Category Archives: Southern Historical Collection

1 April 1865: “I am on his side in all this struggle with congress and would be in favor of making him a Dictator today.”

Posted on 1 Apr ’15 by

Item Description: Letter dated 1 April 1865 from William Dudley Gale to his wife Kate Polk Gale. Gale joined the Confederate Army to serve as a staff officer for his father in law, General Leonidas Polk. After General Polk’s death … Continue reading →

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31 March 1865: “There would probably be no difficulty is getting the men to volunteer into this service but the difficulty is to procure the horses”

Posted on 31 Mar ’15 by

Item Description: Letter from Major General Cash to South Carolina Governor A. G. Magrath. He writes that he’s raised the men for a division from the eastern counties of South Carolina but does not have the weapons, ammunition, rations, or … Continue reading →

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30 March 1865: “Oh Darling my heart yearns after you by day and night and if U could only look into it and see how it is filled with love”

Posted on 30 Mar ’15 by

Item Description: Letter from Edward Porter Alexander to his wife.  He writes about how much he misses her and the children. Item Citation: Folder 22a, in the Edward Porter Alexander Papers, #7, Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, University of North … Continue reading →

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28 March 1865: “I am once more a free man, Thank God!”

Posted on 28 Mar ’15 by

Item Description: Stephen Tippet Andrews served in the 85th New York Infantry Regiment during the War. In Spring 1864 he was captured by the confederates and imprisoned in Columbia. This letter was written upon his release. He describes his escape from prison … Continue reading →

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27 March 1865: “I guess all the girls is going to get married but the ones that I would be glad to hear of their finding some fellow that would suit better than I do.”

Posted on 27 Mar ’15 by

Item Description: Letter dated 27 March 1865 from Charles Milton Hopper to his family back home. Hopper served in the 70th Ohio Regiment of the United States Army. Item Citation: Folder 1, Charles Milton Hopper Papers, #3584, Southern Historical Collection, … Continue reading →

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26 March 1865: “We had a small fight at Petersburg yesterday”

Posted on 26 Mar ’15 by

Item Description: In this letter, E.P. Alexander describes the atmosphere around Richmond after the Attack on Fort Stedman in Petersburg, VA. He also discusses what the the scene was like following that battle. In particular, he mentions a large crater where the … Continue reading →

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25 March 1865: “This is my first and I hope will be my very last fight, as it is anything but agreeable to see men fall all around you killed or wounded.”

Posted on 25 Mar ’15 by

Item Description: Letter written by Henry Armand London to his father.  He describes the events of the Battle of Fort Stedman, a failed attempt by the Confederate Army to break the siege on Petersburg.  He mentions wounded and captured members … Continue reading →

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24 March 1865: “No matter if our country goes down tomorrow Lees name will stand first upon the pinnacle of fame, as the greatest of commanders living or dead.”

Posted on 24 Mar ’15 by

Item Description: Letter dated 24 March 1865 from William C. McClellan to his brother Robert A. McClellan.  He discusses hearing from family in Alabama and the declining health of their parents.  He also mentions about conditions at Petersburg and how … Continue reading →

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22 March 1865: “I have just returned safe & sound from an expedition to Bentonville against Sherman”

Posted on 22 Mar ’15 by

Item Description: A letter from Duncan G. Campbell to his wife about the Battle of Bentonville. He mentions capturing commanders, and losses suffered. Item Transcription: From Folder #6, in the Campbell Family Papers #135, Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, University of North Carolina … Continue reading →

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21 March 1865: “some way of accomplishing the move may be opened to us. “

Posted on 21 Mar ’15 by

Item Description: Letter dated 21 March 1865 in which the author expresses concerns for her friends and family and the difficulties of contacting them. Item Citation: Folder 271, Pettigrew Family Papers, #592, Southern Historical Collection, Wilson Library, University of North … Continue reading →

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