Letter from John W.A. Gillespie to Editor

In the aftermath of the Battle of Fort Donelson, John provides an account of the Union encampment there, including the distribution of provisions and the handling of wounded soldiers. John surveys the Confederate losses and converses with the surrendering General Simon Bolivar. Wilbur has fallen ill and returned to Cincinnati aboard a steamship with sick and wounded

Letter from John W.A. Gillespie to Francis P. Porter and Huldah Porter

John reminisces about childhood while looking at photographs and mentions now having a wife back in Ohio.https://digitalcommons.owu.edu/harvey-letters/1216/thumbnail.jp

Letter from John W.A. Gillespie to Rev. William Chadwick

After conversing with recently captured rebel soldiers, John voices his disdain for the politics of conciliation that he fears may be gaining momentum among northern sympathizers. He affirms his desire to see the Confederacy utterly defeated. John compliments the deeds of John A. Logan

Letter from John W.A. Gillespie to Sister

John gives an account of the Battle of Middleburg in which the 20th and 78th Ohio Regiments repelled a Confederate force of about 7,000

Letter from John W.A. Gillespie to Parents, Brother, and Sisters

John describes the regiment\u27s move from Grand Junction to Bolivar in advance of a Confederate force. The Union army gathered in Bolivar now numbers about 7,000. As a means of punishing the Rebels, John supports engaging former slaves in the labors required to establish camp

Letter from John W.A. Gillespie to Editor

John describes the 78th OVI\u27s boarding first the steamboat Neptune and then the Tecumseh. He considers a report that the regiment is bound for Fort Henry, TN rather than Paducah, KY

Letter from John W.A. Gillespie to Francis P. Porter and Huldah Porter

John reminisces about his friendships with Francis and Huldah, and praises George\u27s conduct with the regiment.https://digitalcommons.owu.edu/harvey-letters/1076/thumbnail.jp

Letter from John W.A. Gillespie to Francis P. Porter

John informs Francis that he is well.https://digitalcommons.owu.edu/harvey-letters/1094/thumbnail.jp

Letter from John W.A. Gillespie to Editor

The Army of the Tennessee is amassing outside of Vicksburg, the rebel \u27Gibraltar,\u27 and the 78th Regiment will be joining soon. John offers criticism of those Northerners who call for the Union army to stand down, arguing that to do so would disrespect the soldiers that have already died

Letter from John W.A. Gillespie to Editor

John reports on the skirmishes the regiment has engaged around Corinth, TN during the siege. John predicts that a confrontation between the armies here will be the most terrible the world has ever witnessed. He acknowledges the work of attached physicians caring for the regiment\u27s wounded