Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
Business Number: 540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu
URL: http://spec.lib.vt.edu
Marc Brodsky
Administrative Information
Use Restrictions
Permission to publish material from the Charles L. Brown Letter must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.
Access Restrictions
Collection is open for research.
Preferred Citation
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Charles L. Brown Letter, 4 January 1862, Ms2017-031, Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
Acquisition Information
The Charles L. Brown Letter was donated to Special Collections in 2017.
Processing Information
The processing, arrangement, and description of the Charles L. Brown Letter commenced in August 2017 and was completed in September 2017.
Biographical Note
The son of Aaron and Lydia Brown of Waltham, Mass. (both originally from Maine), Charles L. Brown enlisted with the 16th Massachusetts Infantry on 29 June 1861, Company H, as a corporal. The 16th was first attached to Fort Monroe, Va. before moving to Suffolk and then seeing action at Malvern Hill, Bull Run (2nd), Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville, prior to the engagement at Gettysburg. Having been promoted to first sergeant, Brown died on 4 July 1863 at Gettysburg at the age of 23, a day following the death of his older brother, George F. Brown, a first lieutenant, also of the 16th Massachusetts.
Scope and Content
This collection consists of a single letter and envelope dated 4 January 1862 and written by Charles L. Brown, a corporal in the 16th Mass. Infantry, from Hampton, Va. to his mother in Waltham, Mass. He thanks the folks at home for the "drawers" and "eatables," also mentioning, specifically, the pies, cakes, mittens, shirts, and gloves. He says that he is "as safe here as if we were in Boston," saying that the Confederate commander, [General John B.] Magruder is "more fond of whiskey than fighting."
Subjects and Indexing Terms
- Civil War
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865