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American Civil War ➔ Letter, Edward Hulbert To H.B. Hulbert
Identifier:
2011.37.12Description:
This collection of letters was mostly written by Charles E. Hulbert of Watertown, NY to his brother H. B. Hulbert of Watertown, and his mother, Mrs. J. M. Hulbert of Grand Rapids. They were donated to the Museum by a local family who visited the Museum's "Thank God for Michigan: Stories from the Civil War" exhibit. The letters will be added to the Museum's extensive archival holdings from the Civil War. They offer a soldier's point of view on many aspects of the conflict, but particularly notable is Hulbert's vocal anti-slavery stance. He calls slavery a "curse" and in 1864 wrote, "Thank God, slavery has received its death blow. And I believe God will bless us for resolving to do even at this day, what ought to have been done years ago, viz. to abolish the institution which was a curse to the owner and the owned."; Grand Rapids Apr 22 1864Dear Brother Hez
Your good letter came to hand a day or two ago and as I am not obliged to study this evening or to be otherwise engaged I take the opportunity to write to you. We were quite surprised to here that you were expecting Chas. so soon, and were very much pleased to think you intended coming with him, but since they have or are calling all the men into the field, we fear he will not be able to come unless his regt remains at Annapolis, and even then it is doubtful. I shall be very much disappointed as well as all the rest, to miss of seeing you, but perhaps you will be able to come next fall if not now, so we will have to wait patiently and hope for the best. You wanted to know if I pay much attention to the young ladies here? Well Hez it is just like this, when I have a good chance to go home with a young lady or to wait on her in any other way, I seldom fail to ? it, but do not find time expressly to spend for that purpose as I am still in school and busy as ever. This term commenced about two weeks ago and I am now studying philosophy latin algebra and finishing Robinson's higher arithmetic. After this term I think I will go into some business and help to support mother in order to lessen Charlie's expenses so that he can lay up something before he leaves the army. I desire very much to complete the course of study in this school and perhaps can do it by studying out of school and improving every opportunity to attend, although it would take two more years if I could attend steady to accomplish it. I would have a good education which would repay me for all my trouble. I wish you could be here to study with me, then we could get up early and study before daylight as I have often done already, and in that way learn a great deal. In Charlie's last letter to me he thinks that he and I would better go on a farm as I told him that while we were building our new church I earned a dollar a day which he thought was pretty good, and now he wants me to inquire around and see what land is worth here in Michigan. What do you think of the idea? But it is after my bed time and I must close. Give my love to all, and ask Willy if his address is Wm. Henry, do not tell him I am going to write for I may not have time. Please excuse all the numerous mistakes and all other deficiencys.
From you affectionate brother
Edward J. Hulbert
P.S. You can do as you please about sending the month's Journal instead of the Reformer, I am not particular about it.
