Joseph J. Baker 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:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Permission to publish material from Joseph J. Baker Correspondence must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Joseph J. Baker Correspondence, Ms2011-046, Special Collections, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Baker, Joseph J., abt.1841-1931 (54th Regiment, Virginia Infantry)
Abstract:
Joseph J. Baker's letters discuss the October 1863 Battle at Chickamauga and the 1864 battles at Marietta, Georgia, part of the Atlanta Campaign, including estimates of wounded, killed, and captured soldiers, food resources, and sentiments sent to his family.
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Joseph J. Baker Correspondence, Ms2011-046, Special Collections, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of letters from Confederate soldier Joseph H. Baker of the 54th Regiment Virginia Infantry, dated October 2, 1863, and June 15, 1864. In addition to battle descriptions (Chickamauga and Marietta, Georgia), including estimates of wounded, killed, and captured soldiers, Baker writes of food resources and sends sentiments to his family.

Collection includes transcription.

Biographical / historical:

Joseph J. Baker was born about 1841 in Wythe County, Virginia. He enlisted with Company K, 54th Regiment, Virginia Infantry, in April 1862. In October 1863, he was promoted to Corporal. Shortly after one of the letters in this collection was written in June 1864, Baker was taken prisoner outside Marietta, Georgia. He was released from Camp Morton, Indiana, in June 1865, and returned to Wythe County. Some time between 1865 and 1871, he married and he and his wife, Sarah, had at least four daughters. Baker died in 1931.

Acquisition information:
These items were purchased by Special Collections in April 2011.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Joseph J. Baker Correspondence was completed in May 2011.

Arrangement:

Collection is arranged chronologically.