Civil War Collections

2011-2015 marks the Sesquicentennial Anniversary of the American Civil War. To commemorate this event the Special Collections and Archives of Wright State University has gathered materials related to the Civil War from several of its collections. This series contains many letters, diaries, and other ephemera from Ohio natives. The authors of these letters and diaries served the Union Army and often wrote about daily life in the camps, fighting, and more. Though these materials often include factual information such as accounts of the weather, ledgers, and other lists, a closer inspection will often reveal content of a more personal nature.

The Civil War Collections includes materials from the following series:

James F. Overholser Papers (MS-5)

Oscar D. Ladley Papers (MS-138)

Patterson Family Papers (MS-236)

Wallace Family Papers (MS-92)

For more information on these collections, please visit Wright State University Special Collections and Archives.

Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.

Switch View to Grid View Slideshow

Letter to Stephen Patterson from J.K. Reynolds dated July 7, 1864

J. K. Reynolds

Letter to Stephen Patterson from J.K. Reynolds dated July 7, 1864. In the letter the friend asks Stephen to meet them at the depot.
Letter from William Patterson to his mother Julia dated July 5, 1864

William Patterson

William Patterson wrote this brief note to his mother from the Officer's Hospital in Nashville on July 5, 1864. He writes about the Fourth of July Celebration and personal affairs.
Letter from John Patterson to his mother Julia on July 5, 1864

John H. Patterson

John H. Patterson wrote this long letter to his mother Julia on July 5th, 1864. In the letter he talks about daily life at the fort and how they celebrated the Fourth of July holiday. He says there are rumors that the Rebel troops will be in Baltimore soon.
Letter from John Patterson to his mother Julia in July 1864

John H. Patterson

John Patterson wrote this letter to his mother in July, 1864. In the letter he tells her about a recent trip he made to Washington and the sights he saw while there, including the "much talked of" East room of the White House. He also talks about daily operations at his current post.
Letter to Julia Patterson from Elizabeth Jones dated July 1, 1864

Elizabeth Jones

This letter was written to Julia Patterson from Elizabeth Jones on July 1, 1864 and confirms a visit Julia will be making to her.
Letter from John H. Patterson to his mother Julia on June 28, 1864

John H. Patterson

This brief letter was written by Robert Patterson to his mother Julia on June 28, 1864. In the letter he thanks her for sending money and says he is happy with the work he is doing in the Quarter Master's department at Fort Marshall.
Letter from William Patterson to his mother Julia on June 28, 1864

William Patterson

William Patterson wrote this letter to his mother Julia from the field hospital on June 28, 1864. He discusses his illness and the regiments involved in the Atlanta Campaign.
Letter to Stephen Patterson from a friend, George Winters, dated June 28, 1864

George Winters

This letter was written to Stephen Patterson by a friend, George Winters, on June 28, 1864. In the letter the friend describes his work and daily life.
Letter from William Patterson to his mother, Julia dated June 21, 1864

William Patterson
Letter, 1864 June 17, Oscar D. Ladley to Mother and Sisters [Catherine, Mary, and Alice Ladley]

Oscar D. Ladley

Letter to Oscar Ladley's mother and sisters from Jacksonville, Florida. In his letter Oscar writes about the abundance of orange groves in Florida, not having his efforts to capture a vessel recognized in the local papers, the weather there, and more.
Letter to Stephen Patterson from J.J. Kirse, dated June 13, 1864

J. J. Kirse

This letter was written to Stephen Patterson by an acquaintance, J.J. Kirse, on June 13, 1864. In the letter the friend discusses recent social events and invites Stephen to visit.
Letter from Robert Patterson to his mother, Julia dated June 9, 1864

Robert Patterson

Robert Patterson wrote this letter to his mother on June 9, 1864 from Georgia. In the letter he talks about the travels and battles of his troops, General Sherman's leadership, and shares his reflections on the life of a soldier.
Letter, 1864 June 5, Oscar D. Ladley to Mother and Sisters [Catherine, Mary, and Alice Ladley]

Oscar D. Ladley

Letter to Oscar Ladley's mother and sisters from Camp Fort Paten, Florida. Oscar writes about the fruit, vegetation, and game in Florida. He also writes about being placed in command of Company E, and that if he were in the Navy instead of the Army, he would be rewarded for contraband he confiscated.
Letter to Julia Patterson from an unidentified person dated June 3, 1864

Unknown

This partial letter was sent to Julia Patterson from an unknown author dated June 3, 1864. In the letter the sender talks about daily life and the possible sale of the Patterson farm.
Letter from William Patterson to his mother Julia written from the field of battle on June 1, 1864

William Patterson

Letter from William Patterson to his mother Julia written from the field on June 1, 1864. In this brief note he reassures her that he is unhurt.
Letter from John H. Patterson to his mother Julia dated June 1, 1864

John H. Patterson

Letter from John H. Patterson to his mother Julia dated June 1, 1864. In the letter John describes a recent visit to Baltimore from his post at Fort Worthington. He describes various sights in Baltimore, including Federal Hill and Druid Hill Park.
Letter to Julia Patterson from M.L. (Mary) Johnston dated May 25, 1864

Mary L. Johnston

This letter was sent to Julia Patterson from M.L. (Mary) Johnston dated May 25, 1864. In the letter, Mary discusses family and mutual acquaintances and invites Julia to visit.
Letter to Stephen Patterson from a friend, Jim, dated May 25, 1864

Jim

Letter to Stephen Patterson from a friend, Jim, dated May 25, 1864. In the letter the friend talks about mutual acquaintances and his social life in New York.
Letter from William L. Patterson to his mother Julia dated May 21, 1864

William Patterson

William Patterson wrote this letter to his mother Julia on May 21, 1864 from Cassville, Georgia. He writes that they have won two battles and briefly discusses their operations.
Letter from Robert Patterson to his mother Julia dated May 21, 1864

Robert Patterson

This letter was written from Robert Patterson to his mother Julia on May 21, 1864. He describes the hardships of marching and the challenges of fighting in Georgia. He shares his thoughts on the local citizens' attitudes and responses to their presence, and says he believes the "days of the Southern confederacy are numbered."
Letter to Julia Patterson from Elizabeth Jones dated May 20, 1864

Elizabeth Jones

This letter was sent to Julia Patterson from Elizabeth Jones dated May 20, 1864. In the letter, she writes of family news and daily life.
Letter, 1864 May 18, Oscar D. Ladley to Mother and Sisters [Catherine, Mary, and Alice Ladley]

Oscar D. Ladley

Letter to Oscar Ladley's mother and sisters from camp at "Palaciers Creek." Oscar writes about being sent on a scouting expedition, lists the spoils his men have collected, and that he has received notice about being commissioned a captain.
Letter, 1864 May 18, James F. Overholser to Aunt and Uncle [Mary and Crib Burns]

James F. Overholser

Letter from James F. Overholser to his aunt and uncle, Mary and Crib Burns from Field Hospital near [Resaca] Georgia.
Letter to Julia Patterson from L.N. Jones dated May 17, 1864

L. N. Jones

This letter was sent to Julia Patterson from L.N. Jones. The acquaintance talks about a visitor to the Patterson home.