The William A. Huddard Papers were comprised by a Union soldier during the Civil War. These letters begin in June of 1861 and conclude in April of 1864. Private Huddard had excellent penmanship and most of his letters to his father are easy to read. All but two of his letters in this collection are well preserved. Huddard describes the First Ohio’s involvement in the battles of Perryville, Stones River (Murfreesboro), and Missionary Ridge. He makes references to the battles of Shiloh, Tullahoma, Corinth, and Knoxville. Most of the letters do not describe military engagements, however. Huddard tells his father of his good health. On several occasions, he informs him that he has actually gained weight and not lost any pounds. Most letters contain a reference to the changing weather conditions. Throughout the collection, Huddard asks his father to write to him and send him supplies, money, stamps, and clothing. Another recurring theme is Huddard’s desire for news, particularly when his regiment is in East Tennessee. Huddard also writes of the hard marches, constant drilling, and the frequent building of defensive positions which included the construction of breastworks and the digging of trenches. Taking it all together, he wrote in early 1862, "I still like a soldier’s life and I hardly think you will see me home until the war is over." Ten letters have been transcribed and these transcriptions are included in the collection.