Civil War miscellaneous manuscripts collection

Collection

Identifier: C-92

Scope and Contents

The letters reflect the majority of letters written during the mid 19th century allowing disparate family members to catch up with one another. The letters from E.L. Clark are written from the front lines of the Civil War explaining the nuances of picket lines as well as enlightening their friends and family on the happenings of the war. Throughout are mentions of some famous battles as well as the Kinston 22, a hanging of traitorous Confederate soldiers. This collection is a great insight into the literary world of the Civil War era in which letter-writing was the only way to remain in contact with one another, and thus time delays, were of huge importance and worry for writers and recipients alike.

Dates

Creation: Majority of material found within 1861-1867

Extent

.45 Linear Feet (63 Folders)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

A collection of letters encompassing some of the foremost years of the Civil War. Letters come from both Union and Confederate soldiers and are mostly to or from family members or friends. These letters are generally soldiers writing home with reports of recent events or others writing letters of support to their husbands, brothers, and friends at war. Throughout are mentions of famous battles such as Vicksburg, Chattanooga, and Atlanta. The letters also discuss some of the famous personalities of the time such as Generals McClellan and Burnside. Many of the letters are written in poor grammar and are mostly descriptive of familial relations and hometown news with short insights into events at large. Accompanying the letters are 3 specimens of Confederate currency and miscellaneous Union propagandistic stationary.