This lot contains a large collection of letters written between October, 1982 and June, 1865 by Sgt. Stephen B. Tarlton of the New Hampshire Volunteers during the Civil War. There are 86 letters here, written mostly to Tarlton's wife Arianna (Ari) and their son Elmer. Sgt. Tarlton participated in 22 different Civil War battles from the front lines, including Fredericksburg, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Drury's Bluff, and many others, and his letters provide accounts of specific battles and general military life as seen through the eyes of a Union soldier serving on the front lines. Also included in this voluminous and significant collection are half a dozen diaries and day planners circa 1860s, numerous vintage photographs of Ari Tarlton, Sgt. Tarlton's discharge papers, a 1864 journal written by Ari Tarlton including thoughts of her husband amidst her daily routine, a small box of buttons, jewelry and tiny picture frames, vintage newspaper clippings and other stationery, and a metal pin from Tarlton's service company with his name inscribed at the bottom. Although the letters are not completely transcribed, there is a typewritten summary of each one included in an addendum. The letters themselves are enclosed in protective plastic sleeves, and most are filed in two looseleaf binders. This collection is an absolute treasure trove of eyewitness accounts and stories that bring Civil War history to life. A must for the American history aficionado.