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Conditions Governing Access

No special access restriction applies.

Researchers may access born digital materials by requesting to view the materials in person by appointment or remotely by contacting the West Virginia & Regional History Center reference department at https://westvirginia.libanswers.com/wvrhc.

Preferred Citation

[Description and date of item], [Box/folder number], William Hazlett Martin Correspondence, A&M 4519, West Virginia and Regional History Center, West Virginia University Libraries, Morgantown, West Virginia.

Scope and Contents

All materials in this collection are digital copies of the original materials.

Series 1 includes a collection of letters written by William Hazlett Martin (b. ca. 1830) to his wife, Elizabeth Martin of Rices Landing in Greene County, Pennsylvania, during his time in service with the 18th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company A. There are 142 letters in the collection that span from his enlistment in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in September of 1862 to the end of his service in July of 1865. The letters contain descriptions of his enlistment process, life on campaign and in camp, details about rations, uniforms and Martin's health which fluctuated during his enlistment. The Battle of Mill Springs and the Battle of Gettysburg are mentioned, though there is a gap in the collection from June 24th to July 31st of 1863. A transcription of a July 17th, 1863 letter is included, but the letter itself is not. Following the Battle of Gettysburg, Martin writes home from a field hospital and discusses the operations of the hospital and his care.

Throughout the collection Martin also discusses locations that include Fredericksburg, Petersburg, Camp Stephensburg in Culpepper, Virginia, Richmond and the Wilderness and figures that include Abraham Lincoln, Judson Kilpatrick, Ulysses S. Grant, and William Tecumseh Sherman. Stories about picket duty, guarding wagon trains and destroying and capturing artillery are also included. Throughout his writing, William Martin shows concern for his wife's health and wellbeing and his brother's legal situation. He asks for homefront updates from his wife, Elizabeth, sends her money, and expresses his love for her. Toward the end of his correspondence, a newspaper clipping detailing the reduction of Federal Cavalry following the surrenders at Appomattox and Bennett Place is included with his letter. Occasionally, Elizabeth left notes on the letters she received. Her hand is distinctly different from William's. Also included are two undated documents and one envelope from the pension office. Series 2 includes materials created by Lou Dadyburjor documenting research on William Hazlett Martin, including his movements throughout the war and tax information.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Civil War - Pennsylvania 18th Volunteer Cavalry.
• Civil War - soldier's letters.
• Civil War battles - The Wilderness.
• Civil War soldiers letters - Union.
• Greene County, PA - Rices Landing.
• Martin, William Hazlett, b. ca. 1830