This collection comprises seven letters sent from Albert M. Forbes, Lieutenant, Member Company of the 2nd Illinois Light Artillery, to his family in 1862 during the Civil War. The letters provide a first-hand, detailed account of skirmishes in Tennessee and Mississippi. He describes battle preparations, soldier life in camps and the harsh living conditions, and long marches through Memphis and other areas. He repeatedly urges his younger brother not to enlist. Forbes also mentions the work of his officers and peers, describes troop movements under the direction of Generals William Tecumseh Sherman and John McClernand, and criticizes General Ulysses S. Grant for his tactical decisions. Four of the letters were apparently written while Forbes' troop was encamped near battle sites.

Albert M. Forbes was a Union soldier in the Civil War who served as a Lieutenant in Member Company of the 2nd Illinois Light Artillery. His Company was active in Tennessee. When the first of these letters were written on April 16, 1862, Forbes was stationed at Boltons Battery, after moving from Benton Barracks. By November of that same year, he was camped at La Grange with an army of over 100,000 Union soldiers, where they clashed fiercely with Confederate soldiers in Holly Springs. The last letter in this collection in this collection was apparently written during the winter of 1862.

0.1 linear feet (1 oversize folder)

Property rights reside with the University of California. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact the Head of Special Collections and University Archives.

Collection is open for research.