Paul W. Bean Civil War Papers

Follow

• 

  An Introduction to the Paul W. Bean Collection on Digital Commons, August 31, 2015

  Edward Andrew Kobylarz

  An Introduction to the Paul W. Bean Collection on Digital Commons, August 31, 2015. This is a short guide to the Paul W. Bean Collection here on Digital Commons. It is included as a reference for researchers to understand the methodology behind the creation of this collection and hopefully aid in the deepest and richest exploration of it.

• 

  Women of the Ku Klux Klan Donation Receipt

  Women of the Ku Klux Klan, Inc.

  A receipt dated April 25, 1924, noting that Mrs. Elsie Madden donated five dollars to the Women of the Ku Klux Klan, Inc., Realm of Maine. Signed by Flora L. Hothorne.

  Digitized from Box 278, folder 1, of the Paul Bean Collection.

  Please note: Libraries and archives collect materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. As a result, materials such as those presented here may reflect sexist, misogynistic, abusive, or discriminatory attitudes or actions that some may find harmful or difficult to view.

• 

  Principles and Purposes of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan

  Ku Klux Klan

  A pamphlet describing the aims and purposes of the Ku Klux Klan compiled by the Exalted Cyclops of Monroe Klan Number 4, Realm of Louisiana, circa 1920. A note in handwriting on the back reads, "Augusta, Maine."

  Digitized from the Paul Bean Collection, box 281, folder 48.

  Please note: Libraries and archives collect materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. As a result, materials such as those presented here may reflect sexist, misogynistic, abusive, or discriminatory attitudes or actions that some may find harmful or difficult to view.

• 

  1910 First Maine Cavalry Reunion Post Card

  J. P. Cilley

  Post-Card from Corresponding Secretary J.P. Cilley to Almore, Haskell, August 10, 1910. The bulk of the postcard explains the planned events for the reunion including lunch and dinner, automobile rides and other festivities. There is also a request for the names of veterans who died for the purpose of commemoration.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 279, f.59

• 

  The Flags of the Confederate States of America

  United Confederate Veterans

  A document providing descriptions and illustrations of the flags of the Confederate States prepared by the United Confederate Veteran Headquarters in 1907.

  Digitized from Box 278, folder 12.

  Please note: Libraries and archives collect materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. As a result, materials such as those presented here may reflect sexist, misogynistic, abusive, or discriminatory attitudes or actions that some may find harmful or difficult to view.

• 

  Medal of Honor Legion Fourteenth Annual Convention Booklet

  Unknown

  This booklet produced as a guide for those attending the 1904 annual banquet and convention for the Medal of Honor Legion is a rich source filled with information about living and deceased members of the society and the events of the weekend.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 278, f.49

• 

  Union Insignia Blotting Paper

  W. E. Moses

  An example of blotting paper used as a promotional piece, circa 1890. Graphics provide badges of several Civil War corps. Text reads, "Wanted, Soldiers' Homesteads. Union Soldiers who homesteaded some land, but less than 160 acres before June 23, 1874, are entitled to additional rights even though entry was relinquished or abandoned. If soldier is dead, widow or heirs have his rights. I pay spot case for these claims. Address (Comrade) W. E. Moses, 3100 Jacobson Bldg., Denver, Colo. Send two-cent stamp for Corps Badge Blotter."

  This blotter paper was used by the recipient and some absorbed ink appears on the back.

  Digitized from Box 278, folder 11.

• 

  Letter from Hiram S. Davis and Hannah Davis to Lieutenant J. L. Ham, April 16, 1880

  Hiram S. Davis and Hannah Davis

  Letter from Hiram S. and Hannah Davis to Lieutenant J.L. Ham, April 16, 1880. These are two separate letters that were mailed together. Both Hiram and Hannah inquired of Ham if he knew William Davis, Hiram's brother and Hannah's son who was in the same prison camp at Salisbury, North Carolina around the same time and died in January of 1865. They provide unique commentary on Northern reactions to the Confederate treatment of Union prisoners and the bitter attitude still held nearly fifteen years after the war.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 279, f.62

• 

  Letter from Delphina E. Mendenhall to John L. Ham, February 1, 1879

  Delphina E. Mendenhall

  Letter from Delphina E. Mendenhall to John L. Ham, February 1, 1879. Delphina wrote to John Ham as an attempt to rekindle an old friendship made during the bitterest months of the war when he was released with a few other prisoners from the Salisbury, North Carolina prison camp around the time General Sherman made his march through there.Due to the state of affairs both before and during the war she and her husband were one of the few slave owners that attempted to emancipate their slaves before the war, and she mentioned that of those former slaves several went on to become very successful. She also relates the state of affairs at her household since that time during the war and some of her sad misfortunes, yet she remarked how fortunate she was to help him and the other prisoners.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 279, f.63

• 

  List of Men Furnished by the Town of Whitefield During the Civil War from 1861 to 1865

  Whitefield, (Me.)

  Lists of the names of men called at several dates to Civil War service from the town of Whitefield, Maine, including numbers of those who paid commutation, an accounting of equalization of bounties and amounts paid to the town.

  Digitized from Box 278, folder 45.

• 

  Letter from J.H. Young to his brother (Lott?), March 31, 1865

  J. H. Young

  Letter from J.H. Young to his brother (Lott?), March 31, 1865. In it he tells his brother of the latest events, including the weather and the bounty of agriculture.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 279, f.51

• 

  McClellan's Military Career Reviewed and Exposed

  Union Congressional Committee

  McClellan's Military Career Reviewed and Exposed: The Military Policy of the Administration Set Forth and Vindicated (1864).

  This pamphlet is a thirty two page exposé regarding former Union General George B. McClellan's military record and stances during the war used as an attempt to discredit him in his bid for the U.S. Presidency in 1864.

  Printed by Lemuel Towers

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 278, f.42

• 

  Collection of Press Receipts Advertising for Volunteer Soldiers

  Capt. J.C. Grafton and Capt. R.B. Brown

  An assortment of vouchers and receipts made out to Capts. J.C. Grafton and R.B. Brown in the 2nd Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment advertising for new recruits, 1863-4.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 278, f.29

• 

  J. C. Johnson Letters

  J. C. Johnson

  Three letters written by J. C. Johnson while stationed in North Carolina to friend Wales L. Miller in Belfast, Maine, 1864-1865. File includes scans of original letters and transcriptions.

  Digitized from Box 279, folder 32.

• 

  Three Stages in the Life of a Political Turn-Coat

  Anonymous

  Anonymous pamphlet entitled, "Three Stages in the Life of a Political Turn-Coat: Showing how an INTENSIFIED WAR Democrat is gradually transformed into a Malignant Copperhead."

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 278, f.28

• 

  Chaplain S. Freeman Chase Letters

  S. Freeman Chase

  Letters written by Chaplain S. Freeman Chase from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania to his sister, Lizzie. The first letter is dated June 1, 1863; the second July 24, 1863. The scanned file includes images of the original pages followed by typed transcription.

  Digitized from Box 279, folder 25.

• 

  Letter from E. Haskell Jr. to his son Almore, September 10, 1862

  E. Haskell Jr.

  Letter from E. Haskell Jr. to his son Almore, September 10, 1862. In it he urges his son to make it to the upcoming elections.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 279, f.46

• 

  William W. Heath Diary

  William W. Heath

  A transcription of a diary kept by a Civil War soldier, Company H, 4th Regiment, Vermont Volunteers, for the year of 1863.

  Digitized from Box 281, folder 38.

• 

  Letter from Zeb Knight to Almore Haskell, February 14, 1863

  Zeb Knight

  Letter from Zeb Knight to Almore Haskell, February 14, 1863. In it he tells of his situation in hospital due to wounds received in the field. Knight also tells Haskell of the military situation of his cavalry regiment and the orders from Union command not to talk or trade with Confederate soldiers.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 279, f.49

• 

  Letter from Achsah Lemont to Frank L. Lemont, February 15, 1863

  Achsah Lemont

  Letter from Achsah Lemont to her brother Frank L. Lemont, February 15, 1863. In it she relates most of the goings on back home in Lewiston especially the pleasant company of many young ladies. She also speaks of the state of the family and the words they received regarding the rumored changes in command of Union troops and her hopes that this will be a welcome change for her brother.

  Further in the letter she speaks of the changes in the weather and how the sleighing was rather good though the recent thaw affected such outings. As to her personal life and the affections of young men to which he cautioned her in a previous letter she brushes off stating that there is not a need to worry because they as yet had not chosen to try and win her affections.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letter from Achsah Lemont to Frank L. Lemont, October 25, 1863

  Achsah Lemont

  Letter from Achsah Lemont to her brother Frank L. Lemont, October 25, 1863. In it she tells Frank that she is now boarding with a Mr. and Mrs. Russel taking care of their children during their absence and that due to this she feels rather overwhelmed, almost to the point of insanity. Achsah also speaks of the state of the family and other goings on at home. In a rather personal moment she also inquires of his intentions towards Electa Lemont and she warns him to not pursue such intentions, and in regards to her own love life she provided a rather dismal overview, predicting she would take the title of "old maid" so as the rest of her siblings might find spouses.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letter from Achsah Lemont to Frank L. Lemont, September 20, 1863

  Achsah Lemont

  Letter from Achsah and Josie Lemont to their brother Frank L. Lemont, September 20, 1863. In it Achsah tells Frank of a fun excursion to the top of Mount Washington and the excitement of the day including the state of the weather and the difficulty of the trek up the mountain.

  Josie also included a short letter to Frank as well, stating that she felt well enough to do so. She expressed her deep desire to get an education for herself and how difficult it was for her to attend, but that she would not stop trying.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letter from J.S. Lemont to Frank L. Lemont, April 11, 1863

  J. S. Lemont

  Letter from J.S. Lemont to her son Frank L. Lemont, April 11, 1863. In it she discusses the details of their move back to the farm in Greene, ME and the family life now that they resettled, including a cold she got in the process.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letter from J.S. Lemont to Frank L. Lemont, February 26, 1863

  J. S. Lemont

  Letter from J.S. Lemont to her son Frank L. Lemont, February 26th, 1863. In it she speaks of the difficulty of the distance between them and the rising financial troubles at home, especially with the strain on the family without him being there to help on the farm. She also mentions a rumor about soldiers being granted furloughs to go home.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letter from J.S. Lemont to Frank L. Lemont, January 28, 1863

  J. S. Lemont

  Letter from J.S. Lemont to her son Frank L. Lemont, January 28, 1863. In it she relates the latest goings on at home and the state of the family, mostly that she longs to have her son home and wonders what should be done about the farm, proposing that perhaps renting the house in Lewiston might provide some supplemental income for them to live on while they prepare for beginning planting again in the summer.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letter from J.S. Lemont to Frank L. Lemont, January 3, 1863

  J. S. Lemont

  Letter from J.S. Lemont to her son Frank L. Lemont, January 3, 1863. In it she imparts rather depressing news from home and about the war especially about death and sickness plaguing their community. She desperately wishes the war would end so her son might come home and be with them but she knows that he has to make those decisions for himself.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letter from J.S. Lemont to Frank L. Lemont, June 28, 1863

  J. S. Lemont

  Letter from J.S. Lemont to her son Frank L. Lemont, June 28, 1863. In it she congratulates him on his promotion and speaks of a great desire to see him. She also wishes him good will in this new position and that he continues to stay safe in the midst of the war.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letter from J.S. Lemont to Frank L. Lemont, September 10, 1863

  J. S. Lemont

  Letter from J.S. Lemont to her son Frank L. Lemont, September 10, 1863. In it she tells him mostly of the events of life at home and the financial situation of the family, specifically regarding the loan of money to a family friend for investment in buying a hardware store.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letter from Harriet N. Merriam to Frank L. Lemont, March 8, 1863

  Harriet N. Merriam

  Letter from Harriet N. Merriam to her nephew Frank L. Lemont, March 8, 1863. In it she tells her nephew of the recent move to a larger plot of land and her feelings on the matter, especially being in a new environment. She also speaks of the war and how sickness spread to some of their mutual relatives and friends in the field.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letter from Wyatt Turner to Almore, September 10, 1863

  Wyatt Turner

  Letter from Wyatt Turner to Almore, September 10, 1863. In it he urges Almore to head to Harrison to vote in the Statewide elections, stressed as the most important in the history of the state.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 279, f.44

• 

  Letter from Unknown to Frank L. Lemont, November 1, 1863

  Unknown

  Letter from Unknown to Frank L. Lemont. In it the writer (most likely one of Frank's sisters) relates the state of the family and laments any wrongdoings or insults given in the previous letter.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letter from Charles Warner to his Mother Mrs. Almon Warner, August 20, 1863

  Charles Warner

  Letter from Charles Warner to his mother Mrs. Almon Warner, August 20, 1863. In it he discusses life in camp at Kelly's ford and the general nature of army culture. He also makes a direct reference to the part of army culture engaged in gambling as a means of passing time, along with the delicate subject of court martial and execution.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.9

• 

  Letter from Charles Warner to his mother Mrs. Almon Warner, August 23, 1863

  Charles Warner

  Letter from Charles Warner to his mother Mrs. Almon Warner, August 23, 1863. In it he waxes philosophical about the nature around him and how the nights often remind him of New England, thus turning his thoughts back to home. He also asks her about potentially being introduced to some young lady upon his return. Turning from pleasantries he intimates that officers in his unit have made arrangements to level charges against their commanding officer (Col. Price) for a host of reasons ranging from insubordination to harshness of command.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.9

• 

  Letter from Charles Warner to his mother Mrs. Almon Warner, August 28, 1863

  Charles Warner

  Letter from Charles Warner to his mother Mrs. Almon Warner, August 28, 1863. In this partial letter to his mother, he tells her a bit of his troubles with his superiors because of sleeping through roll call due to late guard duty. Through the rest of the letter he turns to the poor food offered by the regimental sutlers and the state of his finances since he was last paid.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.9

• 

  Letter from Charles Warner to his mother Mrs. Almon Warner, September 3, 1863

  Charles Warner

  Letter from Charles Warner to his mother Mrs. Almon Warner, September 3, 1863. In it he tells her of the latest developments in camp, namely charges leveled against officers and the latest scuttlebutt among the men. As with some of the other letters he also speaks of the state of food in the army and that soon there will be an officer's mess provided by one of the sutlers, and that in future letters he did not need any more reading material for both lack of time and the fact that he already possessed enough to keep him busy with what little he did.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.9

• 

  Letter from Charles Warner to his Mother Mrs. Almon Warner, September 6, 1863

  Charles Warner

  Letter from Charles Warner to his mother Mrs. Almon Warner, September 6, 1863. In it he speaks of his practice writing as many letters as possible though apologetic if he had missed sending a note or two back home, and his prospects in the army barring his failure to get a promotion. He also makes note of the practice of dress parade and his negative disposition towards the activity, and that he made a habit out of skipping drill entirely at times.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.9

• 

  Letter from Viola Adams to John L. Ham, October 14, (1862?)

  Viola Adams

  Letter from Viola Adams to John L. Ham, October 14, (1862?). In it she scolds Ham for not writing a longer letter and briefs him on the latest events at home, including her schooling. She inquires as to his opinion on army life and requests he write her a longer response, lest he be subjected to later haunting.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 279, f.65

• 

  Letter from Asaph Boyden to Almore Haskell, January 25, 1862

  Asaph Boyden

  Letter from Asaph Boyden to Almore Haskell, January 25, 1862. In it sends his condolences to Almore because of the passing of his brother and of the latest goings on at home, especially among the young folk. He passes on information about the stationing of some of his kinsmen and their current locations in the army, also remarking on Almore's own situation in the 1st Maine Cavalry and the hard winter in Augusta.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 279, f.50

• 

  Letter from A.S. Daggett to Frank L. Lemont, July 28, 1862

  A. S. Daggett

  Letter from A.S. Daggett to Frank L. Lemont, July 28, 1862. In it he tells Frank of the actions performed after his untimely injury on the battlefield and the current state of the regiment. Daggett also tells Frank of his correspondence with Frank's family and his wish that once his wounds heal, he would be able to go and visit them for a short while.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letter from A.S. Daggett to Samuel R. Lemont, July 6, 1862

  A. S. Daggett

  Letter from Captain A.S. Daggett to Samuel R. Lemont, July 6, 1862. Daggett wrote to Samuel Lemont to inform him that his son received wounds in a recent battle and that the last two letters sent to him did not make it in time. He then relayed the circumstances surrounding Frank's injuries received during battle and that soon he may be able to return to the field.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.5

• 

  Letter from Achsah Lemont to Frank L. Lemont, April 20, 1862

  Achsah Lemont

  Letter from Achsah Lemont to her brother Frank L. Lemont, April 20, 1862. In it she discusses some of the latest goings on back home including the health of their sister Josie, the health of their grandparents, the weather in Maine, the news they received of the war thus far and her desire for the war to end and him to come home.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letter from Achsah Lemont to Frank L. Lemont, December 21, 1862

  Achsah Lemont

  Letter from Augusta Lemont to her brother Frank L. Lemont, December 21, 1862. In it she expresses her relief that he was not wounded or killed at Fredericksburg but laments that the war seemingly has come to no real conclusion and that all the life lost on the battlefield was a terrible waste. Turning from such grim statements she remarks on the weather and life in Lewiston especially the happy times spent with her friends marveling over some fashion presented by a friend in town.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letter from Achsah Lemont to Frank L. Lemont, June 8, 1862

  Achsah Lemont

  Letter from Achsah Lemont to her brother Frank L. Lemont, June 8, 1862. It contains a number of observations and occurrences from home about the weather, family life, the war, and the community. She gives special attention to the arrival of wounded soldiers from home (including a general) and the special attention given them because of their service, following which she remarks that she wishes her brother might be wounded so he could return home, but not out of animosity. Frank's younger sister Josie also writes a short section at the end of the letter to let him know of her health and her intentions to write more later.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letter from Achsah Lemont to Frank L. Lemont, May 16, 1862

  Achsah Lemont

  Letter from Achsah Lemont to her brother Frank L. Lemont May 16, 1862. In this letter she writes of life back in Maine and her waning enthusiasm for the war, especially because of how it has put her brother in danger. She mentions the death and funeral of someone they knew who died in the service of the Union and how distraught his family was, later commenting on the religious revival in their community and the state of the weather at the time. It is also important to note that Achsah states her brother sent her a four leaf clover from Virginia which was (and is) inside the note, thus why there is the pigmentation in the letter that is in the shape of a clover.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letter from Achsah Lemont to Frank L. Lemont, November 2, 1862

  Achsah Lemont

  Letter from Achsah to her brother Frank L. Lemont, November 2, 1862. In it she mostly speaks of the events at home and the continuing strain of the war on their family and how much it pains them that he can't be at home. She also mentions their plans to move and that their harvest moved from Greene down to Lewiston in accordance with their preemptive transition to life there.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letter from Achsah Lemont to Frank L. Lemont, November 16, 1862

  Achsah J. Lemont

  Letter from Achsah Lemont to her brother Frank L. Lemont, November 16, 1862. In this letter she discusses his health, their move to a new home, the planting of potatoes, and the death someone known to the Family down in Tennessee.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letter from Achsah and J.S. Lemont to Frank L. Lemont, December 7, 1862

  Achsah Lemont and J. S. Lemont

  Letter from Acsah Lemont and J.S. Lemont to Frank L. Lemont, December 7, 1862. The bulk of both entries deals mostly with their new life in Lewiston and the culture there. They also discuss the state of the family and the weather, specifically the health of J.S. Lemont regarding a sore on her arm that as yet had not healed by the time they sent this correspondence.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letter from Augusta (Lemont?) to Frank L. Lemont, May 3, 1862

  Augusta Lemont

  This letter is from Augusta (Lemont?) to her cousin Frank L. Lemont, May 3, 1862. In it she comments on the tragedy of the war and that, though it is a necessity, it is certainly too painful and dreadful an event to take any kind of pleasure in seeing the country torn asunder. She also covers some of the events in the community and the changing of the season allowing many of them to enjoy the outdoors. In that letter she also included a pressed May-Flower.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letter from Electa (Lemont?) to Frank L. Lemont, October 6, 1862

  Electa Lemont

  Letter from Electa (Lemont?) to Frank L. Lemont, October 6, 1862. In it she laments his absence away from the family and tells of the latest events in the family.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to J.S. Lemont, December 15, 1862

  Frank L. Lemont

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to his mother J.S. Lemont, December 15, 1862. In it he tells of his experience fighting at Fredericksburg and how the regiment during that time failed to take any casualties but yet it still made a deep impression on him and his fellow soldiers forced to take shelter from the enemy cannon fire. Frank also remarks that he cared little for Achsah constantly telling him of marriages and engagements.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.5

• 

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to J.S. Lemont, December 9, 1862

  Frank L. Lemont

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to his mother J.S. Lemont, December 9, 1862. Frank writes his mother wishing her well and hoping to find out more about life in Maine and the status of the family, regretting not being able to be home at such a trying time in his mother's life.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.5

• 

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to J.S. Lemont, July 29, 1862

  Frank L. Lemont

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to his mother J.S. Lemont, July 29, 1862. Frank speaks of his misgivings about being wounded and desire to be well and free to move about again, especially with turmoil at home, noted by the mention of his father being ill. Along these lines he mentions as well that he will do everything in his power to return home, even deserting the army or sending in his resignation.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.5

• 

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to J.S. Lemont, June 8, 1862

  Frank L. Lemont

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to his mother J.S. Lemont, June 8, 1862. In it he discusses his deep desire to return home and the impending engagement. He notes the rather tenuous nature of the standoff between Union and Confederate forces and the continued jockeying for position by both sides in an attempt to gain an upper hand. Along these lines of military discourse he speaks of camp life and food rationing, including the monetary compensation for his service which he sent back home for safekeeping.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.5

• 

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to J.S. Lemont, May 5, 1862

  Frank L. Lemont

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to his mother J.S. Lemont, May 5, 1862. In it he tells her of the Siege of Yorktown and his experiences with battle along with other military matters. He also speaks of his worries and his health at present, wishing everyone back home well.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.5

• 

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to J.S. Lemont, November 2, 1862

  Frank L. Lemont

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to his mother J.S. Lemont, November 2, 1862. In it he relates multiple subjects including the latest military movements into Virginia, his concerns for the future both financially and physically, and his desire to help his mother in such a hard time moving from Greene, ME to Lewiston.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.5

• 

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to J.S. Lemont, November 23, 1862

  Frank L. Lemont

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to his mother J.S. Lemont, November 23, 1862. In it he expresses his concerns about life especially in this new found position of maturity thrust upon him in the field of battle. Frank intimates he is not satisfied with his position or his duty but will continue on anyways. He also speaks of the army's movements towards Fredericksburg and the hope that after one final push on Richmond will end the war so he can return home.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.5

• 

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to J.S. Lemont, November 30, 1862

  Frank L. Lemont

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to his mother J.S. Lemont, November 30, 1862. In it he asks after how she and his sisters spent Thanksgiving Day and relates his own experience. He also speaks of the Confederate army fortifying around Fredericksburg and the looming battle ahead to hopefully end the war. Among other things he also relates his innermost thoughts and concerns plaguing his life in the army and the feelings of loneliness.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.5

• 

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to J.S. Lemont, November 7, 1862

  Frank L. Lemont

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to his mother J.S. Lemont, November 7, 1862. In it he encourages his mother and urges her to stay strong through the difficult times, especially in the face of new danger with a potential battle on the horizon near Richmond. He also queries about the little things going on at home and his desire to hear more from his sisters.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.5

• 

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to J.S. Lemont, October 13, 1862

  Frank L. Lemont

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to his mother J.S. Lemont, October 13, 1862. In it he updates her on his current situation returning to his regiment after staying with her for a short time (more than likely keeping her company in such a hard time with his father being ill) including that he was well received by his comrades in the 5th Maine upon his return and that his mental state has improved greatly knowing this. Frank also discusses his emotions and feelings having to leave his mother yet he admits his duty is penultimate.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.5

• 

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to J.S. Lemont, October 24, 1862

  Frank L. Lemont

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to his mother J.S. Lemont, October 24, 1862. In it he tells her of his current situation returning to the regiment since he was wounded and went home on leave, and that his standing remains the same as it had when he left, perhaps even stronger because of his trials. He also encourages his mother to stay strong in such a hard time with her husband (his father) now deceased and the estate needing to be dealt with.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.5

• 

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to Samuel R. Lemont, March 12, 1862

  Frank L. Lemont

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to his father Samuel R. Lemont, March 12, 1862. In it he describes his life in the army and his views on the war at that point in time. He also makes note of his health.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.5

• 

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to Samuel R. Lemont, March 15, 1862

  Frank L. Lemont

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to his father Samuel R. Lemont, March 15, 1862. In it he speaks of their march to a new campground and the struggles faced by all in that process. He also details that some of the soldiers went to go to search for battlefield souvenirs due to their close proximity to Bull Run and Manassas.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.5

• 

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to Samuel R. Lemont, May 22, 1862

  Frank L. Lemont

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to his father Samuel R. Lemont, May 22, 1862. In it he tells him of the grueling marches made each day to reach their current camp. Frank also relays information about the death of one Mr. Whittum's son, an account which contradicted the information previously conveyed in an earlier letter, along with information about the discharge of a soldier known to their family as Mr. Gould, the birthday of his sister Josie, his upcoming birthday and his concerns on the matter, and his observations of the weather in Virginia at the time.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.5

• 

  Partial Undated Letter from Frank L. Lemont to J.S. (May-June 1862?)

  Frank L. Lemont

  Partial undated letter from Frank L. Lemont to his mother J.S. Lemont sometime around May-June 1862. In it he tells her about several of the military engagements recently including some rather minor artillery shelling against Confederate positions across the Chickahoming, his visit to the hospital seeing Confederate prisoners wounded there (along with his own personal interpretation of not only their social status but their inferiority compared to Union soldiers) and also their manner of dress.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.5

• 

  Partial Undated Letter from Frank L. Lemont to Samuel R. Lemont (1862?)

  Frank L. Lemont

  Partial undated letter from Frank L. Lemont to his father Samuel R. Lemont, most likely written in 1862. In this incomplete correspondence he indicates his great concern for his mother's health and the trouble befalling his father's business, lamenting that he cannot be home for either. He mentions that Captain Daggett may return home and that should he do so, there are a few things he would be grateful if they sent them with Daggett upon his return.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.5

• 

  Letter from J.S. Lemont to Frank L. Lemont, May 18, 1862

  J. S. Lemont

  Letter from J.S. Lemont to her son Frank L. Lemont, May 18, 1862. In it she writes of her concerns for his well being both spiritually and physically. She also comments on their family and the interconnections of their little Maine community and a local fire threatening their woodlot.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letter from J.S. Lemont to Frank L. Lemont, November 10, 1862

  J. S. Lemont

  Letter from J.S. Lemont to her son Frank L. Lemont, November 10, 1862. In it she relates the latest news from home about the family and the community, specifically that one George Merrill died from fever and that his family now mourns his death. Due to this, and the continued preparations for the move to Lewiston it has certainly acted as a bit of black cloud over the family.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letter from J.S. Lemont to Frank L. Lemont, October 29, 1862

  J. S. Lemont

  Letter from J.S. Lemont to her son Frank L. Lemont, October 29, 1862. In it she expresses her thanks that he was received so well by his regiment but also the sorrow with the death of her husband and that he can't be home to help take care of the affairs moving from Greene to Lewiston. She also tells of the harvest and the growing preparations for the move, as well as the latest news from the family.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letters from J.S. Lemont to Frank L. Lemont (undated) 1862

  J. S. Lemont

  Two undated letters from J.S. Lemont to her son Frank L. Lemont. These letters were probably produced in Greene, Maine but there is no envelope or written evidence to solidly confirm this. They are also undated and most likely (as Bean writes in both his transcript and a piece of scrap paper) were written in late May or early June of 1862 based on the events mentioned in the letters. In the first letter she focuses mainly on her feelings about missing him and that the war was over, bearing a very sorrowful burden because of his being gone and how most everyone in the family also feels the same. She also makes note that Josie (his sister) is still ill since the last letter she sent.

  The second letter also focuses on the family's desire that the war end quickly so he may return home. She also comments that they would be glad if he were wounded simply so he could return home. It is along these lines that she makes note of her growing interest in the Army and the developments thereof because of his service.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letter from Samuel R. Lemont to Frank L. Lemont, April 16, 1862

  Samuel R. Lemont

  Letter from Samuel R. Lemont to his son Frank L. Lemont, April 16, 1862. In it he mostly comments on the state of their family and life in Maine with his absence.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letter from Samuel R. Lemont to Frank L. Lemont, April 29, 1862

  Samuel R. Lemont

  Letter from Samuel R. Lemont to his son Frank L. Lemont, April 29, 1862. In it he comments on the state of the war and his hopes that his son will continue to be courageous and stay safe should he be engaged in battle with Confederate forces. Samuel also comments on the state of the family and local goings on.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letter from Samuel R. Lemont to Frank L. Lemont, July 1, 1862

  Samuel R. Lemont

  Letter from Samuel R. Lemont to his son Frank L. Lemont, July 1, 1862. In it he expresses his anxiety over Frank's current situation since they received news of a battle recently fought near Frank's regiment and that it is unclear what has happened. Samuel also notes that the family is doing well and that the weather has become rather erratic as of late, being rather hot and then changing to almost freezing weather with the appearance of a Nor'easter before he sent the letter.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letter from Samuel R. Lemont to Frank L. Lemont, June 10, 1862

  Samuel R. Lemont

  Letter from Samuel R. Lemont to his son Frank L. Lemont, June 10, 1862. Samuel comments on the state of the war and how close his son is to the conflict without being embroiled in battle, though certainly engagement is at this time unavoidable.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letter from Samuel R. Lemont to Frank L. Lemont, June 24, 1862

  Samuel R. Lemont

  Letter from Samuel R. Lemont to his son Frank L. Lemont, June 24, 1862. In it he remarks that he and the family are concerned since Frank had not written for a while, including that their health is good as usual and that they constantly pray for his safety, especially because they are fearful that he and his unit engaged in a fierce battle. He also mentions the weather back in Maine and the state of their grass crop.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Letter from Samuel R. Lemont to Frank L. Lemont, May 2, 1862

  Samuel R. Lemont

  Letter from Samuel R. Lemont to his son Frank L. Lemont, May 2, 1862. In it he remarks on the state of the mail and how so few letters are reaching his son and that there is little else to report on due to the great number of letters written in such a short period of time. Samuel also makes mention that a local newspaperman requested the use of Frank's letters in the Lewiston "Daley Journal" [sic].

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.8

• 

  Diary of James M. Rich of Bangor, Maine

  James M. Rich

  A typed transcript of a diary of James M. Rich of Bangor, Maine, Private, 1st Maine Heavy Artillery, August 25, 1862-June 10, 1865.

  The Paul Bean Collection includes a handwritten transcription and typed transcript, but not the original diary.

  Digitized from Box 278, folder 4.

• 

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to J.S. Lemont and Samuel R. Lemont, June 30, 1861

  Frank L. Lemont

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to J.S. Lemont and Samuel R. Lemont, June 30, 1861. In it he mostly tells his family of their long journey to Washington amid the preparations for war, including the numerous parades and interactions with locals on their way from Maine, down through Boston to Washington. He wishes the family well and that they not worry excessively over his situation.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.5

• 

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to J.S. Lemont, July 8, 1861

  Frank L. Lemont

  Letter from Frank L. Lemont to his mother J.S. Lemont, July 8, 1861. In it he tells her of the weather and their current situation in camp near Washington. He indicates that a battle is to be expected in the near future and passes along rumors that the battle ahead should be short, decisive, and end the war swiftly but he himself chooses instead to worry less about that outcome because it is not in his power to read the future.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 277, f.5

• 

  Diary of Jack P. Myers

  Jack P. Myers

  A transcript of a Civil War diary prepared by one of Jack P. Myers' grandsons. The diary covers the dates May 2 to October 8, 1861.

  Digitized from Box 278, folder 27.

  The collection includes only the transcription, not an original diary.

• 

  Charles A. Pitchner Letters

  Charles A. Pitchner

  Two letters addressed to "Friend Wales" written by Charles A. Pitcher, the first from Boston, August 8, 1861, and the second from San Francisco, 18(?). The first letter mentions a planned trip to visit Wales and family in Maine. Images of the original letters and typed transcriptions are included in the file.

  Digitized from Box 279, folder 31.

• 

  Letter from W.B. Rice to Mrs. Harriet L. Rand, July 31, 1861

  Harriet L. Rand

  Letter from W.B. Rice to his sister Louisa, July 31, 1861. In it he tells her of his life in the army and the conditions they faced since the outbreak of the war, though the reality of the situation and the brutality of the battlefield caused him enough disturbance to not include any information about his experiences at Bull Run.

  Taken from the Paul W. Bean Collection, Box no. 279, f.44

• 

  Samuel Yeaton Letters

  Samuel Yeaton

  Letters written by a Civil War soldier stationed in Virginia to friend Lot E. Keen of Buckfield, Maine. Letters range in date from 1861-1865. Typed transcriptions are included after each letter.

  Digitized from Box 279, folder 26.