Scope and Contents

A few letters are from family members about family news, but letters from Uncle Gardner [William J. Gardner] to Albert Craig concern fighting, commissions for the Peoria Light Artillery and the need for musicians to enlist. Albert’s letters mention sickness and the many Dutchmen who have joined his company. He travels from Peoria to St. Charles, Missouri where he first encounters slavery and secession.

Scope and Contents Albert’s letters describe his marches or river travel to camps in Mexico, St. Louis, Jefferson City, Camp Thomas near Georgetown, Otterville, Springfield, Syracuse and Sedalia – all in Missouri. He mentions the penitentiary where there are men of all colors – Native American, Black and white – who are helping to build breastworks. He describes the clothing and condition of the Confederate prisoners. He tells about news of battles, particularly Lexington. In Syracuse, he sees the “Kansas...

Scope and Contents Letters from Albert Clifton Craig's father Robert to his family. Albert’s father comes to Cassville and remains until Albert’s death. He writes all the letters to the family about Albert’s condition. After initial improvement, Albert dies on June 8, allegedly due to bedsores on his back and thigh. The remainder of the letters are from Albert’s friends from home who are still in the Peoria Light Artillery. There is also a newspaper clipping with notice of Albert Craig's death (stating he died...

Scope and Contents

Newspaper clipping about the Battle at Pea Ridge, Arkansas, which mentions Albert’s injury. Two portrait photographs of men in uniform, both possibly of Albert Craig; one has 'Sheldon and Swymmer, 142 Canal St., New Orleans, La.' printed on verso.

Scope and Contents

Many letters concern the trial of Uncle Gardner because of a confrontation with an inebriated Captain. Gardner had been on a committee that investigated the poor condition of the uniforms supplied the soldiers. Albert moves from Otterville to Benton County, Arkansas. In March, he is shot in the hip at the Battle of Pea Ridge. He describes in detail his experience, from the shot at the battlefield to the hospital in the courthouse in Cassville, Missouri.

Scope and Contents

Indian Depredation Claims from the office of John Wedderburn, claims examiner in Washington, D.C. Includes correspondence and completed claim forms which include date of event, property damaged or stolen, name of tribe, assessment and more. Claimants are Esther and Hans Carlston, J.H. Dickson, and Celia M. Farlee.  Most claims date to the 1860s and 1870s.

Scope and Contents

Indian Depredation Claims from the office of John Wedderburn, claims examiner in Washington, D.C.  Includes correspondence and completed claim forms which include date of event, property damaged or stolen, name of tribe, assessment and more.  Claimants are R.B. Gay, Nancy T. Griffith, James McCain, B.F. Riley and Charles Yates.  Most claims date to the 1860s and 1870s.