James H. Cronkhite Letters

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 collection is open for 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.

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.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], James H. Cronkhite Letters, Ms1989-062, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Chronkhite, James H.
Abstract:
Four letters written by James H. Cronkhite (1827-1873), serving in Company I, 4th Minnesota Infantry during the American Civil War, to wife Jennie in Warsaw (Rice County), Minnesota, from camps and a division hospital in Mississippi.
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], James H. Cronkhite Letters, Ms1989-062, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains four letters written by James H. Cronkhite, a private serving in Company I, 4th Minnesota Infantry during the American Civil War. Written on patriotic stationery to his wife Jennie in Warsaw (Rice County), Minnesota from camps and a division hospital in Mississippi, the letters are dated between June and August 1862. On June 7, 1862, writing from Booneville [Mississippi], Cronkhite discusses personal matters and the false report of three deserters in his company, predicts that the war will end soon ("[T]he whole Rebel Army are put on less than half rations, and their resources are all cut off ..."), and mentions picking blackberries for dinner. Cronkhite writes from Camp Clear Creek on July 23, informing Jennie of having cholera and of undergoing treatment with opium and a mustard plaster. Cronkhite continues to write from the division hospital on August 8 and 23, discussing his illness and prospects for being sent north, remarking on the military efforts of men a home, and explaining the advantages of taking a commission as a first lieutenant rather than captain.

Biographical / historical:

James H. Cronkhite was born in New York in 1827. Cronkhite married Jane Griffith in Rice County, Minnesota on August 6, 1860. During the American Civil War, he enlisted as a private in Company I, 4th Minnesota Infantry, mustering in on October 22, 1861. He was discharged on December 21, 1862, due to disability. The 1870 census lists James H. Cronkhite, a 44-year-old brick-maker, and Jennie Conkhite, 29, living in Rice County with two children and a domestic servant. James H. Cronkhite died in Warsaw (Rice County), Minnesota on September 20, 1873, and was buried in Warsaw Cemetery.

Acquisition information:
The James Cronkhite Letters were purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1989.
Processing information:

The processing and description of the James Cronkhite Letters commenced and was completed in February 2022.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard