1861-1865

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Header Record

Title: [Collection of John D. O'Connell, 14th regiment, US army, infantry] [Decimalized .01- .58.03]

Letters cover 1861-63, and are primarily written to Mary H. Perkins. Collection includes 57 letters, 4 color printed cards, and 1 color print portrait.

GLC02830

1865-1866

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Header Record

Title: [Civil War diaries of John D. O'Connell]

Three autograph manuscript diaries, two of which are signed. The first volume, covering 1865, is approximately 86 pages, totally written in ink; also features additional printed pages with calendars, stamp rates, and other information. Signed "O'Connell" at top of title page. The other two volumes cover January-June 1866 and July-December 1866 respectively. The January-June volume consists of approximately 85 pages and is largely written in ink; the July-December volume is partially written in pencil and partially in ink, and is approximately 98 pages. The January-June volume is signed "…

GLC02830.58

18 May 1862

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to My Dear Mary

They are near the white house where George Washington courted his wife. He talks of how the beautiful countryside has been ravaged by war.

GLC02830.41

4 September 1862

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to My Dear Colonel

They lost the last battle and he got three wounds. All were flesh wounds. He wished the war would end so he could get married. He is currently in the hospital. Written in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C.

GLC02830.47

16 September 1862

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to My Dear Mary

He fills her in on the recent battle at Bull's Run and his three wounds. Letter includes 2 pictures. One shows a couple of biblical scenes: Water from the Rock and The Golden Calf and the other shows a boy and a girl in bed with with a dog and cat.

GLC02830.48

12 September 1862

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to My Dear Mary

Third page ripped. He is still recovering from his wounds but will be ready for battle soon. He blames her for their not being able to meet yet since she delayed his suggestion. Includes picture of young woman with flowers in her hair.

GLC02830.49

21 September 1862

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to My Dear Mary

Her leave of absence was too short to visit her. He mentions the recent death of his mother. When he was in Philadelphia, he ran into a relation of hers. Tomorrow he will rejoin his regiment.

GLC02830.50

29 April 1862

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to My Dear Mary

A Dr. Powers is mentioned. Jeff Banarsky is also mentioned as someone he does not like or admire. Written near Yorktown, Virginia

GLC02830.39

2 May 1862

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to My Dear Mary

He encloses a note, not included here, to be given to his mother in the event he killed. Written near Yorktown, Virginia

GLC02830.40

24 May 1862

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to My Dear Mary

He says they never know the movements and are never told where they are marching until they get there. He thinks they will move tonight. The weather is warm.

GLC02830.42

16 June 1862

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to My Dear Mary

There was a big battle going on at Fair Oaks but they did not have the opportunity to participate. The summer is warm, warmer than any place he has been before.

GLC02830.43

4 July 1862

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to My Dear Mary

They have been in 2 battles since he last wrote. They fought gallantly but suffered a lot. Was written near Jamestown, Virginia.

GLC02830.44

29 July 1862

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to My Dear Mary

He is sending her some valuable papers to look after until he returns. If anything happens, she should give them to his mother.

GLC02830.45

9 August 1862

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to My Dear Mary

He is sending her a package to look after until he asks for it. If anything happens, she should give it to his mother.

GLC02830.46

19 October 1862

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to My Dear Mary

They carry no reporters with them, and thus there is nothing about them in the papers. He heard a good sermon in church. He sent her some music.

GLC02830.51

15 November 1862

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to My Dear Mary

He received a letter from his sister consoling him over the loss of his younger brother who was killed in battle. The removal of Gen. McClellan has caused some excitement. He finally got the locket from her.

GLC02830.52

26 November 1862

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to My Dear Mary

He wishes he could see her play the harp or the piano. He wishes he could spend Christmas with her. Many of his juniors have been promoted but he remains a captain. Written near Fredericksburg, Virginia.

GLC02830.53

7 December 1862

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to My Dear Mary

He wrote to her mother telling her how much he has enjoyed spending time in their home. He fears there is no chance for promotion. It seems Miss R does not dislike him anymore.

GLC02830.54

17 December 1862

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to My Dear Mary

He just fought in the battle of Fredricksburg but came out well. Her cousin David Hancock joined the regiment just before the battle. He heard her brother has joiend the navy. Written near Fredericksburg, Virginia.

GLC02830.55

28 December 1862

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to My Dear Mary

He is trying to get a leave of absence to see her but feels his chances are very slim. He wants to know what people are saying about Fredricksburg because he thinks they fought nobly.

GLC02830.56

January 17, 1863

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to My Dear Mary

Tomorrow they leave for a destination unknown. He applied for a leave of absence. Includes a picture showing the profile of a woman in a yellow dress.

GLC02830.57

1865

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Diary

Title: 1865 Diary of John O'Connell

Begins in Fort Trumbull. Records the weather and daily army business. He visits Elmira in February and then goes to Hart Island where he is in charge of a prison camp. Goes to Springfield, MA in April, followed by Dover, DE.Went to Richmond, VA in May followed by Wilmington, DE in July. Goes back to Hart Island in August. Leaves for California in November. In the back there are random drawings of ancient Japanese figures.

GLC02830.58.01

January 1866 - June 1866

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Diary

Title: 1866 (Jan.- June) Diary of John O'Connell

Most entries in Fort Yuma. There is a photocopy of a description about Yuma inserted inside the front cover. Describes the weather and landscape. Mentions fellow officers. On April 4th, one of the officers was killed by the Apaches. Back features letter to the captain in which McElhone is recognized for his gallantry in the battle of Gains Mills, VA. He recommends a promotion.

GLC02830.58.02

July 1866 - December 1866

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Diary

Title: 1866 (July - Dec.) Diary of John O'Connell

Begins in Fort Yuma. Describes weather and what he and officers do in their leisure hours such as play cribbage. Goes to San Francisco in September. Then boards the Steamer Constitution. Lands in New York in October and goes to Brooklyn. Talks about mother and Johnny. Does some accounting in the back.

GLC02830.58.03

21 July 1861

O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Mary

He has great respect and admiration for her. Now that admiration has doubled and he considers her one of his best friends. Includes separate note asking her to go with him to the Marshalls.

GLC02830.01