Comments and Tags
Be the first to comment on this item!
American Civil War ➔ Letter, Charles E. Hulbert To H. B. Hulbert
Identifier:
2011.37.2Description:
This collection of letters was 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."; Camp near Sharpsburg MDOct 23 1862
Dear Brother Hez,
As you see we are still enjoying our rest or rather protecting this ford in the river though under orders to be ready to march at a moments notice . There is nothing of any importance going on here, and as I have not received any letters from you or mother for about two weeks I have nothing of importance to write, so I will make this a ?. Well Alex, Ha??'s brother in law I have written to to have him make me a pair of ? boots and to have Mr. Hay send them on when he does.Alexander and I have thought that It would cost but little more to have a pair of woolen thick fine army shirts worth from 2 to 4 dollars each sent along too as I can probably get them cheaper there and about as soon or sooner than if I waited for a chance to get them at Washington. A dark gray or blue is a good color & metallic buttons or gutta percha ones are perhaps as durable as any. I shall wear but one shirt so you may know about what I want if you can get them somewhere on my account. Also a good pair of ? gloves with tough cuffs. Perhaps you may think me extravagant but being orderly now I mean to make myself comfortable if I can. It may be asking too much of you & perhaps no one will trust me if I have to wait a month or so for 4 months pay (from 60 to 80 dollars) will enable me to pay cash down.
Good bye love to all write soon & tell me all about Barber Ed & other matters of interest ?
Your Brother Charlie
P.S. We have a bayonet drill at 8 1/2 A.M. a company drill at 10 and a battalion drill at 4 P.M.;Charles Hulbert enlisted in the 94th New York Infantry at age 21 in Watertown New York on 10/17/1861 as a sergeant. He received promotions to 2nd Lt., 1st Lt., and Adjutant by October 1863. He served until January 1865 . His regiment was part of the Army of the Potomac and served in all the major engagements in the eastern theater suffering many casualties at 2nd Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Gettysburgh, and the Weldon Railroad.
