31 May 1865

Elmore, Bruce, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Libbie Elmore

The latest news is that Kirby Smith surrendered the whole force in Texas, which means he could be home in a month or two. Many men are being transferred to their home state or taking furloughs.

GLC06588.216

3 June 1865

Elmore, Bruce, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Libbie Elmore

He is still trying to when exactly he'll be mustered out. He lists the promotions in the regiment. With regard to Gen. Sherman, he has nothing but respect and believes his actions were justifiable.

GLC06588.217

6 June 1865

Elmore, Bruce, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Libbie Elmore

They have not been paid. He is anxious to get home to do the haying this year but knows it will be impossible. He says she must do the best she can without him.

GLC06588.218

11 June 1865

Elmore, Bruce, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Libbie Elmore

Bruce writes that he is a little unwell. He looks forward to seeing his children and talks about when he may get discharged again. He tells her if she can sell the farm for a 1000, to just let it go and not to lose the sale again.

GLC06588.221

18 June 1865

Elmore, Bruce, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Libbie Elmore

He advises her on what to plant and asks after her pigs, calves and sheep. They say if you pay 6 dollars you can take your gun home with you. He mentions the copperheads.

GLC06588.223

21 October 1862

Elmore, Bruce, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Libbie Elmore

They are currently stationed as a reserve force. There is a rumor they could move closer to Washington. He describes the current area as "desolate." Written at Upton Hill

GLC06588.238

20 November 1862

Elmore, Bruce, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Libbie Elmore

Rumor has it they will eeither be going to Fredricksburg or Washington next. Nine of their regiment are currently in the hospital.

GLC06588.251

9 May 1865

Elmore, Bruce, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Libbie Elmore

After nine days of marching they are within 7 or 8 miles of Richmond. Willard is corporal of train guard. As always, he hopes to be home soon. Written near Falling Creek, Virginia.

GLC06588.211

20 May 1865

Elmore, Bruce, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Libbie Elmore

Rations have been scarce and they have been marching for days. he has never wanted to go home more. Was written near Alexandria, Virginia.

GLC06588.212

26 June 1865

Elmore, Bruce, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Libbie Elmore

He read that some other regiments were mustered out. He still thinks that it may be some time before he can come home and doesn't think he has much chance of getting a furlough. The favorable time for selling the farm has passed, he feels.They got eight months worth of pay. Was written near Alexandria, Virginia

GLC06588.224

7 July 1865

Elmore, Bruce, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Libbie Elmore

He asks her to send some berries in the mail. The weather is very hot.

GLC06588.227

4 July 1865

Elmore, Bruce, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Libbie Elmore

He writes that the other soldiers are getting drunk for Independence Day. He wishes he could have spent the day with her. "Freedom is no longer a doubtful trial, but a certainty..." he says referring to the recent victory. He wishes she could hire help on the farm but thinks she is doing well. Was written near Alexandria, Virginia

GLC06588.228

12 July 1865

Elmore, Bruce, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Libbie Elmore

They were finally mustered out but there was a problem with the paperwork so they have to wait for someone to go to D.C. and fix the situation but he will be coming home soon. Was written near Alexandria, Virginia.

GLC06588.229

16 July 1865

Elmore, Bruce, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Libbie Elmore

Since the officers have so much to do, they can't get mustered out until next Thursday and then they have to wait for transportation. It could take another three weeks for them to get discharged and paid out. Was written near Alexandria, Virginia.

GLC06588.230

25 July 1865

Elmore, Bruce, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Libbie Elmore

They were officially mustered out and taken to New York. At the Astor House they saw General Hooker and gave him three cheers. Bruce does not like most of the officials however because they seem only to care for themselves and not the soldiers.

GLC06588.231

12 September 1861

Elmore, Bruce, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Libbie Elmore

No year. He gives instructions for how he wants his boots made. He wants them made with calveskin and double-soled. He tells her to do what she wants with the pig.

GLC06588.233

1 October 1862

Elmore, Bruce, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Libbie Elmore

They have been given marching orders and there are no mor furloughs to be granted. He says she should come and see him before he leaves but do not bring the children.

GLC06588.234

12 October 1862

Elmore, Bruce, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Libbie Elmore

He describes his journey so far. There was marching in the rain and staying in a hotel where he only got bread and cheese for dinner. Theyw ere ordered not to buy anything to eat or drink, but he got a mince pie anyway.

GLC06588.235

circa 1861-1864

Elmore, Bruce, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Libbie Elmore

He writes that there has been considerable skirmishing. He asks her to write soon and tell all the particulars of her days.

GLC06588.236

17 October 1862

Elmore, Bruce, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Libbie Elmore

They are now in Virginia. Their tents are not completely organized yet. They are now on one of Burnside's boats. They passed through Baltimore and Virginia.

GLC06588.237

25 October 1862

Elmore, Bruce, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Libbie Elmore

They have spent most of their time on picket duty but there has been very little drilling. Willard is not very well. Written at Upton Hill

GLC06588.239

1 November 1862

Elmore, Bruce, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Libbie Elmore

He describes Piquet or Grand Guard duty to Libbie. He is sorry to hear about her toothache and Sarah's sickness. He says officer French is not as disagreeable as he once was ever since he was superseded by Lt. Col. Boughton. Written at Upton Hill

GLC06588.242

2 November 1862

Elmore, Bruce, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Libbie Elmore

He says all the boys enjoy piquet duty. He describes the food they've had lately. A woman passed by inquiring about Pennsylvania cavalry but she appeared to have some kind of hidden agenda. They took her to headquarters as a prisoner. She wore a belt and pistol.

GLC06588.243

6 November 1862

Elmore, Bruce, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Libbie Elmore

Lt. Clark is doing better but French is no officer at all. There was talk of them going to Texas but all that has blown over. He talks about the pros and cons of selling the pork.

GLC06588.244

9 November 1862

Elmore, Bruce, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Libbie Elmore

They have been camping in the snow. He describes how they built their own fireplace in the ground.

GLC06588.246