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to Father

He writes that he really likes this life and would like it even more if he were fighting...reminds him to call on John's sister.

GLC07705.020

to Father

Written onboard a steamer. He describes Fort Hattera where they met two schooners on their way to Philadelphia. They have captured five vessels since the boys have been there. He describes the island as the one that Robinson Crusoe lived on. The...

GLC07705.021

to Father

They are in possession of Fort Clark. He describes it as dreary and desolate, just like Coney Island. There are no inhabitants for five miles except mosquitos, but well populated five or six miles from the mainland. got a pass and explored. The...

GLC07705.022

to Father

He saw an English vessel and a ship from Cuba called the Neptune's Car headed for Philadelphia. He is enclosing this letter in a box of shells. Written at Fort Clark.

GLC07705.023

to Father

One of their boats, the Fanny, was captured and the crew was taken unaware near Roanoke Island. Written at Fort Clark.

GLC07705.024

to Father

The post master came and delivered his salary up to Sept. 1. later he tells the dramatic story of how they rescued the Indiana men from the boat, the Fanny. Written at Fort Clark.

GLC07705.025

to Father

There is a change in command. They are losing Gen. Wool who will no doubt be missed by all. This will change their whole schedule which he lists for his father starting at 5 am. He writes that he caught a deserter and earned extra money.

GLC07705.026

to Father

He left their last camp because it was an unhealthy place and a lot of the boys were getting sick. He would like to go to Virginia or N. Carolina next.

GLC07705.027

to Father

He writes he will be forwarding most of his pay and provides a list of things he wants his father to send him from home. There is fighting amonst the officials over who is appointed where and by whom. One of the Captains resigned and said he would...

GLC07705.028

Democracy in America

GLC08880.080

to Parents

GLC07687.062

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Good condition of the hogs at home. Speculates that the price of pork will depend largely on the actions of the Army. Expresses frustration at the Army's general lack of progress and frequent change of ccommand.

GLC07687.111

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Reports general news from home ("Aunt Emma is no better...."), inquires where they are likely to spend the winter, and again laments the Army's lack of action, although he commends the Navy: "Our naval expeditions are playing smart with them Sauf...

GLC07687.112

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Discusses the fine yield of c orn for th year, religious services, and the clergy. He reports more than 100,000 Union troops in Kentucky, and the anticipation of a great battle. Expresses dissappointment to find his son in "a Briggaded whose General...

GLC07687.113

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Explains that his plans to deliver clothing and blankets to Company F have been delayed until he receives another letter. Describes the participation of young people in a recent church service, and includes a list of those who have recently joined...

GLC07687.114

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Replacing the S.W.V.'s current chaplain with a Mr. Woods. Mentions that his trip has been delayed once again, and describes health of various friends and family, and refers to the activities of the "Campbellites" (a religious group). Reports rumors...

GLC07687.115

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Espresses regret at leaving his son, and reports reumor that "the troops at Romny [Romney] have to be in readyness [sic] to march at any moment that they had drawn 3 days provision, [and] also that the 2 batteries were to go"

GLC07687.116

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Details of journey home, including finding two acquaintances in a hospital near Grafton. Souls and the movements of Gen. Banks, although he expresses some doubt about the truth of the latter. Relates an incident near Cincinnati in which a soldier...

GLC07687.117

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

"My faith in our Generals grows less day by day." Vannuys is angry that his son was forced to retreat due to what he considers ineptitude and self-interest on the part of Union commanders, particularly Banks.

GLC07687.118

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Recounts the latest news of the war, including two vistories in Kentucky ("the last one at or near Somersett"). Refers to mortgages, credit, and unfavorable prices: "....prices of everything is on the decline that the farmer has to sell, and what he...

GLC07687.119

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Continued criticism of army officers for lack of action: "There is but one way to close this war in a hurry and that is let Congress reduce the pay of all officers to that of Privates, and if they resign put them in the ranks….[y]ou will hear nothing...

GLC07687.120

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

A family gathering and the testing of new lamps at church. Also mentions Gen. Lander's retreat from Romney.

GLC07687.121

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Surprise visit from Uncle Charles Campbell, who had been seeing a sick soldier at Louisville. Dick Donnell has returned home, and reports "a vast amount of sickness among out troops." Donnell had met with a "reliable Gentleman, who assured him that...

GLC07687.122

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

Report of "a great amount of sickness in [Vannuys's] division," news that Gen. Lander is once again occupying Romney, and implications of the Union victory at Fort Henry, Tenn. Vannuys hopes in the wake of McClelland's appointment as Commander of...

GLC07687.123

to Samuel Watson Van Nuys

News of Gen. Burnsides's capture of Roanoke Island and rumors of Union capture of Fort Donnelson. Describes recruiting efforts for the Mississippi Fleet, and strong sympathy for the Northern cause.

GLC07687.124