Scope and Contents

Two page letter written from the U.S. Military Prison Camp Chase in which Livingston addresses the sad state of affairs of the Confederacy. He reports of the loss of many acquaintances and devastation throughout the countryside to land and property. He also writes that he is hopeful an exchange will occur soon and that he will be able to go home to continue with his life. Clearly from his sentiment, the war is over and his only wish is to return home.

Content Description Cordelia (Cordie) Meanley’s diary consists of two bound books. The smaller one consists of 184 pages, covering the period from August 1862 to November 1863 (Book 1). The larger one has about 220 pages, running from November 1863 to November 1871 (Book 2). In both books, there are some gaps between dates, despite Cordie Meanley’s declared intent on the first page “to keep a diary of my life.” Some pages reflect subsequent revisions or deletions. Generally, her diary...

Scope and Contents

Four page letter directed to a friend to inform her of her new situation as a house maid for a wealthy family. The house in which she works seems the finest in the town of Attica, according to Noblit. Additionally, she writes that the townspeople are celebrating constantly, especially since many of the soldiers have returned from battle. Other parts of the letter reference church services and winter weather.

Content Description The Randolph Family Papers contains correspondence and financial documents relating to Isham Randolph (1771-1844), first cousin of Thomas Jefferson, David Coupland Randolph (1804-1886), son of Isham Randolph, Isham Randolph Page (1834-1923), nephew of Isham Randolph and Judith Randolph Swann (Circa 1815-1870), sister of Isham Randolph. Materials document daily financial activities such as the hiring and buying of enslaved people, and Isham Randolph's role as an officer at the James River...

Content Description

A single four page letter from Sergeant John R. Guthrie remarking upon the food, pay, and medical conditions with Camp Heintzelman's Corps. Written on letter sheet with a stamp featuring General McClellan. (Derogatory language directed towards the enslaved.)

Scope and Contents A four-page lengthy letter from Camp Suffolk, VA to his friend in Fillmore, NY. Skiff is a Union soldier and tells of his various assignments to the Divisional Quartermaster Department and as Clerk of the Brigade Commissary. Overall, Skiff is happy to serve the Union especially in order to avenge his brother's death. However, Skiff is utterly disgusted with the leadership of the Union Army, McClellan in particular, and the manner in which the war is conducted. He outlines all of his...

Content Description The collection contains letters received by Colonel Henry Goddard Thomas, the commander of the U.S. Colored Infantry during the Civil War. The letters were sent to Thomas from two individuals, German immigrants Lewis C. Henser and Rudolph Tensler (Teusler). In his two letters, Hensler outlined news of funding and his town of residence. In his single letter to Thomas, Tensler spoke mostly of family affairs. The letters contain content pertaining to funding, personal and family life, and news...

Scope and Contents

Card from the Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia with well wishes for Major James Breathed, wounded and incapacitated for active duty in the Civil War. Robert E. Lee commended him for "valuable services" and good conduct. Other generals such as Wade Hampton, Fitzhugh Lee, J. E. B. Stuart, W. C. Wickham, Thos. L. Rosser, and T. T. Munford commend Breathed for his gallantry and bravery. Robert E. Lee also wrote "with an army of Breatheds I could have conquered the world."

Content Description

A single 10 page letter from a member of the Vermont Brigade describing the Battle of Dam No.1, specifically the Brigade's action during the Peninsula Campaign on April 16, 1862.

Content Description

Five letters from William M. Rome to his wife, Said from Nashville, Tennessee. Rome has traveled from New York in order to find lucrative work in Nashville. He writes about missing his wife and the comforts of home.