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to William L. Maury
6 January 1864
Robertson, J.W., fl. 1850-1863
Letter from the Confederate Treasury (Acting First Auditor) requesting documentation for money turned over to Major John de Bree, Paymaster.
GLC04572.12
to William Lewis Maury
January 20, 1864
Auger, Luis, fl. 1850-1863
From the Confederate Treasury Comptroller indicating money due to Maury.
GLC04572.13
to William Knox
1 July 1776
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Chastises William for not writing more. Discusses the recent Tory plot to either capture or assassinate George Washington and the subsequent hanging of a member of the General's Guard named John Rickey, a misidentification of Thomas Hickey, the only...
GLC02437.00356
to George Washington
3 July 1776
Woodruff, Isaac, 1722-1803
On the verso, the letter is titled: "On the Publick Service." The Elizabethtown Committee informs George Washington that the British have landed on Staten Island and proceeded to within two miles of Elizabeth, New Jersey. The militia is gathering...
GLC02437.00357
to Elizabeth Smith
1863/9/26
Smith, David V.M., 1823-1863
He is very ill. Written from Stanton General Hospital.
GLC04189.56
to John Smith
1863/10/21
Starz, Edward L., fl. 1863
Informing him that private D. V. M. Smith died on October 10th, 1863. Also informs him where Smith was buried.
GLC04189.57
1863/10/22
Smith, John M., fl. 1861-1863
He found her husband's body and has sent it home by express. He warns her not to open the coffin because the body is "in an advanced state of decomposition."
GLC04189.58
[Captain Dimond Morton's account for January, including December and April]
Morton, Dimond, 1743-1792
Invoice concerns pay, blanket money, and mentions recruitment. Morton was a captain in Knox's artillery regiment.
GLC02437.00355
2 July 1776
Directs his brother to pay Colonel David Mason fifty dollars. A note on the verso indicates that the money can be given to Captain Andrew Symmes.
GLC02437.00358
to Lucy Knox
4 July 1776
Explains that he wrote her at Fairfield, Connecticut to check on her well being and tell her how much he values her, to tell her that the British had landed at Staten Island but had not attacked New York yet, and that he believes when they do, the...
GLC02437.00359
Notes that Lucy Knox and others have gone to Fairfield, Connecticut, away from potential fighting in New York. Indicates that he gave Colonel David Mason a draft for fifty dollars to be paid by William (see GLC02437.00358). Asks William to write...
GLC02437.00360
Laments that Lucy had to abruptly leave New York, although it was for her safety. They believed the British would attack but they landed on Staten Island instead, where they were "received with a hearty welcome by its rascally Tory inhabitants."...
GLC02437.00361
The United Colonies to Henry Knox Commander of the Regiment of Artillery Dr
5 July 1776
Lists travelling and billeting expenses connected to the men who enlisted in December, 1775. Groups them by captains in Knox's artillery regiment they served under.
GLC02437.00362
8 July 1776
Tells Lucy she was right not to return to New York because it is unsafe. Henry would be too worried if she were in danger. Discusses a Mrs. G[reene], who shocked her husband by coming to the city. Remarks that "the peace of this Town & of the...
GLC02437.00363
to Henry Knox
July 1776
Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824
Distressed, Lucy discusses the circumstances under which she left New York and argues she was undeserving of Henry's censure. She stayed in New York longer than expected in order to have "a more affectionate parting." When she desired to go to...
GLC02437.00364
to Robert Treat Paine
24 June 1776
A detailed answer to a request for artillery information concerning the weight and bore of howitzers on hand in New York. Reports that they have none, although Colonel Richard Gridley ordered some cast. Also provides other artillery information...
GLC02437.00365
[Paper calling for "a well regulated and numerous body of artillery"]
9 July 1776
Explains that the war is in its infancy and its success will require "a well regulated and numerous body of artillery." Argues that the present force is insufficient and that the current system of temporarily drafting men into the artillery leaves...
GLC02437.00366
11 July 1776
Thanks William for his recent letter. Discusses Lucy Knox's hasty evacuation from New York when British ships were spotted in the Hudson and the unhappiness it caused both Lucy and himself (also see GLC024327.00364). Lucy is distressed but Henry...
GLC02437.00367
Knox, William, 1756-1795
Gives his sister-in-law news of her friends in Halifax. Also gives news of Lucy's mother and father, who were separated from each other at the time. Indicates that Lucy's mother is well, although she is in a smaller house than she desires. Reports...
GLC02437.00368
1862/9/13
He has been sick since he joined the Army and now believes that his illness is due to bad food which "the devil can not eat." He describes how the regiment left New Jersey and traveled via railroad to Maryland. His regiment captured three of...
GLC04189.01
1862/9/24
The Confederates camped twenty miles away in Frederick, Maryland. He has "Inflamatory Rheumatism" in his legs. The regiment's officers think that they will all be discharged by Christmas. Smith begs his wife to write him more frequently and adds...
GLC04189.02
1862/9/26
His legs feel much better. He asks his wife to write him several times a week and he hopes to do the same. Written from Camp Johnson.
GLC04189.03
1862/9/31
Smith hopes he will soon be fit for duty. He has not received some letters his wife sent and is dismayed that she will not rewrite the news that was in them. He mentions trains full of soldiers passing by and, responding to her questions about...
GLC04189.04
1862/10/2
He received the letter she mailed yesterday (10/1/1862). He has only received one of four letters she sent. He gives her instructions concerning the "Post Office Matter" and how to file returns for stamps. In response to her complaint that he does...
GLC04189.05
[Certificate of David V. M. Smith]
1862/10/4
Moore, W. Henry, fl. 1862
Certifying that David V. M. Smith is a member of Company D, 12th Regiment New Jersey Volunteers and entitled to the state bounty.
GLC04189.06
1862/10
Describes the capture of a hearse that carried arms for the Confederacy. He found two newspapers lying on the road and mailed them to Anna [his daughter]. He asks Elizabeth to send him a letter detailing all the "impossibilities" she must deal with...
GLC04189.07
1862/10/5
Smith gives his wife instructions for renting out his blacksmith shop. [see also #2, 13] He is dismayed that she rented out part of the house against his wishes. His legs are giving him trouble again. Discusses types of punishments in camp...
GLC04189.08
1861-1865
He expects to be in the army for quite some time but hopes to come home to visit. He will say no more about the "shop affair" since he can do nothing about it. Undated letter fragment.
GLC04189.09
1862/10/11
He expects to leave for home in a few days. Page 3 and 4 are addressed to Charles.
GLC04189.10
to unknown [fragment]
1862/10/13
The rebels have torn up the road between camp and Frederick, Maryland and are now within 5 miles of the federal camp.
GLC04189.11
to David Sithen or Thomas Sharp
1862/10/21
Sutton, George S., fl. 1862
Gives permission for D. V. M. Smith's wife to have a cord of wood.
GLC04189.12
1862/10/28
The blacksmith shop has been rented out. Mentions rumor that the army will move soon and General Wool has stopped issuing furloughs. Smith begs his wife not to mention his liquor consumption. He assures her that he is now a sober man and it hurts...
GLC04189.13
to Elizabeth Smith & children
1862/11/4
Describes an offer in which ten men from each company would have the "privilege" of being allowed to join the regular army for five years. They have captured quite a few rebels and spies including: "A big nigger that has been watching us and...
GLC04189.14
to Charles
He describes non-stop guard duty to his son Charles. Smith also tells the story of a young drummer boy his son's age, who snuck out of camp in a flour barrel in order to visit town. He advises his son not to become a soldier.
GLC04189.15
1862/11/11
He is still on guard duty. Discloses accounts that he would like his wife to collect. He also wants her to find out whether soldiers have to pay tax and, if so, how much. Briefly mentions the removal of McClellan and his renewed hope for a furlough...
GLC04189.16
1862/11/25
The army is building a General Hospital in town and his regiment has been assigned to guard it. He again asks his wife not to mention the "Rum question," claiming it makes him "feel a little dry until I forget it again." Continues on 11/26 to...
GLC04189.17
to his family
1863/9/14
He has turned in his gun and reported to the doctor. He rode in an ambulance to Culpeper. He mentions the capture of two guerrillas and adds that "woman & children & negroes packed up & left for parts unknown."
GLC04189.55
[Report of the death of Samuel Watson Van Nuys]
10 October 1864
L.B.F., fl. 1864
Testament reporting the death of Samuel Watson Van Nuys. Date is from post mark. Written on "Head Quarters 3d Brigade 3d Division 18th Army Corps" letterhead (half sheet).
GLC07687.154
[Certificate of corpse]
5 October 1864
Hills, T. Morton, fl. 1864
"Certificate of corpse" that accompanied [Samuel Watson] Van Nuys's body from Virginia to Indiana.
GLC07687.173
to mother
1866/3/25
Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?
Plans to attend a big government auction in Macon, Georgia. Before he goes home, he must stop in Washington and settle his old quartermaster accounts. He advises his mother on financial affairs including rent houses, and an oil well.
GLC04662.121
1866/5/2
His quartermaster paper work is being inspected. He has met many of his army friends in the city.
GLC04662.123
to Louise Walbridge
March 18, 1862
Walbridge describes Washington D.C. and includes a lengthy descriptions of an equestrian statue of General Andrew Jackson, capitol building and its statues, the paintings in the dome, and its ventilation system.
GLC04663.01
7 August 1862
Relays rumors of Confederates in Maryland and the death of Kearny: "he was brave as a lion. The city is in mourning over the death tolls in recent battles. He used in battle to take his reins in his mouth, and with his sword in his right hand (he...
GLC04663.06
5 September 1862
Writes that he has become separated from his regiment and has gone to Washington to find their location. Mentions soldiers from Buffalo whom he has met in Virginia. Discusses his sister's "school of instruction." He is sorry to hear of Lydia Cornell...
GLC04663.07
[Lieutenant Colonel George DePeyster Arden]
circa 1864
Ulke, Henry, fl. 1864-1865
Vignette bust portrait showing Arden with mustache. Identifying inscription on verso states that Arden commanded the 10th New York Heavy Artillery regiment on 7 September 1864.
GLC05528.02
1865/6/11
Describes the contents of his house as a bunk, table, washstand, chair, and bench all made of unpainted wood. The cooking is done in a small tent in back of the house. He hopes to get a furlough.
GLC04662.104
1865/7/27
He has just returned from furlough and has finally received his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. He is rethinking his intention to resign since his new rank brings with it an annual salary of $2700.
GLC04662.105
1865/8/13
The troops have been paid off and are beginning to desert. He thinks he may resign from the army soon.
GLC04662.106
1865/8/21
He no longer receives the pay of a Lieutenant Colonel. He plans to leave the army in a few days. The 100th regiment is in Richmond and will be mustered out.
GLC04662.107
1865/9/7
He will stay in the South for two or three months. He has borrowed $3000 from Mr. Pratt and is investing in stock [selling horses and mules in South Carolina, see # 68 ] speculation. He has been formally relieved of duty and is anxious to get home...
GLC04662.108
1865/9/15
He has purchased his stock and will start South immediately.
GLC04662.109
1865/10/8
He is on his way to Augusta, Georgia to sell his stock. He thinks Columbia must have been a beautiful city before Sherman marched through. "There are a few fire places left yet, which serve to show what the city was, but most of the buildings are...
GLC04662.110
1865/10/1
His stock is not selling as fast as he had hoped. He thinks Darlington is the wealthiest district in the state and adds, "The people are very sesech in their proclivities and are as 'ugly as sin', as the children say."
GLC04662.111
1865/10/27
He has been renting out his teams, but will now sell them. He received a job offer from Pratt & Co. and plans to accept it.
GLC04662.112
1865/11/12
His stock is selling slowly, but he has already made enough to cover his original purchase and all his expenses. He will hold an auction and hopes to sell of the rest of the teams at that time. Hopes to be home before Christmas.
GLC04662.113
1865/11/23
Describes the damage done by union bombardment and subsequent fires. Hopes to dispose of his stock in auction. Wants to be home for Christmas.
GLC04662.114
1865/12/1
He asks his mother to buy Christmas presents for him to give to the rest of the family. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving in Charleston, "But the southern people know nothing about our time honored anniversary. Thanksgiving is pre-eminently a New England...
GLC04662.115
1865/12/15
He has made $3000 in profit in the last three months. Still hopes to be home for Christmas.
GLC04662.116
1866/1/16
Describes the auctions which are occurring throughout the state. Discusses the weather, which is quite warm one day and cool the next. Also discusses the economic stagnation of the south.
GLC04662.117
1866/1/28
Does not think his family needs to worry about an outbreak of small pox near their house. He thinks his vaccination kept him from getting the disease, even though he was in the company of small pox victims on several occasions. He has been delayed...
GLC04662.118
1866/02/13
He has purchased many items at auction, including 257 army wagons. He spilled a mixture of kerosene oil and lamp black all over his face and clothes and had a horrible time trying to clean up.
GLC04662.119
1865/2/24
He is feeling homesick. Selling the mules and wagons is taking a long time. He writes of a girl from home, Katie Pratt, whom he is interested in and who his mother thinks would be a good choice for a wife. Yet he will not marry until he is...
GLC04662.120
1866/3/3
He has a 22 hour lay over while waiting for a train. He plans to go to Macon, and Savannah, Georgia before catching a steamer bound for New York. The family oil well has made "a fair show." He can not wait to come home and work.
GLC04662.122
1866/8/8
He writes of the health of family members in the city, discusses repairs made to family property, and attended an organ concert at Henry Ward Beecher's church.
GLC04662.124
1864/12
He encloses $30 and contains a list for the dispersal of the money as Christmas gifts. Date inferred from information in letter # 85.
GLC04662.125
to Minnie
1865/6/10
Writes to his sister about the discharge of troops, including Leon Brown. Mentions the garden back home and that he does not think he will get a furlough.
GLC04662.126
18 April 1862
Discusses marching orders, his impression of Warwick, and building a road to Yorktown.
GLC04663.02
13 June 1862
Advises his sister not to teach any longer, managing the property and defends his brigade from attacks resulting from their performance at Fair Oaks. He also tells of wounded men who lay on the battlefield for three days and who claimed to have been...
GLC04663.03
14 June 1862
Mentions Stuart's raid at Tunstall's Station.
GLC04663.04
17 July 1862
He estimates the Confederate army at 200,000. There have been thunderstorms every night for several days, yet the days have been sunny.
GLC04663.05
12 October 1862
Notes he saw a girl from home in Alexandria. Discusses the fate of friends, the weather and two photographs that have disappeared.
GLC04663.08
8 November 1862
Writes of the cold weather and a recent snowfall. Notes he ixed up his tent for the winter months and has received gloves from mother.
GLC04663.09
15 November 1862
Tells how a Southern woman tried to burn down her house rather than let the North use it for a hospital. Also speculates on the possibility of foreign war, reparations for damages caused by a pirate, invasion from Canada, and advice for fortifying...
GLC04663.10
December 9, 1862
Interesting story of a lady and child who left a package addressed to General Dix near a picket line. Upon receiving the package, Dix boarded a steamer bound for Fortress Monroe.
GLC04663.11
December 27, 1863
Transport via steamer, description of conditions aboard the ship. Written on board steamer Belvidere, Hampton Roads.
GLC04663.12
February 2, 1863
Tells of the Montauk's attack on Fort Pulaski. "I know my letters are very dull now a days but you must remember, that we are completely cut off from the outer world."
GLC04663.13
February 21, 1863
Talks about family affairs: his sister Sarah's illness and her decision to wean the baby; his wish to attend a party; asks about Louise's birthday.
GLC04663.14
7 March 1863
"Gen'l Hunter issued an order yesterday which says that all able bodied Negroes between the ages of eighteen and fifty one, not regularly employed in the Quartermaster and Commissary Departments, or as Officer's servants, shall be drafted, and...
GLC04663.15
March 21, 1863
"It rains in smart little showers four times an hour." Discusses news about the 100th NY regiment. Writes of books he has read and one which he wants to read.
GLC04663.16
25 April 1863
Posted to a "battery" of one brass gun and two palmetto guns, rumors of a renewed attack on Charleston, exchanging newspapers with the Confederates, who "beat us in getting possession of the New York Papers." He then discusses the dangers of such...
GLC04663.17
8 May 1863
Death of friends, moving toward Charleston. Also mentions news from home: a fair raised $500, "Cousins Elbridge and Mary have done me the honor to name their baby after me."
GLC04663.18
24 May 1863
News of the reception of a regiment returning to Buffalo, the homesickness of soldiers, and bathing in the ocean. Also discusses the Confederate advantage architect of interior lines.
GLC04663.19
31 May 1863
Provides a reconnaissance on James Island. Reflects on the Battle of Fair Oaks, and the anniversary of that battle. Dicusses home and mentions that will leave on furlough in two weeks.
GLC04663.20
14 June 1863
Read The New System of Tactics and enjoyed it. A confederate steamer runs aground and is boarded every night by union troops who take her cargo. A boil is growing on his neck.
GLC04663.21
to his son
19 July 1863
Describes the attack on Fort Wagner. A page dated 7/20, lists missing and wounded officers. "Shortly after dark our troops advanced to the assault. The 54th Mass. (colored regiment) in the lead... [T]his regiment which went into the charge with...
GLC04663.22
15 August 1863
Siege of Charleston. Four regiments of Negroes who are better at fatigue work than white soldiers. "The consequence is that fifty Negroes are equal to a hundred white soldiers, for ordinary work." Closes with the expectation that bombardment of...
GLC04663.23
4 September 1863
Sister Rosalie [a Roman Catholic nun?] arrives at Folly Island from Buffalo. The joys of soldiering, progress of the siege, death of a sergeant.
GLC04663.24
7 October 1863
Provides a description of the attack on the "New Ironsides" by the Confederate torpedo boat "David." "The rebels came down the harbor in a small cigar shaped steamer... She lay off some distance from the Ironsides and sent a small boat with a...
GLC04663.25
11 November 1863
Encloses a piece of brick taken from Fort Sumter [not included in collection] by a scouting party. Asks about the farm and selling the mill.
GLC04663.26
25 November 1863
Embarrassed by the news that several ladies inspected a uniform he sent home, worries about the recently discovered Canada Conspiracy, and pay of a black regiment. "The North Carolina regiment (colored), are to be paid off to morrow, it seems all...
GLC04663.27
December 11, 1863
Notes that he received a piece of wedding cake. Discusses the Sanitary Commission, the sinking of the "Weehawken," and an explosion in Fort Sumter, which was followed by Union mortar fire. Sarah sent him a book entitled, "The Wife's Strategy," which...
GLC04663.28
December 21, 1863
Some members of the regiment went home on a recruiting campaign. Walbridge asked them to stop by the house. Reflects on the coming Christmas and Christmas past. Briefly discusses Hugo's description of the battle of Waterloo.
GLC04663.29
January 10, 1864
Discusses the weather and his brother George's decision to move to New York City.
GLC04663.30
January 21, 1864
Troops reviewed by General Gordon. Walbridge states it was a wonderful occasion.
GLC04663.31
February 2, 1864
News concerning his trip to Beaufort, blockade runner tried to enter Union occupied Charleston Harbor and ran aground near Fort Moultrie.
GLC04663.32
February 14, 1864
Ordered to report to Jacksonville, Florida. "I have existed on Folly Island for ten months, and I am not sorry to leave it, I don't well see how I can change for the worse, as far as location is concerned."
GLC04663.33
February 23, 1864
Written on board steamer "Maple Leaf." Continued on 25 February and the 28 February. Describes the ship which formerly sailed on Lake Ontario and was "chartered" by the government. The section dated 25 February is written from Jacksonville...
GLC04663.34
3 March 1864
Continued 3 April. Notes that General Hatch relieved General Seymour as commander of the District of Florida. Seymour is under investigation by a congressional committee on the Florida campaign. The section dated 3 April explains that a steamer...
GLC04663.35
9 March 1864
Assigned to General Seymour's staff. Discusses Kilpatrick's advance toward Richmond and hopes that Sherman will capture Mobile.
GLC04663.36
11 April 1864
Receives his commission [as captain, see # 42]. He is starting home on furlough but must first be mustered out of his old regiment. Hopes to visit home before George [his brother?] leaves. Death of a sister's young child.
GLC04663.37
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