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4 June 1861
Jackson, Richard H. (fl. 1861-1864)
to Father
He writes that he is very busy and cannot write much now but will write a long letter soon.
GLC07705.008
19 June 1861
Once again asks his father to writer to the Colonel asking for his discharge. He thinks he can get it because he is underage.
GLC07705.011
27 June 1861
He thanks his father for his kind letter and for writing to the Secretary for his discharge. Sorry to hear his father feels bad about it.
GLC07705.013
14 July 1861
He thanks him for all he is doing to try to get his discharge, but says he does not want his father to feel bad if he does not succeed.
GLC07705.015
24 July 1861
A gun-boat called Penguin lies there for the purpose of watching the movements of the enemy. He heard the sound of muskets firing while at brigade drill. He later learned it was a sham battle between regiments.
GLC07705.017
5 September 1861
He anticipates that they will move to Fort Clark on Saturday and tells him not to write until he hears from him first.
GLC07705.019
12 September 1861
Written onboard a steamer. He describes Fort Hattera where they met two schooners on their way to Philadelphia. They have captured five vessels since the boys have been there. He describes the island as the one that Robinson Crusoe lived on. The...
GLC07705.021
19 September 1861
They are in possession of Fort Clark. He describes it as dreary and desolate, just like Coney Island. There are no inhabitants for five miles except mosquitos, but well populated five or six miles from the mainland. got a pass and explored. The...
GLC07705.022
8 October 1861
The post master came and delivered his salary up to Sept. 1. later he tells the dramatic story of how they rescued the Indiana men from the boat, the Fanny.
GLC07705.025
19 October 1861
There is a change in command. They are losing Gen. Wool who will no doubt be missed by all. This will change their whole schedule which he lists for his father starting at 5 am. He writes that he caught a deserter and earned extra money.
GLC07705.026
28 October 1861
He writes he will be forwarding most of his pay and provides a list of things he wants his father to send him from home. There is fighting amonst the officials over who is appointed where and by whom. One of the Captains resigned and said he would...
GLC07705.028
31 October 1861
He writes there is a great number of sea shells to collect. He wants to know what the people in New York think of his regiment. Then tells his father not to worry if he is taken prisoner. If he ever meets a secessionist "I will not try to take him...
GLC07705.029
13 November 1861
He is glad his father put the money he sent to good use...has a gripe with Mr. Choate. thinks he does not deserve to be paid back and doesn't understand why he doesn't fight for his country. He quotes from a letter of him that illustrates why he...
GLC07705.031
1861
Possibly included with GLC07705.032
Includes a sketch of a windmill.
GLC07705.033
3 December 1861-5 December 1861
He describes the weather but then says he has nothing to write about. He is currently helping to build barracks. Then describes two rebel propellers that shot at their boats.
GLC07705.034
17 December 1861
He tells him to pay Mr. Choate what he owes when he gets paid. They have removed to Camp Windfield..
GLC07705.036
23 December 1861
Thanks him for the picture of himself before he enlisted. Then describes his regiment flag and asks his father why he isn't using the money he sent
GLC07705.037
12 January 1862
There is a rumor of their intended departure on Gen. Burnside's expedition which is strengthened by the arrival or 2 or 3 light draught gun boats daily. Everyone has been preparing by making requisitons for extra ammunition and equipment. He insists...
GLC07705.039
14 January 1862
It is now a reality that they will go on General Burnside's expedition. He requests several newspapers.
GLC07705.040
28 January 1862
They experienced hurricane-like weather. Now it seems as though they won't go on Burnside's expedition but will keep his father posted
GLC07705.042
2 February 1862
He finally received orders to pack up and leave for Burnside's expedition. They will be aboard the Spaulding. He writes he may not hear from him for sometime, but tells him not to worry.
GLC07705.044
10 February 1862-22 February 1862
Their regiment has captured Roanoke Island (50 pieces of artillery and over 2000 prisoners). Next they go to Raleigh. He received his pay again and sent most of it to his father.
GLC07705.045
22 February 1862
He embarked on board a gun boat named Commodore Barney whose sole mission was to burn down a railroad bridge. Hedescribes a somewhat eventful journey and encampment.
GLC07705.047
13 March 1862
They have now been ordered to garrison on Roanoke. He describes his quarters in great detail.
GLC07705.049
17 March 1862
He remarks upon the newspapers his father has sent him that include articles about recent battles. A particular editorial has him riled...their regiment received a beautiful new flag.
GLC07705.051
21 March 1862
He is glad that his father received the $35. He regrets that there is no news and is forced to write a short letter.
GLC07705.052
10 April 1862
They were ordered to embark on board the gun boat "Virginia." They anchored where they found a house and a man with a truce flag. 25 or 30 men came out which they took as prisoners. They all got new uniforms.
GLC07705.054
15 April 1862
He enjoyed the Chaplain's lecture. He is going to Elizabeth City next.
GLC07705.055
25 April 1862
He gives a detailed account of the Battle of River Bridge. A close friend of his , William, is killed in battle. In total they lost 12 or 15 men.
GLC07705.057
1 May 1862
An order was read to reduce the regiment of three corporals. A John Davis was one of them. He warns his father not to tell John's parents.
GLC07705.059
5 May 1862
The received a letter from John Davis's sister asking why his father hasn't called on him.
GLC07705.060
12 May 1862
He includes sketch with a soldier standing next to a cannon, tee pees, an American Indian and a banner that says "Union." He mentions a Sergeant Chas E. Hill.
GLC07705.062
23 May 1862
He received the news of his father's upcoming marriage and trip to Rochester. Fred L., who has been sick for some time received a furlough. He mentions all the possessions he left behind when he enlisted.
GLC07705.064
24 May 1862
He is writing to inform him he has forwarded $50.
GLC07705.066
He includes a list of items he is enclosing and insists they may appear insignificant but are very important and must be treated as trophies.
GLC07705.067
3 June 1862
He thinks Frank L. must have arrived home by now and has called on his father...Col. Hawkins proceeded on board the brig Port Royal for the purpose of ascending the swamp canal. Lt. Col Kimball detailed all the contrabands to erect arbars in front of...
GLC07705.069
9 June 1862
He introduces his father to William S. Hutton, discharged for disability.
GLC07705.070
17 June 1862
He is glad he called on Mrs. Milligan. He wants him to call on Janey as well. Burnside has made several trips to Norfolk.
GLC07705.072
29 June 1862
He writes of how "Him who ruleth above, that judeth of all men, entreating Him to hold the guiding hand over me while engaged in the dreadful courage of battle..."
GLC07705.074
no date
[Instead of addressing via Fortress Monroe say By way of New York]
GLC07705.075
6 July 1862
He will most certainly be going to Richmond again and mentions that cousin James was wounded in the battle of Fair Oaks.
GLC07705.078
8 July 1862
He encloses a receipt for the two certificates. On his way to Richmond.
GLC07705.079
16 July 1862
He mentions highlights from the recent journey. once they arrived he was the first to get a pass in Norfolk and describes the town.
GLC07705.081
7 July 1862
Mentions the Watsons.
GLC07705.082
26 July 1862
He lists all the regiments comprising the division of Gen. Burnside. He asks his father to see Evarts and procure a comission for him.
GLC07705.085
31 July 1862
He mentions that his father recently took a trip around Central Park with a wounded officer. He also heard that an officer from his regiment called at the house when his father was absent. Heasks his father if he saw Burnside when he was in New York.
GLC07705.086
4 August 1862
He expected to go up to Harrison's landing but ended up anchored to Fortress Monroe.
GLC07705.088
10 August 1862
He mentions an old friend who he found out had been wounded and taken prisoner near RIchmond.
GLC07705.090
15 August 1862
Though they haven't seen any rebels, writes that if he does he will not take him prisoner but kill him. Cavalry and artillery arrived from Harrison recently. He describes the beautiful scenery and mentions Charlie.
GLC07705.092
20 August 1862
He is glad his father received the $22 and glad he heard from Mr. Evarts even though his attempts were not successful.
GLC07705.094
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