Bush Family Collection

Incomplete letter from Cornelia to Edwin A. Bush on an unspecified date. In the short letter, Cornelia talks about a violent battle in Tennessee and wonders if victory is possible for the North with such ambitious military leaders.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Amanda to Frederick E. Bush dated July 20, 1864. In the letter, Amanda expresses great sympathy to Frederick after the loss of Edwin E. Bush.

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 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 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.