Union Civil War officer's letter dated Baltimore, Maryland, Oct 2 1864

Union Civil War officer's letter dated Baltimore, Maryland, Oct 2 1864, from 1st LT James McMillan, Company "C," 141st New York Infantry Regiment, to Sergt. Daniel Chase, Company "A," 1st New York Veteran Cavalry, Camp Piatte, Kanawha Valley, West Virginia.

The content, in part.

Sunday is a very lonesome day here, Dan, so I thought best to scribble you a few lines ... I had a pretty serious time of it here for a while, but managed to stick it out, the typhoid fever tried me on again, but found that I was a nut too hard to crack, this time at least. Bell, as usual, came down to see me. She heard that I was in Balto..That was enough for her. She had to start, expecting to find me very sick. I suppose but when she got here she found me planying enchre for the lager beer. I am to leave the hosp some time this week, but where I could not say. They tell me here that I shall go right to the regt., but I doubt it some: a dismounted camp with some glass eye in command rises up before my imagination. God knows I have rather be in H--- ... [signed] Jas. McMillan, Act. A. A. Genl

Item number: 260726282991

US Naval Personnel Separation Center 1946

Letter posted Jun 21, 1946 Long Beach, from US Naval Personnel Separation Center, Lido Beach, Long Island, New York, June 18, 1946. It is to Mrs C. Dagavarian, 1809 51st St, Brooklyn. It is signed by Chaplain G A Webster, USNR.

Webster is writing the mother of Harry O Dagavarian. He states the Navy has tried to prepare her son for re-entry to civilian life, but only she can help him with one very important adjustment: being made aware that he is a vital part of his family, church and community. It may require great patience and intelligent understanding on the part of the family.

1843 Brooklyn New York letter install heat city jail

Letter from David Anderson to James G Bergen, Fort Hamilton Post Office, Kings County, New York. Anderson writes that he has inspected the wing of the jail and range of the cells situated in the City of Brooklyn. He writes he will agree to manufacture proper hot water apparatus for each story of cell that will distribute a sufficient and healthful heat. It will consume only about half the fuel that the present hot air flue does. The cost for each story will be $450. All the work will be done by Masons. Let him know soon as winter is approaching. Letter is posted Aug 11 (1843) New York.

Scottish Immigrant, Mr. George Thompson

Civil War letter from a Scottish immigrant, Mr. George Thompson, resident in Cincinnati, Ohio, to family in Galashiels, Scotland. Dated August 15th, 1863. Observation is made of the number of Union troops in the city, returning from the Battle of Vicksburg. In particular he mentions the presence of the 79th New York Volunteers, the famously self-styled "Cameron Highlanders" "yesterday morning (August 14th, 1863). He notes their having "Scotch bonnets on (Glengarrys)" and a kilted piper and of their marching off to "Kentucky".

Florence, Kansas 1886

Letter handwritten by JOHN M. ARCHER of Florence, Kansas - KS and dated January 7, 1886. The letter was written to Reverend John W. Hancher. Archer must have replaced Hancher as the town preacher as he mentions the town is struggling to pay him. He also states that Florence is a queer city in church matters. He tells Hancher that he has many friends but he's concerned about the chuch wanting to run to all the things of a Godless character. Details of the letter below:

Florence, Kansas
Jan. 7th, 1886
Bro. Hancher:
Pardon my long delay in replying to your last. I am truly sorry to hear from you as being so nearly incapacitated for duty. May God sustain you in your affliction. I hope you are better ? this. I am succeeding after a moderate rate. Florence is struggling to pay the preacher as usual! She is a queer city in church matters. Did you get all your pay here. How did Martin stand by you? Bro Hartenan gives a rather blue acct of him. He has been true as steel to me. How did you like F. anyhow? I have many friends here but somehow the church wants to run to all the things of a Godless character. I never had such a charge.

All send you greeting and sympathy. That was all right concerning that business point. I hope you will succeed grandly. Our conference convenes March 11th at McPhersons. Bro Walden, Pres,. We have four districts. I am one of the examiners for 2 year. I have “Logie” and “Harman’s Introduction” to examine in. 30 acres, 15 ? book, Cliue? Is ?. Dr. M. is going into the traveling co? this Spring. His enemies are chuckling over it considerably. Moore, Owens, Van Laudwig ? and some others have guilt their work on account of sickness and money making. Will write again soon. Give our love and ? to Mrs. H. May God bless you,
Your Bro in Christ
John M. Archer

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Sarah Ann Eddy of Eagle Harbor New York

“May 21st, 1870?

Mother,

I am sorry to hear of Emily’s feeling badly. If I could see her a little while I could tell her how bad I had felt……Since my treatment by the lady Dr. I feel so different in every way and my back is much stronger and I used to feel a bad feeling in the lower part of my bowels as though something was loose or pulling down. Can not express it in any other way. I feel many times that I am not half thankful enough for the relief I have had though I try to be and I feel that it was the hand of providence that sent me to Mrs. Gould and I have often wondered how I had confidence to go to a perfect stranger and let her treat me. I assure you I have never regretted it and my advice to Emily is if she has any feelings that leads her to think there is any disease of the womb or there about, I would go immediately or have a Dr. come and examine into the case for there are many things much worse than an examination. She may not have any of the falling I had as all are not handled alike. The treatment I had was first she took a little cotton and placed it up my body with her hand to see if there were ulcerations. She said there were none but that there were calloused places that would lead to them in time if not cured that was what she used the cotton with glycerin and carbolic acid to cleanse and heal after she had placed the womb up in it’s place and put the cotton in to hold it up and I stood on my feet and felt so different and could walk or go up and down stairs with such a different feeling. I lay on my left side, back toward her during the operation, that is all there was to it………For mother or only ladies to read, Samantha.”

(more on her operation and general family news)

“Poplar Ridge

April 12th, 1870

Dear Mother,

………Uncle B. wrote business was very dull at Cedar Falls so Edwin thought he would go and see how it was and if he likes it at Homer will stop there but if not will go to Cedar Falls. He is going to write immediately on his arrival there and as soon as I hear from him I shall make calculations to go to Orleans Co. and as soon as he gets settled we shall go to him. Our folks wished us to stay here till he got settled somewhere but I feel anxious now to spend my time in Barre. Edwin went to Auburn in the stage, is going the Lake Shore road and thinks he must go right along. Wanted I should do the visiting. Thought he would go from Rochester to Buffalo by Batavia…….Your affectionate daughter, Samantha W. Eddy.”

“May 1st, 1871

Dear mother and all,

……Last weeks Enterprise says there are to be Summer Excursions on this road to Put-In-Bay, Niagara Falls &c. There was last summer and that there will be due notice give of them in the paper so I guess I will make me a gingham dress and each of us an umbrella and then if the fare should be very cheap perhaps we might take a trip (but I am cautious not to build air castles)……Yours lovingly, Mollie.”

“June 7th, 1871

Dear ones and all,

…….You remember our speaking of the dances they had this past winter. The first day of May the club had a phantom or sheet and pillow case masquerade. There were sixteen ladies masked and twelve gentlemen. Papa, mama and I masked. We had sheets draped around us and a face of white paper muslin and then a pillow case on our heads. When they were dancing a quadrille they unmasked. When we unmasked, papa was dancing with Mrs. Bryant, mama with Jim and me own self with Bruce Conkey. I wish I could go to another masquerade. I had so much fun that night…….Love to all, your cousin Mame.”

“Poplar Ridge

November 25th, 1872

To Cousin S. A. Eddy and the relatives in Orleans,

…..Mother is living with Andrew yet but will be with Lydia soon. Her health is poor and she is failing gradually. May not live a month and may live through the winter. Has been a long time in the habit of taking Laudanum in small doses which no seems to make her dull and stupid but cannot do without it so shall let her continue it……Your cousin, E. C. Culver”

http://drugs.uta.edu/laudanum.html

“Disco,

February 22nd, 1874

Dear friends in Homer,

I have the pleasure of saying to you, your welcome favor was received in due time and red with much interest and was to me a real Christmas gift. It found us all well at the time but soon after Orrin was kicked by one of the horses and frightened us terribly. The horse was shod and struck him in the face and cut a hole through the bone on the side of the nose and bled so we could not stop it. Albert went for our Disco Dr., he came in a hurry, but could not dress the wound that night, it bled so much. Next morning he came again and sewed it up. He wears a plaster on it yet but it is almost well. We are all glad it was no worse. The old lady lived alone in log house when you were here, was run away with. Her shoulder and wrist broken and is now with Mr. James Paynes, the one south of here. Has nothing to help herself with but must be cared for just the same. Several other accidents happened in our vicinity. It seems to have been a winter of accidents…..Sally Goff.”

“Covert Osborne Co. Kas

September 1st, 1874

To A. E. Eddy, Cedar Falls Iowa,

Dear Nephew &c,

Your letter reached us this morning and as Will has gone to the shop to get mended I will answer your kind and welcome letter. You ask how we like our western home. We all like it here but have got to scrub and cough it awhile longer as hot winds and grasshoppers have cleaned out the country for a hundred miles west and two hundred east of us. We had 10 acres of oats and 10 of wheat and 23 of corn, 14 of millet and ½ acre of potatoes…..yes we have seen this country just as the Indians left it. There has been a great many buffalo killed about us during the last two months and it is a pleasure to go and kill or help skin a fat one and have meat again. We are seldom out long. I have shot at them from the door several times. Did not bring them down. Arthur killed one a year ago near the house. We have not tanned any hides but use them for lariats. There is plenty of chances to buy but when hides are so good for robes, the buffalo are so far out one would have to buy off hunters and have them put in by rail as teams get so thin they do not wish to haul them in. They are worth…….(He goes on to talk about their worth)….there are several families near us that came from Blackhawk. Several families of Ayers……J. L. Culver”

(More as this letter is 4 pages long)

“Cedar Falls Iowa

November 24th, 1881

Sister Sarah Ann,

Yours of the 14th instant enclosed with Homer’s was duly received. The first intelligence of Samantha’s death we received was from May Culver. The telegram was not forwarded from here. I got it since I came home. The shock must have been sudden to you as you had no previous warning. Samantha was kindly remembered here by her acquaintances. She will ever be wherein she was known. Thus one after another is dropping away…….yours truly, Byron Culver.”

“Hotel Statler Buffalo (Letterhead and envelope)

September 1st, 1910

My dear Mrs. Brown,

Sue, John and I have had a good rest on shore today and it has worked wonders with me. I was nervous and very fatigued from loss of sleep at Albion and the one good night at your home simply served to show me what we all required. Yesterday we spent the day at Niagara and last night Mr. Van Horne left for New York. We expect him back tomorrow morning when if the day is fine, we will go across the lake to the canal. This afternoon we enjoyed a fine rest near the club. An old row boat being filled with gasoline and set on fire and all sort of fire extinguishers did their best. Each having a new fire to start with to put it out that not one succeeded. Early in the morning we took the sight seeing automobile and had a lovely ride but not as beautiful or restful as one was at Albion…….Sincerely yours, S. R. Van Horne.”

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KIA Private Julius J. Bardoni WW2 Letters

Find A Grave Memorial# 56371053

World War II correspondence from Private Julius J. Bardoni, Wyandotte, Michigan, 1941 - 1944.

Some excerpts:

"This place they call 'sunny Italy' brrr, it's cold as ---- in the mountains and when you do get down it's always raining.... I've been overseas for fourteen months, seen action in Africa, Sicily, and now Italy while those slackers are still in the states. They'll probably use those guys in the Pacific but after it's over with over here I'll try to go along with those recruits.... Things have changed since I last wrote you. I've been on this beachhead since 'D' Day and it's been pretty hot at times but maybe not as bad as you might read about in the papers....

Say, are they still rationing gasoline around home, I'd be in a heck of a fix if I'd be lucky enough to get there.... Here's a little tip, get out of communication work because in the artillery it's no picnic, you'd be with the infantry as much as with your outfit if you picked the short straw.... Do your best and try to get in as a paragraph trooper of the chairborne command (ink to you). Cannoneer is your next best bet because you don't have to go on observation posts and be shot at all the time.... Since I've ben on this God-forsaken beachhead I don't much give a damn anymore. You're like a duck on a pond and everybody's shootin' at you. When you're up on the line you die about a thousand times a day. If your outfit isn't attacking you're being attacked and so it goes. I figure a guy lucky if he gets hit and goes to the hospital...."

Handwritten letter to his sweetheart, Phyllis Mlotkowski, of Wyandotte Michigan, from Africa, June 12, 1943. In part: "I have received only seven letters since I arrived November 8.... After we landed in Casablanca we fought for four days and it was all over and they asked for volunteers to go north to the front and I was one of them and I went throught just about all of the Tunisian Campaign. I was in five battles with this outfit, the 168th Infantry, perhaps that's the reason I wasn't getting my mail regularly.... My old outfit is asking for volunteers to come back and I did it again. I'll be back with them before this letter is delivered to you. It will mean more artillery fire and more bombs but I want this war over as soon as possible so we can be together again.... I've been in Tunis four time already and picked up a few souvenirs.... Honey, I love you more than ever but it's like I told you in my last letter, if you think you found someone you like better, well, hon, then you may do what you know is right. I couldn't hardly blame you because Christ knows how long this is going to go on...."

Handwritten letter to Phyllis Mlotkowski, from southern France, September 2, 1944. In part: "Ever since I've been here I haven't had much time for anything. Writing paper is as scarce as furloughs.... France is really beautiful and so are the women. The WACs wouldn't stand a chance with these girls. In my estimation France is better and will continue to be better than all of Italy before the war...."

Group of four picture postcards, 1941 - 1942, each including a message sent by Bardoni from various military posts in the U.S. The return addresses Bardoni use variously place him with the 7th and 168th Infantries.

Sadly, Pvt. Bardoni was killed in France. Here is his burial record which I found online

Name:	Pvt Julius J Bardoni
Death Date:	21 Nov 1944
Burial Place:	Departement des Vosges, Lorraine, France

Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory 1879

Very interesting letter from, a man with his brother, who were locked up in a Cheyenne, Wyoming Territory, jail dated Apr 17 1879, to a Mr. Allen, with content, which reads in part, as follows,

I was glad to hear from you. I am very much obliged to you for the recommendation, which I think will do me considerable good. I received some papers, which I am very much obliged for. If you see Mr. Steele, tell him I wish that he would send me another recommendation... [for] while my brother was tearing up some letters, he tore it ... before he noticed what it was ... As for dead-beating [catching free rides on freight trains] my way through life, it is something which I do not intend to do], as we had no money and wanted to get out West, it was the only way we had to do it. I intend, if we get out in May, to go to some Ranch, as they call it, and to to work. I think some of going to Leadville [Colorado] which is only about 175 miles from here, and see Will Davenport and get a job down there if I can. I was in a [news] paper here ... that the people were dying at the rate of about 15 per day on account of the water ... The conductor, I don't see how he can make it out [as] assault, when he swears he hit us first, and we fight in self-defense. It is a very weary job to wait so long a time for trial. I have nothing to read, only what papers I get from home, and from you. We was arrested on the 7th of Dec., and have been in jail ever since. We asked the sheriff this morning when Court set [sat], and he said that it not set until the 3rd week in May, which is quite a while to wait yet. There is 16 prisoners in here at present, two road agents, one murderer, one for rape, one for illegal voting, some serving a small sentence, and three for assault. Tell Dan that the road agents are the ones that were in that robbery that ... [was] in thw Watertown Dispatch [was published in WAtertown, New York]. Tell Brete I wish he would write to me. I should be glad if Dan would write. I wish you would send the paper while I am in here, and I will pay you for it when I get out. Tell them if they write to inclose stamp, paper & envelope, as it is very scarce here at present ... When you send the paper ... [make] in care of Geo. A. Draper, Sheriff ... [signed] William C. Williams."

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Thomas Simons of South Carolina

6 letters, dated 1790s, from Thomas Simons of South Carolina, written from Charleston SC, Newport, Rhode Island and New Haven, Connecticut, all addressed to Charles Ludlow, an early Wall Street, New York City merchant banker. The letters were carried by hand and have no postal markings. A summary of each follows:

[Simons to Ludlow; dated Charleston, South Carolina, Dec 10 1793; 1 p.] "I was requested by our friend COL Read to forward a Bill of Exchange of one hundred dollars to you, the second of which I now inclose. The first you will receive by the Ship INDUSTRY. The bill is drawn on Messrs. Hoffman & Seton. I was happy to hear by Mrs. Read of you & your family. She speaks highly of your charming little daughter. I was in hopes that we should have had the pleasure of seeing Mrs. Ludlow & yourself in this Country, but Mrs. Read does not give us much encouragement to expect you soon. Mrs. Simons joins me in requesting our best respects to Mrs. Ludlow & your father & mother. We will also thank to remember us affectionately to Mr. & Mrs. Livingston & Miss Vanhorne when you see them ... [signed] Thos. Simons ..."

[Simons to Ludlow; Charleston, Dec 10 1793; 1 p..] This brief letter originally enclosed the first Bill of Exchange, mentioned above. In those times important letters and documents were often sent in duplicate -- by different ships or land routes -- to insure delivery against loss.

[Simons to Ludlow; "Rhode Island," Aug 18 1795; 3 pp.] "I have to acknowledge the receipt of your two favors, the last of which I received this morning. Your first favor I should have answered sooner, but I have left Newport & stay above five miles from it in the Country. I am in hopes that the Country here will be of more service to Mrs. Simons & to our girl than Newport, that we cannot so much find here as there. We are agreeably situated on a pleasant farm, which is open to the sea. Mrs. Cain was so well pleased with it she has joined us. Mr. Read I am in hope will also make one of our party. This is certainly the place for invalids. The day is pleasant if you do not vapor yourself in the heat of the Sun, but the agreeable coolness of the evenings contributes more to one's recovery. In your last you mention that you can get 18/6 for my ... indentures payable in Oct, if that price can now be obtained I will ask you to sell them. The first day of Oct is about the time I expect to be In New York. I will therefore [reqeust you] to file them payable on that day. If you cannot get that price, I will thank you to wait until the first of Sept and then sell them, unless you wish that they will sell better now, as I have no thoughts of funding them. I am in hopes that Mr. Read is in New York by this time & we shall meet him soon. The season is so far advanced ... [signed] Thos. Simons ..."

[Simons to Ludlow; from Mrs. Hazards, Thames Street, Newport, Aug 8 1795; 2 pp.] "I wrote you a letter just as I was about sailing from New Haven & inclose one for Charleston. I have to apologize for the trouble I then gave & now give you & shall rely on your goodness for my excuse. I have not received a line from any of my friends since I left New York. I can account for it no other way, than to suppose that their letters are at New York. If you should have any letters, bring them for me. You will greatly oblige me by sending them forward. We are in hopes that you feel no inconvenience from the heat of the weather in New York. We find it pleasant here & may make our best respects to Mrs. Ludlow & Miss Vanhorner and let them know that NewP. has increased very much, but that our little daughter has had a fever. She is now getting the better of it ... let me know what you can get for my indentures payable the first of Oct ... [signed] Thos. Simons ..."

[Simons to Ludlow; New Haven, Connecticut, Jul 26 1795; 2 pp.] "I was obliged to leave New York so early on Sat week morning, that I could not take my leave of you, as intended, without disturbing you. I therefore send up my indentures to you & will thank you to keep them until you hear further from me. Mrs. Simon recovered very much since she has been here. Her eye is much better. Our stay here has been much longer than we originally intended, on account of Dr. Flagg's daughter being sick. We shall, however, sail I hope tomorrow. We have spent the time very agreeably; Mr. Platt's and Mr. Broome's families have been very polite and attentive to us. Will you be good enough to make Mrs. Simon's & my best respects to Miss Vanhorne & Mrs. Ludlow & inform them of the flattering prospect we have of their speedy recovery. Mrs. S. requests of Mrs. Ludlow to beseach such sweet meats she thinks will keep best for her. I will be happy to hear from you ... [signed] Thos. Simons ... P.S. Mrs. S. has had 4 half gallons I've made here for her sweet meats, with her name, which I will forward to the person, who is to make the sweet meats, as would not wish to trouble you with them."

[Simons to Ludlow; Rhode Island, Sep 28 1795; 2+ pp.] "We had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Read on Monday the 4th Inst., but he had stayed so long we dispaired of seeing him here this season. He mentioned to me that you did send him to inform me that I could not get the price that you respected for my indentures. I hope, however, that you have sold them, as I have no idea of sending them to Carolina to be funded. I desired my friiends in Carolina if they could get me a small sum in indentures to get COL Read to inclose them to you; if has sent any, I will be much obliged to you to put them in a broker's hands to be sold immediately. I am giving you a great deal of trouble. If I could be of any service to you, I wish you would command me. I will thank you to make Mrs. Simon's compliments to Mrs. Ludlow & Miss VAnhorne. I inform them that Mrs. Simon is considerably better, but her eyes are still weak that she does not venture to [word not clear] ... [signed] Thos. Simons ...

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39th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment

Union Civil War soldier's letter, written in pencil, dated Camp 39th Reg. Wisconsin Volunters, Memphis, Tennessee, Monday, Aug 29 1864, from Sergeant Frederick William Friese, Company "A," 39th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment, to his wife Mary in Milwaukee WI, with original stamped US 3c postgal envelope cancelled Memphis TN, Aug 29 (1864). The letter reads, in part, as follows, "I have just come in from picketing & have only time to write you a few lines before the mail leaves. We shall probably leave this place by Monday or Tuesday at latest & perhaps as early as Saturday. As soon as we get "marching orders," I will write you again as we shall probably leave within 48 hours after the receipt ... If Godfrey has not sent the money, mentioned in my last; when you get this, he need not send it & I shall try to get along without it. Any letters that may be sent here after we leave, will, of course, follow us. Let my folks know this ... [signed] F. Wm. Friese ...

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Whitesborough, New York, 1841

Letter by Laura Dexter of Whitesborough, New York, 1841, with postmarked integral address leaf to Edward North and reads in part: "McLeod's trial is the all absorbing topic of the day, our quiet, peaceible village, has been under military guardianship for many weeks, by orders of our good & careful whig Governor," William Seward, "an armed band have patrolled our streets, breaking at intervals the still watches of the night. I am thankful that thus far, the law has taken its course, & McLeod is unmolested, but I fear the result, if he be acquitted, as many curses, both loud & deep, have come forth against him, and a war with England instead of being deprecated, seems with some to be the great desirable."

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1829 St Clairsville Ohio to Staunton Virginia

Letter from St Clairsville, Ohio to Staunton, Virginia. It was written from John Hinton who had recently made his way to Ohio to start a new life. He writes to his sister Elizabeth in Staunton in Mach 1829. He talks about traveling to Ohio about the business there, and tells her to tell their brother that he couldn’t make a good business out of blacksmith but could as a tanner. He talks about possibly traveling to Cincinatti and much more.

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Edwin S. Kortz and Jennie E. Kern

These are the handwritten love letters of Edwin S. Kortz and Jennie E. Kern. There are also letters involving the Kortz’s children, Isabella and William. There are 15 letters in all, the earliest being 1876 and the latest 1902. There is also the wedding announcement of Edwin and Jennie.

To;

“Miss Jennie E. Kern

Nazareth Penna. Northampton Co.

Ann Arbor, Mich. Oct. 19th, 1876

My Darling Pet,

Your kind and very unexpected letter arrived tonight and was very much surprised as well as somewhat scared for I thought something might have happened to my darling but that feeling passed away rapidly as I read your sweet letter and darling I think you must think a great deal of me for your kindness is not to be surpassed…….Well Pet, that is what I am doing, thinking of nobody but my darling. Indeed as I read, somehow or other your sweet face will appear to me and then I must stop and think about you and my dear. By this you will see that I am not studying so very hard after all……I am very glad I have a picture of you so I can at least look at you if I cannot have you and which is something I do every day and oftener sometimes. I showed your picture to my roommate the other day and he remarked that you were a very good looking girl so you see I am not the only person who thinks your good looking. But you know that I do not only think you are good looking, but think you the dearest and sweetest darling wife (even tho they aren’t married yet) there can be in the world. Now darling that is just what I think you are and I want you to believe it. You know that I do mean it do you not my pet?…….kisses to my darling.”

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“Friday Noon, Phila, Dec. 30th, 1881

My Own Darling,

Having a large order to get out I was down to the store last eve till 10 P.M…….Words cannot express the loneliness felt by me since. One would hardly believe that on such a short acquaintance we would endure such pangs on being separated but as it is there is an uncontrollable feeling I cannot help it. Writing to you this morning makes me again feel happy and is a most delightful task…..Has anything leaked out yet? I suppose N. people are full of talk. Well we afforded a fine opportunity to have something to talk about. Darling how I long this morning for one sweet kiss, one look from those beautiful eyes. One loving smile but cruel, cruel fate whispers No! No! I hope God will grant us an opportunity to meet soon again and time may soon come when we shall be united together, never to part no more until one or the other is called home to Him to wait for the other on the beautiful shore in the beautiful city of gold. Should my time come before we meet, remember I will be watching and waiting for you there, ready to welcome you in through the pearly gates of the city of gold……I remain yours always, Ed. S. Kortz.”

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William Peter Maxwell of Brown University, Rhode Island 1798

2 page letter dated 1798, from William Peter Maxwell to William Green, both alumni of Brown University, Rhode Island....where Maxwell gives Green the business for not writing and keeping in touch.......signed William Peter Maxwell.

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Camp Stevens 1862

Camp Stevens Nov. 16, 1862 / Mr. J. H. Greenwood / Dear Sir / Will you see that James Lynch returns to Camp tomorrow morning in the 11 oclock train. His Irish friends persuaded him home last night.We gave him permission to go the junction to see his friends off and he skidaddled. If you will take this trouble we shall be under renewed obligation to serve you at the earliest opportunity. P. S. If he refuses to come than arrest him. Truly Yours John D. Edgell for Capt. Ashley.

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Camp Michigan, Virginia,1862

Alexandria Virginia Soldier's Cemetery ca 1861-1865

Union Civil War soldier's letter dated Camp Michigan, Virginia, Feb 2 1862, from Private Edward A. Mitchell, Company "K," 17th Michigan Infantry Regiment, to his brother A. H. Winchell, PO Box 484, Detroit MI;

original stampless cover postmarked Alexandria Virginia, Feb 5 1862, with ovate "Due 3" postal rate marking, accompanies the letter. The content reads, in part:

"I would like to know how ... [his friends] are getting along in different parts of the Army. I receive letters from Kentucky, that is from Ben. The last I heard from him the regiment were going towards Bowling Green to guard railroads. He says he has not seen a Sesesch [rebel] and no signs of seeing any. He says he was well and getting along finely. 

And have you ever heard from Dick Thayer since he left Detroit[?] I believe the regiment is quartered at Baltimore, where it has been ever since it came from the state. I have no news to tell you. All the news we have got out of the New York and Baltimore [news] papers, which we get every other day, but I do not see one in two weeks. 

I have received two Weekly Advertisers in the last two weeks and I guess thery are going to come all right after this. I found a good deal of news in the last paper I received ... if you take any weekly papers, will you send one to me after you have read it ... [?] I have nothing to read and it would pass away a good deal of spare time. If you don't take any, why never mind ... I got so hungry that I had to quit writing and get some bread to eat before I could finish the letter. 

Stephen Lowell is sergeant. He was promoted about three or four weeks ago. I was going to have my picture taken with all of my dressings on and send it home, but I had not money enough so I will wait until next pay. I got all but six and a half dollars dollars of that twelve that was sent me & that Nat Jacobs owed me. He went away without paying me. He came to see me in the morning before he went, and he said he would come in the afternoon and see me again, but he did not come so I lost the money ... If you see him, try and collect it ... [signed] "Bro. Ed."

New Bedford, Massachusetts 1844

Letter dated New Bedford, Massachusetts, September 1, 1844 and sent to Captain Isaac J. Sanford of the whaling ship "Champion", written by his wife Sylvia. This sad letter makes much about missing the husband, fearing for his safety and urging good health and a speedy return, sorry she did not go with him on the voyage, news about their little daughter Mary and family and friends. other local news including concern over a ship that has not been seen for some time, and comments he has not written about receiving her portrait sent to the Islands. She has noted this is her 20th letter.

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Charles W A Morton 1808

June 28 1808. Signed “Charles W A Morton” to Mr. Biggs:

“As Mr. Biggs has declined to act any longer in the capacity of second, Mr. Morton wishes to know, if Mr. Thompson has come to a definitive resolution upon the subject. Saturday was the day appointed for the encounter, and Mr. M is certainly entitled to the intermediate time for the purpose of providing his second, especially since the arrangements necessary to be made by a person acting in that relation, may be completed in a few hours. Mr. M. has been involved in a disagreeable predicament by the defection of him, who had originally undertaken his cause, and has hitherto been unsuccessful under the circumstances. Mr. M. relying on the honor and ability of Mr. B is willing, that he should act as the common friend on the occasion, and he conceived that his opponent cannot occur any possible disadvantage in consequence of the measure, and that his reputation requires an acquiescence in the proposal. If Mr. B absolutely declines, he is still ready to go out alone with Mr. T in the last resort, in pursuance of preliminary arrangements, written and agreed to between the parties. Charles W A Morton”.

EMILY E. GRIFFIN 1850

It is with pleasure I take my pen in hand to inform you that we are all well and hope that these will find you enjoying the same blessing. Yours I received it came the day I started for New York. I staid there over a year and did not see it till I came home. Since then I have neglected it. I hope you will pardon me for my negligence. We lived in New York five years, moved back and bought the corner house and land attached to it. Grandmother Griffin died a month after we returned. She was perfectly helpless with the palsey for two years before her death. In less than three years afterwards I was called to mourn the loss of a near and dear Father. He was confined to his bed only nine days. He died the 26th of January 1846 with the inflammation on the bowels. I hope our loss will be his eternal gain. He met with a change before his death. I cannot wish him back to suffer as he did. He had not enjoyed good health for the last twenty four years.

Uncle Philip Griffin commited suicide by hanging himself with a rope to a limb of a tree. He had the mumps about a year before he died and caught a cold with them. He was not crazy long before his death. He was with Father night and day while he was sick. No one knew he was crazy but his family till he hung himself. He was once heard to say he had no friend since his earthly friend was gone. He had nothing to live for. I expect he was crazy then. He died four months after Father.

Elisha works the farm. It is the talk he will be married between this and spring to Miss Mary Smith. Mr. Peter Bloom pay his ? to Anna. Aaron is the same Aaron yet Catharine Washburn is married to a Mr. Courbright from Plimmoth I believe. Mahala Hermans to Mr. Abram Duning one child. Martha Jane to Mr James Hays she has three children. Angaline to a A. Hendrick of Honesdale she has not done very well. Emma Hermans to Graham our school teacher they have two little boys. Polly to Mr Isaac Dean, Elisabeth Phiney to Mr Stone. Sarah Spencer to Isaac Depre. Sarah ‘s Mother died some three years ago. Her Father is married again to a young girl. Young enough to be his Daughter. Elisabeth Depre died about three years ago. Her father has gone to the west.

Mary Robinson is married to Doctor Pier one child. Catharine to Daniel Silkman two children. Holden to Sarah Shoemaker. Maria to William Shoemaker. Maria Snider not married yet nor Samuel Ward or Edward. This place is altered so you would hardly know it. Mr. Cottrell has built him a brick house. There is one Presbeterian Church and the Methodist has laid the foundation for their Church. It is a going to stand on a lot of our land and is a going to be built of brick. They calculate to finish it next summer. There is some seventy dwelling houses in the place, four stores, three parlor shops, two grocerys, two carriage shops, three Blacksmith, two carpenter shops and silversmith axe and sythe factory, one window sash, one sawmill, two gristmills, one district and two select school.

My cousin Miss Parsons has taught the select school for the last four years. Mrs Barlow the Presbeterian ministers wife the other Edmund lives in New York. He is Alderman of the first ward. Hiram lives there. He is engaged in taking the Census of the first ward. Not married yet. William is at home. I went out to New York last spring and staid four months. Edmund has two children a girl and boy since I have been home. I have been engaged painting and paparing our house. We moved our old house down opposite John Vaughn and just addition on it John Vaughn has four daughters, one son the youngest. The oldest girl is about seven good enough for the old bachelor. Lolly Stephens is most as large as Mother. I weigh one hundred and twenty six. Ann is larger then I am and taller. I presume you thought I had forgotten you. Never can I forget one that I have spent so many happy hours with when I have passed the old school house I have often thought of you. If I could recall those days how happy I should be when we sat side by side but those days are past and gone. Do you ever think of coming back once more to view this delightful valley and look on the faces of some of your old school mates. Anna was here yesterday. They were all well. Steward is about here. He is the same Steward yet. Give my love to Mrs Steward give my love to your mother and father and all the best of the children and except a share for yourself. Please excuse my scribbling for I wrote this at night and a poor pen. So good night write as soon as you get this.
No more at present.
I remain your affectionate friend,
EMILY E. GRIFFIN

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Selma, Alabama 1862

Civil War letter from Selma, Alabama from March 26, 1862. It is from A.L. Haden and is 3 pages long and is all handwritten. Here are some highlights of the letter:

Our people have not been fully aroused, they are now beginning to be and I hope ere long we shall be a unit, we are now fighting on the Mississippi River at Island #10 and if we hold that place and whip the enemy at Corinth I shall be very hopeful and if we fail there I will not despair for we shall then have to adopt a new policy which if vigorously carried would we will kill them off. I mean guerilla war. Ambush them and kill in every case where it is possible and this we can do when they undertake to march through the country as it seems they will do if they can, if we had built boats iron clad at the outset we would have whipped them long since…

The Merrimac is what we need at every place now and one such at each seaport would secure our safety it is late to begin but I am in favor of beginning now and moving as vigorously as possible. Mobile is threatened and if they take it we shall have their gun boats at this place, we have neither men nor arms here, but we have the torch, to burn everything they may want except our negroes, the cotton is what they mostly want now and that we do not intend they shall have, if fire will prevent them.

I have heard from Grey to the 12th Inst then near Fredericksburg. Willie I have not heard from so recently I suppose he is at or near Gordonsville, our army are getting much nearer home and the Yankees nearer to us, this seems to be hard I hope it is for the best, but I am inclined to fear that it exposes our weakness.

I intend to go to the mountains soon and take some hand up to plant corn for the poor soldiers wives who are left to make all they will have to live one. I feel very sad on account of that class of people. They have turned out and have gone to the war, until in many places none are left but the old men and women and children, and they are very poor, have no negroes and et the slave holders are not disposed to or send their negroes, fearing they may lose them, but their children have gone and many will never return, but they will not trust a few negroes to go when there is no dangers and this has caused the most of our troubles. We have been looking after money instead of our liberties until the enemy are all round us in immense force.

I have given up everything for the cause have lost sight of making money, ever since the commencement of this war, but have been giving until I have nearly given all for the cause of our country and still I am disposed to contribute and will be until the last is taken and if this will secure me life liberty and equality I am paid with interest for the sacrifice such I find to be my own case but not so much with many among whom I live and for whom I have no respect and will not have any thing to do with them.

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