Civil War Letters - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Vermont Civil War letters to be transcribed for public use ~ BLANCHARD, DODGE, ELDRIDGE, WHEELOCK

JanEJordan65 — 31 Aug 2006 6:01:59 GMT

Letter to Colonel Walter Taylor 1894

lauraannnelson1 — 17 Sep 2007 8:11:57 GMT

Roanoke, VA
April 10, 1894

Col. Walter Taylor,
Norfork, VA

Dear Sir:

I would like to ask a favor of you as an old soldier, and it is this: If you will remember I was with you when you led the charge and carried the flag at that great charge at Spottsylvania C. H., at the "bloody angle" and your horse was killed under you and you got on mine. As as I am certain that was the hottest place I was during the war, and I was in it from the first battle at Manassas to the surrender at Appomattox C. H., I would like to get a certificate from you that I followed you that day, (to hand down to my children and grandchildren in after years).

I see that most of our old officers have died, and I have nothing to show that I was ever in a battle but the five scars I have on my body. If you will write a letter stating that I was with you at that time and at the surrender, I will b e ever so much obliged.

Yours truly,

C. C. Taliferro

(Colonel Taylor's note on this letter)-

Mr. Taliaferro speaks of this incident as occuring at the "bloody angle", but that appelation was more generally given to the scene of the fight that took place two days later on May 12th, when Johnson's Division was captured.

(Transcribed as written)

Very old letter given to me

jbcwrj — 13 Apr 2007 12:08:09 GMT

I just came across an old letter written to what I think is my GG grandmother informing her that her husband was killed while sleeping under a railroad car while serving in the Civil War. It is so fragile and was wondering if anyone knew what I should do with it, get it preserved, does it have any monetary value? (no, I would never sell it)just curious. It was written in 1813.

thank you

J brandt

Book: Sparks From the Camp-Fire

rekropp — 3 Nov 2005 9:11:01 GMT

Stories from 150 battle-scarred Northern Veterans of the Civil War relating the events of 1861-1865. Reveals the experiences of private soldiers in great conflicts. Includes the History of the Grand Army of the Republic for each state.

Topics: Gettysburg, Naval Battle of Memphis, Prison Pens of Dixie, Antietam, Chickamauga, Five Forks, Roanoke Island, Fredericksburg, Malvern Hill, Chattanooga Valley

Sketches, maps and poems included
Edited by Joseph W. Morton, Jr., 1890
300 pages boound

Last Letter Home

Sanjos347 — 16 Dec 2006 11:57:27 GMT

Hello, I just wanted to let you know how touched I was by your letter. I also own letters that my great grandfather wrote during the civil war, he fought for the union from Iowa....he was lucky enough to get home or I wouldn't be here....What your letter says so well is they were all just young men....Union, Confederate, just young men...I am sorry for your family's loss. He sounds like a very loving, intelligent man. Thank you for sharing this. Sandy McClay

Letter John Martin Ohio co. c 30th OVI

ann loftin — 23 Feb 2006 7:16:06 GMT

I was seeking some information on Ohio Co. 3 30th OVI. I found a letter from him to Shade, Ohio in 1864 in a book. Thanks

1863 Letter from George B. Atkins to his father from Camp Douglas, ILL

N. E. — 26 Sep 2006 11:58:42 GMT

A Last Letter Home

baronvoned — 5 Oct 2006 7:17:09 GMT

William Thomas Daniel GA 34th m. to Elizabeth Stovall

Dana — 27 Dec 2005 9:08:31 GMT

BROWN: William Brown letter from Chatanooga Tennessee

lorischulze — 30 Oct 2004 12:24:59 GMT

http://pastvoices.com/usa/brownwm18nov63.shtml

Cherokee Chief Thomas Papers: Jeff Davis' in-law

Matt Parker — 21 Mar 2006 2:01:01 GMT

Cherokee Chief Thomas' Letters: he was also cousin to President Zachary Taylor and in-law to Confederate President Jeff Davis:

http://thomaslegioncherokee.tripod.com/thomas.html

Fort Pillow, TN on April 10, 1862

DuncMcQuagge — 25 Apr 2004 5:44:30 GMT

winchester, virginia

aurina — 3 Feb 2005 6:07:45 GMT

Letter from Chaplain 36th Indiana: Hospital Life

Tony Meeks — 20 Jun 2005 4:08:55 GMT

Mark HALPIN at West Point, N.Y.

cynthiagaines — 23 Jan 2005 10:26:07 GMT

We are looking for any information on Mark HALPIN, an Immigrant from County Cork, Ireland in the mid-1800s, who relocated to Lapeer Co., Michigan, where he is buired.

Mark HALPIN had a son named John, who was born at West Point, N.Y., and a daughter Ellen (born in N.Y.?), who married Thomas Ryan, also an Immirant from Ireland, and who also moved to Michigan.

Ellen and Thomas Ryan are our g-g grandparents, which makes Mark HALPIN our g-g-g grandfather.

Any information you may have would be much appreciated. In exchange, we are happy to provide what information we have on this family.

Thank you. We hope to hear from you soon!!!

~Cynthia Owen-Gaines and Robert V. Owen

BROWN: Collection of letters from the brothers Alvin and George Brown, Ohio Infantry

lorischulze — 30 Oct 2004 12:24:19 GMT

http://pastvoices.com/usa/brownalvin1863.shtml

BROOKS William, Co E, 161st NYVI. Collection of 9 Civil War letters 1863, 1864

lorischulze — 30 Oct 2004 12:23:40 GMT

http://pastvoices.com/usa/brooks64.shtml

BIDWELL Lucius E. 14th CT Inf to his mother 7 Feb 1864

lorischulze — 30 Oct 2004 12:23:04 GMT

http://pastvoices.com/usa/lbid18640702.shtml

Andrew Jackson BASS to his wife Ellender DAVIS from Camp Lee, VA 1862

lorischulze — 30 Oct 2004 12:22:25 GMT

http://pastvoices.com/usa/bass1862.shtml

BAKER, Neil. Sgt. in 50th N.C. Infantry. Letter to Sarah Jane, 1863

lorischulze — 30 Oct 2004 12:21:32 GMT

http://pastvoices.com/usa/baker63.shtml

Letter from Masten Dashiel Paroled Union P.O.W

@@tony_meeks@msn.com — 31 Oct 2004 3:48:31 GMT

This letter appeared in the Indianapolis Daily Journal on February 14, 1863 on page 3 column 1. In this letter Masten Dashiel shares his experiences at the Parole Camp at Annapolis Maryland after being captured on December 31, 1862 at Murfreesboro Tennessee.

Parole Camp at Annapolis, MD--Letter by Isaac W. Monfort Indiana Military Agent

@@tony_meeks@msn.com — 31 Oct 2004 3:48:31 GMT

Letter from Chaplain John Lozier 37th Indiana Infantry

@@tony_meeks@msn.com — 31 Oct 2004 3:48:31 GMT

Men from northern KY (mostly Covington) at Camp Boone TN, 1861

oxdrover — 7 Jul 2005 3:45:19 GMT

Battle of Thompson's Station March 5, 1863

tonymeeks1 — 5 Sep 2004 5:11:44 GMT

OLD CIVIL WAR LETTER WRITTEN BY JONATHAN FRANCIS AGEE:

costfall166 — 23 Jan 2005 10:30:53 GMT

CW pass

Denise — 4 Jul 2004 4:26:46 GMT

Pass for Priv Monett(?) dated July 8 1864 136th Ohio Fort Williams
signed by A R Boggs and ?

CW letters

Denise — 4 Jul 2004 4:19:09 GMT

Instructions to guards dated June 8 1864 Fort Worth VA by
Major Diller. Names included are Gnl Anger, Gnl Slough,
Gnl De Russey, Col Frey, Col Wells, Col ?

20th NC Infantry

NeilRaiford — 7 Jul 2004 6:20:12 GMT

Researcher seeking information for new NC regimental history on the 20th NC Infantry. I am currently researching and writing my third book which will be a regimental history with complete roster of the 20th NC Infantry. The regiment’s companies were formed in Brunswick, Columbus, Cabarrus, Duplin, Sampson, and surrounding counties (including Robeson, Wayne, and Johnston). I would like to include photos, military, biographical and genealogical data (including parent's names, soldier's pre-war and post-war occupation(s), marriage info, and burial location) for every soldier. Also of particular interest are newspaper articles, and letters and diaries from the soldiers. I will pay copy/postage costs for any new information and give credit in the book's acknowledgments section. Please note that I already have the information from each soldier’s CSR, Clark's NC Regiments and the NC Troops series. Thanks for your help. Neil Raiford, 202 Summit Drive, Whiteville, NC 28472; email: raiford94@ncez.net. (Author of The 4th NC Cavalry in the Civil War, published by McFarland in 2003; Shadow: A Cottontail Bomber Crew in WWII, to be published by McFarland in August 2004).

Oath of Allegiance

don_coatney — 26 Jan 2006 10:05:15 GMT

Om G Uncle Jesse signed this oath of allegiance while he was in Missouri.
Don Coatney

April 11, 1863

don_coatney — 26 Jan 2006 10:05:15 GMT

Nashville Coatney who served in the Indiana 13th Volunteers writes this letter to his brother (my G Grandfather) George Washington Coatney.
Don Coatney

Christmas day, 1863

don_coatney — 26 Jan 2006 10:05:15 GMT

Only fitting to share this letter today. Mettr Christmas to all.
Don Coatney

Civil War Letters of William A. Smith, 7th Illinois Cavalry

volantis — 28 Jul 2003 1:50:17 GMT

Now available online (free) is the collection of letters written by William A. Smith from Marion County, Illinois during the Civil War in 1862. The letters have a wealth of information concerning names of people, places, and events of the Civil War. The letters also include details about the time period including prices for food and clothing. There is also some discussion of slavery and politics from the time.

The file is available at www.thomson-genealogy.com and is in Microsoft Word format. It has a table of contents and a detailed index. Also included are a genealogy of the ancestors and descendents of William A. Smith.

David W. Thomson III

CW Letters

James — 24 Nov 2002 5:07:39 GMT

Here is a good web site, mostly MA Regiment oreintated

www.letterscivilwar.com

Memphis to Vicksburg 1863

don_coatney — 26 Jan 2006 10:05:15 GMT

This "short sketch" written by William Curtis Morgan of Company E 53rd Indiana Volunteers details the activities of the 53rd from May 11, 1963 until July 12, 1863 traveling from Memphis, Tennessee to Vicksburg, Mississippi. On page #4 General Lorman was arrested for making an unauthorized attack. General Harvy takes command. Several names appear in this document.
Don Coatney

POW letter

don_coatney — 26 Jan 2006 10:05:15 GMT

William Curtis Morgan a member of Company E 53rd Indiana Volunteers was captured near Atlanta Georgia and sent to Andersonville. He survived and was then sent to Florence, South Carolina. He never fully recovered from the harsh life of Andersonville and died 3 years later.
Don Coatney

April 14, 1864

don_coatney — 26 Jan 2006 10:05:15 GMT

Thought I would submit another letter. This letter was written by my GG Uncle Nashville Coatney a member of the Indiana 13th Volunteers.Nashville writes to his brother-in-law John Phillips and talks of being back home in Indiana within a month. He never made it home.
Don Coatney

June 22, 1864 Near Atlanta, Georgia

don_coatney — 26 Jan 2006 10:05:15 GMT

Thought I would post another letter written by William Curtis Morgan of the Indiana 53rd. This letter was written as bullets whizzed by his head. Hard to imagine. On July 22, 1864 William was captured by the Rebel forces and sent to Andersonville.
Don Coatney

Letter 54th Indiana Battle of Chickasaw Bayou

@@tony_meeks@msn.com — 31 Oct 2004 3:48:31 GMT

This letter was published in the Indianapolis Daily Journal on January 29, 1863 on page 1 columns 6 & 7. It was written by Thomas Purnell, Quartermaster of the 54th Indiana. The spelling and punctuation of the letter are as they appear when it was published in the newspaper.

Letters of Captain Charles Brouse 100th Indiana Infantry January 1863

@@tony_meeks@msn.com — 31 Oct 2004 3:48:31 GMT

These letters appeared in the Indianapolis Daily Journal on February 6, 1863 on page 3 column 3. Captain Charles Brouse was from Indianapolis Indiana and he commanded Company K of the 100th Indiana Infantry. He was wounded at the Battle of Missionary Ridge on November 25, 1863. In 1899 he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his action at Missionary Ridge.

Major Wm Stanley Haymond & Son Wm Stanley, Jr.

Loretta3358 — 21 Mar 2005 6:20:56 GMT

I am looking for the journals or letters of Major Wm. Stanley Haymond, Jr. and/or his son, Wm. Stanley, Jr. based on the following information from the family:

Wm. Stanley Haymond, Jr., son of Major Wm Stanley Haymond, who served under General Imboden's Calvary. Wm. S. Haymond was a 13 year drummer boy who sat by a picket fence in front of Gen. Lee's HQ on Cashtown Rd. (a widow's home that was temp given to Lee for his command center at Gettysburg) dressed in his father's major uniform talked to Gen. Lee just after Pickett's Charge. He wrote in his journal that the General "looked very sad that day".

Thanks very much for any help you may be able to give me.

Rev. Harwood Diary

schoedi — 6 Aug 2003 3:56:07 GMT

This diary was found by my grandfather, Bayliss Henry McCain in the 1930’s in a house that was being restored in Albuquerque New Mexico. It passed down to my mother, Katherine McCain Schoedinger, who copied it and gave to the University of New Mexico for safe keeping. The following are what she copied and her notes:

Reverend Thomas Harwood was a member of an organization called the “Christian Commission”, a volunteer organization which supplied creature comforts and religious materials to professional chaplains for distribution to the troops. According to civil war records, Rev. Harwood was present at muster until June 30, 1863. From July 21, 1863 to August 31, 1863, he was ill and returned to the regiment on September 1, 1863. On November 18, 1863 he was hospitalized with dysentery. He was released to the regiment on December 31, 1863. He was back in the hospital on January 23, 1864. He made chaplain on January 28, 1864. From February 4-29, he was ill at Vicksburg, Mississippi. He was wounded on August 10, 1864. The diary is one of many, but this one records from April 1, 1865 to July 16, 1865.

From his declaration of pension # 357556, May 20, 1912, he is described at enlistment as 5’ 9 ½ inches tall; fair complexion; gray eyes, and light colored hair. His occupation was a preacher. He was born October 16, 1829. After service, he lived at Leone, Wisconsin; Tomah, Wisconsin; Mono County New Mexico; Socorro, New Mexico; Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was 86 years old at the time of his pension.

The diary spans April 1865 through the surrender, release of soldiers and return home.

If you are interested, I will be happy to send as an attachment.

Judy

Arlington National Cemetery - Jefferson Davis homesite

schoedi — 10 Aug 2003 4:11:24 GMT

July 4th 1863

DonCoatney — 4 Jul 2003 6:18:06 GMT

It is only fitting to post this letter today. It was written on July 4th 1863. This letter was written by my G Grandfather William Curtis Morgan to his wife Mary Townsend Morgan. Have a happy July 4th.
Don Coatney

May 24, 1864

DonCoatney — 1 Jul 2003 1:06:47 GMT

One of my cousins recently transcribed another letter from William Curtis Morgan to his wife Mary Eveline Townsend Morgan. My G Grandfather William Curtis Morgan was in Company E, Indiana 53rd Volunteers.
Don Coatney

83rd New York (9th NYSM)

JoannePezzu08 — 18 Jun 2003 12:57:04 GMT

I have several pages of Letters of the 83rd

http://www.geocities.com/pezzullo03/murphy.html

http://www.geocities.com/pezzullo03/conklin.html

http://www.geocities.com/pezzullo03/letters.html

http://www.geocities.com/pezzullo03/83rd.html

March 4th, 1864

DonCoatney1 — 13 Jun 2003 3:10:53 GMT

Attached below is a journal written about the daily life at Camp Hebron in the state of Mississippi in the spring of 1864. The author, William Curtis Morgan, was a member of Company E, 53rd. Indiana Volunteers. He was my G Grandfather. It is hard to imagine how daily life was in 1864 when one was a soldier in the Civil War but this documentation will offer some insight. Don Coatney

May 14th, 1863

DonCoatney1 — 13 Jun 2003 3:10:53 GMT

Nicholas Skeel Belch served in Company B of the Indiana 81st Volunteers. He was wounded at the battle of Stones River here in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He married Margaret Coatney a sister of my G Grandfather George Washington Coatney. Nicholas writes this letter to GW Coatney

April 16th, 1862

DonCoatney1 — 13 Jun 2003 3:10:53 GMT

Nashville Coatney served in Company D, Indiana 13th Volunteers. He writes this letter to his brother George Washington, Coatney. This is a graphic letter. It tells of a terrible battle. Don Coatney

Soldiers Letter

DonCoatney1 — 13 Jun 2003 3:10:53 GMT

This letter was written by Benjamin Spurgeon to my G Grandfather George Washington Coatney Benjamin Spurgeon was a brother of the wife of GW Coatney. I believe he was in the Indiana 66th Volunteers but I am not 100% sure. Ben sure likes his PECHES. Don Coatney

April 26, 1863

DonCoatney1 — 13 Jun 2003 3:10:53 GMT

Company E. Indiana 53rd Volunteers, Memphis, Tennessee

April 20, 1863

DonCoatney1 — 1 Oct 2006 7:35:02 GMT

William Curtis Morgan of Company E, Indiana 53rd Volunteers writes the attached letter to his wife Mary Eveline Townsend. William and Mary are my G Grandparents.

William Curtis Morgan

DonCoatney1 — 13 Jun 2003 3:10:53 GMT

Pasted below are scans of the original Muster in and Muster out documents of my G Grandfather William Curtis Morgan who served in Company E of the 53rd. Indiana Volunteers.

Don Coatney

Oath of Allegiance

DonCoatney1 — 13 Jun 2003 3:10:53 GMT

Attached below is the oath of allegiance signed by Jesse Coatney. Jesse had brothers who fought for the union and I have not found any definitive proof that Jesse fought for either side. He did however live in Missouri and I know the Rebels harassed him and finally ran him out of the state. Don Coatney

NEW Civil War Letters online

LorineMS — 3 May 2002 5:51:51 GMT

Past Voices: Letters Home (http://pastvoices.com/ ) has just added the following new letters. These add to my existing letters online (is your ancestor in one of them?)

Civil War Letters:
Collection of James Maxwell, Co. D, 127 IL Volunteeer Infantry, Letters to his family 1863 to 1873
http://pastvoices.com/usa/max1.shtml

Lt. Joseph Johnson, 58 PA Infantry re death of Col. John Richter Jones at Batchelors Creek, North Carolina June 1863
http://pastvoices.com/usa/johnson.shtml

Good luck, hope you find an ancestor or two.

UPDATE Civil War Letters online

LorineMS — 18 Jun 2002 1:33:09 GMT

Vandorom - Civil War letters/photos

betsuba — 6 Jul 2002 10:50:11 GMT

Trying to research Civil War. Would appreciate copies of letters/photos during this time period. Thank you in advance. betsuba@aol.com

Civil War Letters - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Vermont Civil War letters to be transcribed for public use ~ BLANCHARD, DODGE, ELDRIDGE, WHEELOCK

Letter to Colonel Walter Taylor 1894

Very old letter given to me

Book: Sparks From the Camp-Fire

Last Letter Home

Letter John Martin Ohio co. c 30th OVI

1863 Letter from George B. Atkins to his father from Camp Douglas, ILL

A Last Letter Home

William Thomas Daniel GA 34th m. to Elizabeth Stovall

BROWN: William Brown letter from Chatanooga Tennessee

Cherokee Chief Thomas Papers: Jeff Davis' in-law

Fort Pillow, TN on April 10, 1862

winchester, virginia

Letter from Chaplain 36th Indiana: Hospital Life

Mark HALPIN at West Point, N.Y.

BROWN: Collection of letters from the brothers Alvin and George Brown, Ohio Infantry

BROOKS William, Co E, 161st NYVI. Collection of 9 Civil War letters 1863, 1864

BIDWELL Lucius E. 14th CT Inf to his mother 7 Feb 1864

Andrew Jackson BASS to his wife Ellender DAVIS from Camp Lee, VA 1862

BAKER, Neil. Sgt. in 50th N.C. Infantry. Letter to Sarah Jane, 1863

Letter from Masten Dashiel Paroled Union P.O.W

Parole Camp at Annapolis, MD--Letter by Isaac W. Monfort Indiana Military Agent

Letter from Chaplain John Lozier 37th Indiana Infantry

Men from northern KY (mostly Covington) at Camp Boone TN, 1861

Battle of Thompson's Station March 5, 1863

OLD CIVIL WAR LETTER WRITTEN BY JONATHAN FRANCIS AGEE:

CW pass

CW letters

20th NC Infantry

Oath of Allegiance

April 11, 1863

Christmas day, 1863

Civil War Letters of William A. Smith, 7th Illinois Cavalry

CW Letters

Memphis to Vicksburg 1863

POW letter

April 14, 1864

June 22, 1864 Near Atlanta, Georgia

Letter 54th Indiana Battle of Chickasaw Bayou

Letters of Captain Charles Brouse 100th Indiana Infantry January 1863

Major Wm Stanley Haymond & Son Wm Stanley, Jr.

Rev. Harwood Diary

Arlington National Cemetery - Jefferson Davis homesite

July 4th 1863

May 24, 1864

83rd New York (9th NYSM)

March 4th, 1864

May 14th, 1863

April 16th, 1862

Soldiers Letter

April 26, 1863

April 20, 1863

William Curtis Morgan

Oath of Allegiance

*NEW* Civil War Letters online

**UPDATE** Civil War Letters online

Vandorom - Civil War letters/photos

NEW Civil War Letters online

UPDATE Civil War Letters online