Collections : [University of Michigan William L. Clements Library]

The George C. Nichols papers document Nichols' service with the 25th Massachusetts Infantry, including participation at the battles of Roanoke Island and New Bern, stays in hospitals, and changing attitudes toward the war.

The George C. Nichols papers consist of 36 letters written by Nichols to family members during his service with the 25th Massachusetts Infantry. His letters span October 5, 1861, to February 21, 1865. The tone of Nichols' correspondence changes drastically over the three years that it represents. Early letters describe the "fun" and "good times" that he had while occupied as a guard (October 5, 1861) and as a sailor on the steamer New York (January 10, 1862). However, by the summer of 1862, news of bad food and illness dominates the correspondence, as Nichols had begun a series of hospital stays. On August 10, 1862, Nichols wrote, "I wish I was out of this damd hot place & out of this war[.] don't you tell aney one for it would go al over the street that I was sick of it…" (August 10, 1862). In letters from this point on, Nichols wrote about such topics as his treatment at Beaufort Hospital, including care by nuns (September 21, 1862), his thoughts on the progress of the war (June 21, 1863 -- "The Rebs are making a raid up into Pennsylvania. I am glad of it the North are a sleep and hav [sic] been for the last six months they dont seem to care much about the War…"), and his desire to return home. Although Nichols barely mentioned the action that he saw as a soldier, his letters clearly document his morale and medical treatment. Several sources state that George C. Nichols of the 25th Massachusetts Infantry was captured at the siege of Petersburg on May 16, 1864; unfortunately, his letters, which are concentrated around 1862-1863, never address his capture or time in prison.

The Isaiah Williams and Ellen White correspondence is made up of letters to and between Williams, White, and members of the White family. The letters pertain to the couple's courtship, religion, and social and family news from Massachusetts and Buffalo, New York.

The Isaiah Williams and Ellen White correspondence is made up of 88 incoming letters to, and letters between, Williams, White, and members of the White family. The letters pertain to the couple's courtship, religion, and social and family news from Massachusetts and Buffalo, New York.

The bulk of the letters are incoming letters to Ellen White from family members, acquaintances, and Isaiah Williams, her future husband. Family and friends often shared social and family news from Boston and Leominster, Massachusetts. One friend mentioned taking dancing lessons and attending a piano concert given by William Mason, a protégé of Franz Liszt (December 6, [1854]). Some of the correspondence pertains to the family's religious beliefs, such as a letter from Ellen's brother Ferdinand to their father about her baptism (October 25, 1845). Isaiah Williams wrote about his life in Buffalo, New York, during the couple's courtship and after their marriage, particularly during Ellen's visits to her family in Boston. On February 14, 1849, an unknown writer mailed a love poem to Ellen. She also received a lengthy letter (undated) from W. G. French, a spiritual advisor who offered religious advice about marriage. Later items include at least 3 letters to Ellen from Elliot Williams, her son. A letter to "Miss Emily J. Mansin" from Sarah L. Poster at the "C.C. Hospital" (possibly the Cliffbourne and Cliffbourne Barracks Hospital) in Washington, D.C., concerns a dead man's belongings (August 12, 1864).