to Sister Mamie

Discusses the "[t]errible" battle of Bull Run and the poor conditions of camp life, including difficult marches and poor diet. Discusses the execution of a "Zouave" soldier in camp for the "crime of murder." Also makes reference to the politics of...

GLC03523.18.01

to Sister Mamie

Mentions receipt of socks, gloves and diary from home. References Battle of Fredericksburg, Union Commander William S. Rosecrans and the Battle of Murfreesboro. Also comments on General W. T. Brooks' thoughts on the 2nd Regiment and their courage...

GLC03523.18.02

to Sister Mamie

Provides an illustration and description of Union and Confederate battle formations including skirmish lines, lines of battle for infantry, batteries, and reserves. Mentions his promotion to orderly sergeant, and details the duties associated with...

GLC03523.18.03

to Sister Mamie

Discusses the Second Battle of Fredericksburg and the death of his tent mate who was "shot dead after we gained the [Marye's] heights." Wishes "the President would put his conscription in force for one million of men…and make putting down the...

GLC03523.18.04

to Sister Mamie

Expresses his disappointment over Hooker's decision to attend a ball at the headquarters of General A. P. Howe. Provides a full description of a brigade dress-parade.

GLC03523.18.05

to parents

Requests that his parents collect his town bounty from the town treasury. Encourages them to move and open a store in West Lebanon, New Hampshire. Also includes a quote from David Crocket: "be sure you are right then go ahead." Comments on the...

GLC03523.18.06

to mother

Provides orderly duties and specific orders received from Captain Orville Bixby. Details work including the completion of muster rolls and vouchers. Mentions clothing, books and monthly returns. Inquires about town bounty, state pay, and the opening...

GLC03523.18.07

to mother

Expresses confidence in General Ulysses S. Grant's current plans and prays that "God may grant that this campaign may end this Hydra headed rebellion and cause the people of the south to see the error of their ways and return to their aliegance."...

GLC03523.18.08

to parents

Describes fighting during Wilderness Campaign and the death of Captain Orville Bixby. Lists casualties and includes a description of battle. Praises and gives thanks to God for sparing his life during fighting, and provides an account of being...

GLC03523.18.09

to parents

Discusses "very hard fighting" in recent battles, and lists the names of the men from the regiment killed in action. Most likely referencing the battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse that occurred on 12 May, though this is not indicated in the letter...

GLC03523.18.10

to parents

Written from the south side of the Pamunkey River. Declares, "we have taken the Peninsular as the proper approach on Richmond." Indicates his pleasure with General Ulysses S. Grant and Grant's decision to "go precisely on [General George B.]...

GLC03523.18.11

to parents

Discusses the Baltimore convention and nomination of the next president. Requests newspaper announcing winner of nomination. Writes of skirmishes during and after Battle of Cold Harbor. Describes in detail the circumstances surrounding the deaths...

GLC03523.18.12

to parents

Reports on conditions at Cold Harbor, and details the regiment's plan to cross the James River. Describes a recent meal: "I have just been to dinner and what do you guess I had? It was this good nice ham, coffee, and hard-tack soacked soft in cold...

GLC03523.18.13

to parents

Writes from camp outside of the city of Petersburg. References General Ulysses S. Grant's suggestion to consolidate regiment into six companies. Describes, in detail, the troops' five-day march from Cold Harbor to present location. Expects hard...

GLC03523.18.14

to mother

Reports that he is under fire nearly everyday. Describes capture of the 4th Regiment and one battallion of the 11th Vermont Regiment. Also mentions the consolidation of 6 companies.

GLC03523.18.15

to mother

Mentions a 45-day drought, dust-filled marches, and destruction of rebel-held facilities. Discusses General W. F. Smith's advance on Fort Clifton: "we marched out to Reams station on the Petersburg & Weldon R.R. Destroyed a large machine shop, tore...

GLC03523.18.16

to mother

Mentions his work on muster rolls. Discusses general operations, including the landing of 19th army corps at City Point, Virginia and reinforcements from the 13th corps. Prays for the end of the rebellion, mentions inconsistency of mail, and...

GLC03523.18.17

to parents

Discusses George B. McClellan's oration at West Point. Describes Edwin M. Stanton's lack of respect towards McClellan, and Lincoln's efforts to "allow it to be so." Recounts fighting and near death experience during the Battle of Spotsylvania...

GLC03523.18.18

to parents

Describes traveling from City Point, Virginia to Fort Stevens, and mentions an event involving President Lincoln. Discusses his promotion to 1st Lieutenant of Company 'C.' "…[we] marched through the city to Fort Stevens in front of which we found...

GLC03523.18.19

to parents

Reports on a delay in getting mail, and mentions marching in extreme heat: "I never saw so many men sun stroke in any one during all my service... I hear there were 7 men of the 11th regiment died in consequence of hard marching and the excessive...

GLC03523.18.20