Category Archives: Uncategorized

29 May 1864: “One colored regiment at each place to hold against great odds these important positions, which the army is fortifying.”

Item description: Sent from Acting Rear-Admiral Samuel Phillips Lee to Gideon Welles, who was U. S. Secretary of Navy, this telegram discusses military movements in the Fort Powhatan and Wilson’s Wharf region of Virginia, especially that of African American Union … Continue reading

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16 September 1863: “…it is so sweet to me to be petted if it is only by letter.”

Item description: Letter, dated 16 September 1863, from Frances “Fannie” Roulhac Hamilton to her husband, Daniel Heyward Hamilton.  She discusses an unidentified illness and the spring where she and others are being treated, as well as the pregnancy of a … Continue reading

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30 June 1863: “the difficult feat of marching 30 miles in one day”

Item description: Diary entry, 30 June 1863, written by Levi J. Fritz, describing his regiment’s march toward the Battle of Gettysburg. Fritz served in the 53rd Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment during the Civil War and wrote the regiment’s song, “My 53rd.”. … Continue reading

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11 April 1863: “The giant mind of Lee is even now, I confidently believe, moulding plans of attack, should Hooker fail to advance…”

Item Description:  Letter, dated 11 April 1863, from Ruffin Thomson to his father, William H. Thomson.  Ruffin Thomson was the oldest child and only son of William H. Thomson and Hannah Lavinia Thomson. He studied at the University of Mississippi … Continue reading

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10 April 1863: “A great many spectators especially ladies _ for whom Genl Hardee has given the entertainment _ he has several at his house _ and this is the second or third time they have come up from Huntersville.”

Item description: Diary entry, 10 April 1863, by Taylor Beatty (b. 1837), a lawyer from Thibodaux, Lafourche Parish, Louisiana, serving under General Braxton Bragg . On 12 January 1863, General Bragg offered Beatty a position, which he accepted, in the … Continue reading

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21 October 1862: “Gen. Stewart was quite a favorite at Gainesville, especially among the ladies.”

Item description: Letter, 21 October 1862, from Cicero Adams to his wife Mary. More about Cicero Adams:  Cicero Adams was the husband of Mary Hughes and son-in-law of John H. Hughes, all from the Edgefield area of South Carolina. Cicero, along … Continue reading

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12 September 1862: “The time of ironclad being ready is very indefinite. It is questionable if she will be finished for some time to come…”

Item description: Report, dated 12 September 1862, from Charles Wilkes, commanding officer of the James River Flotilla, to Gideon Welles, United States Secretary of the Navy. Item citation: Official records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion.. … Continue reading

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23 August 1862: “He came too, to take away slaves. He wanted two especially – Rina, who was washer and ironer for the family, and the childs nurse called Bella…”

Image description: Entry, dated 23 August 1862, from the diary of Laura Towne. Towne (1825-1901) came to St. Helena as part of the Port Royal Relief Group of Pennsylvania, an abolitionist group that came to Beaufort, S.C. and the surrounding … Continue reading

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26 December 1861: “I was promising myself much happiness in spending a few days with you at New Year’s, and am much grieved that it has to be deferred…”

Item description: Letter from Elisha Franklin Paxton to his wife, Elizabeth, dated 26 December 1861. In the letter Paxton informs his wife that his hoped-for furlough would not come through in time for him to visit around New Year’s Day, … Continue reading

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