This is a group of items that belonged to Corporal George Ellis, Company E, 10^th Massachusetts Infantry. He mustered in on May 31, 1861 and fought in all battles and skirmishes with the 10^th Mass. and the Army of the Potomac until he was killed during the assault on the salient at Spotsylvania, May 12, 1864. The regiment mustered out of service less than two months later.

The group consists of approximately twelve letters (a few are partial letters), ten envelopes, two diaries, a cartridge box plate, a small book of bible tracts, four other assorted paper pieces, a tintype of a young boy, and lastly a pouch containing a fragment of the Confederate “2-ring” Gardner bullet that killed Ellis.

The letters are clearly written in ink and easy to read. Unfortunately, several had patriotic letterheads which have been clipped. There are three letters of special note.  One describing the march to Gettysburg, one describing the march from Gettysburg, and one written on May 11, 1864, where he tells his wife “I am all right yet” and closes with “I will write again in a few days”. George Ellis was killed the next day during the assault on the Mule Shoe salient at Spotsylvania. Of the envelopes that are included, some have stamps, and some are roughly torn.

The first of the two diaries is just stitched pages, the cover is missing. It is written in pencil but very readable. Entries run from October 1, 1861 through December 31, 1862. Filled with interesting observations. Notes on major battles and campaigns. Second diary is complete with leather cover and is inscribed in front and back inside covers with Ellis’ name and regiment. Entries are in very readable pencil and span the whole year. Interesting comments regarding Salem Church and Gettysburg.

The cartridge box plate is complete, with appropriate dings and patina from use and age. The small book or biblical tracts is entitled “Dew-Drops” and was published by the American Tract Society in New York. The other assorted paper items with the group include an Adams Express Company receipt, a 4 ¾” x 8” card “Commanders of the Federal Army” with engravings of eleven Union generals, a hand-written sheet with two poems, and a printed memorial to Corporal George Ellis. The eighth-plate tintype is of a young boy, perhaps Ellis’ son.

Finally, there is small bag that contains a fragment of the Confederate bullet that killed George Ellis.

This is a terrific Army of the Potomac group! Letters and diaries filled with great content such as, “they [the Rebs] may give us a desperate fight yet and if they do we will give them Gettysburg No. 2 and cause them to cry as they did there”, the soldier’s final letter to his wife written only hours prior to his death in battle, and the Confederate missile that killed him! An outstanding group for any collection.   [jet]

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