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Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open to research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Timothy S. Walker Letter, Ms1991-021, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The Timothy S. Walker Letter was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1991.

Processing Information

The processing and description of the Timothy S. Walker Letter commenced and was completed in October, 2022.

Biographical Note

Timothy S. Walker was born on March 5, 1834. In the 1860 federal census, a 25-year-old mariner named Timothy S. Walker is listed among the residents in the Freeport (Cumberland County), Maine, home of William and Lois Walker, presumably his parents. On September 29, 1862, Walker enlisted as a private in Company G, 25th Maine Infantry, a nine-month regiment. During its service, the 25th Maine initially constructed defenses near Washington, D. C., and guarded the Long Bridge over the Potomac. On March 24, 1863, the regiment moved a few miles west of the capital, performing picket duty at Chantilly, Virginia, for three months before returning to Arlington Heights and being mustered out on July 10. The contents of the letter in this collection suggest that Walker did not reenlist in the army and that by early 1864 had resumed work as a mariner. The 1870 census lists a 34-year-old farmer named Timothy "J." Walker, living in the Freeport home of William and "Louis" Walker. Living in the home next to the Walkers is the family of Orrin W. "Bracket," 29. On February 16, 1877, Walker married Nellie F. Staples (1859-1925); the 1880 census shows the couple living and farming in Yarmouth (Cumberland County) with a young daughter. Timothy S. Walker died June 29, 1886, and was buried in Riverside Cemetery, Yarmouth.

Scope and Content

This letter consists of a single letter written by Timothy S. Walker, a veteran of the 25th Maine Infantry working aboard a cargo ship during the American Civil War. Dated Georgetown, D. C. [i.e., Virginia], April 20, 1864, the four-page letter is addressed to "Friend Orrin." Walker writes that his ship had been to Alexandria, unloading its cargo of hay and grain and was in Georgetown to load coal bound for Boston. Walker reports a long trip: "We was almost a month to Alexendria [sic] -- with good lot of heavy weather." He mentions their passage past the Long Bridge, recalling their time performing guard duty at the bridge. He expresses hope that the war will soon be over, as he can see the effects of it in Alexandria and Georgtown. Walker then writes that the ship will soon depart for the cape, and he conveys his opinion of the captain and his desire to have a farm. The letter is accompanied by a stamped envelope addressed to Orrin W. Brackett.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

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

Rights Statement for Archival Description

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