1861-1865

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Header Record

Title: Collection of William A. Allison [decimalized .01-.43]

Collection centers on letters from Allison to his friend Stockton Bates. Portrays the very real, non-glamorous life of a soldier. Mentions McClellan's dismissal, Fredericksburg, Hooker's appointment, Gettysburg (letters 17, 18, and 19), Pennsylvania campaign, Everett's oration at Gettysburg (27), and his parole as a prisoner of war (37, 38).

GLC03523.23

3 May 1865

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Awaits orders of transfer, most likely to Washington, although they had been told that they would be discharged. Written from Camp Parole.

GLC03523.23.39

18 June 1865

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Continues to wait for word on discharge, though Pennsylvania troops must wait until the Eastern troops are discharged. They must then meet at Pittsburgh for final payment. Four soldiers were punished for "cowardice" in front of the brigade. Comments on his opinion of phrenology. While the regiment has not had a chaplain, a Christian sermon was preached through the Christian Commission.

GLC03523.23.42

1 September 1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

They have received already 230 conscripts, most of them seemingly content. Describes what people are doing there in the evening: singing, reminiscing, visiting with unintelligent local people, and enjoying local vegetables.

GLC03523.23.22

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

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

2 April 1861

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mon ami

Comments on a recently received photograph and his friend's new maturity from a schoolboy to a businessman, with philosophical underpinnings. Reports their company drilling schedule, with particular attention to the word "skirmish" and its definition.

GLC03523.23.01

28 April 1862

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

He writes while squatting on the ground with his portfolio on his knees. Describes the soldier's life with the bulk of time spent in marching: "marching is what breaks the men down so much; they hate it worse than they do fighting." He prefers picket duty. He describes the battleground of Sharpsburg and the march to Williamsport. "The Mined balls, shells, and grape and canister make a fellow feel a little shaky." He also describes food.

GLC03523.23.02

27 October 1862

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Describes the scene as "a cold, rainy Sunday in a crowded, leaky tent, three more letters to write, and no dinner in prospective except 'beans.'" Mentions constant marching with little rest. As it is getting cold, "the boys draw around the fire, where we have some gay time, telling yarns, arguing, &c." Fellow soldiers call him "Pud" or "Clothes" for his large shape. "With us, the war seems but little advanced toward the end."

GLC03523.23.03