Browse Items (1170 total)

Jeffrey Thomas Wilson (1843-1929) was a former slave who spent most of his life in and around Portsmouth and Norfolk, Virginia. He outlived four wives and had at least twelve children. Wilson's diaries include entries on a range of topics from local…

Letter written by Fenner Wilson, a private in Company D, 45th North Carolina Infantry, during the American Civil War, to his brother, B. G. (Basley Graves) Wilson. Writing from Danville, Virginia, Wilson discusses sickness in his company and other…

This letter was sent from William Hawhorn to Edgar Knapp on August 27, 1863.

A letter from William Yeaman to his brother and a letter from the cousin of Thomas Yeaman to Thomas Yeaman.

A letter from William Yeaman to his father wishing him and the rest of his family well. Yeaman says that there is not much news to report.

A letter from William Yeaman to his brother describing his delight in hearing that he was well and thanks him for the fish hook he sent. Informs his brother that he is also healthy and that there is no news to report.

A letter from William Yeaman to his father John and brother Thomas Yeaman discussing life at camp and General George Pickett.

A letter from William Yeaman to his father John Yeaman.

A letter from William Yeaman to his father discussing daily camp life.

A letter from William Yeaman to his father.

A letter from Thomas Yeaman to brother William Yeaman promising to provide any help William may need. A return letter from William to Thomas was written starting a the bottom of the front page and continues on the back.

A letter from William Yeaman to his brother Thomas Yeaman, written and mailed on the same sheet of paper as his May 18th letter.

A letter from William Yeaman to his brother Thomas Yeaman, written and mailed on the same sheet of paper as his May 1st letter.

A letter from William Yeaman to his father discussing life at a Confederate army camp.

A letter from William Yeaman to his brother discussing his wellbeing.

A letter from William Yeaman to his father discussing life at a Confederate army camp.

A brief table list of William Yeaman's activities labeled "Since December the [25?] 1861." It lists activities from December 25 to January 8.

Isaac writes to his mother about his grief over his brother's death.

Isaac, along with 250 men, are marching to Beverly to capture the garison stationed there. The expedition will take up the three weeks.

Isaac denounces the author of an article claiming that Imboden's command, which Isaac is a member of, was responsible for the failures at Winchester. He asks about the members of his family and again complains of not hearing enough news from them.

Isaac asks Jinnie and his family to write him more often. His command is advancing on the enemy near Mt Crawford. Isaac comments on how the enemy has destroyed the country and burnt nearly everything to the ground.

The 62nd suffered a great loss in Winchester, with 2,000-3,000 kills and wounded. Isaac expresses how horrible he thinks war is, even during the excitement of a battle.

Isaac is very weary and in need of new clothing, which he is hopeful of getting. Isaac's friend Archer wrote him, saying he requested that Isaac be appointed the surgeon for Colonel Giles's regiment. Isaac still mourns the death of his brother…

Isaac again reiterates his sorrow of hearing of his brother's death and his desire to be with his family to grieve together.

Isaac writes to Jinnie, still grieving for the death of his brother.

Isaac is torn apart by the sudden news of his brother's death. He is consumed by thoughts of his brother's widow and children, and wishes to be with his family for consolation.

A Yankee spy was shot the day prior. Grant, Sherman, and Stonemen have all faced defeat, much to Isaac's joy. Isaac and many of his fellow soldiers are in tattered clothing.

Isaac updates Jinnie on the injuries and deaths of their friends, including the death of Alfred. The 62nd has very few men left. They will not be fighting, though they are in the line of battle.

Issac's regiment will be getting horses and serving as infantry for General Imboden. Isaac receives notice that they are going on an expedition with an unknown destination.

Reports from Richmond say that the Southern armies killed and wounded 30,000 enemies.

Still in the hospital, now joined by friends Dick and Alvin, Isaac requests that his sister's servant is sent down with Alfred to serve Isaac in the army.

Isaac is receiving treatment at the Hospital Col for Dysentery and Cholmorbous.

An exhausted and ill Isaac reports to Jinnie about the relentess fighting he has been engaged in since the last letter he wrote her.

General Grant is making his way to Chichommany, and so Isaac's division is marching there. Isaac mourns the death of his friend John Higginbothem.

Issac updates Jinnie on the status of their badly hurt friend Alfred, as well as the final numbers of losses from the previously mentioned battle. He is anticipating being joined by George Briggs.

Isaac's command has been fighting in battles for the past five days, but he made it out unhurt. He describes the horror of the battle, as his side lost up to 600 injured or killed.

Isaac's command si waiting for a successful movement on the part on General Lee before they move themselves.

Isaac delayed his march to Mt Crawford one day in order to visit the Waughs family in Staunton. He believes his command will march a long way soon, to an unknown destination.

Isaac is catching a moment of peace at his remote station in the mountains, situated in a comfortable tent with adequate food supply.

Isaac describes a horrific and eventually pointless expedition that his command endured, resulting in awful deaths of some of his fellow soldiers. He does not think the war will find any rest during the winter.

Mary writes to inform Isaac that her husband is in fact dead.

Isaac does not believe his command has enough troops to protect the extensive country they occupy. He asks Jinnie to have his sister order a new coat for him in preparation for the upcoming winter.

Isaac visited with his friends Mr. and Mrs. Kettle. He heard back from Richmond, and acknowledges that it will be a while before he receives a promotion.

Isaac has yet to hear from the board in Richmond about a potential promotion, and he does not believe he will get it. He is concerned about the dwindling numbers of his command.

After failing to capture the enemy forces in Moorsfield, Isaac's troop marched to Hardy County. At this time, Isaac is the only remaining surgeon in his command, as one was taken prisoner and the other was sent to Richmond.

Jinnie's father is still alive. Isaac describes an encounter with the enemy near Moorsfield that resulted in hiss troop capturing 10 prisoners.