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19 October 1862
O'Connell, John D., fl. 1861-1866
to My Dear Mary
They carry no reporters with them, and thus there is nothing about them in the papers. He heard a good sermon in church. He sent her some music.
GLC02830.51
15 November 1862
He received a letter from his sister consoling him over the loss of his younger brother who was killed in battle. The removal of Gen. McClellan has caused some excitement. He finally got the locket from her.
GLC02830.52
26 November 1862
He wishes he could see her play the harp or the piano. He wishes he could spend Christmas with her. Many of his juniors have been promoted but he remains a captain. Written near Fredericksburg, Virginia.
GLC02830.53
7 December 1862
He wrote to her mother telling her how much he has enjoyed spending time in their home. He fears there is no chance for promotion. It seems Miss R does not dislike him anymore.
GLC02830.54
17 December 1862
He just fought in the battle of Fredricksburg but came out well. Her cousin David Hancock joined the regiment just before the battle. He heard her brother has joiend the navy. Written near Fredericksburg, Virginia.
GLC02830.55
28 December 1862
He is trying to get a leave of absence to see her but feels his chances are very slim. He wants to know what people are saying about Fredricksburg because he thinks they fought nobly.
GLC02830.56
17 January 1863
Tomorrow they leave for a destination unknown. He applied for a leave of absence. Includes a picture showing the profile of a woman in a yellow dress.
GLC02830.57
9 November 1862
Alden, William H., 1844-?
to Mother
He describes his journey from the Cedar Rapids all the way down to Davenport. From the houses they stayed in to the boats they took. He likes camp life.
GLC02831.01
3 March 1863
Everybody wants a furlough. 4 were granted one, then three more wanted one and left without saying anything. 2 were caught before they had gone fifteen miles.
GLC02831.02
14 April 1863
They turned a hotel into a hospital. He has a terrible toothache and will get it pulled soon. They've caught a lot of chickens and turkeys.
GLC02831.03
7 June 1863
They got paid but someone stole his money right out from under his head where he slept on it. They are now camped on a prairie between the Sioux and Mississippi rivers. Written at Camp Cook
GLC02831.04
9 June 1863
He was happy to hear from his brother, Uriah. He gives her a breakdown of his daily routine and says he likes soldiering as long as it is in pleasant weather.Written at Camp Cook
GLC02831.05
20 July 1863
They got 2 months pay. They are only a couple miles from the Indian reservation. He expects to be in Toledo in six months. He needs more news about the war. They are kept in the dark and he doesn't even know if Vicksburg has surrendered.
GLC02831.06
1 August 1863
He sent her money but does not think she will need it now since she just got married. He applied for a furlough. They are now in the Dakota Territory.
GLC02831.07
7 August 1863
The weather has been lousy. He asks her to subscribe to a good illustrated paper and send it to him.
GLC02831.08
14 September 1863
He does not like how the officers have them attack the Indians at night since that is their best hold. It gives the Indians a chance to get away from them. They do not know how many Indians they killed since the Indians dragged off their dead...
GLC02831.09
31 October 1863
There was a terrible storm and a lot of their stock died. One man's tent blew away and he nearly froze to death. They came upon 700 Indians but did not attack. Instead they waited for reinforcements.
GLC02831.10
22 November 1863
The big topic is reenlisting. He thinks he will do it because it would only be one more year for 402 dollars. He is sick of Indian territory and would rather go south.
GLC02831.11
16 December 1863
They are now in the capital of Dakotah Territoty. He received a letter from E.M.S who says he is expecting a battle every day. The officers are sending for their wives.
GLC02831.12
19 December 1863
He has no desire to go home because if he was there it would be very hard to leave again. He takes care of the captain's horse for an extra 5 dollars a month. Lately they have great food.
GLC02831.13
11 January 1864
He is well except for a bad cold. It is very cold in the house. He wonders why he does not get Leslie's Illustrated papers anymore.
GLC02831.14
24 January 1864
They moved again and are about 50 miles above Yankton. There is not much to do there. He is sending her some money.
GLC02831.15
12 February 1864
He asks Louisa ro write to him because he wishes to have more correspondents. They have to haul their own hay and water. A mutual acquaintance started home and he expects him to see his mother while he is there.
GLC02831.16
20 February 1864
He suggests she give things to Brad Ladow who is on furlough to give to him. There is a lot of sickness around Toledo. He has gotten taller since she saw him last.
GLC02831.17
7 March 1864
He is very well and getting very fat. He got all the things she sent via Judd Sanborn. He talks about the money they're allowed for clothing.
GLC02831.18
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