Bush Family Collection

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 from Edwin A. Bush to friends at home dated September 28, 1862. In the letter, Edwin reflects on influence religion and education has on his life as a soldier. He also provides an update on the status of his regiment and other news regarding the war.

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 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.

Incomplete letter from Edwin A. Bush to his brother. In the letter, Edwin clarifies his involvement in the battle of Vicksburg and Jackson during the Vicksburg Campaign.

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 Edwin A. Bush to friends at home dated August 31, 1862. In the letter, Edwin expands on the Second Battle of Bull Run and the possible role his regiment might play in the battle. He also describes Washington D.C. and the challenges that face a soldier in camp.

Letter from Edwin A. Bush to friends dated November 16, 1862. In the letter, Edwin mentions his regiment intend to march towards Richmond to support a retreating Union Army. He also inquires about gloves being made for him by his mother and sister and he sends his family a rock from John Brown's cave in Harper's Ferry.

Letter from Samuel Willard to Cynthia M. Bush dated November 13, 1862. In this letter, Samuel mentions his acquisition of a letter from Frederick Willard on the 160th New York Infantry. Samuel wants Cynthia to tell Frederick that he has only seen a few rebels, but has not shot any yet. He mentions he will do it if required since that is why he is there.

Letter to Edwin A. Bush from his mother, Cynthia Bush, dated July 19, 1863. In the letter, Edwin's mother provides the latest news dealing with the family and community. She also discusses how they received news regarding the surrender of Vicksburg. The letter ends with a few lines from Willard.

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 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 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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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

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 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 Henry to Edwin A. Bush dated October 31, 1862. In the letter, Henry talks about the draft and recruitment into the army. He discusses his struggle between choosing to go to school or enlist.

Letter from Edwin A. Bush to his brother Henry Bush dated November 22, 1862. In the letter, Edwin reaffirms his decision to enlist in the army. He state his regiment is currently camped on the Rappahannock River near Fredericksburg, Virginia, and provides updated news on the status of the war.

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.

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 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 Niece to her Aunt dated October 22, 1862. In the letter, a niece writes to her aunt about the status of her family and mentions she heard Edwin Bush enlist in the army. She is unsure why so many men are fighting when they do not know what they are fighting for.

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 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 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 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 Edwin A. Bush to friends at home dated August 30, 1862. In the letter, Edwin has just arrived to Washington, D.C. and explains the route of his journey. He mentions that a battle occurred the day prior, assumably the Second Battle of Bull Run.

Letter from Willard Bush to his brother Edwin A. Bush dated November 3, 1862. In the letter, Willard provides his brother an update on the latest news from the war front and recent political matters. He discusses the change of leadership within the Army of the Potomac and the election results for the northern States.

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 Edwin A. Bush to friends one and all dated September 5, 1862. In the letter, Edwin provides updated news regarding the war. He also describes the scenary surround Washington D.C.

Letter from Edwin A. Bush to friends at home dated August 17, 1862. In the letter, Edwin has recently enlisted into the army and provides a descriptive account of his commanding officers, his activities while stationed in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and how religion played a role in his decision to enlist. A portion of the letter is missing, but it still provides an exceptional account of a soldier's life.

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.