Special Collections Research Center

Scope and Contents

Letters, 1864-1865, of Lewis Hobbs, a member of the 11th Maine Regiment during the Civil War, written to his sister, Sarah F. Hobbs. The letters are written when Hobbs' unit is near Richmond, Virginia, including during the Bermuda Hundred Campaign. Topics include battles and skirmishes, injuries to soliders, and Hobbs' opinion of African-Americans. December 29, 1864 letter written on printed and colored leaflet with song "The Army and Navy for ever."

Content Description

The civil war diary of Horatio S. Carnrite, who enlisted in the 184th New York Infantry regiment. This collection contains the 134 page diary along with a 56 page handwritten transcription. There are a few mentions of a Black cavalry regiment and also of a raid into Confederate territory by Union soldiers led by a Black woman.

Content warning: contains language that is derogatory towards enslaved people, as well as towards people of color.

Content Description

A hand-drawn map of Jamestown Island in pencil and blue ink with annotations.

Content Description

One diary written in pencil and pen by John L. Little, a captain during the Civil War at the Siege of Suffolk.

Scope and Contents

The note, written in 1843 by Chief Justice Roger B. Taney and signed by President John Tyler, records the president's involvement in the discharge of Joseph Taney from Old Capitol Prison during the Civil War. The note was likely forwarded to War Secretary James Madison Porter. Includes a single sheet of paper measuring to 3" x 5" and ink prose.

Scope and Contents

Two page letter written from the U.S. Military Prison Camp Chase in which Livingston addresses the sad state of affairs of the Confederacy. He reports of the loss of many acquaintances and devastation throughout the countryside to land and property. He also writes that he is hopeful an exchange will occur soon and that he will be able to go home to continue with his life. Clearly from his sentiment, the war is over and his only wish is to return home.

Content Description

A single four page letter from Sergeant John R. Guthrie remarking upon the food, pay, and medical conditions with Camp Heintzelman's Corps. Written on letter sheet with a stamp featuring General McClellan. (Derogatory language directed towards the enslaved.)

Content Description The collection contains letters received by Colonel Henry Goddard Thomas, the commander of the U.S. Colored Infantry during the Civil War. The letters were sent to Thomas from two individuals, German immigrants Lewis C. Henser and Rudolph Tensler (Teusler). In his two letters, Hensler outlined news of funding and his town of residence. In his single letter to Thomas, Tensler spoke mostly of family affairs. The letters contain content pertaining to funding, personal and family life, and news...