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to Nancy E. Jones

"The rebbels is failing in evry sense of the word." The Confederates attacked their pickets but his regiment held them off and will "slay them by the thousands if they try to take this place."

GLC02739.043

to Nancy E. Jones

He is glad she received the 30 dollars he sent. He is sorry for her hardships and "would do anything for you if I could."

GLC02739.044

to Nancy E. Jones

He was detailed and had to leave the 79th to work a twelve pound brass cannon in the 20th Ohio Battery. He does not feel in any more danger as "I can dodge a shell or canon ball some times but a musket ball I can not." The battery consists of two...

GLC02739.045

to Nancy E. Jones

He cannot pray at night in the 20th Ohio and must rely on secret prayer. All the prisoners "that we get say that the rebel armey is both starveing and getting naked for the want of clothes."

GLC02739.046

to Nancy E. Jones

The men and officers of the 20th are all "persecutors of religion" but he will persist in his prayers. They expect a battle soon, "one of thee hardest battles ever fought in America."

GLC02739.047

to Nancy E. Jones

"If general hooker is successful at [Fredericksburg] I think that will end the war." They get good news from the armies of the Mississippi and the Rappahannock every day. He wants a likeness of her and the children. He closes discouraged, having...

GLC02739.048

to Nancy E. Jones

The men of the 20th are by "far mutch the hardest men that I have ever bin with" but they treat him like a gentleman. They no longer expect a fight and he has no doubt "but that our forces have gained a complete victory at fredricksberg."

GLC02739.049

to Nancy E. Jones

"I feel as mutch assured that I will git home alive as mutch as I feel assured that this war will end in the distruction of the southern confederacy." He believes that they will soon have Vicksburg and hopes to move to Fort Donelson soon.

GLC02739.050

to Nancy E. Jones

He thinks the war may end soon but wouldn't be surprised if it lasted a year or two more. Their latest news from Grant is favorable. He will rejoin Company F of the 79th.

GLC02739.051

to Nancy E. Jones

They drove 40,000 Confederates towards Chattanooga and several corps are advancing behind them. Some Confederates say "they want to quit fighting that they have bin deceived long enough by the leaders of the south." He fears the letter will not...

GLC02739.052

to Nancy E. Jones

He has terrible pain in his head and had a tooth removed. He is still with the battery but will be with the regiment soon. "A man cannot git a discharge here until he is four days dead if he wanted it ever so bad."

GLC02739.053

to Nancy E. Jones

He expects the Union to take Vicksburg soon. He must sneak out to prayer meetings in town every night and could be punished if caught.

GLC02739.054

to Nancy E. Jones

He is still with the battery. Mr. Shorter will hand deliver the letter and tell her more in person.

GLC02739.055

to Nancy E. Jones

He has a shelter or dog tent which he stretches out on sticks to cover about five feet of ground. He fashioned a bedstead from an old stable door and uses his oil blanket and dress coat as bedclothes and his knapsack as a pillow. It would be worth...

GLC02739.056

to Nancy E. Jones

They have been marching and fighting and drove the Confederates from the mountains and through Liberty Gap. Moving and placing the cannons in the mountains is difficult and the rain makes it more so.

GLC02739.057

to Nancy E. Jones

The Confederates are retreating towards Chattanooga. The road is so muddy that they can barely get through. The 79th of Illinois and 77th of Pennsylvania defeated nine Confederate regiments. "The rebs having al advantages in the mountains we have...

GLC02739.058

to Nancy E. Jones

They took 200 prisoners from Bragg's army and Grant took 200,000 at Vicksburg. He believes Banks will be "good for port Hudson." Meade defeated Lee at Gettysburg and Lee is retreating with a loss of 30,000 men. "There is no doubt but that lee's...

GLC02739.059

to Nancy E. Jones

He believes "Morgan the [guerilla chief] is neer his last end." The whole army is working well together toward a quick end to the war. The Union has control of Port Hudson and Bragg has left Tennessee. "His Armey is very mutch Reduced" and...

GLC02739.060

to Nancy E. Jones

He received the children's likenesses. She should not write to the captain asking for a furlough. He believes he has fought his last battle; "this armey may have a hard battle yet with brag but I don't expect to be in the engagement."

GLC02739.061

to Nancy E. Jones

He encourages her to go to Indiana with the children and Phebe Jane Walker. He is sending her 21 dollars inside a book of his writings with Lieutenant Williams.

GLC02739.062

to Nancy E. Jones

He has the opportunity to change his terms of service by being mustered out and then sworn in again but awaits her opinion. The new terms would offer him a furlough and a change in pay and length of service.

GLC02739.063

to Nancy E. Jones

Mentions that he has atteneded prayer meetings led by Black church members. Refers to the educational disaparity between Black and White children. Writes, "if they had the schooling and chance that we have they could take care of their selves and be...

GLC02739.064

to Nancy E. Jones

He describes the march from Tullahoma, Tennessee through the mountains. They may follow Bragg to Georgia.

GLC02739.065

to Nancy E. Jones

The Union has captured Chattanooga and he heard that Charleston was taken. Their picket line is near the river and the Confederates are on the other side. The Confederates know "more about retreat than anything else." There are rumors that the...

GLC02739.066

to Nancy Ellen Jones

Jones, a Civil War soldier, replies to a letter from his wife. Expresses joy that Nancy spends time with Brother Millis, possibly a pastor. Traveled the previous day from Bellefont to Stevenson, Alabama. States that divisions led by Generals...

GLC02739.067

to Nancy E. Jones

He expects to move to Georgia and fight Bragg. He will look for her cousin in the army.

GLC02739.068

to Nancy E. Jones

They are camped between the Sandy and Lookout mountains. The men "almost melt in the day time and freeze stiff at night." He dreamt that they took all of Bragg's men prisoner. Includes note to Phebe Jane Jones.

GLC02739.069

to Nancy E. Jones

Expectations of battle; taking Chattanooga with the loss of only one man; close proximity to the Confederates; wounding of Cornelius Hanvy.
.

GLC02739.070

to Elizabeth Jones

5,000 troops marched with six pieces of cannon to find the Confederates. He tries to convey what it is like to be in a soldiers' camp; "I could lay down in sight of the rebels and go to sleep without any feer." Their course is towards Mumfordsville...

GLC02739.071

to Nancy E. Jones

They defeated Bragg, Johnson, and the Richmond army even though they were outnumbered five to one. They fell back here to fortify as the Confederates are planning to attack. He calls Stones River a skirmish in comparison with this battle. He has...

GLC02739.072

to Nancy E. Jones

The fighting has subsided but they are often shot at on picket. He "would not give what I have lernt and seen since I have bin in the armey for ten thousand dollars."

GLC02739.073

General Orders No. 227.

General Rosecrans congratulates the Army of the Cumberland and lists its accomplishments.

GLC02739.074

to Nancy E. Jones

He has kept an account of their movements and battles. He summarizes the hardships he has endured so far.

GLC02739.075

to Nancy E. Jones

The mail has stopped. The Confederates are only a mile away and they can see them through a telescope. They have not attacked since 20 September, the Battle of Chickamauga. He describes Lookout Mountain.

GLC02739.076

to Nancy E. Jones

They are so close to the Confederates that they can "talk to them" but neither side is allowed to shoot. Three companies of Confederates gave themselves up and more do every day.

GLC02739.077

to Nancy E. Jones

He encourages her to go live with Brother Millis and to read often. If he had known what soldiering would be like, he wouldn't have thought any man could stand it.

GLC02739.078

to Nancy E. Jones

He expects the railroad to be opened all the way soon. They moved from Johnston's division to Sheridan's and from the 20th army corps to the 4th. He will send Rosecrans' congratulatory General Orders No. 227 in his next letter.

GLC02739.079

to Nancy E. Jones

His regiment is still under Colonel Buckner. They began with 965 men of which 584 remain, 130 of which are still in the regiment. He expects the regiments to be consolidated as they are too small to hold their position alone. His regiment is...

GLC02739.080

Speech of Hon. Abraham Lincoln, in vindication of the policy of the framers of the Constitution and the principles of the Republican Party. . .

Title continues "Delivered in the Cooper Institute, Feb. 27th, 1860, issued by the Young Men's Republican Union (659 Broadway, New York) with notes by Charles C. Nott & Cephas Brainerd." Signed by Nott and Brainerd on title page. Printed by George...

GLC04471.03

A Broader Philosophy of Protection

Article removed from the August issue of Gunton's Magazine, pages 109-121. Responds to an article titled, "Philosophy of Protection," printed in the July issue of Gunton's Magazine. Discusses the differing philosophies of free trade and...

GLC04471.08

A Treatise on Elementary Geometry.

GLC04546.031

to Henry Knox

Makes financial plans before embarking for Holland on a business venture. Encloses an inventory of "the stock on hand, which amounts nearly to as much sterling as it did upon my taking it after returning from the Army ... " Informs Knox he has only...

GLC02437.00773

to David Sears

Encloses four bills of exchange (not included) for Sears in Amsterdam. Requests a variety of goods, including cream colored tea cups and saucers, "small plain common wine glasses," apron tape, leather gloves, thread, shoe bindings, and gauze, among...

GLC02437.00774

[Knox's copy of a letter from Horatio Gates to Silas Talbot]

General Gates declares, "The Glory you and all under your Commd. have gained will be a lasting honour to you & them. I desire you will present my thanks to the Officers & seamen, and acquaint them how Sensible I am of the good service they have done...

GLC02437.00775

Appointment of Ensign Stephen Griffin

Partially printed document signed by Clinton and his secretary Robert Benson. On verso is a note signed by David Humphreys, aide-de-camp of George Washington. The Council of Appointment approved the appointment of Stephen Griffin as ensign in the 4th...

GLC01450.623.01

Mr. Sumner Welles' Historic Mission to Europe

Collateral to GLC01750.01 P.W. Townshend Somerville letter concerning Welles's mission.

GLC01750.02

to Aaron Jeffery

Musing about the meaning of Vicksburg, Jeffrey maintains that Grant will have to "whip" both Pemberton and Johnston before he can get anywhere. Continues with a long indictment of the Yankees and the observation that "they are now enlisting negroes...

GLC01896.054

to Aaron Jeffery

Requesting that the family "...write often, for my anxiety is very great at times, & a letter does relieve it much." Richard speaks of the physical stress he has been undergoing, reflects pessimistically on the value and fate of the of Charleston to...

GLC01896.055

to Aaron Jeffery

Reprimanding Aaron for not writing more frequently--"...in reason of your long silence I am sometimes very uneasy." Richard continues to address the resistance of Charleston and the placing of heavy artillery guns mounted in front of Fort Wagner...

GLC01896.056

to Samuel J. Harrison

Application for the position of Chief Engineer "on board the steamer to be commanded by Captain Dacey Va Volunteer Navy." Lists qualifications, former service record, and references enclosed testimonials of his qualifications. Docket on verso:...

GLC01896.057

[Recommendation for E.R. Archer]

Recommendation and certification of Archer's qualifications as a machinist written by J. R. Anderson, owner of the Tredegar works [on Tredegar Iron Works letterhead]. Pencil notation on verso: "letter of J R Anderson & Co Certifying my...

GLC01896.058

to Aaron Jeffery

Sends Aaron $5 to cover the cost for a subscription to the "Centinel" for him, and Robert's inability to advance $100 or more to him due to the high costs of food, lodging and particularly clothing in Savannah. Jeffrey apologizes to Aaron and...

GLC01896.059

to Anne [Jeffery]

Promises Anne that he will repay his overdue debt to her, and then goes on to muse on the fortunes of the war in the wake of Gen. Braxton Bragg's victory [Battle of Chickamauga]. He points out early Confederate victories at Mannassas and Big Bethel...

GLC01896.060

to Steven R. Mallory

Letter of introduction and requesting permission for Edward R. Archer to go before a tribunal examination. "The bearer, Mr. E.R. Archer has been duly appointed by the Board of Directors of this company (Virginia Volunteer Navy Company) 1st Assistant...

GLC01896.061

to Edward R. Archer

Certifies Archer's examination and commissioned appointment as First Assistant Engineer in the Virginia Volunteer Navy.

GLC01896.062

to Edward R. Archer

Letter of transit written for Archer granting him permission to sail from any Confederate port to Europe. Written on offical paper with "Confederate States of America, War Department" letterhead. Seddon was Confederate secretary of war. On the...

GLC01896.063

[Passport] [in Spanish]

Passport, in Spanish, granted to Edward R. Archer for travel without hindrance from Nassau to Havana aboard "la Goleta Lola." Green Spanish stamp on verso with docket. Palacios was Mexican consul in the Bahamas. Written from the Port of Nassau, in...

GLC01896.064

to Aaron [Jeffery]

Requests that Aaron always write "...as fully as you did in the last letter," and praises him for deciding not to take Ann out of school to save money. Richard promises that as soon as he is able he will send money to help the family out--enclosing...

GLC01896.065

to Annie [Jeffery]

Archer writes on a Sunday morning "when you are all at church listening to Dr. Minnigerade..." to remind Annie of her repeated promises that he'll "never see the form of [her] handwriting again this year...," and for this reason he is writing home...

GLC01896.066

to [Robert W. Jeffery]

Greatly relieved to have finally heard from Richard, Aaron Jeffery writes a battle account of the "fight of which you enquire" which he had been involved in "accidentally." The Armory Battalion, to which he was attached, initially pushed back Yankee...

GLC01896.067

to Aaron Jeffery

Seeking information about Grant's anticipated attack on Richmond, Richard is particularly interested in what his brother thinks might happen and in how local opinion is running. Jeffery expresses his hope that the attack will "...end as have all...

GLC01896.068

to Mary Epperly

Reports that some of the men from his unit joined the volunteers. Discusses the health of several members of his regiment. Closes by invoking God's protection for his wife.

GLC02715.001

to Mary Epperly

Writes he has not received any arms. Notes that some volunteers have been waiting seven months for their weapons. Says he will not join the volunteers yet. Includes an embossed seal in the upper left hand corner.

GLC02715.002

to Mary Epperly

Writes to his wife from Camp Windsor. He complains about not receiving any letters from home and about a sore throat. Discusses prayer and religion in camp.

GLC02715.003

to Mary Epperly

Writes from camp. Notes he still refuses to join the volunteers. States that he fears the army will put him in a company from another state if he does. Says he misses the mountains of Floyd County, Virgina and hates being in the valley. Informs...

GLC02715.004

to Mary Epperly

Writes from camp his appreciation of his wife's encouragement not to join the volunteers. He still is not sure if he wants to join them. Closes with discussion of prayer and a religious exhortation.

GLC02715.005

to Mary Epperly

Writes from camp that he believes his unit may be released if General [Joseph E.] Johnston's army defeats the Yankees at Yorktown, Virginia. Mentions the reported size of the forces now engaged at Yorktown.

GLC02715.006

to Mary Epperly

Writes from General [J.E.B.?] "Stewards" [Stuart's] encampment, five miles from Yorktown. Notes that his company is attached to General Stuart's Horse Artillery, under Captain Pelham. Says he thinks they may have to stay with this unit until the...

GLC02715.007

to Mary Epperly

Writes that they are five miles from Yorktown, Virginia and seven miles from Williamsburg, Virginia. Says his unit does not see close action like an infantry unit does. States he is unhappy with his regiment's assignment. Notes he would now give...

GLC02715.008

to Mary Epperly

Notes his unit has not received any tents and the men are using blankets that they brought from home. Says he hopes it is not too late to volunteer and join "Trigs Regiment."

GLC02715.009

to Mary Epperly

Describes the Battle of Williamsburg, Virginia.

GLC02715.010

to Mary Epperly

Discusses the damage the armies have done to the local farms, crops and livestock. Continues writing on 17 May 1862 that he ran out of money and borrowed some from a man who is going home. Tells Mary to feed the man as repayment.

GLC02715.011

to Mary Epperly

Says the Union has control of the James River all the way up to Richmond, Viriginia. Believes that the Yankees will take Richmond soon. Reminds his wife to pay back the man whom he borrowed money from and asks her to sell his watch.

GLC02715.012

to Mary Epperly

Writes that his unit is camped nine miles from Richmond, Virginia. Says he hopes to get a furlough and visit his wife at the end of June. However, Captain Pelham has been very hard on the regiment since one man deserted.

GLC02715.013

to Mary Epperly

Says he cannot get a furlough. States he wants Aunt Peggy to move in and nurse his wife who is pregnant (see GLC02715.031). Date taken from the content of the letter.

GLC02715.014

to Mary Epperly

Writes that his unit missed a recent battle (likely the Battle of Fair Oaks) because the muddy roads made it impossible to move the artillery. Believes the casualties are in the thousands. Says the wounded are being moved to Richmond, Virginia.

GLC02715.015

to: Mary Epperly

Describes himself as a cannoneer who helps to load the guns. Notes that three of their guns have been ordered away, probably to join General [Stonewall] Jackson. Mentions that men of a nearby infantry unit offered members of his regiment $50 to...

GLC02715.016

to Mary Epperly

Mentions his regiment has been paid. Notes he paid back the money he borrowed from a gentleman since the man never went home to collect the money from Mary. Says he will keep $15 for himself.

GLC02715.017

to Mary Epperly

Mentions the battles on 26 June (Battle of Mechanicsville) and 27 June (Battle of Gaine's Mills). Says he managed to miss the battles but mentions the fate of friends and relatives who did fight. The top quarter of the third page is missing causing...

GLC02715.018

to Mary Epperly

Says his legs are swollen. Reports that the Confederates drove the Yankees back to the Chicahominy River. Believes they fought five or six battles in the last eight to ten days. Says his unit still has not fought in a "regular battle." He...

GLC02715.019

to Mary Epperly

Reports that the Yankees are thirty miles from Richmond, Virginia and believes that they are reinforcing for another attack.

GLC02715.020

to Mary Epperly

Discusses the price of various food items.

GLC02715.021

to Mary Epperly

Requests Mary sends him butter and soap.

GLC02715.022

to Mary Epperly

Complains about the cursing, drinking and card playing in camp. Says he will apply for a furlough. Adds that he will understand if Mary is unable to send him the butter and soap. Discusses his sister Margaret being ill.

GLC02715.023

to Mary Epperly

Discusses his sister Margaret's death. Comments, "Wee would all be a grate deell better off if if [sic] wee could as she did and bid farewell to this proud and wicked world and mount on eagles wings and fly to the mansions above whair there hant...

GLC02715.024

to Mary Epperly

Describes a march toward Fredricksburg, Virginia where his unit encountered and engaged a large number of Yankees (Massaponax, 5 August 1862). Wrties of his appreciation of his wife's offer to raise money to hire a substitute, but says that General...

GLC02715.025

to Mary Epperly

Writes from North Ames Creek that he wants to hire a substitute. Says he believes the army must accept a substitute, if one can be found. Mentions the Yankees are heading toward Manassas, Virginia.

GLC02715.026

five letters to his family

There are five letters on one folded sheet. Includes two letters from Epperly to Mary Epperly, one letter from Epperly to Harvey D. Phleagar, one letter from Epperly to his "Mother" Catharine Phleagar, and a letter to his "Brothers." Mentions a...

GLC02715.027

to Mary Epperly

States the army returned to Virginia (likely referring to the men who fought in the Battle of Antietam, which his unit did not.) Asks Mary to write to him the moment anyone becomes ill so he has an excuse to come home.

GLC02715.028

to Mary Epperly

States that the army is centered around Winchester, Virginia. Advises his wife to send her letters to "Capt. Henery Stuarts Hors Artillery."

GLC02715.029

to Mary Epperly

Writes that he misses her and promises to write to other family members.

GLC02715.030

to Mary Epperly

Suggests she name the baby (likely his son) Christian Dolphus.

GLC02715.031

to Mary Epperly

Says he does not grieve for his lost brothers and sisters, but trusts in God that they will meet in heaven someday. States the army is near Winchester, Virginia. Mentions his hopes of receiving a furlough.

GLC02715.032

to Catharine Phleagar

Says the army has been quiet, but he believes a big battle is coming. He mentions food available and a lack of soap. Asks Mary, his wife, to make him a shirt, drawers, pants, and a knit cap. Notes he received two months pay and that he intends to...

GLC02715.033

to Mary Epperly

States he is nearly barefoot and hopes to get his boots soon. Mentions that General [W.E.B.] Stuart rode around [General George] McClellan's army in Maryland. Page four is a religious poem.

GLC02715.034

to Mary Epperly

Writes from camp complaining that the Yankees "steal" people's stock and grain to supply their army. Tells Mary that if she has any grain she should use it to fatten up the pigs and sell them. Also discuses the price of corn, bacon, and butter.

GLC02715.035

to Mary Epperly

Describes engagements between Confederate artillery and cavalry and Union forces. States his unit almost lost two guns when the Yankee cavalry charged past them. He places the battle at Marrun Station, Fauquier County, Virginia.

GLC02715.036

to Mary Epperly

Says he may not be able to get a furlough. Mentions the army is moving toward Rapidan Station, but he expects a fight near Culpeper.

GLC02715.037

to Mary Epperly

Writes from camp in Spotsylvania County, Virginia that the Yankees are camped across the river. Notes that all the civilians have left Fredericksburg in fear of Federal bombardment.

GLC02715.038

to Mary Epperly

Informs Mary that Joseph, her brother, was wounded in the arm, and the doctors had to amputate it. Says he nursed Joseph while he was in camp and wanted to accompany him to Richmond, Virginia but General [William Henry Fitzhugh] Lee would not allow...

GLC02715.039