About the Author George Armstrong Custer was born on December 5, 1839 in New Rumley, Harrison County, Ohio. He enlisted as a 2nd Lieutenant at the age of 26 on June 24, 1861 and was mustered into the 2nd U.S. Army Cavalry. He was transferred to the 5th U.S. Army Cavalry on August 3. Custer was commissioned into the U.S. …
Smith, Asa – Photograph of General George A. Custer
Photograph of General George A. Custer
Wellman, Irvin – April 20, 1865
Camp near Petersburg, Va. April 20th, 65 Friend Elon, I recd. your letter of the 26th & you may bet I was glad to hear from you & to hear that Rube was once more out of the hands of the Rebs. He was in luck to get out alive. I was expecting everyday to hear bad news from him but I hope now he has got home he will come around alright.
Hall, Lovinus A. – April 12, 1865
Birk Station Apr. 12 1865 Dear Sister, I am writing to you today to letting you know that I am well and that I saw the rebellion we had been fighting them every day for eleven days. That morning it commenced at day light. Our division was dismounted and sent out on the skirmish line. We fought them about two hours so General Sheridan could get the infantry in position then we moved our horses and charged on them but there met Genl. Lee with a party of men working on terms.
Sowle, George H. – November 7, 1864
Head Quarters U.S. Forces Winchester, Va. Nov. 7 1864 Colonel, I have the honor to state that G.H. Sowle Co. G 5 Michigan Cavalry this day entered on lines from the direction of Berryville and reported as follows. He was taken prisoner by men of Mosby’s command on the Maeadanuged Road near Newtown and by them taken to a camp on the Berryville and Winchester Turnpike.
Safford, Charles H. – August 14, 1864
Middletown Va Aug 14 1864 Monday Dear Father We had a pleasant trip from City Point to Washington but only [ ? ] at the latter place during Saturday + part of Sunday last then moved via Rockville Poolesville [ ? ] to Harpers Ferry.
Forbes, Carey – April 22, 1864
Camp 1st Mich Cav Near Culpeper C. H. , Va. April 22nd 1864 Dear Parents Your kind letter of the 14th inst is received I was very glad to hear from you and to learn that you wer all well.
Smith, Asa – January 28, 1864-August 11, 1864; May 1865
I Velma E Gunning cherishes this Book. It is over 100 years old. And I [ ? ] [ ? ] my 86th Birthday. I was born on May tenth 1907. My husband’s Father (John W. Gunning) severed in the Civil War also. He was the drumer boy. I have never heard a Negro say “Thank You” to norther who enlisted to free the slaves. Asa Smith Byersvillel Livingston Co. New York Jan. 28th / 64 1. Jan 28 Grand Rapids Mich Enlisted in the service of the US Sixth Michigan Cavalry Co. H. Enlisted by Sergt. J.L. Martin Drew one set of dishes
Wiser, Alphonso H. – October 6, 1863
oct the 6 1863 tenn Camp Near Bull Gap Wall my Dear frendley wife i set myself down to write a few lines to you to let you know how i am and how i git a long i am well at present and hope these few lines may find you the same wall Sina we went out yesterday and had a fite with the rebs
Custer, George A. – September 29, 1863
Utica Sept 29 1863 Sir: I have the honor to transmit [ ? ] Withers testimonial for Capt Walker. Kesaks position in [ ? ] New Cavalry Bureau + from aknowledge of [ ? ] this people + command him warmly I have the honor to be Your obt sert A. [ ? ]
Ives, Edward H. – August 14, 1863
Camp near Hartwood Church Aug. 14th, 1863 Dear Uncle: Not having held any correspondence with you since I have been in the army, it is with some reluctance that I write now, for I know that, through different sources, you hear enough and more perhaps, of this war than you care about already: but thinking that a letter from me giving a short account for the part “we wolverines” have taken in the late campaign, might be of some interest to you. I concluded to write to you.
Clark, Egbert B. – July 11, 1863
Boonsboro Md. July 11″ 1863 My Dearest Wife, It has been a number of days since I have written you but it is thungh my and of mine as we have our on the move so much it has seen imposible for me to write.
Clark, Egbert B. – July 4, 1863
Camp for breakfast 2nd Brigade Near Gettysburg, Pa. July 4th, 1863 My Dearest Wife, I have just a minute to spare and write to let you know that we were in the action yesterday and I escaped without a scratch. Our Co. lost several killed, wounded and missing.