9 November 1862

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

He describes his journey from the Cedar Rapids all the way down to Davenport. From the houses they stayed in to the boats they took. He likes camp life.

GLC02831.01

3 March 1863

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

Everybody wants a furlough. 4 were granted one, then three more wanted one and left without saying anything. 2 were caught before they had gone fifteen miles.

GLC02831.02

14 April 1863

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

They turned a hotel into a hospital. He has a terrible toothache and will get it pulled soon. They've caught a lot of chickens and turkeys.

GLC02831.03

7 June 1863

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

They got paid but someone stole his money right out from under his head where he slept on it. They are now camped on a prairie between the Sioux and Mississippi rivers. Written at Camp Cook

GLC02831.04

9 June 1863

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

He was happy to hear from his brother, Uriah. He gives her a breakdown of his daily routine and says he likes soldiering as long as it is in pleasant weather.Written at Camp Cook

GLC02831.05

20 July 1863

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

They got 2 months pay. They are only a couple miles from the Indian reservation. He expects to be in Toledo in six months. He needs more news about the war. They are kept in the dark and he doesn't even know if Vicksburg has surrendered.

GLC02831.06

1 August 1863

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

He sent her money but does not think she will need it now since she just got married. He applied for a furlough. They are now in the Dakota Territory.

GLC02831.07

7 August 1863

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

The weather has been lousy. He asks her to subscribe to a good illustrated paper and send it to him.

GLC02831.08

14 September 1863

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

He does not like how the officers have them attack the Indians at night since that is their best hold. It gives the Indians a chance to get away from them. They do not know how many Indians they killed since the Indians dragged off their dead. Instead, they leave their wounded in the field.

GLC02831.09

31 October 1863

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

There was a terrible storm and a lot of their stock died. One man's tent blew away and he nearly froze to death. They came upon 700 Indians but did not attack. Instead they waited for reinforcements.

GLC02831.10

22 November 1863

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

The big topic is reenlisting. He thinks he will do it because it would only be one more year for 402 dollars. He is sick of Indian territory and would rather go south.

GLC02831.11

16 December 1863

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

They are now in the capital of Dakotah Territoty. He received a letter from E.M.S who says he is expecting a battle every day. The officers are sending for their wives.

GLC02831.12

19 December 1863

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

He has no desire to go home because if he was there it would be very hard to leave again. He takes care of the captain's horse for an extra 5 dollars a month. Lately they have great food.

GLC02831.13

January 11,1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

He is well except for a bad cold. It is very cold in the house. He wonders why he does not get Leslie's Illustrated papers anymore.

GLC02831.14

January 24, 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

They moved again and are about 50 miles above Yankton. There is not much to do there. He is sending her some money.

GLC02831.15

February 12, 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

He asks Louisa ro write to him because he wishes to have more correspondents. They have to haul their own hay and water. A mutual acquaintance started home and he expects him to see his mother while he is there.

GLC02831.16

7 March 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

He is very well and getting very fat. He got all the things she sent via Judd Sanborn. He talks about the money they're allowed for clothing.

GLC02831.18

10 March 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

He is getting very tall. He has also been growing homesick. There was a snowstorm.

GLC02831.19

10 March 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

He thinks his mother should keep N. at school because it's better for him to have a good education than to work. A furlough is completely out of the question right now.

GLC02831.20

18 March 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

They've been told they'll get 20 dollars a month now. But he is not sure if he believes it. The officers will get a pay cut so there is not such a big discrepancy between the privates' pay and the officers' pay.

GLC02831.21

25 March 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

He is hearty and healthy so soldiering agrees with him. He will reenlist for 3 more years so that he can draw his bounty.

GLC02831.22

27 March 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

It looks like they are headed south this spring. There was a bad winter storm after they had some of the nicest weather for the past month or so.

GLC02831.23

1 April 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

He notes she must be lonely now that Jane has left. He sends out so many letters that he is completely out of stamps. The papers have been coming regularly.

GLC02831.24

3 April 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

He has been enjoying the papers he receives. He is trying to grow a mustache and beard. He plans to send her a gold pen for which the holder is broken.

GLC02831.25

24 April 1864

Alden, William H., 1844-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

The weather is wonderful. He complains about his old horse and says he is a poor boy. He imagines he will make his fortune one day.

GLC02831.26