Bush Family Collection

Letter from Edwin A. Bush to his mother dated July 24. 1863. In the letter, Edwin sends his mother a piece of linen taken from his house during his march to Jackson, Mississippi.

Letter from Edwin A. Bush to his brother Willard Bush dated July 27, 1863. In the letter, Edwin expresses his appreciation for the work Willard has done at home. He also mentions how important religion has played into his life as a soldier and how that effects his interaction with fellow soldiers.

Letter from Samuel Willard to his sister dated July 30, 1863. In this letter, Samuel discusses the long marches he has endured from Stafford, Va. to Gettysburg, Pa., a distance of about 200 miles. He describes the Battle of Gettysburg on July 3 and lists the casualties of his regiment.

Letter from Willard Bush to his brother, Edwin A. Bush, dated August 2, 1863. In the letter, Willard may have heard that Edwin was wounded in battle and wanted to confirm its truth. He also discusses the draft and believes that the draft is the best and quickest way to save the country. The letter is finished by updating Edwin about life at home.

Letter from Frederick Willard to Frederick E. Bush dated October 18, 1863. In this letter, Frederick Willard describes his regiments in the Siege of Port Hudson, lasting about six weeks. He further describes the regiments journey throughout Louisiana following the siege.

Letter from Samuel Willard to Frederick Willard dated October 30, 1863. In the letter, Samuel is performing guard duty at the U.S. General Hospital in Annapolis. He discusses the death of soldiers at the hospital as well as the arrival of some prisoners. He describes his experience on the battlefield and only hopes the war will end soon.

Letter from Frederick Willard to his brother and sister dated December 11, 1863. In this letter, Frederick hears of the death of close friends and acquaintances, expressing his grief. He also emphasizes to his siblings that while he is still alive, he is not well.

Letter from Frederick Willard to his brother and sister dated February 2, 1864. In this letter, Frederick discusses the latest news about his family and expresses his opinion of the draft. He continues describing Franklin, Louisiana and how the war has impacted the surrounding region.

Letter from Edwin A. Bush to friends at home dated February 18, 1864. In the letter, Edwin provides the latest news surround the war and the current status of the armies leadership.

Letter from Edwin A. Bush to friends at home dated March 13, 1864. In the letter, Edwin updates his latest marching orders and what he expects the next move of the regiment will be. He also praises the soldiers of Michigan answering the call of duty and is proud to be one its soldiers.

Letter from Edwin A. Bush to Friends at home dated May 25, 1864. In the letter, Edwin provides little update regarding the war, though he suggests a strategic move will be made by General Grant; the location is unspecified. He concludes his letter by addressing a care package meant for him. 

Letter to Frederick E. Bush from F. Duvel dated June 20, 1864. In the letter, F. Duvel thanks Edwin's father for a package that was sent to him. He also praises his son, Edwin, for being a fine soldier and tent mate. 

Letter from Samuel Willard to his siblings dated November 22, 1864. In this letter, Samuel expresses his current lack of health. He was with his regiment in Atlanta for 7 weeks but acquired a fever. Soldiers who were sick were ordered to march to Chattanooga, then to Nashville, and eventually to Louisville. He inquires about the home front and discusses the death of Frederick Willard.

Letter from Charles Willard to Melissa Bush dated November 22, 1864. In the letter, Charles writes that Frederick E. Bush travelled to Petersburg to claim Edwin Bush's body.

Letter from Samuel Willard to his siblings dated January 29, 1865. In this letter, Samuel writes from Madison General Hospital in Indiana, inquiring about news on the home front, as well as updating his sister on the latest news he has heard.

Letter from Samuel Willard to his siblings dated March 5, 1865. In this letter, Samuel discusses the recent cold weather he has experienced in Indiana, as well as the draft. He believes another draft will be necessary to replace soldiers who are discharged. He goes on to describe the rebels fear of General Sherman as he continues his victorious march and how there is rumor that Sherman and Grant have surrounded the Confederates in Richmond.

Letter from Samuel Willard to his sister dated April 9, 1865. In this letter, Samuel informs his sister that Richmond and Petersburg have fallen to the Union Army, with 25,000 prisoners. He also mentions that his regiment recently fought in the Battle of Bentonville in North Carolina, where his major was killed in action.

"Thy will be done" poem or song written to Edwin A. Bush.