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to Mary Magie

Headquarters 78th Regt. Ill. Vol. Misdated 1862, discusses Morgan's raid at New Haven, see GLC05241.02. Recounts more of his adventures as a spy dressed in rebel uniform. Mentions his capture of a Confederate named Floyd Price. Asks for a copy of the...

GLC05241.03

to Mary Magie

Writes from Headquarters of the 78th Regt, Illinois Volunteers. Notes that he has not received a letter from her in two weeks. Informs her about friends who were killed or wounded in recent fighting. Yesterday, January 7th, was his 37th birthday and...

GLC05241.04

to Mary Magie

He is in Louisville on regimental business. He received a letter which indicated that Eddie, their son, was gravely ill. He wants to know what was wrong with him. Another son, Charles has begun to swear. Magie advises Mary to tell Charles that if...

GLC05241.05

to Mary Magie

Writes from Headquarters of the 78th Regiment, Illinois Volunteers. He asks her to write at least once a week. They have received marching orders, but heavy rains made the river rise and they may not be able to move. He spent last night playing a...

GLC05241.06

to Mary Magie

The regiment has moved to Louisville. He and a few other officers have taken possession of a building to use as their quarters. The contraband cook is practicing his spelling. He received a letter detailing Eddy's illness. He wants his son...

GLC05241.07

to Mary Magie

Written on board the steamer J. H. Groesbeck. Between fourteen and eighteen steamboats are loaded with troops and ready to move out, but no one is sure where they are going. He has been paid and will send the money home by express. He gives her...

GLC05241.08

to Mary Magie

Written on board the steamer J. H. Groesbeck. Notes the regiment is bound for Fort Donelson. Says he has comfortable quarters in a cabin with some other officers but the enlisted men are very crowded. Mentions that his colonel is under arrest for...

GLC05241.09

to Mary Magie

Written on board the steamer John H. Groesbeck, anchored near Dover, Kentucky. Discusses the attack by Confederate Generals Forrest and Wheeler on Fort Donelson. Describes the Confederate dead and wounded soldiers and sends home a lock of Colonel...

GLC05241.10

to Mary Magie

Written three miles from Nashville on the Franklin Pike. Writes that the regiment is on its way to Franklin. Describes the vast destruction of local property: "There are the ruins of several magnificent places between here and Nashville. The...

GLC05241.11

to Mary Magie

Reports that he was appointed Brigade Postmaster. His new position will allow him to make $30 to $50 a month by selling writing paper, envelopes and newspapers. The colonel is still under arrest. A strange order requires the regiment to get up at...

GLC05241.12

to Mary Magie

Written from camp near Franklin. Date inferred from content. Labeled "No 1." Writes that he travels to Nashville every other day to retrieve the mail. He buys newspapers for 5 cents each and sells them for 10 cents.

GLC05241.13

to Mary Magie

"No. 2." He has been promoted to Division Postmaster. Recounts three incidents which occurred while traveling between Nashville and Franklin. First, he tells of finding a group of men in Butternut whom he thought to be Confederates. He thought...

GLC05241.14

to Mary Magie

"No. 3." Writes of the basic itinerary he follows on his trips Nashville. Besides picking up the mail, he buys newspapers and for a fee runs errands for other soldiers. Laments the destruction of fences and houses for firewood.

GLC05241.15

to Mary Magie

"No 4." He makes a great deal of money by selling newspapers and running errands, and if he can hold his position he hopes to send his wife $1,000 by the end of the war. Asks that she not tell anyone how much he sends her because the soldiers do not...

GLC05241.16

to Mary Magie

Sends his wife $10 and asks her to allow the bearer of the letter, Mr. Freeman, to stay at the house for one night. Notes that he believes there will be a battle soon but does not expect to be involved. A pencil sketch of a grave marker and verse...

GLC05241.17

to Mary Magie

He wants to loan out $50 with interest. Mentions a battle at Franklin [4-5 March 1863] including the fact that their general was arrested afterward for a blunder.

GLC05241.18

to Mary Magie

He sent his wife $50 and suggests that she loan it out with interest. He discusses the battle of Franklin and his profits. He wishes Charles Horton would leave Terre Haute and live with Mary at Macomb, or come to Nashville.

GLC05241.19

to Sister Mary

Describes a journey from Macomb to Terre Haute. Horton bought a house and lot near their father's garden. Also requests a verse of "I Want to Be a Soldier" for their girls.

GLC05241.20

to Mary Magie

Sickness has forced him to give up a portion of his business. Expects a big battle. Includes a list of questions asked by Mary, and James' response to the questions. Some questions posed by Mary are: why did Mr. Freeman come home, can they get a...

GLC05241.21

to Mary Magie

Sent her another $50 to lend out with interest. A government mail carrier has replaced him. The regiment will send home their winter gear soon. He hopes to send her money for her personal use. He speculates about paying off the "Randolph claim"...

GLC05241.22

to Mary Magie

He hopes to make enough money in the army to pay off his debt with Randolph. Most people think the war will be over before the end of the summer. He urges Charley to return to the army before he gets in trouble. His newspaper business has been...

GLC05241.23

to Mary Magie

Explains to Mary why her letter will not be forwarded from Philadelphia. Says that he lost track of his numbering and will restart with #1. Mentions that his position as postmaster means that he has no obligations in the Army. He does not have to...

GLC05241.24

to Mary Magie

"No 2." Encourages Charley to return to the army, because after the first of April all deserters will be shot or will suffer severe punishment. Gives instructions so that Charley will reach the camp without getting in trouble. Describes skirmishing...

GLC05241.25

to Mary Magie

"No 3." Written from camp near Franklin. Lieutenant McCandles sent in his resignation. Confederates cut off federal communication for a week and captured a train. One of the postmasters was taken prisoner on the way back from Nashville and the...

GLC05241.26

to Mary Magie

"No 4." Written from camp near Franklin. Discusses his business selling newspapers and his wish to be free from debt. If he is unable to go east this year, he will be entitled to two tickets next year. When he gets home he wants to do something...

GLC05241.27