Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Winegar, Daniel G. (fl. 1862-1865) Collection of Daniel G. Wenigar, B company, 95th regiment, Illinois, infantry [Decimalized .001-.189]

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01014 Author/Creator: Winegar, Daniel G. (fl. 1862-1865) Place Written: [various places] Type: Header Record Date: 05 November 1862 - 09 July 1865 Pagination: 189 items, 38 envelopes Order a Copy

This collection consists exclusively of correspondence from Daniel G. Winegar, to his wife Elvira in Belvidere, Ill. Winegar enlisted as a private in August 1862, and was mustered into Co. "B" of the 95th Illinois infantry in September of that year. As these letters indicate, his service took him to Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, with the largest concentration being in Vicksburg. These letters bear witness to the siege of that city, as well as the Battle of Franklin, and capture of Mobile. The letter dated 2 May 1865 mentions the official announcement of Lincoln's assassination. In general, though, the letters document camp life, particularly Winegar's eating habits and illnesses in camp (measles, dysentery, and typhoid are specifically mentioned); Winegar's duties as a member of the Pioneer Corps, such as digging canals and building bridges; and provide some insight into his wife's situation at home, such as the struggle to pay land taxes, and assistance with farm work. Winegar was mustered out of service in August 1865. Arranged chronologically.

Winegar, Daniel G., fl. 1862-1865

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources