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to Libbie Elmore

They are now in Virginia. Their tents are not completely organized yet. They are now on one of Burnside's boats. They passed through Baltimore and Virginia.

GLC06588.237

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 He says officer French is not as disagreeable as he once was ever since he was superseded by Lt.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

Rumor has it they will eeither be going to Fredricksburg or Washington next. Nine of their regiment are currently in the hospital.

GLC06588.251

to Libbie Elmore

They have heard considerable fighting in the direction of Fredricksburg. Nineteen of their company are in the hospital at Washington.

GLC06588.277

to Libbie Elmore

He says all the boys enjoy piquet duty. He describes the food they've had lately. A woman passed by inquiring about Pennsylvania cavalry but she appeared to have some kind of hidden agenda. They took her to headquarters as a prisoner. She wore a belt...

GLC06588.243

to Libbie Elmore

Lt. Clark is doing better but French is no officer at all. There was talk of them going to Texas but all that has blown over. He talks about the pros and cons of selling the pork.

GLC06588.244

to Bruce Elmore

She heard that a large majority of their state has gone secession. She is afraid this will prolong the war but hopefully the Republicans will end it soon. Some sheep that he and his father owned died suddenly without explanation.

GLC06588.245

to Libbie Elmore

They have been camping in the snow. He describes how they built their own fireplace in the ground.

GLC06588.246

to Bruce Elmore

She notes that they are often writing to each other at the same moment and thinking of each other at the same time. She describes the children and what they've been up to. She made apple cider recently.

GLC06588.247

to Libbie Elmore

He liked the penmanship example from Eddie. He recommends keeping the sheep salted to prevent them from getting poisoned. They have been having great weather.

GLC06588.248

to Bruce Elmore

She heard that he has been given marching orders to leave Upton Hill. She dreamt about him and Willard the other night. The hog is up for sale.

GLC06588.249

to Libbie Elmore

He describes the "spicy time" that occurred on picket duty the night before. A shot was fired at the next post over and the sentry fired at the culprit. They stopped the intruder after the Rebels hit one of their corporals in the foot. He assures...

GLC06588.250

to Bruce Elmore

Letter from his father and Libbie. Father writes he is glad bruce keep his courage and unwavering faith. Libbie writes that they are all well and live in comfort. He should not worry about her being too saving like the neighbors, for example.

GLC06588.252

to Libbie Elmore

They have marching orders and three days' rations. He thinks her selling the pork will probably make but little difference.

GLC06588.253

to Bruce Elmore

She talks about various animals on the farm like the oxen, the pig and the calves. She wishes she could send another care package.

GLC06588.254

to Bruce Elmore

He gives all the news about mutual friends and acquaintances. He says they have a lot of parties aroud there. Their father recently traded a steed for a mare.

GLC06588.255

to Libbie Elmore

He reports on the health of the regiment. Leroy has rheumatism really bad. Meanwhile the regiment is improving in drills.

GLC06588.256

to Libbie Elmore

Even though they've had marching orders they have not yet moved. They have been busy fortifying their tents. They even bought a little stove. They are quite comfortable.

GLC06588.257

to Libbie Elmore

He writes that he can't wait to see Libbie and writing is his only way of visiting her. He received a letter from his cousin and grandmother.

GLC06588.258

to Libbie Elmore

They occupy a very pleasant post currently and it is a soldier's dream. THeir folks are planning to send Willard something in the mail. He requests butter, mince pies and cake.

GLC06588.259

to Libbie Elmore

He acknowledges that her folks would like to have a picture of him. He will send one along when he gets his next pay.

GLC06588.260

to Libbie Elmore

They are still in Upton Hall. He believes she has done well with the pork this years. He tells a funny story of how some of the boys stole a hog and they roasted it in camp that night.

GLC06588.261

to Libbie Elmore

Most of the company has gone on picket today. They have had very cold weather lately. W. Smith, an acquaintance of his father is in the captain's tent.

GLC06588.262

to Libbie Elmore

Tomorrow they will go on picket again. He hopes she is getting along well. It has been very cold, but the ground is not frozen yet.

GLC06588.263

to Libbie Elmore

He thanks her for all the tasty food that has come in the mail and offers a kiss as payment. He and Willard are very well and he weighs more than he ever has before.

GLC06588.264

to Libbie Elmore

He worries that there is a lot of sickness going around and he wants his family to stay well. Moses Schoonmaker is weak and does not drill much. The Major is one of the meanest officers around. They hear that secretary Seward resigned as well as the...

GLC06588.265

to Libbie Elmore

Charles Smith came to visit a few days ago. He thanks Libbie for letting Carrie write to him although he thinks any response from will be very eloquent. He is doing very well. Burnside is currently fighting a terrible battle.

GLC06588.266

to Libbie Elmore

They thinks Vixburgh is theirs though they have received no official news. He asks after old Kniffin and wonders if he trying to cheat Libbie every chance he can get.

GLC06588.267

to Libbie Elmore

This letter includes a very poetic description of the wounded soldier. '"The poor wounded soldier as he lays waiting for death to end his sufferings or mortal aid..."

GLC06588.268

to Bruce Elmore

She tells him to worry about not having enough money for taxes and that she will send some money in the mail. Hettie has been staying with her the past few days.

GLC06588.269

to Bruce Elmore

David is sick with the sore throat. She saw a pedler she knows last night. She tells of an incident with the infamous Kniffin.

GLC06588.270

to Bruce Elmore

Last page is bigger. Once again she asks if Bruce can get a furlough. Eliza Ingersoll came by. Her son has the sore throat and she has a headache. Libbie sold some oats. One page of the letter appears to be written in a different hand but the author...

GLC06588.271

to Libbie Elmore

He reports on the health of his comrades. Unfortunately, he will be unable to get the photographs she requested. There has been no fighting lately but tomorrow they go on picket again.

GLC06588.272

to Bruce Elmore

Mr Reynolds came to visit and he talked about Nelson who is sick and in the hospital. She tells a story of how the doctor had his wagon nearby and a couple of boys painted the horse and put axle grease on the seat.

GLC06588.273

to Libbie Elmore

Everyone was disappointed by Burnside's loss at Fredricksburg but are now cheering up. They are are staying in very comfortable quarters currently. One of their duties besdies picket is cutting wood for the regiment.

GLC06588.274

to Libbie Elmore

Pages missing. Bruce says he actually enjoys camp life but misses his family. Willard has been quite sick with dysentery. Reinforcement has been going by them in quite large numbers.

GLC06588.275

to Libbie Elmore

He uses very poetic language to describe how he wishes they could be together, especially for Christmas. Though he says he likes the life of a soldier. Nelson is in a hospital in Philadelphia.

GLC06588.276

to Libbie Elmore

Partial letter. He asks her to be punctual in her writing. He does not belive the war can last three years. That is impossible he says.

GLC06588.278

to Libbie Elmore

They received orders to pack their knapsacks and three days rations and march. They were going on picket when they heard there was a raid of 1500 Rebel cavalry somewhere in the vicinity. He describes their strategy. Then they were ordered to march...

GLC06588.279

to Libbie Elmore

Pages missing. He writes that someone's death was reported but this statement has been contradicted.

GLC06588.280

to Bruce Elmore

She writes of how she spent her New Year at her parents'. She only wishes he could have been there and wishes for peace on any terms. Last page is blue and square. She talks of the children and how they miss their father.

GLC06588.281

to Libbie Elmore

Willard has joined the ambulance corps. They had their first death in the regiment Wednesday night. He was buried by moonlight. Bruce read a letter of a friend's wife aloud to to him. It mentioned the snow.

GLC06588.282

to Bruce Elmore

The sore throat is still going around. She heard Beck Broman was discharged as he was taken prisoner at Fredricksburg and paroled. She tells the news of other mutual acquaintances. Libbie wonders if Bruce wears a sword or whether he has any new...

GLC06588.283

to Bruce Elmore

The weather has warmed up and the sleighing is all gone. She tells him she has been fighting with Kniffin, as usual.

GLC06588.284

to Libbie Elmore

Everyone is in good spirits because of the recent victories at Murfeesboro and other places. He got a letter from his mother telling him Sanford Starr had small pox.

GLC06588.285

to Bruce Elmore

She is sorry that Low's remarks got him in trouble. A friend of hers received something strange in the mall. A small syringe wrapped in paper. Libbie does not know what it meant but would have taken it as the grossest insult.

GLC06588.286

to Bruce Elmore

A letter from his nephew. He asks what Santa got him for Christmas and talks about his presents.

GLC06588.287

to Bruce Elmore

She has been visiting his sister and family.Later she will see his grandmother. She heard that his Col. gave orders for the officers to shoot any men that showed fear

GLC06588.288

to Libbie Elmore

He has been Segeant of the guard for the last two days. He describes the weather as rainy. He tells her not to let Kniffin impose on her. He inquires about the taxes.

GLC06588.289

to Libbie Elmore

Though it is taking longer, he feels the Rebels will soon have to yield Vicksburgh. He talks of Willard's place in the ambulance corps and wonders if he might like a place there as well.

GLC06588.290

to Libbie Elmore

He does not carry a sword, though they are available, he informs Libbie. Capt. French's wife is visiting and he is "softer than ever." The boys make fun of him. He can't wait to see her.

GLC06588.291

to Libbie Elmore

He warns her not to get the oxen shod just yet, but if one of the wagon wheels must be fixed, so be it. He asks for tobacco and gin though he has not been drinking much at all. Mose and Charley make good tent mates.

GLC06588.292

to Libbie Elmore

Willard does not have much to do in the ambulance corps yet. Bruce is currently Sergeant of the guard. He writes that the prospect of war seems rather dull and they expect it to be over by July. He warns her against Kniffin again and advises her to...

GLC06588.293

to Libbie Elmore

He believes he has the best Colonel in the whole army.

GLC06588.294

to Libbie Elmore

He and Willard went down to Fairfax where they discovered the seminary had been turned into a hospital. He describes the history of the building. Frank Hotchings came to visit him and Willard.

GLC06588.295

to Bruce Elmore

Libbie read that there is a lot of intervention from France. Mr. Kniffin has broke the sleigh. She talks about the sheep and the cows.

GLC06588.296

to Bruce Elmore

They are all well. She is preparing to send him another box, this time with pies. Palmer, himself, has said he does not trust Kniffin.

GLC06588.297

to Bruce Elmore

She heard that Capt. Derrance resigned but does not know the reason. The children miss him and ask if he's coming to dinner frequently.She thinks the separation is making them strong.

GLC06588.298

to Bruce Elmore

Partial letter. She remarks that there has been very little sleighing this winter. Kniffin has been taking bark to the store. He has been sick.She heard he has a chance for promotion.

GLC06588.299

to Libbie Elmore

He wishes her good luck with the lambs and the cows. He hopes Kniffin has drawn the bark and asks how much wood he has cut. They think the paymaster may be coming soon.

GLC06588.300

to Bruce Elmore

She asks him to send her letters home and talks of a special wine she makes.

GLC06588.301

to Libbie Elmore

He uses poetic language to describe how his love has grown exponentially since being apart from her. Lt. Clark is sick. Gorton and Dewitt have rheumatism. He tells her not to pay Kniffin too much.

GLC06588.302

to Bruce Elmore

She worries about his sharing a tent and thinks he might contract diseases. A friend's wife is going to visit her husband in camp but she does not wish to go because she doesn't think it suitable for women.

GLC06588.303

to Bruce Elmore

They have sent him various items, icluding dried fruit, pies, ham, popcorn, etc.

GLC06588.304

to Bruce Elmore

She attended a sanitary aid society meeting. She wonders how she will get the haying done this year. She talks of the possibility of hiring someone to help her.

GLC06588.305

to Libbie Elmore

They have had new drilling for several days. They also had monthly inspection and full dress parade.

GLC06588.306

to Libbie Elmore

He and Willard are well. Wallace Hill is sick and has has been sent to the hospital. He does not think much will be done along the Potomac until the weather gets better.

GLC06588.307

to Bruce Elmore

First four pages are smaller. She requests some photographs. She believes she will have good luck with the lambs snd stock this year.Nelson will get his discharge soon. She believes there will be sleighing now and mentions various friends and family.

GLC06588.308

to Bruce Elmore

Their parents have been visiting with each other. Libbie says he looks like Dick Divine, a mutual friend. She mentions an Elsie who had a still born child.

GLC06588.309

to Libbie Elmore

He is glad Kniffin is working hard to get the bark to the falls. He and Willard are enjoying good health. The weather has been very cold.

GLC06588.310

to Libbie Elmore

As usual, there is no telling when they'll be paid, but he promises to send her some money when it happens. He speculates on when he might receive a letter from her. He is afraid the hay will come up short.

GLC06588.311

to Bruce Elmore

Kniffin wants to know how they will share the cost of a new plow. He also spoke about the wagon that needs to be fixed. They are having a problem with a Tom Smith who has fixed his damm up so as to overplow.

GLC06588.312

to Bruce Elmore

She imagines what it would be like to eat his hard tack. Earlier she sent him some poetry that Uncle Daniel's children had sent her. She is praying for his safety.

GLC06588.313

to Libbie Elmore

The army of the Potomac has been divided so they will probably stay for some time. Tomorrow they have to go out on picket. He has a heavy cold but the paymaster has been there.

GLC06588.314

to Bruce Elmore

She is grateful they have enjoyed good health for so long. She heard that Pete Geroys got his discharge papers. Kniffin has got the bark all out of the woods and loaded to the tannery.

GLC06588.315

to Libbie Elmore

They will be leaving tomorrow and will change camps to go to Fairfax seminary.The paymaster has been around. He is glad to hear that the stock looks so well.

GLC06588.316

[to unknown recipient]

GLC09327.12

[unknown]

Note with enclosed hair.

GLC09327.16

[York Woodward carte de visite]

GLC09327.18

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