{"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Baccess_subjects%5D%5B%5D=Correspondence\u0026f%5Bcreators%5D%5B%5D=Benson%2C+George+W.","last":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Baccess_subjects%5D%5B%5D=Correspondence\u0026f%5Bcreators%5D%5B%5D=Benson%2C+George+W.\u0026page=1"},"meta":{"pages":{"current_page":1,"next_page":null,"prev_page":null,"total_pages":1,"limit_value":10,"offset_value":0,"total_count":1,"first_page?":true,"last_page?":true}},"data":[{"id":"viblbv_repositories_2_resources_1588","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"George W. Benson Correspondence","creator":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/viblbv_repositories_2_resources_1588#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Benson, George W.","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/viblbv_repositories_2_resources_1588#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"The collection contains eleven letters written by a Pennsylvania soldier to his sister from hospitals and camps in Washington, D.C., Ohio, Virginia, and Pennsylvania during the American Civil War.","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/viblbv_repositories_2_resources_1588#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"viblbv_repositories_2_resources_1588","ead_ssi":"viblbv_repositories_2_resources_1588","_root_":"viblbv_repositories_2_resources_1588","_nest_parent_":"viblbv_repositories_2_resources_1588","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VT/repositories_2_resources_1588.xml","title_filing_ssi":"Benson, George W., Correspondence","title_ssm":["George W. Benson Correspondence"],"title_tesim":["George W. Benson Correspondence"],"unitdate_ssm":["1863-1865"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1863-1865"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["Ms.1988.083"],"text":["Ms.1988.083","George W. Benson Correspondence","Civil War","United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence","The collection is open for research.","The letters in this collection suggest that their writer is the same George Benson, age 35, who enlisted in the 202nd Pennsylvania Infantry at Allentown on August 30, 1864, for one year's service during the American Civil War. (A letter from his sister (Rachel?), dated July 28, 1864, suggests that Benson was then living in Allentown with his sister Sarah and was contemplating a return to the army. Benson's subsequent letters coincide with the movements of the 202nd.) In his letter of June 30, 1865, Benson noted that he had been in the army for 16 years. He may be the same George Benson who enlisted in Battery M, 3rd United States Artillery at Fort Vancouver, Washington on April 20, 1859. Born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, this 30-year-old Benson enlisted for five years' service. The enlistment record notes that this was Benson's third enlistment in the 3rd Artillery. A veteran named George Benson, 38, re-enlisted at Philadelphia on October 4, 1865. A native of Berkes County, Pennsylvania, his description matches that provided for the George Benson who had served in the 3rd U.S. Artillery. Benson died of yellow fever while serving as a sergeant in Company B, 24th U. S. Infantry at Vicksburg, Mississippi, on December 5, 1867, and was buried in Vicksburg National Cemetery. ","The 1870 census lists Sarah Snyder, sister of George Benson, among the residents of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The census describes her as a 44-year-old widow, living with her daughter Kate, a 23-year-old seamstress. Sarah Snyder (1826-1908), daughter of James (or Joseph) and Mary Isenbise Benson, was buried with her husband, John B. Snyder, in Aulenbach's Cemetery, Mount Penn (Berks County), Pennsylvania.","The guide to the George W. Benson Correspondence by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).","The processing and description of the George W. Benson Correspondence commenced in April 2021 and was completed in May 2021.","The collection contains eleven letters by George W. Benson, a Pennsylvania soldier stationed and hospitalized around Washington, D.C., Ohio, Virginia, and Pennsylvania between 1863 and 1865 during the American Civil War. The letters, written to his sister (whom he identifies as Sarah at one point), describe camp and hospital life but focus largely on personal matters. ","The first six of Benson's letters were written from hospitals (Columbian College Hospital in January, 1863, and Camp Dennison, Ohio, early 1864). The letters focus largely on Benson's relationship with his sister Sarah and her daughter Kate, mentioning his desire to be with them at Christmas, thanking them for provisions, and enlisting their assistance in finding a wife. ","Writing from Chambersburg (September 27, 1864) and Springfield Station, Virginia (March 12, 1865), Benson continues to focus on personal matters. His final letter is written from Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, on June 20, 1865. He describes his meals, noting that they \"have had no provisions for the last five days but coffee and bread only, and for the last fifteen days . . . nothing but pork bread \u0026 coffee, and the bread is sour and haf [sic] baked at that.\" Benson adds that he has \"experienced 16 years of the United States servis [sic] and I have never yet experienced what I have within the last month,\" and tells her that he is coming home in a few days. ","The collection also contains a letter from R. [Rachel?] Chapman, sister of George Benson. Written from Buffalo, New York, on July 28, 1864, the letter is addressed to an unnamed sister and to George Benson, apparently living in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Chapman mentions hearing that Benson will soon return to the army. As the letter is addressed to both siblings, we may infer that Benson lived with his sister Sarah for some time in the summer of 1864.","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.","The collection contains eleven letters written by a Pennsylvania soldier to his sister from hospitals and camps in Washington, D.C., Ohio, Virginia, and Pennsylvania during the American Civil War.","Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech","Benson, George W.","The materials in the collection are in English."],"unitid_tesim":["Ms.1988.083"],"normalized_title_ssm":["George W. Benson Correspondence"],"collection_title_tesim":["George W. Benson Correspondence"],"collection_ssim":["George W. Benson Correspondence"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University"],"creator_ssm":["Benson, George W."],"creator_ssim":["Benson, George W."],"creator_persname_ssim":["Benson, George W."],"creators_ssim":["Benson, George W."],"access_terms_ssm":["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."],"acqinfo_ssim":["The George W. Benson Correspondence was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1988."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Civil War","United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Civil War","United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder"],"extent_tesim":["0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1863,1864,1865],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe collection is open for research.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["The collection is open for research."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe letters in this collection suggest that their writer is the same George Benson, age 35, who enlisted in the 202nd Pennsylvania Infantry at Allentown on August 30, 1864, for one year's service during the American Civil War. (A letter from his sister (Rachel?), dated July 28, 1864, suggests that Benson was then living in Allentown with his sister Sarah and was contemplating a return to the army. Benson's subsequent letters coincide with the movements of the 202nd.) In his letter of June 30, 1865, Benson noted that he had been in the army for 16 years. He may be the same George Benson who enlisted in Battery M, 3rd United States Artillery at Fort Vancouver, Washington on April 20, 1859. Born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, this 30-year-old Benson enlisted for five years' service. The enlistment record notes that this was Benson's third enlistment in the 3rd Artillery. A veteran named George Benson, 38, re-enlisted at Philadelphia on October 4, 1865. A native of Berkes County, Pennsylvania, his description matches that provided for the George Benson who had served in the 3rd U.S. Artillery. Benson died of yellow fever while serving as a sergeant in Company B, 24th U. S. Infantry at Vicksburg, Mississippi, on December 5, 1867, and was buried in Vicksburg National Cemetery. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe 1870 census lists Sarah Snyder, sister of George Benson, among the residents of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The census describes her as a 44-year-old widow, living with her daughter Kate, a 23-year-old seamstress. Sarah Snyder (1826-1908), daughter of James (or Joseph) and Mary Isenbise Benson, was buried with her husband, John B. Snyder, in Aulenbach's Cemetery, Mount Penn (Berks County), Pennsylvania.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical Note"],"bioghist_tesim":["The letters in this collection suggest that their writer is the same George Benson, age 35, who enlisted in the 202nd Pennsylvania Infantry at Allentown on August 30, 1864, for one year's service during the American Civil War. (A letter from his sister (Rachel?), dated July 28, 1864, suggests that Benson was then living in Allentown with his sister Sarah and was contemplating a return to the army. Benson's subsequent letters coincide with the movements of the 202nd.) In his letter of June 30, 1865, Benson noted that he had been in the army for 16 years. He may be the same George Benson who enlisted in Battery M, 3rd United States Artillery at Fort Vancouver, Washington on April 20, 1859. Born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, this 30-year-old Benson enlisted for five years' service. The enlistment record notes that this was Benson's third enlistment in the 3rd Artillery. A veteran named George Benson, 38, re-enlisted at Philadelphia on October 4, 1865. A native of Berkes County, Pennsylvania, his description matches that provided for the George Benson who had served in the 3rd U.S. Artillery. Benson died of yellow fever while serving as a sergeant in Company B, 24th U. S. Infantry at Vicksburg, Mississippi, on December 5, 1867, and was buried in Vicksburg National Cemetery. ","The 1870 census lists Sarah Snyder, sister of George Benson, among the residents of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The census describes her as a 44-year-old widow, living with her daughter Kate, a 23-year-old seamstress. Sarah Snyder (1826-1908), daughter of James (or Joseph) and Mary Isenbise Benson, was buried with her husband, John B. Snyder, in Aulenbach's Cemetery, Mount Penn (Berks County), Pennsylvania."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe guide to the George W. Benson Correspondence by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (\u003ca href=\"https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/\"\u003ehttps://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/\u003c/a\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Rights Statement for Archival Description"],"odd_tesim":["The guide to the George W. Benson Correspondence by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ )."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eResearchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], George W. Benson Correspondence, Ms1988-083, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], George W. Benson Correspondence, Ms1988-083, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va."],"processinfo_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe processing and description of the George W. Benson Correspondence commenced in April 2021 and was completed in May 2021.\u003c/p\u003e"],"processinfo_heading_ssm":["Processing Information"],"processinfo_tesim":["The processing and description of the George W. Benson Correspondence commenced in April 2021 and was completed in May 2021."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe collection contains eleven letters by George W. Benson, a Pennsylvania soldier stationed and hospitalized around Washington, D.C., Ohio, Virginia, and Pennsylvania between 1863 and 1865 during the American Civil War. The letters, written to his sister (whom he identifies as Sarah at one point), describe camp and hospital life but focus largely on personal matters. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe first six of Benson's letters were written from hospitals (Columbian College Hospital in January, 1863, and Camp Dennison, Ohio, early 1864). The letters focus largely on Benson's relationship with his sister Sarah and her daughter Kate, mentioning his desire to be with them at Christmas, thanking them for provisions, and enlisting their assistance in finding a wife. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWriting from Chambersburg (September 27, 1864) and Springfield Station, Virginia (March 12, 1865), Benson continues to focus on personal matters. His final letter is written from Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, on June 20, 1865. He describes his meals, noting that they \"have had no provisions for the last five days but coffee and bread only, and for the last fifteen days . . . nothing but pork bread \u0026amp; coffee, and the bread is sour and haf [sic] baked at that.\" Benson adds that he has \"experienced 16 years of the United States servis [sic] and I have never yet experienced what I have within the last month,\" and tells her that he is coming home in a few days. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe collection also contains a letter from R. [Rachel?] Chapman, sister of George Benson. Written from Buffalo, New York, on July 28, 1864, the letter is addressed to an unnamed sister and to George Benson, apparently living in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Chapman mentions hearing that Benson will soon return to the army. As the letter is addressed to both siblings, we may infer that Benson lived with his sister Sarah for some time in the summer of 1864.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Content"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The collection contains eleven letters by George W. Benson, a Pennsylvania soldier stationed and hospitalized around Washington, D.C., Ohio, Virginia, and Pennsylvania between 1863 and 1865 during the American Civil War. The letters, written to his sister (whom he identifies as Sarah at one point), describe camp and hospital life but focus largely on personal matters. ","The first six of Benson's letters were written from hospitals (Columbian College Hospital in January, 1863, and Camp Dennison, Ohio, early 1864). The letters focus largely on Benson's relationship with his sister Sarah and her daughter Kate, mentioning his desire to be with them at Christmas, thanking them for provisions, and enlisting their assistance in finding a wife. ","Writing from Chambersburg (September 27, 1864) and Springfield Station, Virginia (March 12, 1865), Benson continues to focus on personal matters. His final letter is written from Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, on June 20, 1865. He describes his meals, noting that they \"have had no provisions for the last five days but coffee and bread only, and for the last fifteen days . . . nothing but pork bread \u0026 coffee, and the bread is sour and haf [sic] baked at that.\" Benson adds that he has \"experienced 16 years of the United States servis [sic] and I have never yet experienced what I have within the last month,\" and tells her that he is coming home in a few days. ","The collection also contains a letter from R. [Rachel?] Chapman, sister of George Benson. Written from Buffalo, New York, on July 28, 1864, the letter is addressed to an unnamed sister and to George Benson, apparently living in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Chapman mentions hearing that Benson will soon return to the army. As the letter is addressed to both siblings, we may infer that Benson lived with his sister Sarah for some time in the summer of 1864."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe 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. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eReproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: \u003ca href=\"http://bit.ly/scuareproduction\"\u003ehttp://bit.ly/scuareproduction\u003c/a\u003e. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: \u003ca href=\"http://bit.ly/scuapublication\"\u003ehttp://bit.ly/scuapublication\u003c/a\u003e. 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.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["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."],"abstract_html_tesm":["\u003cabstract id=\"aspace_037a129a5cfaab70d1ccc39a84cb2700\" label=\"Abstract\"\u003eThe collection contains eleven letters written by a Pennsylvania soldier to his sister from hospitals and camps in Washington, D.C., Ohio, Virginia, and Pennsylvania during the American Civil War.\u003c/abstract\u003e"],"abstract_tesim":["The collection contains eleven letters written by a Pennsylvania soldier to his sister from hospitals and camps in Washington, D.C., Ohio, Virginia, and Pennsylvania during the American Civil War."],"names_ssim":["Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech","Benson, George W."],"corpname_ssim":["Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech"],"persname_ssim":["Benson, George W."],"language_ssim":["The materials in the collection are in English."],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":1,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-04-30T23:45:59.229Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"viblbv_repositories_2_resources_1588","ead_ssi":"viblbv_repositories_2_resources_1588","_root_":"viblbv_repositories_2_resources_1588","_nest_parent_":"viblbv_repositories_2_resources_1588","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VT/repositories_2_resources_1588.xml","title_filing_ssi":"Benson, George W., Correspondence","title_ssm":["George W. Benson Correspondence"],"title_tesim":["George W. Benson Correspondence"],"unitdate_ssm":["1863-1865"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1863-1865"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["Ms.1988.083"],"text":["Ms.1988.083","George W. Benson Correspondence","Civil War","United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence","The collection is open for research.","The letters in this collection suggest that their writer is the same George Benson, age 35, who enlisted in the 202nd Pennsylvania Infantry at Allentown on August 30, 1864, for one year's service during the American Civil War. (A letter from his sister (Rachel?), dated July 28, 1864, suggests that Benson was then living in Allentown with his sister Sarah and was contemplating a return to the army. Benson's subsequent letters coincide with the movements of the 202nd.) In his letter of June 30, 1865, Benson noted that he had been in the army for 16 years. He may be the same George Benson who enlisted in Battery M, 3rd United States Artillery at Fort Vancouver, Washington on April 20, 1859. Born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, this 30-year-old Benson enlisted for five years' service. The enlistment record notes that this was Benson's third enlistment in the 3rd Artillery. A veteran named George Benson, 38, re-enlisted at Philadelphia on October 4, 1865. A native of Berkes County, Pennsylvania, his description matches that provided for the George Benson who had served in the 3rd U.S. Artillery. Benson died of yellow fever while serving as a sergeant in Company B, 24th U. S. Infantry at Vicksburg, Mississippi, on December 5, 1867, and was buried in Vicksburg National Cemetery. ","The 1870 census lists Sarah Snyder, sister of George Benson, among the residents of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The census describes her as a 44-year-old widow, living with her daughter Kate, a 23-year-old seamstress. Sarah Snyder (1826-1908), daughter of James (or Joseph) and Mary Isenbise Benson, was buried with her husband, John B. Snyder, in Aulenbach's Cemetery, Mount Penn (Berks County), Pennsylvania.","The guide to the George W. Benson Correspondence by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).","The processing and description of the George W. Benson Correspondence commenced in April 2021 and was completed in May 2021.","The collection contains eleven letters by George W. Benson, a Pennsylvania soldier stationed and hospitalized around Washington, D.C., Ohio, Virginia, and Pennsylvania between 1863 and 1865 during the American Civil War. The letters, written to his sister (whom he identifies as Sarah at one point), describe camp and hospital life but focus largely on personal matters. ","The first six of Benson's letters were written from hospitals (Columbian College Hospital in January, 1863, and Camp Dennison, Ohio, early 1864). The letters focus largely on Benson's relationship with his sister Sarah and her daughter Kate, mentioning his desire to be with them at Christmas, thanking them for provisions, and enlisting their assistance in finding a wife. ","Writing from Chambersburg (September 27, 1864) and Springfield Station, Virginia (March 12, 1865), Benson continues to focus on personal matters. His final letter is written from Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, on June 20, 1865. He describes his meals, noting that they \"have had no provisions for the last five days but coffee and bread only, and for the last fifteen days . . . nothing but pork bread \u0026 coffee, and the bread is sour and haf [sic] baked at that.\" Benson adds that he has \"experienced 16 years of the United States servis [sic] and I have never yet experienced what I have within the last month,\" and tells her that he is coming home in a few days. ","The collection also contains a letter from R. [Rachel?] Chapman, sister of George Benson. Written from Buffalo, New York, on July 28, 1864, the letter is addressed to an unnamed sister and to George Benson, apparently living in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Chapman mentions hearing that Benson will soon return to the army. As the letter is addressed to both siblings, we may infer that Benson lived with his sister Sarah for some time in the summer of 1864.","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.","The collection contains eleven letters written by a Pennsylvania soldier to his sister from hospitals and camps in Washington, D.C., Ohio, Virginia, and Pennsylvania during the American Civil War.","Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech","Benson, George W.","The materials in the collection are in English."],"unitid_tesim":["Ms.1988.083"],"normalized_title_ssm":["George W. Benson Correspondence"],"collection_title_tesim":["George W. Benson Correspondence"],"collection_ssim":["George W. Benson Correspondence"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University"],"creator_ssm":["Benson, George W."],"creator_ssim":["Benson, George W."],"creator_persname_ssim":["Benson, George W."],"creators_ssim":["Benson, George W."],"access_terms_ssm":["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."],"acqinfo_ssim":["The George W. Benson Correspondence was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1988."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Civil War","United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Civil War","United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder"],"extent_tesim":["0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1863,1864,1865],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe collection is open for research.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["The collection is open for research."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe letters in this collection suggest that their writer is the same George Benson, age 35, who enlisted in the 202nd Pennsylvania Infantry at Allentown on August 30, 1864, for one year's service during the American Civil War. (A letter from his sister (Rachel?), dated July 28, 1864, suggests that Benson was then living in Allentown with his sister Sarah and was contemplating a return to the army. Benson's subsequent letters coincide with the movements of the 202nd.) In his letter of June 30, 1865, Benson noted that he had been in the army for 16 years. He may be the same George Benson who enlisted in Battery M, 3rd United States Artillery at Fort Vancouver, Washington on April 20, 1859. Born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, this 30-year-old Benson enlisted for five years' service. The enlistment record notes that this was Benson's third enlistment in the 3rd Artillery. A veteran named George Benson, 38, re-enlisted at Philadelphia on October 4, 1865. A native of Berkes County, Pennsylvania, his description matches that provided for the George Benson who had served in the 3rd U.S. Artillery. Benson died of yellow fever while serving as a sergeant in Company B, 24th U. S. Infantry at Vicksburg, Mississippi, on December 5, 1867, and was buried in Vicksburg National Cemetery. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe 1870 census lists Sarah Snyder, sister of George Benson, among the residents of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The census describes her as a 44-year-old widow, living with her daughter Kate, a 23-year-old seamstress. Sarah Snyder (1826-1908), daughter of James (or Joseph) and Mary Isenbise Benson, was buried with her husband, John B. Snyder, in Aulenbach's Cemetery, Mount Penn (Berks County), Pennsylvania.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical Note"],"bioghist_tesim":["The letters in this collection suggest that their writer is the same George Benson, age 35, who enlisted in the 202nd Pennsylvania Infantry at Allentown on August 30, 1864, for one year's service during the American Civil War. (A letter from his sister (Rachel?), dated July 28, 1864, suggests that Benson was then living in Allentown with his sister Sarah and was contemplating a return to the army. Benson's subsequent letters coincide with the movements of the 202nd.) In his letter of June 30, 1865, Benson noted that he had been in the army for 16 years. He may be the same George Benson who enlisted in Battery M, 3rd United States Artillery at Fort Vancouver, Washington on April 20, 1859. Born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, this 30-year-old Benson enlisted for five years' service. The enlistment record notes that this was Benson's third enlistment in the 3rd Artillery. A veteran named George Benson, 38, re-enlisted at Philadelphia on October 4, 1865. A native of Berkes County, Pennsylvania, his description matches that provided for the George Benson who had served in the 3rd U.S. Artillery. Benson died of yellow fever while serving as a sergeant in Company B, 24th U. S. Infantry at Vicksburg, Mississippi, on December 5, 1867, and was buried in Vicksburg National Cemetery. ","The 1870 census lists Sarah Snyder, sister of George Benson, among the residents of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The census describes her as a 44-year-old widow, living with her daughter Kate, a 23-year-old seamstress. Sarah Snyder (1826-1908), daughter of James (or Joseph) and Mary Isenbise Benson, was buried with her husband, John B. Snyder, in Aulenbach's Cemetery, Mount Penn (Berks County), Pennsylvania."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe guide to the George W. Benson Correspondence by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (\u003ca href=\"https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/\"\u003ehttps://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/\u003c/a\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Rights Statement for Archival Description"],"odd_tesim":["The guide to the George W. Benson Correspondence by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ )."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eResearchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], George W. Benson Correspondence, Ms1988-083, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], George W. Benson Correspondence, Ms1988-083, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va."],"processinfo_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe processing and description of the George W. Benson Correspondence commenced in April 2021 and was completed in May 2021.\u003c/p\u003e"],"processinfo_heading_ssm":["Processing Information"],"processinfo_tesim":["The processing and description of the George W. Benson Correspondence commenced in April 2021 and was completed in May 2021."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe collection contains eleven letters by George W. Benson, a Pennsylvania soldier stationed and hospitalized around Washington, D.C., Ohio, Virginia, and Pennsylvania between 1863 and 1865 during the American Civil War. The letters, written to his sister (whom he identifies as Sarah at one point), describe camp and hospital life but focus largely on personal matters. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe first six of Benson's letters were written from hospitals (Columbian College Hospital in January, 1863, and Camp Dennison, Ohio, early 1864). The letters focus largely on Benson's relationship with his sister Sarah and her daughter Kate, mentioning his desire to be with them at Christmas, thanking them for provisions, and enlisting their assistance in finding a wife. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWriting from Chambersburg (September 27, 1864) and Springfield Station, Virginia (March 12, 1865), Benson continues to focus on personal matters. His final letter is written from Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, on June 20, 1865. He describes his meals, noting that they \"have had no provisions for the last five days but coffee and bread only, and for the last fifteen days . . . nothing but pork bread \u0026amp; coffee, and the bread is sour and haf [sic] baked at that.\" Benson adds that he has \"experienced 16 years of the United States servis [sic] and I have never yet experienced what I have within the last month,\" and tells her that he is coming home in a few days. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe collection also contains a letter from R. [Rachel?] Chapman, sister of George Benson. Written from Buffalo, New York, on July 28, 1864, the letter is addressed to an unnamed sister and to George Benson, apparently living in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Chapman mentions hearing that Benson will soon return to the army. As the letter is addressed to both siblings, we may infer that Benson lived with his sister Sarah for some time in the summer of 1864.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Content"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The collection contains eleven letters by George W. Benson, a Pennsylvania soldier stationed and hospitalized around Washington, D.C., Ohio, Virginia, and Pennsylvania between 1863 and 1865 during the American Civil War. The letters, written to his sister (whom he identifies as Sarah at one point), describe camp and hospital life but focus largely on personal matters. ","The first six of Benson's letters were written from hospitals (Columbian College Hospital in January, 1863, and Camp Dennison, Ohio, early 1864). The letters focus largely on Benson's relationship with his sister Sarah and her daughter Kate, mentioning his desire to be with them at Christmas, thanking them for provisions, and enlisting their assistance in finding a wife. ","Writing from Chambersburg (September 27, 1864) and Springfield Station, Virginia (March 12, 1865), Benson continues to focus on personal matters. His final letter is written from Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, on June 20, 1865. He describes his meals, noting that they \"have had no provisions for the last five days but coffee and bread only, and for the last fifteen days . . . nothing but pork bread \u0026 coffee, and the bread is sour and haf [sic] baked at that.\" Benson adds that he has \"experienced 16 years of the United States servis [sic] and I have never yet experienced what I have within the last month,\" and tells her that he is coming home in a few days. ","The collection also contains a letter from R. [Rachel?] Chapman, sister of George Benson. Written from Buffalo, New York, on July 28, 1864, the letter is addressed to an unnamed sister and to George Benson, apparently living in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Chapman mentions hearing that Benson will soon return to the army. As the letter is addressed to both siblings, we may infer that Benson lived with his sister Sarah for some time in the summer of 1864."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe 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. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eReproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: \u003ca href=\"http://bit.ly/scuareproduction\"\u003ehttp://bit.ly/scuareproduction\u003c/a\u003e. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: \u003ca href=\"http://bit.ly/scuapublication\"\u003ehttp://bit.ly/scuapublication\u003c/a\u003e. 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.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["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."],"abstract_html_tesm":["\u003cabstract id=\"aspace_037a129a5cfaab70d1ccc39a84cb2700\" label=\"Abstract\"\u003eThe collection contains eleven letters written by a Pennsylvania soldier to his sister from hospitals and camps in Washington, D.C., Ohio, Virginia, and Pennsylvania during the American Civil War.\u003c/abstract\u003e"],"abstract_tesim":["The collection contains eleven letters written by a Pennsylvania soldier to his sister from hospitals and camps in Washington, D.C., Ohio, Virginia, and Pennsylvania during the American Civil War."],"names_ssim":["Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech","Benson, George W."],"corpname_ssim":["Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech"],"persname_ssim":["Benson, George W."],"language_ssim":["The materials in the collection are in English."],"descrules_ssm":["Describing Archives: A Content Standard"],"total_component_count_is":1,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-04-30T23:45:59.229Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/viblbv_repositories_2_resources_1588"}}],"included":[{"type":"facet","id":"repository_ssim","attributes":{"label":"Repository","items":[{"attributes":{"label":"Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University","value":"Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University","hits":1},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Baccess_subjects%5D%5B%5D=Correspondence\u0026f%5Bcreators%5D%5B%5D=Benson%2C+George+W.\u0026f%5Brepository%5D%5B%5D=Virginia+Polytechnic+Institute+and+State+University"}}]},"links":{"self":"https://search.arvasarchive.org/catalog/facet/repository_ssim.json?f%5Baccess_subjects%5D%5B%5D=Correspondence\u0026f%5Bcreators%5D%5B%5D=Benson%2C+George+W."}},{"type":"facet","id":"collection_ssim","attributes":{"label":"Collection","items":[{"attributes":{"label":"George W. 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