Use Restrictions

Permission to publish material from Edwin C. Stone Letter must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Alternate Form Available

This collection has been digitized and is available online .

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Edwin C. Stone Letter, Ms2018-028, Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Acquisition Information

The Edwin C. Stone Letter was purchased by Special Collections in September 2017.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Edwin C. Stone Letter was completed in September, 2018.

Biographical Note

Edwin C. Stone was born in Massachusetts about 1840. In April 1861, he enlisted in the United States Navy, mustering out in April 1864. In July 1864, he joined Company K, 8th Regiment, Massachusetts Infantry, mustering out later that year, in November. In March of 1865, he married Frances (Fannie) E. Hussey. The couple had at least two children. Following the Civil War, Stone worked as a saleman around Chelsea, Massachusetts.

Scope and Contents

The collection contains a letter written by sailor Edwin C. Stone aboard the U.S.S. Minnesota , November 11, 1861 to his brother Persley Stone. The majority of letter is advice from Edwin to Persley on how to behave at his new job. It also contains a run in between the Minnesota and an "infernal machine," and the threat of the Merrimac attacking. During the Battle of Hampton Roads, March 8, 1862, Stone's ship the Minnesota was run aground and attacked by the Merrimac/Virginia .

Subjects and Indexing Terms

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