Henry Austin and R.W. Wallace Collection

Letter from Sarah C. Brink to her Aunt, believed to be Patience Miller, dated August 22, 1863. In this letter, Sarah expresses her grief for the death of her husband, soldier Charles E. Hughes, who dies at Stanton Hospital in Washington D.C. Based on this and other letters, it seems that their marriage was kept a secret [See 09/06/1863 letter from Carrie White to Aunt].

Letter from L.C. and Abigail Miller to children, possibly Patience Miller, dated February 12, 1863. In the letter, L.C. and Abigail Miller express their grief for the loss of one of their sons. They do not go into specifics, but based on the context of the letter, we can assume their grief refers to a solider, more specifically Henry Austin.

Letter from Nabby White to Patience Miller dated September 6, 1863. In the letter, Nabby White writes to Patience in hopes of comforting her after the loss of Henry in the war. She also provides the latest on their family.

Letter from Rocinda Brink to Patience Miller dated August 23. In this letter, Rocinda Brink mentions the loss of Sarah Brink's husband, Charles Hughes, in the war to her sister Patience. Despite Rocinda not having any personal relatives serving, she still feels the pain the war is producing from the seeing the men of her community serve. She also briefly updates Patience on the family.

Letter from Parley Seamus to John and Patience Miller dated April 19, 1863. In the letter, Parley expresses his deepest sympathy to Patience for the loss of Henry. He also emphasizes how the war is taking some of the best men the county has left.

Letter from Aby M. Osburn to her brother, Benjamin S. Wilcox, dated December 8, 1862. In the letter, Aby provides an update to Benjamin who is fighting in the war about life at home. She mentions the status of family friends to Benjamin.

Letter from Carrie M. White to her siblings dated September 6, 1863. In the letter, Carrie provides an update on life back home and briefly mentions the status of the war. She also describes the secret marriage of Sarah C. Brink, who was married a soldier, Charles E. Hughes.

Letter from Calista Warden to her siblings dated August 2, 1863. In this letter, Calista discusses life at home, but emphasizes her anxiety for Patience Miller's son, Henry Austin, each time she hears news of a battle. For her, she has already experience enough suffering from the war.

Letter from Adaline C. Rhoda to her sibling, possibly her sister Patience Miller, dated March 1, 1863. In the letter, Adaline updates her sister about life in Campbell, New York. She notes that sick soldiers are returning to New York and the suffering their community is enduring. She also mentions how the draft is the few good men they have left and the continued burden the war effort is putting on the nation.

Letter from Charles Miller to Friend dated November 23, the year is unspecified. In the letter, Charles Miller writes to an unidentified friend who is serving in the war. It can be assumed that Charles is from or near Coldwater, Michigan, as well as his friend since his writing suggests he is familiar with the area. It can be assumed that the friend could be either Benjamin S. Wilcox or Henry Austin, who are both from the area.

Letter from Nabby White to her sister Patience Miller dated March 3, 1863. In this letter, Nabby writes to her sister to express grief for the death of Henry Austin. She quickly updates her sister on the latest news from home, but does not seem to know how to properly console her.

Letter from Adaline C. Rhoda to Siblings, possibly including Patience Miller, dated December 7, 1862. In the letter, Adaline mentions the cruelty the war has brought to their families and communities in North. Adaline lives in New York, while her sister Patience Miller, lives in Michigan and has a son, Henry Austin, serving in the war.

Letter from Benjamin S. Wilcox to his friend dated October 10, 1862. In this letter, Benjamin provides an account of a soldier's life in a camp, while providing a status update on two other soldiers. He also briefly mentions his duties in the regiment.

Letter from Lucina Austin to Henry Austin dated October 12, 1862. In this letter, Lucina describes life back at home, mentioning their recent experience at a fair. She also mentions some news from the war that has reached their community and the photographs Henry has sent them.

Letter from Lucina Austin to Henry Austin dated October 19, 1862. In this letters, Lucina does not have much to say to Henry, but mentions that his mother is making him mittens for the front. She expresses concern about the longevity of the war, the presence of rebel troops in the North, and the arrival of wounded troops in Michigan.

Letter from Rocinda Brink to Patience Miller dated April 1863. In this letter, Rocinda expresses her sorrow and grief for the death of Patience's son, Henry. She also mentions the latest news dealing with the family.

Letter from Benjamin S. Wilcox to a friend dated October 30, 1862. In this letter, possibly addressed to the parents of Henry Austin, describes the march of the 19th Michigan Infantry to Covington, Kentucky and eventually to Lexington, Kentucky. The letter provides a detailed account of the march.