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Tag Archives: soldier letters
Colonel Thoburn, The Romantic?
Colonel Joseph Thoburn is probably not one of the historical figures from the Civil War who comes to mind with the word “romantic.” One of the Union’s best brigade officers in the Shenandoah Valley in 1864, his name is associated … Continue reading
Posted in Civilian, Common Soldier
Tagged Battle of Cedar Creek, Joseph Thoburn, soldier letters, Valentine's Day, war romance
3 Comments
Question of the Week: 6/21-6/27/21
What is your favorite letter written in the Civil War era? And why is it your favorite?
Posted in Question of the Week
Tagged primary source, Question of the Week, soldier letters
12 Comments
“Dear Papa…I wonder how you still can be so good to me”
Josiah Gardner Abbott (b. 1814) had a busy professional life as one of Massachusetts most successful attorneys and a regular civil servant in the offices of county judge, state representative, and state senator, but he made time to influence the … Continue reading
“To Make A Foray”: A Letter From The Chickahominy Raid
This week I’ve been getting my notes ready for the Virtual Symposium filming session where I’ll be sharing about J.E.B. Stuart’s 1862 Chambersburg Raid. In the process of reviewing the historical information, I moved backward on the timeline and re-examined … Continue reading
“From Son & Brother, The Soldier Boy”: Crossing The James River, Heading For Petersburg
In June 1864, the armies gathered at Petersburg, Virginia. For campaign or battle anniversaries, I enjoy finding primary sources or battle reports that I haven’t seen or explore before. Last night—while procrastinating on my current events and Civil War history … Continue reading
A Captured Letter from the Battle of Brandy Station
On June 9, 1863, one of the largest cavalry fights on the North American continent occurred. Known in the history books as the battle of Brandy Station, this conflict started when elements of Union General Alfred Pleasonton’s cavalry attacked Confederate … Continue reading
“Good bye from your soger boy”: One Last Letter before the Wilderness
Sometimes he signed his letters “with affection” or “good-night” or “good-bye.” Sometimes he wrote his full name, other times just initials, sometimes with the familiar name to his family and friends: “Will.” Most of his correspondence went to his younger … Continue reading
Primary Sources: One Farewell Letter
Ken Burn’s lengthy documentary The Civil War featured excerpts from many primary sources. One of the most unforgettable letters in the documentary was written by Major Sullivan Ballou of the 2nd Rhode Island Infantry Regiment.
Primary Sources: Longing To Be A Soldier
“I wrote Mother about my trip, but I don’t think I told her that most of our marches could be called forced marches, as we were on light rations half the time. I stood the Campaign “bully,” but felt as … Continue reading
General Joshua L. Chamberlain and a Fatherhood Journey
On October 18, 1864, Brigadier General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain wrote a letter to his wife, Frances Caroline. This letter – though written during the war period – is unique and gives a glimpse of fatherhood, rather than war. Chamberlain is … Continue reading
