Nathaniel H. Talbot Letter, 1865, Ms.2013.002

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

Kira A. Dietz, Archivist

Abstract

The collection consists of a letter written by 1st Lt. Nathaniel Henry Talbot, Co. B, 58th Massachusetts Volunteers, near Alexandria, Virginia. Dated May 1965, Talbot's letter home to "Dear Ones" describes a grand review in Washington, DC, after the close of the war.

Administrative Information

Use Restrictions

Permission to publish material from Nathaniel H. Talbot Letter must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.

Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Nathaniel H. Talbot Letter, Ms2013-002, Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Acquisition Information

The Nathaniel H. Talbot Letter was purchased in January 2013.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Nathaniel H. Talbot Letter was completed in January 2013.

Biographical Note

Nathaniel H. Talbot was born in Massachusetts, probably in 1831 or 1832. He likely served with the 43rd Regiment, Mass Infantry (Militia) prior to his nine month service with the 58th. Commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the 58th, Talbot served until July 1865, mustering out as 1st Lieutenant. He appears to have been a photographer before the war. Some time before 1880, he moved, with his wife (Susan A.) and his two children (Arthur H., b, abt. 1862, and Almira S., b. abt. 1865) to Colorado, where he owned a photography studio and served as the postmaster.

Scope and Content

The collection consists of a letter from Nathaniel Talbot, a 1st lieutenant with Company B, 58th Massachusetts Volunteers. Camped near Alexandria at the close of the war, his letter home, presumably to family, dates from May of 1865. It includes a lengthy description of the Grand Review in Washington, DC: the march to and from, the crowds, the sights, and return to camp. Talbot also describes three prisoners in his care when he returned and took up duty as officer of the guard.