Bradford P. Sparrow was drafted and assigned to the Fourth Vermont in the summer of 1863. In letters to his family, Sparrow wrote about the journey to Virginia, his illness through much of the winter, and the battles of the Wilderness and... Show moreBradford P. Sparrow was drafted and assigned to the Fourth Vermont in the summer of 1863. In letters to his family, Sparrow wrote about the journey to Virginia, his illness through much of the winter, and the battles of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania. Sparro was captured at the Weldon Railroad near Petersburg, Virginia, on June 23, 1864. For a month he kept a diary, writing about the prisoners' march to Georgia and conditions at Andersonville Prison. Paroled in April 1865, Sparrow wrote several more letters home from military hospitals before he was mustered out. Show less
Writes of substitute soldiers deserting after being paid, of Mosby assisting the deserters, mentions the Confederate pirate sloop ship the Alabama (documented as being sunk in June 1864) and of photographs (ambrotype), of mail being robbed.
Two letters ; Oct 12 and Oct 15 ; topics include retreating from Culpepper to Rappahannock Station, the enemy's closeness, anticipation of a battle, money sent home was received, long marches every day.
Writes of suffering from diarrhea, wanting to subscribe to the local newspaper call the Repository, commenting on the sugar orchard at home and mentions Gen. Grant.
A sore has developed on his left heel, is to go to the hospital and see the surgeon, Union army if strengthening its hold in the face of the Rebels strong hold in the area, mentions that newspapers generally get the news wrong and cautions folks at home in believing everything printed, mentions... Show moreA sore has developed on his left heel, is to go to the hospital and see the surgeon, Union army if strengthening its hold in the face of the Rebels strong hold in the area, mentions that newspapers generally get the news wrong and cautions folks at home in believing everything printed, mentions Grant and his chances of taking Richmond. Show less
A long letter started on Dec 18th and begun again Dec 25th. Topics include Bradford recovering from sickness, receiving goods from home, boots and shirts, Mr. Bishop eating up some of the eatable food meant for Sparrow due to going so long without food, making strawberry preserves, requesting... Show moreA long letter started on Dec 18th and begun again Dec 25th. Topics include Bradford recovering from sickness, receiving goods from home, boots and shirts, Mr. Bishop eating up some of the eatable food meant for Sparrow due to going so long without food, making strawberry preserves, requesting several hundred pounds of butter and cheese, various utilitarian items including a spider frying pan, a list of items Ira wants, mentions by name other men he has seen and talked to, acknowledges that a letter went missing and recaps what was written in that letter. Show less
Writes of receiving good medical care with plenty of good food, alcohol to drink, health is improving, may be transported to Annapolis, Maryland ; hopes to be home soon ; mentions Gen. Grant may discharge all the hospital boys. Letter head U.S. Christian Commission stationery.
States he is in the hospital getting the sore on his heel tended to, makes reference to the Battle of the Wilderness, of wounded and killed in his company the same day he writes this letter, inquires of folks and happenings at home, wishes more folks to write to him.
Writes of having sent money home, of improved health, of not having a chance to get a photograph made, of two deserters from his company in the guard house, and gives advice as to whom to write in case he is unable to do so, Chaplain Roberts, 4th Vt Regt., Washington, D.C.
Writes of Ira, of himself having a light case of typhoid, his own health improving, will be entering Virginia winter quarters in a month, mentions the draft & how the process might be different and Bradford sending a list home of things he needs that include food and clothing.
Letter from clerk in the Adjutant General's office to Bradford's father, Alner, regarding his inquiry about Bradford. Letter states nothing is known at the office about Bradford except that he was taken prisoner and that Alner's request for information has been forwarded to F. F. Holbrook,... Show moreLetter from clerk in the Adjutant General's office to Bradford's father, Alner, regarding his inquiry about Bradford. Letter states nothing is known at the office about Bradford except that he was taken prisoner and that Alner's request for information has been forwarded to F. F. Holbrook, Vermont Military Commissioner. Show less
Notice to the residents of the town of Elmore from the town clerk to gather for a meeting on the 29th of March 1864 to act on several issues before the voters including rescinding the vote on bounties.
Notice to the legal voters of the town of Elmore, Vt to meet March 1st to transact business on several issues listed including military bounties. The year 1864 appears on last page.
