Letter No. 23 pages missing ; date & location known ; preserved here is him writing of news of health issues of folks at home, of wanting to hear the results of a town meeting regarding bounty (system used as an incentive to increase enlistments), of Heaton's auction, of his weight being 149 pounds.
Topics include letters being delayed, the muddy camp in Virginia, winter quarters, inquiring after his brother Albert's schooling, requests a loaf of brown bread, a tin plate & other items, comments on news from home of folks health and passing away.
Snowball fights, reference to the bounty vote, mention of a shoemaker in Company E, of his boots, of wanting a pound of sugar sent and remarks on folks at home.
Writes from the General Hospital in South Carolina of his hopes to be discharged soon and be home by mid June, has a job in the dining room setting table, etc. & feels it is good for his health. Thinks of his parents and hopes they have not worried over his having been taken prisoner & mentions... Show moreWrites from the General Hospital in South Carolina of his hopes to be discharged soon and be home by mid June, has a job in the dining room setting table, etc. & feels it is good for his health. Thinks of his parents and hopes they have not worried over his having been taken prisoner & mentions the other folks at home. Letter head United States Sanitary Commission, N. E. Women's Auxiliary Association. Show less
Topics include drills, a prediction that the fighting will end by June, and inquiries about home. In addition to myriad details regarding weather, food, and correspondence, Bancroft inserts thoughtful questions, e.g.: "Clara do folks in our neighborhood manifest much interest in my being out here... Show moreTopics include drills, a prediction that the fighting will end by June, and inquiries about home. In addition to myriad details regarding weather, food, and correspondence, Bancroft inserts thoughtful questions, e.g.: "Clara do folks in our neighborhood manifest much interest in my being out here? do they seem to care a great deal about it?" He also refers to the lull in fighting--and resulting boredom-- that precedes Lincoln's general order of Jan. 27 for federal armies to advance. Show less
Topics include reminiscences of church meetings in Vt., stimulated by his attendance of them at camp; how much he enjoys the supplies (footwear, clothing, food, brandy) from home; some medical treatment that was improved with brandy; his appreciation of family and home; a few words about postal... Show moreTopics include reminiscences of church meetings in Vt., stimulated by his attendance of them at camp; how much he enjoys the supplies (footwear, clothing, food, brandy) from home; some medical treatment that was improved with brandy; his appreciation of family and home; a few words about postal delivery; and a map of the South he plans to give to his father. -- Because of winter, the war has slackened off a bit. Lincoln is still trying to force McClellan to act. Show less
He writes of the return to Vermont of his wife’s brother, Oramel G. Howe, of sending her a can of milk, as well as other items, going to Brandy Station on business, having drill practice and of witnessing a horse race in which $1000 was the prize.
Topics include a photograph of Maria with a new hair style and a joking encounter with another officer about the photograph. He also writes of memories of his youth and how he would never have believed there would be a civil war and that he would participate in one.
Letter from clerk in the Adjutant General's office to Bradford's father, Alner, regarding his inquiry about Bradford. Letter states nothing is known at the office about Bradford except that he was taken prisoner and that Alner's request for information has been forwarded to F. F. Holbrook,... Show moreLetter from clerk in the Adjutant General's office to Bradford's father, Alner, regarding his inquiry about Bradford. Letter states nothing is known at the office about Bradford except that he was taken prisoner and that Alner's request for information has been forwarded to F. F. Holbrook, Vermont Military Commissioner. Show less
From camp along the James River, Va. he writes of money sent to his father, box received from home, fashioning furnishings with items available, mentions his horse, men may be required to move, will regret having to leave the brick church being used for worship, church cushioned & carpeted & has... Show moreFrom camp along the James River, Va. he writes of money sent to his father, box received from home, fashioning furnishings with items available, mentions his horse, men may be required to move, will regret having to leave the brick church being used for worship, church cushioned & carpeted & has an organ, perhaps a gift from Mrs. President Harrison, missing soldiers learned to be prisoners exchanged unharmed. Show less
Topics include plans to return Charles Bancroft's possessions to his father. One senses that the quartermaster is defending the military's hospital care in response to a complaint from Bancroft's father.
Topics include a "miniature" (porttrait?) that Quimby wants to send home; instructions for his sister to collect on a debt owed by Captain Tucker; and expectation of the Regiment advancing. The order to advance would come from Lincoln himself on Jan. 27, 1862, and would be his first General War... Show moreTopics include a "miniature" (porttrait?) that Quimby wants to send home; instructions for his sister to collect on a debt owed by Captain Tucker; and expectation of the Regiment advancing. The order to advance would come from Lincoln himself on Jan. 27, 1862, and would be his first General War Order. Show less
Topics include receiving a letter from home, his hope to be released and return home, and news about others from his regiment who were killed or wounded at Hagerstown on July 6.
Topics include resuming encampment after living indoors for a while. An early March skirmish in Aldie, Va. is mentioned, as is the capture of General E.H. Stoughton in bed, in a daring raid by CSA Capt. John S. Mosby at Fairfax County Court House. Mosby managed to capture dozens of union soldiers... Show moreTopics include resuming encampment after living indoors for a while. An early March skirmish in Aldie, Va. is mentioned, as is the capture of General E.H. Stoughton in bed, in a daring raid by CSA Capt. John S. Mosby at Fairfax County Court House. Mosby managed to capture dozens of union soldiers, learn the "Countersign," or password, and go wherever he wanted. (The embarrassment ended Stoughton's military career.) Smith mentions his wish for a photograph of his siblings, and his wish for news from home. Show less
A short letter thanking his mother for the box she sent. Although generally satisfied with the food, he wishes the requested socks had arrived as well. He adds a brief correction: "We do not belong to Burnsides Army but belong to the defences of Washington." Weather in February has been bad, and... Show moreA short letter thanking his mother for the box she sent. Although generally satisfied with the food, he wishes the requested socks had arrived as well. He adds a brief correction: "We do not belong to Burnsides Army but belong to the defences of Washington." Weather in February has been bad, and March will probably be just as bad. Show less
Writing from Chantilla, Virginia topics include the anticipation of receiving a package from home. Box directed to the camp at Alexandria for a few items were sent on to his current location.Mentions his good health and that he often feels better out scouting than when he stays in camp. States... Show moreWriting from Chantilla, Virginia topics include the anticipation of receiving a package from home. Box directed to the camp at Alexandria for a few items were sent on to his current location.Mentions his good health and that he often feels better out scouting than when he stays in camp. States fellow Vermonter taken prisoner. Inquires about folks and activities at home. Show less
Topics include Wilder's uncertainties regarding if he shall ever see his family again and if the regiment is going to advance, as well as sending items home.
Topics include clarifying things that were written home about Merrill, what Wilder will do once he leaves the army alive, and a man named Damon Hunter returning home after having his leg amputated. One Civil War chronology notes on this date "little or no action on the main front in Virginia... Show moreTopics include clarifying things that were written home about Merrill, what Wilder will do once he leaves the army alive, and a man named Damon Hunter returning home after having his leg amputated. One Civil War chronology notes on this date "little or no action on the main front in Virginia along the Chickahominy." Show less
