Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)Tyler Williams, Student Assistant
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 .
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The collection is open for research.
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], William Henry Johnson Collection, 1861-1862, Ms2023-017, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
The William Henry Johnson Collection was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in September 2016.
The processing, arrangement, and description of the William Henry Johnson Collection was completed in May 2023.
William Henry Johnson was a Private in Company B of the 1st New York Cavalry Regiment during the Ameircan Civil War. On December 4, 1861, Johnson deserted the Union Army and attempted to make his way south to the Confederate front-lines. While making his way to the Confederate lines he encountered a Union reconnaissance unit returning from patrol, whom he mistook as Confederates. After identifying himself as a Union deserter and offering to provide the location of Union pickets, he was placed under arrest and taken to the Provost Marshal. Johnson was subsequently court-martialed and sentenced to death. Johnson's execution took place on December 13, 1861, and marked the first time that a deserter was executed by the Union Army.
External Source:
"The 13 December 1861 Execution of Pvt. William Henry Johnson at Fairfax Seminary" (Dec. 12, 2011), Civil War Washington, D.C. blog, http://civilwarwashingtondc1861-1865.blogspot.com/2011/12/13-december-1861-execution-of-pvt.html , accessed May 2023.
This collection contains materials relating to the execution of William Henry Johnson. This collection includes a copy of The Philadelphia Enquirer from December 21, 1861; a copy of Harper's Weekly: A Journal of Civilization from December 28, 1861; a copy of The Illustrated London News from January 11, 1862; and a copy of Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper from April 4, 1862. These newspapers provide details about William Henry Johnson's desertion, trial, and execution. Also included in the collection are several letters written by people who witnessed the execution. This collection also includes a cut-signature of Major General William B. Franklin, who was the court-martial convening authority.
The guide to the William Henry Johnson Collection by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).