Walbridge, Charles E. (b. 1842) to Louise Walbridge
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04663.61 Author/Creator: Walbridge, Charles E. (b. 1842) Place Written: Raleigh, North Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 April 1865 Pagination: 4 p. ; 25 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Informs his brother that since they last communicated, several important events have taken place, the defeat and capture of General Robert E. Lee, the occupation of Richmond, and General Joseph E. Johnston's surrender to Generals Ulysses S. Grant and William T. Sherman. Writes that Johnston has surrendered all the confederate forces this side of the Chatahoochie River, including Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. States that Sherman's army will march for home but the 10th and 23rd corps will remain in Raleigh. Mentions that he will try to get a leave of absence soon to visit Buffalo. Remarks that the only thing tainting the joy over the end of the war is the death of President Abraham Lincoln, who died just as his years of effort were being realized. Describes the streets and buildings of Raleigh and comments that the southern inhabitants of the town have started to come out more, realizing the Union troops will not harm them.
Charles E. Walbridge enlisted on 21 September 1861 in Buffalo, New York as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was commissioned into "H" company of NY 100th Infantry on 3 January 1862, and later promoted to Captain and Assistant Quartermaster on 17 April 1863. Future promotions also include Major on 1 January 1865, and Lieutenant & Quartermaster on 8 July 1865. Walbridge was mustered out on 7 October 1865.
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