Jonathan Havens Letter, 1864, Ms.1989.065

Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech

Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
Business Number: 540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu
URL: http://spec.lib.vt.edu

John M. Jackson

Abstract

Letter from Jonathan Havens, a private in Company K, 67th North Carolina State Troops (aka 67th North Carolina Infantry) during the American Civil War, written at Greenville [North Carolina] to Major R. S. Tucker, enlisting Tucker's assistance in getting an appointment as quartermaster at Washington [North Carolina].

Administrative Information

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction . Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication . Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Jonathan Havens Letter, Ms1989-065, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The Jonathan Havens Letter was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1989.

Processing Information

The processing and description of the Jonathan Havens Letter commenced and was completed in February 2022.

Biographical Note

Jonathan Havens, son of Jonathan and Sarah M. Smith Havens, was born in Washington (Beaufort County), North Carolina on September 8, 1821. At a young age, he entered the mercantile business. He immigrated in 1849 to California, where he remained for eight years, then traveled throughout North and South America for a few years before returning to North Carolina. In 1855, he married Sydney Carney Ravenscroft Bryan, who died the following year. In 1861, Havens married Mary Watkins Latham (1823-1895); the couple would have one child. Havens enlisted in Pitt County, North Carolina as a private in Company K, 1st Battalion, North Carolina Local Defense Troops on August 18, 1863. He transferred to Company K, North Carolina State Troops (aka 67th North Carolina Infantry) on January 18, 1864. Following the war, Havens moved to New Berne (Craven County), North Carolina; Jonathan Havens died in New Berne on August 5, 1894, and was buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery, New Bern.

Scope and Content

This collection consists of a single letter written by Jonathan Havens, a private in Company K, 67th North Carolina State Troops (aka 67th North Carolina Infantry) during the American Civil War. Writing from Greenville [North Carolina] to Major R. S. [Rufus Sylvester] Tucker, enlisting Tucker's assistance in getting an appointment as quartermaster at Washington [North Carolina]. Havens cites his ill health, age, loss of property, and year of military service as justifications for the appointment.

General

This item had been purchased, accessioned and originally cataloged as the Jonathan Harris Letter, written by a soldier in the 17th North Carolina State Troops. Closer inspection of the letter and research during processing revealed that the letter had been written by Jonathan Havens of the 67th North Carolina State Troops.