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1863/6/30
Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?
to mother
The men who were supposed to go home on furlough got no further than Hilton Head. He writes that he has been very busy supervising the loading and unloading vessels.
GLC04662.039
1863/7/14
Briefly describes the charge on Fort Wagner which he mistakenly says was led by the 7th Connecticut. The 100th Regiment dug trenches and erected a battery which captured a rebel battery. [Walbridge gives a correct and compelling description of the...
GLC04662.040
1863/8/4
He has been sick lately but feels better now. Large numbers of reinforcements are arriving from North Carolina and Norfolk. Both side appear to be busy readying themselves for battle.
GLC04662.041
1863/08/29
He expects that he will be relieved of his duties as Quartermaster and made to rejoin his regiment. He describes the progress of the siege of Charleston.
GLC04662.042
1863/9/5
He writes of the capture of a small group a confederates, the bombardment on Fort Wagner and the siege of Charleston. Also discusses the whereabouts of friends.
GLC04662.043
1863/9/15
Reports the Confederate evacuation of Forts Wagner and Gregg. Now believes he will be allowed to remain quartermaster. He has bought a colt and intends to raise her. Informs his mother that he sent home a 42 pound shell fired from a confederate gun...
GLC04662.044
1863/9/25
A tent mate is ill. He hopes to be paid soon. He writes a list of clothing items he wishes to have sent to him. A corporal is promoted to 1st Lieutenant because he brought the colors back from the attack on Fort Wagner [7/14/1863]. "I like the...
GLC04662.045
1863/10/13
He has been recommended for the position of Assistant Quartermaster. Lists items he would like sent to him. The Confederate occupied Forts, Moutlrie and Johnson, are now firing on the Union Forts Gregg and Wagner.
GLC04662.046
1863/10/24
He writes that he offered George [his brother] a job in the Quartermaster's office. He is surprised at the number of young ladies who have married while he was away. Discusses the attack of the Confederate torpedo boat "David" on the "Ironsides".
GLC04662.047
1863/11/15
Describes the camp of the 112th and a church sermon held there. Walbridge plans to open a sawmill on the Island.
GLC04662.048
1863/11/19
He "countermands" his request for clothing since a local tailor said he could fix Walbridge's clothes and writes of friends from home.
GLC04662.049
1863/12/5
He is visiting Hilton Head. The quartermasters in this town all "own" houses there. He has received a package, but hasn't had time to open it yet. He has orders to oversee the construction of a canal [the Dutch Gap Canal].
GLC04662.050
1863/12/7
He was very excited to open his box of clothes, food and other materials. "I took as much pleasure . . . as children usually do in emptying their stockings on Christmass [sic] morning." He reports that the monitor "Weehawken" has sunk, probably due...
GLC04662.051
December 25, 1863
The army celebrated Christmas with an artillery barrage on the city of Charleston. As a result a fire broke out in the city which burned for 11 hours. The rebels fired back, hit a gun boat and killed three people. He is applying for leave, but...
GLC04662.052
1864/1/2
His "boy" Isaac, who is nineteen years old, wants an education. He can read and write a little and "is quite a mathematician." He requests a first grade reader, a geography book, and an arithmetic book for Isaac's education. He was not approved...
GLC04662.053
1864/1/21
He asks what gifts his mother purchased for the family with the money he sent. The sawmill is running very well. He is, once again, Quartermaster of Vodges division. He needs a new nightshirt.
GLC04662.054
1864/1/22
Sends his mother a box of sea shells and pebbles that he has collected. Describes three types of shells and instructs her on deodorizing them.
GLC04662.055
1864/1/30
"I attended a hop at Gen'l Saxton's, and saw some real live ladies, and danced with them!" Is considering buying confiscated lands, but thinks the speculators may have beaten him to them.
GLC04662.056
1864/2/6
An expedition has left from Hilton Head, no one is sure where they are going. "Florida has been talked of considerably, as it's destination, but that makes me think that it is going to some other point." He hopes that he will be transferred soon.
GLC04662.057
1864/2/14
Ordered to report to Jacksonville, Florida.
GLC04662.058
1864/2/21
Continued 2/22 at Hilton Head. He is waiting for a transport to take him to Florida. He hopes to get an appointment [as quartermaster] and a furlough. Reports the news of the Florida expedition: it has lost 7 guns, 400 wounded men have been...
GLC04662.059
1864/2/29
Describes the fighting near Lake City [Battle of Olustee or Ocean Pond, 2/20/1864] as quite severe: over 1700 killed, wounded, and missing. He comments: "The negro troops did very well except the 8th U.S. Colored Troops, which is a new regiment...
GLC04662.060
1864/3/15
He is acting Chief Quartermaster for the Department. He encloses a copy of the Free South, a newspaper printed by the army which contains some Confederate articles [not included]. One Southern article tells of another battle in Florida, which...
GLC04662.061
1864/3/16
Tells his mother to hire a servant girl. Worries over the health of baby George, and read a newspaper account of a reception for veterans of the 100th NY.
GLC04662.062
1864/3/20
Upset over the death of Sarah's baby. He attended church service at General Seymour's house. He wants to go home and see his family.
GLC04662.063
1864/4/8
He encloses a rose [included] that he picked near his house. His express box arrived almost two months after being sent, "There has been time enough I suppose for it to have reached Constantinople." He likes his new nightshirts. However, the pants...
GLC04662.064
1864/5/7
The steamer "Fanning" was sunk, taking with it a letter from Walbridge. He is now acting chief Quartermaster for the 10th Army Corps and has been very busy loading steamers. He desperately wants a furlough.
GLC04662.065
1864/5/16
He can hear the musket fire from a battle near Petersburg [Drewry's Bluff or Fort Darling]. Sheridan's cavalry appeared across the river from their headquarters.
GLC04662.066
1864/5/22
Thanks his mother for her "cheering words" and is glad she is not too disappointed that he has given up on the idea of getting a furlough.
GLC04662.067
1864/6/2
He would like to be with Grant's army. He advises his mother on financial affairs, to sell some property and invest the money in government bonds. He gives the interest of the bonds in greenbacks as $492, and in gold as $800. He gives the recent...
GLC04662.068
18 June 1864
to Mrs. Walbridge
Writes to his mother that he returned last night from a two day excursion across the Appomattox River to bring supplies to the troops since their supply trains had not yet arrived. Discusses the fighting at Petersburg, 15-18 June 1864. States he...
GLC04662.069
1864/6/24
"I have great confidence in Grant and so I believe has every other soldier in the army." They are having a drought and the roads have become very dusty. He gives his mother advice on selling one of their lots and building a house on another. He...
GLC04662.070
1864/7/4
He has received a thirty day furlough and will start home on Friday. He describes ships decorated and batteries firing in observance of the 4th of July.
GLC04662.071
1864/8/6
He is on his way back to the front. He has seen a physician about his "comforter" trouble. It caused his eye to swell shut and had to be opened by the doctor.
GLC04662.072
1864/8/16
Rumors that the federal line at Petersburg has advanced and captured several lines of rifle pits.
GLC04662.073
1864/8/19
The death of Cousin Lydia's child. Reports on a battle [Weldon Railroad] and expects that Grant will remove all troops from the other side of the James and begin a new strategy.
GLC04662.074
1864/8/27
A quick note sent with a check for $100.
GLC04662.075
1864/8/29
He was sorry to learn that his mother has a sore finger and urges her to use a soap and sugar poultice prescribed by the doctor. He reports that men injured early in the campaign are now returning to duty.
GLC04662.076
1864/9/4
They have received word of the capture of Atlanta. His train and depot were inspected and Col. Howard said, "he never before saw a depot in as good order..." Grant's army has taken possession of the Weldon railroad. He is trying to find a...
GLC04662.077
1864/9/14
Reports that more and more reinforcements arrive daily. Leon [Brown # 126 , in 4663 his letter is addressed to cousin Louise] has become a clerk for Walbridge.
GLC04662.078
1864/9/20
He wishes his mother would not feel guilty about using the money he sends home, and instructs her to hire a servant if she intends to take in boarders. Thomas [Colson, see # 80.] has had financial troubles. Walbridge offered him a job at $30 a...
GLC04662.079
1864/10/7
Thomas Colson has arrived and now works in the blacksmith shop. Walbridge must assume the duties of depot Quartermaster in addition to his regular duties. He hopes to be promoted and is building a log office. Notes 33 Confederates deserted and...
GLC04662.080
1864/10/9
He is glad to hear that his mother's boarders are not disagreeable. Louise has resumed teaching school. He needs to buy a coat and has assumed responsibilities for foraging and steamers.
GLC04662.081
1864/10/23
Received a package from home. The honey jar broke and made everything sticky, but did no real damage. A family across the river sent some butter and wine jelly as a thank you for ice sent to them when they were sick. The family had treated...
GLC04662.082
1864/11/24
The enlistments of many men of the 100th have expired, but the government will not muster them out until 1/9. He is angry that someone told his family there was a yellow fever epidemic at Bermuda Hundred; there had not been one case yet.
GLC04662.083
1865/11/24
Had Thanksgiving dinner with Captain Phelm onboard the "Daylight." A scrap book had started correspondence between Phelm and Annie [Walbridge's sister]. Rumors that Sherman is close to capturing Savannah. Wishes he was home to escort his sisters...
GLC04662.084
1864/12/11
Sent home money for Christmas presents. Wishes he could be home for Christmas. He has been busy getting supplies ready for an upcoming expedition.
GLC04662.085
1864/12/20
Short note sent with a Christmas gift [a tea service, see #89].
GLC04662.086
1864/12/23
A steamer arrived with 1700 express boxes, two of which were for Walbridge. Hopes that the good fortune shown with the surrender of Savannah and Fort Fisher will continue with future success. A letter from Annie makes his wonder if she has become...
GLC04662.087
April 1776
Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824
to Henry Knox
Expresses her love for Henry and attempts to make him feel guilty for being away from home and family, particularly his infant daughter. Thanks him for his three recent letters (see GLC02437.00273, GLC02437.00275, GLC02437.00276) but wonders why the...
GLC02437.00282
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