John H. Black 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], John H. Black Letter, Ms1989-089, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Black, John H.
Abstract:
Letter from John Henry Black, lieutenant in Company G, 12th Pennsylvania Cavalry during the American Civil War, written at Bolivar Heights, Virginia (now West Virginia) on October 21, 1864 to his wife Jennie, focusing on the recent Battle of Cedar Creek and the arrival of new recruits.
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], John H. Black Letter, Ms1989-089, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This letter consists of a single letter written by Lieutenant John H. Black of Company G, 12th Pennsylvania Cavalry during the American Civil War. Written from the headquarters of Company G at Bolivar Heights, Virginia (now West Virginia) on October 21, 1864, the letter is addressed to Black's wife, Jennie Leighty Black. Black expresses appreciation for his wife's letters and for his own good health, "the best earthly gift a soldier can possess." Black then relays news of the Battle of Cedar Creek, noting the personnel and equipment captured by Union forces and concluding that "Sheridan is the man for the Shenandoah Valley." After discussing news of personal acquaintances, Black notes that the regiment is receiving recruits to replace casualties of the summer's campaign.

Biographical / historical:

John Henry Black, son of Jacob and Mary M. Swoveland Black, was born in Canan (Blair County), Pennsylvania on July 28, 1834. After attending Tuscarawa Academy, Black worked as a schoolteacher. On April 22, 1861, he enlisted as a corporal in Company H, 14th Pennsylvania Infantry, a three-month regiment, which mustered out on August 7. On December 10, he enlisted in Company G, 12th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Following two years' service, he re-enlisted as a veteran in the same company as a veteran with the rank of first sergeant and was later promoted to first lieutenant and eventually captain. He married Susan Jane "Jennie" Leighty during the war; the couple would have two daughters. Seriously wounded on March 21, 1865, Black was discharged on July 20. Returning to Blair County following the war, Black resumed teaching and later served a a member of the Duncansville Board of Education and as Blair County treasurer. John H. Black died in Duncansville on May 10, 1922, and was buried in Carson Valley Cemetery, Duncansville.

Acquisition information:
The John H. Black Letter was donated to Special Collections and University Archives in 1989.
Processing information:

The processing and description of the John H. Black Letter commenced and was completed in February 2022.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard