Hd. Qurs. Co. “A” 129th Ills. Vol. Infty.
On Picket 6 o’clock A.M., July 9th 1864
My Dear Wife

I intended to write you a long letter yesterday but was so busy laying out a camp and fixing up that I deferred it until to-day, and last night I was detailed for Picket. I sent in at daylight this morning for the portfolio to write to you, but, before it arrived, we recd. orders to advance. Cris Yetter brought out my breakfast, & I hasten to write a line while we are waiting as it is probable the army may advance to-day, and I may have no other opportunity soon.

We recd. the news this morning that the right wing of our army has crossed the river (official) & it is probable the whole army will move rapidly forward. We were in hopes that a few days would be allowed for rest, but we will be content to submit cheerfully to the better judgment of others.

I am very happy to be able to tell you that my health is excellent for which let us praise God. All the Company are in good health. Harry McDowell has come up to the Regt., his health is much improved.

We are now ordered to move. God bless you. Good bye.

Your affect. Husband
J. F.Culver

8 A.M. I closed my letter hastily & gave it to Chris Yetter to mail, but he waited until we advanced our lines thus giving me an opportunity to resume. It is very warm this morning and indicates a hot day; all will be gratified if it does not become necessary to march to-day.

Yesterday evening’s mail brought me no letters, yet I have recd. so many of late that I should be satisfied. Nate Hill has had a very sore foot, but it is improving rapidly. We rather expected to get pay before crossing the river, but it is probable now that we will have to wait till the close of the Campaign.

We had a very pleasant and profitable prayer meeting at Hd. Qurs. Co. “A” night before last, & I hope we may lay quiet to-morrow that we may enjoy the privileges of one more Holy Sabbath. We have been marching or fighting on every Sabbath of late, but I presume the necessities of the case demanded it. God has still dealt very kindly with us. Let us be thankful.

I have not heard yet from Bros. John or Sammy. Alf Huetson promised to go around and see them yesterday, but I have had no opportunity of seeing him since. I may learn of them after I am relieved this evening or to-morrow. I have had no opportunity to see Sergt. Gaff lately. John Lee was up to see me yesterday; he is well. I also saw Robinson (son of Warren Robinson) of the 20th Ills. yesterday; he says that all the boys that are left are well. All the non-veterans have gone home.

I must close as Yetter is anxious to return. If we do not move to-morrow, I will write. Give my love to all. Trust all to God. May his blessings rest upon you.

Your affect. Husband
J. F. Culver

Hd. Qurs. 129th Regt. Ills. Vols. Infty.
In the Field 8 miles South West of Marietta,
Ga., July 4th 1864
My Dear Wife

Yours of the 23rd June came to hand yesterday evening, & I am most happy to learn of your good health. All thanks to our Father in Heaven.

About 8 P.M. on Saturday evening [the 2d], it was known that the enemy were falling back, & we were ordered to be in readiness to move at day-light next morning.¹ We moved out on the Marietta road at Sunrise through the enemy’s fortifications. We came upon the rear of their columns & opened upon them with two Batteries to which they replied with Energy.²

Thos. Moran of my Company was killed.³ It will devolve upon you to convey the painful intelligence to his family; they live near you. He was a noble man & excellent soldier. He has gone to rest. The affliction will be very severe to his widow and orphans. May God care for them. Tell his wife that if my life is spared I will write to her as soon as we get quieted down. He neither moved or spoke after he was struck; his head was broken in on the right side. We buried him & marked the grave. He lies on the road leading from Marietta to Powder Springs, about one mile from Marietta.

No one else was injured in the Company. We moved about 12 to 16 miles yesterday, but most of the time were hunting the enemy’s position. We are now on the right flank.⁴ The weather is very warm & it is difficult to make a march.

This the 4th. All our Bands are playing but the day bears but little aspect to the festivities of the day, the booming of the cannon can be heard to our left, & probably before night we will be fighting our way into position. It is supposed that the enemy will not make a determined stand on this side of the [Chattahoochie] river.

Give my love to Mother & Maggie. Tell Mary I accept the Kiss & wish to return it. May our Father in Heaven bless and keep you. He has thus far been with us. Let us trust all to him.

Committing all to God, Good bye,
Your Affect. Husband
J. F. Culver

1. In the days following the battle of Kennesaw Mountain, General Sherman pushed his right flank units to the southeast. Hooker’s soldiers occupied rifle pits on both sides of the Powder Spring road, and General Schofield’s Army of the Ohio was massed south of Olley Creek. This grave threat to his left compelled General Johnston on the night of July 2 to evacuate his Kennesaw Mountain line and retire into the entrenchments behind Nickajack Creek. Cox, Atlanta, p. 132.
2. General Ward reported that as his column advanced on Marietta, via the Powder Springs road, it encountered Rebel cavalry. He called up Battery I, 1st Michigan, which engaged two Confederate batteries unlimbered to the southeast, near the railroad, in a spirited duel. O.R., Ser. I, Vol. XXXVIII, pt. II, pp. 326, 388.
3. Thomas Moran, a 27-year-old farmer, was mustered into service on Sept. 8, 1862, as a private in Company A, 129th Illinois Infantry. Private Grunert reported that the projectile scattered Moran’s “brains in every direction.” Grunert, History of the I29th Illinois, pp. 80-81; Compiled Service Records of Union Soldiers, NA.
4. On the 4th General Ward’s division took position on the right of Hooker’s corps, near Mill Grove. The Army of the Ohio was on Ward’s right. O.R., Ser. I, Vol. XXXVIII, pt. II, pp. 327, 388.

EndNote is a reference management tool that allows you to easily gather, organize, and insert your references in the style of your choice. This free, hands-on session will walk you through the basics of using EndNote to collect and format citations.

Our next session is:

Tuesday, July 8, 11 am-12 pm

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Register here. For more information, contact our librarians at lib-hardin@uiowa.edu or by calling (319) 335-9151.

Too busy for class? See our EndNote tutorials here.

 

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Nathaniel Highmore (1613-1685)

Corporis Humani Disquisitio Anatomica

The Hague: Ex oficina Samuelis Brown, 1651.

[Image via Fisher Library Digital Collections, University of Toronto].

Nathaniel Highmore of Dorset, England was a British surgeon known for his 1651 treatise on anatomy, the first of its kind to give an accurate account of the circulatory system. Highmore studied at Oxford beginning in 1631, after which he practiced at Sherborne in Dorset. Corporis, the best-known of his several works, is divided into three sections corresponding to the abdomen, thorax, and head. Although the plates, drawn in the style of Vesalius, echo those of an earlier period, Highmore was responsible for a number of important advances. The most noteworthy of these are his descriptions of the sinus maxillaris (the largest nasal cavity, then known as the antrum of Highmore) and the mediastinum testes (the septum dividing the scrotum, or Highmore’s body).

To learn more about medical history, visit the John Martin Rare Book Room website.

Get to know Curator Donna Hirst at Iowa Now.

 

Hd. Qurs. Co. “A” 129th Regt. Ills. Vols. Inftry.
In the Field Near Marietta, Ga. July 1st 1864
My Dear Wife

Sergt. Jim Morrow arrived this morning bringing your letter of the 17th June and the box of cherries, the latter were all rotten. I am most happy to learn that your health is good. I gave Saml. McGooden his sister’s letter, but have had no opportunity to send to Bro. John [Murphy]. There is a soldier here visiting belonging to the 44th Ills., and I will try & get him to carry the letter & will also send a note by him.¹

The weather is clear and very warm. I am reaping the result of my promotion by acting “Brig. Off. of the Day.”² I will try and write to Hill’s S. School soon, & will do so to-day if I get time. We are drawing clothing to-day. I have not had a chance to talk with Jim [Morrow] yet, so many have been gathered around him gleaning news of Home that I did not wish to disturb him, much as I wish to learn all that he knows.

The men are all gathered around and talking so much that it is difficult to write. We have been on the rear line of fortifications for two days past but will probably be put in front to-night.³ Col. Ben Harrison is again in command of the Brig. & Jim Mitchell is A.A.A.G.⁴ The latter is rapidly improving in health but will probably never be quite well.

Chaplain Cotten has just passed around with some papers and tracts of which I got several. He has been quite ill for several days but is still able to be around. Harry McDowell has been sent to the Hospital sick with the fever; I think he will be around in a few days. My health is quite good for which I have every reason to be thankful.

We had a very excellent prayer-meeting last night and also two evenings ago. The boys are all very prompt in attendance, & I hope are striving earnestly to be Christians.

There has been no news of importance since I last wrote. We hear very little that is reliable, except what we get from the papers, all of which you have before it reaches [us]. Our losses in the series of charges made on last Monday & Tuesday will reach over 2,000.⁵ We are still slowly but surely gaining ground. I have not heard from Allen Fellows since he left. I recd. a letter from Henry Greenebaum by Jim this morning. Saml. McGooden is well. Mrs. Baird and Mrs. Fitch have been on a visit to Lieut. Smith and have written that he is slowly improving.

I must make the round of the skirmish lines & must close. I recd. the stamps. Give my love to all. May Our Father in Heaven bless and preserve you. Good bye.

Your Affect. Husband
J. F. Culver

1. The 44th Illinois Infantry was assigned to the IV Corps division commanded by Brig. Gen. John Newton, the unit to which Company M, 1st Illinois Light Artillery, was attached. O.R., Ser. I, Vol. XXXII, pt. III, pp. 551-552.
2. J.F.C. had been notified that he had been promoted to captain of Company A, 129th Illinois, to rank from Feb. 24, 1864, the date of Captain Hoskins’ promotion to major. Compiled Service Records of Union Soldiers, NA.
3. The 3d Brigade (Wood’s) on June 29 had relieved the 1st Brigade (Ward’s) in the advance line of rifle pits north of the Powder Springs road. O.R., Ser. I, Vol. XXXVIII, pt. II, p. 440.
4. General Butterfield on June 29 had received a leave to return to his home in New York and General Ward had assumed command of the Third Division, XX Army Corps. Colonel Harrison as senior colonel had resumed command of the 1st Brigade. Ibid., p. 326.
5. Union casualties in the June 27 assaults on the Kennesaw Mountain line were 1,999 killed and wounded and 52 missing, while the Confederates lost about 500, of whom 270 were killed or wounded. Long, The Civil War Day by Day, p. 529.

Camp near Marietta Ga.
29th June 1864.
My Dear Sister Mollie:

Yours of 21st inst. to Sammy containing love & logwood arrived yesterday evening. Though brief it was very welcome. It’s the first from home in many weeks. Sammy does not need the logwood, having recovered entirely but he can keep it for future use. He is apparently as hearty as ever. I feel “kinder sick like” this morning. Since breakfast, I haven’t had a bit of appetite. Guess the “Spring fever”, so prevalent these warmer days, is “seizing of me.” I wish you would send me a little loaf sugar or orange [peeling?] might cure me. Simptoms in my case are very peculiar. Befor dinner I have a sort of “[gornness?]” in the front part of my waist; and this gives place after dinner, to loss of appetite. In the language of the poet “tis passing strange”. I’m afraid my ailment will become serious if “hardtack” gets scarce. But we must all be resigned. We have been resting for three days past. We are now lying in woods where it is nice and Shady. As soon as I get through writing I shall lie down beneath my own vine and fig tree, there being no rebs around to make me affraid, and sleep peacefully and dream sweetly till dinnertime.

I wrote to mother on the [?] and inclosed her a “V” for garden outlay. Let me know if she had riceived it. I’ve not seen Frank for several weeks. I met James Donaldson day before yesterday. The enemy is making a stout resistance here, but he will leave this position before the close of this week. Mollie, what’s the news up town and around about the country? Who has been getting married, and who has been “bornd.” Write me soon and give me lots of news.

Affectionately your Brother
W.J. Murphy
Battery “M” 1st Ill Arty
2d Div 4 AC
Chattanooga Tenn

Hd. Qurs. Co. “A” 129th Regt. Ills. Vols.
In the Field Near Marietta, Ga.
June 28th 1864
My Dear Wife

I am a little disappointed in not having heard from you by yesterday’s mail. Some were recd. from Pontiac of as late a date as the 21st. I presume, however, mine has been sent by Sergt. Jim Morrow, and he has not yet arrived.

The weather is excessively warm, but we are all in good health for which all thanks to a kind Providence. There has been some hard fighting in which only one Division of our Corps was engaged, also one Div. of the 4th and one Div. of the 14th Corps.¹ The last two Divisions were repulsed, but the 2nd Div. [Geary’s] of our Corps held its ground with a very small loss. The loss in the Divisions of the 4th & 14th Corps was somewhat heavier.² The ground over which they charged was very much against us. There has been very heavy cannonading for the greater part of two days which must have punished the Enemy severely.

We leave here to-night or in the morning for some new point.³ Where our destination will be, we do not know definitely, but we can form a very good idea. I hope therefore that we may get mail this evening, as we will in all probability have no opportunity for several days to get mail.

The 13th and 19th Corps have arrived and are in position.⁴ Every one is in high hopes. Our trust is all in God; truth and justice must prevail. The news from the Potomac Army is good, & we look for a glorious victory there in a few weeks.⁵ Let us still trust in God. He will bring us off more than conquerors through Christ our Lord.

I have not heard from Bro. John or Sammy since about the 10th inst. I am told the 4th and 14th Corps go with us, & I hope it is true. Chris [Yetter] is writing to Thos. Hill, & Nate [Hill] is intending to write when I get done. We have built very strong fortifications here & would be very well satisfied if the enemy would undertake to break through our lines here, but that is very improbable.

Subscribe for the Chicago Tribune for me & have it sent along as soon as possible. The Semi-weekly will answer. I have not recd. any copies of the “Sentinel” for some time, please inquire about it. Lt. Smith subscribed for the New York semi-weekly Tribune which I now receive regularly. I hope he is mending rapidly. Alf Huetson was here this afternoon; he is well. Harry McDowell is also well, and all your acquaintances as far as I know. There is a prospect of dry weather now, & we anticipate very warm weather.

I should like very much to spend the 4th in Pontiac. I hope you may have a happy time. Give my love to Mother and Maggie. Kiss the children for me. Remember me kindly to all our friends. “Continue instant in prayer,” and exercise unbounded Faith in Christ. “All things work to-gether for Good to those who trust in God.” May the riches of his Grace rest upon your heart and his blessings be abundantly bestowed upon you. Write often.

Your Affectionate Husband
J. F. Culver

1. Frustrated in his efforts to flank Johnston’s Army of Tennessee out of its Kennesaw Mountain line, General Sherman at 8 A.M. on June 27 made a frontal assault. McPherson’s army on the left advanced against the breastworks on Little Kennesaw and Pigeon Hill defended by Loring’s corps; Newton’s division of Howard’s corps and Davis’ of Palmer’s corps assailed the rifle-pits held by Hardee’s corps on Cheatham Hill; Geary’s division of Hooker’s corps advanced on Palmer’s right; and units of Schofield’s army crossed Olley Creek and rolled up the Confederate cavalry screening Hood’s left. McPherson’s, Howard’s and Palmer’s bluecoats, although they drove in the Confederate pickets, were unable to cross the breastworks and were driven back with heavy losses. Cox, Atlanta, pp. 116-127.
2. Geary’s division, advancing in support of Palmer’s corps on its left, routed the Rebels from a line of rifle pits. To hold these gains, breastworks were erected and artillery advanced. O.R., Ser. I, vol. XXXVIII, pt. II, p. 134.
3. On the 26th the 1st Brigade, including the 129th Illinois, had relieved Coburn’s brigade in the advance rifle pits, north of the Powder Springs road. There was no truth to the eport that the XX Corps was going to “leave here to-night or in the morning for some new point.” Ibid., pp. 326, 387, 440.
4. The story that Sherman’s “army group” had been reinforced by the XIII and XIX Corps was a wild rumor. The XIII Corps, currently assigned to the Department of the Gulf, was serving in Louisiana, and the XIX Corps was being transferred from New Orleans to Washington, D.C., by ship.
5. The Armies of the Potomac and the James had been checkmated in front of Petersburg. In the fourth week of June, the Army of the Potomac suffered a reverse in the battle of the Jerusalem Plank road.

Hardin Open Workshops is offering a hands-on class to teach participants how to use tools such as Ulrich’s, Journal Citation Reports, Web of Science, and Scopus to determine the impact that journals, articles, and authors have had on a particular field. Topics such as impact factors, Eigenfactors, and H-indices will also be discussed. HOW workshops are hands-on and free for UI students and affiliates and there will be time for questions at the end.

Our next session is:

Tuesday, July 1, 10:30-11:30 am

Location: Hardin Library EAST Information Commons classroom

Register here. For more information, contact our library staff at (319) 335-9151 or by email at lib-hardin@uiowa.edu

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