8 July 1864

Clapp, George, fl. 1839-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Parents

"I am once more with the regiment on duty." Is no longer with the provost guard. What remained of the 7th, 10th, and 37th regiments were consolidated into one regiment in the 3rd brigade, 1st division of the corps. "I felt some ashamed" of being so far from danger while in the provost guard. Expects they will go on the move in a day or so.

GLC09355.077

8 July 1864

Clapp, George, fl. 1839-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to brother

Received a letter from him and a letter from Mother yesterday. July 4th was a pretty quiet day, "hardly a gun fired all day." No July 4th could surpass that of last year when Vicksburg fell. Is back with the company he first came out with. General Wright is his new commander, but "we don't have half the confidence in him we did in the one we lost." Weather is very warm and it has not rained in a long time. Went to see Eddy Wright right before his corps crossed the James River. Was on guard all night last night near regiment headquarters. Must try and answer his mother's letter too. Wishes he…

GLC09355.078

9 July 1864

Clapp, George, fl. 1839-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

Just finished writing a letter to Charlie and will now write to her. Glad to hear her July 4th was so pleasant. One year ago on the 4th his corps was celebrating the victory at Gettysburg. Does not know where he will be for the next July 4th, but hopes he will be in Massachusetts. Does not have much news to write of. Does not know if she has gotten news that he is back with his original company. Came back from guard duty with 22 others.

GLC09355.079

26 July 1863

Clapp, George, fl. 1839-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to parents

Resting at camp. It is the first day in a week that they have not been marching or fighting, which is "quite a relief." Now knows how his mother felt when she worked so hard around the house. Has marched almost non-stop since June 5th, covering "400 miles in that time" with stretches of "60 or 70 hours at a time without sleep." Marches often start at 4:00 AM without any warning or breakfast. Sometimes managed to buy food along the road. Often did not get to sleep until 2:00 AM. Eustis, his brigade's commander, said "if his brigade were sent in front and were brought into action [at Gettysburg…

GLC09355.012

May 1863-April 1865

Clapp, George, fl. 1839-1892

Header Record

Title: [Collection of George C. Clapp] [word processed inventory available] [Decimalized .001- .124]

This collection is a series of letters and other items from Private George C. Clapp. Private Clapp was born in Northampton, Massachusetts. He was mustered into G Company of the 37th Massachusetts Infantry on July 15, 1862 when he was a 23-year-old bookbinder. The regiment then journeyed to Washington D.C. and became part of the Army of the Potomac. As part of the Army of the Potomac, Clapp saw battle at Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and Spotsylvania. On September 19, 1864, Clapp was severely wounded in the shoulder in Winchester, Virginia. He was officially discharged for his wounds on April…

GLC09355

February 7, 1864

Clapp, George, fl. 1839-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Parents

Received their letter the night before last, but did not get a letter from mother as usual. Understands that this is likely due to her straining her eyes too much. Wishes her eyes were better, "but I suppose there is no use in wishing for that." Was ordered on Saturday to pack up and prepare to march to the front the next day at daylight, which caused a great stir around camp. During the winter, one cannot possibly carry all they own, so a lot of decisions have to be made about what to throw away and what to keep. "We generally throw away more than… we save." Ate breakfast the next day, but…

GLC09355.045

February 19, 1865

Clapp, George, fl. 1839-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Parents

Does not have anything to write, but it is a good way to pass the time. Is only barely able to use a pen. Hopes that "by the 1st of May… I shall be able to do something besides living in a Hospital." Hates life here. The Surgeon General and Governor are both to be here on the 22nd of the month. Does not know what to do with the blue pants. Grant has made an arrangement for a prisoner exchange. "We can look for Sid now." Thinks Charley Graves sold his place for a good price. Written at Dale General Hospital .

GLC09355.115