- Wayne State University Digital Collections

Empty envelopes

Group of nine envelopes, many of which include addresses, stamps, and notes.

Letter from Eloy Rufs to Henry and Willis Van Riper

Letter from Eloy Lane Rufs to Henry and Willis Van Riper discussing family life, farming, price of food and inquiring about the well being of other family members

Letter from John Van Riper to Alexander Van Riper

Letter from John Van Riper to his Brother Alexander inquring about various members of the family and discussing day to day life

Letter from Alexander van Riper to Henry and Willis Van Riper

Very brief letter from Alexander Van Riper to Henry and Willis Van Riper

Letter from Alexander to Henry Van Riper

The letters that date from the Civil War era discuss the daily realities of solider life such as illness, homesickness, and camp life. Also of topic are battles and other important Civil War events, including the burning of Atlanta and the assassination of President Lincoln. Letters written during these years by family members who did not join the infantry reveal the impact the war had on those at home. In these letters they discuss their concerns and feelings surrounding the war as well as r…

Listen to the Mocking-Bird

Ephemera, printed version of Listen to the Mocking-Bird by Alice Hawthorne

Letter from Alexander Van Riper to Henry Van Riper

Letter from Alexander Van Riper to Henry Van Riper inquiring about family members at home and discussing camp, when he might be home and news about the war, including that Grant has taken Vicksburg.