Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933 Collection of Jesse Brown [decimalized GLC03523.15.01-.20]

to [brother and sister]

He writes from a hospital, describing it as a "regular palice," where "evry thing is so clean." He had an ambrotype made but it turned out poorly, especially because he's been sick.

GLC03523.15.01

to sister

He has been sick and finally saw the doctor, who gave him some pills but did not excuse him from duty. Comments on the list of drafted men in the newspaper (Enrollment Act of July 1863).

GLC03523.15.02

to [sister]

He asks her to write more often. Comments on her adopted son. "Every day makes one less for me to be in uncle Sams grand Army that is all the comfort I have."

GLC03523.15.03

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Tells them never to let Jed enlist, even if a high sum of money is offered. "Helth is worth more than money." Describes the effects of the war on him physically: "only 22 years from my looks you would say I was 40." Written from the 5th Maine...

GLC03523.15.04

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

He is afraid that Jed will enlist. Receives weekly letters from his friend James, but John does not write very often. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.05

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Reminisces about going down to Presket Point in heavy winds and how the boat sank. "Danger seems to be my lot for I am always in it." Expresses hope in Grant's leadership. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.06

to Emily Brown

He recounts the various notes and items he has sent recently, including a pipe for Jed. Their march slowly progresses, but "be of good cheer at home and we will try to do the best we can in the field." Includes a photo of Aggness's daughter (not...

GLC03523.15.07

to Emily Brown

Reports a slight wound on his left leg. They have been in fighting position for over 50 hours but are doing well under Grant. "Oh when I come home I shall have plenty to tell you that I cannot now." Sends a belt buckle from a dead Rebel for Jed....

GLC03523.15.08

to Nen

Sends a piece of a Confederate skull from the Battle of Chancellorsville, as well as a piece of Washington's mother's monument from Fredericksburg. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.09

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Asks them to send stamps and a red pepper. It would be more expensive to send blankets than for his mother to buy them at home. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.10

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Expresses confidence in Grant, then complains that Congress insults the poor man with low pay.

GLC03523.15.11

to friend Brown

Apologizes for not visiting him while he was at home due to sickness. Although they have had hard times, Jesse visited. They all hope this summer would see the end of fighting. While Jesse has not reenlisted, he has; he wants to see the end of the...

GLC03523.15.12

to Emily Brown

Instructs her to direct her letters to him through Washington as they are never in one place for more than three or four days. Asks for $50 because he won't receive any more pay until he is discharged.

GLC03523.15.13

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

They are doing more marching, and he is avoiding action. Again he requests $50 if it's not too difficult. He waits for six months' pay and won't be paid again until he is discharged. Mailed from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.14

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Apologizes for his parents not having received his recent letters, but again requests $50, preferably not in state money because it is not good there. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.15

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Has received the money. Although $20 was in state money and is not worth anything there, it worked out because he owed a friend $20 who sent it home to Rhode Island, where it had full value. Is anxious to start a tug boat business after the war....

GLC03523.15.16

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Thanks them for the final $10 they sent. Though it was state money, he manages to use it by trading it to another soldier who sent it home. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.17

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Received a slight wound in his side and is now in the hospital. His leg wound is recovering well, and he hopes to be in good shape when he is discharged. He suffered considerably in transport to the hospital, riding 32 miles in a six-mule wagon.

GLC03523.15.18

to Maria Brown

Finds no excitement in the upcoming election, though they may send soldiers home to vote. Hopes to see her before long.

GLC03523.15.19