Research Arsenal

10/28/2026

For our What's it Wednesday this week, can you identify this type of ship in the foreground? Do you know where this might have been taken? Post your guesses below and check back Friday for the answer!

10/27/2026

Halloween is this week, and for those who enjoy the spookier side of history, we thought it might be a good fit to highlight a little bit about funerals for Civil War soldiers.

The first photo is of the hearse used in the funeral of William Henry Gilder, Sr., the beloved chaplain of the 40th New York Volunteer Infantry (aka the Mozart Regiment). Gilder, originally from Yonkers, served as the spiritual heart of the hard fought unit for nearly three years before succumbing to smallpox in the spring of 1864. Taken at Brandy Station, Virginia, the plate features a clear view of the hearse and its delicately tinted mourning decorations, as well as the uniformed driver and his remarkably still pair of black horses. Excitingly, the viewer can easily see that the 40th’s regimental flag hangs solemnly in the center of the wagon, with its large “40” plainly visible. Chaplain Gilder’s service bore him witness to some of the most brutal and costly moments of some of the most consequential battles of the Civil War, including Fair Oaks, Fredericksburg, and, perhaps most famously, Gettysburg. He was praised by his fellow officers for walking battle lines to tend to his men, offering spiritual encouragement in the face of grave injury and death. In early 1864, a smallpox outbreak gripped the regiment’s winter camp. Gilder ministered to these sick men at great personal risk, and ultimately contracted the same disease - an illness that would soon claim his life. The brave and selfless chaplain was considered a martyr by the men he ministered to, perhaps explaining the elaborate hearse pictured here.

The second photo depicts the Ohio Statehouse draped in mourning in honor of President Abraham Lincoln's funeral train. Following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865, a special funeral train embarked on a sweeping, multi-state journey to return the martyred president to Springfield, Illinois. On April 29, 1865, the train arrived in Columbus, Ohio. Lincoln's casket was carried into the Ohio Statehouse, where he lay in state in the rotunda from morning until evening, allowing tens of thousands of weeping citizens to pay their final respects. This photograph captures the statehouse exactly as it was decorated for this monumental event.

For those interested in post-war funeral services for Civil War soldiers, we highly recommend watching the short video linked below posted on Massie's Antiques and Civil War Relics page. It is a rare video of a GAR memorial service and fascinating to see it filmed as opposed to just reading about it.

William Henry Gilder's Hearse Photo:
https://app.researcharsenal.com/imageSingleView/87047

Ohio Statehouse in Mourning Photograph:
https://app.researcharsenal.com/imageSingleView/204874

GAR Memorial Service Video:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19L6qxnwyy/

10/26/2026

Isaac Mead was born in 1834 to Jonas and Abigail Mead of Greenwich, Connecticut. He married his second cousin, Esther Mead, in 1855. In August, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company I of the 17th Connecticut Infantry.

After being mustered in, the 17th Connecticut Infantry began its service as part of the defenses of Baltimore, Maryland. On September 27, 1862, Isaac Mead wrote to his wife about how he was earning a bit of extra money while there.

“I have been sewing for some time back. I made two towels for Henry Held and marked his name on them. He gave me 12 cts. One of the drummers had me put stripes on his blouse and pants. He gave me 25 cts. George Peck, the orderly sergeant, had me make two towels and two bandages (flannel). He has not paid me anything yet. I paid 9 cts. for tape for strings. I put two pockets in each. They are made double the edges catstitched down. It took me a good while to make them and they are very nice, I think. If he does not offer pay, I shall not think any better of him than I do now. He is very peevish. I don’t think the men like him much. If there could be another nomination of officers, I am sure there would be a great change in them. I am afraid if we were called to battle, we should not get much credit.”

Read the rest on the blog!

Isaac Mead was born in 1834 to Jonas and Abigail Mead of Greenwich, Connecticut. He married his second cousin, Esther Mead, in 1855. In August, 1862, he

10/23/2026

For our What's it Wednesday this week we asked you to identify an item based on its 1865 Quartermaster Manual description. The answer was, an envelope!

Here is the full description:
"Envelopes—to be of the best quality white or buff, thick or extra-thick, in size: No. 12, 9 x 4, 8 1/2 x 3 3/4 and 5 1/2 x 3."

Quartermaster Manual: https://app.researcharsenal.com/quartermaster-manuals/46

Photo: https://app.researcharsenal.com/imageSingleView/69053

10/22/2026

What questions do you have for our resident archivist about caring for, cataloging, and preserving your collection? We've written a number of posts focusing on the proper storage, handling, digitization and cataloging techniques per museum standards, and we'd like to hear what questions you may have about your collection. Your questions may be featured and answered in a future blog post on our site.

Photo: Our Angry Archivist found some damaged Confederate records at our most recent scanning day this week. 😬😭

10/21/2026

For our What's it Wednesday this week, can you identify this item from the 1865 Quartermaster Manual?

"to be of the best quality white or buff, thick or extra-thick, in size: No. 12, 9 x 4, 8 1/2 x 3 3/4 and 5 1/2 x 3."

Post your guesses below and check back Friday for the answer!

10/20/2026

On October 21, 1861, Union forces under General McClellan suffered a crushing defeat at the Battle of Ball’s Bluff in Loudon County, Virginia. The losses on the Union side hinged largely on having too few boats to cross the Potomac River quickly and efficiently, which left forces stranded on the far side of the river without reinforcements while they tried to withstand the attack of a superior Confederate force. As they were routed, many men attempted to swim back across the river. The Battle resulted in 223 Union soldiers killed, 226 wounded, and 553 captured.

Luther Winship served as a wagoner in the 27th Indiana Infantry. Though he did not participate in the fighting at Ball’s Bluff, he described the aftermath of the battle and the aid he offered to the survivors.

“You will see before this about the regiment that was murdered here a few days ago and I will send you the straight of it if I don’t. It crossed the river by itself and was to be reinforced but it rained so it could not be done. It went into the slaughter pen unconscious of this fact against 8,000 men and fought till one third of them bit the dust when they retreated for an island [Harrison’s Island] in the river but there was not boats enough for them and some attempted to swim and they fired on them in the water and there was 150 of them that sunk to rise no more, either from lead or drowned. Those that did get through said the most was drowned so at least one half of the regiment is gone.

Colonel [Edward D. Baker] is dead. Lieutenant-Colonel had his leg shot off. I seen him myself and a hundred more that was wounded. The floor of the church they were in was slippery with blood. My heart was sick as I passed amongst them giving them water and them that could eat some of my own scanty store of provisions. I seen any amount of men pass our camp that night naked that had swam the river and what few of us that was there made coffee the whole four hours we laid there for them. Although I had not slept for the longest time I ever went, [I] was not sleepy then at all.”

Letter: https://app.researcharsenal.com/imageSingleView/206870

Photo: Painting of the Battle of Ball’s Bluff by Alfred W. Thompson via Wikimedia Commons.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cannonading_on_the_Potomac_by_Alfred_W_Thompson,_c1869.jpg

10/19/2026

Thomas Conley was born around 1843 in Ohio. His father’s name isn’t known but his mother’s name was Margaret and she was born in Ireland. Thomas Conley enlisted on August 18, 1861 in Company B of the 33rd Ohio Infantry. He wrote the letters in this collection to his sister, Catherine (“Kate”), who married Joel C. Gabriel on March 13, 1861. His brother, James, is also frequently mentioned in the letters and resided with his mother.

The first letter written by Thomas Conley in our collection was written on January 28, 1862 from Camp Jefferson, Kentucky. After being mustered into service in September 1861, the 33rd Ohio Infantry spent its first months in Kentucky. Thomas Conley wrote his letter while avoiding dress parade by hiding in a tent used to the store the arms of sick soldiers. He also revealed that he had just recently gotten over having the mumps.

“I received your letter 2 hours ago and was so glad to hear from you [that] I stopped writing a letter to Mary Jane. I received your letter and then finished writing her letter and against I got it done it was drill time and I had to go out and drill 2 hours. I have just got in from drill and am writing in an old tent where no one stays. It is used to keep the sick men’s guns in. I get in here so no one will trouble me while I am writing. I cannot write when there is so many around me. I am well now and hope these few lines may find you enjoying the same blessing.

I have got well of the mumps. They made me very sick for 2 days. I was not able to get out of the tent. I sent for the doctor. He came and gave me a puke. It made me sick for a little while but I soon got over that and as soon as I got over that the mumps was all right.

They have gone on dress parade. I slipped them this time but if the captain knew I was writing he would have me in dress parade but I am too sharp for him.”

Read the rest on the blog!

Thomas Conley was born around 1843 in Ohio. His father’s name isn’t known but his mother’s name was Margaret and she was born in Ireland. Thomas Conley

10/16/2026

For our What's it Wednesday this week we asked you to identify this building and its Civil War significance with a hint that it is located in Virginia. The answer is the Chancellorsville, Virginia headquarters of Gen. Ho**er during the battle. The photograph shows a reproduction of a painting of Chancellor House as it might have looked when occupied by Union General Joseph Ho**er during the Battle of Chancellorsville.

Photo: https://app.researcharsenal.com/imageSingleView/67771

10/15/2026

October means chilly weather, turning leaves, and one of the best fall drinks, apple c***r. For many Civil War soldiers, apple c***r was welcome refreshment when it could be procured in towns or sent to them from loving family and friends back home.

Thomas Pierce was working as a civilian contractor at Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1864 when he wrote to his sister in Ohio to save him some c***r for his return.

“Is there are going to be plenty of apples? Have Father put plenty in the cellar and make plenty of c***r for shall want a good supply to fall back on in the spring when I get home. I wish I could have a good big jug full of that c***r and a few good apples. I think I could enjoy myself for a short time.”

Private Nelson Steere of the 3rd Rhode Island Artillery was stationed at Hilton Head, South Carolina in October, 1862, when he wrote to a friend asking him to send him some c***r and a cigar.

“I am going to write home for a box and I want you to send me a drink of c***r and a cigar and I will send you some oranges if I can possibly get them. When you get this, tell the folks that I am well and as tough as ever although the times are quite exciting and a skirmish is no infrequent occurrence.”

Private John A. Smith of the 67th Ohio Infantry wrote a darker tale about soldiers under the influence of apple brandy and c***r in a letter from October 28, 1862.

“We have been out on a scout the other day. We just came back last night. I had all the apples and chickens and apple brandy and c***r and sweet potatoes we wanted to eat. I tell you, we had a good time. Some of the 13th Indiana got drunk and one hit one of the regiment on the head and killed him and one of the 62d Ohio shot one of their captains.”

If you go out for c***r this fall, consider the drink’s long history and its ties to giving soldiers a bit of comfort.

Letter 1: https://app.researcharsenal.com/imageSingleView/84344

Letter 2: https://app.researcharsenal.com/imageSingleView/21123

Letter 3: https://app.researcharsenal.com/imageSingleView/41991

Photo: Unidentified Soldier With Apple https://app.researcharsenal.com/imageSingleView/2953