S. R. Norton letters

Collection

Identifier: MSS-1059

Scope and Contents note

A collection of letters to his wife, Hattie E. Norton, Box 89, Adrian, Michigan, written from Decatur, Stevenson, and Huntsville, Alabama, and Nashville, Tennessee. Describes his and his regiment's activities in holding Decatur during the summer and fall of 1864 and the evacuation of Decatur and Huntsville in late November, as General Hood's army moved north into Tennessee. There are no letters for the period from late December 1864 until May 1865.

Most of the letters are written from Decatur. Norton describes living conditions, the layout of camp, his quarters, and fortifications about Decatur. Includes news of his health (he may have suffered from malaria), rumors of Confederate troop movements, news of camp, including a raid on a sutler and complaints of late pay. Several times he explains that news of his regiment's activities in the papers at home is highly exaggerated.

The letters from May 1865 were written from Huntsville, where his regiment was engaged in rounding up stray Confederates and bushwhackers, taking paroles, and speculating on the regiment's mustering out.

Dates

1864-1865

Creator

Norton, S. R. (Union soldier) (Person)

Biographical/Historical note

Union soldier from Adrian, Michigan. Orderly sergeant, Company B, 18th Michigan Infantry until late October 1864, when he was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant and assigned to Company G of the same regiment.

Extent

0.2 Linear Feet (35 items)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Letters of a Union soldier in the 18th Michigan Infantry to his wife, written from Decatur, Stevenson, and Huntsville, Alabama and Nashville, Tennessee, during the Civil War.