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Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.

Preferred Citation

S. M. Skiff letter to George Minard, 1863 March 11, Special Collections Research Center, William and Mary Libraries.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Gary Barranger, Class of '73 Law '76, 2019.

Scope and Contents

A four-page lengthy letter from Camp Suffolk, VA to his friend in Fillmore, NY. Skiff is a Union soldier and tells of his various assignments to the Divisional Quartermaster Department and as Clerk of the Brigade Commissary. Overall, Skiff is happy to serve the Union especially in order to avenge his brother's death. However, Skiff is utterly disgusted with the leadership of the Union Army, McClellan in particular, and the manner in which the war is conducted. He outlines all of his grievances in his letter to his friend.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• American Civil War, 1861-1865
• Gary Alonzo Barranger