All letters in the Harvey Collection, arranged in chronological order. To browse letters by key authors, navigate to an author sub-collection from the previous page.
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Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Armstrong Family
Thomas S. Armstrong
September 04, 1862; Camp Zanesville, OHThomas is in charge of camp while the Captain and 1st Lieutenant are recruiting.
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Letter from Robert Hanson to Francis P. Porter
Robert Hanson
September 04, 1862; Jackson, TNRobert describes a recent skirmish and current conditions surrounding the regiment's encampment
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
September 08, 1862; Bolivar, TNGeorge encourages Francis to write to him, shares a brief account of recent combat, and considers the consequences of a possible draft.
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Letter from Charles M. Cornyn to Thomas S. Armstrong
Charles M. Cornyn
October 08, 1862; Danville, VAThomas is promoted to 1st Lieutenant in the 122nd OVI.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
October 24, 1862; Bolivar, TNGeorge reacts to an ongoing accusation of dishonesty by some relations to the Porter family and requests that Francis keep close watch on his collection of letters
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Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Armstrong Family
Thomas S. Armstrong
October 26, 1862; Camp Union, VAThomas shares news about illness, looting of livestock, and the camp itself.
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Letter from Robert Hanson to Francis P. Porter
Robert Hanson
November 01, 1862; Bolivar, TNRobert writes to Francis about the bad food poisoning some soldiers and how looking at photos and knowing they are prayed for helps the soldiers' resolve.
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Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Jacob G. Armstrong
Thomas S. Armstrong
November 06, 1862; Clarksburg, VAThomas laments returning to "the tented field again"; meeting a company that was at the battles of South Mountain and Antietam; posing for a painted photograph; supplies sent to Robert Hanson.
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Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to William Armstrong
Thomas S. Armstrong
November 07, 1862; Clarksburg, VAUnder orders, Thomas asks his father to contact a sutler in Zanesville to transport a cook to the camp
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Letter from W.G. Spencer to Armstrong Family
W.G. Spencer
November 11, 1862; Germantown, OHW.G. Spencer sends condolences to the Armstrongs regarding Wilbur's death and news about his family; anxieties about the war
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Letter from Robert Hanson to Jacob G. Armstrong
Robert Hanson
November 14, 1862; La Grange, TNRobert describes prisoners taken in that he feels surrendered out of exhaustion. He remarks on the complications managing a growing Brigade and the state of some local communities affected by the fighting.
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Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Francis P. Porter
Thomas S. Armstrong
November 16, 1862; New Creek, VANow in New Creek, Thomas is back in the "tented field" and optimistic about the state of the war. His Regiment is bracing for a raid by Stonewall Jackson.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
November 18, 1862; La Grange, TNGeorge asks Francis about the Porter family's move to Illinois and expresses doubt about leaving the front for home in the current winter. He offers teaching advice to Francis.
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Letter from Robert Hanson to Francis P. Porter
Robert Hanson
November 24, 1862; La Grange, TNAfter routing Rebels at Holly Springs, Robert writes the Brigade is in high spirits in La Grange. He considers the community of freed men near Grand Junction. The 78th has not paid its soldiers in 5 months and holiday furloughs are not likely.
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Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Jacob G. Armstrong
Thomas S. Armstrong
November 26, 1862; New Creek, VAThomas's regiment has been moving frequently and "drilling considerably" along the way. He laments the casualties of the war so far. He requests supplies from home, including 20 pounds of butter, writing supplies and some boots.
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Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to William Armstrong
Thomas S. Armstrong
December 05, 1862; New Creek, VAThomas informs his father of recent military intel and an upcoming 'expedition' south.
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Letter from George W. Porter to Francis P. Porter
George W. Porter
December 08, 1862; Oxford, MSGeorge writes the Regiment has taken many prisoners and he is optimisitc that the war will be over by the first of April. He advises Francis be cautious with Robert Hanson as he is fond of drinking.
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Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to William Armstrong
Thomas S. Armstrong
December 11, 1862; Petersburg, VAThomas asks for money so he can pay his commisary bill down and pay Lieutenant Black back. He enjoys soldiering, even though it is uncertain when he will be paid again.
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Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Flavilla Armstrong
Thomas S. Armstrong
December 12, 1862; Petersburg, VAThomas talks about the food preparation and other conditions in camp and replies to some of Flavilla updates from home.
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Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Francis P. Porter
Thomas S. Armstrong
December 14, 1862; Petersburg, VAThomas says he would like to see Francis as soon as "Burnside whales the Rebels." He doubts that George is interested in marrying Meda .
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Letter from Robert Hanson to Francis P. Porter
Robert Hanson
December 23, 1862; Oxford, MSRobert writes that the Brigade is 4 miles in advance of the Army of the Mississippi and without a direct supply line. The Brigade has "played smash" along its route, burning 16 bridges. A Sergeant copes with the death of his son.
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Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Jacob G. Armstrong
Thomas S. Armstrong
January 04, 1863; Winchester, VAThomas describes his regiment's recent activities, including march distances, meals, and interactions with citizens in Winchester.
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Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Francis P. Porter
Thomas S. Armstrong
January 05, 1863; Winchester, VAThomas recounts Christmas and New Year's Day , including a near-fatal reconnaissance trip.
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Letter from Robert Hanson to Francis P. Porter
Robert Hanson
January 13, 1863; Lafayette, TNRobert writes of George's promotion to 1st Lieutenant of Mounted Infantry. While the camp is mobilizing for Vicksburg, severe weather and Colonel Leggett's resignation are affecting morale.
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Letter from Thomas S. Armstrong to Jacob G. Armstrong
Thomas S. Armstrong
January 22, 1863; Winchester, VAThomas describes the site where his regiment will make its "winter quarters." He and his fellow soldiers eagerly prepare to receive their pay.