Albert O. Stratton Journal

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: Albert O. Stratton Journal, Ms2021-012, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Stratton, Albert O., 1839-1915
Abstract:
This collection contains journal of Corporal Albert O. Stratton, that he kept while serving with Company D, 37th Regiment Massachusetts Infantry, during the 1864-1865 Siege of Petersburg, Virginia, during the American Civil War. The contents describe daily life as a soldier well and notes on contemporary 19th century society. Albert O. Stratton (1839-1915) was born in Leominster, Massachusetts. During the American Civil War he enlisted as a private in 1862, and was promoted to the rank of corporal by 1865.
Language:
The materials in this collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Albert O. Stratton Journal, Ms2021-012, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains the journal of Corporal Albert O. Stratton, that he kept while serving with Company D, 37th Regiment Massachusetts Infantry, during the 1864-1865 Siege of Petersburg, Virginia, during the American Civil War. The fourty-page diary portion starts on January 1 and ends on January 31, 1865. Stratton describes the daily life of a soldier during the siege: interactions with friends and superiors, skirmishes and battles with the Confederate defenders, learning news from other Union armies, and other experiences. The remaining fifty-five pages consist of various notes, thoughts, and reflections on the war, as well as poetry and short stories.

Biographical / historical:

Albert O. Stratton (1839-1915) was born in Leominster, Massachusetts. Stratton enlisted as a private in D Company, 37th Massachusetts Infantry when it was organized in Pittsfield on August 30, 1862, during the American Civil War. Stratton served with the unit through several campaigns including, but not limited to, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and the Overland. During this time, Stratton was promoted to corporal. He survived the war, and married Jennie L. Stone, with whom he had four children and lived in Lunenburg, Massachusetts. He recieved an invalid pension throughout his later life. The family moved to Cheshire, Connecticut, by 1900, and Albert is buried there along with his wife.

Sources:

Acquisition information:
The Albert O. Stratton Journal was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in September 2019.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Albert O. Stratton Journal was completed July 2021.