All Items 18 Collection 1 Archives & Special Collections 18 Contributor 13 Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 15 United States Christian Commission 15 Brooks, Susan, 1814-1886 10 Perkins, Justin, 1805-1869 3 Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 2 Mead, John O. 2 American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions 1 Brooks, Sarah Godfrey, 1814-1886 1 Brooks, Tamesin, 1821-1891 1 Carver General Hospital (Washington, D.C.) 1 Gordon, James M., -1892 1 Newell, Harriet, 1817-1876 1 United States. Army 1 show more 8 show fewer Location 1 United States 18 Topic 9 Correspondence 18 History 18 Personal narratives 18 Career in Church work 15 Hospitals 6 Politics and government 2 African American troops 1 Finance 1 Slavery 1 show more 4 show fewer Part Of 2 Sidney Brooks (AC 1841) Papers 15 Justin Perkins (AC 1829) Papers 3 Genre 2 Correspondence 18 Excerpts 1 Subject 18 United States – History – Civil War, 1861-1865 – Personal narratives 18 Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 – Career in Church work 15 Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 – Correspondence 15 United States Christian Commission 15 Brooks, Susan, 1814-1886 – Correspondence 10 United States – History – Civil War, 1861-1865 – Hospitals 6 Perkins, Justin, 1805-1869 – Correspondence 3 Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 2 Mead, John O. – Correspondence 2 United States – Politics and government – 1861-1865 2 American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions – Finance 1 Brooks, Sarah Godfrey, 1814-1886 – Correspondence 1 Brooks, Tamesin, 1821-1891 – Correspondence 1 Carver General Hospital (Washington, D.C.) 1 Gordon, James M., -1892 – Correspondence 1 Newell, Harriet, 1817-1876 – Correspondence 1 Slavery – United States 1 United States. Army – African American troops 1 show more 13 show fewer John O. Mead letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 December 20 Mead, John O. J.O. Mead letter to Justin Perkins in which Mead writes regarding his health, the health of family and friends, the status of the family business, and current events in the United States. Mead discusses messages from the government and states that he rejoices in the prospect of the abolishment of slavery. He also writes about the army, including the "colored troops," and what is being done for freed slaves and "the poor deluded white people in the rebellious states." In the letter, Mead mentions Alexander Cummings, a Missionary Society, and family members: Henry, Charlotte, James, and Mrs. Mead (Julia Perkins Mead). John O. Mead letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 December 20 John O. Mead letter to Justin Perkins, 1864 July 22 Mead, John O. J. O. Mead letter to Justin Perkins in which Mead responds to a letter received from Perkins and writes regarding his health and the health of others, the status of the Civil War, the family business, and the financial status of the United States. He mentions General Grant (Ulysses S. Grant), General Sherman (William Tecumseh Sherman), Secretary Chase (Salmon P. Chase), and Senator Fessenden (William P. Fessenden). John O. Mead letter to Justin Perkins, 1864 July 22 James M. Gordon letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 March 9 Gordon, James M., -1892 James M. Gordon letter to Justin Perkins in which Gordon responds to letters from Perkins, saying that he was glad Perkins took the farthest way around to get to his home among the Nestorians so that he could carry comfort and peace in regard to America and England. He writes he can well imagine the mutual joy and edification of those interviews. Gordon notes that, per Perkins' requests, the Congregational Quarterly has been ordered and the photographs of Henry will be sent. He goes on to write regarding the financial state of the United States, the war (American Civil War), and the Board (American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions). James M. Gordon letter to Justin Perkins, 1863 March 9 Sidney Brooks letter to Susan Brooks, 1864 July 18 Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 Sidney Brooks letter to his wife Susan Brooks in which he writes regarding his current situation as a delegate of the United States Christian Commission in the American Civil War. He discusses bringing stores to places in need such as Gettsyburg and Frederick City and mentions Judge McCreary, Mr. Francis, and Reverend Mr. Kimball. Sidney describes what it was like in Frederick including their eating and sleeping arrangements, their work, and the numbers of Union and Rebel wounded soldiers in the hospital. He writes about the plundering of Frederick stores and a post office eight miles out of the city. Sidney explains that he chose to be one of the delegates detailed for Washington (D.C.) as it was not pleasant for him to stay among the Rebel soldiers when so many of their own needed help. He mentions the Sisters of Charity and describes his journey from Philadelphia to Washington. Sidney remarks on his arrival to Washington and describes his accommodations there in detail. He also writes regarding people of color there, whom he calls "colored people," and he says that they appear to him to be "Uncle Abe's" own children. Sidney discusses the work he has done in Washington thus far and says he has now been assigned to Carver Hospital. He briefly describes the hospitals. Sidney Brooks letter to Susan Brooks, 1864 July 18 Sidney Brooks letter to Susan Brooks, 1864 August 26 Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 Sidney Brooks letter to his wife Susan Brooks written while working as a delegate of the United States Christian Commission in the American Civil War. He writes of receiving a letter from Susan and orders that came down yesterday for the delegates to break up and be ready to move with their Corps. He mentions Mr. Miller who advised Sidney to not move with them given his sickness. He says he is well now and writes regarding a discussion with the agent Mr. Williams and Sidney's resulting decision to stay there to give a week's labor as a delegate. Sidney describes his work there, saying that it is very different from what he did at the Front. He goes on to discuss his upcoming travel plans for Washington (D.C.), then Boston, and then to visit with Susan. He also writes that he is no longer in danger of bullets and is no longer within range of shot and shell. Sidney Brooks letter to Susan Brooks, 1864 August 26 Sidney Brooks letter to Susan Brooks, 1864 August 8 and 10 Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 Sidney Brooks letter to his wife Susan Brooks written while working as a delegate of the United States Christian Commission in the American Civil War. In the first portion of the letter Sidney provides descriptions of scenes that are everyday occurrences which show the magnitude of the war. He writes regarding "soldiers, soldiers, everywhere," noting all the types of soldiers that he sees and remarking on the processions of veteran soldiers returning from campaigns and marching on to where they are expected for further duty. He describes one such march of the V Corps who had served with General Banks (Nathaniel P. Banks), and he says that among them was a New York regiment of Zouaves. Sidney describes the men he sees at the rear and says that "from an intelligent man in the rear, it may be a negro - you can, by walking a long distance, learn the history of the march and where they are probably going." He also writes regarding the trains of army wagons, the droves of animals needed for the forces, the hospitals in the area including Carver, and a government blacksmith's shop. In the latter portion of the letter, Sidney writes that he is about ready for the boat to go to City Point and notes that the person who is to be his companion is M.S. Kendig, Reverend of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. Sidney Brooks letter to Susan Brooks, 1864 August 8 and 10 Sidney Brooks letter to Sarah Godfrey Brooks, 1864 July 21 Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 Sidney Brooks letter to his sister Sarah Godfrey Brooks in which he writes regarding his work as a delegate of the United States Christian Commission in the American Civil War. He writes about gathering the supplies in the storeroom and mentions three delegates who came from Amherst College: one student, Professor Seelye (Julius Hawley Seelye), Professor Hitchcock (Edward Hitchcock, Jr.), and Professor Tyler's (William S. Tyler) son. He discusses his journey to Carver Hospital and his duties there in his twenty assigned wards with twenty-four cots each, most of them occupied. He notes that he has not yet found one wounded man who has not received religious conversation civilly and cordially, and he has not yet found one person who is a decided unbeliever. He also discusses a specific talk he had with a sergeant the day before. Sidney Brooks letter to Sarah Godfrey Brooks, 1864 July 21 Sidney Brooks letter to Susan Brooks, 1864 August 12 Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 Sidney Brooks letter to his wife Susan Brooks written while working as a delegate of the United States Christian Commission in the American Civil War. He writes from the 18th Army Corps Hospital which he notes is a field hospital between Petersburg and City Point, Virginia. Sidney also describes the location of the hospital in relation to the Union and Rebel armies and a nearby fort. He writes of hearing the sounds of battle, music, and shouts along the lines when any advantage is gained. He highlights the location of the 18th Corps and other notable points on a map that he mentions, describes the work he did that day as a delegate, and mentions Mr. Miller. Sidney goes on to describe the place in more detail, noting that the hospital and Commission tents are on the grounds of a plantation homestead previously owned by a family with the last name of Church. He writes about the changes in the landscape due to the war and his first experience at the front, describing the scene in detail. Sidney Brooks letter to Susan Brooks, 1864 August 12 Sidney Brooks letter to Susan Brooks, 1864 July 12 Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 Sidney Brooks letter to his wife Susan Brooks in which he writes regarding his current situation as a delegate of the United States Christian Commission in the American Civil War. He writes that they (the delegates) have arrived in Philadelphia and he writes of what they have been doing this afternoon. Sidney says that they received orders from Washington (D.C.) that the delegates should go to a part of West Philadelphia to meet and assist wounded soldiers there. He says that he will write her from the point of destination, that he must attend to his equipment, and that there are fourteen delegates, all anxious for the work. In a postscript, he notes that people do not fear the Rebels much there. Sidney Brooks letter to Susan Brooks, 1864 July 12 Sidney Brooks letter to Susan Brooks, 1864 July 16 Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 Sidney Brooks letter to his wife Susan Brooks in which he writes regarding his current situation as a delegate of the United States Christian Commission in the American Civil War. He writes that they (the delegates) have returned safe from their Monocacy expedition and are off for Washington (D.C.). He says they found but two hundred and twenty-five wounded Union prisoners and four hundred and fifty Rebel wounded all brought into the hospital grounds at Frederick City. Sidney writes that they were much in need of stores and so the boxes they brought were in good time. He states that he Rebel and Union soldiers are all together and he has talked with soldiers of both sides who are sick and wounded. He also talks of how he has been feeling. Sidney Brooks letter to Susan Brooks, 1864 July 16 Sidney Brooks letter to Susan Brooks, 1864 July 11 Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 Sidney Brooks letter to his wife Susan Brooks in which he writes regarding his current situation as a delegate of the United States Christian Commission in the American Civil War. He writes that by the time Susan receives this letter, he will be well on his way towards Washington (D.C.). He says that the Rebel raids near Baltimore look worse in the morning papers than they really are. He goes on to write that he and Frank have been inspecting bulletins in the Reading Room that convince him that the railroad will not be cut out this side of Washington. Sidney notes that his purpose is to stop at Philadelphia and report to Mr. Stewart, the general agent. He writes that he and the other delegates have all received commissions and instructions and mentions a particular delegate, Mr. Morril. Sidney provides an address for Susan to write to him in Washington and mentions a letter she can publish in the Republican. Sidney Brooks letter to Susan Brooks, 1864 July 11 Sidney Brooks letter to Susan Brooks, 1864 July 22 Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 Sidney Brooks letter to his wife Susan Brooks in which he writes regarding the hospitals in which he has been working as a delegate of the United States Christian Commission in the American Civil War. Sidney provides a description of the hospitals including Carver Hospital to which he is assigned. He compares them to locations in Harwich in his descriptions of their size, provides their numbers of cots and wounded men, and notes particular parts of the hospital grounds. He also compares locations of buildings in relation to one another in Harwich in order to provide an image of the locations of the hospitals in Washington (D.C.). Sidney describes how the hospitals are laid out and equipped and says that the wards are really the most pleasant places to be found in the hot weather, though he notes that "you see ghastly sights, of course." He also writes regarding the wounded soldiers in the hospitals and how they receive him eagerly as a delegate of the Christian Commission. Sidney Brooks letter to Susan Brooks, 1864 July 22 Sidney Brooks excerpt of a letter to an unknown recipient, 1864 Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 Portion of a letter from Sidney Brooks to an unknown recipient with an unattributed noted stating "extract from a letter from Mr. Brooks before leaving Washington." Brooks writes while working as a delegate of the United States Christian Commission in the American Civil War. He writes of going to the White House and then towards the War Department with another delegate from Massachusetts in an attempt to shake hands with President Abraham Lincoln before leaving Washington (D.C.). He goes on to describe talking with Lincoln and shaking his hand on the steps of Lincoln's mansion and notes that "President Lincoln has one of the most honest, amiable looking faces when talking that I ever saw." Sidney Brooks excerpt of a letter to an unknown recipient, 1864 Sidney Brooks letter to Tamesin Brooks, 1864 July 23 Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 Sidney Brooks letter to his sister Tamesin Brooks written while working as a delegate of the United States Christian Commission in the American Civil War. Sidney says that he feels he ought to write especially to Tamesin since she seems devoted to the Christian Commission and did a noble work for it in Harwich. He describes the importance of supplies given to the cause, telling of a boy in the hospital who asked him for an old shirt with no starch in it since his shirt was so hard to his wounds. Sidney mentions particular items which are always in demand and of which he can seldom find enough. He goes on to say that he was just handed a letter from Tamesin and can imagine her and Uncle Nathan taking care of things in the garden. He also mentions their brother Henry (Henry Cobb Brooks) and their half-brother Horace. Sidney closes with a story of meeting several people and asks Tamesin to tell Edwin Chase's folks that he saw Edwin and he is doing well. He mentions Hildreth, the Blind Asylum in South Boston, Mary Coble, and Louisa in recounting the story. Sidney Brooks letter to Tamesin Brooks, 1864 July 23 Sidney Brooks letter to Susan Brooks, 1864 July 13 Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 Sidney Brooks letter to his wife Susan Brooks in which he writes regarding his current situation as a delegate of the United States Christian Commission in the American Civil War. He tells Susan of Stanton's order that all the delegates should be sent to Gettysburg to make their way to the east battlefield at Monocacy. He describes acts of kindness and patriotism from several citizens of Philadelphia, a prayer meeting the delegates shared thanks to Morril's suggestion, and the journey to Gettysburg. Sidney also quotes the Captain in charge of the delegates as he explained how the delegates may feel at first, what they should and should not do for the wounded, and that they should not have valuables in sight since no man can tell when the raiders will turn up next. Sidney writes of their stop at Hanover Junction and stay with J.L. Schick, mentioning looking out upon Seminary Ridge. He writes that he cannot feel the least particle of fear and is glad that Harwich is represented among the delegates. He asks after Susan and explains that she can write to him at Frederick City. Sidney Brooks letter to Susan Brooks, 1864 July 13 Sidney Brooks letter to Susan Brooks, 1864 July 28 Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 Sidney Brooks letter to his wife Susan Brooks written while working as a delegate of the United States Christian Commission in the American Civil War. He notes that he has arrived to his new quarters, and he answers questions posed by Susan in her recent letter explaining that he is not working too hard, remarking on his health, and describing in detail the meals and drinks provided or that he purchased. He also writes about the soldiers' rations which he will sometimes eat. He goes on to discuss affairs at home and in Harwich and mentions Mrs. Crabbe's boy who is in Finley Hospital and the grave of Alpheus Eldridge at Arlington Heights. He explains his use of S.B. for his signature in letters that Susan can submit to the paper. In the remainder of the letter, he writes regarding the hospitals in Washington D.C., the work of the delegates, and the Soldiers' Cemetery with the intent that Susan may send this portion of the letter for publication. Sidney Brooks letter to Susan Brooks, 1864 July 28 Sidney Brooks letter to Harriet Newell (Brooks), 1864 July 22 Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 Sidney Brooks letter to his sister Harriet Newell (Brooks) written while working as a delegate of the United States Christian Commission in the American Civil War. He tells Harriet how much he enjoys the travelling case she made him and describes how he uses it. Sidney goes on to provide Harriet with descriptions of his sleeping quarters and accommodations (a tent with cots close together), the way the men there interact and joke with one another, and his work as a delegate. Sidney also writes regarding how the soldiers see him and react to him as a delegate. Sidney Brooks letter to Harriet Newell (Brooks), 1864 July 22 Sidney Brooks letter to an unknown recipient, 1864 July 25 Brooks, Sidney, 1813-1887 Sidney Brooks letter to an unknown recipient written while working as a delegate of the United States Christian Commission in the American Civil War. He writes regarding his attempts to see President Abraham Lincoln as Lincoln goes out to his country residence every night and takes the same route by which Sidney goes to his hospital. He describes the Lincoln cavalcade and tells of particular times when he saw it, including once when some girls shouted "Uncle Abe," a time when he saw both the President and his wife (Mary Todd Lincoln), and a time when he visited the White House. He goes on to describe the White House, his visit to it, and what happened when the President was leaving it, recounting a story of a black man he calls "a negro" who presented a matter to Lincoln as the President was seated in his carriage. At the beginning of this letter, Sidney explains that he closed his letter, but concluded to add another sheet. It is unknown to which letter this addendum corresponds. Sidney Brooks letter to an unknown recipient, 1864 July 25
