Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Indiana, Pennsylvania in the Civil War

About This Collection

The Indiana Pennsylvania in the Civil War Era project includes primary sources including letters, diaries, and modern and historical photographs, now held in the collections of Indiana University of Pennsylvania's Special Collections or the Historical and Genealogical Society of Indiana County, that document the experience of men and women of Indiana County, PA during the Civil War era. Central to the collection are the papers of the White family including a diary kept by Pennsylvania State Senator Harry White, who fought for the North during the Civil War and was imprisoned in Libby Prison and a number of other prisons across the South; the letters of his father Thomas White, a prominent judge who was involved in the organization of the Republican Party in Pittsburgh; correspondence of Richard White, a brother who also served in the Union Army during the Civil War; and letters to members of the White family from the Pennsylvania governor and high ranking representatives of the federal government. Also included are other diaries of Civil War soldiers from the Indiana County area. Together these primary sources provide a glimpse into the experience of Civil War soldiers and their families at home and political life during the war.
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Letter from Harry White to Thomas White, June 12, 1863
Letter from Harry White to Thomas White, June 12, 1863
White, Harry L., 1834-1920--Correspondence. White, Harry L., 1834-1920--Military service. White, Thomas, 1799-1866. Shenandoah River Valley (Va. and W. Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Campaigns. United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 67th (1861-1865)--Biography. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Campaigns--Personal narratives. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources.
Letter sent by Harry White to his father Judge Thomas White from Berryville, Va on June 12, 1863. Harry has rejoined the 67th Regiment, and he is disappointed that he has not received any mail from either Baltimore or Indiana even though he has written to both places. He asks his father to take care of a debt payment for him. He also notes that his regiment has recently seen action. They lost twelve men: one killed, two wounded, and nine captured. Harry also expresses concern that his regiment may be attacked by Confederate cavalry.
Letter from Harry White to Thomas White, May 19, 1863
Letter from Harry White to Thomas White, May 19, 1863
White, Harry L., 1834-1920--Correspondence. White, Harry L., 1834-1920--Military service. White, Thomas, 1799-1866. United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 67th (1861-1865)--Biography. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources.
Letter sent by Harry White to his father Judge Thomas White from Baltimore on May 19, 1863. Harry is leaving Baltimore to rejoin his regiment. He tells his father that he has left all of the "Curtin papers" in Baltimore and they are supposed to be given to Judge White should he go there; otherwise, they are to be mailed to Indiana. Harry asks his father to take care of some expenses, which Harry says he will repay him for if he does.
Letter from Harry White to Thomas White, November 13, 1862
Letter from Harry White to Thomas White, November 13, 1862
White, Harry L., 1834-1920--Correspondence. White, Harry L., 1834-1920--Military service. White, Thomas, 1799-1866. White, Richard, 1826-1865--Biography. White, Richard, 1826-1865--Military service. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources. Curtin, Andrew G., 1817-1894. Pennsylvania. Governor (1860-1864 : Curtin).
Letter sent by Harry White to his father Thomas White from Harrisburg, PA on November 13, 1862. He writes that he expects any day to rejoin his regiment which is now in Annapolis. He has met with Governor Curtin about his brother Richard's requests concerning applications for commissions, promotions, and the removal of an incompetent First Lieutenant in Company B. Curtin has emphasized and Harry agrees that Richard must follow procedures and present his case officially in writing. Harry also affirms that he has decided not to resign his commission in the Army to resume his political career--he must do his duty to his country and keep faith with the men he induced to join him in the field. He, instead, will seek a leave of absence from his office as Senator; Governor Curtin and Cameron? will help him with this. Harry expresses his belief that the military situation is improving and that the war may soon be over.
Letter from Harry White to Thomas White, November 5, 1862
Letter from Harry White to Thomas White, November 5, 1862
White, Harry L., 1834-1920--Correspondence. White, Harry L., 1834-1920--Military service. White, Thomas, 1799-1866. White, Richard, 1826-1865--Military service. United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 55th (1861-1865)--Biography. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources. Mitchel, Ormsby MacKnight, 1809-1862.
Letter sent by Harry White to his father Thomas White from Harrisburg, PA on November 5, 1862. The letter mainly deals with the contentious relationship between his brother Richard and some members of the 55th Pennsylvania Regiment and the Adjutant General's office regarding commissions and a dispute with "Livingston and his party," and with Major Washabaugh whose nephew finally received his long-awaited commission just before he was killed in battle. Washabaugh has suggested that all the field officers of the 55th should be removed. Harry assures his father that he will attempt to resolve these issues involving his brother. He comments on other news including that General Mitchell [Gen. Ormsby MacKnight Mitchel?], an officer he respects, has recently died of yellow fever and that "New York has gone for treason," as he puts it.
Letter from Harry White to Thomas White, October 11, 1862
Letter from Harry White to Thomas White, October 11, 1862
White, Harry L.,1834-1920--Correspondence. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Destruction and pillage--Pennsylvania--Chambersburg. United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 67th (1862-1865)--Biography. Camp Curtin (Pa.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865. Shenandoah Valley Campaign, 1862. Chambersburg (Pa.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources. Curtin, Andrew G., 1817-1894. Pennsylvania. Governor (1860-1864 : Curtin).
Letter sent by Harry White to his father Thomas White from Harrisburg, PA on October 11, 1862. Harry has been asked by Governor Curtin to travel to "York, Hanover Junction, and that neighborhood." He has encountered some men who were present in Chambersburg, Pa. during the Confederate attack and describes what he has heard from them including that the Confederates sacked Chambersburg, destroying buildings, clothing, locomotives, etc., after forcing the village to surrender. He adds that the Confederates are "crazy" to be deployed in Pennsylvania so far from safety.
Letter from Harry White to Titian J. Coffey, June 28, 1864
Letter from Harry White to Titian J. Coffey, June 28, 1864
White, Harry L., 1834-1920--Correspondence. White, Harry L., 1834-1920--Military service. Coffey, Titian James, 1824-1897. United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 67th (1862-1865)--Biography. Prisoners of war--Georgia--Macon--Personal narratives. Prisoners of war--South Carolina--Columbia--Personal narratives. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Prisoners and prisons. Prisoners of war--Confederate States of America--Personal narratives. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources.
Letter sent by Harry White to Titian J. Coffey from Richland Jail in Columbia, South Carolina on June 28, 1864. Harry writes that he is very depressed from being in prison for so long, but he is managing to not give in to his sadness. He notes that he has been moved to many different jails over the course of his imprisonment, and that he will soon be moving to a new prison in Macon, Georgia. Harry asks Coffey to take care of his parents. He worries that they are having a hard time now that both he and his brother Richard are prisoners of war.
Letter from I. S. Helman to Josiah Helman, August 2, 1864
Letter from I. S. Helman to Josiah Helman, August 2, 1864
Helman, Isaac S.--Correspondence. United States. Army--Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 61st. (1861-1865)--Biography. Washington (D.C.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Campaigns--Personal narratives. Petersburg (Va.)--History--Siege, 1864-1865--Personal narratives. Frederick (Md.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Campaigns--Personal narratives. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources. Helman, Josiah.
Letter sent by I .S. [Isaac] S. Helman to his cousin Josiah Helman from a camp near Frederick City, MD on August 2, 1866. I. S. reports that he has been on the march until only recently. His regiment [61st Pennsylvania Infantry] left Petersburg on July 9 and fought at Washington a few days later before finally moving on to Freterick City [Frederick, Md.]. He writes that one of his friends, Daniel Repplogel, [or Repplogle] is worried because his wife has not written to him recently even though he has sent her three or four letters. I. S. has heard from some of his relatives who were wounded in the fighting. The Confederates have not wounded him yet, and he does not believe that they ever will.
Letter from I. S. Helman to Josiah Helman, December 21, 186[4]
Letter from I. S. Helman to Josiah Helman, December 21, 186[4]
Helman, I. S. [Isaac S.]--Correspondence. Helman, I. S. [Isaac S.]--Military service. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Desertions. Petersburg (Va.)--History--Siege, 1864-1865--Personal narratives. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Personal narratives. United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 61st (1861-1865)--Biography. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources.
Letter sent by I. S. [Isaac] S. Helman to his cousin Josiah Helman from a camp near Petersburg, Virginia on December 21, 186[4]. I. S., who is serving in the Pennsylvania 61st Infantry Regiment, writes that he is well and that he is camped in Virginia. He notes that there is little fighting near where he is stationed, but when he goes on picket duty he is able to see and hear the Confederate army. I. S. reports that he witnessed the hanging of a three deserters who had tried to sneak back into the Union army's lines. He does not think the war will go on much longer.
Letter from I. S. Helman to Josiah Helman, May 20, 1864
Letter from I. S. Helman to Josiah Helman, May 20, 1864
Helman, I. S. [Isaac S.]--Correspondence. Hellman, I. S. [Isaac S.]--Military service. Helman, Josiah. United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 61st. (1861-1865)--Biography. Wilderness, Battle of the, Va., 1864--Personal narratives. Wilderness, Battle of the, Va., 1864--Casualties. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Personal narratives. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources.
Letter sent by I. S. [Isaac] S. Helman to his cousin Josiah Helman on May 20, 1864. I. S. reports that the fighting and marching has been hard, and that recently his regiment [61st Pennsylvania Infantry] had four nights without sleep or much rest. [This is the Battle of the Wilderness which began on May 4, 1864.] He notes that many members of his regiment have been wounded or killed, including the first lieutenant who was wounded and may have died from the wound. I. S. has had a few close calls himself; one bullet passed through his knapsack.
Letter from J. R. Adams to Thomas White, February 21, 1864
Letter from J. R. Adams to Thomas White, February 21, 1864
Adams, J. R. [James R.]--Correspondence. United States. Army--Recruiting, enlistment, etc.--Civil War, 1861-1865. United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 67th--Biography. White, Harry L., 1834-1920--Military service. White, Thomas, 1799-1866. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources.
Letter sent by [Private] J. R. [James R.] Adams to Judge Thomas White from a camp near Brandy Station, Virginia on February 21, 1864. Adams writes to ask if Judge White knows when he will be discharged. Major Harry White, the Judge's son and Adams' former commander, had indicated that he would be discharged in the next year, but the Colonel now in charge of the regiment expects recruits to serve for three years. The absence of Major Harry White who was captured by the Confederates is apparently resulting in confusion and dissatisfaction among the soldiers. It seems that Adams' main concern is a bounty that he wishes to collect for enlisting. He is not clear, but it appears that he cannot collect the bounty because he has only served eighteeen months, and, apparently, doesn't want to serve for three years.
Letter from J. R. [John R.] Savage to his uncle, Thomas White, April 24, 1865
Letter from J. R. [John R.] Savage to his uncle, Thomas White, April 24, 1865
White, Thomas, 1799-1866. White, Richard, 1826-1865. Savage, J. R. [John R.]--Correspondence.
Letter sent by J. R. Savage to his uncle [Thomas White] on April 24, 1865. Savage reports that "poor Dick" is dead. ["Poor Dick" most likely refers to Richard White, who died on April 14th, 1865 in Indiana, Pa., of a heart attack at the age of thirty-nine--less than a year after he was released from a Confederate prison and had taken an army surgeon's advice to retire from military service.] Savage sends condolences.
Letter from J. R. [John R.] Savage to Thomas White, June 30, 1865
Letter from J. R. [John R.] Savage to Thomas White, June 30, 1865
Savage, J. R. [John R.]--Correspondence. White, Thomas, 1799-1866. Curtin, Andrew Gregg, 1817-1894. McConnell, Harry. Coffey, Titian James, 1824-1897.
Letter sent by J. R. Savage [John R. Savage, nephew of Thomas White] to Thomas White on June 30, 1865. Savage writes that he has come to Harrisburg at the request of Titian Coffey who is acting at the behest of Pennsylvania Governor Curtin about a matter involving Harry McConnell. Savage, members of his family, and Governor Curtin think Harry McConnell [Judge White's nephew who has had some kind of unfortunate relationship with Curtin's daughter] is crazy. Savage also writes about an unsatisfactory business arrangement that includes a man named Stewart who has drawn $5800 on an account and has "not contributed a cent," Savage complains. A business associate of Savage, "Mr. Allen," will intervene and, Savage hopes, will resolve the matter.
Letter from James Graham, Jr. to his father, February 10, 1865
Letter from James Graham, Jr. to his father, February 10, 1865
Graham, James--Correspondence. Graham, James--Military service. United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 206th (1864-1865)--Biography. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Desertions. United States. Army. Connecticut Infantry Regiment, 10th (1861-1865)--Biography. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Equipment and supplies--Union. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Military life--Union--Personal narratives. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--African Americans. United States--History--Civil War--Religious aspects. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources.
Letter sent by James Graham, Jr. to his father James Graham on February 10, 1865. The Union and Confederate Armies are both losing troops to desertion. James writes that three men from the 10th Connecticut regiment deserted recently, while a dozen men came over from the Confederate army. James believes that the Rebels are losing battles including one at Hatcher's Run when they lost 6,000 men recently. The Confederate deserters said that there had been a meeting among the Confederates and they had decided to arm slaves and put them in the army. There are also claims in newspapers that the Confederates have promised each white soldier a black servant. James hopes that "the colored troops will have more sense than to fight against the northern troops." James's regiment has been busy preparing for inspection. They are expected to keep their clothing, weapons, and camp clean and in order. Some men object. James also reports that his regiment has built a church 50 feet by 25 feet with a canvas roof supplied by the Chrisitian Commission. The Commission also donated a stove for the church. New York newspapers are left there every day.
Letter from James Graham, Jr. to his father, January 3, 1865
Letter from James Graham, Jr. to his father, January 3, 1865
Graham, James--Military service. Graham, James--Correspondence. United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 206th (1864-1865)--Biography. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Military life--Union--Personal narratives. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--African Americans.
Letter sent by James Graham, Jr. to his father, James Graham, from a camp near Richmond, VA on January 3, 1865. James writes that it has been quite busy in camp recently because the soldiers have picket duty regularly as they replace other troops that are leaving. While picket duty is hard, he is thankful that that is all he has to do. He does not want to march in the winter weather. James comments that all of the men in his regiment are cooperative, but they do not agree on the subject of slavery. Many of his comrades favor slavery. One in particular, Patrick McGranar, believes that black individuals were created for slavery and have been slaves since Abraham [the Biblical character] held them. For his part, James believes that slavery is over. He closes with a request for supplies, stating that "there is not one man fit to do on the rations that we get."
Letter from James Graham, Jr. to his father, March 17 1865
Letter from James Graham, Jr. to his father, March 17 1865
Graham, James--Correspondence. Graham, James--Military service. United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 206th (1864-1865)--Biography. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Military life--Union--Personal narratives. United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 206th (1864-1865)--Pay, allowances, etc. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Desertions. Stanton, Edwin McMasters, 1814-1869. Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson), 1822-1885--Military service. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources.
Letter sent by James Graham, Jr. to his father, James Graham, from the Camp of the 206th Regiment with the Army of the James on March 17, 1865. James reports that he will not have time to write again until the following week. He will be busy on fatigue duty followed by camp guard duty. Soldiers are expected to police the camp the day after they come off guard duty. He also notes that he expects to be paid soon. The 100th New York Regiment is being paid at the time of his writing, so he thinks his own regiment will not be far behind. Generals Grant and Ord along with the Secretary of War [Edwin M. Stanton] recently reviewed James's corps. This visit did not seem to have a great affect on morale, however, as James witnessed the escape of three deserters from the 10th Connecticut the last time he was on picket duty.
Letter from James Graham, Jr. to his father, March 20, 1865
Letter from James Graham, Jr. to his father, March 20, 1865
Graham, James--Correspondence. Graham, James--Military service. United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 206th (1864-1865)--Biography. United States. Army. Connecticut Infantry Regiment, 10th (1861-1865)--Biography. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Desertions. Richmond (Va.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865. Five Forks, Battle of, Va., 1865. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Military life--Union--Personal narratives. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Equipment and supplies--Union. United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 206th (1864-1865)--Pay, allowances, etc. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Desertions. Sheridan, Philip Henry, 1831-1888--Military service. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources.
Letter sent by James Graham to his father, James Graham, from the Camp of the 206th Regiment on March 20, 1865. James reports that there is thick smoke and cannon fire to the right of Richmond and that there was heavy firing in that direction the previous night. He writes that the "long roll was beat in the regiment towards the right last night" and that the cavalry was called out but has returned. There are rumors among the soldiers that [General Philip] Sheridan is coming. James witnessed four soldiers from the 10th Connecticut desert the last time he was on picket. He says he is not surprised that they are running. They are treated poorly; if they miss roll call they are punished by being tied up by their thumbs or hanged on a fifteen-foot pole for an entire day. The soldiers have also recently been paid, so there is an even greater incentive to leave--they've gotten their "greenbacks" and "skedaddled," he says. James has also been paid, and he sent fifty dollars home to his family. He also hopes to send home his heavy overcoat and boots as soon as the weather is warmer. He has gotten shoes because there are orders forbidding the wearing of boots except on picket duty.
Letter from James Graham, Jr. to his father, March 25, [1865?]
Letter from James Graham, Jr. to his father, March 25, [1865?]
Graham, James--Correspondence. Graham, James--Military service. United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 206th (1864-1865)--Biography. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Military life--Union--Personal narratives. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Destruction and pillage. Fort Harrison (Va.)--History--1860-1870. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources.
Letter sent by James Graham, Jr. to his father, James Graham, from the Camp of the 206th on March 25, [1865]. James writes that the weather has gotten cooler and that it has been rainy and stormy. In the morning, he had been called out, armed, and then sent to Fort Harrison to help defend it before coming back to camp. His division was then told to be ready to march at a moments' notice. They packed up their supplies, only to be told that they would not be moving. James's quarters are apparently close to a rebel encampment; he writes that he had heard the blowing of bugles and the beating of drums the night before but he suspects that the rebels are as much "afeared" of an attack as the Union soldiers are. He describes his location as near orchards that mostly have been destroyed, the trees cut for firewood. He notes the destruction all around him; nothing is left of what were once fine buildings. He believes that the war is coming to a close and that the Rebels are weakening. He ends his letter by reporting that he and three other men have shipped their winter coats home.
Letter from James Graham to an unknown recipient, Chapin Farm, Virginia, October 21, 1864
Letter from James Graham to an unknown recipient, Chapin Farm, Virginia, October 21, 1864
Graham, James--Correspondence. Graham, James--Militrary service. United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 206th (1864-1865)--Biography. Fort Brady (Va.)--1860-1870. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Military life--Union--Personal narratives. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources.
This is a letter from James Graham to an unknown recipient, written from Chapin Farm, Virginia, and dated for October 21 and 22, 1864. In this letter, James Graham is writing to an unknown individual, to whom he is requesting more letters from relatives in Indiana. He mentions that he is searching for information concerning the 206th Regiment, and that he had heard that twenty of them had been killed. He also says that there had been rumors of the entire regiment being taken prisoner. He reports that he has been working on building a fort, which is nearly complete. In the second part of the letter, which is dated for October 22, he says that the rebels had been firing at Fort Brady the entire day. He mentions that he has received a letter from a Mr. McFarland, but that he would like to receive word from home. He mentions that he and the other men of Company E had seen a meteor shower last Sabbath evening.
Letter from James Graham to Elisabeth, Camp in Virginia, December 29 and 30, 1864
Letter from James Graham to Elisabeth, Camp in Virginia, December 29 and 30, 1864
Graham, James--Correspondence. Graham, James--Military service. United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 206th (1864-1865)--Biography. United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 206th (1864-1865)--Pay, allowances, etc. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Military life--Union--Personal narratives. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Desertions. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Equipment and supplies--Union. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources.
This is a letter from James Graham to Elisabeth, dated December 29 and 30, 1864 sent from his camp in Virginia. The first part of the letter is dated December 29, 1864. He discusses how he has been waiting for some time for a box to arrive from Indiana, which contains a pair of boots and clothing that he is in much need of. He mentions receiving hard tack for Christmas, and that he had been on picket duty Christmas day. He says that his regiment had to move into Company D's quarters and that Company H has moved into his old quarters. He mentions picketing for five days out of every month. He says that they may be receiving a raise but that this has not been confirmed. He concludes this letter by mentioning that there have been more desertions by substitutes and drafted men and that two of the deserters were from the New York regiment C. In the second part of the letter, dated December 30, Graham says that this is the day that they move into their new quarters and that a James Loy has just returned from the hospital. He says that an accident has occurred in the regiment, in which someone had been killed by a falling tree. He concludes the letter by stating that he is in need of rations.
Letter from James Graham to Elisabeth Graham, March 18, [1865?]
Letter from James Graham to Elisabeth Graham, March 18, [1865?]
Graham, James--Correspondence. Graham, James--Military service. United States. Army. Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment, 206th (1864-1865)--Biography. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Military life--Union--Personal narratives. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Sources.
Letter sent by James Graham to his sister Elisabeth Graham from picket duty with the 206th Regiment on March 18. James has been placed on picket duty to replace another soldier who is ill. He reports that his previous duty included building a "Corduroy Bridge." He notes that the weather is very pleasent. He also discusses how it is better to be an enlisted soldier than a drafted one. James believes that drafted soldiers are treated "not much better than mules" and they are forced to go wherever their officers tell them. He admits that not all officers do that, but he also says that drafted men and substitutes are watched more carefully than enlisted men. James also thinks that new recruits are sometimes treated poorly by older soldiers, but he comments that life in his own regiment is very agreeable; his regiment is superior in every way to others, and his officers are kind and humble. Finally, he asks his sister to knit and send him a pair of socks.