Nashville, Tennessee, Civil War 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], Nashville, Tennessee, Civil War Letter, Ms1989-080, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Abstract:
Letter from "Chris" to "Mrs. Curtis," written at Nashville, Tennessee, informing her of his "squad's" arrival in the city, remarking upon the many flies in the hotel, and sharing his low opinion of the hotel's Black staff.
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], Nashville, Tennessee, Civil War Letter, Ms1989-080, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of a letter written by "Chris" to "Friend Mrs. Curtis" from Nashville, Tennessee, where his "squad" has recently arrived. The writer seems to use military terms satirically, suggesting that he may have been a civilian ("[W]e unanimously appointed Mr. Curtis, Maj. Genl Commanding. Genl Curtis' corps is made up of the best fighting material between this place, and the rocky mountains.") He notes that they are staying in the best house (i.e., hotel) in town but are beset by flies ("The flies are so thick here, that they have regular picket guards stationed around everything we eat ..."), then shares his low opinion of the hotel's Black staff.

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

The processing and description of the Nashville, Tennessee, Civil War Letter commenced and was completed in February 2022.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard