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to Libbie Elmore

He received berries and tobacco from her for which he is very grateful. They should get some new clothes soon. Lt. Brown went foraging with a party of men the other day and was attacked by the Rebels.

GLC06588.192

to Libbie Elmore

He is glad she is selling hay for an extra profit but warns her not to work too hard.

GLC06588.193

to Libbie Elmore

The good news is that Richmond has fallen. The Rebels said that Sherman must be stopped as the Confederacy has gone up but Lee cannot help them anymore.

GLC06588.194

to Bruce Elmore

She sympathizes with her husbands' struggle without much clothing. She mentions Tom, Jim and Dick. She discusses their problems.

GLC06588.195

to Bruce Elmore

She is happy that Lee has surrendered. She mentions friends that died in the war and is glad he is coming home. She hopes he can be home by the 4th of July.

GLC06588.196

to Libbie Elmore

From Goldsboro, they marched for four days where they had a skirmish with the Rebel cavalry.They don't know what Gen. Johnston intends to do next Written near Raleigh, North Carolina

GLC06588.197

to Libbie Elmore

General Johnston finally agreed to surrender to General Sherman. Willard and Dekay are both doing well. Written near Raleigh, North Carolina

GLC06588.198

to Unknown

She expects her husband will present her with an album upon his return. SHe prefers to leave the sale of the farm until he returns.

GLC06588.199

to Libbie Elmore

General Sherman has made an agreement with General Johnston and he he expects soon to send the army home. He mentions Lincoln's assassination.Willard is not doing too well. He tell her to make sure there are plenty of potatoes when he comes home...

GLC06588.200

to Libbie Elmore

He advises her to sell the farm for 1100 dollars. Bac side has order to guards and patrols.

GLC06588.201

to Bruce Elmore

She hoped to see the funeral sermon of the president at her local church but it was postponed. She mentions the activities of Tom and Dick,

GLC06588.202

to Bruce Elmore

The author says there is nothing here from him but a letter to his father. Also that the honored Sherman has lost his glory...

GLC06588.203

to Father

He describes his daily routine to his father. They must be ready to start out each day with the ambulances. He mentions the crops that are growing in the area such as corn and wheat. Was written near Acworth, Georgia.

GLC06588.204

to Bruce Elmore

She heard a report that Grant was shot on his way to Sherman's army but she does not believe it. Tom and Jim are mentioned. She does believe that Sherman may have been bribed by Jefferson Davis.

GLC06588.206

to Bruce Elmore

She has heard more reports concerning Sherman and his possible Benedict Arnold ways. She has read some of his letters to his father who finds it amusing that he asked for a lot of potatoes. Libbie palns to hire Wilber to some work in the farm...

GLC06588.208

to Bruce Elmore

Wilber says Bruce must get a good horse as they fetch good prices. But as for Libbie, she would be contented without a horse.

GLC06588.209

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

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

to Bruce Elmore

She mentions their friends, Jim, Dick and Hettie. Her bees feature prominently in this letter.

GLC06588.219

to Unknown

The author writes that he/she has just received the recipient's letter and he may have sent a box as well. Everyone is well.

GLC06588.220

to Bruce Elmore

Libbie talks about Lincolns death at length and what a tragedy it is. Unfortunately there are poeple that rejoice in his death. She also she will farm as he proposes.

GLC06588.222

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...

GLC06588.224

to Bruce Elmore

She is glad peace is coming and that "carnage is over." She went to a Ladies' Aid Society meeting. The weather has been rainy. Jim Reynolds has shown interest in buying the farm.

GLC06588.225

to Bruce Elmore

She and his mother and Hettie heard that his regiment could be mustered out in two weeks. She is getting ready to sow some buckwheat with the help of her father.

GLC06588.226

to Libbie Elmore

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

GLC06588.227

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...

GLC06588.228

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

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

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

My Life is Like the Summer Rose and Heavily Falls the Rain

One is a soldier's poem, the other is a metaphor for the loss of life in the war perhaps...?

GLC06588.232

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

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

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

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

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

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

to Bruce Elmore

Aunt Sarah is very ill and not expected to live. Libbie has had a toothache. She feels bad that she lives in comfort while he is exposed to danger and suffering.

GLC06588.240

to Partner

The letting is engraved with a picture with the title "Storming a Battery." He writes this is nothing but a picture, in reality it is not that bad. The men are against Col. Dewitt and in favor of Holly. During a bad storm, he and Willard took...

GLC06588.241

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

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...

GLC06588.243

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

to Bruce Elmore

She heard that a large majority of their state has gone secession. She is afraid this will prolong the war but hopefully the Republicans will end it soon. Some sheep that he and his father owned died suddenly without explanation.

GLC06588.245

to Libbie Elmore

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

GLC06588.246

to Bruce Elmore

She notes that they are often writing to each other at the same moment and thinking of each other at the same time. She describes the children and what they've been up to. She made apple cider recently.

GLC06588.247

to Libbie Elmore

He liked the penmanship example from Eddie. He recommends keeping the sheep salted to prevent them from getting poisoned. They have been having great weather.

GLC06588.248

to Bruce Elmore

She heard that he has been given marching orders to leave Upton Hill. She dreamt about him and Willard the other night. The hog is up for sale.

GLC06588.249

to Libbie Elmore

He describes the "spicy time" that occurred on picket duty the night before. A shot was fired at the next post over and the sentry fired at the culprit. They stopped the intruder after the Rebels hit one of their corporals in the foot. He assures...

GLC06588.250

to Bruce Elmore

Letter from his father and Libbie. Father writes he is glad bruce keep his courage and unwavering faith. Libbie writes that they are all well and live in comfort. He should not worry about her being too saving like the neighbors, for example.

GLC06588.252

to Libbie Elmore

They have marching orders and three days' rations. He thinks her selling the pork will probably make but little difference.

GLC06588.253

to Bruce Elmore

She talks about various animals on the farm like the oxen, the pig and the calves. She wishes she could send another care package.

GLC06588.254

to Bruce Elmore

He gives all the news about mutual friends and acquaintances. He says they have a lot of parties aroud there. Their father recently traded a steed for a mare.

GLC06588.255

to Libbie Elmore

He reports on the health of the regiment. Leroy has rheumatism really bad. Meanwhile the regiment is improving in drills.

GLC06588.256

to Libbie Elmore

Even though they've had marching orders they have not yet moved. They have been busy fortifying their tents. They even bought a little stove. They are quite comfortable.

GLC06588.257

to Libbie Elmore

He writes that he can't wait to see Libbie and writing is his only way of visiting her. He received a letter from his cousin and grandmother.

GLC06588.258

to Libbie Elmore

They occupy a very pleasant post currently and it is a soldier's dream. THeir folks are planning to send Willard something in the mail. He requests butter, mince pies and cake.

GLC06588.259

to Libbie Elmore

He acknowledges that her folks would like to have a picture of him. He will send one along when he gets his next pay.

GLC06588.260

to Libbie Elmore

They are still in Upton Hall. He believes she has done well with the pork this years. He tells a funny story of how some of the boys stole a hog and they roasted it in camp that night.

GLC06588.261

to Libbie Elmore

Tomorrow they will go on picket again. He hopes she is getting along well. It has been very cold, but the ground is not frozen yet.

GLC06588.263

to Libbie Elmore

He worries that there is a lot of sickness going around and he wants his family to stay well. Moses Schoonmaker is weak and does not drill much. The Major is one of the meanest officers around. They hear that secretary Seward resigned as well as the...

GLC06588.265

to Libbie Elmore

Charles Smith came to visit a few days ago. He thanks Libbie for letting Carrie write to him although he thinks any response from will be very eloquent. He is doing very well. Burnside is currently fighting a terrible battle.

GLC06588.266

to Libbie Elmore

They thinks Vixburgh is theirs though they have received no official news. He asks after old Kniffin and wonders if he trying to cheat Libbie every chance he can get.

GLC06588.267

to Libbie Elmore

This letter includes a very poetic description of the wounded soldier. '"The poor wounded soldier as he lays waiting for death to end his sufferings or mortal aid..."

GLC06588.268

to Bruce Elmore

David is sick with the sore throat. She saw a pedler she knows last night. She tells of an incident with the infamous Kniffin.

GLC06588.270

to Bruce Elmore

Last page is bigger. Once again she asks if Bruce can get a furlough. Eliza Ingersoll came by. Her son has the sore throat and she has a headache. Libbie sold some oats. One page of the letter appears to be written in a different hand but the author...

GLC06588.271

to Libbie Elmore

Pages missing. Bruce says he actually enjoys camp life but misses his family. Willard has been quite sick with dysentery. Reinforcement has been going by them in quite large numbers.

GLC06588.275

to Libbie Elmore

He uses very poetic language to describe how he wishes they could be together, especially for Christmas. Though he says he likes the life of a soldier. Nelson is in a hospital in Philadelphia.

GLC06588.276

to Libbie Elmore

Partial letter. He asks her to be punctual in her writing. He does not belive the war can last three years. That is impossible he says.

GLC06588.278

to Libbie Elmore

They received orders to pack their knapsacks and three days rations and march. They were going on picket when they heard there was a raid of 1500 Rebel cavalry somewhere in the vicinity. He describes their strategy. Then they were ordered to march...

GLC06588.279

to Libbie Elmore

Pages missing. He writes that someone's death was reported but this statement has been contradicted.

GLC06588.280

to Bruce Elmore

She writes of how she spent her New Year at her parents'. She only wishes he could have been there and wishes for peace on any terms. Last page is blue and square. She talks of the children and how they miss their father.

GLC06588.281

to Libbie Elmore

Willard has joined the ambulance corps. They had their first death in the regiment Wednesday night. He was buried by moonlight. Bruce read a letter of a friend's wife aloud to to him. It mentioned the snow.

GLC06588.282

to Bruce Elmore

The sore throat is still going around. She heard Beck Broman was discharged as he was taken prisoner at Fredricksburg and paroled. She tells the news of other mutual acquaintances. Libbie wonders if Bruce wears a sword or whether he has any new...

GLC06588.283

to Bruce Elmore

The weather has warmed up and the sleighing is all gone. She tells him she has been fighting with Kniffin, as usual.

GLC06588.284

to Libbie Elmore

Everyone is in good spirits because of the recent victories at Murfeesboro and other places. He got a letter from his mother telling him Sanford Starr had small pox.

GLC06588.285

to Bruce Elmore

She is sorry that Low's remarks got him in trouble. A friend of hers received something strange in the mall. A small syringe wrapped in paper. Libbie does not know what it meant but would have taken it as the grossest insult.

GLC06588.286

to Bruce Elmore

A letter from his nephew. He asks what Santa got him for Christmas and talks about his presents.

GLC06588.287

to Bruce Elmore

She has been visiting his sister and family.Later she will see his grandmother. She heard that his Col. gave orders for the officers to shoot any men that showed fear

GLC06588.288

to Libbie Elmore

He has been Segeant of the guard for the last two days. He describes the weather as rainy. He tells her not to let Kniffin impose on her. He inquires about the taxes.

GLC06588.289

to Libbie Elmore

Though it is taking longer, he feels the Rebels will soon have to yield Vicksburgh. He talks of Willard's place in the ambulance corps and wonders if he might like a place there as well.

GLC06588.290

to Libbie Elmore

He does not carry a sword, though they are available, he informs Libbie. Capt. French's wife is visiting and he is "softer than ever." The boys make fun of him. He can't wait to see her.

GLC06588.291

to Libbie Elmore

He warns her not to get the oxen shod just yet, but if one of the wagon wheels must be fixed, so be it. He asks for tobacco and gin though he has not been drinking much at all. Mose and Charley make good tent mates.

GLC06588.292

to Libbie Elmore

Willard does not have much to do in the ambulance corps yet. Bruce is currently Sergeant of the guard. He writes that the prospect of war seems rather dull and they expect it to be over by July. He warns her against Kniffin again and advises her to...

GLC06588.293

to Libbie Elmore

He believes he has the best Colonel in the whole army.

GLC06588.294

to Libbie Elmore

He and Willard went down to Fairfax where they discovered the seminary had been turned into a hospital. He describes the history of the building. Frank Hotchings came to visit him and Willard.

GLC06588.295

to Bruce Elmore

Libbie read that there is a lot of intervention from France. Mr. Kniffin has broke the sleigh. She talks about the sheep and the cows.

GLC06588.296

to Bruce Elmore

They are all well. She is preparing to send him another box, this time with pies. Palmer, himself, has said he does not trust Kniffin.

GLC06588.297

to Bruce Elmore

She heard that Capt. Derrance resigned but does not know the reason. The children miss him and ask if he's coming to dinner frequently.She thinks the separation is making them strong.

GLC06588.298

to Bruce Elmore

Partial letter. She remarks that there has been very little sleighing this winter. Kniffin has been taking bark to the store. He has been sick.She heard he has a chance for promotion.

GLC06588.299

to Libbie Elmore

He wishes her good luck with the lambs and the cows. He hopes Kniffin has drawn the bark and asks how much wood he has cut. They think the paymaster may be coming soon.

GLC06588.300

to Bruce Elmore

She asks him to send her letters home and talks of a special wine she makes.

GLC06588.301

to Libbie Elmore

He uses poetic language to describe how his love has grown exponentially since being apart from her. Lt. Clark is sick. Gorton and Dewitt have rheumatism. He tells her not to pay Kniffin too much.

GLC06588.302

to Bruce Elmore

She worries about his sharing a tent and thinks he might contract diseases. A friend's wife is going to visit her husband in camp but she does not wish to go because she doesn't think it suitable for women.

GLC06588.303

to Bruce Elmore

They have sent him various items, icluding dried fruit, pies, ham, popcorn, etc.

GLC06588.304

to Bruce Elmore

She attended a sanitary aid society meeting. She wonders how she will get the haying done this year. She talks of the possibility of hiring someone to help her.

GLC06588.305

to Libbie Elmore

They have had new drilling for several days. They also had monthly inspection and full dress parade.

GLC06588.306

to Libbie Elmore

He and Willard are well. Wallace Hill is sick and has has been sent to the hospital. He does not think much will be done along the Potomac until the weather gets better.

GLC06588.307

to Bruce Elmore

First four pages are smaller. She requests some photographs. She believes she will have good luck with the lambs snd stock this year.Nelson will get his discharge soon. She believes there will be sleighing now and mentions various friends and family.

GLC06588.308

to Bruce Elmore

Their parents have been visiting with each other. Libbie says he looks like Dick Divine, a mutual friend. She mentions an Elsie who had a still born child.

GLC06588.309

to Libbie Elmore

He is glad Kniffin is working hard to get the bark to the falls. He and Willard are enjoying good health. The weather has been very cold.

GLC06588.310

to Libbie Elmore

As usual, there is no telling when they'll be paid, but he promises to send her some money when it happens. He speculates on when he might receive a letter from her. He is afraid the hay will come up short.

GLC06588.311