J. K. Dustin Letter

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collections are open to research.

Terms of access:

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.

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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.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Dustin, J. K.
Abstract:
Letter from J. K. Dustin, a Union soldier serving as clerk at Hammond Hospital (Beaufort, North Carolina) during the American Civil War, to his father.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
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.

Background

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.

Biographical / historical:

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.

Acquisition information:
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.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard