North Carolina. Christmas Day was dull. Christmas eve was full of excitement as rebels fired on a picket line, causing the entire union line to prepare for attack. The only casualty was a hog.

GLC04662.022

1863/1/8

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

Appointed acting brigade quartermaster. Was glad to hear everyone had a happy Christmas.

GLC04662.023

1863/1/19

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

Discusses the staff of Col. Davis who is Walbridge's brigade commander. Walbridge is brigade quartermaster.

GLC04662.024

1863/1/26

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

Short letter sent with some artillery shells [not included].

GLC04662.025

1863/1/18

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

He is glad to hear from the family. He is living well but meals cost 50 cents shipboard. Discusses the failed attempt of a black servant to make apple dumplings. Written from U.S. Steamer Catawba, Beaufort Harbor.

GLC04662.026

1863/2/11-13

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

Continued on February 13. Worries that their current expedition will turn out to be as bad as Banks' expedition. The men are shooting crocodiles and gathering oranges.

GLC04662.027

1863/2/14

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

He has received eight letters in the mail. He advises his mother on managing their rental property, writes about friends and family members back home and remarks that their current expedition has come to a stand still.

GLC04662.028

1863/3/12

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

The expedition cannot progress until the navy is ready. Col. Davis is acting a division commander. Davis may hold that position permanently since General Heckman was never confirmed by the senate.

GLC04662.029

1863/3/13

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

General Heckman has returned. Walbridge inquires about taxes and the sale of some property. He has been notified that if he wishes to be Captain of Company H he must leave brigade command and return to his company.

GLC04662.030

1863/4/1

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

He resigned from his duties as Quartermaster in order to rejoin his regiment. He is sending home photographs [not included].

GLC04662.031

1863/4/14

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

Continue on 4/15 & 4/16 written from Folly Island. An account of the capture of Folly Island, the bombardment of Charleston, and the failure of union troops to take the city. Also, Walbridge sees an armed, black confederate soldier. It has been eight months since the regiment has been paid.

GLC04662.032

1863/4/30

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

Continued 5/1. A lengthy description of the camp. Discusses real estate values, gardening, asks about family members and hopes for a renewed attack on Charleston. Section dated 5/1 says that the regiment will move about 5 miles down river.

GLC04662.033

1863/5/11

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

Promoted to Captain. Describes the condition of his clothing and a young man who is clerk to the regimental Quartermaster. Hopes to get a furlough soon.

GLC04662.034

1863/5/15

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

Continued 5/16. Since the men have nothing else to do, they spend their time beautifying the camp (widening the streets, flower gardens, etc.). Walbridge describes the improvements they have made and his plans to put a filter in the well. The section dated 5/16 says the rebels floated a message across the river. The message told of Hooker's defeat.

GLC04662.035

1863/6/6

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

Discusses food available for officers. A reconnaissance party brings back word that the Confederates are short of food.

GLC04662.036

1863/6/11

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

Acknowledges receipt of a package containing clothes, dinnerware, dried fruits, wine, cakes and other delicacies. He is now the district Quartermaster. He asks how his sister Sarah's baby is doing.

GLC04662.037

1863/6/26

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

Waiting to hear information about Lee's raid into Pennsylvania. Discusses his new duties and mentions that a sergeant has resigned.

GLC04662.038

1863/6/30

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

The men who were supposed to go home on furlough got no further than Hilton Head. He writes that he has been very busy supervising the loading and unloading vessels.

GLC04662.039

1863/7/14

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

Briefly describes the charge on Fort Wagner which he mistakenly says was led by the 7th Connecticut. The 100th Regiment dug trenches and erected a battery which captured a rebel battery. [Walbridge gives a correct and compelling description of the attack on Fort Wagner in GLC 4663.022.]

GLC04662.040