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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 He says officer French is not as disagreeable as he once was ever since he was superseded by Lt.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 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

to Mother

Letter is completely faded.

GLC00653.11.22

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

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

to Father

Laurens W Wolcott writes that the 42nd regiment passed by and he got to see people he hadn't seen in a while. One of four gunboats was captured in battle. Afterwards more than half the company was sick but they are feeling better now. The weather has...

GLC00653.11.25

to Sister

Yesterday there was skirmishing among the pickets. They also received strict orders not to cross the lines of their division except on business. The weather has been pleasant.

GLC00653.11.26

to Sister

Laurens W. Wolcott is writing from the hospital where he has been ill with fever. Now, however, he is doing much better but will stay a little longer before resuming hard duty.

GLC00653.11.27

to Mother

Laurens W. Wolcott writes that they got on a steamer bound for St. Louis where he met a friend who entrusted a package with him. Letter written at Benton Barracks (also know as Camp Benton).

GLC00653.11.28

to Sister

Laurens W. Wolcott writes that on Thursday night they were taken out of their tents to go to Stewartsville. They were expected to have a major skirmish there, but nothing happened. Letter written at Benton Barracks (also know as Camp Benton).

GLC00653.11.29

to Brother

Laurens W. Wolcott writes that there are some people who say they have defective arms, but he thinks their weapons are very well-made. He says they have been living on 2 meals per days and he has enjoyed good health. He writes that they marched at...

GLC00653.11.30

to Mother

Laurens W. Wolcott writes that he wants his father to send him newspapers like the Independent. He mentions that the weather has been pleasant, and that more troops keep arriving.

GLC00653.11.31

to Sister

Laurens W. Wolcott writes that the weather has been warm and apples are growing. Lately, he has been learning how to cook. He writes that they are camped in a pleasant place. Letter written in Camp Montgomery.

GLC00653.11.32

to Father

Laurens W. Wolcott writes that there is less sickness than at any other time among the company. General "Oglesbee" visited the hospital, and Doctor Humphrey was appointed assistant surgeon. Wolcott's mother urged him to get a discharge, but he is not...

GLC00653.11.33

Shiloh National Park

Photograph of Shiloh National Park. Inscription on the back reads: "View showing superintendant's lodge and park of Shiloh cemetary. Also 200 cannon hereafter to be placed on Shiloh National Park, May 13th, 1897." Lt. Laurens Wolcott is standing at...

GLC00653.11.34

Calling Card for Laurens Wolcott

GLC00653.11.35

Photograph of Lt. Laurens Wolcott

Inscription on back reads: "Lt. Laurens W. Wolcott. 52nd Ills. Vol. Inf." Published by Tompkins' N.Y. Gallery, 34 Canal St., Grand Rapids, Michigan.

GLC00653.11.36

Wolcott Coat of Arms

In Latin it reads: "Nullius Addictus Jurare In Verba Magistri," ["(being) not obliged to swear allegiance to a master."]

GLC00653.11.37

[Laurens Wolcott]

Photo bust of Lt. Laurens W. Wolcott.

GLC00653.11.38

to Maryann and Rebecca June McFadden

There was a skirmish, during which they took six prisoners. He chatted with one of the prisoners who was confident they would win depsite the odds.

GLC02169.01

to Sister

He hopes there will be a couple of new regiments coming to reinforce them.

GLC02169.02

to Sisters

The Sandy river has raised, so all the boats and cavalry and artillery is going to start up the river. He mentions a John. He talks about some of the other boys, including Harrison, the cook.

GLC02169.03

to Sisters

He is now in Tennesee. Picket duty is heavy but he can tolerate it. He talks about the health status of mnay friends and acquaintances. He can't believe it's been 21 months since he went away.

GLC02169.04

to Sisters

Right now they drill for an hour and a half each day. They do a skirmish drill and a battalion drill. He describes each to his sisters. He was sorry to hear that his mother was sick. Gen. Rosy and Gen. Garfield stopped by.

GLC02169.05

to Daniel Kestor

A notice of the death of a friend.who died on the battlefield.

GLC02169.06

to Sisters

No year. He wishes he could have seen Uncle Lions when he came to visit. He hopes to get a furlough. A fellow soldier, Sam Vandevort, asked if he could draw his picture.

GLC02169.07

to Sisters

No year. John is sick. He speculates on where they will go and how they will be transported after they are given marching orders. They might be put on a boat or a passenger car, but most likely they will be put in a Hog car and be "crowded in like...

GLC02169.08

to Sisters

Harrison has the yellow jaundice. He tells his sisters not to listen to stories about how hard a soldier's life is. It is not that bad. For the moment, he has everything he needs.

GLC02169.09

to Sisters

He tells them they should respect their brother who is fighting for their country and be good girls and mind their parents. There is talk of them leaving their present quarters and going to Kentucky or Tennessee.

GLC02169.10

to Allie

He learned by letter that his father has become an invalid. He talks of the various troubles associated with their father's illness. He tells Allie not undervalue letter writing, particularly when she is so gifted.

GLC02171.01

to Respected Friend

He wanted to see his friend, who is unwell, but was prevented by numerous obstacles. He talks about how the North will prevail and the South will go down. Includes 2 newpaper clippings with poetry entitled "A Prayer for Jeff Davis" and "The Flag of...

GLC02171.02

to Alice

He has seen Cousin Ellie, Aunt Jane and Mary and tells ALice she would have an even better time if she were there too. He mentions his brother's wife.

GLC02171.03

to Alice

He was sick but is now feeling much better. He is glad that her father, who is an inavalid, is hoping to move to Morgan Town, It will be good for his health. He instructs her to only buy things she needs as most items are still piced very high.

GLC02171.04

to Alice

He mentions other cousins like James and Mary. later he laments the death of president Lincoln. He refers to a Louis Wilson who chose to fight on the other side,

GLC02171.05

to Alice

He commends her on putting her father above herself so that she can take care of him. He was not surprised to hear of cousin Richardson's death because she knew her son was a prisoner in the South for over eleven months. He believes people in power...

GLC02171.06

to Allie

She has not been very well lately with neuralgia in his head and face. Her daughters continue their studies. She has not heard from cousin Caroline.

GLC02171.07

to Unknown

The author of the note says the recipient should think of taking care of her father as a satisafction instead of a duty. The author also wishes to visit at one point but doesn't know when it will happen.

GLC02171.08

to Bruce Elmore

Last page is on different paper. She had a friend over who is a democrat. He thinks Bruce may be fighting "only for the nigger," and that "slavery must be saved and perpetuated to save the country." Kniffin is drawing three loads a day now.

GLC06588.317

to Libbie Elmore

They left Upton's Hill and began to march. They have since camped in two different places and are now near Alexandria. Was written near Alexandria, Virginia.

GLC06588.318

to Bruce Elmore

She says if he wants her she will come visit and not to send her all his money. She goes over some of their bills. Some of the lambs are not doing well. As always, she prays that he is well.

GLC06588.319

to Bruce Elmore

They have company tonight. Unfortunately, she keeps running into democrats who make offensive comments.

GLC06588.320

to Bruce Elmore

She got in a terrible fight with Kniffin who told her to act like a decent woman. He thought she told someone that he owed too much and was not to be trusted when she actually tried to convince the man he only owed 3 or 4 dollars.

GLC06588.321

to Bruce Elmore

A letter from his brother. He talks about shelling corn and school which he feels has done him a great deal of good.

GLC06588.322

to Bruce Elmore

A partial letter. It is not clear who she is talking about but it appears to be Kniffin. He wants to leave and frankly she doesn't care. She wishes she could get a girl to stay for board and clothes.

GLC06588.323

to Bruce Elmore

She doesn't believe there is much danger of Kniffin leaving right away because he has talked about his tasks such as putting shoes on the oxen and so forth.

GLC06588.324

to Libbie Elmore

He sent her a soldier's memorial with a picture and names of all the officers and men of their company.He has gotten over his cold and Willard is well. Was written near Alexandria, Virginia.

GLC06588.325

to Libbie Elmore

There is a rumor that they will be leaving soon. Though he has visited Alexandria and found it one of the "least inviting" places he has been. He doesn't think the slavery stance is a strong one and it will soon diminish. He instructs her on how to...

GLC06588.326

to Bruce Elmore

The calves and oxen have had their best hay. She discusses how much clover seed she will need. Kniffin's parents still act like they're leaving but have not actually done anything and she doesn't think they will. Was written near Alexandria, Virginia

GLC06588.327

to Bruce Elmore

She thanks him for the beautiful picture. Wilber has gone to Newburgh and her father went to the sheldrake to see the horse race.

GLC06588.328

to Libbie Elmore

He is sympathethic to her troubles with Kniffin and advises her on how to hire and divide up the workload in the future.Was written near Alexandria, Virginia.

GLC06588.329

to Bruce Elmore

They had a bad winter storm. Kniffin has calmed down and is doing everything he is supposed to. Father sold the oxen. She mentions the photograph he sent again.

GLC06588.330

to Bruce Elmore

She advises him to be careful of his health and is glad he got his tent fixed up. She has faith in the Union. Ways to reduce their debts is further discussed.

GLC06588.331

to Libbie Elmore

Last sheet is small piece of paper. Her letters give him such pleasrue. If Kniffin wants to stay, he says she might as well let him, but be careful.Their Colonel is sitting president for a court martial

GLC06588.332

to Bruce Elmore

She requests more photographs.Wilber returned from Newburgh and brought Martha with him. She wishes he could have dinner with them. THe price of sheep is going up.

GLC06588.333

to Bruce Elmore

Last page is small. She hopes the examination board has ended Captain French's rule. She and Kniffin have discussed buying a plow. He missed a party the other night.

GLC06588.334

to Libbie Elmore

He remembers a first child that died. He maintains his faith that the rebellion will soon be crushed. Then he talks about their debts for the rest of the letter. Written near Fort Worth, Virginia.

GLC06588.335

to Libbie Elmore

He says she is right not to keep money in the house. He doesn't think she will be able to pay debts "out of her butter."

GLC06588.336

to Bruce Elmore

She went to the Falls with Mother and Father where they had the list of all her trades. They promptly wrote her a check and called her a smart woman. Later she had a visit from Leroy's family.

GLC06588.337

to Bruce Elmore

Kniffin took the oxen last night and went visiting a friend of theirs. Her lambs are doing fine. She feeds her sheep a special diet of oats and corn.

GLC06588.338

to Bruce Elmore

She asks if Wallace Hill has got out of the hospital and refers to Capt. French's resignation. He may get a promotion now. She wishes he could get a furlough.

GLC06588.339

to R.H. Jackson

"Mailed letter this morning addressed same as within."

GLC07705.516

to Estelle Spero

"Baptism of fire" letter. First air raid encounter with Japanese bombers. Year on letter is 1943 but content indicates it was written in 1944.

GLC09120.560

[to unknown]

GLC09354.04

Diary of Eseck G. Wilber

Entries are pretty regular from March 1863 to July of that same year. He mainly records the daily weather. but does mention being a prisoner and some of activities there.

GLC00653.15.01

Photograph of unidentified boy

Boy is dressed in a suit and standing next to a table.

GLC00653.15.02

Photograph of unidentified woman

Woman is sitting down and wearing an everyday dress.

GLC00653.15.03

Photograph of unidentified girl

Girl is standing next to a table.

GLC00653.15.04

Photograph of unidentified man

Man is sitting down and wearing a suit. He has a beard.

GLC00653.15.05

Official Presidential Pardon for P.B Jones

Andrew Johnson grants P.B Jones a full pardon for any offenses committed.

GLC01444.01

[Certificate of authentificity for pardon]

GLC01444.02

Certificate of authenticity of pardon

Copy of GLC01444.02, however this version includes signed oath of P.B. Jones to uphold the constitution from now on.

GLC01444.04

to Unknown

Reads: "Charles Nicholson-Company L 5th Regt. Penn. Heavy Artillery Washington City D.C."

GLC02171.10

to Berdille

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 William H. Seward

Letter of acceptance for pardon.

GLC01444.03

to P.B. Jones

Letter advising him to accept amnesty and take the oath (see GLC01444.04).

GLC01444.05

Two Brothers Fallen

A tribute to Captain Asbel Fairchild Duncan and Fidelio Hughes Duncan, both of whom died in Winchester after getting wounded in battle.

GLC02171.09

[Photo of unidentified woman in black dress]

Carte de visite of a woman. Inscription on the enclosure suggests it may be Alice Oliphant.

GLC02171.11

[Photo of Mrs. Alice M. Oliphant]

GLC02171.12

to Father and Mother

They've been marching for four days. John Larr is currently in the hospital. He, himself has a cold and has been exempt from duty for two days. He requests a pair of boots be made for him.

GLC02173.01

to Parents

He was sick for the last two weeks but is now feeling quite well.

GLC02173.02

to Father and Mother

He has received any mail from his parents in two months but he has received mail from others. There have been a few cases of small pox. They do not know how long they'll remain in the present area.

GLC02173.03

to Father and Mother

Daniel Wright paid them a visit recently. William sent lots of mail with him. One soldier in the company died recently, leaving behind a wife and children.

GLC02173.04

to Father

They just got paid for four months. They received orders to leave that morning from the river.He is feeling good.

GLC02173.05

to Father

It is his birthday and he is 24. He would love to be at home but he understands how necessary it is for him to be here. He expects a battle soon and he hopes a speedy peace to follow.

GLC02173.06

to Parents

He was sorry to hear of the mare's death. They have since left Perkins' Plantation. It was a hard march. They are in the midst of a battle and can hear Rebels' shells overhead.

GLC02173.07

to Parents

Many people are sick with fever and chills.

GLC02173.08

to Parents

He is writing from the hospital where there are over 200 patients. He has heard the hospital may be moved. He mentions Rebel Johnson and how he doesn't think they can catch him after the fall of Vicksburg.

GLC02173.09

to Father

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

to Father

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 Father

He mentions a Capt. Leonard, whom he thinks every one will like because he is a very sociable gentleman. In Mississippi, the regiment has won most battles

GLC02173.12

to Father

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

to Father

He writes he is enjoying himself and has received the handkerchief.

GLC02173.14

to Parents

He is healthy and happy because he received a lot of mail recently. Their sharp shooters are within gun shot of Fort Morgan.

GLC02173.15

to Father

Yesterday they had a grand review in which General Banks reviewed them, He talks about how the life of a soldier is actually pretty nice.

GLC02173.16

to Brother Jeff

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

to Parents

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

to Father, Mother, Brother, Sister

They took the railroad to Brashies City. They will have about 200 miles to march. He requests socks.

GLC02173.19