3 June 1863

Wheeler, Joseph, 1836-1906

Broadside

Title: General orders no. 7

Orders given by Confederate Brigadier General Wheeler for Wheeler's Calvary Corps. Promulgated by Assistant Adjutant General D. G. Reed. Divided into seven sections. Stresses accuracy of reports of enemy strength. Says they need to probe the enemy firmly enough to get a true sense of their strength as well as question prisoners closely. Says to be sure to filter out rumors. Reminds them that "Calvary Officers and Soldiers must always remember that they are the eyes and ears of the General commanding."

GLC08537

3 June 1863

Wheeler, Joseph, 1836-1906

Broadside

Title: [General Joseph Wheeler's General Orders No. 7]

Contains Wheeler's orders transmitted by D. G. Reed, Assistant Adjutant General. Wheeler, commanding cavalry corps, Army of Tennessee, states "...The commanding General of this Army relies solely upon information received from Cavalry, to make his dispositions and inaccuracies in their reports may entail great disasters..." Contains other directives pertaining to the accuracy of reports. Closes by stating: "Cavalry Officers and Soldiers must always remember that they are the eyes and ears of the General commanding, and without frequent and correct intimations from them regarding the enemy…

GLC08604

November 20, 1863

McPherson, James Birdseye, 1828-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Marcellus Monroe Crocker

General McPherson (Union) discusses Confederate troop movements with General Crocker. Writes "Have you heard anything more definite in relation to the movement of Troops to the Vicinity of 'Tunica Bend' and the concentration of Cavalry in the lower part of the State? The information I have here, is that the Rebel forces occupy about the same relative position between the Big Black and Pearl Rivers, that they have done for the last six weeks." Relates that General Hawkins (possibly John Parker Hawkins) falsely predicted that 16,000 Confederate troops were marching to attack him. Hopes…

GLC00930.01

30 October 1800

Jay, John, 1745-1829

Document signed

Title: [Appointment of John Millspaugh]

Appoining Millspaugh as a cavalry major in the New York state militia. Partially printed document signed. Affixed with the seal of the state of New York. Also signed by Daniel Hale as "Secretary."

GLC00945.03

8 September 1819

Davis, Amasa, 1744-1825

Document signed

Title: [Request for the delivery of military standards]

Davis signs as Quarter Master General. Possibly based on the order of George Todd, whose name is included. Directed to Sam Gore. Requests "to deliver to Colo Arms or Bearer, 2 Standards for 2 Battalions of Cavalry in the 2 Brigade, 4 Division, in the Militia of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts." Docket indicates that the standards were received 20 September 1819.

GLC01450.718.04

25 September 1778

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Tallmadge

Signed as commander in chief and written in the hand of John Laurens, Washington's aide. Assures Tallmadge that his cavalry would receive enough supplies but warns that there will be no new horses. Complains about the dragoon's ill use of the horses, "It gives me pain but I cannot forbear attributing the ill state of the Cavalry, in a great measure to the unrestrained licence of the Dragoons in the use of their horses; their speed is equally immoderate on all occasions; when they are detached, nor are their horses less freely employed on their own private concerns." Addressed to Major…

GLC01746

14 January 1865

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865

Autograph endorsement signed

Title: [Abraham Lincoln endorsement]

Lincoln endorsement written on the fourth page of an autograph letter signed of P. Golden from Bangor, Maine to John H. Rice of Washington dated 29 December 1864. Golden asks that a cousin John Murphy, a prisoner of war, be discharged. Golden explains that Murphy was forced into Confederate service and tried to escape but did not succeed. He had to rejoin under another name in the 42nd Battalion of Virginia Cavalry, where he was taken prisoner. He is being held at Point Lookout in Maryland. Calls Murphy a "true Union man" and refers Rice to Vice President Hannibal Hamlin for further…

GLC01772

9 July 1780

De Kalb, Johann, 1721-1780

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Richard Caswell

Signed "Baron de Kalb." Writes to Major General Caswell about the Camden campaign. Discusses trouble procuring provisions. Judges that it would not be prudent to travel "not even to Cole's bridge with our whole Body of Troops, for we durst not expose parties of Collecting Provisions, when the Enemies are So near, So Superior in Cavalry & for what I know in Infry; if you would chuse not to go as far as Cole's Bridge but halt Where you now are...We might with propriety reassure our plan for Coxe's." Notes that he will send back some artillery to lighten their traveling load. Also suggests…

GLC01766

2 October 1904

Mosby, John S., 1833-1916

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Gaston

Colonel Mosby, the former Confederate leader, describes a cordial meeting with President Theodore Roosevelt, the loss of his hat, boots, overcoat and cape in 1864, when captured by the 13th New York Cavalry, and the return of his hat. Discusses his desire for a photo of himself taken in December 1865. Written on Department of Justice stationary.

GLC01653

6 March 1863

Stanford, Leland, 1824-1893

Document signed

Title: [Appointment of Gilbert Witham, Captain, Co. M, 1st Cavalry, California Volunteers]

Partially printed document signed by Stanford as Governor of California and countersigned by California Secretary of State William H. Weeks, Adjutant General William Kibbe, and Deputy A.A.H. Tuttle. Sealed with the Great Seal of California (with bear, Minerva and gold-digger). With partially printed oath of allegiance signed by Witham on verso, dated May 16 at Stockton, California.

GLC01620

6 April 1865

Imboden, John D., 1823-1895

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Imboden, a Confederate general, writes to an unknown correspondent about preserving the South, especially his state of Virginia. He mentions some shoes made by Yankees that do not fit. States that his wife is not well and that he is anxious to get back to his native Virginia before she is too sick to travel. Informs that he will write to General Lee for orders to return. Feels he will be more useful there since he knows the state. He hopes that the loss of Virginia to Union forces might be made more difficult by a "small active cavalry force," especially in the western part of the state…

GLC01628

10 July 1863

Brisbin, James S. (James Sanks), 1837-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jane Brisbin

Informs his wife that he arrived in Washington, D. C. the previous day. Referring to his introduction to Colonel Windham, an Englishman, he states "I hate foreigners particularly the dutch- Windham offered me a very nice place but I asked to be sent to the field." Received orders to report to General [George] Mead[e]. States that only three officers (Solen, Carpenter, and Balk) of the 6th United States Cavalry were not killed, wounded, or captured. Describes injuries sustained by Balder, McQuisten, Claflin, Cram, Paulding, and Chaffee, stating that only 108 men are left in the regiment.…

GLC01505.02

1864-1868

Mills, Albert L., 1854-1916

Header Record

Title: [Collection of typed military transcripts regarding James Sanks Brisbin] [Decimalized .01-.17]

These records are typed and witnessed by Albert L. Mills, first Lieutenant and adjutant of the first cavalry. Includes information regarding General James Sanks Brisbin's service in the Civil War. Brisbin's leadership, possible promotion in rank, wounds obtained during battle, and success as a recruiter are discussed, among other topics. These documents are written by Brisbin and by various political and governmental officials. These typewritten copies date to circa 1887-1891 based on Mill's rank and assignment at the time.

GLC01504.02

9 March 1863

Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson), 1822-1885

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stephen Augustus Hurlbut

Written near Vicksburg, Mississippi. Grant, commander of the Army and Department of the Tennessee, writes to General Hurlbut. Grant sends Colonel Dicky, commanding a cavalry division, to report to Hurlbut. Grant plans for Hurlbut's cavalry to cooperate with other cavalry forces stationed on the Yazoo River in Yazoo City and Liverpool Heights, Mississippi. Intends for Hurlbut's cavalry to destroy a bridge over the Tallahatchie River. Mentions the coordination of other forces, with the objective of destroying railroads and bridges surrounding Vicksburg. Also coordinates troops in relation…

GLC01553

7 December 1863

Sherman, William T. (William Tecumseh), 1820-1891

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eli Long

Writes to Colonel Long (later General) ordering him to mount his cavalry to raid and capture a Confederate train that passed into the mountains toward Georgia. Advises him to, "Take all the horses, mules and animals that you can from citizens and make all captives of prisoners and enemies property that you can." Instructs him to cause as much confusion and alarm as possible. States that he (Sherman) will hold a force at Telico Plains at Columbus until Long returns and will try to have supplies waiting. Encourages Long by saying, "You have already done good and hard service. Do this at…

GLC01887

20 October 1863

Fullerton, J. Quincy, fl. 1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliakim P. Scammon

Spy report regarding reconnaissance against Confederate forces led by Confederate General Alfred Eugene Jackson (1807-1889), whom he refers to as "Mudwall." Describes his journey with 30 men of the 2nd Virginia Cavalry Volunteers across Virginia and West Virginia. Reports a skirmish with the enemy which interrupted their much needed rest and states, "...seeing our efforts to drive the enemy with our revolvers were useless we continued on towards the railroad." They continued on into Tennessee, along Iron Mountain, and into North Carolina where "Here we were most welcome...citizens came…

GLC01904

18 September 1864

Butler, Benjamin F. (Benjamin Franklin), 1818-1893

Letter signed

Title: to Andrew Gregg Curtin

Butler writes to Curtin, Governor of Pennsylvania, from the field. Recommends John Cassels, Provost Marshal at Fort Monroe, for promotion to Major in the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment. Notes, "I take the liberty to do so, because it has been perhaps, partly my act that he may not be considered within the line of promotion." Attests there is no post which requires more responsibility than that of Provost Marshal. Writes, "After carefully watching Capt Cassel's course, for many months, I am satisfied not only in his efficiency and energy, but also with his integrity and patriotism."…

GLC01910

15 December 1863

Hooker, Joseph, 1814-1879

Autograph endorsement signed

Title: [Approval of request for leave]

Hooker endorses an autograph letter signed on verso from Captain Samuel B. Sherer, of Company K, 15th Illinois Cavalry Volunteers, to William H. Perkins, Assistant Adjutant General for the 11th and 12th Corps. Sherer applies for twenty five day furloughs for Sergeant Daniel Rettis and Private Henry Wilson of Company K, 15th Illinois Cavalry. Reports that Rettis was recently informed of the death of his child and severe illness of his wife, and that Wilson is having trouble with the lessee of his farm. Hooker approves of the request. Autograph endorsement signed on verso of a document.

GLC01911

29 April 1865

Meade, George Gordon, 1815-1872

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William T. Sherman

General Meade writes from Headquarters, Army of the Potomac. A previous assessment indicates this letter, directed to "Genl Cmd'g," is written to General William T. Sherman. Marked "Personal" on docket. Meade declines to send the 3rd Cavalry, since he has no other cavalry. His other cavalry units were previously sent to General Sheridan, and even after applying to General Grant, no cavalry returned. In the area (possibly near Appomattox Court House, Virginia), some blacks have been pillaging the homes of their former masters. Meade notes "there is really some danger of an insurrection…

GLC01918

21 May 1863

Morgan, John Hunt, 1825-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Wheeler

General Morgan writes to Wheeler, Commander of Cavalry Corps, Army of Tennessee. Reports that Lieutenant [Cull?], sent to obtain wagons from McMinnville, Tennessee, has returned empty handed. Requests Wheeler's assistance in acquiring wagons. Remarks, "I need these wagons greatly. My Division has not, including these wagons, near the amount of transportation allowed, and you will readily see to what inconvenience I am put to get along without them." Transmits a letter (not included) from a correspondent in Kentucky. Contains water stains.

GLC02012

20 November 1863

Longstreet, James, 1821-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Wheeler

Possibly written in Tennessee. Marked "Confidential." Longstreet, commander of the Department of East Tennessee, writes to Wheeler, commanding cavalry corps, Army of Tennessee. Orders Wheeler to send half of General John Austin Wharton's force to Kingston, and half to cover the Union's escape route. Notes "Keep us advised hourly and send two couriers with each dispatch." Written in pencil.

GLC02013

23 August 1865

Hatch, Edward, 1832-1889

Document signed

Title: [General orders no. 4, transmitted to Captain Hervey A. Colvin, Assistant Adjutant General]

Hatch, Brevet Major General of United States Volunteers, writes on Headquarters, District of Talledega stationery. Reports, "Orders have this day been received directing me to report to another department for duty which compels me to part with the officers and men... with whom I have been so long and so pleasantly associated... I desire to express my sincere and heartfelt thanks for the cheerful cooperation with me in the performance of kindred duties, for your gallantry, self denial, and untiring energy... I will ever cherish among the brightest passages of my life, the memory of our…

GLC02014

7 August 1864

Sherman, William T. (William Tecumseh), 1820-1891

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry W. Halleck

Gives a detailed description of the unsuccessful cavalry raids by George Stoneman and Daniel McCook, Jr. at the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain. Both took place on the June 27, 1864 in accordance with Sherman's Order 42. Before the raids, Stoneman asked Sherman's permission to attempt to free union prisoners held in Macon and Andersonville after the battle. Sherman consented. McCook heroically led the raid against a superior force, and was mortally wounded. Sherman was criticized for this attack against General Johnston's entrenched forces, which resulted in heavy union casualties.

GLC01961

17 July 1862

Hayes, Rutherford B., 1822-1893

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliakim P. Scammon

Writes to Scammon, his superior and colonel commanding the 1st brigade, concerning safeguarding Union loyalists in West Virginia. Mentions a Mr. Caldwell, who wants to get his family out of Mouros. Describes his plan to follow them and asks for approval. "...I will take say six or eight Cos of 23rd & 20 of Capt. Gilmore's Cavalry and two waggons and go after them. Leave here so as to cross the ferry soon after dark - go say five miles and bivouac..." Hayes signs as Lieutenant Colonel, 23rd Infantry. Docketed by Scammon. Written at Camp Green Meadows- located between New River and…

GLC02033

1863

Wells, Hiram C. (fl. 1825-1900)

Diary

Title: Pocket Diary for 1863

One diary for the year 1863 by Hiram C. Wells. The diary gives a good view of life in the cavalry with skirmishes, scouts, etc. Well's regiment took part in the siege of Knoxville. Wells was later captured, imprisoned at Andersonville, and on the Sultana when it exploded.

GLC03131.15.01