Austin Glidden 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 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], Austin Glidden Letter, Ms1989-075, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Abstract:
Letter from Austin Glidden, a corporal in Company G, 23rd Massachusetts Infantry during the American Civil War, written at Newport News, Virginia on January 1, 1864, to his brother Benjamin, soliciting Benjamin's assistance in securing an officer's commission in a colored troops regiment.
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], Austin Glidden Letter, Ms1989-075, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of a single letter written by Austin Glidden, a corporal in Company G, 23rd Massachusetts Infantry during the American Civil War. Addressed to Glidden's brother Benjamin, the letter was written at Newport News, Virginia on January 1, 1864. Glidden writes that he will soon be home on furlough and solicits his brother's assistance in securing an officer's commission: "Many who are no more fitted than I have received commissions through the efforts of influential friends at home," Glidden writes. He suggests influential residents of Beverly, Massachusetts whom Benjamin might enlist in furthering his cause. Glidden notes that, with the organization by the governor of colored regiments, new officers will be needed. He then mentions others from his regiment who have received such commissions.

Biographical / historical:

Austin Glidden, son of Joseph and Mary Hill Glidden, was born in Beverly (Essex County), Massachusetts on July 16, 1844. The 1860 federal census shows Austin Glidden living in the Beverly home of his parents and working as a shoemaker, as were his father and brothers. He enlisted as a private in Company G, 23rd Massachusetts Infantry on October 21, 1861. On January 17, 1863, Glidden was promoted to corporal, and he re-enlisted on December 2. Austin Glidden died of disease at New Bern, North Carolina on October 13, 1864, and was buried at Central Cemetery, Beverly.

Acquisition information:
The Austin Glidden Letter was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1989.
Processing information:

The processing and description of the Austin Glidden Letter commenced and was completed in February 2022.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard