Here’s a faded and unsigned letter (last page missing) so that it is not usable in the database. Written by a Federal soldier at what looks like “Camp Roberts” which was located near Bridgeport, Alabama (NE). I’m not familiar with the camp so if anyone has information, please respond. Anyway, the content is useful so here it is: Camp Roberts, Alabama, 1861 August 30th Friend Lib This is Sabbath evening and I being at leisure and studying about those that I knew and was acquainted with when I was in Illinois I remembered you and I concluded that I would write you a letter to inform you the news, and how my health is and etc etc xxx We have heard grievous news for the last two days The report is that Fort Waggoner and … Read entire article »

On August 16, the 39th Illinois Volunteer Infantry captured the enemy works at Deep Run — despite a 200 yard crossing under heavy fire. New in the database is a written account of the attack by Captain Homer Plimpton of Company G. He wrote the letter weeks later on September 16th, 1864 from the confines of the Headquarters of the 39th Regiment: Shall I tell you of an interesting scene I witnessed on the battle ground at Deep Run on the 16th of August? It reminded me of home & of a mother’s influence. It was when the battle was at its greatest heights. We had just carried the enemy’s works at the point of the bayonet & were fighting inside the entrenchments. About me the dead and dying … Read entire article »

The 4th North Carolina Infantry Regiment completed its organization in May, 1862, at Camp Hill. On May 6th of 1864 the 4th Regiment found itself on the extreme left of the Confederate line at the Wilderness. On the 7th they were moved to reserve and checked Union General Burnside’s movement between Ewell and A.P. Hill’s Corp. Ramsuer’s Brigade saw heavy fighting at Spotsylvania on May the 11th and 12th and drove the enemy from the captured Mule Shoe on the 12th. (source) Walter Battle was a private in the regiment, and wrote the following: Our brigade after, we had charged and run the Yankees from their works, was not long enough to cover the line held by Johnston’s division, so the Yankees held a position on our right, upon a hill which … Read entire article »

This is a fairly unique letter in that it takes place after the war and includes some nice reflection on the part of a Confederate soldier. The letter is written by Francis M. Brown who appears to be very loyal to the South and proud of his service. However, there are two Francis M. Brown’s to be found, one in the West Virginia 12th Infantry and one 77th Virginia Militia. The West Virginia unit was a Union regiment so it seems this Brown probably served in the 77th Virginia. Interesting comments by Brown about his pride in being a Rebel and his description of what was happening with blacks. As this letter was written post war, I decided not to include it in the database. Patterson’s Creek – February the … Read entire article »