101 10 1130 https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/6044130f50540a36dbccb0ca6a552589.pdf 66c59b8a8e4496ff380e019289e5a714 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Burksvill April 234rd 1864 Dear wife this makes the 3 letter I have written to you and I have not received a letter from you Sinse you mentioned in your letter Abbout george mays wife Abbout to know if he was left on the field he was not he and lucius Biddell was buried Dear wife goerge has written 4 letters home and he has got 3 from home So has himan Crowell the all get letters but me it tis a long time to wait for A letter but I will wait pationtley for one this week Dear wife I mentioned in my other 2 letters abbout the march it twas a hard one but we have not got through with it yet it is reported to day that we are going to richmond we are to have 4 days rations in our haversacks and 8 days in the wagons So I do [page 2] know whare we are bound for next but I had Some hopes of getting home Next Month but I think know we will have to Serve our time out but it tis only 3 and A few this is not a very healthey place we are know the most of us has got the Disenterey I have had it pretty bad on the march but I have got over it know I menti^oned it in my other letters Dear wife it twas A Sad news Abbout the presidents Death I wish he could have Served 4 years more then I think the Johneys would have been pretty well plaid out I donth like the way that they are let to run Abbout know with Arims and Equipment I donth belive in them if I had my way of them I would not let one of them have there libertey untill this thing was Settled Dear wife I have got a check I would have Sent it in my last letter but I was affraid because I got know letter from you but I will Send it in this letter [page 3] for we expect to move again in the morning So I donth want to carrey it in my pocket Any longer whare we are going I cannot tell but we are to have 12 days rations it tis Some good march or other for the 2nd Core but keep up good courage 3 and a few Dear wife we lost a good man when we lost general Smith he was wounded the day before lee Surinder^ed our brigade was abbout as far as toms house from whare lee Surindered when mead came through the Brigade the boys cheered and flung up there caps and Knabsacks it twas a quare old time hear if you Ever get them letters I Sent you you will find all ^the knews Abbout it George he is well and So is the rest of the old boys in Co B Dear wife I must draw to a Close hoping this will find you and the children well as this laves me at present thank god but I want a letter from [page 4] from you the worst way it tis a long time but there is Some more fellows in the company that has not got a letter as well as me give my love to father and family Mr hubbard and family David John and family So good boy Dear wife for this time kiss the Children for me No more at present from your loving Husband William D Smith rite to me for Pitey Sake I was the first one in the Company to right to you when we got back from the march So this makes 3 you Aught to get Some of them Good boy George he is at Division Head Quarters yet he is well I Seen him last night Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data ALS Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource William Digby Smith, 14th C.V.I., April 24, 1865 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1865-04-28 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 3-1-70 Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources United States. Army. Connecticut Infantry Regiment, 14th (1862-1865) United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Campaigns--Appommatox Campaign, 1865 Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 -- Assassination Description An account of the resource William Smith describes to his wife the march from Appomattox Court House to Richmond, his witnessing of Lee's surrender, his sadness at Lincoln's death, and his suspicion of the Confederate soldiers. https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/62e24166fa50370480068e69ec683ddc.pdf c102f121677d4398fea58494afe63c7a Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document May 19th Camp Near Alexandra Dear wife I send you these few lines to let you know that I am well hoping this will find you better than when you rote to me last I received the letter you rote to me on the 7th the 16th of this month Dear wife I would have written to you before this time only that I wanted to find out what the was going to do with us the are giving the men in the ridgement that is broke down there discharge so I donth know when we will get our discharge but there is one thing the cannot keep us any longer than the first of September Dear wife it twas a hard march there was quiet a number of the men Died on the march Do you remember the thunder Storm (Page 2) That shoock the house so that you held on to me so well we have had one on the march 3 times as bad it cominced about 5 o clock in the after noon and it lasted all night so we had to march in all the rain then turin out in a lot and stop theire untill morning if any Body wished for morning it twas Me I neaver seen sutch a sight there was quiet a number of men and horses killed the guns Drew the lightning there was so mutch Steel Dear wife I must Drop this george he is well and the rest of the boys is well it rains quiet hard hear know the rain keeps a coming in Dear wife you must Excuse this short letter you will not have to lock for (Page 3) Manny more letters from me I hope this will find you and margret in good health And all the rest of the family we would have had a revew to day only it rains Dear wife I will tell you all abbout the march when I get home give my love to father and family Mr hubbard And family David John And family you can tell willie that I think I will be home for to get a mess of Peas yet Kiss the children for me you must excuse me for not riting to you before this time No more at presint From your loving husband William D Smith good boy rite soon Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data ALS Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource William Digby Smith, 14th C.V.I., May 19, 1865 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1865-05-19 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 3-1-71 Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865 United States. Army. Connecticut Infantry Regiment, 14th (1862-1865) Appomattox Campaign (1865) Description An account of the resource William Smith writes to his wife of the march back from Appomattox following Lee's surrender and of the imminent dissolution of his regiment. https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/884402f2a39af28bdf2565d263c0beda.pdf 2fb441b64530555467448af0b7c397a1 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Thomas Pimer Papers Description An account of the resource Correspondence of Thomas Pimer to his father while he was serving in the 21st Connecticut Infantry in the Civil War. Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Camp opposite Fredericksburg Va. Dec. 18th 1862 Dear Father. I have just received your letter of the 24th. I was quite glad to hear from you once more after so long a time, and to know that you are well. I now sit down to answer for I supposed that you will be anxious to hear from me now after having been in Battle it is now two weeks and three days since the Bombardment and attemted capture of Fredericksburg in the morning of Thursday Dec 11th the Bombardment commenced. a heavy firing was kept up all day upon the City with but little return from the Enemy. on Friday morning they attemted to lay the Pontoon Bridge accrost the Rapahanoc but at the first trial the enemy opened fire upon them and thus began the second day’s fight. about noon they had got the Bridge accrost and the troops immediately crossed over and took possession of the City. the 21th went accrost about dark and were quartered for the night in the houses our company was put into a carpenters shop the boys split up the boards made a good fire spred their Blankets on the shaving and thus lay very comfortable that night. the next morning we went arround amongst the houses and stores and ransacked them from the Garret to the Cellar. took the flour out of the pantrys and made [page 2] Bread and Griddles which we cooked on the stoves. we found plenty of Honey and jellys of all kinds we lived high while we were in the city. at one time there was about a dozen of the boys going up the street and the rebs got sight of them and they sent a Shell whizzing down the street. then you ought to have seen the boys scatter they went in all directions one of the boys ran right towards the shell and if he had not bent his body, it would have knocked his head off for sure pop. we all put into the houses on double quick and did not venture out again untill the long roll was beaten for us to fall in. it was then about six oclock the regiment had received orders to advance to the front which they did do in good order although we were hindered by stonewalls and wood fences but we did not mind that we walked right over the fences and at last reached the front right in the face of the enemys Batteries which was throwing shot + shell at us thick and fast some of the shells brushing right in front of us and others over our heads. we had advanced to within fifty rods of their Batteries when the Colonell gave the order to halt saying at the same time (Boys I don’t know what to do) Just then the Generals orderly rode up and told him to get his men into as safe position a possible and lay down. he then ordered us to advance sixteen spaces and lay down on our arms for the night. which order was willingly obeyed by all. such hugging the ground you never see the Boys would get believed one on other and hide their heads in their blankets and most any where to keep them from [page 3] getting hit with pieces of shell and thus that night passed about five oclock we were awakened by a heavy discharge of musketry which was a regiment on our left making a charge on one of the batteries in about an hour the fireing had began pretty heavy on both sides I expected that we should have to go into it then in good earnest but we had orders to go back into the city which we did, and in about an hour the fireing ceased on both sides and was not commenced again that day it being Sunday. all that day we went arround the city just as we had a mind ransacking ever store and house we came to the Boys found lots of small things which they kept as trophies. the next morning Monday the Colonel came and told the Lieutenant that the second Briggade was to go into the fight that day and the 21 was to take the lead he told him to keep as cool as possible and not to get excited while in action. the plan was laid in the way, the second Briggade was to make a charge upon three of the enemys heavyest batteries and to take them if possible the elevent conn was to go out to skermishes and then to fall back and our regiment to make the first charge followed by the eighth sixteenth twelveth + eleventh conn and 4th rhode Island. we fell in about two oclock and marched on to the field there we halted to wait for orders. we stayed there all of the afternoon the rebs fireing a shell down at us once in while I tell you what Father I never want to see another Battle field it was an awfull sight once seen can never be forgotten. there were men [page 4] lying in all manner of ways. some with their heads blown off others with one leg shot away one arm gone and mashed and mangled all to pieces while those that were still alive were crawling on their hands and knees asking where they could find a Hospittall. and there we stayed expecting every moment to hear the orders to advance we waited until about ten oclock, and then Orders came from Burnsides for us to retreat back accrost the river for we never should be able take those Batteries in Gods world. so under cover of the darkness the whole Army retreated in fine style accrost the river taking the Bridges up as they went and returned to their old camps. it was a lucky thing for us that Burnsides altered his mind for if we had made the change there would not have been a man in the regiment alive now to tell the story, for the enemy had all the advantage of us they being up on the hill and we in the Valley beneath they had then batteries placed so that they could sweep all before them. and it was nothing but complete slaughtering men to send them up there. Burnsides has made one grand failier and now had better resign and give some one else a chance to kill a few more human beings. It was the first Battle that the regiment has been in, and I hope it will be the last I am not quite so patriotic as I was when I enlisted I thought that I was going to fight to serve my Country but now I find that we are fighting for the N***r alone and nothing else shall be glad when I get out of it. [page 5] No. 2 I am well and enjoying as good health as ever I did. we are a little more comfortably quartered now than we were when I wrote last to you we have small shelter tents made out of cotton Drilling they are first rate for keeping off the sun but when it rains they leak water like mad. it has been very pleasant weather for the weeks past but we have had some as cold weather as I ever saw at home in Dec. I think that we shall stay here some time for we have had orders to make our tents as warm and comfortable as possible. I should think that they might give us warmer tents for a month or two. I have plenty of good Wollen Shirts I have two on and three in my knapsacks. the only things that I am in need of now [page 6] are stockings and Boots I received the stockings that Carl sent also the gloves I was glad to get the stocks for my feet had been all on the ground for a long time. the gloves that he sent were not fit for me to wear out here they were small and to thin I should like a pair of Buckskin Gloves the boys have lots of them sent out to them. I am now Captain’s Clerk and have all the company writing to do I don’t have to stand Guard or drill am free from all duty I have been making out the muster + Pay rolls this week it is quite a job and has to be done neat I am in hopes that they will settle this war by spring for I should like to see Old N L once more. I hear that business is renewing there. I hope that they will get the Navy Yard there [page 7] if they do it will be the building up of the old place. I have nothing more that is of any account to write and am pretty tired so I must close. give my love to mother tell her than I should have liked some of her Christmas Dinner first rate. give my respects to Mr Shaw, Del and all inquiring friends and now I will close this time by hoping that you enjoyed a happy Christmas and by wishing you all a Happy New Year. From Your Loving Son T.H. Pimer Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data ALS Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Thomas Pimer, 21st C.V.I., December 28, 1862 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1862-12-28 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 4-4 Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865 United States. Army. Connecticut Infantry Regiment, 21st (1862-1865) Fredericksburg, Battle of (Virginia : 1862) United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Casualties Racism United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Destruction and pillage Description An account of the resource Thomas Pimer describes to his father the Union defeat at the Battle of Fredericksburg and provides graphic details of the casualties. He also expresses disgust at having to fight for the abolition of slavery. https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/55231c5b565a35833d697586c0a0dee0.pdf 80efcf30423decb1c09c71ca3e358e04 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Thomas Pimer Papers Description An account of the resource Correspondence of Thomas Pimer to his father while he was serving in the 21st Connecticut Infantry in the Civil War. Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Camp on Bowers hill near Portsmouth, Va. June 12, 63 Dear Father, Your letter was received in due season, and I should have answered before, but I have been waiting to find out all the particulars concerning this Regt.’s coming home, and have fount out that it was all a humbug, and the story started in the Regt. in the first place. I did not place as much dependence in the report as some did, so I shall come out all right in the end, but there are some men in the Regt. that beleaved they were going home just as much as they did that the sun would rise on [page 2] the morrow, and even now they believe it. with them I think it will go hard, if we don’t go, but it will be all the same with me. I enlisted for three years or dureing the War, and did never expect to get clear before that time. when I last wrote to you we were encamped near to Suffolk, since then we have moved some 17 miles from there, and are now encamped on a hill near the railroad, and only 7 miles from Portsmouth. we have a beautiful campground here and have made arrangements to stay here all summer. since we have been here we have built two large Forts and are now at work on the third. the first one, is one hundred and fifty- feet square, and mounts [page 3] twelve guns, the inside is all turfed over, and looks very nice, the walls of the Fort are ten feet high from the ground outside and five feet on the inside, and are thirty feet thick at the base and fifteen at the top. inside of the Fort we have a magazine which is 12 by 20 feet, and ten feet deep, it will hold a large quantity of ammunition. the Fort is the largest and best looking of any in the whole line of Fortifications, between Portsmouth + Suffolk. the other Fort is not so large and is not worth giving a description of. the Regt. has built eight Forts since we have been at Suffolk and I think for one regiment we have done our part of the digging. we are now getting [page 4] up a Negro Brigade, and have now got some five hundred. we send out a detachment of men every day, and they take every Negro that they can find for ten miles around. the Old Farmers find considerable fault because we take there Negroes from them, and in so doeing they loose not only their N----s but their Horses, we take every hoarse that can be found, for the use of the Army. I went out with a party on Monday and returned yesterday. we took 65 Neroes and 12 horses, at one house we found a good looking young fellow, and told him he must go with us, but he did not want to go. he said that his Wife was sick and had no one to take care of her but him. we asked [page 5] him where his Wife was, and he said that she was over to Massa Joes, so we went over there, and found the girl at work in the field hoeing corn, so we ^saw that the N-- had lied to us, and when he found out that he was caught he made a jump from the guard and ran into the house. in a few moments Massa Joe came out and asked what we wanted, he was a very rough looking man and seemed to have an ugly disposition. we told him that we had come to take all the Male hands he had, and his Horses. at that he was quite salty and swore like a pirat, he said that he would shoot the first man that tuched a N---- that belonged to him, but we were not going to [page 6] be frightened by him, so the men divided off into squads and sent to find the slaves and the Horses. the one that run into the house we found in the cellar, and broughted him out. the whole number we got there was six Negroes and two good Horses, Old Joe after a while cooled down a little, as he saw it would be no use to try and drive us off, and when we left he sang out that he hoped the Rebs would kill the whole Northern Army, and that will be all his raging will amount, we care fo none of them they are all strong secesh, and it is no more than right to take their property away from them. I think we shall stay here all summer, and garrison the Forts. I shall try and get a Furlough [page 7] some time dureing the summer and come home. You spoke in your letter about Mothers feeling bad, because I sent to word of greeting to her. I am very sorry it is so, and I am sure I did not neglect it, on purpose. I thought that I told you to give my respects to all of the family and if I neglected speaking of her alone, I did not do so because I never think of her, or that I had no respect for her, for I have, and do think of her often I am not so hard hearted as not to apprec- iate the many good thigs she has done for me. I know that she done for me so well as any one could under the circumstan- ces, and I therefore thank her for what she has done, and I [page 8] shall never speak ill of her to anyone. tell her that I am sorry she felt bad, and will hereafter remember to speak more punctual of her in my good wishes. you thought that I was influenced by others outside, but not so. no one never speaking of eather you or Mother to me, and the only thing that I hear comes from you. Dell sometimes tell me that you are well and also the rest of the family, otherwise I never hear from you. and now hopeing this will find you well and Mother the same, even as I am, and hoping for an answer soon I will close by remaining ever your son Tho. K Pimer Give my respects to Mr Shaw and to Mr and Mrs Bush also to all enquiring Friends. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data ALS Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Thomas Pimer, 21st C.V.I., June 12, 1863 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-06-12 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 4-8 Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865 United States. Army. Connecticut Infantry Regiment, 21st (1862-1865) United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--African Americans United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Destruction and pillage Racism Description An account of the resource Thomas Pimer writes to his father about the fortifications his unit is building in southern Virginia his regiment's practice of seizing African-Americans from local slaveholders and compelling them to work for the Union army. https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/f1f905a2952e273106492b46c3cc442b.pdf f6e9fa3b8599bb6a0e2ce1f68778ff5b Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Thomas Pimer Papers Description An account of the resource Correspondence of Thomas Pimer to his father while he was serving in the 21st Connecticut Infantry in the Civil War. Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Provost Marshals Office. Norfolk Va, Sept. 18th/64 Dear Father, It is now some time since I received your last letter, and I think by now you are anxious to hear from me. for the past three weeks my time has been so much employed with my duties that I have had no spare moments to write. to day being sunday, and no particular business for me to do, I thought I would improve the opportunity, and write you a few lines. I am on duty now both night and day, and it is very hard for me, as I am deprived of my sleep. during the day I am in the office and at night I am on duty in the City as Policeman. Necesity compelled the Marshal to put us on this duty, as we have a Regt. of Colored troops doing guard duty in this City, and the many Sailors that are granted shore liberty here cannot and will not aggree with the [page 2] N----- guard. they get on shore, and in two hours they are drunk, and fighting among themselves, and when the guard attempts to arrest them, they pitch in and fight the guard, several of the N-----s has been killed by them, and in return the guard has shot them, and it became a neces- ity that something should be done to protect the guards, as they were placed here by the Genl. Comdg. they must remain and must do their duty. some twenty men from this Dept. were picked out and made Policeman who were to patrol the City all night. they devided into reliefs. ten of them are out untill twelve. the others untill morning. I was appointed 2nd Chief of Police, and go out from six untill one at night. I am armed with a Colts revolver, a small Club, and a silver whistle and wear upon my coat a silver Badge, denoting who, and what I am the duty is not hard, and I am perfectly well satisfied, as I had rather do that, and stay here than go back to the Regiment. the only thing I care for is my sleep. I [page 3] am very sleepy daytimes, and very often go to sleep sitting at my desk. I think I shall get used to it in time. I was very sorry to hear that Mother has been so sick, and hope she will recover or has recovered by this time. I have been quite well with the exception of a Cold which I shall always have, I never expect to get entirely clear of it. I understand that the Yellow Feaver is raging in N.Y. I hope it is not so to any great extent. please tell me if any have died of it. there is no prevaling sickness here at present. we have had considera- ble of Typhoid Feaver here, but it is quite abated now. Everything ^(has) continued to increase in price here. it is very hard to buy the necessities of life. provisions are so high, and clothing is awfull. last week I had a Coat + Pants made, of black broad Cloth, and they cost me $50.00. Fifty Dollars. the same could be bought one year ago, for half the money. it is a Shame for the merchants to charge [page 4] such enormous prices for their goods half of it is clear profit. Hobun is still here but I think he will go home soon. he is getting very homesick. There is no news to write at present. everything is quiet in this vacinity. we had a great rejoicing here on the fall of Atlanta. among the Union People, but the seceshonists were down hearted enough. I have only Eleven months more to stay in this woe begon country, and if I can only stay here, I shall he all right for Home in 1865. Give my love to Mother and all the family, and now hoping this will find you well and in good spirits I will close. goodby. Excuse the writing. Your Son Th K Pimer Box 23 Norfolk Va Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data ALS Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Thomas Pimer, 21st C.V.I, September 18, 1864 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1864-09-18 Type The nature or genre of the resource 4-15 Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources United States. Army. Connecticut Infantry Regiment, 21st (1862-1865) Military police Racism United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--African Americans Description An account of the resource Thomas Pimer writes to his father of serving as a military policeman in Norfolk because of conflicts between Black troops and sailors. https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/90605c03c19f946920ab44d27179de46.pdf a05e6703038db11dbdaf201a65f50a0b Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Thomas Pimer Papers Description An account of the resource Correspondence of Thomas Pimer to his father while he was serving in the 21st Connecticut Infantry in the Civil War. Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Office Chief Quartermaster 24th Army Corps Richmond Va. April 30th 1865 Dear Father, Your very welcome letter was received on the 19th inst. at that time we were on the march and it was impossible for me to answer. since our arrival here the business of the Office has been so great that I have had no time to write untill the present moment. since I last wrote you, there has past many eventfull days, for the glorious cause of the Union during which time, I have traveled far, and witnessed many thrilling seens. I was on the battlefield before Petersburg, on Sunday, the 2nd inst, and on Monday, entered the City, remaining there untill noon, at which time we started for Lynchburg, a distance of ninety miles. on the second day we overtook the Enemy at Burkville, and from that point we had to fight our way through to Appomattox [page 2] Court House, at which place we arrived on Saturday night the 8th inst. the Enemy had made a stand there withe the intention of opposing our further advance. But Genl Grant proved to smart for them, and on Sunday morning Genl. Lee woke up to find his whole Army, completely surrounded, and he could do nothing but Surrender. A Flag of Truce was sent in, and Grant offered terms of surrender, which was accepted at 4 oclock that afternoon. the final surrender took place at 8 A.M. Monday the 10th inst. You are probialy posted through the Papers, of the proceedings attending the surrender, and of the strength of Lees Army, so I will not give all the details. the 24th Corps was left to settle up the business, which took untill the following Saturday. on Sunday the 16th we left for Richmond, arriving here on the 25th In Richmond at last. The thoughts of being in the very heart of this Rebel Strong hold, which has seemingly been the oppressive point of a four years war, for which there has been so many hard fought Battles in which thousands of our brave + noble [page 3] Heroes have fallen, makes my very soul tremble. That Rebel Rag which for four years has flown in disgrace oer the heads of a misguided people is now torn down, and the good old Flag, the Stars + Stripes, no floats Proudly + triumphan- tly over the Rebel Capitol. I have often wished that I could pass the remainder of my time in Richmond, and I have my wish at last, and shall remain here untill August, when I will bid farewell to the Army, and once more return to my Home a free Man. Dear Father, there is nothing gives me more pleasure, than to know that you feel confidence in me, and do not hesitate to give your free and willing consent to my getting married without knowing only by what I write, of what are the circumstances of my intended's family, of their condition in life, and their standing in Society. I feel Proud, indeed very Proud, to know that you place such perfect confidence in me, and I would not be guilty of abuseing such, for the world itself. I thank you + Mother, with all my heart for the permission granted, and for your well wishes [page 4] for my future Happiness and Prosperity, and I hope and trust there will nothing happen eather by word, deed, or action, of myself or her that is to be my wife, to cause you to relent of ever giving your consent. The family of my intended, are of that Class usually called Aristocratic Germans. they are from Leipzig, Germany, and have been in this country some twelve years. the Father is an eminent Lawyer, having practiced Law successfully in Leipzig, for over thirty years. He came to this country to practice Law, and followed it in Charleston for some time. he is now to old to practice, and lives at home with his family. he is very accomplished and highly respected by all who know Him. The Mother is a very amiable, pleasand, and industrious woman, and one who can converse on most any subject, and claims the respect of all who ^are acquainted with them. They are not Rich, neather are they Poor, but are well situated, and able to live with ease. The name of the family is Richter, and the young Ladies name [page 5] is Maggie Richter, and tis the only name I ever truly loved. The Girl is not Handsome but is very good looking, and although if she were neither, I should think just as much of her, and Love her even more. she is very well Educated Intelegent, and accomplished. and is not behind in working. she can go into the Kitchen and get up a spleanded dinner. She can do a good days washing and clean up the home, without finding any fault, then she can sit down to Knit, Sew, and darn stockings, as well as any one. on the other hand she can go into the Parlor and play the Ladies part to perfection, and one would think to see her here that she could do nothing else. You may laugh at the description I have given of her but just as I have said just so you will find her, and a woman like that is the only one for me. I will tell you what she done for me while I was there. She made me four line Bosom shirts. Knit me six pair of Stockings, and a lot of Government Clothes, which I drew were all altered over by her besides doing [page 6] all of my washing. she is in all a fine girl, and will make me a good Wife, and that is all I care for. I know you will like her, and will not say that I have been foolish in making such a choice. I am very glad that my last letter proved satisfactory, and I hope you will not be lead to think thus of my again. I am sorry that Mother is troubled so much with that humor, and I hope she is better now. give me Love to her, and my respects to all Friends. and Please excuse the writing of this letter for I have run it off instead of writing it. (I can write better if I only take time) answer soon and I remain as ever Your Loving Son Tho. K. Pimer Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Thomas Pimer, 21st. C.V.I., April 30, 1865 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1865-04-30 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 4-20 Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources United States. Army. Connecticut Infantry Regiment, 21st (1862-1865) Appomattox Campaign, 1865 Description An account of the resource Thomas Pimer writes to his father about witnessing the fall of Petersburg and Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House. He also provides a description of his fiance. https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/3a5a7057631cecfdd1628edb8c8efdb6.pdf 718854fcf4114a185f827f432dd9f73f Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Thomas Pimer Papers Description An account of the resource Correspondence of Thomas Pimer to his father while he was serving in the 21st Connecticut Infantry in the Civil War. Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Norfolk Va. June 7th 1865. My Dear Father, Your letter of the 21st of May reached me on Tuesday last, and I was very glad indeed to learn of your good health and that your hand was nearly well again. I did not answer then as I was about to get my Discharge and did not want any more letters to come there after I had gone. I was discharged from the Service on Friday, and arrived here on Sunday, and now I am going to make efforts immediately for a situation. I have given up all thought of going to Texas, as I learned that men not used to that Climate were likely to die very suddenly, and, as I count my [page 2] life very precious just now, not only to myself but to others, I concluded that I had better remain in a more congenial Clime, and trust to luck and perseverance in getting a profitable situation nearer home. I am stoping at the house of Miss Richter, although I did not intend to intrude upon the family when I came here, but they would not listen to anything else, but that I should remain here, and therefor I remain, without any reluctance whatever, but with the greatest of pleasure. I was very glad that the discription which I gave of young Miss Maggie and her family proved satisfactory to you, and will say that I was not in the least to highly colored, but it is just as I stated, the truth and nothing but the truth. [page 3] I think that I can get a situation in the Q.M. Dept. in this city, and tomorrow I am going to see the Chief Quartermaster and make application to him for one. if I cannot get a job there then I shall seek around amongst the manufacturing houses, and can there get employment as I here they are paying good wages to good workmen. You must excuse me for not writing more this time for I am very anxious and can hardly command my thoughts this morning. I shall expect to hear from you soon. give my love to Mother and remember me to all Friends Good By Your Affect. Son Tho. K. Pimer Box 60 Norfolk Va Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data ALS Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Thomas Pimer, 21st C.V.I., June 7, 1865 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1865-06-07 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 4-22 Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources United States. Army. Connecticut Infantry Regiment, 21st (1862-1865) Description An account of the resource Thomas Pimer writes to his father of his imminent release from the Army, his decision not to reenlist in Texas, and his search for employment in Norfolk. https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/091ef8da6bb1da92597bc89d1fcd3f99.pdf a397c0735950c8d01045f91cdc6635bb Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource McCracken Civil War Correspondence Subject The topic of the resource United States -- History -- Civil War (1861-1865) -- Sources Description An account of the resource A collection of correspondence received by James McCracken from William Reynolds and Charles McCracken, soldiers in the Connecticut Volunteer Infantry in the Civil War Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource McCracken, Charles Reynolds, William Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives, Connecticut College Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://collections.conncoll.edu/mccracken/">McCracken Civil War Correspondence</a>, Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Shenandoah Valley Virginia Nov 19th 1864 Friend James Your favor mof the 10th inst is thankfully received. Was very glad to learn that previous letters have not given offence and that we are still on interceding terms. The army has fallen back to the rear of Newtown, about six miles from our former position at the Creek. Are constructing very for- midable breast works and have orders to make ourselves as comfortable as possible, so I think that the prospect is good for stopping here for the Winter, if we Gen. Early has no objection. I am in good health to this date. The Johnnies followed us to this place and for several days, we had skirmishing with them, but they finally concluded to let us alone, and at last reports they were falling back towards Lynchburg Deserters occasionally come into our lines and represent the Confederacy rather in the decline. Of course deserters will tell anything to suit themselves and the occasion so they cannot be relied upon. The date of the old organization of the 12th C.V. I believe is Dec 3rd and we, Nov. Vets, have supposed that we should all get discharged at that date, but it is rumored that they will keep every man till he has served 3 years from date of muster into U.S. service. No other Ct. Regt. has been thus treated, and we thing it is an insult to us if they manage that way. That will bring my time out about the 1st of February, 65. There are some will not get out until near April. All enlisted under the old organization to be discharged with the Regt. and many enslited in La. in May + June under those considerations and are justly entitled to their discharge. There is a good deal of noise about camp arising from the injustice of the thing. In the 26th Mass. Regt. the La. men got their discharge with the Nov. Vets. [page 2] Some of our boys were mnustered into the service the 20th of Nov. tomorrow, but it is decided that they can not get their discharge until the 3rd of Dec. the date of the Regt. If they can keep them until then, it seems to me that it is their duty to discharge all then, but they will do as they have a mind to. Soldiers are humbuged in every way and it is for that reason that I have no respect for government Officials. No one seems to know or care anything about the rights of the soldier. Nearly all the officers of the 12th are trying to get out of the show, and it is as much as they can do, to look out for their own interests. In a few days, I shall know more about it. No man would have enlisted in the 12th C.V., after the 3rd Dec. without hav- ing a guarantee that all should be discharged at the end of the organ- ization. Such treachery on tnhe part mof Gov. officials does not tell well in the matter of future enlistment. I have'nt anything of importance to communicate so I may as well close hoping to hear from you soon + often With due regards to you + wife I remain as ever your sincere friend William H Reynolds Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data ALS Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource William Reynolds 13th C.V.I., November 19, 1864 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1864.11.19 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 5-14 Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865 United States. Army. Connecticut Infantry Regiment, 12th (1861-1865) Recruiting and enlistment Description An account of the resource William Reynolds writes to his friend James McCracken about his regiments retreat to winter quarters, the likelihood that he will not be released from service when he had hoped, and his disillusionment with the government. https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/ee87a6a1dce5cd990a4db6a026e859b5.pdf 066cdf0a68816524d15627b2ddeeaec6 https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/b8812b0ece1a93f21faba31725012465.pdf 066cdf0a68816524d15627b2ddeeaec6 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource McCracken Civil War Correspondence Subject The topic of the resource United States -- History -- Civil War (1861-1865) -- Sources Description An account of the resource A collection of correspondence received by James McCracken from William Reynolds and Charles McCracken, soldiers in the Connecticut Volunteer Infantry in the Civil War Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource McCracken, Charles Reynolds, William Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives, Connecticut College Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://collections.conncoll.edu/mccracken/">McCracken Civil War Correspondence</a>, Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Camp "Russell" Virginia Dec. 15th 1864 Friends Ja. + wife Your letters of the 7th inst. came duly to hand a day or two since and the present opportunity I will improve in replying. I am glad to know that good health abounds and that your + yours are especially enjoying that benign blessing. I was never better in that respect in my life and the prospect is good for me ere long to be in your midst with a whole frame and in a healthy condi- tion. The weather I have to chron- icle is not at all pleasing to the poor soldiers now. Rain seems to be de- scending upon us without mercy and [page 2] all signs foretell a severe storm. The earth has already been covered with snow since the 9th and how dreary and desolate it is! As oft as I look away from the snow capped mountains of this frozen clime and wade among highs of drifted snow, I wish myself back to the sunny south where the winters cold comes not. I do really love the winters of the south, but in summer a higher latitude is highly prefer able and far more healthy. Notwithstanding the cold snow the usual fatigue on the fortifications is daily carried on and now we have a very formidable line almost complete. Two forts are now in progress on the Pike, which, when completed will ren- der this an imporgtant military port in regard to strength. After all fa- tigue duty is done the boys have the promise of furloughs, and that is quite an incentive to action. Your humble servant will stand a good [page 3] sight for one before spring if nothing happens. I hardly know what to do when I finish my present job. If I could consent to remain in the service I can get just as good a position as I want in the Qer Mstrs Department. O.E. Stoddard was rec- ommended by the Capt. for a commission and was mustered out of service under those considerations. It is at his option to accept it or not I believe. It seems to one he is very foolish if he does, when exchanged. The war is becoming more and more desperate, and must increase until it finally ends I believe. A very favorable reports come from Sherman, who seems to be having everything his own way down in Georgia shouldn't wonder if Savannah had gone up. Old Phil. I guess has got through for w hile, but having retrieved the loss of three years battles in the old bully, he can afford to lay [page 4] by a while. When we crossed the Potomac at Harpers Ferry four months ago, or at the commencement of the campign, the Ind. soldiers on duty there said "we would be back in a week". We have once been back almost to the river by being flanked, but since then we have gone + stayed where we pleased. The Union Army here used to be called "Harpers Weekly" by returning to the Ferry as often, but now it has lost the complimentary title. Old Phil is the best General the 12th has ever been under. Bren Britten + Weitzel were good enough. The 6th Corps has gone to Petersburgh, or most of it as you are aware, and some of the 8th. The 19th I suppose will be left here for the present. I am delighted to know that there are a plenty of Eve's fair daughters a around to prevent a few disconsolate old bachelors from forever despairing. The loss of men for the past three years, has been so great it seems to me the balance need not want for a better half. How does Zeke, entertaining such radical views as he does, find favor in the sight of Uncle Joe? or does the favor originate from another source? Two extremes have certainly met, and I hope the collision will not prove disastrously. a very good idea of yours to put forth an effort to keep me out of mischief. Wouldn't it be best to add to it by oftener writing? It should certainly have my endorsement. [page 1, written vertically on the left] When is Uncle Ely in? I never hear a word from him about him no more than as though he were dead. Give my regards to all inquiring friends, and when it is convenient just remember that I am always delighted to hear from you. With due regards to you I remain as ever your esteemed friend W. C. Reynolds [page 1, written upside down at the top] P.S. Direct to W.C. Reynolds Co "B" 12th Ct. Veteran Battalion 1st Bn 15th A.C. Washington D.C. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data ALS Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource William Reynolds, 13th C.V.I., December 15, 1864 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1864-12-15 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 5-15 Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865 United States. Army. Connecticut Infantry Regiment, 12th (1861-1865) Sheridan, Philip Henry, 1831-1888--Military leadership. Shenandoah Valley Campaign, 1864 (August-November) Description An account of the resource William Reynolds writes to James McCracken about the weather, Sherman's successes in Georgia, and the leadership of Philip Sheridan. https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/32b05e5c57acdf45c27af1bfb6d0daad.pdf 0d29e250ad5a37c44741d16f2c04918c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource McCracken Civil War Correspondence Subject The topic of the resource United States -- History -- Civil War (1861-1865) -- Sources Description An account of the resource A collection of correspondence received by James McCracken from William Reynolds and Charles McCracken, soldiers in the Connecticut Volunteer Infantry in the Civil War Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource McCracken, Charles Reynolds, William Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives, Connecticut College Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://collections.conncoll.edu/mccracken/">McCracken Civil War Correspondence</a>, Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Camp at Blockhouse ^Virginia near Summit Point, March 25th, 1865 Dear Brother, I'm here a few moments to write you + trust you will excuse all neglect on my part for not writing before this time for it is not because I had forgoten you. No, I shall always remember you + feel a lively interest in your welfare since I left home I have had much trial + hardship+ quite a Sick Spell, but am now much better + have been improving for Sometime. So that now my health is tolerable good + am about as I was when at home. I Shall never forget the very pleasant visit we had together when I was at home last fall + you must give my love + respect to your faithfull companion, + my good wishes to all our friends. We are now Quartered at the Block house which we built the past winter which affords protection for 52 men with muskets. it is about 50 ft square + built very Strong + Solid, + is calculated to resist even the fire [page 2] of artillery, it is Surrounded with a Deep ditch which has a 4 rods distance a high work very thick So that nothing Can get through. I expect that we Shall remain here for Some time, + perhaps all Summer. I hope we Shall remain here for the rest of the time the war may last, there is some prospect now of its coming to a close before long the enemy Seeing it has arrived into the last ditch + I think are about ready to Succumb. The idea of a Southern Confederacy has vanished + there is nothing left but the gaudy bubble which is ready to burst. What will the Copperheads do now for material for ^their cause? + how will they receive the chastisement over the back of Southern Chivalry When Old Abr Shall have brought the proud Southrens to their bended knees pleading to remain in his bosom + when he Shall have pacified the [unclear] anew over the whole of the United States + when in short have brought every rebel to kiss the sod I think they have Sufficient cause to hide their heads with Shame when they see that government they have so proudly set at defiance rising higher + thus higher among the family of nations, for me I am proud of [page 4] the part I have taken + that I can Say that I never have done one act of disloyalty to the best government the world ever Saw, but what little I have done is what little influence I have had, has been thrown in the Scale for the Country + our government + I can return with the proud satisfaction of knowing that I have contributed toward putting down the greatest Rebellion the World ever Saw + I humbly trust I Shall be remitted to returned [unclear] all again + See a united Country once more. Though it may be tattered + torn by terrible War, oh, may our prayers for war to cease be answered + peace once more return. God bless our land. But my Dear Brother I must close + I hope + pray these lines will find you all Well + in the Enjoyment of health + happiness, + I trust you will write me in answer Soon, + direct to Co B 12th CV Battalion 2d Brigade+ 1st Div 19th AC. Washington DC . There is nothing now here, we are on the lookout for guerillas but they do not trouble us, + seem to be waiting to keep at a Safe distance. I trust you will give me the news + keep me posted as I voted the other Day for our worthy governor Bucking ham. look out for my vote on the desk at Election I remain Your Affectionate Brother C.T. McCracken Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data ALS Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Charles McCracken, 12th C.V.I., March 25, 1865 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1865-03-25 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 5-17 Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865 United States. Army. Connecticut Infantry Regiment, 12th (1861-1865) Copperhead movement Description An account of the resource Charles McCracken writes to his brother James about his health, the safety of his camp, his anger at the Copperheads, and the imminent end of the war.