108 10 1130 https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/2c667f1b8e2de88456932021567709d0.jpg 93d2ab4d6f8a4a91853357aebedd2036 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 Photographs of Anna Hempstead Branch Subject The topic of the resource Anna Hempstead Branch Description An account of the resource Photographs of Anna Hempstead Branch and others (unknown) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Anna Hempstead Branch Collection Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/83a114972b0e4f31e233c12b9bec84f0.jpg 6f7628b2b3d5767a411c796c94bc1bb7 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 Hempstead House Subject The topic of the resource Hempstead House Description An account of the resource Home of Anna Hempstead Branch, Mary Branch and other notable figures. The oldest part, built by Robert Hempstead circa 1643. One of the oldest houses in New England. Used as a fort in the Seven Years War. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Anna Hempstead Branch Collection Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/420a88f9692a0430ca3be6ee3afc325d.pdf dfc5a4140dc9d368cabcbbff9c67f486 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 Redoubt “D” Ft. Lyon Va. Sept. 12th/63 Dear Friends There is that ogre of a Dutch Officer of the Day that I must sit up and watch and wait for to make his “Grand Rounds” or I should not have any excuse for blotting paper in your behalf as I’ve written over some 5 sheets within the last 48 hours, but what must a fellow do to keep awake? and I’ve none but you to write to these days. I was thinking the other day when we went up on review that if all the pain fatigue and mental misery suffered by the battalion was concentrated on one company it would annihilate it. So with this guard business, only it is worse here. The sleepiness, languor and fatigue of each man is certainly half enough to kill him each time, but luckily it is subdivided once, so he only endures a right smart torture in trying to keep awake and lives on guard duty till the guarding brings on the shakes, where he lies up a few days in ordinary. Any amount of guard duty wont ^quite kill a man of itself, for I’ve known a man to be on 21 successive days. [page 2] Sunday morning Sept. 13th On guard once more my dear friends. Night before last I wrote the foregoing page when nearly asleep. I allowed the infant who was the then corporal to sleep and myself posted the 7 + 9 o’c reliefs. He put on the 11 o’c and again returned to his dreams. by Saturdays work began at precisely 12 midnight and closed at near 12 midnight, 24 hours after, to show you the difference between a common day in camp, many of which I have already described, and a busy one I will detail my yesterday labor. As I said the day began for me at 12. At that time I was awake and watchful, but nothing only the drowsy hum of the night voices disturbed the stillness The night was hazy and cloudy, at times, few stars being in sight, but the bright points of light at the engine house and the lighthouse in Alex. and on the Ar. in Washington shined pleasantly all night looking cheerful and companionable enough. There was no disturbance and not even the common challenge, ‘Who comes there’? until just before 1 oc when it rang out shrill and clear. The reply “Grand rounds” came out from the darkness as clear. “Halt Grand Rounds” [page 3] “Show out the Guard, Grand Rounds”, and in a jiffy every man of the guard was on his feet, and had his rifle in his hand. We formed, just inside the gate, the Corp. went out and challenged, received the countersign which happened to be “Springfield” this time, and calling to me that it was right. I ordered “Advance Rounds. The Officer of the day came in reviewed the guard as usual and ordered us to dismiss it which I did. The guard returned to its boards + blankets and sleep, and I after bidding the officer a good night returned to the Guardroom to watch At 1 o’c precisely posted the 3d relief, and perhaps a half hour later was again interrupted by the Brigade Officer of the Days Guard rounds, the old Ogres of whom I spoke on page 1. He was for a wonder pleasant, asking for the news and finding no fault. Off he went and back the boys much to rest again. At 3 I put on the 1st relief and as Dave gave no indications of waking us at 4 o’c I woke him, lay down in his place and slept nearly till just 7 where I awoke feeling like a lark, went to my breakfast, ate hastily and was all right. Never felt more refreshed by a good sleep and breakfast. [page 4] When I was in at breakfast Corp. Nichols came to me and told me that as Sgt. Noble was indisposed Dave had ordered him (Nichols) to get up a requisition on on the Q.M. for its clothing, camp and garrison equipage and to draw and issue it to the Co. but as he him- self did not feel able, he wished I would do it. I promised to do so, it being generally my chore Saw Lt. Berry who said he wished me to do it if Hen Noble couldnt as I was used to it, so I was in. At 9 o’c Sergt Granger with his guard relieved me and just as soon as I had dismissed the old guard and got off my sabre I went at the list of articles worked steadily an hour to get ^it up then with a squad went up to Q.M. where after waiting our time we drew our stuff and started with it for Fort “D”. Going over we stopped at Cross’s, our artists, where I got these nice pictures of Lts Berry and Marsh which are perfectly natural and I think fine. Aint Lt. Berry the hansomest man you ever saw? Col. Kellogg says he is the handsomest officer he ever saw, and the best in the 19th, excepting himself, I guess he mentally reserved. I think him not only the best officer but the best man I ever knew. [page 5] On my way back I stopped a minute at Frank Dunham’s to see him and Johnny Blakeslee, managed to find Franks wife’s sister’s picture and run it off. Got it now by the way, quite pretty though not half so much so as Franks wife who is one of the prettiest ladies I ever met, sweet, fair, and not over stocked with smart. When we got the stuff to Lt. Berrys there was the distribution to follow. Each man taking what he had marked for and I marking him, checking name and article. It took a good hour to settle it, so that when I had got the job straightened out, and had eaten my “hasty plate of soup” it was near 6 o’c p.m. Birge gave me a pass or rather he wrote it and the orderly Hen Burton took it up to H Qr. got it countersigned and gave it to me It was for Alex and good till 8 p.m. I got it at 8 a.m. Should not have used it at all but that the boys many of them wished for some article from town so I got up a list of wants and putting on a clean collar and coat and a haversack I started for Alex. for my friends at 1 o’c. Nate Root went down on a “doctored” pass a.m. and I tried to find him, but we did not meet in town at all, he came out just a little after I went in by another rt. [page 6] I went in via Hunting Creek Bridge and Washington St. direct to King St. and the first place I went to was a barber where I had a good wash and shave for a dime from there I went to the news offices and bookstores for Sanford’s goods. (Sanford is the one I told you so clearly resembled Geo. Kellogg. He is much like him especially in the music line, but he’s more of a fellow soldiering has improved him mightily) I got most of the books. Then went down to the Adam’s Express Office where I delivered the $50 over to the Co’s tender mercies, getting in return a couple of mulatto receipts Then to Hunt and Goodwin’s for Laut’s cap, and to a secret ice cream saloon where I ate freely and as there was no one about to recieve pay and I was in a hurry I left without any pay or receipt but the cream. When I went out the sky was overcast the thunder muttered, lightning flashed and wind howled. I could see the storm coming up the street preceded by a cloud of sand, leaves and dry garbage so after hastily reconnoitering some drug stores for “Coopers Balm” (an unheard of medicine I found) I took refuge in French’s book store where I read the storm away on “Hard leash”. There was a deal [page 7] more sand and dirt and wind than rain and more thunder + lightning than seemed necessary for the amount of water, but the dust was finally subdued and laid out in the street, and all passed off pleasantly enough. I got Anderson some little lemons at a dime a piece a tossel of a Son and Byron’s for Sackett and started on my way home. Had a pleasant, dirty muddy walk of it, and got round just a little before sunset, settled up all the bills and supposed my days work was done. Thus how little can we calculate what is to be in the future. I went up to Bailey’s for some peaches and mayhap a bit of watermelon, when Sam Hill and Nate Root challenged me to go down to the theatre with them. It was a little after 6, my pass was good till 8 Sam had a kind of one-for sometime and Nate though passless wished to go, so getting Dave to excuse us from tattoo roll call, we started off just as we were. Got to the bridge shortly, just at dusk, and had a nice little chat with the guard, the corporal more especially. The orders at the bridge are to admit no soldier without a pass, to shut the gates at 8 o’c and not to open them to any man for [page 8] pass or countersign until sunrise. I talked to the corp. explaining matters truly, and he like a good fellow, as he undoubtedly is, told us if we would keep whist and would get back by 10 o’c it would be all right. We said we would come as soon as the theatre closed, and went on our way rejoicing. Went to the “Vermont” where we got some stoned oysters and sarsaparilla, then to the Canterbury, being just in time. The galleries were crowded and it was very hot, besides the play was not much. Frenchy not to say anything worse and though rather funny and laughable, not very improving, but we staid to the end of “Paddy Miles’s boy” and went out with the crowd. It was dark as ink, only when it lightened which was 60 times a minute at least. We started for “D” direct, back while we were listening to Gen. Slough’s band in front of his H. Qrs. he standing at the window looking out and calmly smoking, a heavy shower came tumbling down. We sought shelter in a dark old open doored house and let it pour. When it had poured out we started on crossed the bridge, out of the gate and through the slough safely, and by the glitter of the distant light- ning mended our way to camp and to bed. Pip. 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 Homer Curtiss, 19th C.V.I., September 12 1863 Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865 United States. Army. Connecticut Infantry Regiment, 19th (1862-1863) United States. Army--Guard duty Description An account of the resource Homer Curtiss writes to his family about the experience of guard duty and going off base to visit Alexandria and Washington, D.C. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1863-09-12 https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/a4fda7d79044c4b786dc3b303e5407f4.pdf 88d78450f99d4ae93534013890c13c50 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. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data ALS Text Any textual data included in the document [page 1] Thus I understand that we agree on the matter of the "Atlantic." Agreeable to that understanding I sent you the Jan. No. this morning (Sunday Jan 3d 1864) I wish you to tell me if it arrives safely and most particularly if there was postage currency enough affixed I read the new postage law and it seemed explicit enough - 2¢ for ever 4 oz of transient matter, but it may not be understood that way by all P.M.s. You may laugh at the wrapper on that magazine if you wish in explanation I would say, I did it up in the dusk of early morning and mistook the wrapper amazingly. Red "My Book" and the Crowfield paper, as they are really [unclear]. Which is Gail's last piece? I like the Atlantic as well as ever, but it is not very popular in camp. Lts Sangfor + Rice read all my books and I theirs, and on many points we agree but not on the Atlantic. Lt. Berry is no great reader. He only reads his Bible, Tactics, Bayonet exercise and Miss Alice's letters. Perhaps that is enough though. [page 2] Glad you've seen Gad, and I know you liked him by the way you spoke of him. You can imagine how Im dressed now, at least if not just how I look. I'm not much acquainted with Gad, but what I know of him is pleasant. He always seemed to be a fine fellow and deserves what he will readily get when he returns, a commission. How came you to think of him as an elderly man, pray? Of course he's beardless, but none the less mature on that account, for he is what you might call a trifle fast. You will not see Dan perhaps, as he is in the office in N. Haven but if by chance you should see him I am sure you would not be so egregiously mistaken in his appearance as you was in Sergt. Smith's. And you've got an Artillery Capt. in your midst too that is well. A greater display of straps and stripes might perhaps dazzle some of the unthinking Warreners to enlist, but Wilkin Smith and all the rest will avail nothing I presume, as the Jrs are bound not to come. [page 3] Don't [unclear] bright! those red stripes and chevrons do show off better, don't they? not that I sneeze at blue but I admire the scarlet. Commend Arthur to me always. Ha ha ha that finishing sentence was a stinger. I don't wonder you was entirely exhausted. Don't do so often, it might strike in you know. [unclear] Austin is better as he has been fixing on hope mof a furlough these two weeks. He will not get in less than a month yet, but hope is better than despair. He will get up to leave, sometime before spring I think but not in time to attend Flora's funeral. We are having fine times with our new men. John's cousin Ed is in our Co. along with 12 others, a pretty good lot all around. One of Romey Loveridge's brothers came down and was sent to Co. I, but afterward by special importuning he got transferred to H. I have one special pet in the lot of course. There are 2 little drummer boys among our 13, only 13 years old, and one of these Clarence Smith is my boy. He is a neat little fellow, fair and pleasant and a cousin of Frank Basemen's. Nice little chappy [page 4] Our Company is now larger than it ever was before in Va. as we have 90 enlisted men, a Capt. 1 1st + 2 2nd Lieuts. Of course all is not pleasant and we are sadly crowded in our tents now, but we mnust expect some slight inconveniences in times of war. Even we of the 2nd H.A. must expect that. Jan. 3rd 1864 - I'm on with Homer Sackett doing guard duty for Uncle S. here in Fort Ellesworth. Sackett is not very well for a day or two, looks pale and tired and is not really fit for duty, but he stands it out like a man as he is, no shrinking there, no shrinking from duty. Austin is up with Charlie taking my place in the 1st sergts, but this eve and night, and the countersign is "Bangor," which is considerably colder than Warren, I presume. There is a snow storm brewing to night. What is going to happen? We have had one of the loveliest Sundays possible and no inspection, except of the recruits. they came out in very good style and had only a short drill of it. But about that no inspection, is it the world or the war on Col. kellopgg that is going to come to an abrupt finis? I don't know I'm sure which, but that no inspection portends a something. However all will come about in shape and if it is north [unclear] I'll tell you what is. There. Yours of the 21st is Handsomely answered. Gub 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 Homer Curtiss, 2nd C.H.A., January 3, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865 United States. Army. Connecticut Artillery Regiment, 2nd (1863-1865) Military camps--Virginia Soldiers--Books and reading Description An account of the resource Homer Curtiss writes to his family about his reading habits and those of the other soldiers, officers, new recruits, encouraging others home in Warren, Conn. to enlist, and the young drummer boys in camp. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1864-01-03 https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/d0c2ff79654a5ad1a474c785563bd34a.pdf e1a119d4b50fc208a4db461ccddc38d7 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 Warren, Conn. Tuesday Eve, April 18th ‘65 Dear Homer I have so much to say to you + am so excited withal that I fear I shall not be able to express my self intelligibly at all. It is We received your letter of the 10th just tonight after waiting a long, long time for some word from our soldier friends. It is only just two weeks since your last in front of Petersburg but it has been the longest fortnight I ever saw. It seems more to look on all those long days of waiting as if it must have been two months I have not really believed any of the time but that you were alive + well but we could get no evidence that such was the case au contraire knowing how many fell in the struggle before Richmond, it would seem probable that some of our friends were among the member, + the uncertainty was anything but comfortable. I wonder if you imagined when you penciled the letter we received tonight what a load it would remove from our minds. Two weeks ago we wrote to 35 since these I have been kept from writing 1st by the thought that you might be beyond the reach of letters, which drove all ideas from my head + 2nd by a foolish superstition but one that I think you will understand that if we wrote you would never read the letters, but if we did not you would certainly know of it + remind us of our neglect + your anger even did not seem so very terrible to me then. Was there ever before a Two Weeks so full of great events? and notwith standing all we have gained in this time at its close I feel more like crying than laughing [page 2] for in the midst of our joy + triumph what a bitter sorrow has fallen upon us. If the rebels sought to distress the whole United States the most possible they could not have hit upon more successful plan than that of killing our universally beloved + respected president Abraham Lincoln, but in their fury of malicious spite they seem to have forgotten that the deed which has draped our nation in mourning, has also driven fair Mary from her place on the thrown + that now they shall have justice more than they desire. I hear no on speak of the late assassination without classing their remarks with the hope that no more mercy will be shown to the leaders of this awful rebellion. All events are Providential. Lincoln has guided us safely through the war + was just the man to do it but when it came time to punish the instigators, it needed some glaring sin to show the full extent of their deserts + a sterner hand than his to deal their blows…Since I first heard of the presidents death snatches of Tennysons funeral poem for the Duke of W. have been singing in my ears. I must read it soon to see if it is really appropriate to the occasion taken as a whole. On the night we heard of Lees surrender the bell was rung, houses illuminated, guns fired, rocks blasted + every thing that would make a noise was brought into requisition so that quite a racket was kept up for several hours + I could think of nothing but some passages in The Princess where the wild trumpets blare + “iron clanging anvils banged with hammers” are mentioned. It is past 10pm we have lots of work to do tomorrow so must be saving our strength tonight. I shall write again soon to tell you all about Darius + the other cousins + the rest of the local news. We are all well + very happy now in spite of all misfortunes. Luci 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 Lucy Curtiss, Warren, Conn., April 18, 1865 Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865 Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865--Assassination Capitulations, Military--Confederate States of America Description An account of the resource Lucy Curtiss writes to her brother Homer of her anxiety of not hearing from him between the fall of Petersburg and the fall of Richmond and of the death of Abraham Lincoln and the desire for revenge against the South. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1865-04-18 https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/a6edb8b4008eb89089f6e8e6f84efbf5.pdf 8f2abea1fb5d3b6d29efdc29df762d21 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 Cornelius Gold Papers Description An account of the resource A collection of correspondence between Cornelius Gold and his family, written between 1862 and 1866. The bulk of the correspondence is from Gold to his mother. There are also several pieces of correspondence to his brother and individual letters to other family members. This collection includes two letters from Romulus Loveridge, a lieutenant in the 3rd US Colored Infantry. The collection also contains a 62 page journal kept by Gold on his voyage from New York to Hong Kong and from Hong Kong to England in 1861-1862. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gold, Cornelius, B., 1839-1921 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://collections.conncoll.edu/gold/fa.html">Cornelius Gold Papers</a>, Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives, Connecticut College Subject The topic of the resource United States -- History -- Civil War (1861-1865) -- Sources 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 Bermuda Hundred Va. June 18, 1864 My Dear Mother It is late in the day, but not too late for one little word to you if I hasten. Events are thickening in this vicinity. During the night of the 15th inst. the enemy fell back from his earth works erected on our front probably the result of Grant’s flank movement toward Petersburg. At day light our forces followed them up, part making a raid to and tearing up a portion of the Petersberg + Richmond rail-way - others remaining behind to level the rebel breastworks. By dark the business was well done, when the union troops were called in, and the pickets posted on the bluff lately occupied by rebel batteries. Our regiment formed part of the picket line, being reinforced at daybreak by the 7th Conn. Vols. who distributed themselves among us with their seven shooters. At about 2 o’clock in the morning a heavy rebel force returned + lay in the ravine just before It was rather a trying time for us until day light [page 2] as we momently expected an assault in overwhelming numbers, and we had been directed by Gen. Foster to “dispute every inch of the ground”. The enemy chose to wait. The first streak of light revealed the rebel skirmishers advancing on our right, but a warm reception from Yankee rifles caused them to fall back. Then began in earnest our day’s work, not exactly a battle to be sure, but about the toughest kind of picketing. The rebels skirmishers retook possession of an interior line of rifle pits, hid behind fences, + chimneys (of a house our men had burned the evening before), or in the tops of trees, and passed the day pelting bullets at us every time a “Yank” showed his head. “Two could play at that game” so we did the same. About 5 o’clock they brought artillery into play, + after dosing us with grape +, canister + shell (with little damage) for an hour, made one grand charge on our position. A Detachment of Convalescents posted immediately on the right of Company “B” 6th Conn, broke + fled almost without firing a shot. This let the enemy through + we should have been all “bagged” as sure as fate, but for [page 3] the commanding instinct of “legs do your duty.” The way we made for our old line of rifle pits was a caution, but though effected with a shower of balls at our backs, was marvellously safe. As soon as sheltered again, we looked back to see the confederate flag waving on the position we had just left. Then our batteries opened a tremendous fire over our heads, + we peeped over our ant-hills to see the shells burst, + catch an occasional sight at a rebel with our Enfields. So the darkness came again + we were relieved. The loss in our regiment during the day was5 killed, 1 officer + 15 men wounded, + 1 captain + 17 men taken prisoners. The 7th lost about the same number. Two of their men were shot dead within a few yards of me. The first had a ball through his head, while standing behind a tree. To attempt his removal was dangerous, so he was dragged a few feet to the rear. But the hot sun soon made the body offensive, + four men, laying it on a blanket started to take it to the rear. They had scarcely gone five steps [page 4] when a rifle ball passed through the heart of one, who gave a faint “oh!” + fell, then wounded the arm of another. A third of the bearers received a slight bruise. No further attempt was made at removal. The two dead men lay where they dropped, + fell into the enemies hands when we retired. The pit in which I was stationed seemed a favorite mark for sharp shooters all day. But a “miss is as good as a mile” at night I had again to thank my Preserver. Have had a good visit with Theodore Vaill today, another with Ed. Gold + seen all the Washington boys of my acquaintance in the 2nd Conn Artillery, excepting Joe Knowles. He was absent just then. Will tell more about that next time. Cornelius 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 Cornelius Gold, 6th C.V.I., June 18, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource United States. Army. Connecticut Infantry Regiment, 6th (1861-1865) Siege of Petersburg (Virginia : 1864-1865) United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Casualties Description An account of the resource Cornelius Gold writes to his mother about skirmishes in the siege of Petersburg, coming under fire, and casualties suffered in his regiment. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1864-06-18 https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/a17600aea8cd00c6e0b5546d926d5acc.pdf 05176c091c59bb793ff68ef3ee7e40e9 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 Virginia Camp at Blockhouse near Summit point, March 22nd, 1865 My dear Brother I improve a few moments, to write you. I trust you will excuse all neglect on my part for not writing before this time for it is not because I have forgotten you. No, I shall always remember you and feel a lively interest in your welfare. Since I left home I have had much trial + hardship + quite a sick spell but now am much better + have been improving for sometime So that now my breath is tolerable good. I 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 faithful 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 + brick very strong + solid + is calculated to resist even the fire [page 2] of artillery. it is surrounded with a deep ditch + then has at 4 rods distance a hedgework 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 seem to have 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 Abe shall have brought the proud Southerners to their bended knees pleading to return to his bosom + when he shall have grasped the scepter anew over the whole of the United States + when he shall have brought every rebel to kiss the rod 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 + still higher among the family of nations. for me I am proud of [page 3] 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 + what little influence I have had has been thrown in the scab for the country + our government + I can return with the proud satisfaction of knowing that I have contributed towards putting down the greatest Rebellion the world ever saw + I humbly trust I shall be permitted to return + meet you 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 over men return + bless our land. But my Dear Brother I must close + I hope + pray these times will find you all well + in the enjoyment of health + happiness + I trust you will write me in answer soon + direct it to Co. B 12th CV Battalion 2nd 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 wishing to keep at a safe distance I trust you will give me the news + keep me posted + 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.S. 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 29, 1865 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 William about the end stages of the war, the prospects for reconciliation, and Northern recalcitrance. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1865-03-29 https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/cdb03be83c998652e31241e87ead6cc5.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 Jm. + Wife Your letters of the 7th inst come 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 you + 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, snow + hail seems to be de- scending upon us without mercy and [page 2] all signs fortell 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 upon the snow capped mountains of this frozen clime and wade among heaps 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 important military fort 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 Qtr Mstrs Department. O.E. Stoddard was rec- omended 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 me 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 report comes 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 a while, but having retrieved the loss of three years battles in the old Valley, 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 campaign. The Md. 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. Ben Butler + 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 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 me indorsement. [page 1 text vertical] Where is Uncle Elijah? I never hear a word spoken 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 remain as ever your esteemed friend W.H. Reynolds [page 1 text upside down] P.S. Direct to W.H. Reynolds Co “B” Ct. Veteran Battalion 1st Div. 19th AC Washington DC 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, 12th C.V.I., December 15, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865 United States. Army. Connecticut Infantry Regiment, 12th (1861-1865) Shenandoah Valley Campaign, 1864 (August-November) Sheridan, Philip Henry, 1831-1888 Description An account of the resource William Reynolds writes to his friend James McCracken about the progress of the Shenandoah Valley Campaign, the superiority of Philip Sheridan, and the signs that the war is coming to an end. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1864-12-15 https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/55425a66399297b1c3002e3a2a7f53bc.pdf a1e2ddd12322983dc17a6e3bc7cd730e 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 Cornelius Gold Papers Description An account of the resource A collection of correspondence between Cornelius Gold and his family, written between 1862 and 1866. The bulk of the correspondence is from Gold to his mother. There are also several pieces of correspondence to his brother and individual letters to other family members. This collection includes two letters from Romulus Loveridge, a lieutenant in the 3rd US Colored Infantry. The collection also contains a 62 page journal kept by Gold on his voyage from New York to Hong Kong and from Hong Kong to England in 1861-1862. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gold, Cornelius, B., 1839-1921 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived <a href="http://collections.conncoll.edu/gold/fa.html">Cornelius Gold Papers</a>, Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Linda Lear Center for Special Collections and Archives, Connecticut College Subject The topic of the resource United States -- History -- Civil War (1861-1865) -- Sources 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 Mobile Ala. April 30 1865 My dear Mother I propose a Sunday nap to my self presently, but before taking it will dispatch a note to you. It is not my usual custon to sleep by day, fortunate for me is it, if I secure a reasonable share of sleep by night. The mid-night oil of Saturday is my excuse for sloth to day. I have told you of my last change, but not exactly the manner of it. It was this way. The Anderson on which I was stationed drew too much water to get over the bar, and could only approach within ten miles of the city. When the fleet came up, I was consequently isolated form the boats whose accounts are in my charge, to my great inconvenience + to theirs. One day the doctor (Drummond) of the "Anderson" and I jumped on a little tug in a fit of desperation, and made for Mobile as fast as the young steamboat could carry us. We had a jolly ride of it, and spent the night at the "Battle House" after seeing the city by gas-light. We reached it in time for a stroll in Government Street before dark, the avenue of the place, lined with pleasant houses + fragrant with green trees, roses +honeysuckles. We fairly wallowed in delight that evening, + went wild over the pretty women, real-live beauties that we met in our ramble. Indeed, mother, I do believe in the female persuasion in general, as very necessary desirable half of creation. We men are never [page 2] so conscious of this fact as when brought in sudden contact with the air the gentle creatures breathe, after months of confinement in our wooden cages. I at once became decidedly of opinion that my proper station for the present was in Mobile. Next morning I reported on board the flag-ship, + ref stated my business necessity so forcibly, that Capt. Simpson directed me at once to make such arrangements as I could "for the benefit of the service." Within twenty four hours thereafter, I had selected an office, secured it from the Provost Marshall for my use, and reported all my goods + chattels at the door, the fleet captain allowing me the use of a tug-boat to bring my things from the Anderson. It took five men one day to remove the rubbish + scrub the rooms into decency, but at last I was comfortably settled. So I thought, but woe is me! I had fallen a helpless victim to mosquitos + fleas. The latter are my greatest torment, + indeed are the help worth mentioning, for their industry is marvelous. They hop + bite from one end of me to the other + from sun-rise to sun-rise ahain. I am informed that the "China Leaf" which grows plentifully hereabout is a sure exterminator of fleas, or at any rate will drive them all away. It becomes me to try this remedy I think. As yet I have secured no boarding places, + until I get leisure to look around shall contrive to have my meals cooked + sent to me here. Batchelors Hall in reality, is this + not bad to take after being cramped up in a small state room. I have too fine rooms for office + for sleeping + obliging neighbors have "set me up" in housekeeping by the loan of a desk ward-robe, office chairs bed-stead [page 3] + so on, down to crockery and candle-sticks. I have two good honest well behaved sailors with me to do the manual labor part, and a handsome check clerk to do the "respectable" for me. Altogether you might be gratified at at a peep through the window, just to see how very comfortable I am. That my work is constant, so that as yet I can call neither morning nor evening my own, is perhaps not a matter for regret. It doubtless keeps me out of much mischief, as I am rather viciously inclined. In any event my mind is so occupied that homesickness or mental sickness is out of the question. I believe in work as the best cure for ever ill. It is the Bible principle of "overcoming evil with good". One windfall I have not mentioned. Before leaving the "Anderson" to come here, I went ashore one day just below Spanish Fort, with Dr. Drummond to take a look at the country + buy a barrel of potatoes. Went into the commissary's for the latter purpose, + who should be the presiding genius there by John Whittlesey, Camptain + A.C.M. from New Preston Conn. Of course we knew each other + closed one interview with the promise to meet if possible in Mobile. The city has since been captured, + now here we are our offices within not two squares apart. We had a jubilation together over the arrest of Geo. Hitchcock, not so over a "fallen enemy", but because it seemed a sign of coming retribution to a mean traitor to his country + disgrace to his county + state. You need not read this out of the family for I ought not to quote the private sentiments of another in such a matter. For myself I simply despise Mr. Hitchcock + all of his color." It did me [page 4] good to say this yesterday to a gentleman across the waya, a true southerner who gave his heart, and I suspect one foot to the rebel cause for it is gone somewhere. He said to me "If I had been born + lived at the north, I ought have felt as any northern men do but ____, + his eyes spoke the rest. I told him that for such as he, I had, if not sympathy, at least respect, but for northern rebels perfect hatred. This morning I attended episcopal church with Whittlesey, Commodore Palmer, General Andrews + a good many army + navy officers + men were present. The service was well conducted, and the sermon excellent. No allusion was made to the state of our country. What could he say on that subject to such an audience? people who a few days ago only spoke to each other through the cannon's mouth, now filling the same pews, listening to the same preacher. His text was, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest though me? The hymns were our own, the music such as we often sing at home. We were one people in that church. very soon the whole land will be united, + united in heart more than ever we were before. I believe that. To day Capt Whittlesey lent me a copy of the Litchfield Enquirer. It was partly as good as a letter. Any news, any scrap of paper even from the section is precious to me, + never before, I think had such value in my eyes. I can write but little to my friends, scarcely any at all, so that their letters to me are far between. Yet I prize them none the less. If Martha ever writes you "letters for two" I wish you would send them to me to read, as otherwise I hear but seldom from her. She seems to have "sent me to grass lately", but the pasture is lonely, tell her, and wish for my sister often. Cornelius 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 Cornelius Gold, U.S. Navy, April 30, 1865 Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources United States.--Navy.--East Gulf Blockading Squadron. Description An account of the resource Cornelius Gold writes to his mother of moving his office on shore, finding a place to live and work, and life in Mobile following the war. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1865-04-30 https://omeka.conncoll.edu/files/original/fac462646f5e37ef31dfb56a170a59f1.pdf ef3dc6722abe08849e6e859f711aefb2 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 July 3rd Camp in the woods Near Petersburg Sunday morning My Dear wife I received your kind letter dated June 26 and was glad to hear you na and the children was well as this laves me at resent thank god Captain Broach he has got Back to the redgement and he has Comand of it know Murdock he has got back to I seen gorge hide old man hides son that youst to keep the Boarding house in the farms he is a leutenant in the Second Connecticut Dear wife we have got Relieved from the front for a few days but it tis a bulley Place how long we will stop I donth know Dear wife the boys got it surround near that goe shot himself for he never got to the redgement although wilber Peck he is well and so is Heman Crowell Dear wife if you could send me a pair of Suspenders them you sent me is pretty well wore out and about you sending News papers you can send them if you want My Dear wife I herd them say that the ware going to draft again I hope So I want to see some more of them [page 2] big bugs Drafted but I hope it twill not fall on aney of my frends you may talk abbout soldgering this Summer takes Anney thing down that ever was known but the boys are all in good Spirits the have fetched us some soft bread and pickles to day for my self I fare pretty well for I get the same as Capt Brigham Russell and greham I Cook for 3 of them it tis pretty hard but I fare better and I have know Picket or guard duty to do I have know gun athall it was taken from me the 20th of April about me not been in danger there is as mutch danger Some times as if I was in line of battle all the difference there is that I donth have to go in know charge nor to stand up in line of battle when the fight Cominces I can go to rare and wait untill it tis over but Some times it tis as hot in the rare [page 3] As it tis in the front I have been whare there has been poor fellows to that was a long side of one tore to pices but thank god I have never got a scratch I go allong sometimes when the bullets is a whissing and Shells is bursting I get so I donth mind it I am so youst to it if it tis a mans luck to get shot or wounded he will but thank god for his goodness towards me for I never felt as well in my life as I do know it tis the hardest campaign that ever was knowin and I have stood it first rate so far Dear wife Heman Crowell told me to tell you he would be home in 3 months to paint the house for you I hope so I must Draw to a close give my love to father and family Mr [page 4] hubbard and family David John and family I hope none of frend will not be drafted Kiss the children for me Keep up good Courage rite soon From your loving husband W D Smith good Boy 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., July 3, 1864 Subject The topic of the resource United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865 United States. Army. Connecticut Infantry Regiment, 14th (1862-1865) United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Manpower Draft Description An account of the resource William Smith writes to his wife about the regiment's recent combat experience, serving in a noncombat role, and the prospect of a draft. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1864-07-03