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Ms-053: Charles D. Ryan, 66th Engineers, Meggan D. Smith

All Finding Aids

The collection consists primarily of letters from Charles Ryan to Elizabeth Dooling, his wife-to-be. The letters to Elizabeth begin on March 29, 1918 and the final one in the collection is dated June 3, 1919. The only other items in the collection is an envelope addressed to Elizabeth Dooling from Charles Ryan, a newspaper clipping of Ryan’s marriage to Elizabeth, a blank postcard with two soldiers on the front, and a letter to Ryan from the Treasury Department.

Although Ryan briefly mentions significant events, such as Germany being defeated and Italy leaving the Peace Conference, his letters focus largely on …

Letter From George W. Porter To Francis P. Porter, George W. Porter

Harvey Collection Letters

George requests news from home.

Letter From Thomas S. Armstrong To Francis P. Porter, Thomas S. Armstrong

Harvey Collection Letters

Thomas intends to be mustered out honorably and hopes to secure a position in The Select School when he is discharged. He is dismayed by the "loose morals" and licentiousness of the "fashionable world" he has witnessed in Richmond and Washington.

Letter From John Mcgee To Francis P. Porter, John Mcgee

Harvey Collection Letters

James (?) McGee describes travel and camps on the way to Havre de Grace, Maryland to guard a boat

Letter From George W. Porter To Francis P. Porter, George W. Porter

Harvey Collection Letters

George lays out challenges to his being promoted to a field officer in the 78th OVI and speaks of the foods available to the camp in Vicksburg.

Letter From Thomas S. Armstrong To Armstrong Family, Thomas S. Armstrong

Harvey Collection Letters

Thomas relays news of the war to his family, including the Battle of Jackson, Mississippi, a scouting mision to New Market, Virginia, and the camp's preparations to defend against an attack.

Letter From Jasper Yarnell To Francis P. Porter, Jasper Yarnell

Harvey Collection Letters

Jasper Yarnell, a friend of the Porter family, explains that he has not been granted furlough and will only visit Clinton if honorably discharged.

Letter From George W. Porter To Francis P. Porter, George W. Porter

Harvey Collection Letters

George describes how his camp faired during a big storm and his interactions with soldiers from other companies that have gathered there.

Letter From George W. Porter To Francis P. Porter, George W. Porter

Harvey Collection Letters

George is in line for an official promotion to Aide de Camp to Colonel Leggett. He describes an incident dealing with a sutler smuggling alcohol to soldiers. Robert Hanson is in poor health.

Letter From Thomas S. Armstrong To Francis P. Porter, Thomas S. Armstrong

Harvey Collection Letters

Thomas is grateful for a photograph Francis sent to him. He asks her for advice on a proper mode of "washing, rinsing, ironing, darning, etc."

Letter From Thomas S. Armstrong To William Armstrong And Jane Armstrong, Thomas S. Armstrong

Harvey Collection Letters

Thomas reports on his health at camp, and asks his parents for their opinion of the war's extent. Thomas sends transcriptions of the headstones of soldiers he noted in a nearby cemetery.

Letter From George W. Porter To Francis P. Porter, George W. Porter

Harvey Collection Letters

George is asking Francis for news from home, shares he is serving as Aide de Camp to Colonel Leggett.

Letter From Thomas S. Armstrong To Jacob G. Armstrong, Thomas S. Armstrong

Harvey Collection Letters

Thomas writes of recent news of the war he has been following. The oven his regiment had been using for baking has collapsed, but he is pleased to have received a box of goods from home.

Letter From Thomas S. Armstrong To Augustus Armstrong, Thomas S. Armstrong

Harvey Collection Letters

Thomas tells his brother Gus about some aspects of camp life, including watching a cannon fire

Letter From Thomas S. Armstrong To Jacob G. Armstrong, Thomas S. Armstrong

Harvey Collection Letters

Thomas details how the camp endures in the cold and slush, including a drawing of his sleeping arrangements.

Letter From Thomas S. Armstrong To Francis P. Porter, Thomas S. Armstrong

Harvey Collection Letters

Thomas fears for George Porter, Robert Hanson, and the rest of the 78th OVI preparing for battle at Vicksburg. He reports that he is enjoying himself at camp and asks for word from the 78th.

Letter From Robert Hanson To Francis P. Porter, Robert Hanson

Harvey Collection Letters

Robert 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.

Letter From Thomas S. Armstrong To Jacob G. Armstrong, Thomas S. Armstrong

Harvey Collection Letters

Thomas describes his regiment's recent activities, including march distances, meals, and interactions with citizens in Winchester.

Letter From Thomas S. Armstrong To Flavilla Armstrong, Thomas S. Armstrong

Harvey Collection Letters

Thomas talks about the food preparation and other conditions in camp and replies to some of Flavilla updates from home.

Letter From Thomas S. Armstrong To Francis P. Porter, Thomas S. Armstrong

Harvey Collection Letters

Now 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.

Letter From Thomas S. Armstrong To Jacob G. Armstrong, Thomas S. Armstrong

Harvey Collection Letters

Thomas 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.

Letter From Thomas S. Armstrong To Armstrong Family, Thomas S. Armstrong

Harvey Collection Letters

Thomas shares news about illness, looting of livestock, and the camp itself.

Letter From Thomas S. Armstrong To Armstrong Family, Thomas S. Armstrong

Harvey Collection Letters

Thomas is in charge of camp while the Captain and 1st Lieutenant are recruiting.

Letter From Robert Hanson To Francis P. Porter, Robert Hanson

Harvey Collection Letters

Robert describes a power struggle in the regiment that involves George; Colonel Leggett's leadership and attention to sick soldiers.

Letter From Robert Hanson To Thomas S. Armstrong, Robert Hanson

Harvey Collection Letters

Robert asks Thomas to send women's clothing for him to sell.

Letter From George W. Porter To Francis P. Porter, George W. Porter

Harvey Collection Letters

George discusses the issues the regiment is having defending against Jackson's cavalry ambushes. A local citizen faces punishment from Colonel Leggett for swearing an oath of loyalty to the Union in bad faith.

Letter From George W. Porter To Francis P. Porter, George W. Porter

Harvey Collection Letters

George writes three men in his Company have died, and that "a sick man stands slim chance in the Army." His Company left Pittsburgh Landing or Shiloh Plains April 5th, and Thomas will remain with them until after the battle at Corinth.

Letter From John W.A. Gillespie To Francis P. Porter And Huldah Porter, John W.A. Gillespie

Harvey Collection Letters

John reminisces about his friendships with Francis and Huldah, and praises George's conduct with the regiment.

Letter From George W. Porter To Francis P. Porter, George W. Porter

Harvey Collection Letters

George provides a detailed account of the 78th OVI's involvement in the Battle of Shiloh.

Letter From Thomas S. Armstrong To Francis P. Porter, Thomas S. Armstrong

Harvey Collection Letters

Thomas writes of the challenges of military life and the provisions the regiment is afforded. He is not yet aware of Wilbur's death.