Samuel D. Cameron and Maxwell A. Cameron Papers

Collection

Identifier: MSS-0264

Scope and Contents

The collection contains the papers, primarily letters, of two Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, brothers, Samuel D. Cameron, 2nd Alabama Cavalry, and Maxwell A. Cameron, 18th Alabama Infantry Regiment, to their sister, Sarah and brother-in-law, Isham Robertson. Samuel Cameron letters written to Isham and Sarah Robertson indicate that he was stationed in Bluff Springs, Florida; Pollard, Alabama; Camp Tatnall, Alabama; Orolona, Mississippi; Tupelo, Mississippi; Courtland, Alabama; Verona, Mississippi; and Pikeville, Mississippi, and covered a time span from July 17, 1862, to January 19, 1864. His letters tell of life in camp, weather conditions, need for clothing and food, and he mentions the Siege of Vicksburg and the Battle of Corinth.

Maxwell A. Cameron's letters written home give the following locations: Auburn, Alabama; Wauhatchie, Tennessee; Tyners Station, Tennessee; Birchwood, Tennessee; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Dalton, Georgia; Marietta, Georgia; and Nashville, Tennessee. The letters are dated from September 22, 1861, to December 14, 1864 and discuss a measles epidemic, life in camp, lists wounded and killed after battle, reenlistment party, and camp morale. The termination of his service is not known.

Incoming letters are addressed to various members of the Cameron and Robertson families and include a letter lamenting the death of Andrew Cameron; a letter to sister Sarah Robertson from Nancy Colbe; a postcard to Lela Robertson from her sister Mary; a letter to Lela Robertson from cousin, Kate Harris; and a postcard to Isham Robertson from W.T. James of Mt. Carmel Nursery.

The collection also includes a few financial items such as invoices and promissory notes.

Dates

1858-1884
Majority of material found within 1861 - 1864

Creator

Cameron, Samuel D. (Person)

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.

Biographical / Historical

Samuel D. Cameron was born in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, on March 2, 1833. His parents were Alexander and Catherine Cameron. He had three brothers and four sisters. He was a farmer by occupation when he enlisted in Captain J.J. Pegues' Cavalry Company during the Civil War. Samuel was wounded severely in the leg on May 19, 1864, at Cassville, Georgia. His leg was amputated, and he was moved to Atlanta where he died around the 25th of June, 1864, at age 31 years.

Maxwell A. Cameron was born in 1839, a younger brother of S.D. Cameron, and grew up in Tuscaloosa County. It is assumed he was a farmer before joining the 18th Alabama Regiment. The termination of his service is not known.

Extent

0.2 Linear Feet (about 60 items)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Overview

Papers, primarily letters, of two Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, brothers, Samuel D. Cameron, 2nd Alabama Cavalry and Maxwell A. Cameron, 18th Alabama Infantry Regiment, to their sister, Sarah, and brother-in-law, Isham Robertson, during the Civil War. Additional materials include financial documents and other family letters.

Provenance

Gift of Joyce H. Lamont, 1979

General

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