William Beninger Correspondence

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.

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Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], William Beninger Correspondence, Ms1989-107, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Beninger, William
Abstract:
Three letters from William Beninger (or William Benninger), a private in Company H, 6th Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery during the American Civil War, written to his sister from points in Virginia, with general mentions of food, clothing, camp life, and Confederate guerillas and a prediction that the war will soon be over.
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], William Beninger Correspondence, Ms1989-107, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains three letters written by William Beninger (or William Benninger) while serving in Battery H, 6th Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery during the American Civil War, addressed to his sister. Writing from Fairfax County, Virginia on November 4, 1864, Beninger expresses thanks for a package of envelopes received, as those available locally "cost from 35 to 40 cts a package and will hardly hold a letter," and his hope that the regiment will soon move to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. ("And I ant a caring how soon for this is a rough place if it gits icy.") Beninger adds that "apple pearings ... are scarce out here" and that he recently sent his father a letter with a lot of pumpkin seeds. Bennett writes from Fort Ethan Allen, Virginia on November 27, 1864, to thank his sister for the gloves recently received and to request other clothing and food. In a letter written at Fort Bennett, Virginia on March 7, 1865, Beninger expresses his intent to send part of his pay home, then reports that "the boys are all Smoking sigars and all in a good youmour," and predicts that the war will soon be over. He writes that "there was Some few rebbles at Falls church and at Fairfax court house but it was only a few gurrillows and a drunk," then relays news of mutual acquaintances in his battery.

Biographical / historical:

Although the correspondent clearly signs his name as "Beninger," most records relating to this soldier spell the name "Benninger." William Benninger, 23, enlisted as a private for one year's service in Battery H, 6th Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery at Pittsburgh on August 29, 1864. He mustered out with his battery on June 13, 1865. The 1890 veterans census shows William Benninger of the 6th Pennsylvania living in Burell [Burrell] (Westmoreland County), Pennsylvania. According to a Pennsylvania veterans burial card, William Benninger of the 6th Pennsylvania was buried in Bethel Cemetery, Lower Burrel township; other records show that William Benninger (1840-1902), son of William and Sarah Spiker Benninger, was buried in Bethel Cemetery in Lower Bethel with wife Annie C. Woolslayer Benninger (1853-1899).

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

The processing and description of the William Beninger Correspondence commenced and was completed in March 2022.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard