Bozworth, James Letters James Bozworth Letters, 1862-1863 Ms.1989.058

James Bozworth Letters, 1862-1863 Ms.1989.058


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Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech

Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
Business Number: 540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu
URL: http://spec.lib.vt.edu

John M. Jackson

Repository
Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Identification
Ms.1989.058
Title
James Bozworth Letters 1862-1863
Quantity
0.1 Cubic Feet, 1 folder
Creator
Bozworth, James
Language
The materials in the collection are in English.
Abstract
Four letters written by Sergeant James Bozworth (sometimes identified as James Bosworth), of Company D, 17th Connecticut Infantry during the American Civil War, at Camp Sigel, Maryland; Carver Hospital (Washington D.C.); and General Hospital (West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), to Franklin Sherwood of Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Administrative Information

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

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Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], James Bozworth Letter, Ms1989-058, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The James Bozworth Letters were purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1989.

Processing Information

The processing and description of the James Bozworth Letters commenced and was completed in February 2022.


Biographical Note

James Bozworth (sometimes identified as James Bosworth) was born in Maine on November 27, 1822. He and his wife Mary (1829-1907) would have five children. The 1860 census lists James and Mary J. Bosworth as residents of Bridgeport (Fairfield County), Connecticut. The census lists 39-year-old James Bosworth's occupation as ship carpenter. During the American Civil War, Bozworth served as a sergeant in Company D, 17th Connecticut Infantry. He was wounded and captured at the Battle of Chancellorsville on May 2, 1863, and paroled on May 15. He transferred on September 9, 1863, to Company 57, 2nd Battalion, Veteran Reserve Corps, with which he served until being discharged due to disability on October 13, 1864. Following his discharge, Bozworth returned to Bridgeport; the 1870 and 1880 censuses shows him working in a sewing machine factory. James Bozworth died in Bridgeport on June 22, 1894 and was buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Bridgeport.

Scope and Content

This collection contains four letters written by James Bozworth (sometimes identified as James Bosworth), sergeant in Company D, 17th Connecticut Infantry during the American Civil War. The letters are all addressed to Bozworth's friend, Frank Sherwood, of Bridgeport, Connecticut. In the first letter, written from Camp Sigel, Maryland, on September 26, 1862, Bozworth writes largely of personal matters; he invites Sherwood to visit camp, while noting the uselessness of local newspapers and the proliferation of rumors and lies in camp. In three 1863 letters, Bozworth writes from various hospitals after having been wounded on the battlefield. On June 20, Bozworth writes from Carver Hospital (Washington, D. C.) that the hospital had been filled to capacity and notes that he is recovering well. Bozworth also hints that he may come home, as "[t]here is no punishment they can inflict on unexchanged prisoners of war for desertion ..." On June 30 and November 2, 1863, Bozworth writes from the general hospital at West Philadelphia, discussing the possibility of a visit from Sherwood; asking Sherwood to obtain a letter of recommendation to have Bozworth and John F. Bartlett transferred to New Haven until they can join their regiment; thanking Sherwood for all the kindnesses shown to Bozworth's family in his absence; noting that costs prohibit Bozworth from coming home; and inviting Sherwood to visit him.

Subjects and Indexing Terms


Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the James Bozworth Letters by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).

General

This collection had orginally been assigned the title "James Bartlett Correspondence," but during processing it was determined that "James Bartlett Letters" would be a more accurate title.

Significant Persons Associated With the Collection

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Container List

folder 1
Correspondence
1862-1863