Letter from an Indiana Soldier Stationed in Mobile, Alabama Just After the End of the Civil War
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Scope and Contents
This manuscript letter, dated May 4, 1865, was written by a Union soldier identified only as "Dick" while stationed in Mobile, Alabama, shortly after the end of the Civil War. Addressed to his sister in Indiana, the letter provides a detailed firsthand account of his experiences. Dick describes his arrival in Mobile on May 2, his regiment’s encampment in a pine grove, and his preference for remaining there rather than returning to New Orleans. He also reflects on the abundant provisions and favorable conditions in Mobile. The second half of the letter recounts his recent battle experiences in Louisiana, his thoughts on the Confederate surrender, and the celebratory artillery display in New Orleans on April 9. Dick also comments on reports of peace in local newspapers, a religious revival attributed to the war’s end, and encourages a woman named Ester in her Methodist faith.
Dates
- Creation: 1865 May 4
Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open for research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations. Due to the nature of certain archival formats, including digital and audio-visual materials, access to certain materials may require additional advance notice.
Conditions Governing Use
Researchers are responsible for using the materials in conformance with United States copyright law as well as any donor restrictions accompanying the materials. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright claimants in collection materials. Copyright for official University records is held by The University of Alabama. The library claims only physical ownership of many manuscript collections. Anyone wishing to broadcast or publish this material must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of literary property rights or copyrights. Please contact Special Collections (archives@ua.edu) with questions regarding specific manuscript collections.
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Researchers are advised that the disclosure of certain information pertaining to identifiable living individuals without the consent of those individuals may have legal implications, for which the University of Alabama assumes no responsibility.
Biographical / Historical
Written during the final days of the Civil War and its immediate aftermath, this letter provides a Union soldier’s perspective on military engagements and postwar developments. The author, known only as Dick, describes both the intensity and fatigue of combat, including a two-day battle in New Orleans. He reflects on the Confederate surrender and the reactions among Union troops upon hearing news of Lee and Johnston’s capitulations. Additionally, his observations on religious revivals and shifting sentiments offer insight into broader societal changes as the country moved from war to peace. This letter presents a detailed account of a soldier’s experiences and perspectives during a significant period in American history.
Extent
.00033 Linear Feet (Multiple collections. Flat document box.)
Language of Materials
English
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The University of Alabama purchased the Letter from an Indiana Soldier Stationed in Mobile, Alabama Just After the End of the Civil War from McBride Rare Books in 2024.
Physical Description
[3]pp., on a folded folio sheet of lined paper. Original mailing folds, some toning and soiling, a few short separations along folds. About very good.
Processing Information
Processed by Courtney Tutt, November 2024.
- Title
- Guide to Letter from an Indiana Soldier Stationed in Mobile, Alabama Just After the End of the Civil War
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Finding aid created by Courtney Tutt, November 2024.
- Date
- No
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the The University of Alabama Libraries Special Collections Repository