Bush Family Collection

Letter from Willard to Friends dated June 20, 1861. In the letter, Willard describes seeing steamships on the Ohio River carrying 2 or 3 regiments. He believes they will head into West Virginia to fight General Henry Wise. He also mentions that a German regiment from Camp Dennison and the Coldwater Artillery Co. also came through the area.

Letter from Samuel Willard to his sister dated August 18, 1861. In this letter, Samuel provides insight into his life before he enlisted in the army in 1862.

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 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 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 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 September 15, 1862. In the letter, Edwin mentions a potential battle forthcoming, possibly the Battle of South Mountain. He states part of his regiment has already march ahead and the remaining troops are rejoining the regiment to fight.

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 Henry Bush to his brother, Edwin A. Bush, dated October 4, 1862. In the letter, Henry talks about his enrollment in school and life back at home.

Letter from Edwin A. Bush to friends at home dated October 8, 1862. In the letter, Edwin discusses his regiment's movement over the previous days, as well as their current camp location. He concludes his letter by inquiring the status of his family.

Letter from Edwin A. Bush to friends at home dated October 13. 1862. In the letter, the 17th Michigan Regiment was ordered to march to Fredericksburg, Virginia to protect the city from Confederate cavalry. He also describes how he is getting along with his new life as a soldier.

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 October 27, 1862. In the letter, Edwin updates his family on the movement of his regiment and news surrounding the war.

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 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 H.C. Richardson to Edwin A. Bush dated November 11, 1862. In the letter, H.C. Richardson had recently heard that Edwin had enlisted and wishes him the best. He briefly talks about the draft in his town, as well as the latest election.

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 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 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 Frederick E. Bush to Edwin A. Bush dated November 23, 1862. In the letter, Frederick provides updated news on the family and home front. He hears that there is a major battle approaching and that the two great armies are near each other. He hopes the war will be over in six months.

Letter from Willard Bush to his brother Edwin A. Bush dated December 5, 1862. In the letter, Willard updates Edwin on Henry who has recently fallen ill with typhoid fever. He continues his letter by providing Edwin the latest updates on life at home.