1862-1863

Edwards, Oliver, 1835-1904

Header Record

Title: Collection of letters from Oliver Edwards, field and staff, 37th regiment, Massachusetts infantry, to his mother, Eunice Lombard Edwards [Decimalized .01-.15]

All letters are to his mother in Springfield, Massachusetts. Edwards discusses military topics, including concern for ill troops forced to sleep in a cold barn (GLC02163.03). He also comments on abolition, and apathy in the North (GLC02163.06). Furthermore, Edward's letters reveal his profound concern for the well-being of his family (Edwards was one of ten siblings born between the years of 1822 and 1839).

GLC02163

circa 1897

Edwards, Oliver, 1835-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Russel Alger

Draft copy, no place or date. Edwards, Brevet Major General U. S. Volunteers, writes to Alger as Secretary of War. He discusses a medal wrongly awarded by the War Department to a private for the capture of General Custis Lee at the Battle of Sailor's [i.e. Saylor's] Creek, Virginia, April 6, 1865. He claims that David White of the 37th Massachusetts Volunteers actually should have received the medal instead of the private in the 121st New York Volunteers. He explains the battle and the circumstances of the capture. Date inferred from Alger's tenure as Secretary of War (1897-1898).

GLC00998

February 27, 1862

Edwards, Oliver, 1835-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eunice Lombard Edwards

Edwards, senior aide-de-camp on the staff of General Darius N. Couch, writes to his mother, from head quarters, Couch's brigade. Remarks that he will take the train to Washington, D.C., on 28 February. Does not know his precise destination, but predicts that he will be ordered to one of three locations: Kentucky, or to reinforce General Ambrose Burnside or Nathaniel Prentiss Banks. Mentions several acquaintances, who he was able to spend time with the previous day, despite being busy with issuing orders and packing. Remarks, "I steal time to write a few words but my mama must not be…

GLC02163.01

20 March 1863

Edwards, Oliver, 1835-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eunice Lombard Edwards

Replies to his mother from head quarters, 37th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Notes that since the Grand Divisions (of the Army of the Potomac) have been disbanded, mail is slower in reaching its destination. Discusses personal business and financial matters. Notes that Doctor Crehore took leave, since the sick members of the regiment are presently comfortable. Refers to other men in his regiment: Captains Lincoln and Hayden, and Lieutenants Charlie Phelps and Plunkett. Notes that William L'Hommedieu was "sent this morning to the Rif Rafs for the term of his enlistment to hard labor…

GLC02163.12

January 13, 1863

Edwards, Oliver, 1835-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eunice Lombard Edwards

Writes to his mother from head quarters, 37th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Appears to follow GLC02163.06 (also to his mother). Location inferred from content. Informs her that Lieutenant Colonel Montague (possibly George Montague) will deliver a flag given to Edwards by Mrs. Morewood. Requests that Mrs. Edwards add to the flag (in gold leaf) the names of battles in which the 37th Regiment has participated: Fredericksburg, Marye's Heights, Salem Heights, Gettysburg. Imparts further instructions regarding the flag to his mother, and inquires as to her health. Notes, "The Regts…

GLC02163.07

January 13, 1863

Edwards, Oliver, 1835-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eunice Lombard Edwards

Writes to his mother from head quarters, 37th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Appears to have been written the same day as GLC02163.06 and .07. Notes that he received a letter from his mother upon his return (from visiting his wife, Annie). His comments suggest that Annie will visit his mother (in Springfield, Massachusetts). Remarks, "Every true woman ought to treat with scorn any able bodied young man who stays at home in a safe place to make money while his Country is in peril We have for more to do than to fight for ourselves we must fight to leave the blessing of freedom to our…

GLC02163.08

January 16, 1863

Edwards, Oliver, 1835-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eunice Lombard Edwards

Writes to his mother from head quarters, 37th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Reports, "We are to cross the Rappahannock again tomorrow morning, although I am not so foolish as to allow myself to think that in the coming struggle I must die, yet well do I know that deadly as the fight must be; no man can count on coming out of it, and it is proper to make arrangements for what God alone knows may be." Imparts instructions regarding his last wishes: a ladies watch and chain should be purchased for Annie (possibly his wife), his watch and a picture of him shall be kept by his mother, his…

GLC02163.09

January 31, 1863

Edwards, Oliver, 1835-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eunice Lombard Edwards

Writes to his mother from head quarters, 37th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Thanks his mother for a box from home, which he received on his birthday. Notes that Mr. Tiffany and a judge from Chicopee, Massachusetts were present for the opening of the box. The package contained oysters, cookies, potatoes "a la Saratoga," pickles, butter, olives, ginger, bread, cherries, gloves, medical supplies, and socks. Items were sent from his family members, and other persons from their community (Springfield, Massachusetts).

GLC02163.10

13 March 1863

Edwards, Oliver, 1835-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eunice Lombard Edwards

Replies to his mother from head quarters, 37th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Relates, "If the young man you wrote of is in Hospital the surg must send for his descriptive lists, if not the surg Gen (Dale) of Boston as we have positive orders not to send them with or to the soldiers. We are busy preparing to attack the Rebs and we shall probably have the bloodiest battle on record. Yet I think I shall live to be united to my home." Notes that Annie (possibly his wife) suffers more in Warsaw, Illinois, than she would in his hometown of Springfield, Massachusetts... I will give you a…

GLC02163.11

16 November 1863

Edwards, Oliver, 1835-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eunice Lombard Edwards

Replies to his mother from head quarters, 37th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Written near Culpepper Courthouse. Received correspondence from his mother while at Kelly's Ford, Virginia. Reports that the 2nd Corps (Army of the Potomac) was engaged the previous day: "they took a Brigade of Rebel Prisoners and have possession of the Heights on the south side of the Rapidan. I do hope that it is so..." Thanks his family for making his wife Annie content in Springfield, Massachusetts. Notes that Will (his brother) may travel to Virginia for a visit within the month, and if Annie cares to…

GLC02163.13

9 December 1863

Edwards, Oliver, 1835-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eunice Lombard Edwards

Replies to his mother from head quarters, 37th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Comments on his location, noting that although he ordered his men to establish comfortable quarters, he does not think they will spend the winter there (possibly at Brandy Station). Notes that he has not received a letter from his wife, Annie, for one week. Mentions mail received from Carrie and Charlie (possibly his sisters Caroline and Charlotte Edwards). Notes that he may get a short leave before Christmas, and hopes to surprise his wife. Mentions his brother William, and other family members.

GLC02163.14

1861-1865

Edwards, Oliver, 1835-1904

Document

Title: [Wrapper that previously contained letters from Oliver Edwards to his mother, Eunice Lombard Edwards]

GLC02163.15

January 13, 1863

Edwards, Oliver, 1835-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eunice Lombard Edwards

Writes to his mother from head quarters, 37th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Location inferred from content. States, "You see I am back at last and that without seeing my mother that was too bad. I had a splendid time in Cleveland but it made me mad to see how lukewarm many people are in the good Cause so many that are ready to compromise with Traitors in Arms. I have but little patience to listen to them. and claim that the term abolitionist is the proudest name one can bear." Instructs his mother to direct his mail to Colonel Edwards, Brandy Station, via Washington. Asks that she…

GLC02163.06

14 August 1862

Edwards, Oliver, 1835-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eunice Lombard Edwards

Major Edwards, commanding the 37th Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers, informs his mother that he has assumed the command of Camp Briggs, in Pittsfield. Remarks, "I have a splendid set of men- better never were seen- but all green... The most prominent citizens of Pittsfield have petitioned to have me deposed from command and that too only to petition that I may be the Colonel or the Lieut Col there..." Desires to pay under $175 for a horse. Instructs her to tell Jack to bring his dress suit, four or five bottles of old bourbon or brandy, his [briar?]wood pipes, and some pears. Notes that…

GLC02163.02

10 December 1862

Edwards, Oliver, 1835-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eunice Lombard Edwards

Edwards writes to his mother from headquarters, 37th Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteers. His regiment will soon attempt to cross the Rappahannock River with ammunition and three days supplies. Notes that it was snowing when his regiment arrived, and one of his men froze to death after being struck over the head during a quarrel. Relates that houses in the vicinity have been taken over for officer's quarters, but that his sick men have been "perishing for want of other shelter than a cold Barn." Mentions General Charles Devens, Jr. Regarding his (Edward's) argument that his cold and dying…

GLC02163.03

27 December 1862

Edwards, Oliver, 1835-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eunice Lombard Edwards

Writes to his mother from head quarters, 37th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, in camp near White Oak Church. Comments that Colonel Russel expects a commission (possibly David Allen Russell). One of Edwards's men, Charlie [Hurd?], was recommended by Dr. Holman for a position as an assistant adjutant general. Before attacking Confederate troops recently, General Charles Devens, Jr. "...came to me and said that it was the wrong time for bad feelings to exist held out his hand and asked me to drop it, so I suppose that was the end of it" (possibly in reference to a quarrel between Edwards…

GLC02163.04

5 January 1863

Edwards, Oliver, 1835-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eunice Lombard Edwards

Writes to his mother from head quarters, 37th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Notes that he was recently on picket duty on the Rappahannock River, one hundred yards from enemy pickets: "they seemed greatly to enjoy the reading of Jeff Davises' congratulatory order on their victory of Fredericksburgh in so loud a tone that we could easily hear it... but not a gun was fired by either side." Spent New Year's day on picket duty. Declares, "The Government ought to send half this army West and McClellan with it immediately. The Army is in good spirits yet the belief is growing general that…

GLC02163.05