Primarily correspondence (129 letters) of Illinois farmer and Civil War soldier Carlos W. Colby, written between 1862 and 1865, to his sisters, brother, brother-in-law, and niece, plus a dozen Civil War letters written by Colby’s future brother-in-law James Rowe. Also includes Colby’s reminiscences of his boyhood and his service in the 97th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment, some family correspondence, genealogical material and a few photos.

Correspondence of brothers Henry Patterson and James Patterson, both privates in the 19th Regiment, Iowa Infantry, Company I, during the Civil War. Also includes muster rolls for Henry and his brother James as well as James’ death certificate.

Correspondence from Pvt. Beach of the 55th Illinois Infantry, Company G, to his mother describing everyday camp life in La Grange and Memphis, Tenn., Washington, D.C., and Big Shanty [now Kennesaw], Ga.

Union soldier who served in Company F, Illinois 84th Volunteer Infantry. Seven letters, dated between Oct. 7, 1862 and Dec. 26, 1863, from Foster to his uncle and possibly his father ("Dear Sir"), describing military life as Foster moves from Louisville, Kentucky to Camp Silver Springs, Tenn., to the hospital in Quincy, Ill., and back to Whiteside Station, Tenn., 20 miles outside of Chattanooga.