Jackson, Edwin, fl. 1862-1865 [Collection of Edwin Jackson, D company, 6th regiment, Minnesota, infantry] [decimalized]

to William Jackson

Edwin Jackson writes to tell Bill that he and his brother, Henry, enlisted in the Army in August and have been fighting the Dakota Indians. He graphically describes the dead left by the Dakota attacks on settlers, including a German family and a...

GLC00203.01

to William Jackson

He discusses the cold weather and the regiment's need to build their own winter quarters. He grumbles about the hardships of the soldier's life (food, work, etc.) and writes about how much the regiment has walked since August, boasting that he is...

GLC00203.02

to William Jackson

He discusses the possible summer plans for the regiment, including why he thinks that Chief Little Crow will not follow through on his promised summer attack. He believes that his regiment will stay with Gen. Sibley, since they have learned how to...

GLC00203.03

to William Jackson

In his letter, Edwin Jackson mentions that his brother, Henry, is getting a discharge due to his poor health; Edwin hopes this discharge will be processed soon. He discusses the school for Indian prisoners, describing it first as an expensive folly...

GLC00203.04

to William Jackson

In the letter, he recounts his visit to a photographer in St. Anthony who has yet to send him his photos after two months; this has sorely "vexed" him. He talks about the trip the regiment is about to make to Devils Lake in the northern Dakota...

GLC00203.05

to William Jackson

He informs his brother to send mail to Fort Abercrombie so it will reach him on the plains. His brother, Henry, will get his discharge within the next few days. Written at Camp Pope.

GLC00203.06

to William Jackson

Edwin Jackson mentions four fights with Indians in the Dakota Territory and the army's destruction of their abandoned supplies. He complains of the bad water and hard marching, but assures his brother of his continued health. He tells of the birth of...

GLC00203.07.01

to William Jackson

The extra scrap, dated the next day, contains a post script mentioning that he received a letter from Harry and "they are all well." A separate post script from GLC00203.07.01.

GLC00203.07.02

to William Jackson

Edwin Jackson describes troop movements across the plains to Fort Thompson, and writes about the cold and stormy weather, which has caused the soldiers to nickname the march the "Moscow Expedition." He discusses the food he's eaten (salt pork and...

GLC00203.08

to William Jackson

Edwin Jackson has not heard from Bill, he repeats much of what he said in #8 about the "Moscow Expedition"; he talks about the large amount of clothing that he wore during that time and about how his regiment found 3,000 freezing Indians at Fort...

GLC00203.09

to William Jackson

Edwin Jackson thinks and hopes that the troops will be sent to the South in place of the Minnesota 1st. He implores Bill to get everyone he knows to vote for Lincoln, as he is "stubborn" and the only candidate who can end the war. He waxes poetic on...

GLC00203.10

Photograph of Fort Snelling and the Valley of the Minnesota.

One photograph of Fort Snelling and the Valley of the Minnesota. A small black & white image, printed by Whitney's Gallery, St. Paul, Minnesota. Originally with a letter (see GLC00203.10) by Edwin Jackson, a Private in Company D. of the 6th Minnesota...

GLC00203.10.01

to William Jackson

Edwin Jackson informs his brother that his company has been moved to Pipe Lake, which he dislikes, and says they won't go South this summer, though they may when the Minnesota 8th returns. He explains why Henry is having such a hard time at home with...

GLC00203.11

to William Jackson

The regiment is in Cairo, IL, on its way to Helena, AK, where Edwin Jackson is happy to be going. He describes a parade they were in, where the regiment's "Silver Band" played and ladies blew them kisses and waved their handkerchiefs. He talks about...

GLC00203.12

to William Jackson

Edwin Jackson writes that the troops are in Arkansas, and he often has to stand guard duty; however, he would much rather be in the South and "run the chance of being shot and killed out and out" than be in Dakota "and be killed by degrees." He tells...

GLC00203.13

to William Jackson

Edwin Jackson writes this letter from a camp hospital, and informs Bill that he has the ague (fever) and had the shakes terribly the night before. His fever is broken, though, and he is not in danger, just weakened by the fever, and wants to return...

GLC00203.14

to William Jackson

Edwin Jackson writes that he is over his fever and is well again. He also recently voted, along with the rest of his regiment. He proudly notes that only 10 or 12 of them voted for "the Traitor Little Mac," so his regiment is a "true Union Regtiment...

GLC00203.15

to William Jackson

Edwin Jackson discusses that the regiment has been moved to St. Louis, a much more hospitable place than the "Grave Yard" of Helena, AK, where two men died from sickness. He thinks the regiment will stay the rest of its enlistment there, and mentions...

GLC00203.16

to William Jackson

Edwin Jackson wishes Bill a happy New Year and talks about how happy and hopeful he is. He remarks that, after his last seven months are up, he will be proud to have been in the army and will be able to look at the cowardly Copperheads with contempt...

GLC00203.17

to William Jackson

Writing from home, he rejoices about having been part of crushing the rebellion in the South. He talks about how happy his father was to see him home again. He mentions that he was in the last battle in Blakely, Alabama, with his trusty Springfield...

GLC00203.18