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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC09355.054 |
| From Archive Folder | Collection of George C. Clapp |
| Title | George Clapp to his parents regarding going to Brandy Station to visit a friend |
| Date | 20 March 1864 |
| Author | Clapp, George (fl. 1839-1892) |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Just returned home from chapel. Two men were baptized today. One was Sergeant John W. Stockwell. "If a man can be a Christian in this army he can be one anywhere." Went down to Brandy Station this morning, and needed a pass signed by a company leader, regiment leader, brigade leader, division leader, and corps leader in order to do so. Now has "a real live specimen of red tape." Got wet while jumping over a brook today; no boots of any kind could have helped him stay dry there. Does not think the raids they have been conducting against the Rebels "amount to much." "I do not believe the man lives who can take command of the Army of the Potomac under the present administration and comply with the wants of the people of the North and win the victories they call for." Believes the Confederates number enough to attack Washington D.C. Looks like they will be on the move soon, but he does not know to where. Glad to receive some needle and threat, but still is looking for a comb. Is not "destitute of stockings" as his mother described him. Sylvester's farm is not "so poor," it still yields some food. Father would have done better to get Alabama silk for the threat, but it does not matter now. Does not want any beeswax, already has two pieces. Does not think that bottle he received did anything to help get rid of the lice. Has seen them survive in such extreme places as boiling water. The lines he wrote in the letter to his brother "brought vividly to my mind scenes that might occur in my absence." The feeling that comes from reading and writing is not present on the battlefield. Would give him Mamie's address, but will wait until after she writes him back to do so. There is to be "a grand review" of the Army of the Potomac by General Grant. |
| Subjects | Soldier's Letter Union Forces Military History Army of the Potomac Battle Religion Confederate States of America Washington, D.C. Personal Hygiene Civil War Union Soldier's Letter Clothing and Accessories Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Children and Family Union General |
| People | Clapp, George (fl. 1839-1892) |
| Place written | Camp Sedgwick, Brandy Station, Virginia |
| Theme | The American Civil War; Religion |
| Sub-collection | Papers and Images of the American Civil War |
| Additional Information | This collection is a series of letters and other items from Private George C. Clapp. Private Clapp was born in Northampton, Massachusetts. He was mustered into G Company of the 37th Massachusetts Infantry on July 15, 1862 when he was a 23-year-old bookbinder. The regiment then journeyed to Washington D.C. and became part of the Army of the Potomac. As part of the Army of the Potomac, Clapp saw battle at Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and Spotsylvania. On September 19, 1864, Clapp was severely wounded in the shoulder in Winchester, Virginia. He was officially discharged for his wounds on April 13, 1865 at Worcester, Massachusetts after spending time in various military hospitals throughout the North. He returned to Northampton, where he died in 1892. Highlights of the collection include a detailed account of his experiences in the Battle of Chancellorsville (#1), Gettysburg (#9-#10), the Overland Campaign (#64-#74), and Sheridan's Valley Campaign (#84-#91). |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Civil War, Reconstruction and the Modern Era: 1860-1945 |
| Civil War: Recipient Relationship | Mother Father |
| Civil War: Theater of War | Main Eastern Theater |
| Civil War: Unit | 37th Massachusetts Infantry, Company G |