Pam, there is a book of letters that were written to family by Justus M Silliman who was a member of the 17th Connecticut Volunteers. During the year 1864 they were headquartered around Jacksonville FL. He was a clerk at HQ and privy to the conversations of the officers. His letters home gave some information that is not even in the ORs. His family kept the letters and they were given to the New Canaan Historical Society and published in 1984.

This is an excerpt from one of his letters. Before I get beaten up over this, I have read similar letters from both Southern soldiers and Northern soldiers. Most were not this articulate. The last sentence seems to have a word missing.

Jacksonville, Fla
Sept 8, 1864

My dear Cousin,

(The first three paragraphs of the letter are not included here)

The colored soldiers & citizens of this place had a meeting a short time since for the purpose of expressing their sentiments through a delegate to the colored convention soon to be held in New York. The church was crowded with excited darkees, some of whom made some smart stirring speeches, in favor of being allowed to vote, & of electing some of their own color to office in our National government. They instructed their delegate to resist to the utmost all efforts that might be proposed for their emigration or colonization. They seemed to think that they could not be satisfied with anything less than living with us, associating with us as equals in every particular, & taking part in the government of all our institutions. They exhibited some envy & prejudice against the whites & were very excited in their feelings.

This is but the commencement of what will soon follow, & we will soon have a very difficult & perplexing to settle in regard to them.

With love to all
Your affectionate cousin,
Justus