1861-1865

Wolcott, Laurens W., fl. 1861-1865

Header Record

Title: [Collection of Laurens W. Wolcott] [Decimalized .01- .38]

Wolcott served as Lieutenant in the 52nd Illinois Infantry, D Company. He served with General Sherman on his march to the sea & in the Battle of Atlanta. The collection includes a General Order with battle map on verso, a coat of arms, an appointment order and war-time and post-war photographs (including a formal portrait). Collection includes 33 letters, 4 photographs and 2 miscellaneous items.

GLC00653.11

May 29, 1865

Wolcott, Laurens W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

The letter discusses that there was a grand review of the two armies Tuesday and Wednesday and they did exceptionally well. There are too many rumors going around about their possible retention or discharge.

GLC00653.11.03

June 9, 1865

Wolcott, Laurens W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

He is on his way way home. He describes the journey so far. They are lucky the government aren't trying to keep them in service after the war, as they could have done. If they did, they would be breaking their trust. Letter written near Louisville, Kentucky.

GLC00653.11.01

June 11, 1865

Wolcott, Laurens W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

He continues to talk of the possibility of having to remain in service. He reiterates that he is tired of the service. Includes general orders No. 146, dated September 30, 1862 which says "no officer will hereafter be relieved of his command and sent to report in this city without the authority of the War department." Battle map of Port Richardson drawn on the back.

GLC00653.11.02

January 31, 1865

Wolcott, Laurens W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

The night before they left Savannah there was a fire, caused by incendiaries. Along the road between there and Savannah he describes it as the poorest he's seen. He hopes his father received the watch and money he sent.

GLC00653.11.04

January 23, 1865

Wolcott, Laurens W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

The letter discusses that the third and fourth division of their corps broke up camp and crossed the river to Hutchinson Island. Bad times ensued for the third division. 300 mules were drowned and the wagons overflowed.

GLC00653.11.05

January 10, 1865

Wolcott, Laurens W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

He requests several items. He notes that there is construction going on around him.

GLC00653.11.06

December 14, 1864

Wolcott, Laurens W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

Even though Savannah is still in the hands of the Rebels, they recently gained a landing place for supplies and he think it will only be a matter of time. He gives a summary of the march from Rome. 21 miles outside of Savannah, they got into a skirmish in which several men were killed and wounded. Letter written near Savannah, Georgia.

GLC00653.11.07

November 5, 1864

Wolcott, Laurens W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

He notes the arrival of the paymaster. He is critical of the fact that they are dependent upon a railroad in the hands of the Rebels.

GLC00653.11.08

October 2, 1864

Wolcott, Laurens W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister Ellen

He describes the town of Rome as an interesting place. The town is mainly filled with the sick and wounded now. Apparently General Sherman told General Corse to "make his men comfortable if it took every house in Rome."

GLC00653.11.09

September 11, 1864

Wolcott, Laurens W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister Mary

They camped near Jonesboro and then they went up to Eastpoint. They are now camped inside rebel fortifications. During this time, they had been without shelter but for a single rubber blanket. He tells a story of how Sherman manages to fool Hood. The letter is written near Eastpoint, Georgia.

GLC00653.11.10

September 4, 1864

Wolcott, Laurens W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

Atlanta is now in their possession. He describes the operation. Letter was written near Lovejoy, Georgia.

GLC00653.11.11

August 1, 1864

Wolcott, Laurens W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

They are now in reserve but are constantly getting shot at. General Dodge got struck in the head by a musket. A deserter came in the other day giving them information about Hood.

GLC00653.11.12

August 14, 1864

Wolcott, Laurens W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister Mary

He reports all the fun they had for the past 9 days. They've had picnics and seen fireworks for the Fourth of July. But now they are back at work building an advanced entrenchment.

GLC00653.11.13

August 8, 1864

Wolcott, Laurens W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

Last Thursday they managed to push back the rebel skirmishers but after two hours they were forced back to their original position. He heard that Clearland has Typhoid fever and he will visit him. They expect to get paid soon.

GLC00653.11.14

June 15, 1864

Wolcott, Laurens W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

The Rebels are well fortified from the base to the summit of the mountain and they have been skirmishing all the time. Hooker advanced. Written at Big Shanty Camp.

GLC00653.11.15

July 12, 1864

Wolcott, Laurens W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister Mary

The fourth division suffered in the skirmishes. The rebels ended up retreating again. They picked up some prisoners but were unable to make an advance. Around the 9th, they camped near Marietta.

GLC00653.11.16

July 31, 1864

Wolcott, Laurens W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister Mary

They were able to gain all the ground desired from the recent skirmishes. Even though they have used their artillery on the present camp they have not done much damage. Their accommodations are a little better now. Letter was written near Atlanta, Georgia.

GLC00653.11.17

June 7, 1864

Wolcott, Laurens W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister Ellen

They have been on the march through Dalton and Resaca. Fighting took place left and center. They skirmished until Kingston and then marched to Dallas.

GLC00653.11.18

May 30, 1864

Wolcott, Laurens W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Father

He has been sick lately and even had to be taken away in an ambulance. He is feeling better however. They had a battle recently in which 10,000 volunteers came to help them. Yesterday there was heavy skirmishing.

GLC00653.11.19

February 17, 1863

Wolcott, Laurens W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

He just returned from a three day march. They marched through the dark and the rain and encountered fallen logs. He requests butter and dried apples. Pages missing.

GLC00653.11.20

May 3, 1863

Wolcott, Laurens W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

In the letter, Laurens W. Wolcott describes how they got across Bear River to meet the enemy where they immediately began fighting. The enemy rescued some of their prisoners. The next day they marched back and camped near a mountain.

GLC00653.11.21

March 7, 1864

Wolcott, Laurens W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

Letter is completely faded.

GLC00653.11.22

September 16, 1862

Wolcott, Laurens W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mother

In the letter, Laurens W. Wolcott talks about the new clothes he has purchased and received from the army. He bought new shirts and received a new blanket.

GLC00653.11.23

August 24, 1862

Wolcott, Laurens W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sister

In the letter, Laurens W. Wolcott talks about mutual friends and acquaintances. He is glad Robert did not enlist because he would not have liked a soldier's life all. He also notes that the chaplain returned. Letter written in Camp Montgomery.

GLC00653.11.24