Morrison: Robert Clark Morrison Family Papers, 1854-1875
Call Number: MG-543
1 box 12 folders .25 cubic ft.
Repository: LancasterHistory.org (Lancaster, Pa.)
Shelving Location: Archives South, Side 15
Description: This collection contains correspondence of John A. Morrison to his brothers James G. and Samuel Morrison in the 1850s, letters written by Alexander Franklin Morrison in 1861/63, letters to Louisa J. (Morrison) Ferguson from her cousin William [Clark] and her brother Samuel Wilmer Morrison (S. W. M.), and letters written by Robert Clark Morrison during the Civil War in 1861-1863. We also have folk songs and poem written or copied by Robert Clark Morrison.
Creator: Morrison, Robert Clark.
Conditions for Access: No restrictions.
Conditions Governing Reproductions: Collection may not be photocopied. Please contact Research Staff or Archives Staff with questions.
Language: English
Source of Acquisition: Source unknown.
Custodial History: This collection was originally part of MG-18 The Civil War Collection, Section B Civil War Families Collection. Transferred to MG-543 on 30 July 2009.
Administrative History: Cataloged and finding aid prepared by AC, Fall semester 2013.
Folder 1 Letters From John A. Morrison, 1854, 1857 (3 items)
Letter to [James G. Morrison] regarding John’s life in the city, including his job at an office, which expires in three years or less. John mentions that they had had relatives in Buffalo, but that those relatives are now deceased. He laments not having an opportunity to come to Colerain, and mentions that in the Spring he might leave his current job an open an office to practice medicine. He spends the remainder of the letter describing his desire to be separated from his wife, and his desire to marry another woman, who he refers to as “the little Quaker girl”, [Sarah Boyd.] Merchant’s Hotel, Philadelphia. 8 March 1854.
Letter to Samuel and James and families complaining about the lack of communication between them. He mentions that James Martin has been deceased for months [his sister Eliza’s husband], and talks about the busyness of life in Philadelphia, where he mentions his wife, Sarah, and their new baby. He informs his brothers that [his son] Thomas might pay them a visit in Colerain, that William Morrison’s family has scarlet fever, and tells that their brothers Robert E. and Alexander have visited them. Philadelphia. 5 August 1857.
Envelope addressed to Mr. James Morrison, Colerain Post Office, Lancaster County, PA. Philadelphia, PA. ‘From J. A. Morrison Philad’ written in pencil on the bottom left corner. [Philadelphia]. [1857].
Folder 2 Letters From Alexander [Franklin] Morrison, 1861, 1863 (2 items)
Letter to his cousin regarding his travel from ‘home’ to Lancaster when he met 300 drunk soldiers from West Chester and Downingtown on their way to enlist in Harrisburg. He describes his subsequent journey to Pittsburgh, where he considers enlisting in the army and discusses the erection of a military camp, in response to the governor’s belief that Pittsburg will be attacked soon. Alexander wanted to stay at the Hares Hotel and had a man direct him there, but it was full. He describes the abandonment of the college Jefferson College and remarks that he will most likely not enroll, be cause all but three students have enlisted, and mentions that he has been drilling with the troops and might enlist. His letter is filled with patriotic statements regarding loyalty to the country (the Union). Canonsburg. 27 April 1861.
Letter to his cousin regarding the constant rain of the past two weeks and the sickness that has overtaken the neighborhood. He says that there has been a death nearly every day and sometimes two. He tells her that one student has died from Bradford County, whose father only arrived to the school the day before he died. Alex describes for his cousin the death of one the student due to a fever that made the boy deranged. “He thought that he had been dead and that his soul was lost” says Alex, and they had to hold him to the bed. Right before his death he became lucid enough to speak to the minister, but after that conversation he became deluded again and was not fully aware of himself. He tells his cousin that he has written to Clark (Robert Clark Morrison) and to tell Robert to write him a response with the paper and stamps he send him. Canonsburg. 5 February 1863.
Folder 3 Letters and Envelopes to Louisa J. Morrison, 1864, 1875 (10 items)
Envelope addressed to Miss Louisa J. Morrison. Colerain, Lancaster County, PA.
Envelope addressed to Miss Lou J. Morrison, with writing in pencil on the outside of the envelope that appears to be about God and his works, and salvation though Him. The writing seems unrelated to the original envelope. Colerain, Lancaster County, PA.
Letter to Cousin Lou from her cousin William [Clark] regarding about his experiences with the Union army in Georgia with General Sherman, soon after [Atlanta] was captured by the Union. He is appreciative of her letter, and tells her that the importance of capturing the city is because it was a manufacturing center where ammunitions and clothing were made. He says the most important reason that the city is important is because it is the connecting point on the main rail roads from the Mississippi River to the ‘rebel capital’ and the Atlantic coast. He says they captured the mayor of the town (Calhoun) who in conjunction with General Sheridan sent the civilians out of the town. Mentions of Suthers, Mr. Andrews, John Rutter, Secretary Stantow, General Sheridan, and Hardee. Atlanta, GA. 23 September 1864.
Envelope addressed to Miss Lou Morrison of Colerain, Lancaster County, PA. September 1864.
Letter to Louisa from S. W. M. [Samuel Wilmer Morrison] regarding answering his sister Louisa’s questions regarding visiting for Christmas, and about items he would like for her to send him. He thanks her for the money that was in the letter that he received Mentions David Dare, Frank Snudgrass, Clark, Papa, and Dr. Shaw. 200 Franklin St., Philadelphia. 6 December 1864.
Letter to Louisa from S. W. M. [Samuel Wilmer Morrison] regarding meeting Cochran Hamill, a Presbyterian that was a cerk in Provost Marshall’s office in Philadelphia. He mentions that there was another fire, this time across the Square from where he is but it only burned the top of one house before the flames were put out. H asks her to send him news about Philadelphia, and says that he will be arriving at Oxford the Saturday before Christmas. 200 Franklin St., Philadelphia. 11 December [1864].
Note to Louisa from [Samuel Wilmer Morrison] regarding arriving in Oxford on Friday evening, 23 December [1864] as an update to his later a day earlier. [200 Franklin St., Philadelphia. 12 December 1864.]
Letter to Cousin Lou from her cousin William [Clark] regarding the capture of Fort McAllister. He recalls that last year at this time he Company was in Chattanooga and that he hopes the new year (1865) will end the war. He describes the flight of the Confederates across the Savannah River to Charleston, SC, and the town of Savannah. He remarks that the citizens seem to be pleased with the change and he expects the army to move to Augusta, GA or Charleston, SC after Savannah. [Sergeant] William [Clark] Company B, 79th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteers. Camp near Savannah, GA. 28 December 1864
Letter to Louisa from [Ellir] congratulating Louisa on her impending nuptials to ‘Mr. F.’, William H. Ferguson. Chestnut Level, PA. 10 May [1875].
Envelope addressed to Miss Lou Morrison of Colerain, Lan. Cy [Lancaster County], PA..
Chestnut Level, PA. 10 May [1875].
Folder 4 Morrison Family Letters (3 items)
Envelope with a scroll and flowers on branches design, addressed to Mrs. Nancy Morrison of Colerain, Lancaster County, PA. Philadelphia, PA. 10 January [1865.]
Envelope addressed to Messers Humphrey and Talmer, with a decorative banner that says “Independence 17[76], Great Britain 1812, Mexico 1846, Secession 1861, Peace.” and a globe with a picture of North and South America with the quote “One Hemisphere One Country.” 562 Broadway, New York.
Letter to Uncle [James G. Morrison] from [W. G. Morrison] regarding ordering boots [for Robert Clark Morrison]. He says that he has commissioned the boots and that they will be ready soon. He tells his uncle that there is a man that might be going off to the army and could take them, but he would not know until Thursday. The post-script at the bottom says that Clark’s [Robert Clark’s] letter is enclosed. This is most likely regarding Robert Clark’s letter where he tells Louisa that he wishes for knee high boots.
Folder 5 Letters and Envelopes from Robert Clark Morrison, 1861-11 Sept. 1862. (12 items)
Letter to his parents, James G. and Nancy Morrison, regarding his journey from Colerain to Lancaster, PA and his experiences preparing to join his regiment. He says that the boys, five of their company and their lieutenant, are staying at the Dilters Hotel in Lancaster. He tells his parents that their regiment did not stop at Harrisburg but instead went on to Washington by going through Baltimore. He says that he had $20, received $40 from the county and sent home $27.50. He includes a detailed list of what each item he has purchased for the army cost him, including $12 for a revolver. He instructs his parents to address his letters to Washington or Harpers Ferry and his and his other family members [John Hanna and Alexander Kinkead Morrison] plans for going to Harrisburg. Lancaster, PA.
Letter to his mother Nancy Morrison regarding his and his cousins John and Alexander’s experiences at camp, including guard duty and the other regiments with them [84th and 86th NY]. He describes an instance when four regiments assembled together to drill and that the band from the 84th Regiment played along with them. He enquires after his father and wants to know if he arrived home safely after visiting him. He tells his mother that he gave his father a puzzle for Louisa, and describes how the puzzle works. March 1st he writes that he received a letter from Wilmer stating that his father had arrived home safely, that their cavalry were attacked by rebels. He mentions that 60-100 of their cavalry were taken prisoner. He says that he received letters from both Alexander F. and Hester, saying that they were well. Falmouth. 23 February – 1 March 1862.
Letter to his mother Nancy Morrison regarding his life in Falmouth on Easter Sunday, lamenting the lack of eggs. He tells his mother that they are holding 3 Confederate rebels as “willing prisoners”, because the prisoners surrender having not eaten for 5 days. He complains that he had a tooth ache and had the tooth ‘squeezed’ by pinchers and removed by the Dr. Dental at camp, Dr. Smith of Strasburg. He thanks her for the letter he received that contained $5.00. He mentions that Alexander and John are well, and regards to Uncle Samuel, James and Alexander. Falmouth. 6 April 1862.
Envelope to Miss Louisa J. Morrison, Colerain, Lancaster Co., PA. Reading. The stamp was cut out. 9 July 1862.
Letter to his sister Louisa regarding Wilmer [Samuel Wilmer Morrison, Robert Clark’s brother] and Robert [possible Robert A.] were in Lancaster, and detailing his travels from Lancaster, to Harrisburg, to Baltimore, ending at Washington with the 122nd Regiment. He asks her to tell Martha and Hester that they bought their portfolio and to tell their father that he received the $15 he sent him. Camp Stanton, VA. 18 August 1862.
Envelope to Miss Louisa J. Morrison, Colerain, Lancaster Co., PA. 18 August 1862.
Letter to his father James G. Morrison regarding his expectation to be in battle in a couple of days. He mentions that General Casey is Col. Franklin’s superior. He tells his father that he is with Alex, John, Ezekiel Webb and Henry writing letters in the front yard of a rebel’s house that is serving as the General’s headquarters. He describes the trees to be oak, locust, pine button wood, cherry, apple, pear, and even more too numerous to list. He says that where they are is splendid, but that the shallow graves of his comrades are only 200 yards away, and that he can see and smell their decaying bodies. He says that he is having difficulty getting his clothes home. He comments that General McClemans’ men have been passing them moving farther up the Potomac closer to Alexandria and that they will follow them within a couple days. At the top of the letter in black ink someone added the note that Robert Clark enlistedon the 11th of August 1861 and went away on the 16th. Camp near Clouds Mills, VA, 2 miles Southwest of Alexandria. 23 August 1862.
Letter to his parents, James G. and Nancy Morrison, telling them that all of the Morrisons in the regiment are still alive. The letter is regarding his marching 15 miles and then another 4 miles towards the Fairfax Court House, where they met ambulances carrying the sick and wounded. He talks about marching 12 miles back to the chain bridge above Washington. He mentions the Potomac army keeping Jackson out of Maryland and that their packs were burned to keep the enemy for discovering their secrets. He says that he received Hester’s, Martha Jane’s, as well as their letters and that they made him very happy. He asks his parents to keep him updated on whether Robert or Wilmer will need to go to war and that he hopes that they do not, because Wilmer could not stand the cold and the scarcity of food. Camp near Arlington heights, opposite Washington, D.C. 8 September 1862.
Envelope to Mr. James G. Morrison, Colerain, Lancaster Co., PA. Fort Corcoran. 8 September.
Letter to his sister Louisa regarding his journey from Fairfax county to Camp Stanton, and the mental state of John, Alexander, who have asked him for his guidance regarding their eternal salvation. He tells her how miserable the 22 mile march was. He tells her that they rested at the ‘Fairfax Catholic Ceminary’, then known as the Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary, now known as the Virginia Theological Seminary. He tells her that it was very beautiful. Camp Stanton. 10 September 1862.
Envelope to Miss Louisa J. Morrison, Colerain, Lancaster Co., PA. Envelope has a mostly preserved stamp, and the envelope is a light gray with LOYAL printed on it in white, with the Pennsylvania crest and the words ‘Keystone State’ above the crest and ‘Penn’a’ beneath the crest . On the reverse side, there are two lines of text in small gray wiring but it is illegible. There is still a red stamp, partially preserved worth 3 cents with the left profile of a man’s bust. Camp Stanton. 10 September 1862.
Letter to his mother Nancy Morrison regarding that despite what Ezekiel might have said, he is well, though he did have stomic [stomach] cramps for a short while. He tells his mother that Alex[ander Kinkead Morrison], John [Hannah Morrison], Henry, and he would like their parents to send them a box, but not to include any sweet things or perishables. They ask for cherry butter or grape butter or any type of spread that would make the dry tasteless crackers more palatable. He tells his mother that he thinks they will remain where they are for at least a little while and will not move immediately. Fort Richardson. 11 September 1862.
Folder 6 Letter, Transcription of letter, and Envelope from Robert Clark Morrison, 18 September 1862, 1 March 1971. (4 items)
Letter to his mother Nancy Morrison regarding his happiness that his brother Wilmer [Samuel Wilmer Morrison] was exempted from the draft, and his upset that his cousin Robert A. would be drafted, leaving his Uncle Samuel alone. He tells his mother that Alex, John, and himself received permission to go visit Dr. Joeseph [Barr Morrison, son of Alexander W. Morrison] in Washington and to tell Mary Jane Morrison [Sister of Alexander Kinkead and Joseph Barr, daughter of Alexander W. Morrison] that they enjoyed her pound cake. He tells her that Jackson and Longstreet and 40,000 troops as prisoners were captured, and that they have not received their pay from the government yet, mentioning that all the boys were either running out of money or have already run out. He asks her to send him a new shirt that is not white. Fort Corcoran. 18 September 1862.
Envelope addressed to Mrs. Nancy Morrison of Colerain, Lancaster County, PA. Philadelphia, PA. Miners Hill. 18 September.
Transcription of letter from Robert Clark Morrison to his mother Nancy from 18 September 1862. 1 March 1971.
Folder 7 Letters and Envelopes from Robert Clark Morrison, 22 September [1862]-21 October 1862. (17 items)
Letter to his father James G. Morrison regarding his having sent a note book and a tuning fork home with Mr. Eliot of Quarryville, who was a member of the Odd Fellows, and he would take them to Kirkwood. Fort Corcoran, VA. 22 September [1862].
Envelope to Mr. James G. Morrison, Colerain, Lancaster Co., PA. Fort Corcoran. 22 September 1862.
Letter to his sister Louisa regarding his cousin Alex’s [Alexander Kinkead] being split form his group, and enquiring about the name and number of Alexander and Captain Cochran’s new company. He informs her that he has have moved to miners Hill, VA. He tells his sister that if Mr. Stewart becomes any more of a Cessionist that he will shoot him He discusses his shock at learning the news of his cousin Thomas Clingon’s death and how his Uncle John went after his body. Miners Hill, VA. 26 September 1862.
Fragment of an envelope to [his sister Miss Louisa J. Morrison]. Miners Hill. 26 September.
Letter to his sister Louisa regarding his gratefulness for her letter as well as Martha Jane and Martha Ellen’s letters, and tells her that Alex and John received letters as well. He tells her that Martha Jane told him that Scott [Thomas Scott, Martha’s ½ brother and Alexander Gamble’s son] had shot one of his fingers off. And that their Uncle John could not find Tommie’s body. He describes the misery of the terrain of Miners Hill. He tells her that they have not been paid yet and that the food is scarce, but if they have money they can but supplemental food. Miners Hill, VA. 28 September 1862.
Envelope to Miss Louisa Jane Morrison, Colerain, Lancaster Co., Penna. Miners Hill, Virginia. 28 September.
Letter to his sister [Louisa] regarding his and John Hanna’s appreciation for the box they received, and the letters from her and Hester. He thanks her for his shirt that she sent him and told her that the cakes were bruised, but that they were still good to eat. He says that he thought there would be a handkerchief in the box but not to worry about that and how they shared the food that she and Martha Ellen sent them. He says that he sent her bible home. He tells her that orders came to march to battle up the Potomac. He says all the letters he receives and keeps are destroyed, and that two companies from Coatesville were gone in one week. Miners Hill. 3 October 1862.
Letter to Louisa regarding wanting a pair of boots because of the dirt and dust and mud that they were forced to march through. He mentions that Alex Morrison has a headache, and that Dr. William Morrison was possibly eaten by a fish while swimming in a river, but that he did not believe her. He tells her that if he had boots he probably would not have poisoned feet [poison oak]. Miners Hill. 6 October 1862.
Fragment of a note [to his mother Nancy Morrison] regarding having lost his silk handkerchief and inquiring about getting a new one. [September-October 1862].
Envelope to his mother Mrs. Nancy Morrison, Colerain, Lancaster Co., Penn’a. The envelope has a water mark of an eagle within a circle on the flap of the envelope.
Letter to his mother Nancy Morrison regarding Alex being unwell for 3 days, and Robert Clark’s poisoned feet [poison oak], where he asks for a cure because he has deemed the doctors incompetent. He tells her that he found the handkerchief in the shirt that she sent him. He tells her that he sent her a letter with 2 keys, for his belongings at the Hoovers Hotel in Lancaster. He mentions that the papers say that there are 180,000 rebels at Winchester. Miners Hill. 8 October 1862.
Envelope to Mrs. Nancy Morrison, Colerain, Lancaster Co., PA. Miners Hill.. 8 October. [1862]
Envelope to Mrs. Nancy Morrison, Colerain, Lancaster Co., PA. Miners Hill. The envelope on the left side has an ink drawing of Col. Wm. D. Lwei, Jr., 110th Regiment, P. V 13 October [1862].
Letter to his sister [Louisa] regarding that they will be marching in a couple of days. He tells her that they received their bounty and sent money home with Mr. John [Dulmet] of Strasburg. He gave the man 2 letters fro Dr. W. G. Morrison, one for him and one for James G. Morrison. He tells her that Alex has been unwell for two weeks, and is going to the Columbia Military Hospital, but he was not very sick so he should recover quickly. He describes the types of boots that he wants, and tells her that the money with Mr. [Dulmet] Robert Clark, Alex Morrison, Henry Beyers, and Ezekiel Webb have enclosed is for boots. Miners Hill. 13 October 1862.
Envelope to Miss Louisa J. Morrison, Colerain, Lancaster Co., PA. Miners Hill. 13 October.
Envelope to Miss Louisa J. Morrison, Colerain, Lancaster Co., PA. Part of a red stamp is preserved. Miners Hill. 16 October.
Letter to his mother Nancy Morrison regarding his move to McClellan’s army on the Maryland side of the Potomac river near Harpers Ferry. He tells her that they left miners hill, marched to the Georgetown bridge and then to Washington where they took the rail road to and stopped at Sandy Hook, where they marched to Knoxville then took the Baltimore Pike to a valley east of the blue ridge mountains, and finally reached Harpers Ferry. He tells her of Alex’s stay in Cliffburn Hospital in Washington. He tells her to Address his letters to R.C.M., Gen. Piett’s brigade, Col. Fraklin’s 122 Reg. P. V., in care of Capt. Neff. Washington D.C. Camp in Maryland near Harpers Ferry. 21 October 1862.
Envelope to Mrs. Nancy Morrison, Colerain, Lancaster Co., PA. Near Harpers Ferry. 21 October.
Folder 8 Letters and Envelopes from Robert Clark Morrison, 10 November 1862- 23 December 1862. (8 items)
Letter to his mother Nancy Morrison regarding the lack of letters from home, and that Alexander is comfortable in Cliffburn Hospital in Washington. He tells her that hye has been on the move since leaving Miners Hill, and he tells her that they have marched through mountains and that is where they are now. He tells her that their battery is the ‘8 Ohio.’ He mentions that one of his company has died. Virginia. 10 November 1862.
Fragment of an envelope. Falmouth. 23 November.
Letter to his father James G. Morrison regarding the possibility of advancing to Fredericksburg, and that Mr. Jacob Hildebrand from Strasburg who is the squire of Strasburg is with them at camp having brought with him boxes from Strasburg. He asks his father to send him boots, and that Henry Beyers wants his boots as well. Robert asks his father for one of his old cats and thread because his clothes have fallen into a state of disrepair. He relays the good health of A. K. Morrison who has been sent to the Convalescent Camp in Arlington Heights, and tells his father that the rebels are building a fort at Fredericksburg. He gives a list of the prices of clothing, because the soldiers only have $36 from the government for 9 months of clothing, and reiterates his need for the boots. Falmouth. 29 November 1862.
Envelope to Mr. James G. Morrison, Colerain, Lancaster Co., PA.
Letter to his sister Louisa regarding the second battle at Fredericksburg where he mentions the closeness of the confederate rebels and the things that he took form the houses in Fredericksburg. He asks again for tall boots and says that he desperately needs them. Camp near Falmouth. 15 [really the 17] December [1862].
Letter to his brother [Samuel Wilmer Morrison, referred to as Wilmer] regarding the battle and sack of Fredericksburg, calling it a ruined town. He tells his brother that they left Falmouth on the 11th and crossed the river on the 12th. He asks that they send him some bread and butter along with his boots and congratulates Louisa on being an industrious teacher. Falmouth. 17 December 1862.
Letter to his father James G. Morrison regarding that all of the boys received the box with their boots, but that the cherry butter jar had broken and spread all over the cakes and boots. His boots are a little too small, but he was thankful because on the was back to Falmouth from Fredericksburg the soldiers marched through mud one foot deep. Alexander K. Morrison returned back to camp in time to have turkey (possibly thanksgiving?) and mentions that Rev. James M. Morrison was married. Falmouth. 21 December 1862.
Letter to Dr. W. G. [William Gordon, son of Samuel and Abigail Gordon Morrison] Morrison regarding his boots being too small, and asking about getting new boots. Falmouth. 23 December 1862.
Folder 9 Letters and Envelopes from R. C. Morrison, 7 January 1863 – 25 April 1863. (13 items)
Envelope addressed to Mr. James G. Morrison, Colerain, Lancaster Co., PA. [6 January].
Letter to his mother Nancy Morrison regarding his boots being too small, and how desperate he is for a new pair that fit. He tells her that the boys received their packages of food which included doughnuts and sausage, and that the Patriots of Lancaster sent the boys some food of which they all received rations for New Years Day. He tells her of John’s near death experience, where a bullet grazed the top of his head. He discusses his appointment as a temporary 2nd corporal and how their regiment was reduced to 500 men. Falmouth. 7 January 1863.
Letter to his brother Wilmer [Samuel Wilmer Morrison] regarding the regiments plans to cross the Rapahannook River tomorrow and the traitors in Lancaster County. He tells Wilmer of the log tents with fireplaces that the men have built at the camp in Falmouth, because they have been at Falmouth for so long. As a post Script he mentions that Lieut. James McCommon of Ohio visited them last Sabbath. Falmouth. 17 January 1863.
Envelope addressed to Mr. Samuel W. Morrison, Colerain, Lancaster Co., PA. [19 January].
Letter to his father James G. Morrison regarding the regiment’s [scouting trip] and march through the deep mud and muck and the letter that was read to the regiment from General Burnside. He tells his father that he is acting corporal right now because the corporal is acting sergeant and that he is sending 34 of his $35 pay home. Falmouth. 24 January 1863.
Letter to his mother Nancy Morrison regarding the box that he received with the boots, clothing, and food. He asks her to thank all of the people that contributed to the box for their generosity. He mentions the rebels in Penningtonville. Camp near Stonemans Station, VA. 29 January 1863.
Letter to his sister [Louisa] regarding singing hymns and the dimensions of the house he built. He mentions that the cost of travel from Colerain to Stonemans Station is $240, and that in response to his Aunt Jane’s request that he shoot rebels he says that there are more to shoot at home in Colerain than there are here. Stonemans Station. 5 February 1863.
Letter to his mother Nancy Morrison regarding his receiving a letter from Robert J. Clark and the death of Thomas Lyttle of Kirkwood, PA, who died of Typhoid fever. Falmouth. 11 March 1863.
Envelope addressed to Mrs. Nancy Morrison, Colerain, Lancaster Co., PA. Received 20 March.
Letter to his brother Wilmer regarding his attending a birthday party for a general, and how drunk the officers were. He mentions that he received a letter from W. J. Clark, and that he might be in Lancaster soon. Falmouth. 29 March 1863.
Letter to his brother Wilmer regarding saying his ‘goodbyes’, he thought that he might not survive. Falmouth. 15 April 1863.
Letter to his sister Louisa regarding the possibility that his marriage could have been arranged had he not gone to war, and that he will be in Lancaster and would like to meet Robert and Wilmer. Falmouth. 25 April 1863.
Folder 10 Letters and Envelopes from R. C. Morrison, 5 June 1863 – 3 August 1863. (11 items)
Letter to his father James G. Morrison regarding his being made 2nd Lieutenant of the Octoraro Rangers and that he needed money for Lieut. accessories. Camp Heistand, Reading. 5 June 1863.
Letter to his father James G. Morrison regarding his move from West Chester, PA to Reading PA. he says that their company officers are Capt. D. H. Cochran and the 1st Lieut. is William Flemming. He tells his father that he heard that Vicksburg had fallen. West Chester. 1 July 1863.
Envelope addressed to Mr. James G. Morrison, Colerain, Lancaster Co., PA. West Chester. 1 July.
Envelope addressed to Mr. James G. Morrison, Colerain, Lancaster Co., PA. Reading. 6 July.
Letter to his sister Louisa regarding the official fall of Vicksburg and Reading’s disloyal citizens. He mentions that General Sigel has taken over command of them and that Ezekiel Webb has been appointed color bearer. Camp near Mullingburg [Muhlenberg], Reading. 8 July 1863.
Letter to his brother Wilmer regarding the lack of food, saying that officers would starve if they had no money to buy their own food. He talks about the pretty girls in Clear Spring, and how he doesn’t know where John [Hanna Morrison] is. Camp Stott, Clear Spring, Washington [D.C.]. 3 August 1863.
Envelope addressed to Mr. James G. Morrison, Colerain, Lancaster Co., PA. Reading. 16 August.
Envelope addressed to Miss Louisa J. Morrison, Colerain, Lancaster Co., PA. [Washington].
Envelope back flap fragment of an off-white envelope.
Envelope addressed to Miss Louisa J. Morrison, Colerain, Lancaster Co., PA, Politeness of Mr. Henry Webb.
Envelope addressed to Mrs. Nancy Morrison, Colerain, Lancaster Co., PA.
Folder 11 Letters to Robert Clark Morrison, 1861-1863. (6 items)
Letter from his father James G. Morrison regarding giving his son spiritual, Christian advice, as well as offering assistance to Robert Clark, stating that if Robert Clark wrote home to his parents, they would attempt to send him what he needs. Colerain, [PA]. 15 August [1860].
Envelope addressed to Robert Clark Morrison, Colerain, Lancaster County, PA, stamped 1862.
Letter from his cousin W. J. Clark [William J. Clark] regarding his military travels in Tennessee [with the 79th Regiment, Company B], and claims that the confederates target sick soldiers. [Manchester, Coffee County, Tennessee]. 2 August [1862].
Letter from his cousin Robert A. Morrison regarding the capture of John [unlikely John H.], and discusses his eagerness to hang ‘old Jeff’. Camp near Morrisons Mill.
Letter from his cousin W. J. Clark regarding Clark’s possible future service in the military. Camp of 79th Pennsylvania Volunteers (abbreviated Camp of 79th Penna Vols.) near [Murfreesboro]. [1863].
Envelope addressed to Mr. Robert C. Morrison, Present.
Folder 12 Songs and Poems. (6 items)
Poem titled “Beauty” written by [Cadmus] regarding the beauty of nature in different places in all of the seasons. Addressed to Louisa Morrison, [Editor of Monitor].
Song titled “Weeping Sad and Lonely” or “When This Cruel War is Over” regarding missing a loved soldier who is currently at battle, and fears that this solder will die and not return home.
Fragmentary Poem presented in a ‘Question and Answer’ format regarding wanting to kiss a lover and how much the lover would pay for kisses and words on each visit.
Poem titled “It Must Be So” by [Cotapayi] regarding joking between two friends about shaving their mustaches.
Poem entitled “Colerain” by J. M. [John Hannah Morrison?] regarding his or her love for Colerain and its beauty.
Song titled “Weeping Sad and Lonely” regarding missing a loved soldier who is currently at battle, and fears that this solder will die and not return home.
Poem entitled “A Hundred Years to Come” written or copied by R. C. Morrison] regarding the world a hundred years from writing this songs, and how no one will remember the person writing this song.
Song titled “Kitty Wells” written or copied by R. C. M. regarding the death of Kitty Wells. The song is a popular folk song that does not have an author, so it is possible that it was written by Robert Clark or that he heard it while serving in the Civil War.