Series I: Ruebn Lanphear,

Letter from Ruebn at Fort Snelling to his daughter and son-in-law, 1861 October 7.

Scope Note:

Ruebn writes to daughter and son-in-law about day-to-day life in camp. He explains that he is a drummer in his regiment. He believes that his regiment will soon be sent west to face Indians while his son, George, and his regiment will soon be engaged with the Confederate army.

Letter from Ruebn at Fort Ridgely to E.L. Shattuck, 1862 January 23.

Scope Note:

Ruebn speaks of his frail health which has become worse since he experienced a debilitating fall. Because of his health, he has asked for a discharge, but he expects to be at the fort another four or five weeks. He informs them that Amelia "is hear keeping house for me." He expresses concern for his son, whose regiment is just miles from the Confederates. He expects a fight for George's regiment any day.

Letter from Ruebn at Fort Ridgely to Son and Daughter, 1862 March 3.

Scope Note:

Ruebn states that he received a thirty day furlough to return to Rich Valley with Amelia. He also notes that all of the families will be forced out before the season of campaigning begins in the spring. In addition he sends pictures.

Letter from Ruebn at camp near Corinth, Miss., to his son and daughter, 1862 May 22.

Scope Note:

Written during the Battle of Shiloh, while serving in General Pope's division, Ruebn ruminates that he may not get the military discharge that he applied for.

Letter from Ruebn at Jefferson Barracks Hospital, outside of St. Louis, to son and daughter, 1862 August 7.

Scope Note:

Still suffering from ill health, Ruebn has not been with his regiment for two months. He writes that he is still waiting for a discharge.

Letter from Ruebn at Jefferson Barracks Hospital to Eliza, 1862 August 28.

Scope Note:

Still waiting for word on his discharge, Ruebn expresses that his primary concern is for his family in Minnesota.

Letter from Ruebn at Jefferson Barracks Hospital to Eliza, [1862] September.

Scope Note:

Ruebn states that he is now very afraid for his son, especially after hearing of a battle near Corinth. "It would kill me if George was killed," he writes. He expresses his dismay that his other son, Nelson, has enlisted, and he remarks that the family is now spread throughout the nation.

Letter from Ruebn at Camp Casey, near Washington, D.C., to his sister, 1862 October 22.

Scope Note:

Enjoying better health, Lanphear is now camped near Washington. He writes mainly of his old friends who are with him at Camp Casey.

Letter from Ruebn at Camp Casey to his brother, 1862 October 24.

Scope Note:

Ruebn writes generally of his camp, which is "on a large swell of land, just east of the city." He speaks again of his friends and of sharing guard duty at the camp on the east side of Capital Hill.

Letter from Ruebn at Glencor to Eliza, 1865 April 16.

Scope Note:

Ruebn writes that he cannot leave his one-acre farm. He tells Eliza that if she and her husband come and live with him for four years, he will deed half of it to her. He stresses that the land's value is expected to increase, and he speaks of his plans to grow wheat on it for the time being.

Series II: George Lanphear,

Letter from George in Lebanon, Ky., to his sister Eliza, 1861 December 28.

Scope Note:

George informs his sister that he is now married and his wife is living with him in Glencor. He states that he joined the army because he felt it his patriotic duty to preserve the Union and save it from the rebels. He also gives a description of his meals and dietary habits.

Letter from George at camp outside of Nashville to his sister Eliza, 1862 March 2.

Scope Note:

Four miles outside the city of Nashville, which is now in the hands of Union troops, George complains that rebels have destroyed bridges on the Cumberland as well as steamboats, solely to keep them out of Union hands. He explains that he is writing of what he does and sees because he wants them back home to know what a soldier goes through.

Letter from George at camp near Pittsburg Landing to Eliza, 1862 April 16.

Scope Note:

George writes of a forced march in order to fight at Shiloh. Although his regiment missed the battle, he speaks of what he understood to happen at the Battle of Shiloh. Writing of the dead left on the battlefield George says, "I saw hundreds and hundreds of them."

Letter from George at camp near Corinth, Miss., to Eliza, 1862 June 16.

Scope Note:

George writes of clearing the campground by cleaning the ground. He complains that this has to be done to the grounds nearly every morning to "keep them from filth." He also writes a great deal about the food that his regiment has been eating, such as blackberries, huckleberries, and oven-baked bread.

: Letter from George at Deckart, Tenn., to his mother, 1862 August 11.

Scope Note:

George writes his mother about his father, whom he has not heard from since he was in camp at Corinth. He expresses outage at the killing of General McCook, who he says "was kilt by a gang of merciless rebels and cutthroats." George states that these men murdered the general while he rode in an ambulance.

Letter from George at camp near Winchester, Tenn., to Eliza, 1862 August 19.

Scope Note:

Fearing that rebels were "on all sides" of them, the regiment is currently marching. George has no idea whether they will end up in Knoxville or Chattanooga. He expresses concern that he has not heard from his father and frustration over his failure to secure a discharge. He tells his family that he expects that McClellan to end the war very soon.

Letter from George at camp at Scott Tunnel near Gallatin, Tenn., to his sister Eliza, 1862 November 16.

Scope Note:

Not far from Nashville, George expresses concern for his brother Nelson, who is fighting somewhere, and his father Ruebn, who is now at home.

Letter from George at camp at Gallatin, Tenn., to his father, 1862 December 26-27.

Scope Note:

George responds to the death of his mother and contemplates the possibility that his brother Nelson may also be dead. He calls these events "a harsh blow to our little family." "The circle is broken," he adds. Additionally, he laments Burnside's loss at Fredericksburg, and complains that the "head men in this war were working more for sake of money than they are trying to save the union."

Letter from George at camp at Gallatin, Tenn., to his sister Eliza, 1863 January 26.

Scope Note:

George corrects the misconception that had been engaged in a battle at Gallatin, as newspapers had reported. Instead he says that Perryville had been the latest battle in which he had witnessed action. He discusses his brother Nelson's death and informs his family of rumors that more Indian wars are expected in Minnesota.

Letter from George at camp near Mill Creek, Tenn., to his sister Eliza, 1863 February 5.

Scope Note:

George complains about the erratic weather patterns in the South. He is amazed at the tenacity of his Southern opponents, writing that, if the Union army had experienced "as many disasters and defeats as they have that it would become totally demoralized and broken up before this time, but they stick to it like grim death."

Letter from George at camp at Nolensville, Tenn., to Eliza, 1863 February 22.

Scope Note:

George laments that he has lost touch with all his old friends and worries about his father, who is now living alone in the Minnesota woods where he fears more Indian attacks will occur. He also reveals that his brother Nelson was killed at the Battle of Murfreesboro.

Letter from George at camp at Triune, Tenn., to Eliza, 1863 March 14 and 22.

Scope Note:

George writes contemplatively about the war and how it started. He blames the war on "a few fire-eaters and vagabonds of the South." He also writes of the horrible things that he has witness on the battlefield, saying, "I have seen a grate many hart renching sights since I have bin in the service."

Letter from George at camp at Triune, Tenn., to his sister Eliza, 1863 April 2.

Scope Note:

Fighting illness over several days, George says that he is "inclined to be homesick." He expresses how deeply he misses everyone in Minnesota. He complains that, at home in Minnesota, times are bad, as prices have risen. He expresses dismay at his father who "thinks that the Rebels are getting the better of us and will gain their independence." George, however, expresses confidence that the war will soon be over with the Unionists emerging victorious.

Letter from George at camp at Triune, Tenn., to Sister Eliza, 1863 April 18.

Scope Note:

Expressing dread of the upcoming season of "hot weather," George recalls how he witnessed men falling to the ground during marches due to the heat. Although we hopes that the war will be over in a year, he writes that the Union army must take Charleston, Richmond, and Vicksburg for the Confederacy to end. He expresses a deep hatred of the Copperheads of the North, whom he calls a "vile reptile species."

Letter from George at Triune, Tenn., to his sister [Eliza], 1863 April 20.

Scope Note:

George expresses his deep gratitude for his sister's continued letters and kindness. He writes that he has passed the bracelet that she sent onto his wife, Jane. Grateful that his sister and husband are going to have their picture made to send to him, he sends two dollars to help pay for it. Additionally, George expresses hope that Grant will soon capture Vicksburg.

Letter from George at Triune, Tenn., to his sister Eliza, 1863 June 20.

Scope Note:

George writes his letter on a Saturday because he says that this is when they are expected clean up and prepare for Sunday inspection. In addition, he describes the breakfast that "was so good and paltable" as well as the drilling that his regiments performs daily. He also writes that no problems with the Indians have occurred in Minnesota where his father lives.

Letter from George at camp on the Elk River near Deckart, Tenn., to Eliza, 1863 July 13.

Scope Note:

George writes of his regiment's movement north as well as General Bragg's retreat from Rosecrans' army in June. He expresses with confidence that, with the fall of Vicksburg, the Confederacy will soon end.

Letter from George at camp near Winchester, Tenn., to his sister Eliza, 1863 August 13 and September 3.

Scope Note:

George describes an intense bout of diarrhea that had been with him for several days. He writes of all those back home who are being drafted, saying that they should all "enjoy there hard earnings in a peaceful country after this cruel war is over." He also expresses his joy at receiving letters from his family and friends. He remarks that he expects some action at Chattanooga as Rosecrans closes in on Bragg's army of 50,000, remarking that "he will eather have to fight or run before long."

Letter from George at camp at Chattanooga, Tenn., to his sister Eliza, 1863 October 11.

Scope Note:

Camped at Chattanooga, George describes the tense atmosphere: "the rebel pickets are only about 80 rods from ours." He is grateful that he did not see action at the Battle of Chickamauga, noting that, in his regiment, "33 were killed on the field, and 120 wounded."

Letter from George at camp at Chattanooga, Tenn., to his sister Eliza, 1863 November 19.

Scope Note:

George apologizes for not answering his sister's letter sooner, saying that his duties keep him from doing anything in his spare time but sleep. He says that a rumor is afloat that his regiment might be sent home for the winter, but he is not jumping to any conclusions. He also offers descriptions of life in his camp, which is very close to the enemy.

Letter from George to Sister Eliza, undated [before 1862 December].

Scope Note:

George consoles his sister over the death of his brother Nelson. He remarks how hard it must have been to see the remains after "being dead so long."

Letter from George to his sister, undated.

Scope Note:

George is worried because he has not heard from much of his family. He is especially worried because of Indian problems in Minnesota

Letter from George to [sister], undated.

Scope Note:

George writes of his brother Nelson's death. He sends a picture of executed Indians in Minnesota and writes that he wished that this would be the fate of more Indians in his homeland.

Letter from George at Corinth, Miss., to Eliza, undated [1862].

Scope Note:

George inquires about the family farm, saying "I should like to swap of soldiering a little while for farming." He sends along some green cotton leaves that he has found.

Series III: Mary A. Cummings,

Letter from Mary at Continental Hospital in Baltimore, Md., to her sister [Eliza] , 1862 December 12.

Scope Note:

Mary writes that she has just learned of Nelson's death. She wants to know how long he was sick and why he died. She writes that he died in a "Noble cause." She says that she cannot leave Baltimore. She writes that Frank is now ward master at the hospital and that part of his charge is to see "that every thing is done right." She laments that the war is causing "a great deal of mourning all over the world."

Letter from Mary at Continental Hospital in Baltimore, Md., to her sister Eliza, [1863] January 13.

Scope Note:

Mary states that she has a promotion, and she is now supervising others doing laundry. She also writes that Frank will probably not be sent back to his regiment since he is in charge of two large hospitals. She comments on her brother Nelson's death and remarks on the vast changes in their family in a year, noting that two have since died. She wishes her father would sell the farm and come east.

Letter from Mary at Continental Hospital in Baltimore, Md., to her sister, 1863 May 2.

Scope Note:

Mary reassures her sister that she is safe in the hospital, which is well ventilated. She notes that she has little contact with the sick unless she wants to. She also says that they keep the hospital clean and that they are expecting an inspection.

Letter from Mary at Continental Hospital in Baltimore, Md., to her father, 1864 January 24.

Scope Note:

Mary discusses the news that her brother George has died, remarking that he had been "cut-down." She asks her father to come and live in Baltimore, saying that when the war is over and times are good, they will go back to live with him on the farm. F.A. Cummings, who had contracted with the government for supplies, offers a postscript asking Ruebn to come and live with them in Baltimore.

Letter from Mary at Continental Hospital in Baltimore, Md., to her sister, 1864 January 30.

Scope Note:

Mary talks again of George, writing that she found to very difficult to "be reconciled to his death." She informs her sister that she has asked her father to come and live with her in Baltimore. She requests a picture of George.

Letter from Mary at Continental Hospital in Baltimore, Md., to Eliza, 1864 March 10.

Scope Note:

Mary writes that she has asked her father to move to Baltimore with them, but he refuses. She states that she constantly misses George, and notes that Frank is still in the hospital but he is thinking of re-enlisting.

Letter from Mary at Continental Hospital in Baltimore, Md., to her sister Eliza, 1864 June 9.

Scope Note:

Mary writes that Frank has only a little over four months left in the hospital. She notes the price of goods in Baltimore and tells of recent purchases there. She asks about mutual acquaintances, wondering who has been killed.

Letter from Mary at Continental Hospital in Baltimore, Md., to her sister, 1865 February 26.

Scope Note:

On her birthday, Mary writes that she received a picture of her sister and insists that it does not look like her. She notes that she is alone now since Frank left for Fort Fisher. She offers to send for her sister if she will agree to come to Baltimore.

Letter from Mary at Continental Hospital in Baltimore, Md., to her sister, April 5.

Scope Note:

Mary writes that there are few patients in the hospital and states that, if it should close, Frank will get sent back to his regiment. If that happens, she says that she will go live with her mother-in-law in Maine. She writes that Frank bought her a new bonnet and that he will buy her a new dress on payday. She writes that they have had their picture made and that she has an album of many of the soldiers in the hospital.

Receipt for F.A. Cummings from Gaddess Brothers for a tombstone in the amount of $22.00, 1864 September 9.

Series IV: Other Family Letters,

in Rascoe to Sister [Eliza], 185 May 28.

Scope Note:

This unidentified person writes about a recent bought with the measles. He or she writes about moving throughout the mid-west and attempts to talk members of the family in coming west with them.

[B.] N. Lanphear in North Hartland to his father, 1959 October 29.

Scope Note:

B.N. writes that he wished that he could come west, but that circumstances, which he describes, will not allow it. Also, he wants Father to tell George to write as soon as possible.

Levi Lanphear in Sumter, Minn., to Eliza Shattuck, 1872 July 7.