Archive Record

Metadata

Accession number

2005.056

Catalog Number

2005.056.01

Collection

Pearce Civil War Collection

Object Name

Letter

Title

Alexander (William B.) Papers, 1861-1862

Creator

Alexander (William B.)

Date

April 21, 1861

Dates of Creation

April 21, 1861

Scope & Content

Union Lieutenant, William B. Alexander's letter to his wife, Mary, places him at Fort Monroe, Virginia on April 21, 1861. He describes the fort: "I should never know that we were in a Fort by the looks inside it is…just like a town with nice walks & trees & flower gardens & houses…" Alexander then tells her of the preceding day's events: "Yesterday was an eventful day…the Sloop of War Pawnse…wanted our regiment to go up to Norfolk to defend the Navy Yard…the commodore…gave orders to sink burn & destroy all the ships & guns & every thing in the yard." "We have given them the death blow…as they intended to use the ships & guns against us." "All this was done in the night time…" On the night of April 20 the Federal Gosport Navy Yard near Norfolk, Virginia, was evacuated and partially burned. Commandant Charles S. McCauley had decided that the facility was threatened with capture. His decision was later censured by Federal authorities.

In the remainder of his letter, Alexander turns his attention to his wife, telling her not to worry about him: "Don't give your self any uneasiness about me…take good care of your self & my dear little Ida…" He expresses his love for her and his devotion to the cause for which he is fighting: "you know that I shall always love you where ever I am…& I hope you will attach any blame to myself for coming as it was my duty to defend the honor of my country."

Finding Aids

Availble in the archives or online at www.pearcecollections.us

People

Alexander, William B.

Search Terms

Battle of New Berne
Norfolk, Virginia
23rd Massachusetts Infantry
Fortress Monroe

Credit line