A Guide to the Reuel W. Waters Correspondence, 1865 Waters, Reuel W. Correspondence Ms2011-110

A Guide to the Reuel W. Waters Correspondence, 1865

A Collection in
Special Collections
Collection Number Ms2011-110

Special Collections, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
USA
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Email: specref@vt.edu
URL: http://spec.lib.vt.edu/

Processed by: Andrea Ledesma, Student Assistant, and Kira A. Dietz, Archivist, Special Collections

Repository

Special Collections, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va.

Collection Number

Ms2011-110

Title

Reuel W. Waters Correspondence, 1865

Physical Characteristics

0.1 cu. ft. 1 folder

Creator

Waters, Reuel W., b. abt. 1843

Language

English

Abstract

The collection consists of one letter from Reuel W. Waters of the 6th Maine Light Artillery to his sister, discussing ammunitions and artillery.

Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

Use Restrictions

Permission to publish material from the Reuel W. Waters Correspondence must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Reuel W. Waters Correspondence, Ms2011-110, Special Collections, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va.

Acquisition Information

Special Collections purchased the Reuel W. Waters Correspondence in July 2011.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Reuel W. Waters Correspondence was completed in November 2011.

Biographical Note

Reuel W. Waters was born about 1843 in Maine. Prior to the war, he lived in Cumberland County, Maine, one of at least 5 children. He enlisted as a private and was commissioned into the 6th company of the 1st Battery of the Maine Light Artillery. References to Waters after 1860 are scarce and it is unknown if he survived the war.

Scope and Content

The collection contains one letter signed by Reuel W. Waters on February 3, 1865, to his sister, Abbie. Much of his writing details his experiences on the battlefield and seemingly seeks to educate civilians who "have a poor idea of what an army is or as to how one is managed." Most notably, he provides extensive descriptions of artillery and ammunitions, as well as the railroads. The letter closes with Waters declaring: "all hands are well and gay laughing at the idea of peace and peace commissioners."