Vicksburg, Mississippi

Date: May 31, 1863
Author: William G. Christie
Addressee: James C. Christie
Description: William describes the siege of Vicksburg, and admits to his insecurities with regards to bravery and self-sacrifice.
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Date: June 5, 1863
Author: Thomas D. Christie
Addressee:
Description: Thomas describes the siege of Vicksburg. The Battery saw extensive action and was constantly fired upon. He also recounts the visit of General U.S. Grant into the gun emplacements.
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Date: June 6, 1863
Author: William G. Christie
Addressee: Alexander S. Christie
Description: With the siege on Vicksburg continuing, William reiterates his strong anti-slavery views.
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Date: June 7, 1863
Author: Thomas D. Christie
Addressee:
Description: Construction of battlements and forts is explained. Thomas also provides details on how his artillery gun is fired in battle.
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Date: June 23, 1863
Author: William G. Christie
Addressee: Alexander S. Christie
Description: William gives his opinions on national politics; describes continuing bombardment.
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Date: June 28, 1863
Author: Thomas D. Christie
Addressee: Sarah J. Christie
Description: In the midst of extremely heavy fighting, Thomas explains his personal attitude towards the War.
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Date: July 1, 1863
Author: Thomas D. Christie
Addressee: Alexander S. Christie
Description: Thomas provides advice on school, and relates the status of the siege operation.
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Date: July 16, 1863
Author: William G. Christie
Addressee: Alexander S. Christie
Description: Now inside the city of Vicksburg, William writes about the sights around town and the general progress of the Union offensive.
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Date: August 12, 1863
Author: Thomas D. Christie
Addressee: Sarah J. Christie
Description: Inside the city of Vicksburg, Thomas describes his recovery from illness. He also mentions the Wisconsin soldiers camped nearby.
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Date: August 20, 1863
Author: William G. Christie
Addressee: Alexander S. Christie
Description: A massive explosion of ammunition being loaded onto the ship “City of Madison” rocks the camp; dozens are killed on the ship. William provides details of the accident and mentions that Thomas D. Christie is on his way back to Clyman.
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Date: September 19, 1863
Author: William G. Christie
Addressee: James C. Christie
Description: William writes about the morality of war. He also mentions the relocation of camp and asks whether Thomas, on furlough in Clyman, is on his way back to camp yet.
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Date: October 2, 1863
Author: William G. Christie
Addressee: Alexander S. Christie
Description: More discussion on the politics of the Civil War; also a discussion of Negro regiments.
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Date: October 26, 1863
Author: Thomas D. Christie
Addressee: James C. Christie
Description: General camp news; Thomas injures his fingers during writing of the letter.
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Date: November 4, 1863
Author: William G. Christie
Addressee: Alexander S. Christie
Description: William reflects on his second anniversary of enlistment in the Union Army.
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Date: November 14, 1863
Author: Thomas D. Christie
Addressee:
Description: In the absence of many higher officers, Thomas is given command of the regiment. Thomas also recounts Logan's speech to the troops.
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Date: November 28, 1863
Author: Thomas D. Christie
Addressee: Sarah J. Christie
Description: Thomas is involved in the creation of a soldiers' group called the Vicksburg Union Literary Society. He also writes about the prevalence of music in camp.
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Date: December 6, 1863
Author: Thomas D. Christie
Addressee: Alexander S. Christie
Description: Thomas discusses reenlisting in the Battery, and of obtaining a furlough to return to Wisconsin. He also writes on the Vicksburg Union Literary Society.
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Date: December 9, 1863
Author: Thomas D. Christie
Addressee: James C. Christie
Description: Thomas writes this letter on the back of a circular which calls for donations to the soldiers' lending library organized by the Vicksburg Union Literary Society. The library is the letter's main subject.
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Date: December 9, 1863
Author: William G. Christie
Addressee: Alexander S. Christie
Description: William describes the social event at the Vicksburg Union Literary Society, of which Thomas D. Christie is secretary. Also discusses reenlistment in the Battery. William also writes of Uncle David's being drafted and his search for a substitute.
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Date: December 20, 1863
Author: William G. Christie
Addressee: Alexander S. Christie
Description: William discusses the fee paid to a substitute for a drafted man, in regards to his Uncle Dave; also writes of his possible furlough.
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Date: February 3, 1864
Author: Thomas D. Christie
Addressee: James C. Christie
Description: Thomas writes about foraging operations in the area around the camp, delays in obtaining a furlough, and about debating at the Vicksburg Union Literary Society.
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Date: March 13, 1864
Author: Thomas D. Christie
Addressee: Sarah J. Christie
Description: Thomas, acting as Sergeant, is brought in front of the captain by a drunken General Chambers, who believes that he was insulted by one of the Battery's soldiers.
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