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 to research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Philip Crewell Letters, Ms1991-070, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The Philip Crewell Letters were purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in two accruals: The 1861 letter was purchased in 1991, while the 1862 letter was purchased in 2016.

Processing Information

The processing and description of the Philip Crewell Letters commenced and was completed in November, 2022.

Biographical Note

Philip J. Crewell, son of John and Elida (or Alida) Lenke Crewell, was born in Herkimer County, New York, on November 13, 1840. The 1850 federal census records him living in the Columbia (Herkimer County) home of his parents. On May 1, 1861, Crewell enlisted for two years' service as a private in Company F, 34th New York Infantry; he mustered in with the regiment on June 15. By February, 1863, Crewell had been promoted to corporal. After mustering out with his regiment on June 30, 1863, he returned to Herkimer County; the 1865 New York State Census shows him living and farming in Columbia with his widowed mother. By 1870, Crewell had married Mariah C. Getman (1845-1879); the couple would have one child, and Crewell continued to live and farm in Herkimer County through 1910. Philip J. Crewell died in Herkimer County on October 21, 1917, and was buried in Dennison Corners Cemetery, German Flatts (Herkimer County).

Scope and Content

This collection contains two letters written by Philip Crewell, a private serving in Company F, 34th New York Infantry during the American Civil War. Both letters are addressed to Crewell's brother, the 1862 letter specifically to H. J. Crewell. The first letter, written at Albany, is dated "the 7 1861" (presumably May 7, as the contents suggest that Crewell's regiment had just been organized). Crewell lauds his regiment, noting, "we have got the praise of beainge the best looking lot that has bin heare yet." Of the regiment's prospects, Crewell writes, "I think by the time them suthern traters kill all of us that there will be enuf of them ded to manure a gardin and if it did there wold nohing gro in it." In the second letter, dated Camp Falmoth [sic], Virginia, on December 7, 1862, Crewell writes of being in winter quarters and requests that his brother send him a large box of clothing and food. He provides specific instructions for shipping a package and requests--among other things--butter, bread, cakes, mince pies, maple molasses, strawberry apples, sauerkraut, pickles, and a stuffed turkey, "such as a Soldier would like to have to revive him for a happy Christmas" for himself and friend Isaac White. Crewell concludes by mentioning the possibility of a promotion to first lieutenant.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

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

Rights Statement for Archival Description

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