Robert J. Wells 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], Robert J. Wells Civil War Letter, Ms2009-066, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Wells, Robert J.
Abstract:
Letter is written by Robert J. Wells, who enlisted on June 5, 1861 at Lynchburg, Virginia as a Private in Company H of the 24th Virginia Infantry during the American Civil War. The letter is written to "Cousin Louise" and dates from November 30, 1864.
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], Robert J. Wells Civil War Letter, Ms2009-066, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This letter is written to "Cousin Louise" by Robert J. Wells on November 30, 1864 during the American Civil War. Wells writes about fighting a Black regiment on the 28th of November and being shelled by "yanks." Wells also complains of his "Sweetheart" who has "been punishing me too greatly," saying she does not write to him often enough. This is too much to deal with among the other privations of camp life. Wells also mentions attempts to secure the effects of Cousin Louise's brother who was killed in battle. Wells discusses some expectation of getting his knapsack and sending it from Richmond. Wells closes the letter asking Cousin Lou to tell his "Sweet" that he has "always carried her with me." Wells mentions receiving a letter from Cousin Charley and gives his regards to Cousin Shug.

Biographical / historical:

During the American Civil War, Robert J. Wells enlisted in Company H of the 24th Virginia Infantry as a Private in Lynchburg, Virginia on June 5, 1861. His residence was not listed. He was hospitalized in Richmond and Lynchburg in 1862. Wells was paroled on May 13, 1865.

Acquisition information:
The Robert J. Wells Civil War Letter was purchased by Special Collections in 2006.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Robert J. Wells Civil War Letter was completed in May 2009.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged by material type.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard