Georgetown, D. C. Letter, 1865, Ms.1991.042

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 written by "Cousin Charley," of the 109th New York Infantry, during the American Civil War, at Georgetown, D. C., addressed to "Cousin Mary" of Speedsville (Tompkins County), New York, concerning prospects of being mustered out, civilians' views of soldiers, and viewing the remains of Abraham Lincoln.

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 to research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Georgetown, D. C. Letter, Ms1991-042, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The Georgetown, D. C. Letter was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1991.

Processing Information

The processing and description of the Georgetown, D. C. Letter commenced and was completed in October, 2022.

Scope and Content

This collection consists of a single letter written by "Cousin Charley" and addressed to "Cousin Mary." Dated May 7, 1865, the letter was written from the camp of the 109th New York Infantry near Georgetown, D. C. The unidentified soldier writes of having recently rejoined his regiment, the battlefied losses of Company A, the prospects of mustering out, and of the public's perception of soldiers: "I suppose some of the people up there are very sorry to think the war is so near over & that the soldiers are soon to return home[.] I see that some of them have the ida [sic] that the soldiers are a lot of drunken, demoralized, degraded beings & are unfit to be admited [sic] into civilized society." He also writes at length of the weather and spring blooms, then concludes by mentioning that he had stopped in Washington to view the remains of Abraham Lincoln and by sharing his opinion of John Wilkes Booth. The letter is accompanied by a stamped envelope addressed to Mary Ashley, Speedsville, Tompkins Co., New York.