Bush Family Collection

Letter to Edwin A. Bush from his mother, C.M. Bush, dated December 28, 1862. In this letter, Edwin's mother expresses joy to hear of his safety after a major battle. She also mentions how she has sent im boots, gloves, and other assorted items.

Incomplete letter from a Cousin to Edwin A. Baker dated January 1, 1863. In the letter, the cousin discusses the death of a soldier who was fighting in the 17th Infantry with Edwin. He asks if Edwin had recently fought in Fredericksburg and describes how he spent his New Years.

Letter from C.M. Bush to Edwin A. Bush dated January 11, 1863, In this letter, Edwin's mother expresses deep concern for his safety and hopes he will return home soon. She also talks about sending him care packages of items from home to make him more comfortable.

Letter to Edwin A. Bush from his mother, Cynthia Bush, dated January 18, 1863. In the letter, Edwin's mother discusses the lastest news at home as well as the news that has reached her from the war front.

Letter to Edwin A. Bush from his cousin Cornelia dated March 13, 1863. In the letter, Cornelia provides various updates on wounded soldiers and regiments that come through the town. She provides a brief update on life at home, but spends most of the letter discussing the soldiers she encounters.

Letter to Edwin A. Bush from his cousin, Melissa, dated March 29, 1863. In the letter, Melissa provides a descriptive update on life back at home including the status of the their families farm.

Letter from Edwin A. Bush to friends at home dated April 8, 1863. In the letter, Edwin answers the latest letters he has received from home and discuss the sort of activities he and his fellow soldiers do while stationed in camp. He continues his letter by discussing his daily routine, such as roll call, drills, and duties.

Letter to Edwin A. Bush from his father, Frederick E. Bush, dated April 9, 1863. In the beginning of the letter, Frederick shares the latest news from home and hopes the war will end soon. The letter ends with a few lines from his mother, who encourages Edwin to apply for a furlough before the war ends.

Letter from John Scotford to Edwin A. Bush dated April 14, 1863. In the letter, John is pleased to hear that Edwin is under the command of General Burnside and will primarily be stationed in Kentucky and Tennessee. He also mentions President Lincoln's Proclamation 97 on March 30, 1863, which calls for a day of national humiliation, fasting, and prayer.

Letter from Edwin A. Bush to a friend dated May 8, 1863. In the letter, Edwin mentions his recent picket duty and sends a company roll to be framed as an ornament. He also mentions the complexity in a soldier receiving a furlough, stating one cannot simply request one just to see his mother.

Letter from Edwin A. Bush to friends at home dated May 15, 1863. In the letter, Edwin has little war news to report back home. He mentions that the 17th Michigan Regiment is to assist the 20th Michigan Regiment in a fight near Columbia, Kentucky. He concludes his letter by providing the results of the battle, the latest news regarding the fight for Richmond, and an update on the Confederate Army.

Letter to Edwin A. Bush from his father, Frederick E. Bush, dated May 17, 1863. In the letter, Frederick provides updates to Edwin about life at home and on the farm.

Letter to Edwin A. Bush from his father Frederick E. Bush and F.W. Bush dated May 22, 1863. In the beginning of the letter, Frederick provides the latest news about life at home and that he will send him stamps and money. The letter ends with a few lines from F.W. Bush, who mentions his latest fishing trip on the lakes.

Letter to Edwin A. Bush from his mother, Cynthia Bush, dated May 22, 1863. In the letter, Edwin's mother mentions she has not heard of Samuel Willard's status during the Battle of Fredericksburg. She also discusses other related news regarding the war.

Letter to Edwin A. Bush from his brother, Willard Bush, and his father, Frederick E. Bush, dated June 1, 1863. In the beginning of the letter, Willard talks about his recent trips to Battle Creek and his thoughts on the draft. The letter ends with a few comments from Edwin's father, who talks about the status of the farm.

Letter to Edwin A. Bush from his mother, Cynthia Bush, dated June 1, 1863. In the letter, Edwin's mother hopes to send him a care package he had asked for in a previous. She provides Ediwn a brief update on the family.

Letter to Edwin A. Bush from his cousin, Clay, dated June 28, 1863. In the letter, Clay mentions the draft and realizes that he may be called upon, and hopes that he will perform his duty well. The second part of the letter discusses life on the home front.

Letter from L. Richardson to Edwin A. Bush dated April 14, 1863. In the letter, Edwin's uncle mentions having the privilege of reading a letter Edwin wrote from Memphis and how every one at home is waiting to hear of the fall of Vicksburg. He decides to enter the draft, which is now recruiting men ages 20-45 years old and he believes this is the only way the war will come to an end.

Letter to Edwin A. Bush from his father, Frederick E. Bush, dated July 19, 1863. In the letter, Frederick mentions that last news from the front he has received at home, including the fall of Port Hudson and Charleston. He ends the letter by updating Edwin about life at home.

Letter from Cynthia and Summer Bush to Edwin A. Bush dated July 19, 1863. In the letter, Edwin's mother hears of the surrender of Vicksburg and a cannon celebration that took place in Kalamazoo. She mentions other news regarding the war as well as how the family spent the fourth of July. The letter ends with few lines from Edwin's sister.