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1862/10/4
Moore, W. Henry, fl. 1862
[Certificate of David V. M. Smith]
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
Smith, David V.M., 1823-1863
to Elizabeth Smith
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
1862/10/13
to unknown [fragment]
The rebels have torn up the road between camp and Frederick, Maryland and are now within 5 miles of the federal camp.
GLC04189.11
1862/10/21
Sutton, George S., fl. 1862
to David Sithen or Thomas Sharp
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
1862/11/4
to Elizabeth Smith & children
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
1862/11/18
Discusses guard duty, the value of the equipment in his blacksmith shop, and an increase in desertions from some regiments who have not received furloughs.
GLC04189.18
1862/11/31
to Elizabeth Smith and Charles C. Smith
The regiment was excused from guard duty on Thanksgiving to attend church and a dress parade. Smith urges Charles to learn to write and to study geography. "I now see the need of understanding the geography and the map and then I could tell when I...
GLC04189.19
1862/12/25
to Charles Carroll Smith
Discusses visiting friends in another regiment. He received his pay but his money and overcoat were stolen. He discusses thievery in camp and loading the wounded on to boats at Acquia Creek.
GLC04189.21
1863/9/14
to his family
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
10 October 1864
L.B.F., fl. 1864
[Report of the death of Samuel Watson Van Nuys]
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
5 October 1864
Hills, T. Morton, fl. 1864
[Certificate of corpse]
"Certificate of corpse" that accompanied [Samuel Watson] Van Nuys's body from Virginia to Indiana.
GLC07687.173
12 July 1776
Cary, Richard, Jr., fl. 1776
to Henry Knox
Relays an order from George Washington to have two or three cannons mounted on carriages and prepared to be moved. Washington would also like to see Knox at Headquarters. Cary was an aide to Washington.
GLC02437.00371
July 15, 1776
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
to Lucy Knox
Responds to a letter from Lucy in which she remonstrated Henry over their recent separation in which she left New York and went to Connecticut. Henry is "both grieved an angry" because Lucy blames Henry for her inconveniences even though it is in...
GLC02437.00375
July 18, 1776
Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809
Reports no news from Boston and a feeling of security there. Explains that all news from New York comes from the bi-weekly post deliveries. They keep hoping to hear "something grand from you[r] quarter." General George Washington's call for troops...
GLC02437.00382
22 July 1776
Indicates that he found an indentured servant, Thomas Eliot, for Lucy (see Lucy's request for one in GLC02437.00383) and has purchased three years of his labor. Mentions that Captain Sebastian Bauman's family "have gone into the Jersies" and asks...
GLC02437.00385
21 July 1776
Thanks her for writing and remarks that "Religion and virtue dictated every line" of her last letter. Discusses death from a religious perspective. Informs Lucy that this letter will be delivered by Elbridge Gerry, a member of the Continental...
GLC02437.00387
1863/5/10
Elwell, D. B., fl. 1863
to Friend Furm
Letting his old tentmate know what has happened to him.
GLC04189.42
11 July 1776
Responds to Lucy's most recent letter (see GLC02437.00364), discussing her hasty departure from New York. Henry is upset by her distress. He reiterates that he did not want her in New York before something decisive occurred in the war. In response...
GLC02437.00369
Discusses Scottish (Highlanders) attempts to "purchase Conquer'd Lands." Describes Scottish prisoners as saucy because they call the country people rebels and say they will later be able to sieze their farms. Explains news that Colonel Archibald...
GLC02437.00370
13 July 1776
Henry is upset that Lucy is taking others advice over his and reiterates his recommendation for her to go to Fairfield or New Haven immediately. Mentions various people going to New Haven who Lucy could meet up with. Discusses the British attack of...
GLC02437.00372
14 July 1776 - 17 July 1776
[Supply list for officers in Henry Knox's artillery regiment]
Also signed by William Eustis, John Howard, Garret Van Wagner, Thomas Hanley, Isaiah Audebert, William Dana, David Briant, William Treadwell, Abiel Leonard, and John Crane. Notes supplies, money, and artillery received by officers from Jonathan...
GLC02437.00373
14 July 1776 - 15 July 1776
Sprague, Samuel, 1712-1783
Also signed by Remember Preston. Notes supplies received by officers from Jonathan Pollard, the quartermaster of Knox's artillery regiment.
GLC02437.00374
15 July 1776
Wants Knox to write more frequently to keep him updated on activities in New York. Remarks that "at Last the grand Question of Independence is determined and I hope every true American will support it with his Life and Fortune." Comments on...
GLC02437.00376
Bradlee, David, 1742-1811
Indicates that William Knox paid him for three months serve as quartermaster in Knox's regiment and request the balance owed be either payed to him or given to Isaiah Audebert. Audebert was a captain serving under Thomas Craft in Knox's artillery...
GLC02437.00377
16 July 1776
Paine, Robert T., 1731-1814
Informs Knox that the British approach necessitates a change in location for casting brass cannons and indicates that an air furnace will be set up in Pennsylvania. Congress will still offer to employ Mr. Byers for the job if it can be done at a...
GLC02437.00379
18 July 1776
Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824
Thanks Henry for taking the time to write her "amidst the hurry of public business," referring to the revolutionary war activities in New York. Explains her travel plans, which will bring her to New Haven, Connecticut. Discusses their child's...
GLC02437.00381
Knox, William, 1756-1795
Remarks on Henry's talent for burlesquing William's writing. Expresses sympathy for Lucy's situation, in which she has to stay in Connecticut away from Henry. Offers to leave the bookstore in someone's care and go to Fairfield to bring Lucy back to...
GLC02437.00383
Indicates that this letter will be delivered by Mrs. Jonathan Pollard, who will bring other supplies with her. Apologizes for taking a harsh tone with Lucy in letters written earlier in the month. Expresses his desire for frequent communication...
GLC02437.00384
to William Knox
Asks his brother to write to Lucy Knox more often. Gives various directions for business affairs. Asks about the smallpox going around in Massachusetts. Discusses General Charles Lee's recent victory over the British at Fort Moultrie in Charleston...
GLC02437.00386
23 July 1776
Indicates that he is sending an indentured servant, Thomas Eliot, to her as she requested and he earlier mentioned (see GLC02437.00383 and GLC02437.00385). Heard that Lucy fell down some stairs and was worried. Remarks that the British have not...
GLC02437.00389
24 July 1776
Dana, William, 1745-1809
[Captain William Dana's account for May, 1776]
Account of officer pay and bounties. Dana was a captain in Henry Knox's artillery regiment.
GLC02437.00390
24 July 1776 - 2 October 1776
Perkins, William, 1742-1802
Also signed by Fred Botticher, Florence Crowley, Samuel Sprague, Dimond Morton, Daniel Hodges, Daniel Preston, Jotham Horton, Samuel Shaw, and Jeremiah Freeman. Notes supplies received by officers from Jonathan Pollard, the quartermaster of Knox's...
GLC02437.00391
Discusses a British ship that was captured near an American fort at Nantasket, Massachusetts. The vessel had come from Ireland to support General William Howe's army and had mistakenly thought the British were still in Boston. Tells a detailed...
GLC02437.00392
1863/1/3
He has an opportunity to join the regular army for the balance of his three years of service. He will get a $2500 bounty, double the pay and will be able to work in a blacksmith's shop. He is ill.
GLC04189.22
1863/1/10
to Elizabeth Smith and children
The army is still in the same location and is in a state of suspense concerning what will happen next. General Burnside announced a Grand Review which was canceled due to rain. One man in the regiment contracted small pox. The doctors isolated him...
GLC04189.23
1863/1/18
The regiment has orders to cross the Rappahannock and attack Fredericksburg. Smith describes details of the attack plan. He also mentions a review of the Second Corps by General Ambrose Burnside and provides a description of the general.
GLC04189.24
1863/1/30
Rain and mud foiled the attack on Fredericksburg. The pontoons and artillery became stuck in the mud. Confederate soldiers taunted the stranded union soldiers by offering to help build the pontoon bridge, if the federals could get the pontoons to...
GLC04189.25
1863/2/4
to C. Carroll Smith
The snow has melted but the weather remains bitterly cold. He reiterates the changes in command discussed in the previous letter. Also mentions losses to his unit and the 72 PA. The latter has only 300 men on active service out of the 1,880 who...
GLC04189.26
1863/2/8
The army has begun to issue furloughs. The mud is still extremely deep. He discusses the children's health and whether or not they should attend school. He speculates on Hooker's plans for the army. "Joe Hooker will do One of 3 things he will...
GLC04189.27
1863/2/12
The army has begun to move out via the railroad to Acquia Creek. His regiment is still on picket duty and must keep the Rebels from noticing the movement of the rest of the army. General Hooker feeds the army better than Burnside did.
GLC04189.28
1863/2/13
to Charley
General Hooker has given orders that all Union troops and sutlers must be out of Falmouth by 10 AM the following day. He advises his son not to go to school as it may interfere with his health. He tells his younger son, Rufus, to begin chewing...
GLC04189.29
1863/2/26
Contains a lengthy description of the weather including rain, snow, and more mud. Discusses picketed duty and his mess mates. He has not shaved "except with a pair of scissors" since he left Salem.
GLC04189.30
1863/3/5
His wife has rented out part of the Barn. He is very ill.
GLC04189.31
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