Archive Record
Metadata
Accession number |
2003.350 |
Catalog Number |
2003.350 |
Collection |
Pearce Civil War Collection |
Object Name |
Letter |
Title |
Alldritt (Edwin) Papers, 1861-1864 |
Creator |
Alldritt, Edwin |
Date |
April 23, 1862 |
Dates of Creation |
April 23, 1862 |
Scope & Content |
Ten letters document the military career of Edwin Alldritt of the 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters and the 1st Minnesota Volunteers. From his writing, it seems clear that Alldritt was not an educated man. Although for the most part his handwriting is legible, his grammar, punctuation and spelling reflect a distinct lack of any formal education. In one letter, Alldritt writes to his brother, Samuel, urging him to stay at home, telling him he is too young to leave home and go out into the wide world and advises that it takes a "stought [stout] man to stand it in the armay [army]." The other undated letter expresses Alldritt's belief that the "big bugs" are afraid to be drafted but he would like to see them try combat. Apparently writing letters is a pleasant pass time for Alldritt as he writes to friends in different places and enjoys getting responses. On March 4, 1862 from a "Camp of Instruction, Washington, D.C." Alldritt writes that he expects to be on the field of battle soon fighting for the glorious old Stars and Stripes. He also speaks of having worship services or meetings three times a week. His letter of April 23, 1862 is written on stationery with an illustration of a "Review of the Grand Army of the Potomac by the President and General McClellan" printed in blue ink. Outside of Fredericksburg Alldritt describes being approached by a Mulatto woman who told him she had been waiting all her life time to see them come and she thanked the Lord they had come at last. Alldritt's other letters generally report that he is in good health and good spirits and reiterates that the Country must be saved at all costs. In his letter to brother Samuel dated September 20, 1863, Alldritt reports that two men wounded at Gettysburg had died. The undated letter fragment is signed Wm. A. Leamans who was also in Co. A of the 2nd Sharp Shooters. Although not included in the item count, the collection also includes photocopies of numerous army documents including various muster rolls and other company rolls, a physical description of Alldritt from the regimental descriptive book and a volunteer enlistment form dated December 21, 1862 when he apparently reenlisted. |
Finding Aids |
Available in the archives or online at www.pearcecollections.us |
People |
Alldritt, Edwin |
Search Terms |
1st Minnesota Infantry Camp Life Stationery Motivation Religious Practices Bredan Sharpshooters |
Credit line |
Pearce Civil War Collection |
Copyrights |
The copyright of these materials is managed by the Navarro College Archives on behalf of the Navarro College Foundation, 3100 W. Collin St., Corsicana, Texas 75110 Phone: 903-875-7438. Internet: archives@navarrocollege.edu. Reproductions of original materials and transcriptions may be available. Please contact the archivist for further information. |
Physical characteristics |
English |