Complete Content List

1. • Full Citation: William H. Jordan et al., "The 16th Indiana Regiment in the Vicksburg Campaign," ed. Willie D. Halsell, Indiana Magazine of History 43, no. 1 (March 1947): 67-82.
   • Home: Dearborn County (Manchester)
   • Year: 1863-1864
   • Regiment:16th Indiana Volunteer Infantry
   • Engagements: Vicksburg, Milliken's Bend, Stones River
   • Abstract: This article contains a reprint of the only edition of the 16th Indiana's regimental newspaper, "The Volunteer," (printed in Vermillionville, La., Nov. 7, 1863), and letters to and from Lt. William Jordan (d. 1911). The letters by Jordan are to his mother, the letters to him are by sergeants reporting to him what has been happening in the field while he is ill in mid-1863. The regiment saw action during the Siege of Vicksburg, and the Battles of Milliken's Bend and Murfreesboro (Stone's River) in the period covered by the newspaper and letters.
   • Sample Text:
     1. "I tell you Lieutenant we have Seen the Elephant this trip we have got So used to Balls and Shells that if we are Asleep is Dos not waike us up...I wish you was hear with us we have A Greate Deel of Sport with our hardshipps you Spoke of Sending in your resignation Papers if your health will allow it I want you to come Back But if your health is to Pore to stand the hardships of A Soldiers Life I would be the Last Man to insist on your coming Back." (Sgt. Jonathan Sims to Jordan, outside Vicksburg, Miss., May 1863, p. 76)
   • LC Subject Headings:
     1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 16th (1861-1865)
     2. Vicksburg (Miss.) History Siege, 1863
     3. Milliken's Bend, Battle of, La., 1863
     4. Stones River, Battle of, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 1862-1863


2. • Full Citation: Amory K. Allen, "Civil War Letters of Amory K. Allen," Indiana Magazine of History 31, no. 4 (December 1935): 338-386.
   • Home: Martin County (Loogootee)
   • Year: 1861-1865
   • Regiment:14th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. C
   • Engagements: Cheat Mountain, Siege of Richmond, Antietam, Gettysburg, Battle of the Wilderness, Siege of Petersburg
   • Abstract: Allen (d. 1885) wrote letters to his wife throughout the war, from May 17, 1861-Apr. 23, 1865. He was involved in many of the war's major engagements. He often complains that his wife does not reciprocate his letters to her often enough, and that he misses her and their children very much. In his description of Antietam, in two separate letters (Sept. 20, 1862 and Oct. 15, 1862), he notes with some wonder that he was the only man in his company who was not killed or hurt. He does not think much of Emancipation, but constantly reiterates his dislike of Confederates and Southern sympathizers. He is injured in the Battle of the Wilderness, but returns to his regiment in August 1864 after it was merged with the 20th Indiana. He is injured again in early April 1865, and is in Seminary Hospital in Washington, D.C., when Lincoln is assassinated.
   • Sample Text:
     1. "We was in the very heart of the fight....The fight was awful we fought for 4 hours and got out of amunition [sic] and shot away all that the dead and wounded had left...So no more only I was in the fight and was not hurt." (near Sharpsburg, Md., Sept. 20, 1862)
     2. "I suppose you hear plenty of talk about the free negroes I don't know how the folks like it nor don't kear [sic] if it will only bring the war to an end any sooner....We are in war and anything to beat the south." (Jan. 8, 1863, Ft. Barnard, Va.)
     3. "The rebellion is bound to be put down and if it can't come down no other way it will be put down by force the last man in the Southern confederacy will be swept from the face of the earth rather than give them independance [sic] over us of the north and the union." (Petersburg, Va. Nov. 26, 1864)
     4. "Well I guess you have heared [sic] all about the president being kill [sic] by an assassin the most terrible of all circumstances that ever happened in the United States. I was not able to go to the funeral but I went out on the Street and Saw the hearse and procession pass which was the biggest thing of the kind I ever Saw." (Washington, D.C., April 23, 1865)
   • LC Subject Headings:
     1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 14th (1861-1864)
     2. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 20th (1861-1865)
     3. Cheat Mountain, Battle of, W. Va., 1861
     4. Richmond (Va.) History Siege, 1862
     5. Peninsular Campaign, 1862
     6. Peninsular Campaign, 1862 Personal narratives.
     7. Antietam, Battle of, Md., 1862
     8. Gettysburg, Battle of, Gettysburg, Pa., 1863
     9. Wilderness, Battle of the, Va., 1864
     10. Petersburg (Va.) History Siege, 1864-1865
     11. Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 Assassination Public opinion Sources.


3. • Full Citation: "Letters and Diary of John Lympus Barnett," ed. James Barnett, Indiana Magazine of History 23, no. 3 (September 1927): 333-364.
   • Home: Hamilton County (Cicero)
   • Years: 1862-1863
   • Regiment: 39th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. B
   • Abstract: Barnett (1830-1863) wrote letters to his family and also kept a short diary. He did not see action, and was transferred to a hospital in Nashville in December 1862. He died of apparent heart disease after being released home on disability. Article includes an image of Barnett.
   • Sample Text:
     1. "I was down in bathing yest[erday] evening with several others and we had quite a conversation with a rebel across the river." (Bridgeport, Al., July 12, 1862)
     2. "I often think of you [his sister Mary] and all and wish that I could meet you all again And hope that some time we may. But the war is not over and only 15 months of our time is out. How much is to come we know not. We only know what has passed. I can only think of home. And but for those at home I might feel less like serving my country. And I am glad whilst in my tent writing and the rain falling heavily on it that I can almost forget that I am away from those I love most."(Nashville, Tenn., Nov. 17, 1862)
   • LC Subject Headings:
     1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 39th (1861-1863)


4. • Full Citation: Jacob W. Bartmess, "Jacob W. Bartmess Civil War Letters," ed. Donald F. Carmony, Indiana Magazine of History 52, no. 1 (March 1956): 49-74.
   • Home: Jay County (New Corydon)
   • Year: 1862-1863
   • Regiment: 39th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, 8th Calvary, Co. C
   • Engagements: Stones River
   • Abstract: Bartmess enlisted in the 39th in October 1862 at Camp Joe Reynolds (Indianapolis) and wrote letters to his wife Amanda and their two children until his discharge in July 1865. These letters are from the 1862-1863 period, during which Bartmess took part in the Battle of Murfreesboro, was taken prisoner, released, and returned to the field. The 39th was in Harrison's Landing, Tenn., at the end of 1863. Bartmess's letters to his son offer a unique perspective on how one parent described the war to a child.
   • Sample Text:
     1. "Well my dear little boy. papy is away far from home. here in this camp with a lot of houses in it made of boards and lots of people in them. Some has big guns to Shoot Secessionists with and some has great big knives that they call swords to cut secessionist heads off with...Elliott you must be a good boy and do as mother tells you and papy will come home as soon as he can." (to his son, Nov. 18, 1862, Camp Carrington, Ind., p. 54)
     2. "My thoughts ask me where are the many little orphans calling and crying for papy, while his body is mouldering in this vast grave-yard. O who will answer for the sin of this most dreadful and calamitous war." (Murfreesboro, Tenn., June 7, 1863, p. 63)
   • LC Subject Headings:
     1. Stones River, Battle of, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 1862-1863
     2. United States. Army. Indiana Cavalry Regiment, 8th (1863-1865)


5. • Full Citation: Jacob W. Bartmess, "Jacob W. Bartmess Civil War Letters," ed. Donald F. Carmony, Indiana Magazine of History 52, no. 2 (June 1956): 157-186.
   • Home: Jay County (New Corydon)
   • Year: 1864-1865
   • Regiment: 39th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, 8th Calvary, Co. C
   • Abstract: This is the second set of Bartmess's letters to his wife and their children, covering January 1864 until Barmess's discharge in July 1865. Until mid-December 1864, Bartmess was involved in picket duty or small skirmishes in various parts of Tennessee, until his regiment was transferred to North Carolina (via Georgia). He served on guard duty at various places in North Carolina through July 1865. He missed his family, was bored, lamented the lack of Christian faith among soldiers and officers, and expressed his anger at Southern sympathizers in the North.
   • Sample Text:
     1. "Amanda I always was in favor of the administration and the war, and am yet, but there is a great evil right at the heart of the whole thing. that evil is, the war is carried on and led, principally by wicked and God dareing men. Indeed when we consider that war within itself is wicked, and the awful henious wicknedness, of the army, we must conclude that it is the only the amazeing and unlimited mercy of God, in favor of right, that will give us victory over our enemies." (Aug. 20, 1864, Camp Smith, Tenn., p. 170)
     2. "As you say, the death of Mr. Lincoln is a sad affair to the nation, but it is still worse for the rebels and the infamous wretches who plotted his death; for it leaves in his stead a man who will deal out to them the stern realities of the law." (Durham Station, NC, May 30, 1865, p. 182)
   • LC Subject Headings:
     1. United States. Army. Indiana Cavalry Regiment, 8th (1863-1865)
     2. Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 Assassination Public opinion Sources


6. • Full Citation: E.W.H. Beck, "Letters of a Civil War Surgeon," Indiana Magazine of History 27, no. 2 (June 1931): 132-163.
   • Home: Carroll County (Delphi)
   • Years: 1861-1864
   • Regiment:2nd Brigade, 3rd Indiana Calvary
   • Engagements: 2nd Manassas, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Petersburg
   • Abstract: Beck's letters (to his wife and children, parents, and friends) cover the period Nov. 11, 1861-Aug. 3, 1864. There is not much context or editing and the letters can be hard to follow. One of the most interesting letters [Sept. 21, 1862] is a lengthy description of his participation in Antietam. He often writes of the ineptitude of the military leadership, the human and physical landscape he travels through, and his desire to go home and be away from the carnage increases as time passes. During the Petersburg raid, he describes Confederates killing civilians.
   • Sample Text:
     1. "I swear I could take Clay & Straw & make better Generals than any we have been under yet." [July 14, 1862, Fredericksburg, Va.]
     2. "God grant that you may never see the destruction of human life & the human misery I have witnessed....Those who have been in all the Battles of the war think that no one day's fighting was as terrible & general as this....I saw the Body of a Brooklyn Boy a new recruit and that married on Thursday at home came on Friday & joined his Regt at Frederich [Fredericksburg] & was killed on Sunday..." [Sept. 21, 1862, Williamsport, Md.]
     3. Hello Hello- a fuss around in Camp- President Lincoln has just rode up to Headquarters in an Ambulance & is talking now to McC [McClellan] and Burnsides- he came from Harpers ferry this morning The old fellow is droping 'round everywhere- he is a good man if he had only more back- bone- " [Oct. 2, 1862, Sharpsburg, Md.]
   • LC Subject Headings:
     1. United States. Army. Indiana Cavalry Regiment, 3rd (1861-1865)
     2. Manassas, 2nd Battle of, Va., 1862
     3. Antietam, Battle of, Md., 1862
     4. Chancellorsville, Battle of, Chancellorsville, Va., 1863
     5. Petersburg (Va.) History Siege, 1864-1865


7. • Full Citation: William C. Benson, "Civil War Diary of William C. Benson," Indiana Magazine of History 23, no. 3 (September 1927): 333-364.
   • Home: Gibson County (Princeton)
   • Years: 1863-1865
   • Regiment: 120th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. D
   • Abstract: Benson's diary spans January 1, 1864- March 10, 1865. He is involved in brief fighting in Tennessee and Georgia, but is hospitalized and returns briefly home in October. In January, his regiment moves from Kentucky to Washington D.C., where he visits the White House, and then moves to North Carolina in early March. Benson died at the Battle of Kinston, North Carolina, on March 11, 1865. His superior officer completed the last entry in his journal. The journal is followed by letters of Benson's relatives writing about their grief, reflecting on the sacrifice of Benson's death, and the lengthy and painful process of transporting his remains back to Princeton.
   • Sample Text:
     1. "Same old command; forward, march! yet we know not where we are going." (May 19, 1864).
     2. "Clear and pleasant. Nothing to do but reflect on the past and think of what we have heard of our present camp in former times, when we were enjoying the pleasures of a quiet home." (Jan. 30, 1865)
     3. "Our poor brother lies now beneath the sod of North Carolina...I sometimes feel reconciled that he is gone as I think he is resting from all the toils and troubles of this most awful war. He sleeps in death and will hear of wars no more. He is now numbered with the Heroic dead, having fought for Liberty, and Union we are Cheered at the thought of his dying in a good cause." [Benson's sister to another sister and brother-in-law, March 26, 1865]
   • LC Subject Headings:
     1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 120th (1864-1866)
        
8. • Full Citation: Henry Lawson Bert, "Letters of a Drummer Boy," ed. Don Russell, Indiana Magazine of History 34, no. 3 (September 1938): 324-339.
   • Home: Tipton County (Tipton)
   • Year: 1864-1865
   • Regiment:47th Indiana, Co. A, 47th Indiana Veteran Volunteers, Co. I
   • Engagement: Red River Expedition
   • Abstract: Bert (1845-1910) first joined the Union Army when he was 16. Between April 1864 and May 1865, his company moves between camps in Morganza, Louisiana, Little Rock, Arkansas, and Mobile, Alabama. His company takes part in the capture of Fort Blakely (Alabama) on April 10, 1865
   • Sample Text:
     1. "The so-called confederacy is played out and then we will once more have peace and hapiness [sic] restored to our once hapy [sic] country." (April 10, 1865, Blakely, Ala.)
     2. "Soon we shall have peace once more restored to our hapy land, and will be united again, Slavery crushed from out the land and then 'we' poor soldiers shall come home and enjoy the sweet comforts of home and friends." (April 30, 1865, Spring Hill [Mobile], Ala.)
   • LC Subject Headings:
     1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 47th (1861-1865)
     2. Red River Expedition, 1864
     3. Red River Expedition, 1864 Personal narratives.


9. • Full Citation: Louis Bir, "'Remenence of My Army Life,'" ed. George P. Clark, Indiana Magazine of History 101, no. 1 (March 2005): 15-57.
   • Home: Clark County
   • Year: 1862-1865
   • Regiment: 93rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. K
   • Abstract: Bir (1843-1923) prepared his Civil War memoir in 1893-1894. Written nearly thirty years after his Civil War service, Bir's memoir is personal, reflective, and conversational.  Clearly, many of the stories had
     been told before, as Bir addresses his audience, jokes, and pauses for laughter. Bir chronicles his experiences from enlistment in August 1862 until he returned home in August 1865. The account is rich in descriptions of soldier life including joke playing, marching without rations, drinking, and sleeping with lice. He was captured at the Battle of Brice's Crossroads in June 1864, but escaped en route to prison (unlike Melville Cox Robertson, see below).
   • Sample Text:
     1. “I never will forget the day we Were Examined I was at this time very thin and Light & I was afraid I would be Rejected we were all in Line and taken one at a time and Had to Stripp as naced as the day we were borned and I being a bashfull-good-Boy it was about the hardest Stask I Stood during the war the Doctor turned me around Several tims and then gave me a slapp and told me I was all Right” (p. 18)
     2. “By 9 oclock that night the Whole of Shurmans Corps Was Drunk if Johnson had come back that Night I think one Regiment could hav taken the Whole army. But will Say that I was Sober as a Judg & cared for the Company” (p. 29)
     3. M V Malory and myself while Liing in a Revine Shot 9 Shots Each at [Nathan Bedford] Forest on a White Horse & did not Hit him” (p. 35)
   • LC Subject Headings:
     1. Brice's Crossroads, Battle of, Miss., 1864
     2. Vicksburg (Miss.) History Siege, 1863
     3. Mobile Bay (Ala.), Battle of, 1864.
     4. Tupelo, Battle of, Tupelo, Miss., 1864
     5. Nashville, Battle of, Nashville, Tenn., 1864
10. • Full Citation: "The Civil War Diary of Chaplain Stephen C. Bowers," ed. Glenna R. Schroeder, Indiana Magazine of History 79, no. 2 (June 1983): 167-185.
    • Home: Dearborn County (Wilmington)
    • Year: 1862
    • Regiment: 67th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. K
    • Abstract: A Methodist elder, Bowers (1832-1907) was appointed chaplain on September 1, 1862. For the period covered by the diary (August-September 1862), he passed his time visiting and assisting in hospitals. He reports various injuries: one soldier shot his own fingers off, one hand “mashed” in battle had to be amputated, another soldier shot in the head, and one whose tongue was shot off. He was attacked in the siege of Munfordville, Ky., surrendered, was taken prisoner (September 17th) to Woodsonville, freed (September 21st), caught sick, and was sent home September 29th. Article includes an image of Bowers in later life and a map of the siege.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "This is the holy Sabbath. To day I preached to an attentive audience of about 600 persons. Many wept There are quite a number of religious men and officers in our regiment, yet much wickedness" (Louisville, Ky., August 24, 1862, p. 171)
      2. "We arose this morning and found ourselves by the Ohio river. The Indiana hills looked charmingly. No doubt many a weatherbeaten soldier longed to stand upon them & feel free from soldier life." (September 26, 1862, p. 182)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 67th (1862-1864)


11. • Full Citation: Curtis R. Burke, "Curtis R. Burke's Civil War Journal," ed. Pamela J. Bennett, Indiana Magazine of History 65, no. 4 (December 1969): 283-327.
    • Home: Lexington, Ky.
    • Year: 1862-1863
    • Regiment:14th Kentucky Calvary, Co. B
    • Abstract: Burke (1841-1915?) kept a journal throughout the Civil War, and these four articles are taken from portions of a 482-page typewritten copy of the journal, revised by Burke in 1914 (the original journal has been lost or destroyed). Burke joined Morgan's Scouts in January 1860, and this portion of the journal covers October 1862-July 1863. During this time, Burke took part in various short raids, was briefly captured and released outside Murfreesboro, took part in the Battle of Corydon, and was captured again with a number of Raiders in the Battle of Bluffington Island, Ohio.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "The boys had a considerable argument whether they were our men or Yanks. We all looked so much alike." (After Battle of Corydon, July 9, 1863, p. 307)
      2. "'Hark!' Hear ye the ringing shout/ Of those who would be free/ Our glory is the Yankee's route/ Our watch word 'Victory.'" (portion of "Morgan's Northern Raid Song," July 11, 1863, p. 312)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. Corydon, Battle of, Corydon, Ind., 1863
      2. Morgan's Raid, 1863


12. • Full Citation: Curtis R. Burke, "Curtis R. Burke's Civil War Journal," ed. Pamela J. Bennett, Indiana Magazine of History 66, no. 2 (June 1970): 110-172.
    • Home: Lexington, Ky.
    • Year: 1863-1864
    • Regiment:14th Kentucky Calvary, Co. B
    • Abstract: This portion of Burke's journal begins his career as a prisoner of war, following the Battle of Bluffington Island where he and many of Morgan's Raiders were captured. It covers the period July 1863-1864. They went first to Camp Morton for a month, and then were transferred to Camp Douglas, where Burke spent the next 18 months. He writes extensively of prison camp life, including weather, work details, escape attempts, food, and entertainment. He transcribes several songs, including "Morgan's War Song," "Dixie Star Spangled Banner," and "Prisoner's Refrain."
    • Sample Text:
      1. "Two ladies escored by an officer passed through the principal part of our camp, and as usual created some excitement...One of the ladies actually of her own free will and accord deliberately kissed a reb. My stars how the rest of us envied him." (April 10, 1864, p. 147)
      2. "Oh say, doth that cross spangled banner yet wave/ O'er the land of the free and the home of the slave." ("Dixie Star Spangled Banner," July 4, 1864, p. 167)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. Camp Morton (Ind.)
      2. Camp Douglas (Ill.)
      3. Camp Douglas (Ill.) History.


13. • Full Citation: Curtis R. Burke, "Curtis R. Burke's Civil War Journal," ed. Pamela J. Bennett, Indiana Magazine of History 66, no. 4 (December 1970): 318-361.
    • Home: Lexington, Ky.
    • Year: 1864
    • Regiment:14th Kentucky Calvary, Co. B
    • Abstract: This portion of Burke's journal covers the period July 1864-December 1864, while he was still at Camp Douglas. He continues to detail his experiences of prison camp life, including weather, new prisoners, the punishment of prisoners, dealing with sutlers, food, orders of the camp's commanding officers, and prisoner's sickness (especially smallpox). He himself was briefly hospitalized with smallpox, but it was a mild case and he was released after 3 weeks.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "In the night a crazy prisoner in Barrack No. 15 got up and walked up and down the barrack saying 'I see Jesus, I see Jesus.' He then bolted out into the street and saw the lamp on the fence and said 'There's Jesus. I see his light,' and making for the lamp at the same time he tore it from the fence and run [sic] with it saying 'Glory! Glory! I have got Jesus." (Dec. 15, 1864, p. 355)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. Camp Douglas (Ill.)
      2. Camp Douglas (Ill.) History.


14. • Full Citation: Curtis R. Burke, "Curtis R. Burke's Civil War Journal," ed. Pamela J. Bennett, Indiana Magazine of History 67, no. 2 (June 1971): 129-170.
    • Home: Lexington, Ky.
    • Year: 1864-1865
    • Regiment:14th Kentucky Calvary, Co. B
    • Abstract: This last installment of Burke's journal covers January-June 1865. Burke finally leaves Camp Douglas for Richmond, Va., in a prisoner exchange in March, joins up with the 2nd Kentucky Calvary (into which former members of the 14th were placed) in Charlotte, N.C., then traveled to Atlanta, Memphis, (all with his friend Henry White) and finally home to Lexington in early June. He proposed to one of White's sisters, but she refused him, prompting him to write a poem (a portion is below). After the war, Burke moved to Versailles, Ky., where he ran a monument business, was married 3 times and widowed twice.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "Up to the time we landed I had not noticed any negro troops, but after we left Akins landing I saw nothing else...They flocked out to see us as we passed, and I never saw a blacker set of Negroes in my life. They beat the 'Ace of Spades.'" (March 10, 1865, p. 145)
      2. "Yet from defeat you met me/ Back to my home again/ But your love had turned against me/ Tho' one of Morgan's Men." (May 27, 1865, "One of Morgan's Men," p. 166)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. Camp Douglas (Ill.)
      2. Camp Douglas (Ill.) History.


15. • Full Citation: William Allen Clark, "'Please Send Stamps': The Civil War Letters of William Allen Clark," ed. Margaret Black Tatum, Indiana Magazine of History 91, no. 1 (March 1995): 81-107.
    • Home: Clinton County (Rossville)
    • Year: 1862
    • Regiment: 72nd Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. K
    • Abstract: Clark (1844-?) wrote letters to his parents and siblings throughout his service. As a whole, they are notable for the strength of their anti-abolitionist and anti-African-American sentiments. Clark was a fervent Douglas Democrat, a minority position in his regiment. In this first of four installments, Clark was stationed at various camps in Kentucky and Tennessee, and helped buried the dead after the Battle of Hartsville. The article contains an image of Clark in old age and of his letters and envelopes.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "We have no politics here. But too much Abolitionism. But I have seen slavery in fact, and it is not so Bad as you might suppose." (Louisville, Ky, Oct. 5, 1862, p. 93-94)
      2. "Mother said she was afraid I would turn to an Abolitionist. If I had been one at home, I have seen enough to make me a Negro hater since I came here." (Frankfort, Ky., Oct. 15, 1861, p. 95-96)
      3. "I am getting dissatisfied with soldier life. It is to[o] wicked. The one that were the strictest at home are the first to give way to temptation....Perhaps peace will shed its enchanting rays before long." (Castalian Springs, Tenn., Dec. 9, 1862, p. 103)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 72nd (1862-1865)


16. • Full Citation: William Allen Clark, "'Please Send Stamps': The Civil War Letters of William Allen Clark," ed. Margaret Black Tatum, Indiana Magazine of History 91, no. 2 (June 1995): 197-225.
    • Home: Clinton County (Rossville)
    • Year: 1863
    • Regiment: 72nd Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. K
    • Abstract: This second installment of Clark's letters covers the period January-June 1863. His regiment spent this period in Tennessee, where he was involved in some brief skirmishes around Boiling Springs and Woodbury in the Tullahoma Campaign. He assured his father that he was not involved in the Battle of Murfreesboro, and writes of typhoid among the soldiers and other matters of camp life. He ends almost every letter with a request for stamps, paper, and envelopes.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "I want you to spend me some stamps. Them and paper is the most needful articles to a soldier. The only pleasure we see is in writing to friends and hearing from them." (Murfreesboro, Tenn., Feb. 8, 1863, p. 204)
      2. "We are not in favor of those at home that are doing all they can to Destroy what we Build up. It is foolish to kick up a dust against the Administration when it is backed by a million of Bayonets. We know where we are and it is no use for us to think of anything but sticking to it." (Murfreesboro, Tenn., Apr. 5, 1863, p. 211)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 72nd (1862-1865)


17. • Full Citation: William Allen Clark, "'Please Send Stamps': The Civil War Letters of William Allen Clark," ed. Margaret Black Tatum, Indiana Magazine of History 91, no. 3 (September 1995): 288-319.
    • Home: Clinton County (Rossville)
    • Year: 1863-1864
    • Regiment: 72nd Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. K
    • Abstract: This third installment of Clark's letters covers the period July 1863-February 1864. He was involved in the seige of Chattanooga and the Battle of Chickamauga, and moved between Tennessee and Georgia until moving Alabama in February. In August, he reflects on the year that passed since he began his military service, and stated that he felt older and more mature. The article contains images of soldiers (not Clark) of the 72nd.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "I like camp life, but I detest Tyrannical Officers. They are the Bane of Soldier Life." (Decherd, Tenn., Aug. 2, 1863, p. 296)
      2. "I might tell you many things about the fight and of our losses, but it would be Contraband. But this I do know. Imagination can't make it worse than it is. I will quit making peace Prophecies. All the Bright prospects have vanished." (Colwell's Ferry, Tenn., Sept. 26, 1863, p. 300-301)
      3. "To all my friends at home, Sunday morning, I am seated with my back to you. But me thinks I can see your faces as distinctly as though you was in my presence." (Mooresville, Ala., Feb. 28, 1864, p. 317)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 72nd (1862-1865)
      2. Chattanooga, Battle of, Chattanooga, Tenn., 1863
      3. Chickamauga, Battle of, Ga., 1863


18. • Full Citation: William Allen Clark, "'Please Send Stamps': The Civil War Letters of William Allen Clark," ed. Margaret Black Tatum, Indiana Magazine of History 91, no. 4 (December 1995): 407-436.
    • Home: Clinton County (Rossville)
    • Year: 1864-1865
    • Regiment: 72nd Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. K
    • Abstract: This last installment of Clark's letters covers the two periods March-August 1864 and January-February 1865. In these periods, Clark was involved in the Battle of Kenesaw Mountain and the Battle of Atlanta. Clark went home on furlough in fall of 1864. The article contains an image of Clark's discharge papers. After he was discharged, he married a cousin, moved to Valparaiso and then to Bristol, Tennessee, where he became a Baptist minister.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "Really glad to learn that Unkle Jonas & Aunt are interested in my welfare. But would be better pleased with a letter from them." (Carter's Station, Ga., June 5, 1864, p. 420)
      2. "All is quiet in front of our division now. But I can hear the Booming of Cannons off South west, very rapid firing. The Enemy are growing restless and are trying to break our lines." (Cobb Cty., Ga., July 16, 1864, p. 421)
      3. "I am quite weak yet, had something like Billious fever. There is a great deal of sickness here now. There are thousands of dead horses & mules scattered over fields & woods between our lines & the Johnnies, & they make the air almost sickening." (Atlanta, Aug. 7, 1864, p. 428)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 72nd (1862-1865)
      2. Atlanta Campaign, 1864
      3. Atlanta Campaign, 1864 Personal narratives.


19. • Full Citation: Israel Cogshall, "Journal of Israel Cogshall, 1862-1863," ed. Cecil K. Byrd, Indiana Magazine of History 42, no. 1 (March 1946): 69-87.
    • Home: Coldwater, Michigan
    • Year: 1862-1863
    • Regiment:19th Michigan Volunteer Infantry (also travels with 33rd and 85th Indiana)
    • Abstract: Cogshall recorded his experiences as chaplain for the 19th Michigan from Oct. 24, 1862- Sept. 9, 1863. Mostly from Tennesee, he wrote of the sermon topics and texts from which he preached, his anger at men for playing cards, and the Battle of Thompson's Station. He took a brief vacation to Michigan in April 1863, returned to the field in May, and then resigned in September 1863 due to illness.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "Have been much exercised in mind for several days about the increase of card playing cannot expect to stop the men while officers openly play daily I pray for wisdom & grace Oh my Father teach what I ought to do & give me the strength to do it." (Feb. 12, 1863, Fort Donelson, Tenn., p. 74)
      2. "Exceedingly sore to day. Yesterday Col's orderly & Adair of Co F while playing with guns very foolishly orderly['s] gun was discharged the contents carrying away the right side of Adair's head. He died at 11 O Clock last night. We buried him this evening at 5 PM. It was a sad accident." (July 5, 1863, Murfreesboro, Tenn., p. 84)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Michigan Infantry Regiment, 19th (1862-1865)
      2. Thompson's Station, Battle of, Thompsons Station, Tenn., 1863


20. • Full Citation: Charles N. Cook and Lafayette Ball, "Letters of Privates Cook and Ball," Indiana Magazine of History 27, no. 3 (September 1931): 243-268.
    • Home: Cass County (Logansport)
    • Year: 1862-1865
    • Regiment:99th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. K
    • Engagement: Siege of Vicksburg
    • Abstract: Cook (1830-1920) and Ball (dates unknown) became friends while serving together, and both wrote these letters to Ball's sister Margaret. Margaret and Cook married in February 1866 and remained in Logansport for the rest of their lives. Both Cook and Ball describe camp life. Cook flirts with Margaret, and includes observations about Vicksburg and the African Americans he sees. Cook's letters are unusual in that he is older (mid-30s), abstemious, and more religious than the average private. The last letter in the collection is from Cook to his parents in 1877.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "I feel more than ever a soldier's life is one of great sacrifice. Still I cannot regret the step I have taken. If heaven born liberty is worth no self denial to maintain it is worth nothing." (Ball, Nov. 11, 1862, Camp Carrington, Indianapolis)
      2. "When Uncle Sam wants cattle or mules he sends his boys out into secessia [the surrounding Secessionist/Southern lands] & they bring in a supply. they also brought in a lot of darkies. their masters were off fighting against their country & left them at home to take care of things & the union boys press them into service." (Cook, June 19, 1863, Snyders Bluff, Miss.)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. Carrington, Camp (Indianapolis, Ind.)
      2. Vicksburg (Miss.) History Siege, 1863


21. • Full Citation: Simeon K. Wolfe and Attia Porter, "The Battle of Corydon," Indiana Magazine of History 54, no. 2 (June 1958): 131-140.
    • Home: Harrison County (Corydon)
    • Year: 1863
    • Abstract: This article contains a reprint of the Corydon Weekly Democrat from July 14, 1863 by editor Simeon K. Wolfe, describing the Battle of Corydon, a brief battle during Morgan's Raid on July 9. Wolfe himself participated in the battle. Members of the Indiana Legion unsuccessfully tried to repel the raiders, and the latter spent several hours in the town stealing horses, buggies, food, and cash. 3 Corydon citizens died in the raid. The Democrat is followed by a letter from a teenage girl from Corydon telling her cousin, a member of the 43rd Indiana, about the raid.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "It was not expected at the start that so small a force could whip Morgan, but it was expected we could punish him some and impede his progress so that somebody else more nearly equal his strength could catch him and do him justice." (Wolfe, p. 138)
      2. "The battle raged violently for thirty minutes, just think of it!...I don't want you to think I am making fun of our brave home guards for I am not in the least. But now, that all the danger is over, it is real funny to think how our men did run." (Porter, p. 140)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. Corydon, Battle of, Corydon, Ind., 1863
      2. Morgan's Raid, 1863.


22. • Full Citation: Charles Harding Cox, "'Gone for a Soldier': The Civil War Letters of Charles Harding Cox," ed. Lorna Lutes Sylvester, Indiana Magazine of History 68, no. 1 (March 1972): 24-78.
    • Home: Marion County (Indianapolis)
    • Year: 1862-1863
    • Regiment: 70th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. E
    • Abstract: Cox (1844-1928) wrote letters to his mother, sister, and brother-in-law throughout his service. This first half of his letters (1862-1863) describe his regiment's movements around Tennessee, taking part in no major action. Cox enjoyed hearing Indianapolis gossip and often commented on the women in his vicinity. This article also contains 2 letters from his mother to his sister worrying about Cox's decision to serve, letter facimiles, and a portrait of Cox.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "Our present camp is a very unhealthy one. The continual breezes we get are direct from the battle field, and you can imagine how poisonous they are when I tell you of the thousand, dead bodies of men & animals to be found half buried in every direction." (early July 1863, Murfreesboro, Tenn., p. 63)
      2. "I saw a Nigger Brigade this morning at Estell Springs, Tenn. clothed and armed...I do not believe it right to make soldiers of them and class & rank with our white soldiers. It makes them feel and act as our equals." (Nashville, Aug. 28, 1863, p. 64)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 70th (1862-1865)


23. • Full Citation: Charles Harding Cox, "'Gone for a Soldier': The Civil War Letters of Charles Harding Cox," ed. Lorna Lutes Sylvester, Indiana Magazine of History 68, no. 3 (September 1972): 181-239.
    • Home: Marion County (Indianapolis)
    • Year: 1864-1865
    • Regiment:70th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. E
    • Abstract: This set of Cox's (1844-1928) letters covers January 1864-June 1865. His regiment remained in Tennessee until April 1864, and in May 1864 it began participation in the Atlanta Campaign. Cox expressed his desire to vote in the presidential election, described the Battle of Peach Tree Creek (part of the Atlanta Campaign), and the march through the Carolinas, offered thoughts on Southern sympathizers at home, and asked his sister to find some young women for him to meet, as he wanted to get married when he returned to Indiana.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "As soon as hostilities cease for a time it is my intention to make a desperate effort for a leave of absence- Our boys are anxious to make home in the fall and carry the Lincoln & Co ticket- soldiers are one and all for Abe." (July 10, 1864, Chattahoochee River, Ga., p. 208)
      2. "Exterminate all copperheads if a million die, how I detest them...If I had my wish it would be that every traitor in the north be confined in such an infernal place, that hell would be a heaven to it." (July 30, 1864, Chattahoochee River, Ga., p. 218)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 70th (1862-1865)
      2. Atlanta Campaign, 1864
      3. Resaca, Battle of, Resaca, Ga., 1864
      4. Kenesaw Mountain, Battle of, 1864.
      5. Sherman's March to the Sea


24. • Full Citation: Jabez T. Cox, "Civil War Diary of Jabez T. Cox," Indiana Magazine of History 28, no. 1 (March 1932): 40-54.
    • Home: Hamilton County (Bethlehem)
    • Year: 1864
    • Regiment: 133rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry
    • Abstract: Cox's diary covers May 12, 1864-August 29, 1864, beginning and ending at Camp Carrington, Indianapolis. He does not partake in any action, and most of the diary contains his observations of camp life, including picket duty, the weather, his boredom, picking fruit, buying items from peddlers, and visiting Murfreesboro, the nearest town to where he was stationed. He also got sick and complains of his poor treatment. Cox's diary is notable for his observations of African Americans.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "In the evening an old darky woman was passing and the Sarjeant picked up a rock to drive a tent stake and remarked that he was not going to hit her and one of [us] said to her she was not afraid of Yankees Oh no sah I does not, hadent bin for the yankees dey a done had me used up afore dis time." (June 22, 1864, Murfreesboro, Tenn.)
      2. "Some of the 17th US Colored a portion of which is camped near our quarters passed through this evening they are all stout heartly looking soldiers their arms and accouterments [sic] are in fine condidtion and if it had not been proved before a view of these fellows would give the lie to the copper head tale that they will not fight." (July 14, 1864, Murfreesboro, Tenn.)
      3. "Just at dinner a darkey came in with some pies and I purchased one for dinner. Down here the darkies are all that sell reasonable to soldiers and are really the only friends we have yet whenever they come to camp the boys curse them and threaten them." (August 18, 1864, Murfreesboro, Tenn.)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 133rd (1864)
      2. Carrington, Camp (Indianapolis, Ind.)


25. • Full Citation: Jackson Davis, "'If I Was There I Could Tell You a Good Bit More': The Civil War Letters of Jackson Davis," ed. Steven D. Zink, Indiana Magazine of History 78, no. 1 (March 1982): 38-58.
    • Home: Washington County
    • Year: 1862-1864
    • Regiment:66th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. B
    • Abstract: Davis's (1829-1870) letters to his wife Elizabeth begin in December 1862, when he wrote to her from Camp Sullivan in Indianapolis. He spent the first half of 1863 in Corinth, Miss. and the second half of 1863 and the first half of 1864 in Tennessee. He then participated in Sherman's March to the Sea, the Seige of Savannah, and went north through the Carolinas, and was mustered out in Washington in June 1865. He died of a respiratory illness contracted during the Battle of Richmond. The article contains portraits of Jackson and Elizabeth.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "I tuck the dockters over last sadarday to see the nigrow rigement git thar flag. thar was A big crod thar. it made the nigrow feal proud. thar was severl wites spoke and tow nigrows. they loock first rate. it is cald the first Alabama." (Columbus, Ky., Dec. 13, 1862, p. 46-47)
      2. "I cant tel you whot to do but to take good care of your self and the children until I come back and dont worry about me. I will try and take good care of myself." (Pulaski, Tenn., Jan. 18, 1864, p. 52)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. Atlanta Campaign, 1864
      2. Sherman's March to the Sea
      3. Savannah (Ga.) History Siege, 1864


26. • Full Citation: William M. Dudlay, "Sergeant Major Blanchard at Gettysburg," ed. Norma Hawkins Fuller, Indiana Magazine of History 34, no. 2 (June 1938): 212-216.
    • Year: 1863
    • Regiment: 19th Indiana Volunteer Infantry
    • Engagement: Gettysburg
    • Abstract:Letter written by Brigadier General William M. Dudlay to George R. Blanchard of Chicago, Aug. 9, 1887, St. Paul, Minnesota. Letter accompanied a regimental flag donated to the State of Indiana by the sister of Asa W. Blanchard (1844-1863). General Meredith assigned Blanchard's regiment to the bottom of the hill at McPherson's woods, and although Dudlay thought they should move higher, Generals Meredith and Wadsworth rejected Dudlay's request. When rebels charged across a creek in front of the regiment, Asa Blanchard was in charge of keeping the regiment's flag flying. While carrying the flag himself, Blanchard was shot and died almost instantly.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "If it was his fate to die in battle, no grander field nor greater battle, nor more decisive victory could his blood have bought. To you whom he loved so well he has left a name untarnished and a glorious record of patriotism and devotion to duty. To his comrades he left a noble example of soldierly heroism."
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 19th (1861-1864)
      2. Gettysburg, Battle of, Gettysburg, Pa., 1863
      3. Gettysburg, Battle of, Gettysburg, Pa., 1863 Personal narratives


27. • Full Citation: Stephen Keyes Fletcher, "The Civil War Journal of Stephen Keyes Fletcher," ed. Perry McCandless, Indiana Magazine of History 54, no. 2 (June 1958): 141-190.
    • Home: Marion County (Indianapolis)
    • Year: 1862
    • Regiment: 33rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry
    • Abstract: Fletcher (1840-1897) flipped a coin with his brother Ingraham to see who would go to war and who would stay home, and Ingraham stayed on the farm. Fletcher enlisted in October 1861 and served through 1865, though his journal covers only January-September 1862. In this period, the 33rd spent January-April in Lexington, Ky., then moved to the Cumberland River, then spent the end of June-September in Cumberland Gap, after the battle of Cumberland Gap was over. The article contains several facimile pages of his journal. Fletcher later transferred to the 115th Indiana.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "Where is all that romance in camp life that you read about in so many novels...But where, where, is the romance, the pleasure of war. You can put it all in your eye." (April 1862, Cumberland River, p. 161)
      2. "Then our tent, next to a soldier's home, is next to his heart...I love its shelter. & there is my bed, although made of secesh puncheons, on no bed did I ever sleep sweeter. Here in my solders home I have read & slept & dreamed, Dreamed of that other home away off in Hoosier." (Sept. 18, 1862, on leaving gear behind in Cumberland Gap, p. 182)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 33rd (1861-1865)
      2. Cumberland Gap Campaign, 1862


28. • Full Citation: William B. Fletcher, "The Civil War Journal of William B. Fletcher," ed. Loriman S. Brigham, Indiana Magazine of History 57, no. 1 (March 1961): 43-76.
    • Home: Marion County (Indianapolis)
    • Year: 1861
    • Regiment: 6th Indiana Volunteer Infantry
    • Abstract: Fletcher (1837-1907) volunteered for service hoping to be commissioned as a surgeon, but instead served as fife major and spy, then was captured and in prison for 6 months, then served intermittently as an uncommissioned surgeon the rest of the war. This article contains an image of Fletcher, as well as maps and other illustrations from his journal, which covers April-June 1861. This article is useful for information about the early days of army formation in Indianapolis.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "Marching down Meridian St. the F. Maj [himself] felt almost sad- the band was playing 'Then You'll Remember Me' - when he past his fathers house, no one was moving- the shutters were shut- and the F. Maj could see no kind face or eyes suffused with tears." (June 6, 1861, Webster Taylor Co., Va., p. 54)
      2. "Then we felt exhilarated- Hashesh Chloroform or Eather never made us feel more wildly exhilarated- we plunged forward- and soon routed the Enimy- and then slowly returned home-" (on chasing rebels out of camp in Belington, Va., June 20, 1861, Philippi, Va., p. 72)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 6th (1861-1865)


29. • Full Citation: Michael C. Garber, Jr., "Reminiscences of the Burning of Columbia, South Carolina," Indiana Magazine of History 11, no. 4 (December 1915): 285-300.
    • Home: Jefferson County (Madison)
    • Year: 1865
    • Abstract: Garber accompanied his father (Garber, Sr.), to Columbia at the age of 14 when his father was the Chief Quartermaster in the Field of the Army of the Mississippi. He explains the Columbia burning- in which 84 of 124 city blocks were destroyed- as a combination of forces: recently released Union soldiers venting their anger, cotton being stored on the street, high winds, and no city fire department. Mostly, however, Garber follows the official Union reports of the fire and blames it on African-American residents, Southern convicts, camp followers, and Confederate evacuees.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "To read all the other data obtainable, finally, is to reach a conclusion, doubtless correct, and honorable to each of the exceedingly militant generals, whose splending characters, heroic careers, and lovable personalities will eventually win and hold the admiration of the American people of all sections for all time to come." (p. 286)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. Columbia, S.C., Burning of, 1865


30. • Full Citation: Joseph B. Gosset, "A Letter from the Front: Vicksburg, 1863," ed. Erich L. Ewald, Indiana Magazine of History 91, no. 3 (September 1995): 321-325.
    • Home: Henry County (Honey Creek)
    • Year: 1864-1865
    • Regiment: 87th Indiana Volunteers, Co. E
    • Abstract: Joseph B. Gosset (1839-1863) first fought with the 8th Indiana Volunteers, Co. F, between April-August 1861. He re-enlisted in March 1862 in the 87th Indiana after the Battle of Pea Ridge (Arkansas). He died in unclear circumstances during the Vicksburg Campaign, 10 days after writing his only surviving letter to his uncle, reprinted in this article.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "I would like to Be at home this summer and if I live till Vicksburg is taken I am coming home. I am willing to serve my country But I am not willing to stay away from friends and home always therefore you may look for me this fall if I live." (p. 325)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 87th (1862-1865)
      2. Vicksburg (Miss.) History Siege, 1863


31. • Full Citation: John V. Hadley, "An Indiana Soldier in Love and War: The Civil War Letters of John V. Hadley," ed. James I. Robinson, Jr., Indiana Magazine of History 59, no. 3 (September 1963): 189-288.
    • Home: Hendricks County (Plainfield)
    • Year: 1861-1865
    • Regiment: 7th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. B
    • Engagements: Greenbrier River, Kernstown, Port Republic, 2nd Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Rappahannock Station
    • Abstract: Hadley (1839-1915) enlisted in August 1861. The letters he wrote to his future wife, Mary Jane Hill (September 1861-June 1864), are all reproduced in this article. In 1861-62, he was involved in several battles in the Peninsular Campaign, and was injured at the Battle of Slaughter Mountain. In 1863, after becoming a 1st Lieutenant, he participated in Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and the Battle of Rappahanock Station. He was captured in the Battle of the Wilderness, escaped "Camp Sorghum" in Columbia, S.C. in November 1864, and was discharged in January 1865. He does not discuss Gettysburg, Wilderness, prison, or escape experiences in these letters.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "From our losses you may judge of the battle's fierceness. Alvah Montgomery was the one killed in our company. Receiving the ball he turned round to me said 'here goes' - laid gently down- rested his head on his left arm- laid his gun by his right side & without speaking a word or moving a limb he shut his eyes & died." (describing Port Republic, Wray, Va., June 13, 1862, p. 212-213)
      2. "Our boys and the rebs have grown great friends since we were last over the river...A friend and I went down yesterday on horse back and as we sat mounted watching the rebs fishing...a couple of secesh officers came dashing up on the other side...Here we sat for a half an hour within stone throws distance of each other and I couldn't realize that we were enemies." (May 24, 1863, Falmouth, Va., p. 244)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 7th (1861-1864)
      2. Greenbrier River, Battle of, W. Va., 1861
      3. Kernstown, 1st Battle of, Winchester, Va., 1862
      4. Port Republic, Battle of, Port Republic, Va., 1862
      5. Bull Run, 2nd Battle of, Va., 1862
      6. Peninsular Campaign, 1862
      7. Chancellorsville (Va.), Battle of, 1863
      8. Rappahannock Station, Battle of, Va., 1863.


32. • Full Citation: Joseph Hollis, Heber Hollis, and Frank Knowles, "Hollis Correspondence," Indiana Magazine of History 36, no. 3 (September 1940): 275-294.
    • Home: Greene County (Worthington)
    • Years: 1862-1865
    • Regiment:11th New York Battery, 1st Brigade (later 4th) Volunteer Division (H. Hollis)
      3rd Division (later 1st), 9th New York Army Corps (Knowles)
    • Engagements: Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Siege of Charleston, Battle of the Wilderness, Battle of the Crater
    • Abstract: The letters of Joseph Hollis, Heber Hollis, and Frank Knowles (to the Hollises' brother Thomas) were found in the former Hollis home in Worthington, IN. Heber was in the 11th New York Battery, Knowles was in the 3rd New York Army Corps, and Joseph's regiment is unknown. Letters by Joseph contain his description of the Battle of Chancellorsville, the siege of Charleston, loyalty to the flag, and his strong support of Lincoln in the 1864 election. Letters by Heber contain his thoughts on the military tactics of the North, and a brief description of Gettysburg. Letters by Knowles contain descriptions of the Battle of the Wilderness and Battle of the Crater, the Lincoln assassination, and some of his romantic woes.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "I suppose you see an account of it [Chancellorsville] in the papers but it is beyond discription [sic] the roar of artillery and musketry is beyond anything you can imagine. How little people at Home know about war." (Joseph Hollis, Brookes Station, Va., May 12, 1863)
      2. "They [sic] is two or three Negro Regts here. They make good Soldiers and save the white soldiers a good deal of hard work. They make a fine appearance on drill. I am in for the Black Soldier. I say bring them on." (Joseph Hollis, Folly Island, S.C., Sept. 9, 1863)
      3. "There is no use puttering any longer. If they want to put down the Rebellion let them call men enough at once & crush it, not dally along with a few thousand at the time." (Heber Hollis, Petersburg, Va., July 3, 1864)
      4. "I suppose it [Lincoln's death] was all for the best, but if it was, I want it also to be for the best to string up those who are now having their trial down to the arsenal." (Frank Knowles, Washington, D.C., May 14, 1865)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. New York Artillery. Independent Battery, 11th (1861-1865)
      2. United States. Army. New York Infantry Regiment, 9th (1861-1863)
      3. Chancellorsville (Va.), Battle of, 1863
      4. Gettysburg, Battle of, Gettysburg, Pa., 1863
      5. Charleston (S.C.) History Siege, 1863
      6. Charleston (S.C.) History Siege, 1863 Personal narratives.
      7. Wilderness, Battle of the, Va., 1864
      8. Crater, Battle of the, Petersburg, Va., 1864
      9. Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 Assassination Public opinion Sources.


33. • Full Citation: David Mitchell Hudson, "Civil War Letters of David Mitchell Hudson," ed. Roy Hudson, Indiana Magazine of History 47, no. 2 (June 1951): 191-208.
    • Home: Jennings County
    • Year: 1864
    • Regiment:120th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. K
    • Abstract: Hudson (1837-1864) wrote several letters to his wife Sarah between March 13 and August 26 before dying of scurvy in a Chattanooga hospital on August 28, 1864. His letters are severley critical about soldier's care in the hospital. He had a particular loathing for cooks, nurses, and doctors who took charity donations of food and clothing intended for soldiers for themselves, ignored patients, got drunk, and played cards.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "So I would say to all if you want to help the poor sick soldiers send [supplies] to them your self by express, and don't allow any body else to handle it." (May 6, 1864, p. 201)
      2. "Wo! Wo!! unto the Doctors. Soldiers despise them...Put me in the front under rebel fire rather than in a mean Doctors hands..." (July 22, 1864, p. 205)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 120th (1864-1866)
      2. Chattanooga (Tenn.) History Civil War, 1861-1865.


34. • Full Citation: Frank Hughes, "Diary of Lieutenant Frank Hughes," ed. Norman Niccum, Indiana Magazine of History 45, no. 3 (September 1949): 275-284.
    • Home: Decatur County (Adams)
    • Year: 1862
    • Regiment:37th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. E
    • Abstract: Hughes's (d. 1864) diary covers the period May 4- July 9, 1862, and deals with Hughes's prison experience after being captured at the battle of Elk River. In this period, he is taken to a series of prisons in Moulton, Ala., to Tuscaloosa, Ala., and then to Macon, Ga. (Camp Ogelthorpe). When the diary ends he is on his way to Madison, Ga. Conditions everywhere he travels are universally poor.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "Two Ladies from the city visit our Hospital this evening...A calm & pleasant Evenyng [sic] The music in our prison both vocal & local has a charm for me tonight." (Macon, June 8, 1862, p. 280)
      2. "The only way of celebrating the glorious old 4th is profound & silent meditation...it was cool & cloudy all day here seemingly as a frown from heaven." (Macon, July 4, 1862, p. 283)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 37th (1861-1865)
      2. Camp Oglethorpe (Ga.)


35. • Full Citation: "'Absent So Long from Those I Love': The Civil War Letters of Joshua Jones," ed. Eugene H. Berwanger, Indiana Magazine of History 88, no. 3 (September 1992): 205-239.
    • Home: Delaware County (Muncie)
    • Year: 1861-1862
    • Regiment: 19th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. E
    • Engagement: Antietam
    • Abstract: Jones’ (1838-1862) letters date from August 11, 1861-September 6, 1862, and most were written to his wife, Celia. Early in his service, Jones was preoccupied with his death, suggesting often that he would not make it, and signing his letters “your husband until death.” As the war progressed he became homesick (p. 217), exchanged locks of hair with his wife (p. 220), but then felt a burst of hope for coming home (p. 226). The article concludes with 3 letters to Celia (1 by a surgeon, 2 by compatriots) concerning Joshua's surgery and later death from the gangrenous effects of leg amputation after Antietam. The article contains maps, images of Jones' letters, and images of the aftermath of Antietam.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "keep in good Spirits Dear for they cant kill me I am coming home if any bod[y] does then we will have a good time the balance of our lives" (Alexandria, Va., April 2, 1862, p. 226)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 19th (1861-1864)
      2. Antietam, Battle of, Md., 1862


36. • Full Citation: [William Landon], "The Fourteenth Indiana Regiment on Cheat Mountain: Letters to the Vincennes Sun," Indiana Magazine of History 29, no. 4 (December 1933): 350-371.
    • Home: Knox County (Vincennes)
    • Year: 1861
    • Regiment:14th Indiana, Co. G
    • Engagements: Rich Mountain, Cheat Mountain, Greenbrier River
    • Abstract: Landon (d. 1866) wrote letters to the editor of the Vincennes Sun, George E. Greene, throughout the war which Greene published serially under the nickname "Prock". This is the first of five sets, covering July 17, 1861- October 10, 1861. Landon discusses camp life, exploring the West Virginia landscape, the happiness of receiving mail and clothes, "friendly fire" deaths and firearms accidents, and the battles of Rich Mountain, Cheat Mountain, and Greenbrier River.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "The infernal scoundrels, not content with shooting the poor fellows dead, had mutilated their bodies by thrusting bayonets into them." (Regarding Union casualties on Cheat Mountain, Sept. 19, 1861)
      2. "To your correspondent the rapid 'file firing' of the Companies and the rebel shots in reply, intermingled with the deafening roar of artillery sounded like 10,000 packs of fire-crackers set off at once." (Regarding Battle of Greenbrier River, Oct. 4, 1861)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 14th (1861-1864)
      2. Rich Mountain, Battle of, W. Va., 1861
      3. Cheat Mountain, Battle of, W. Va., 1861
      4. Greenbrier River, Battle of, W. Va., 1861


37. • Full Citation: [William Landon], "The 14th Indiana Regiment in the Valley of Virginia," Indiana Magazine of History 30, no. 3 (September 1934): 275-298.
    • Home: Knox County (Vincennes)
    • Year: 1861-1862
    • Regiment: 14th Indiana, Co. G
    • Engagements:1st Winchester, New Market Crossroads
    • Abstract: Landon (d. 1866) wrote letters to the editor of the Vincennes Sun, George E. Greene, throughout the war which Greene published serially under the nickname "Prock". This is the second of five sets, Dec. 9, 1861- July 8, 1862. Landon spends most of the time marching or in camp, and narrates a few skirmishes, such as Winchester and New Market Crossroads. These skirmishes resulted in Landon and his company obtaining food and supplies (and taking prisoners). Landon also describes the women he sees in Virginia towns, both white and black.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "Coal is abundant at five cents per bushel delivered- the supply of pies equal to the demand, at ten cents a piece...The way the 14th slay pies is a caution to bakers. It is no uncommon sight to see a soldier just off guard, a pie under each arm, one on his bayonet, and another in his fist." (Dec. 9, 1861, Philippi, Va.)
      2. "I noticed one of the cavalry had an extra large share of the 'spoils of war'- a large turkey and half a dozen chickens hung from his saddlebow, while a feather bed, three different colored blankets, a broom, a skillet and a goose were fastened on behind." (Jan. 8, 1862, Blue Gap, Va.)
      3. "Wonderful! Considerable excitement was manifested by the feminine portion of this sesesh [Secessionist] community. Squads of 'em (some confounded good looking ones, too,) were on 'dress parade.' On enquiry was told that 'twas rumored the great 'What is it?' was in town." (May 9, 1862, New Market, Va.)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 14th (1861-1864)
      2. Winchester, 1st Battle of, Winchester, Va., 1862 (March 23)
      3. New Market Crossroads, Battle of, Va., 1862


38. • Full Citation: [William Landon], "The Fourteenth Indiana Regiment, Peninsular Campaign to Chancellorsville," Indiana Magazine of History 33, no. 3 (September 1937): 325-348.
    • Home: Knox County (Vincennes)
    • Year: 1862-1863
    • Regiment:14th Indiana, Co. G
    • Engagements: Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville
    • Abstract: The third of Landon's (d. 1866) five installments of letters to the Vincennes Sun begins July 8, 1862 and ends May 6 1863. His regiment is near Harrison's Landing, Va., until it participates in Antietam. They spend October in Harper's Ferry, Va., and November 1862- January 1863 in Falmouth, Va., participating in the Battle of Fredericksburg. Landon relates the opinion of the company's African-American cook about his chances of surviving the war and castigates the press coverage of the war as well as Emancipation. He was wounded at Chancellorsville and hospitalized in Washington, D.C., while his regiment participated in Gettysburg.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "An old darkey acting as cook in this company, a runaway from Culpeper Court House or near there, shakes his wooly head ominously when the big guns thunder and says: ''Spec dey will coch dis child yet, dem rubbu is mighty cunnin. Ise feard you all will be gwine backwards berry fast fore long, Stonewall has a smart chance ob men ober dar- whar will dis old nigger be found den? Cotch a runin if he's cotch- dats sartin.'"(Nov. 20, 1862, Falmouth, Va.)
      2. "If I could only occupy the President's chair one day I would devote the entire twenty-four hours to the hanging of five hundred fools and all the correspondents of the daily New York and Philadelphia papers. To see how a battle looks to 'a man up a tree' two miles off and half scared to death, to know exactly the day and hour on which Richmond must fall, to learn all about the secret movements of the army, and and when the 'powers that be' are crazy for a battle, thirsting for blood, which must be shed, no matter what the cost, one has only to read the effusion of these 'daily specials.'" (Dec. 21, 1862, Falmouth, Va.)
      3. "Old Abe's 'free papers' to all, including Africans and the rest of mankind, also the apes, orangoutangs, and monkies in South America caused me an hour's hearty laugh, two hour's steady cry, four hours big with mad, and I am swearing in all the languages known to Americans or Europeans....I cried because he [Lincoln] did not kill himself when a youth splitting rails on bets. I choked with wrath to think that he has command of the old ship of state for twenty six long months to come."(Jan. 8, 1863, Falmouth, Va.)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 14th (1861-1864)
      2. Antietam, Battle of, Md., 1862
      3. Peninsular Campaign, 1862
      4. Peninsular Campaign, 1862 Personal narratives.
      5. Fredericksburg (Va.), Battle of, 1862
      6. Chancellorsville (Va.), Battle of, 1863


39. • Full Citation: [William Landon], "The Fourteenth Indiana Regiment, Letters to the Vincennes Western Sun," Indiana Magazine of History 34, no. 1 (March 1938): 71-98.
    • Home: Knox County (Vincennes)
    • Year: 1863-1864
    • Regiment:14th Indiana, Co. G
    • Engagement: Mine Run Campaign, Battle of Brock's Crossing, Battle of the Wilderness
    • Abstract: Landon's (d. 1866) 4th installment of letters to the Vincennes Sun stretches from Oct. 24, 1863 to July 1, 1864. He leaves the hospital in D.C. after observing Lincoln engaging in target practice on the White House lawn, and re-joins his regiment in November 1863. He has a dramatic description of an episode of the Mine Run Campaign, observes the African American presence in camp, and is injured in the Battle of Brock's Crossing. He also writes movingly of the Battle of the Wilderness, its aftermath, and the bravery of his fellow soldiers. He has an interesting take on the visitors to Mt. Pleasant Hospital.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "I never saw a more imposing sight- the red battle-flags, with the large white cross in the centre, flying- a long, dark column of men, their bright arms gleaming in the morning sun- the dark and frowning muzzles of eighteen or twenty pieces of artillery, and all as quiet and still as though not a soul but the once peaceful and happy inhabitants of the valley were near." (Dec. 7, 1863, Stephensburg, Va.)
      2. "My colored servant, Peter Sa-Mith, has proved himself the Lightfoot of this Brigade 'mongst the 'gemmen ob color.' There has been great sport for a week past, and no little excitement over the darkie foot races. A considerable number of greenbacks, postage currency, and cheap watches have changed hands." (Mar. 21, 1864)
      3. "At Cobb's Tavern, we saw the first secesh females- quite a squad of 'em there was, too. Their look was one of bitterness and hatred...The country north of Fredericksburg, all the way to the Potomac, is a barren waste- now and then a house filled with women and chidlren, who wear a care-worn frightened look that arouses one's sympathies." (May 21, 1864, Mt. Pleasant Hospital, Washington, D.C.)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 14th (1861-1864)
      2. Mine Run Campaign, Va., 1863
      3. Wilderness, Battle of the, Va., 1864


40. • Full Citation: [William Landon], "Last Letters to the Vincennes Sun," Indiana Magazine of History 35, no. 1 (March 1939): 76-94.
    • Home: Knox County (Vincennes)
    • Year: 1865
    • Regiment: 11th Indiana (formerly 14th Indiana, Co. G)
    • Abstract: Landon's last letters to the Vincennes Sun (July 1-November 1 1865) include two significant elements: first, his description of traveling back to Virginia to take part in the proper burial of the Union deceased in the Battle of the Wilderness (where he himself had fought a year prior). He encounters women and children begging for food, and takes the gold teeth out of the mouth of a Confederate corpse. Second, he witnessed the execution of the 4 Lincoln assasination conspirators as a member of the military escort. After being discharged from the 11th Indiana, he was re-assigned to the 3rd Regiment United States Colored Troops as a lieutenant. He died of an apparent drowning while swimming in a river near Ft. Leavenworth in July 1866.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "Three days of this work and we succeeded in gathering a huge pile of grinning, ghastly skulls- the frames of three hundred and fifty Union soldiers." (p. 77, July 1, 1865)
      2. "I have an idea that from the time a fellow feels the rope coiling round his neck till he is 'hood-winked' and actually 'rubbed out' of existence, ye past presents the finest- aye, perhaps the most terrible- panorama he ever witnessed. I have no desire to see it (when my turn comes for 'going under') 'roped in,' with a frame of bayonets and bronzed, unsympathizing faces." (p. 83, July 11, 1865)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 14th (1861-1864)
      2. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 11th (1861-1865)
      3. Wilderness, Battle of the, Va., 1864
      4. Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 Assassination Public opinion Sources.


41. • Full Citation: George W. Lennard, "'Give Yourself No Trouble about Me': The Shiloh Letters of George W. Lennard", ed. Paul Hubbard and Christine Lewis, Indiana Magazine of History 76, no. 1 (March 1980): 21-53.
    • Home: Henry County (New Castle)
    • Year: 1862
    • Regiment:36th Indiana Volunteer Infantry
    • Abstract: Lennard (1825-1864) wrote 160 letters to his wife Clarinda between 1862 and 1864. The first 22, covering the period March 26-May 30, 1862, are reproduced here (originals are in the Arizona State University Library). He participated in Shiloh, and his regiment was in the area for a month after the battle, constantly around still unburied soldiers and horses. He died in the Battle of Resaca, Georgia.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "Oh my God what a battle it was, in every direction for miles are the dead and dieing, and now three days since the battle ended hundreds of the secesh are not buried yet...I have often herd of the battle field, but I had no conception of what a terrible sight it was." (April 10, 1862, Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., p. 31)
      2. "I have but one time to die, and if it is my lot to fall in this great contest to save my country why, I am not going to die in apprehension or in antisipation of death." (April 28, 1862, Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., p. 43)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 36th (1861-1865)
      2. Shiloh, Battle of, Tenn., 1862


42. • Full Citation: Horace B. Little, "Reminiscences of the Civil War: Escape from Fort Tyler Prison," Indiana Magazine of History 13, no. 1 (March 1917): 42-50.
    • Home: Hendricks County (Danville)
    • Year: 1864
    • Regiment: 43rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. K
    • Abstract: Little and members of his company were escorting a wagon train to Little Rock when they were surrounded and captured near Camden, Texas. They were taken to Fort Tyler prison. He and two soldiers used a faked hospital pass to escape, and after walking almost two hundred miles, suffering from much hunger, Little and one of the soliders made it back to their regiment. Little's memories were reprinted from the Danville Gazette on Dec. 7, 1916.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "We thought maybe we could run across a bed of coals where someone had camped and we carried the [dead] squirrel along with us. We did not find a place where we could cook it, so we decided to eat it raw. It was very good and we wished we had another one." (p. 50)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 43rd (1861-1865)


43. • Full Citation: William M. Macy, "The Civil War Diary of William M. Macy," Indiana Magazine of History 30, no. 2 (June 1934): 181-197.
    • Home: Randolph County
    • Year: 1863-1865
    • Regiment:94th Illinois, Co. I
    • Engagements: Vicksburg, Mobile Bay
    • Abstract: Macy (1833-1926) kept a journal between Jan. 1 -Aug. 16, 1863, and Dec. 14, 1863-Aug. 1, 1865. His regiment only moved to the Vickburg area after the end of the siege, was stationed in Brownsville, Texas, from Dec. 20, 1863-July 28, 1864, and then was involved in the Battle of Fort Morgan, where it stayed Aug. 9- Dec. 14, 1864. It returned to Mobile for the Battle of Spanish Fort, where Macy was involved in the battle Mar. 29-Apr 9, 1865. Macy returned to his home in Springfield, Ill. in August 1865. The most interesting aspects of Macy's journal are when he writes of the surrender of Richmond, the assassination of Lincoln, and a dress parade in Lincoln's honor.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "In camp weather warm. Good news from all parts of the army. The Capture of Richmond and the Surrender of Gen R.E. Lee is confirmed One hundred Guns to be fired over the Great Victory." (April 18, 1865, Spanish Fort, Al.)
      2. "News came of the assasination of the President and the Sewards Guns are being fired all day Indignation very great." (April 21, 1865, Spanish Fort, Al.)
      3. "This is a day set apart for the mourning the loss of our Lamented president I was on Guard. They had Dress parade at 4 A.M. Colors draped in mourning. The band played the dead march. Who has a better rite to mourn than a soldier He was their friend." (May 12, 1865, Spanish Fort, Al.)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Illinois Infantry Regiment, 94th (1862-1865)
      2. Vicksburg (Miss.) History Siege, 1863
      3. Mobile Bay (Ala.), Battle of, 1864.
      4. Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 Assassination Public opinion Sources.


44. • Full Citation: DeWitt C. Markle, "'...The True Definition of War': The Civil War Diary of DeWitt C. Markle," ed. Erich L. Ewald, Indiana Magazine of History 89, no. 2 (June 1993): 125-135.
    • Home: Madison County (Markleville)
    • Year: 1863
    • Regiment: 57th Indiana Volunteer Infantry
    • Engagement: Battle of Stones River
    • Abstract: Markle (1838-1911) fought in Buell’s Army of the Ohio, and was injured at the Battle of Stones River. He convalesced at the soldier’s home in Indianapolis and thereafter spent time copying reports at headquarters and reading rebel mail. The diary covers January-September 1863.
    • Sample Text:
      1. “Who but the Soldier knows the true definition of ‘War'?” (p. 129)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 57th (1861-1865)
      2. Stones River, Battle of, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 1862-1863


45. • Full Citation: Hiram H. Martin, "Service Afield and Afloat: A Reminiscence of the Civil War," ed. Guy R. Everson, Indiana Magazine of History 89, no. 1 (March 1993): 35-56.
    • Home: LaPorte County (LaPorte)
    • Year: 1861-1864
    • Regiment: 29th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. G
    • Abstract: Martin (1843-1919) wrote a memoir of his Civil War experience in June 1896, now housed in a family collection. This article contains excerpts of the 114 page manuscript. Martin was involved in a small skirmish near Mumfordsville (Woodsonvillle/Rowlett's Station) on December 17, 1861, but caught pneumonia and was released on a medical discharge. Martin re-enlisted on a gunboat fleet in the "Mississippi Squadron" and was involved in the abortive Red River Expedition. There are images of Martin in old age, a gunboat crew, the Ouachita, and a map of his boat travels.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "As we passed through Louisville in our new uniforms and bright guns with old glory waving at our front the animosity of the secession women was seen by their slurring remarks, about our being Lincoln's hirelings. It so angered Lt. Stebbins that the answer he gave one of them sent her flying into the house." (p. 38)
      2. "Nothing of importance on this trip, except, I remember the burial of some one from the boat on a little Island near the middle of the night, and it was a solemn & weird procession with lanterns and torches burning." (p. 54)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 29th (1861-1865)
      2. Rowlett's Station, Battle of, Ky., 1861
      3. Red River Expedition, 1864


46. • Full Citation: James Louis Matthews, "The Civil War Diary of James Louis Matthews," ed. Roger C. Hackett, Indiana Magazine of History 24, no. 4 (December 1928): 306-316.
    • Home: Warrick County (Newburgh)
    • Years: 1864-1865
    • Regiment:59th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. E
    • Engagements:Burning of Columbia, Battle of Bentonville
    • Abstract: Matthews's (1839-1924) diary covers December 8, 1864-July 23, 1865. After travelling from Evansville to Beaufort, S.C., Matthews was involved in the shelling of the city of Columbia. He also took part in the Battle of Bentonville on March 22. Between April and May of 1865, his regiment marched to Raleigh, N.C., then to Richmond, Va., then to Washington D.C., where he took a rail trip to Louisville, finally returning home on July 23.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "Charged the rebs out of their works...Saw 2 rebels that had been burned by fire till cooked, horrible sight. There were six dead rebs to one union man. This is what I saw." [At Bentonville, March 22, 1865]
      2. "No marching today. Sad news that President Lincoln is killed." [Raleigh, April 18, 1865]
      3. "At night glorious news. Gen. Jo. Johnson surrendered his entire force to Gen. Sherman and there is great rejoicing here." [ Raleigh, April 27, 1865]
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 59th (1862-1865)
      2. Columbia, S.C., Burning of, 1865
      3. Bentonville (N.C.), Battle of, 1865


47. • Full Citation: Leroy S. Mayfield, "Letters and Diaries of Leroy S. Mayfield," Indiana Magazine of History 39, no. 2 (June 1943): 144-91.
    • Home: Monroe County
    • Year: 1861-1864
    • Regiment: 22nd Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. I
    • Engagements: Perryville, Stones River, Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain
    • Abstract: 2nd Lt. Mayfield's (1841-?) regiment was mustered in August 1861 at Camp Noble in Madison, Indiana, and spent most of its time after June 1862 fighting in Tennessee and Georgia. Material begins with a letter in July 1861 and ends June 30, 1864, after Mayfield was wounded in the Battle of Kenesaw Mountain. Contains very heavily edited copies of 34 letters and 2 journals.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "The dead! how thick they lay. The wounded! how awful their groans. Oh! May I never see such a sight, nor hear such groans again, as those witnessed on that bloody 'little spot.'" (description of Battle of Perryville, Ky., Oct. 19, 1862, p. 150)
      2. "The order to 'charge and give them the cold steel' was sounded in a loud tone of voice where upon the rebel raised the 'yell' and dashed headlong onto the weak line of skirmishers, driving us for a short distance where they were checked by our fire." (description of Battle of New Hope Church, Ga., May 27, 1864, p. 185)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 22nd (1861-1865)
      2. Perryville, Battle of, Perryville, Ky., 1862
      3. Stones River, Battle of, Murfreesboro, Tenn., 1862-1863
      4. Chattanooga, Battle of, Chattanooga, Tenn., 1863
      5. Missionary Ridge, Battle of, Tenn., 1863
      6. Resaca, Battle of, Resaca, Ga., 1864
      7. Kenesaw Mountain, Battle of, 1864.


• Full Citation: Miller, William Bluffton, "'We Have Surely Done a Big Work': The Diary of a Civil War Soldier on Sherman's 'March to the Sea'," ed. Jeffrey L. Patrick and Robert Willey, Indiana Magazine of History 94, no. 3 (September 1998): 125-135.
• Home: Wells County
• Year: 1861-1862
• Regiment: 75th Indiana Volunteer Infantry
• Abstract: Miller, whose leg had been wounded at Chickamauga, participated in Sherman’s famed march from Atlanta to Savannah. The diary, 15 Nov-23 Dec 1864, describes daily foraging for food, stealing from the lazy and uneducated “Johnies.” He also notes being helped by “Darkies” and attacked by “Bushwhackers.” He proudly notes that the several rebel papers announced Sherman’s "defeat" (p. 227). While en route, Miller learns that his mother died and received a lock of her hair by mail. The article also publishes photographs of some of the items he foraged: rings, buttons, and money.
• Sample Text:
  1. On the burning of Atlanta: “The city is fired in several places and about dark the Torch was set to the Business part of it. It was a grand sight from our camp to look down on the burning city” (November 15, 1864, p. 218).
  2. On dying rebels: “We captured about a hundred prisoners and killed about thirty of them. It was fun for us to see them Skip out. I seen one old Reb lying along the road (quite an old man) that had been a Saber stroke across his back and was not dead yet but mortally wounded and under other circumstances his grey hairs would have appealed to my heart for simpathy but we are not here to Simpathise with men who brought it on themselves” (Dec. 4, 1864, p. 228).
  3. On free blacks: “to this time the Darkies have been following the army from sections through which we passed and have accumulated to thousands of all Sizes and Sex and our orders is not let them cross the River” (Dec. 8, 1864, p. 230).
• LC Subject Headings:
  1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 75th (1862-1865)
  2. Sherman's March to the Sea
48. • Full Citation: Theophilus Wiley Morrison, "Recollections of Salem," Indiana Magazine of History 29, no. 3 (September 1933): 248-253.
    • Home: Washington County (Salem)
    • Year: 1861
    • Regiment:18th Indiana, Co. G
    • Abstract: Morrison (1842-1898) wrote a short autobiographical memoir of his youth and young adulthood that includes some brief reflection on his Civil War service.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "My comfort was the I had left the impression that I was glad to have the opportunity to serve my country as a soldier, even though my feelings, then, suggested the contrary. My patriotism was at a low ebb just at that time, and I did not care to have it known."
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 18th (1861-1865)


49. • Full Citation: "Civil War Letters and Dispatches," ed. Harvey Wish, Indiana Magazine of History 33, no. 1 (March 1937): 62-74.
    • Homes:Clinton County (Berget's Corner), Stueben County (Salem), Wells County (Ossian), Fulton County (Fulton)
    • Abstract: This collection of civilian letters to the Civil War governor of Indiana, Oliver P. Morton, was found in the clerk's office of the United States Courthouse in Chicago by the Illinois Unit of the federal archives survey. It contains 14 letters to Morton, the first 4 of which notify him of illegal goods being shipped to the Confederacy through Indiana on the Ohio River. The last 10, written by citizens in various counties, inform him of Confederate sympathizers in their area (some refer directly to the Knights of the Golden Circle, a secret society) and ask what they (and he) can do to stop such activity.
    • Sample Text:
      1. From Issac Dick of Bergets Corner, Clinton County, July 23, 1863: "I tell Govner us union folks is geting Weary of Such Carings on if There is anyway to Stop Copperheads and buter nuts from Talking treason I wish to No it and if you think it is best to let them say and do as they please I wish to no it."
      2. From J.S. Woodward of North Salem, Hendricks County, March 20, 1863: "We have a Toleable bad Butternut hole in this part of Hendricks Co. Ind."
      3. From Daniel R. Wisel of Salem, Steuben County, March 23, 1863: "We the loyal people of Salem Tp. Steuben Co. Ind. are Surrounded by Cecesh of the deepest dye, and wish to know, what can be done to stop them in their mad career."
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. Knights of the Golden Circle.
    • See also: Mayo Fesler, "Secret Political Societies in the North during the Civil War," Indiana Magazine of History 14, no. 3 (1918): 183-286.


50. • Full Citation: "'I Take My Pen in Hand': Civil War Letters from Owen County, Indiana," ed. Vivian Zollinger, Indiana Magazine of History 93, no. 2 (June 1997): 111-196.
    • Home: Owen County
    • Year: 1861-1865
    • Regiment: 13th, 14th, 19th, 21st, 59th, 97th, 149th Indiana Volunteer Infantries
    • Abstract: This article is a collection of various soldier's letters from Owen County. They are heavily edited, and organized chronologically and thematically, by a 7th generation Owen County native. Interspersed in the letters is Zollinger's commentary on the soldier's family relationships, battles, camp life, politics, marching, and race. She found them in various private collections as well as in the Owen County Public Library and the Owen County Archives in Spencer. The article contains many images of soliders, their family members, and their letters.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "God forbid that ever the free and fair fields of Indiana should be drenched in blood from the veins of her sons and daughters; but may strife and contention cease and may wise and just counsels, and peace and harmony, prevail all over the land." (James Robinson, Apr. 8, 1863, p. 160)
      2. "The heavy tread of the soldiers marching by that stiring [sic] music Yankee Doodle and the Stars and Stripes as they floated in the breeze made me feel proud that I was an Amerucan Citizen and that we all had offered our services in defense of the Constitutions and those stars and stripes which floated so proudly." (Daniel Williams, 1862, p. 173)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 13th (1861-1865)
      2. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 14th (1861-1864)
      3. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 19th (1861-1864)
      4. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 21st (1861-1863)
      5. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 59th (1862-1865)
      6. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 97th (1862-1865)


51. • Full Citation: James Comfort Patten, "An Indiana Doctor Marches with Sherman: The Diary of James Comfort Patten," ed. Robert G. Athearn, Indiana Magazine of History 49, no. 4 (December 1953): 405-422.
    • Home: Gibson County (Princeton)
    • Year: 1864
    • Regiment:58th Indiana Volunteer Infantry
    • Abstract: Patten (1826-1903) served as surgeon to the 58th between July 4 and December 31, 1864, while the regiment was involved in taking and occupying Atlanta. He writes mostly of his strong feelings about the necessity of a Northern draft and his observations of occupied Atlanta (particularly hungry women and children). He was mustered out in Savannah on Dec. 31, 1864.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "I hope some men I could name may have to come out [enlist]. I want to see them with a gun on their shoulder...I wonder how they will stand fire. I would very much like to see them tried." (Atlanta, Sept. 5, 1864, p. 409)
      2. "A good many women came in as usual to trade for something to eat. Some of them bring in beans, some chinkapins [chesnuts] and muscadines [grapes], while some I have reason to believe resort to more questionable means of obtaining the desired food. But who can blame them, when their children are starving." (Atlanta, Sept. 26, 1864, p. 413)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 58th (1861-1865)
      2. Atlanta Campaign, 1864
      3. Savannah (Ga.) History Siege, 1864


52. • Full Citation: Melville Cox Robertson, "Journal of Melville Cox Robertson," Indiana Magazine of History 28, no. 2 (June 1932): 116-137.
    • Home: Jefferson County (Deputy)
    • Year: 1864-1865
    • Regiment:93rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. E
    • Abstract: Robertson (1840-1865) joined the 93rd in February 1864. He writes of his boredom in camp, and castigates other soldiers for getting drunk while he abstains. He was captured in the Battle of Brice's Crossroads and transferred to Cahaba Prison, where he continued to keep his journal. He was released in a prisoner exchange in March 1865, but contracted typhoid in a parole camp at Vicksburg, Miss. and died April 22, 1865.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "To-day at 2 o'clock P.M. I leave home perhaps forever. If I should return at the end of three years alive I hope to have the proud satisfaction of saying 'my country is saved and I have done my duty as one of its citizens.' If I fall, let my friends forget my faults and remember me only as a dead soldier of the republic. I want no brighter immortality." (message left in his father's Bible before leaving, March 22, 1864) (p. 117)
      2. "While writing the preceding [sentences] the death gasp of a fellow soldier called me away....God preserve me from such a burial. Let me die and be buried at home by friends no matter how humble they may be. Oh let affecton's tear water the mound that rises over my lifeless breast." (Cahaba Prison, June 24, 1864) (p. 129)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. Brice's Crossroads, Battle of, Miss., 1864
      2. Cahaba Prison (Cahaba, Ala.)


53. • Full Citation: Middleton Robertson, "Recollections of Morgan’s Raid," Indiana Magazine of History 34, no. 2 (June 1938): 188-194.
    • Home: Jefferson County (Deputy)
    • Year: 1863
    • Abstract: Robertson (b. 1851) was twelve when Morgan's Raid came near his family's home, and the raiders stole 3 horses. He was at his uncle's farm in Jennings County when the raid came through and did not see them. He then heard a rumor that Nathan Bedford Forrest was coming through town, which turned out to be false, but Union soldiers did come by his uncle's on patrol. He was related to Melville Cox Robertson, whose journal was printed by the IMH in 1932.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "It was not long after Morgan passed until a body of armed men on horseback came into view. Surely, we thought, this must be Forrest and his army and the end of the world. We were unduly alarmed, for, when the men came close, they told us they were not Confederates but Union men."
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. Morgan's Raid, 1863


54. • Full Citation: Joseph Frederick Shelly, "The Shelly Papers," ed. Fanny Anderson and trans. Sophie Gemant, Indiana Magazine of History 44, no. 2 (June 1948): 181-198.
    • Home: LaPorte County (Michigan City)
    • Year: 1862-1863
    • Regiment: 41st Indiana Volunteer Infantry, 2nd Calvary, Co. B
    • Abstract: Shelly's (1830-1863) letters to his wife Pauline have been translated from the original German (Shelly was born in Baden, Germany). Shelly did not see major action, but took part in skirmishes around various camps in Tennessee. His letters are most interesting for camp details, his chastisement of his wife for having Copperhead sympathies, and assuring her that he will not take an African American mistress. He drowned while ferrying on the Cumberland River on November 29, 1863.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "I have no news to tell you except that we discovered last week a soldier who turned out to be a girl. She had already been in service for 21 months and was twice wounded. Maybe she would have remained undiscovered for a long time, if she hadn't fainted. She was given a warm bath which gave the secret away." (Louisville, Ky., Feb. 23, 1863, p. 186)
      2. "Though I live in the negro country, I haven't changed my opinion of them, only strengthened it. They are not good for anything, unless driven to work, so you don't need to be afraid that I will fall in love with them, though it is the case with many soldiers." (Winchester, Tenn., Nov. 6, 1863, p. 197)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Cavalry Regiment, 2nd (1861-1865)


55. • Full Citation: John Traub, "Letters of John Traub, Twenty-Ninth Indiana Infantry," ed. Paul Fatout, Indiana Magazine of History 53, no. 2 (June 1957): 171-174.
    • Home: unknown
    • Year: 1862-1863
    • Regiment: 29th Indiana Volunteer Infantry
    • Abstract: Only 2 letters by John Traub (dated Dec. 9, 1862, Nashville and June 7, 1863, Murfreesboro) to his brother George survive, and they are printed here. In the first letter, he writes of some local skirmishes, and in the second, he wrote that he was greatful that the Siege of Vicksburg was almost over as it would help end the war. He received an honorable discharge in 1865, although his pension request was declared invalid in 1890.
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 29th (1861-1865)


56. • Full Citation: J. Eberle West, "Morgan's Raid," Indiana Magazine of History 20, no. 1 (March 1924): 92-96.
    • Home: Belmont County, Ohio (St. Clairsville)
    • Year: 1863
    • Abstract: West's letter to his father on Monday, July 28, 1863, describes a brief scare that his town regarding the possibility of a raid by John Hunt Morgan. This was the first time West had been in military action. Misinformation and confusion on Saturday led to the citizen militia not engaging in any fighting. Sunday, the militia received word that some of Morgan's men were captured. Monday, West received word that Morgan himself were captured.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "I think Morgan's raid has done more good than harm, as it has arroused [sic] the
         people out of their lethargy and and tended to united the people."
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. Morgan's Raid, 1863.
    • See also: Lester V. Horwitz, The Longest Raid of the Civil War: Little-Known & Untold Stories of Morgan's Raid into Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio (Cincinnati: Farmcourt, 2001).
    
    
57. • Full Citation: David S. Whitenack and Henry Devillez, "Reminiscences of the Civil War: Andersonville," Indiana Magazine of History 11, no. 2 (June 1915): 128-147.
    • Home:
    • Year: 1863-1865
    • Regiment: 5th Indiana Calvary, Co. F (Whitenack), 93rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. G (Devillez)
    • Abstract: Whitenack, a resident of Greenwood, Ind., enlisted in December 1863 and was involved in the Battle of Resaca, Georgia. He was captured and transfered to Andersonville prison with his brother. They escaped on foot but were re-captured and returned to Columbia, S.C. He was mustered out in September 1865. Devillez was captured at the Battle of Brice's Crossroads (Guntown) and was at Andersonville from June 1864 until his release at the end of the war.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "In a few minutes we were asleep, but soon awoke again and opening our eyes we beheld a man stooping over and looking into our faces...We told him that we were 'Yanks' when he said that hw was glad to hear it...he proved to be a fellow runaway." (Whitenack, p. 135)
      2. "No man has more chance to know what hunger is than a prisoner at Andersonville had." (Devillez, p. 144)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Cavalry Regiment, 5th (1862-1865)
      2. Resaca, Battle of, Resaca, Ga., 1864
      3. Brice's Crossroads, Battle of, Miss., 1864
      4. Andersonville, Ga. Military Prison.


58. • Full Citation: Harvey W. Wiley, "Corporal Harvey W. Wiley's Civil War Diary," ed. William L. Fox, Indiana Magazine of History 51, no. 2 (June 1955): 139-162.
    • Home: Jefferson County
    • Year: 1864
    • Regiment:137th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. I
    • Abstract: Wiley (1844-1930) served in the 137th between May and September 1864, guarding a railroad depot in Tullahoma, Tenn. He never saw action, but his diary contains detailed descriptions of picket duty and camp life, including African American regiments.
    • Sample Text:
      1. "I seen a new part of the 'Elephant' today viz. a squad of Negro soldiers drilling. They did a great deal better than many white troops I have seen with the same opportunities." (Tullahoma, Tenn., May 31, 1864, p. 142)
      2. "Nearly all the guards along the road are Negroes. They are fine looking soldiers. They always turn out at a present arms when the train passes. Their accouterments and guns are as bright as they can be, and the broad smile that marks their countenances attest their like of the change from Chattels to U.S. soldiers." (Louisville, Ky., Sept. 17, 1864, p. 162)
    • LC Subject Headings:
      1. United States. Army. Indiana Infantry Regiment, 137th (1864)

Return to Voices From the Past index
Return to IMH Home.
Have questions or comments? Email us.
Copyright © 1935-1983 Trustees of Indiana University.
Abstracts by Elizabeth Sloan.