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Start Over Collection John W.M. Appleton (1832-1913), Soldier, Civil War Papers Subjects Fortification
West Virginia and Regional History Center

John W.M. Appleton (1832-1913), Soldier, Civil War Papers

1.98 Linear Feet Summary: 1 ft. 11 3/4 in. (1 document case, 2 1/2 in.); (4 flat storage boxes, 3 in.); (1 flat storage box, 4 in.); (1 flat storage box, 3 1/2 in.); (1 reel of microfilm, 1.75 in.)
John W. M. Appleton (1833-1913) was an officer in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, the Union's first regiment of African American soldiers, during the Civil War. Appleton's letters to his wife, memoirs, military records, and other materials provide a detailed account of his military service with this regiment, including the daily operations and activities of his company, troop movements and engagements, and the challenges facing black troops. Appleton also drew detailed sketches in his memoir and letters that depict the battlefield landscape and his unit's positions, including fortifications, encampments, and quarters. Significant topics include the geography around Charleston, South Carolina; the assault on Fort Wagner and other engagements in the Charleston Harbor in the summer and fall of 1863; the fatigue work and picket duty of the 54th Massachusetts; and the battle of Olustee and related engagements near Jacksonville, Florida, in February and March 1864. Also included are family materials and business papers. The family materials include genealogy as well as books about Hon. William Appleton and Samuel Appleton. The business papers contain a ledger from Appleton's time as an agent with Oriental Powder Mills. See Scope and Content Note for more details. See Historical Note for more information about Appleton.
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John W.M. Appleton (1832-1913), Soldier, Civil War Papers 1.98 Linear Feet Summary: 1 ft. 11 3/4 in. (1 document case, 2 1/2 in.); (4 flat storage boxes, 3 in.); (1 flat storage box, 4 in.); (1 flat storage box, 3 1/2 in.); (1 reel of microfilm, 1.75 in.)

Appleton, John W. M., 1832-1913
John W. M. Appleton (1833-1913) was an officer in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, the Union's first regiment of African American soldiers, during the Civil War. Appleton's letters to his wife, memoirs, military records, and other materials provide a detailed account of his military service with this regiment, including the daily operations and activities of his company, troop movements and engagements, and the challenges facing black troops. Appleton also drew detailed sketches in his memoir and letters that depict the battlefield landscape and his unit's positions, including fortifications, encampments, and quarters. Significant topics include the geography around Charleston, South Carolina; the assault on Fort Wagner and other engagements in the Charleston Harbor in the summer and fall of 1863; the fatigue work and picket duty of the 54th Massachusetts; and the battle of Olustee and related engagements near Jacksonville, Florida, in February and March 1864. Also included are family materials and business papers. The family materials include genealogy as well as books about Hon. William Appleton and Samuel Appleton. The business papers contain a ledger from Appleton's time as an agent with Oriental Powder Mills. See Scope and Content Note for more details. See Historical Note for more information about Appleton.

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