Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)Jonathan Grunert
Permission to publish material from Joseph J. Baker Correspondence must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.
Collection is open for research.
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Joseph J. Baker Correspondence, Ms2011-046, Special Collections, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va.
These items were purchased by Special Collections in April 2011.
The processing, arrangement, and description of the Joseph J. Baker Correspondence was completed in May 2011.
Joseph J. Baker was born about 1841 in Wythe County, Virginia. He enlisted with Company K, 54th Regiment, Virginia Infantry, in April 1862. In October 1863, he was promoted to Corporal. Shortly after one of the letters in this collection was written in June 1864, Baker was taken prisoner outside Marietta, Georgia. He was released from Camp Morton, Indiana, in June 1865, and returned to Wythe County. Some time between 1865 and 1871, he married and he and his wife, Sarah, had at least four daughters. Baker died in 1931.
This collection consists of letters from Confederate soldier Joseph H. Baker of the 54th Regiment Virginia Infantry, dated October 2, 1863, and June 15, 1864. In addition to battle descriptions (Chickamauga and Marietta, Georgia), including estimates of wounded, killed, and captured soldiers, Baker writes of food resources and sends sentiments to his family.
Collection includes transcription.
Collection is arranged chronologically.