Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)Jeff Felton, Graduate Intern and Kira A. Dietz, Archivist
Permission to publish material from Edwin C. Stone Letter must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.
The collection is open for research.
This collection has been digitized and is available online .
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Edwin C. Stone Letter, Ms2018-028, Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
The Edwin C. Stone Letter was purchased by Special Collections in September 2017.
The processing, arrangement, and description of the Edwin C. Stone Letter was completed in September, 2018.
Edwin C. Stone was born in Massachusetts about 1840. In April 1861, he enlisted in the United States Navy, mustering out in April 1864. In July 1864, he joined Company K, 8th Regiment, Massachusetts Infantry, mustering out later that year, in November. In March of 1865, he married Frances (Fannie) E. Hussey. The couple had at least two children. Following the Civil War, Stone worked as a saleman around Chelsea, Massachusetts.
The collection contains a letter written by sailor Edwin C. Stone aboard the U.S.S. Minnesota , November 11, 1861 to his brother Persley Stone. The majority of letter is advice from Edwin to Persley on how to behave at his new job. It also contains a run in between the Minnesota and an "infernal machine," and the threat of the Merrimac attacking. During the Battle of Hampton Roads, March 8, 1862, Stone's ship the Minnesota was run aground and attacked by the Merrimac/Virginia .