Summer 2025 PD for K–12 teachers: Registration is now open!
Or
to Father
3 July 1864
Scarborough, William H., fl. 1862-1865
They had regimental inspection. There is considerable excitement in reenlisting for some as they are offering 1100 dollars to veterans.
GLC02173.33
to Parents
17 July 1864
The 13th Army corps has been broken up and consolidated into one division, the 19th Army corps. A lot of reorganization has been taking place.
GLC02173.34
23 September 1864
A bullet struck the tent of the comission sergeant and hit the bed, but he happened to be absent when this happened. He talks about Abraham Lincoln and how if the president were a democrat, the Rebels would call it a righteous war.
GLC02173.37
January 13, 1865
He compares his childhood to the present circumstances. The days are rainy and downcast. There have been a couple cases of small pox in the regiment and it may spread.
GLC02173.40
9 June 1865
Everyone is in good spirits because they'll be heading home.
GLC02173.43
1865
Pages missing. He has not heard from Mollie nor Phil since they got married. They are now in the 1st brigade, 13th army corps. No new cases of small pox have been discovered.
GLC02173.44
18 July 1861
Porter, Charles B., fl. 1861-1863
He talks of how they made the journey from Detroit to Washington and were then presented to the President and General Scott. Some men were detailed to go on picket duty. At some point shots were exhanged and 5 or 6 Rebels were killed.
GLC02172.06
to Brother Henry
23 November 1861
The first place they visited in Mt. Vernon was Washington's tomb. Then they saw the gardens and the orchard.Next they went to the house. There were many things in the house including pistol holster and a large piano. Written in Camp Lyon.
GLC02172.30
to Brother H. (Henry)
7 May 1863
They are about a hundred miles from Lousiville now. He says he has been very lucky the last few years. They have lost very few men to sickness and they have been lucky on the battlefield. He was disappointed to learn that a colonel of theirs was...
GLC02172.68
4 October 1863
Porter, Charles F., fl. 1861-1865
He went to a mass meeting out in Carthage. He saw several distinguished speakers including a poet. At the hospital, they are expecting a lot of wounded from Nashville.
GLC02172.74
25 October 1863
He had a good visit with his father. There are some very sick people at the hospital and this keeps him busy. He hopes his brother will escape the draft.
GLC02172.75
to Catherine (KItty)
circa 1861-1865
Morse, Justus, fl. 1861-1864
He knows she wants him to come home but it is hard for a well person to get a furlough. he thanks her for the lock of hair she sent. He has a book called 1001 Home Amusements filled with puzzles and stories.
GLC02170.66
to Heather
23 May 1861
He likes being a soldier and describes his routine, starting with roll call. He will get his picture taken soon and send it along.
GLC02172.02
26 July 1861
There was an awful battle at Bull's Run He criticizes General Tyler who changed General Scott's orders, thereby ruining their position. Another General was drunk and their Colonel refused to obey the drunk General's orders. The next day General Tyler...
GLC02172.07
14 August 1861
He heard from father and his uncle asked him to write. He discusses picket guard.
GLC02172.09
18 August 1861
They lost their blankets at Bull Run but expect to have new ones in a few days and a full suit of clothes. He warns him not to enlist again and says he would rather his brother stay at home and look after their parents.
GLC02172.11
9 October 1861
They had an inspection the other day, A tough day of fighting followed. They are told to "come out in style."The papers say thier focres are doing great in Missouri. Written in Camp Lyon.
GLC02172.24
15 October 1861
During the battle of Bull Run, their company stayed back in a town called Centreville. They went out on picket again and ended up five miles away. They are unable to advance any further for now. Written at Camp Poe
GLC02172.25
6 November 1861
Tomorrow morning the regiment marches toward Tahrick Church. Many think the South will sue for peace in about six weeks' time. Written in Camp Lyon
GLC02172.27
to Friend Henry
February 7, 1862
Spencer, Edgar, fl. 1860
Last week on picket duty, they shot twelve rebels and took a couple prisoners.
GLC02172.39
February 23, 1862
There is much excitement over Fort Donaldson [Fort Donelson] and Burnsides' Expedition. They should make a forward movement soon. He likes the picture Henry sent.
GLC02172.40
He talks of money matters. He will send Henry 40 dollars and he may sell his cattle.
GLC02172.44
16 May 1862
A lot of the boys are sick in the hospitals They haven't been able to get any newspapers for a while. He sees boats pull up to Cumberland's Landing. Written at McClellan's Camp at Cumberland's Landing.
GLC02172.47
9 June 1862
They are camped near Richmond now and are awaiting reinforcements. The papers report the previous fight was particularly tough. He needs paper and postage stamps.
GLC02172.49
23 June 1862
It is getting dusty in the swamp. Water is scarce. They are getting closer to picket time. The Rebels are not far away. The Michigan troops had a fight in front of Hooker's division. When the pay master comes around, he will send some money.
GLC02172.50
March 28, 1863
He is sending 50 dollars and wants his brother to tell him when he receives it.
GLC02172.64
Adams Express form
For the 50 dollars he sent his brother.
GLC02172.66
20 September 1863
He has been detailed as a nurse and does not know when he get out to see his brother. He knows his brother wants to marry but he tells him to look before he leaps.
GLC02172.72
2 July 1865
He and Theodore have been breaking up prairie. They are thing about taking a house up north. He asks for his brother's opinion.
GLC02172.86
January 28, 1863
He was sick for the last two weeks but is now feeling quite well.
GLC02173.02
18 July 1863
The hospital was broken up and the regiment is headed toward Jackson, MS. He would like very much to help with the harvest but the prospect looks rather bleak.
GLC02173.10
1 August 1863
It is reported that they are going to New Orleans next. One of his fellow soldiers accidentally drowned himself the other day when he went down to the river to swim.
GLC02173.13
21 September 1863
He is ill. His head hurts and he has fever and chills, all of which he thinks is the result of a severe cold. He mentions the easiness of the drills which only have to be done 2 hours a day. Was written near New Orleans, Louisiana.
GLC02173.18
February 13, 1864
The duty is heavy and the rations are short lately so the boys grumble. SOmetimes the soldiers go foraging for food like chickens
GLC02173.24
to Sister Maria
2 April 1864
He tells her how they came across a sugar mill with plenty of sugar and molasses. He does not expect to see her until his term of service expires. There will be another move.
GLC02173.27
21 August 1864
He is writing during dinner and finding it difficult to write because everyone around him is talking. He is in a camp now that the Rebels frequently shell. He thinks they will go to Mobile next.
GLC02173.35
8 September 1864
The heat is causing him to break out, but otherwise he is very healthy. He thought they would remain where they are but they received orders to be ready to embark at any moment. They got on a boat back to New Orleans, but it was stalled for four...
GLC02173.36
5 December 1864
He doesn't think they will leave where they are for some time. Most of the boys are healthy but Robert Stillery has been quite sick. John has not written to him for a long time.
GLC02173.38
3 January 1865
A boat named May Duke was nabbed by Gen. McGinus while trading with the Rebels He thinks they will remain in their prsent quarters throughout the winter, The paymaster has not been around for 8 months.
GLC02173.39
to ones at home
1 April 1865
Mobile is visible from where they are now. There have been three wounded men but no losses. he got their letters.
GLC02173.41
to father
He saw his cousin George who transferred to a Marin Brigade. Geroge surprised him and they ended up talking all night.
GLC02173.45
to Unknown
If his brothers are drafted, he advises them to go to the army of the Cumberland or Tennessee as they will have an easier time there. He does not want them in the same regiment that he is in because he will be unable to help them.
GLC02173.47
Certificate of authentificity
March 15, 1904
Murphy, M.M., fl. 1904
Document stating that the attached paper stating the death of William H. Scarborough is a true copy.
GLC02173.49
16 November 1861
There was a report about a small fight in Western Virginia in the morning paper. He has been catching colds lately and has an awful one right now. But he can take it for he is as 'tough as a bull." Written in Camp Lyon
GLC02172.28
14 April 1863
He is now heading cattle. He talks about the land and how much each cow costs.
GLC02172.43
Tomorrow--A Dialogue with Myself
1861-1877
Kyle, J.C., fl. 1860
Sermon published by American tract society. The author says one should put off repenting until tomorrow.
GLC02172.88
to Col. Maggis and Col. Morse
1861
Hawkes, George P., fl. 1861
3 notes. One addressed to Col. Maggis requesting that Stone and others return on the 2 o' clock train. The other addressed to Col. Morse instructing him to have Corporal Stone return at 2pm. The last appears to be the top part of a letter. Only the...
GLC02182.02
to "Dearly Beloved"
Stone, E. Wyman, fl. 1861-1865
He describes his recent activities. He and Mrs. Wheeler went to a lecture the other night. He and Mr. Bryant worked in the village one day and then had dinner with Mrs. Cook. He mentions other mutual friends and acquaintances.
GLC02182.03
to Berdille
21 July 1861
He has gained experience in setting guard. He describes the process. He tells the story of a soldier that was found drunk in the guard house and was promptly taken to jail. He decribes the colorful Methodist preacher.Written in Camp Lincoln
GLC02182.07
12 September 1861
He saw some planters load tobacco the other other night and he describes the scene at great length.
GLC02182.17
17 September 1861
He describes his new quarters which sound rather luxurious. There is even a bath house which he plans to to take advantage of.
GLC02182.18
to dearest wife
22 September 1861
He is glad she has little Abby and she is taking her to meeting. He goes over all the various people he has heard that are sick and wishes them well.He writes that there is much sickness among the soldiers as well. Sadly many are wounded not in...
GLC02182.20
[Document granting Wyman Stone a furlough]
4 August 1861
Stone, E. Wyman, fl. 1861-1864
Furlough document includes illustrated envelope of a woman sewing beneath the flag and newspaper clipping relating to the interment of Mrs. Winthrop E. Stone, wife of a former Purdue president.
GLC02182.01
to Dear Brother
31 August 1858
He talks about his upcoming wedding and various people he's invited. He asks several favors of his brother.
GLC02182.04
to dearly beloved
30 August 1861
They received orders to move. They were to replace a Pennsylvania regiment. Their duty is to watch the railroad. If they are ordered to move again, he will give her all the details. Written in Camp Lincoln
GLC02182.15
4 September 1861
He refers to a Charley that died and he hopes the disease does not spread to his compsny.. He is sorry a Mr. Young could not find work in Templeton. He describes how they stand guard and what they might encounter. Was written near Annapolis Junction...
GLC02182.16
18 September 1861
Recently the officers sent out troops to search for contraband goods. At one point they discovered two men missing. One of them came in after they fired a gun, the agreed upon signal. The other showed up around ten covered in mud and briar.
GLC02182.19
5 October 1861
He tells a story of how they poked fun at the Colonel who has an ornery horse. The horse would not go, so he started spatting her with the flat of his sword. At some point he broke off four inches of his sword and they have a good laugh every time he...
GLC02182.23
6 March 1862
It looks like they will have one pitched battle in N. Carolina. The brigades will march in different directions. All sorts of rumers are flying about such as the Rebels declared peace and whatnot. He mentions little Abby and what songs she should...
GLC02182.25
1 April 1862
He lays in bed all day and night and this aggravates him. He says the Rebels do not take suck good care of their wounded and left one man with his leg cut off alone to die.
GLC02182.30
4 April 1862
A letter of introduction for Mrs. Stone.
GLC02182.31
5 April 1862
He describes the unbearable pain in his foot. If the inflammation does not go down they will have to amputate.
GLC02182.33
28 April 1862
He has his good days and his bad days. He mentions the food which he is getting sick of. Once his leg heals, he can head North.
GLC02182.35
5 April 1865
He describes an event in which he and others were housed in the La Farce House There were several speakers including Mr Charming, Mr. Eliot and Dr. Bellows..
GLC02182.36
He won't be able to escort the recipient home and lets him know not to expect him. He says there was a terrific shower last night and his flowers finally grew.
GLC02182.05
Reads: "Charles Nicholson-Company L 5th Regt. Penn. Heavy Artillery Washington City D.C."
GLC02171.10
3 November 1863
They had to stay in the barracks for a while and were not allowed to do much. However through the help of some friends they managed to get out every night. Theyw ere treated as straglers or deserters. He is sorry to hear his brother is drafted.
GLC02172.76
to Catherine (Kitty)
They say a lot of men in the Southern army are disillusioned. He expects there will be another fight soon since he saw six boats going down the river. His health is good.
GLC02170.64
Two Brothers Fallen
Hawkeye, fl. 1862
A tribute to Captain Asbel Fairchild Duncan and Fidelio Hughes Duncan, both of whom died in Winchester after getting wounded in battle.
GLC02171.09
Teaching Certification
3 May 1860
Treadwill, A. B., fl. 1860
This is to certify that Charles B Porter his examination and is able to give instruction for two years in Newton, Michigan.
GLC02172.01
28 August 1861
A lot of commotion. General McClelland came by three times and there have been messengers going back and forth. He is on guard today.
GLC02172.13
to Children
14 September 1861
Porter, William L., fl. 1860-1865
Henry talks of enlisting and like Charles he is trying to talk him out of it.
GLC02172.17
1 October 1861
One of the men almost drowned and they were up half the night. Then they had to a trek of about ten miles. They captured three prisoners. Written in Camp Arlington
GLC02172.22
December 1, 1861
The regiment is camped in support of a battery about half a mile from Frederich. Their pickets are on one side and the Rebels are on the other. He writes that if his brother had told him before he enlisted taht he could endure such hardship he would...
GLC02172.31
January 14, 1862
The rebels have blockaded the Potomac down below her about 45 miles. They fired 21 shots. Once again he tells Henry not to enlist and to stay at home. Last night the pickets were firing.
GLC02172.35
January 30, 1862
He thanks him father for the package. It contained everything he most needed.He goes over the money he has sent so far and what should happen if doesn't make it home.
GLC02172.37
They left camp about a week ago and are now near Newport News. They have better sleeping quarters than ever before. A mutual friend is in the hospital.
GLC02172.41
30 August 1862
He is feeling better. He thanks his brother for the money and tells him to tell his father he is feeling better.
GLC02172.54
8 September 1862
He will soon rejoin the regiments. He has not received the box of things his brother sent yet. He plans to get a pass so he can explore the city of York.
GLC02172.55
9 November 1862
He is back with the regiment and they are camping within sight of the Blue Mountains. There is more than enough food at present. He hasn't yet written to his father because he doesn't have any ink and he knows his father can't see pencil marks.
GLC02172.57
13 April 1863
Everyone is excited about the fighting at Charleston. He mentions Joe Hooker.
GLC02172.67
to Loid Porter
15 April 1864
They found all of this cattle. They counted the cattle.
GLC02172.79
The Ten Commandments
Published by American tract society. Exodus 20 : 3--17.
GLC02172.89
20 July 1863
He is doing extremely well. His finger is almost healed and he will be alble to join his command. He heard that John Farr died though he does not know the cause. He would like very much to go home but the chance is slim.
GLC02173.11
to Brother Jeff
3 September 1863
He is healthy and enjoying himself as usual. He expects to go on another hard campaign in the direction of Mobile. He mentions the grand review by Gen. Banks and says they'll also be reviewed by Gen. Grant.Was written near New Orleans, Louisiana
GLC02173.17
23 December 1863
He is now in Texas. He briefly descibes the sea journey which brought him there. The water they drink is quite brackish. But the boys seem to be good health nonetheless. Written along Matagorda Bay in Texas.
GLC02173.21
4 June 1864
He talks of how the newspaper falsely reported the details of a battle. Gen. Moulton was killed during the battle. This morning the news is good: Gen. Grant is confident of capturing Richmond. He says the Rebels have brought everything on themselves.
GLC02173.29
25 May 1865
He calls the Confederate cause "desperate." He refers to his country as a "a precious jewel." As he writes a loud explosion is heard.
GLC02173.42
He briefly describes Kentucky, noting the crops and the scenery.
GLC02173.46
29 September 1861
He describes inspection. After exploring the city he calls a a "one-horse town." He visited the state house where Gen. Washington signed his commission.
GLC02182.22
to Dearly Beloved
In Fitchburg they marched about and then took the cars again. They got to Lincoln Square where they marched around until it was time to set up camp. The tents arrived late. He asks for his beloved to send him some dish cloths. They got their rations.
GLC02182.06
to dear wife
10 August 1861
He found a friend's shawl safe in the officers' tent. Many soldiers were sworn in to service. One boy tried to get a discharge because he never expected to go and only joined because the other boys taunted him. Written in Camp Lincoln
GLC02182.11
19 August 1861
Serens became violently ill while on guard. They thought it was cholera but in the morning he was feeling just fine. In other news, The Captain was questioned about the non-comissioned officers. Letter includes a short poem that begins: "Juliana...
GLC02182.12
He apologizes for not having come up to see him. Too many people were on furlough and he couldn't get away. But in 2 weeks, he plans to stay with him anyway, Written in Camp Lincoln
GLC02182.13
26 September 1861
He describes the service and the biblical text that was read. He also describes a man named Cutting wo spent more money that anyone else. His days are filled with drilling and picket duty
GLC02182.21
March 29, 1862
They still haven't managed to find the bullet. The not too badly wounded have already been sent home and he feels bad about this.
GLC02182.29
to Lt. Col. Clark
Lincoln, A.J., fl. 1862
A letter of introduction for Mrs. Stone who will be coming to take care of her husband.
GLC02182.32
20 April 1862
They decided to amputate his foot and it is healing well. It may be a few more weeks before he is allowed to return home.
GLC02182.34
Many men have bowel complaints. He took off one day to have his picture taken and he will send a copy along. He hopes to go to Medford to see Abby soon. Fred Sanderson arrived and is now enlisted in his company. Written in Camp Lincoln
GLC02182.08
There was no military duty that day nd there are too many people in his tent. Sleeping is very uncomfortable. It has been boring lately. Je wishes he could see henry Paige. Written in Camp Lincoln
GLC02182.10
Showing results 401 - 500