Bedford Springs, Pennsylvania, 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 to 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], Bedford Springs, Pennsylvania, Civil War Letter, Ms1991-009, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Abstract:
Letter written by "Aunt Hetty" (or Netty) at Bedford [Pennsylvania] on August 26, 1861, and addressed to "My dear John," relaying personal and local news, including the presence of Confederate Colonel [John] Pegram, recuperating at the local springs.
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], Bedford Springs, Pennsylvania, Civil War Letter, Ms1991-009, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of a single letter written by "Aunt Hetty" (or possibly Netty) at Bedford (Bedford Springs, Pennsylvania) on August 26, 1861. Addressed to "My dear John," the letter shares news of mutual acquaintances and of the war: "We read with breathless interest the details of the desperate battle near Springfield, and we mourn for Gen Lyon as one of our best and bravest." The writer also complains of the presence of Confederate Colonel [John] Pegram at the springs as he recuperates following his surrender: "I think we can never succeed while traitors taken in arms are permitted to travel & recruit their health at watering places. Our government is all too mild. ... All officers who have left the service of the U. S. are traitors and ought to rank with Benedict Arnold in the estimation of all honest men." She also relays news of "Watson" and his negative experiences as a miner in California.

Acquisition information:
The Bedford Springs, Pennsylvania, Civil War Letter was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1991.
Processing information:

The processing and description of the Bedford Springs, Pennsylvania, Letter commenced and was completed in October, 2022.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard