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. Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction . Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication . Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

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], Delia Herbert Letters, Ms1992-029, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The Delia Herbert Letters were purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1992.

Processing Information

The processing and description of the Delia Herbert Letters commenced and was completed in October, 2023.

Biographical / Historical

Delia Brown, daughter of Sylvanus and Eliza Brown, was born in Bergen (Genesee County), New York, ca. 1840. She married Henry Herbert (1832-1906), ca. 1855, and the couple would have two children. On October 29, 1861, Henry E. Herbert enlisted as a private in Battery M, 1st New York Light Artillery. He was promoted to corporal the following February. He reenlisted on February 6, 1864, but was reduced to ranks on April 29. Herbert mustered out with the battery at Rochester, New York, on June 23, 1865. Following his military service, Henry returned to Bergen, and the family continues to be listed as town residents through the 1880 census, with Henry Herbert working as a farmer. By 1900, Delia Herbert was living in the Carlton (Orleans County), New York, home of her daughter and son-in-law, Albert "Headstead" [Hadstead], while Henry Herbert was living in the New York State Soldiers and Sailors Home in Steuben (Bath County). The 1905 New York state census shows Delia Herbert living with her son William and family in Byron (Genesee County). Delia Brown Herbert died in Albion, New York on November 17, 1907.

Scope and Contents

This collection contains three letters written by Delia Brown Herbert, a resident of Bergen (Genesee County), New York, during the American Civil War. All of the letters are addressed to her sister, Achsah Smith (aka Mrs. T. F. Smith), of Lockport, New York. The letters relate overwhelmingly to Herbert's concern regarding the whereabouts and wellbeing of "Hank" (presumably her husband, Henry E. Herbert, serving in Battery M, 1st New York Light Infantry) during the intervals in which she has had no word from him. Accompanying one of the letters is a stamped envelope.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

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

Rights Statement for Archival Description

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