A Guide to the Papers of James Langstaff Dunn, 1850-1906, n.d.
A Collection in
The Special Collections Department
Accession Number 8301, -a, -b
Special Collections Department, University of Virginia Library
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Processed by: Mitzi Clark, October 2000; Danielle Culpepper, April 2002
Administrative Information
Access Restrictions
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Use Restrictions
See the University of Virginia Library’s use policy.
Preferred Citation
Papers of James Langstaff Dunn, 1850-1906, n.d., Accession #8301, -a, -b, Special Collections Dept., University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Va.
Acquisition Information
This collection was given to the library by Josephine Shamburg Johnston, of Charlottesville, VA, on February 15, 1988.
Provenance
This collection descended to Josephine Shamburg Johston, the granddaughter of Dr. Dunn.
Biographical/Historical Information
Dunn was born near Meadville, Crawford County , Pa. on September 9, 1826. He married Temperance Osborne at Hayfield, Crawford County , on October 15, 1849. The couple had four children -- Josephine A., James A., Jessie, and Gertrude.
Dunn enlisted in the Union Army from Crawford County , Pa., on April 16, 1861, as a Captain of Company D., Erie Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He did not continue with the Company, however, as he was appointed Surgeon of Pennsylvania Volunteers with the rank of Major. For three years, he was Surgeon of the 109th Regiment. During service, he participated in engagements at Cedar or Slaughter Mountain, Va.; 2nd Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Md.; Chancellorsville, VA.; Gettysburg, Pa.; Wauhatchie, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge, Tenn. His 12th Corps was consolidated with the 20th Corps, Army of the Potoma, which was engaged at Ringgold, Ga.; and other areas in Goergia including Mill Creek Gap, Peach Tree Creek, Resaca, Dallas or New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Pine Knob, Culpie Farm, Muddy Creek, and others and the Siege of Atlanta and March to the Sea at Savannah.
Scope and Content Information
This collection consists of letters from James Langstaff Dunn, a Brigade Surgeon to the 2nd Brigade, Banks Corp, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 12th and 20th Army Corps, to his wife (with a few exceptions). It also includes a portfolio of his personal military and civil history.
Dunn's letters are chiefly filled with news of family and friends. He describes camp life, food, marches, weather, illnesses among the troops, battles, treatment of the wounded, and his thoughts on the war. There is a gap in the letters between January and April, 1864, when Dunn was apparently at home on leave for several months.
Arrangement
Correspondence is arranged chronologically.
Contents List
- Folder 1.
- Folder
1.
Alfred [Osborne] to Temperance Dunn. December 7, 1850.
Sent to Temperance from her brother Alfred discussing family matters.
- Folder
1.
Alfred [Osborne] to Temperance Dunn. April 27, 1854.
Sent to Temperance from her brother Alfred discussing some philosophical views.
- Folder 2.
- Folder 2.
- Folder
2.
He says his orders to move have been countermanded, instead he travels to Harrisburg and visits Camp Curtain, writing "as a general thing, the men look green and young...I could easily tell why General McCall pronounced us as 'the best body of troops he ever saw;" says he saw the surgeon's examinations which are very strict and severe.
- Folder
2.
From Philadelphia, he asks Temperance how the Bates' baby "got along with that lump I cut out--did it get well or not?"
- Folder
2.
? Barnes, Camp Benelly, to Captain J. L. Dunn. September 17, 1861.
Informs Dunn he is having his wife send the sword to Eaton, discusses Colonel Maclane and the regiment in Washington, and congratulates Dunn on his recent appointment.
- Folder
2.
Dunn writes he has left Col. McLane's (John W.) Regiment on the Potomac and has been assigned as a surgeon in Philadelphia--describes McLane as a "sneak and a double-dealing villain."
- Folder
2.
Describes for his wife how he passes his time. He boards at a private house for $3 a week; among other things, he examines new recruits, attends lectures at the Jefferson Medical College, and attends private anatomy instruction.
- Folder
2.
Tells his wife he won't be home by New Year's, but may be returning home in another 2-3 weeks. He must first get his "subject" dissected before he leaves. Asks wife to send money for his board.
- Folder 3.
- Folder
3.
Describes "poor little boys that I see everyday by the streets trying to make a living by blacking boots."
- Folder
3.
Writes he is busy examining recruits and must be careful not to accept "defective men" as if get in service and are found unsound he is responsible for expense of transportation and discharge; describes in detail his daily life at the hospital--attending lectures, dissecting and operating on the dead, and meeting for discussion with surgeons of different regiments--some of them the "first medical men of America."
- Folder 3.
- Folder 3.
- Folder
3.
Temperance had complained that Dunn was not writing. Mentions the things he sent home for her, especially a dress whose material "is all the fashion." The regiment was in the camp, but he remained in the Mustering office. He discusses of the slow nature of recruiting work. A friend had promised him a good revolver, and Dunn urges wife to get it to send to him.
- Folder
3.
Encloses some Rebel money that he bought for 5 cents each but tells him little boys are making money selling it for 10 cents each.
- Folder
3.
Says regiment is leaving the camp next day for Washington D.C. and then on to Manassas Junction.
- Folder
3.
From Camp Wood near Washington--describes illness in the new camp and comments that with Merrimac blown out of water thinks war will be over soon, gives views on damage Merrimac could have done to Union's wooden boats.
- Folder
3.
From Aspendale near Winchester-reports that after two days and two nights of hard marching from Harper's Ferry in pouring rain, the regiment has arrived near Winchester; says little damage appears in the rural countryside, despite the fact that "large armies have passed and repassed--fought and retreated."
- Folder
3.
Writes from Headquarters of the 71st Brigade, Sigel's (Gen. Franz) Division near Strasburg, Va.--has arrived after a day's march from Kernstown; describes process involved in taking over an old Southern mansion as headquarters, with the General taking over a large bedroom and parlor as headquarters; gives poetic description of the beautiful Virginia countryside, and asks that women at home consider rolling bandages and sending them as medical supplies for the upcoming engagements; gives description of General Sigel and tells of strength of two brigades encamped there; in a frank statement remarks on the status of young black children in the area; gives position of the camp as being twenty-two miles from Jackson's army with General Fremont (John Charles) in between the two armies.
- Folder
3.
From Headquarters of the Brigade--learns General Fremont has been replaced by General Pope; thinks General Fremont not really suited for the army, but, in some detail, expresses his opinions about his sound character; details growth in number of troops (expected to reach 125,000 men); devotes an entire page to a discussion of slaves who flee the advance of the army, the Union army as a tool of abolition, and conflicting ideas concerning slavery and the role of the slaves once they have been freed.
- Folder
4.
From Headquarters, Cooper's (Gen. James ) Division, tells of leaving Cedar Creek in the Valley of Virginia and marching to Front Royal, then to Sperryville, and on to three miles from Warrenton. He describes the beauty of the mountains and the rich fields along the way; once again is situated in headquarters in an old mansion; remarks with vigor and at length on the qualities of Southern aristocracy, its landowners, treatment of slaves and "poor white trash;" tells of strength of the encampment--"regiments passing night and day," hundreds of cannon and woods full of cavalry.
- Folder
4.
From Camp Pleasant Valley, Washington, Va.,--says he has left Warrenton for Culpeper with Gordonsville as destination--his brigade is stopping temporarily (because of rain) at Washington, Va.; had to take the food of inhabitants, leaving them, he fears, to starve; further discussion on evils of slavery and on attitudes of southerners he has encountered in the area.
- Folder
4.
From Culpeper Court House--describes the battle of Slaughter Mountain [Cedar Mountain] in detail, including the activities of surgeons (some of whom were cowardly) in healing the dead and wounded (with poignant descriptions of cries of the wounded); thinks battle could have been won if McDowell's troops (within three miles of the action) had come to aid but says McDowell is a "traitor and a jackass." tells of healing the wounds of Generals Auger (Christopher Colon) and Banks (Nathaniel Prentiss).
- Folder
4.
From Washington, D.C. This letter includes touching accounts of amputations and operations following the battle on Slaughter Mountain, and a heart-rending description of a soldier, stripped of his clothing, left for dead three days before being found alive; describes his own condition-working for twenty-four hours non-stop, no food or drink, sleeves rolled up and covered with blood; discusses the treatment of the enemy wounded.
- Folder
4.
Cyrus E. Buckland to Major J. L. Dunn. August 22, 1862.
Cyrus E. Buckland of Springfield, Mass., thanks him for his communication to the widow of a deceased soldier he had treated and complimenting him on the ministrations made during the last hours of the ill and wounded.
- Folder
4.
From National Hotel, Washington, D.C., where he writes of engagements in Rappahannock and Bull Run. "No one can imagine the horrors of a battlefield;" describes his activities in the field at Bull Run-dressing the wounds of over 4,000 and giving them warm soup and tea; mentions that he is going on to Alexandria and expects to go from there to Harper's Ferry; comments on the necessity of having more dedicated recruits, not just a lot of "cowardly volunteers."
- Folder
4.
From Frederick, Md., where they have just arrived, he writes a quick line to let her know he is well. Their corps drove out the enemy the day before and expects orders any moment to join the action. Dunn hopes orders will be deferred until he gets his dinner. Describes men, women, and children rushing the streets to hug and kiss the soldiers as they enter the city .
- Folder
4.
From Harper's Ferry, gives detailed and realistic description of battle at Harper's Ferry and his part in it, as well as excellent appearance and condition of Rebel troops, saying--"this gray dirty dress is to their advantage for they are not as good marks as our bright blue uniforms are;" comments in depth on lack of endurance of Union generals to follow up on battlefield, talks of difficulties of keeping good horses for himself.
- Folder
4.
From Harper's Ferry, he writes concerning family matters.
- Folder
4.
C. E. Buckland to Maj. J. L. Dunn, Brigade Surgeon. December 16, 1862.
Writing from Buckland, Springfield, Mass., Buckland thanks Dunn for his attention at the death of his sister's husband.
- Folder
4.
From Camp near Fairfax, Va.--reports on his return to this camp from Harper's Ferry, where he thinks he may stay all week; thinks "greatest problem" comes from General Halleck trying to run the war without himself being in the field; says would not be surprised if the army took control of the nation away from the people and established a military government and explains why.
- Folder
5.
From Dumfries, he describes Dumfries as "hardly fit for a pig pen, relates an incident in which he swore at a Colonel and was placed under arrest for two weeks, says he has friendly relations with the men and generals with whom he serves.
- Folder
5.
From headquarters, 2nd division, 2nd brigade--Stafford County , Va., he describes horrible weather conditions; hears rumor that Burnside has resigned and General Joseph Hooker is in charge of army; is in favor of army taking the power away from the people for awhile; proceeds with long discussion of "traitors coming into power under the fake name of Democrats" and expresses opinions about "craven cowards" of the north who want peace when there is no peace.
- Folder
5.
From Aquia Creek, he writes that it is very cold, but new camp near the river is pleasant.
- Folder
5.
From Aquia Creek, Va, Head Quarters 3rd Brigade. Writes that for the past two weeks he has expected her letter and is anxious for news from home, especially concerning Freddy's cough, and mentions that he sent Freddy a good suit of clothes. Dunn writes he is happy to be surrounded by a loyal and patriotic class of men and speaks passionately against those "poor miserable wretches whose whole soul is wrapped up in the miserable doctrine of human bondage and in unison with Jeff[erson] Davis." Although he confesses a respect for the Southerners as a brave enemy, Dunn despises the "vile reptiles of sympathizers at home who are giving aid and comfort to the rebels" and speaks of himself as the enemy of all traitors.
- Folder
5.
From Aquia Creek, he writes it is snowing and raining, and he expects rebellion can be wiped out in the coming year because of the conscription act.
- Folder
5.
Writes to her concerning family matters, including sending her money with which she can pay her father all that is due him.
- Folder
5.
From Aquia Creek, he rants against Copperheads; says all Pennsylvania regiments are put together in divisions with General Kane (Thomas Leiper) in command, and he is transferred to his staff.
- Folder
5.
From Aquia Creek--describes General Kane as "very much of a gentleman" but with wounds in leg and face; gives account of first wounded soldier he treated at Cedar Mountain and tells of his vivid recollections of the occasion.
- Folder
5.
From Aquia Creek, he writes that they are ready to march at a moment's notice, anticipates a fight.
- Folder
5.
From Aquia Creek, Dunn is disturbed by his wife's reports on son Freddie's illness; reports hearing of an increase in Washington of "houses of ill fame" to about 400 from 30 or 40 before the war, with probably ten thousand women "plying their trade."
- Folder
5.
He tells of the loss of many friends in the battle of Chancellorsville; May 18, 1863--wants wife to come to visit.
- Folder
5.
He urges wife to come to visit, to be accompanied by Lieut. Saeger of Saegertown, who is going home on leave.
- Folder
5.
From Headquarters 2nd Division, 2nd Brigade, Leesburg, Va., he comments that it has been a week since wife's visit, and they are expecting a battle any hour.
- Folder
6.
From the Field Hospital, Gettysburg, Pa., he writes "have just passed through a fearful battle--we whipped the Rebels and they are in full retreat out of the state;" says he is ashamed of many Pennsylvanians who do not lift a hand to defend their homes but slink away out of sight; reports that women thereabouts charge 50 cents for a loaf of bread; rants against the "Copperheads."
- Folder
6.
From Fair Plain, four miles from Antietam, he mentions hard marching since "one of the great battles of the age, and have followed the enemy up to this point;" describes the good attitude of the troops, but continues to rail against the Pennsylvanians from the lower part of the state for their "nonchalant" attitude toward the war; continues to protest against the Copperheads.
- Folder
6.
From Headquarters, 2nd Brigade, Harper's Ferry, he laments the escape of General Lee and troops; thinks days of the Copperheads may be numbered; expects troops to leave the next morning in pursuit of Lee.
- Folder
6.
From Ellis Ford, Va.--mentions a cavalry battle near Culpeper the day before in very hot weather; thinks York, Pa., has brought everlasting disgrace on the State by going out 12 miles to meet the enemy and surrendering the town; thinks women of the town are humane and loyal but the men are "cowardly skunks."
- Folder
6.
From Ellis Ford - he mentions he has drawn three months pay and sends $400 for her to use as she sees proper, keeping $92 for himself to cover his expenses through his next pay day. Tells his wife he has quit smoking, he has not smoked a cigar or pipe for over one month.
- Folder
6.
From Ellis Ford, he discusses the draft and 20,000 men from picked corps sent to New York to be ready if rioting occurs--more discussion of Copperheads.
- Folder
6.
From Ellis Ford, he tells how people in that part of the country have to be fed by Union commissaries to keep them from starving, "but with all their destitution they are Secesh like the devil;" discusses desertion.
- Folder
6.
From Ellis Ford, he mentions some talk of being sent to Texas.
- Folder
6.
From camp near Ellis Ford, he describes workings of the Sutlership of the 109th Regiment in which he invested and has made a profit; discusses the disloyal traitors in Pennsylvania.
- Folder
6.
From camp on Raccoon Ford, Rapid Ann River, 6 miles from Cedar Mountain--in new location having driven enemy over the river.
- Folder
6.
From camp near Culpeper, Va., he talks about upcoming election in Pennsylvania and his desire to vote; is worried about Copperheads and discusses gallant conduct of Crawford and Erie boys and their mark on the battlefield singing "We'll rally round the flag, boys, rally once again."
- Folder
6.
From Nashville, Tenn.--(his brigade transferred) he writes that they traveled by boat to Louisville and then drove to Nashville and will go on to Murfreesboro where the troops are; enemy harassing, but intend to strengthen their position and have many changes from those they had in the Army of the Potomac.
- Folder
6.
From Nashville, Brigade is at Christiana 10 miles from Murfreesboro, Dunn describes the beauty of the countryside--people clever with none of that "humbug vanity of the Virginians. I have not seen a man or woman here say a word about their ancestors as being of noble descent and all that nonsense, but plain rough and ready, good-hearted people;" describes housing and the importance of having a good chimney; tells of an amusing encounter with two "Secesh."
- Folder
6.
From Stevenson, Alabama "like all the rest of Southern towns--a poor miserable hole" he describes passing over the Cumberland Mountains and through tunnels; saw Generals Grant (Ullyses S.) and Rosecrans (William Starke).
- Folder
6.
From Field Hospital at camp on Lookout Mountain, Dunn vividly describes battle at Wauhatchie on Lookout Mountain--a night engagement--and the many injuries there--also the death of General Geary's son (John White Geary).
- Folder
6.
From Wauhatchie, Tenn., he say they are fortified on Racoon Mountain, and ready to give the rebels "hail Columbia" if they come on. Also says General Green (George Sears) was hit in the face at Wauhatchie.
- Folder
6.
From Wauhatchie, writes that he is aware of something afoot as everything is on the move; Sherman (Gen. William Tecumseh)'s forces of 30 thousand men have arrived; discusses the primitive nature of surrounding countryside; describes the dress of men and women and tobacco and snuff habits.
- Folder
6.
From Ringold, Ga., he tells in detail of activities of the last week, including storming in "splendid style" of Lookout Mountain and the battle on Missionary Ridge; describes amputating leg of Capt. Greene, son of General Greene (George Sears); details many deaths and injuries--reports that "the grandest spectacle of this war and one of the most gallant on record was the charge and capture of Lookout Mountain."
- Folder
6.
From Hdqts. 2nd Division, 2nd Brigade, 12 A.C. near Wauhatchie, he includes high praise for General Joseph Hooker; and thinks if he had been let alone at Gettysburg, Lee would have been routed; has formed a group to study chemistry.
- Folder
6.
From Mead headquarters, Wauhatchie, Tenn., Dunn describes departure for home of the 29th Pennsylvania bearing a flag with holes in it from Gettysburg, Wauhatchie, Lookout Mountain--"not as bright as when presented at Aquia Creek."
- Folder
6.
From Wauhatchie, he talks of Miss Goodman arriving to take care of her wounded brother and says "It does a fellow good to see a white woman down here in this snuff eating, snuff dipping, half civilized country."
- Folder
6.
From Wauhatchie, he describes a visit to the top of Lookout Mountain where he visited a "beautiful little village called Summerville;" thinks bill of fare for Christmas will be boiled pork, beans, bean soup, a raw onion for each, hard tack soaked in cold water, coffee with one small spoon of sugar per cup.
- Folder
6.
Dunn writes that the 111th Regiment will go home in a few weeks and he hopes to go with them; argues with Brigades from the Cumberland who claim they took Lookout Mountain; says the 2nd Division, 12th A. C., supported by Whittaker's Brigade of the 4th A.C., were the only troops engaged.
- Folder
6.
From Hdqts., 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 12 A.C., he describes a "pleasant time; " roast beef with soft bread with butter exchanged with "bitters" with an old native; have received orders to move back to Bridgeport; 111th Regiment of Pennsylvania is leaving for home but he doesn't think he can go.
- Folder
6.
From Wauhatchie, he reviews his participation in the army's activities of the past year.
- Folder
7.
From Louisville, Ky., Dunn relates an amusing story of a captain who voted for a Copperhead being put off the train.
- Folder
7.
From Nashville, Tenn., he includes some comments on how Yankee business entrepreneurs have revitalized Nashville and comments on his visit to observe an inspection of a Negro regiment.
- Folder
7.
From Bridgeport, Ala., Dunn reports that he is in the process of establishing a brigade hospital.
- Folder
7.
Dunn reports that he is writing a few lines to pass away his first Sunday in camp since returning from home. He is well and enjoying himself in the spring weather, but sorry he had not stayed home longer. He comments that the camp is nicely situated on the south bank of the Tennessee River and the men are all healthy.
- Folder
7.
From Bridgeport, Ala., he describes breaking up and reformation of brigades--12th Corps assigned to the 11th, which is primarily Dutch and "infernally cowardly;" decries the bad treatment of recruits at Camp Copeland.
- Folder 7.
- Folder
7.
From 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 20th A.C.--Hospital in the Field, he writes in the midst of the battle of Mill Creek Mountain [Rocky Face Ridge, part of the Atlanta Campaign] --up all night attending more than 200 wounded.
- Folder
7.
From Camp near Cassville, Ga., (four miles from Atlanta), Dunn describes fighting, marching night and day with bayonets and butts of muskets principal weapons--"few bullet wounds but plenty of broken heads and black eyes;" 300 men killed and wounded in his division; Union army in chase toward Atlanta.
- Folder
7.
From Camp near Lost Mountain, Ga, he writes they have been in camp four days resting from marching and fighting.
- Folder
7.
Dunn writes he will be paid in a few days and will send her money so that she can pay off all her debts. They are making slow progress because they are required to keep up communications in the rear to a distance of 100 miles, and they must take time in flanking the enemy.
- Folder
7.
From Hospital in the Field near Marietta, Ga., Dunn reports they have been under constant fire for the past six days with constant noise of cannon and musketry--"I begin to feel as if it would be almost heaven to get somewhere that I could be quiet once more."
- Folder
7.
From Camp near Chattahoochee River, he reports things are progressing rapidly--taking time and cleaning out the country--can see Atlanta from the camp.
- Folder
7.
From Camp near Atlanta, Ga., mentions skirmish of three days in the center of the entire Army and ensuing bloody battle with complete victory; describes meeting Confederates marching from Atlanta with both armies taken by surprise--enemy gave way--over 500 men killed and wounded in Union Division; tells of occupation of Atlanta at daylight by 23rd Army Corps, with his corps following; found several Rebel women in men's clothing among the killed.
- Folder
7.
From Camp near Atlanta, includes sketch showing position; describes reaction of the troops to the transfer of General Joseph Hooker.
- Folder
7.
From Corps Hospital in the field, Dunn attributes failure thus far to take Atlanta to "some of the cavalry;" feels General Sherman "showed smallness" in treatment of Hooker.
- Folder
7.
From Division Hospital near Atlanta, reports he is tiring of the army, but discusses necessity of continuing, worries about transition to peace and if former prosperity ever will be regained; siege of Atlanta continues.
- Folder
8.
From Hdqts. 2nd Brigade-Atlanta, he has entered Atlanta and is headquartered in an "aristocratic mansion;" is very well situated as to comfort; mentions that he borrowed paper on which he is writing from southerners to give an idea of poor quality they have been forced to use; describes attitudes and actions of "secesh" who have remained in the city .
- Folder
8.
From Atlanta, he writes in detail of the departure of southerners and their families for the north, leaving all homes and many possessions behind; tells of purchasing a fine piano for $125 and valued at $1000 from a departing southerner; says the city will be occupied only by troops, with most southerners wanting the Governor of Georgia to surrender the whole state.
- Folder
8.
From Atlanta, Dunn comments of the virtues of Generals Sheridan, Sherman, Grant and Kilpatrick and calls Generals McClellan and Fitz John Porter "deadbeats," discusses current political situation and strong desire for unconditional surrender.
- Folder
8.
From Atlanta, Dunn describes meeting acquaintance just released from Andersonville prison; tells of burning of mansions and replacement with army buildings; says "this war will entirely ruin Georgia-the people outside our lines are now starving to death."
- Folder
8.
From Atlanta, he describes General (John Bell) Hoods military actions in harassing the rear of the Union in Atlanta in violation of an armistice between him and General Sherman--an action, he writes, which was "soundly defeated;" more details on the shipping of the piano.
- Folder
8.
From Atlanta, predicts General Hood will attempt to move his army to reach Lee in Virginia; says scarcity of food in surrounding area probably will cause all to starve, with some families existing only on parched corn and sweet potatoes; thinks the only result can be "anarchy, discord, starvation, desolation, degradation and subjugation; describes his position as Brigade surgeon and says he wants to leave full service and return to a hospital.
- Folder
8.
From Atlanta, Dunn describes his diet, saying that an onion is a luxury, with army rations being plentiful but boring; plans are afoot for army to burn Atlanta and leave it; more details on attempt to ship the piano, adding that it might have to be done piecemeal.
- Folder
8.
Ink illegible for the most part.
From Atlanta, says he wrote two letters a week but that there is great uncertainty whether mail carried by the Military Railroad reaches its destination. Makes some mention of a returned prisoner from Andersonville.
- Folder
8.
Ink still very faded.
From Atlanta, Ga., Dunn writes concerning election day, that he voted for peace, and reflects on life in the four years since the previous elections. They expect to move on the next day with 20 days rations in the wagon.
- Folder
8.
From Camp near Savannah, Ga., he describes the march to Savannah which included the exodus of 20,000 slaves gaining freedom; says they "relieved our Southern Brethren of a large amount of both public and private property;" comments on the evils of slavery and "the cruel lash of the slave driver in a land that boasts of its extended freedom;" reports that the attack on Savannah is about to begin.
- Folder
8.
From Savannah, he writes they entered the city on Dec 21 when Rebels decided to evacuate; elaborates on conditions in the city ; says he will bring wife a "very nice little 12-year-old Negro girl" if she wants; thinks next move will be on Charleston; comments on the Rebels hate of the poor class of Irish and the Irish reactions.
- Folder 8.
- Folder
9.
From Savannah, Dunn explains cause of mail delays as being attributed to all boats being pressed into service to carry troops; piano slowly reportedly making its way homeward; vents anger at treatment of northern prisoners.
- Folder
9.
From Savannah, he writes that he receives orders to march the next day--in a brief addition reports march to Charleston now underway; severe criticism of some northern pandering to higher class southerners in Savannah.
- Folder
9.
From Sister's Ferry, Ga., he says they left Savannah on the 26th and reached present location in a day.
- Folder
9.
From Goldsboro, N.C., he writes that the troops entered Goldsboro on Jan 20th, with the campaign ended and General Sherman reporting the army will have six weeks rest; the march through South Carolina was a "perfect desolation--a cloud of smoke by day and a pillow of fire by night" over a broad belt of 70 miles rendered complete desolation; says it was a fixed determination of the soldiers to make South Carolina suffer despite efforts of the Generals to control the men; burning stopped when troops reached the North Carolina line; describes vividly the burning of Columbia, S.C.
- Folder
9.
From Goldsboro, Dunn discusses his resignation plans, is aggravated with government's lack of fulfillment of duties to soldiers.
- Folder
9.
From Washington, D.C., he writes he arrived in the city April 13 having been mustered out; describes turmoil in the city over Lincoln's assassination and says military authorities only "prevented the excited people from taking four or five hundred Rebel officers from prison and hanging them" gives opinions about the new President; plans to start for home next week.
- Folder 9.
- Folder
10.
Clara Barton to Dr. Dunn. September 22, 1865.
- Folder
11.
Van Voorst describes European travels and many concerts he has attended, both choral and band.
- Folder
12.
From Muncy, Pa., King reminiscences about old times in Conneantville,Pa., and requests photographs of Dunn's family.
- Folder
12.
Illegible letter n.d.
- Folder
12.
From headquarters, 1st Brigade, Sigle's Division, Kernstown, Va., Dunn talks of a small pox epidemic starting in his wife's community, discusses money matters and personal finances.
- Folder
12.
From Washington, Va., headquarters, 1st brigade, Auger's division, Banks' corps, Dunn writes that General Pope had grand review of troops the previous Sunday, mentions have had a great amount of typhoid fever among some regiments in the 60th New York, some 600 cases, with deaths occurring every day; reports that he has been arrested and court-martialed for saying a certain colonel was " a d--n-ed fool", was cleared of the charges.
- Folder
12.
Illegible letter. n.d.
- Folder
12.
In this partial letter, he says his watch chain was stolen out of his drawer while he was in Philadelphia; mentions that that he captured an ambulance and two good horses which he intends to carry baggage on with plans to sleep in the ambulance, says when he wants another horse he will give a cavalry soldier $5 to steal one, writes on with the following: "don't be frightened much if some of these mornings you see three or four hundred gray backs training up and down street for they are privileged characters. They just ride around our little army and take horses and clothing wherever they can find it and nobody says anything about it and do still less--General McClellan couldn't stand it any longer--he must go over to Philadelphia and get his wife to sooth his many cares, and while he is being soothed, the Rebels run over to old Pennsylvania for a drove of horses and got them. This is a H--l of a country, ain't it?"
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12.
Dunn discusses shooting death of Major Boyle, says army is living on hard tack, salt pork and an occasional ham.
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12.
Says jaundice is principal disease now, filling the hospitals and making many unfit for duty.
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12.
Dunn asks, "What great blessing has slavery conferred on the north that it should be so careful as to foster and preserve it? It first placed political parties almost in deadly conflict--it then divided the nation and trampled on the Nation's most sacred emblem--it's flag. The bloody battlefields before Richmond, the long and wearisome marches through the Valley of Virginia and the carnage of Bull Run and Antietam which has carried mourning throughout the whole north, dressed almost every household in crape. Yet to attempt to destroy the power that is doing all this is the rock on which our people of the north disgracefully split;" Dunn continues with more reflections upon slavery.