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Conditions Governing Access

The collections are open to research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], J. K. Dustin Letter, Ms1988-087 Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The J. K. Dustin Letter was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1988.

Processing Information

The processing and description of the J. K. Dustin Letter commenced and was completed in May, 2021.

Biographical Note

J. K. Dustin served as chief clerk of the Hammond U. S. General Hospital at Beaufort, North Carolina, during the American Civil War. Research suggests that he may have been John K. Dustin, Jr., a 19-year-old pre-war grocery clerk who enlisted for three years' service with Company C, 23rd Massachusetts Infantry, on September 20, 1861. He participated with his regiment in engagements at New Bern and Roanoke, North Carolina. He was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps on February 8, 1864, and discharged September 28, 1864. John K. Dustin Jr., son of John Sr. and Angeline Heath Dustin, was born in Topsham, Vermont in 1843, and moved with his parents to Massachusetts while still a child. Returning to Gloucester, Massachusetts after the war, he was hired by the fish firm of John Pew and Sons and continued to work for the company for many years. He also served as city clerk and in other cvic capacities. He married Lucy Davis; the couple would have four children. He resided in Gloucester (Essex County), Massachusetts and worked as a clerk. John K. Dustin Jr., a veteran of Company C, 23rd Massachusetts Infantry, died on July 1, 1909, and was buried in Edson Cemetery, Lowell, Massachusetts.

Scope and Content

This collection consists of a single letter written by J. K. Dustin, chief clerk at Hammond Hospital (Beaufort, North Carolina), during the American Civil War. Writing to his father on April 26, 1864, Dustin briefly mentions the recent death of Henry Munsey and the spring weather. He notes that the recent battle at Plymouth, North Carolina, has led to rumors, and the hospital has been directed to transport wounded troops. Dustin also informs his father that he has been promoted to chief clerk at the hospital and that he is living well, enjoying good meals and other comforts.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Civil War
• United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the J. K. Dustin Letter by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).