Summer 2025 PD for K–12 teachers: Registration is now open!
23 November 1863
Burpee, Thomas Francis, 1830-1864
to Mr. Elijah Holt
He describes his long sickness in detail, starting in Baton Rouge and leading up to his current circumstances.
GLC02744.090
04 November 1862
to Mrs. Thomas F. Burpee
He marched for four miles only to find the enemy had retreated. marched for another two miles and bivouaced. He speculates about where the enemy is and where they will go next.
GLC02744.091
03 November 1862
There were skirmishes. Pressing onward to Strasburg. Mentions Billy and instructs her not to pay out any more money for him.
GLC02744.092
08 November 1862
He marched six miles in a snow storm. He describes what they carry in their saddlebags. He has not been paid since he left.
GLC02744.093
11 November 1862
Their connection is so strong that when he is writing to her it almost seems like they are talking face to face.
GLC02744.094
09 November 1862
He writes about his faith in God. He answers her questions regarding his trunk.
GLC02744.095
20 November 1862
He writes that one of their men fell from a tree and dislocated his wrist. He reiterates that God gave him the greatest gift of all: her.
GLC02744.096
21 November 1862
He writes about how an officer of his rank never has to worry about food or shelter. Notes how much money the war is costing.
GLC02744.097
22 November 1862
He is anxious for Lucien to attend school. He writes that he feels the sufferings of his fellow soldiers. Notes that enemy is in Fredricksburg.
GLC02744.098
25 November 1862
Tells her not to worry so much. Writes he might be able to send for her in 4-6 weeks. They have both gained weight. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.099
28 November 1862
He writes the possibility of a battle has now become very faint. tells her to always confide in God. Mentions Park. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.100
30 November 1862
He tells her again not to believe what she reads in the newspaper. currently has a cold. He is feeling lonely and homesick. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.101
29 November 1862
He writes about Lucien. He tells her to let him outside as much as possible, otherwise if he is inside make sure he is in a warm room. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.102.01
On the Banks of the [Rappahannock] opposite Fredericksburg, Nov. 20, 1862
Union and rebel soldiers have a spat across the river.
GLC02744.102.02
01 December 1862
He talks about the change in leadership from McClellan to Burnside. He writes that McClellan is a genius but he failed to fight sometimes.
GLC02744.103
03 December 1862
He writes of a time when they thought nothing but death would separate them. Feels that he has not done enough for her over the years.
GLC02744.104
04 December 1862
He writes about how he can love God more as he does not feel his faith is strong enough. Written in a camp near Falmouth.
GLC02744.105
07 December 1862
He writes that sickness like Typhoid Fever has been claiming the lives of their men. Thirty have died. He talks about the advantages of getting a tenement. Written in a camp near Falmouth.
GLC02744.106
09 December 1862
He mentions that Chelsea is coming home. Talks about the whiskey ration that he says is usually unnecesary. Fortunately the officers in his regiment don't drink. Written in a camp near Falmouth
GLC02744.107
14 December 1862
He writes that there has been nonstop fighting for three days.
GLC02744.108
11 December 1862
He is unclear whether there will be any more fighting, but Burnside has pushed the rebels back. Fredricksburg has been badly damaged by artillery. Written in a camp near Falmouth.
GLC02744.109
16 December 1862
He describes a day of tremendous and continuous artillery. They lost very few men and only one of his friends was wounded but not seriously. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.110.01
12 December 1862
The Latest News. By Telegraph. From the Army of the Potomac. The Main Body of Our Army Across the Rappahannock.
He describes artillery duel on the Potomac.
GLC02744.110.02
17 December 1862
He writes that his horse had a narrow escape from a bullet. M.B Metcalf was seriously injured but will be well soon. Written in camp opposite Fredericksburg
GLC02744.111
20 December 1862
Martin Metcalf ended up dying. He was entrusted with carrying out his last request; mailing his bible to his family. Written in a camp near Falmouth
GLC02744.112
Showing results 52176 - 52200