Bush Family Collection

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 Edwin A. Bush to his father dated April 6, 1863. In the letter, Edwin expresses $40 of his pay back home and has little war news to share. He does mention an encounter with slaves and slave-owned farms in Kentucky, and his perspective to the idea of slavery in Kentucky compared to the southern States.

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 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 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 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 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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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 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.

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 Edwin A. Bush to friends at home dated May 15, 1863. In the letter, Edwin has little war news to report back home. He mentions that the 17th Michigan Regiment is to assist the 20th Michigan Regiment in a fight near Columbia, Kentucky. He concludes his letter by providing the results of the battle, the latest news regarding the fight for Richmond, and an update on the Confederate Army.

Letter from Willard Bush to his brother, Henry A. Bush dated December 11, 1862. In the letter, Willard updates Edwin on the status of their brother. Henry, and his illness.

Letter to Edwin A. Bush from his father, Frederick E. Bush, dated April 9, 1863. In the beginning of the letter, Frederick shares the latest news from home and hopes the war will end soon. The letter ends with a few lines from his mother, who encourages Edwin to apply for a furlough before the war ends.