Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

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.

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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], Mary L. Hunt Letter, Ms2008-055, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The Mary L. Hunt Letter was purchased by Special Collections in 1994.

Processing Information

The processing and description of the Mary L. Hunt Letter commenced and was completed in August 2008.

Biographical Note

Mary L. Hunt, the daughter of Jonathan and Emeline Spring Hunt, was born in May 1850, and lived with her family in Thorndike (Waldo County), Maine. She presumably died in 1865; she is not listed with her family in the 1870 census. Mary's brother, Samuel Everett Hunt, was born on July 19, 1838. During the American Civil War, he served as a second lieutenant with the 26th Maine Infantry, then as a first lieutenant in the 29th Maine. In March 1865, Hunt was breveted captain, and he mustered out of the service in June 1866. He is listed as deceased in an 1871 history of the 29th Maine.

Scope and Content

The letter of Mary L. Hunt was written by a young girl on her deathbed from Thorndike, Maine on 5 July 1865 to her Union soldier brother, Lieutenant S. Everett Hunt of the 29th Maine, Beal's Brigade, Dwight's Division, during the American Civil War. She admits that it is difficult for her to write because of failing health. However, much of her letter focuses upon recent social events, including a dance in Amity that she presumably did not attend and a new teacher at the local school. Her mother, E. H. Hunt, adds a follow-up section to the letter, dated 13 July, in which she informs her son that this letter will likely be the last he receives from his sister.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Civil War
• United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865
• Women -- History

Rights Statement for Archival Description

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