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Charles Roberts U.S. Civil War letters

 Collection
Identifier: MS 0377
Finding aid note: Stored onsite at the Woodson Research Center.

Scope and Contents

Roberts’ letters are primarily written to his mother and father (Mr. and Mrs. D.G. Richmond, Glen Falls, Warren Co., New York); several are addressed to his sister, Helen. He also addresses his brother, Amos.

The letters cover a wide range of emotions, from the anticipation of going to battle, to resentment of the war, and finally to anticipation of returning home. Several of the war’s events and battles are mentioned in the letters: McClellan’s dismissal and the subsequent dissatisfaction of his troops; a visit by President and Mrs. Lincoln; the taking of Confederate prisoners; and the cannonade salute in honor of General Sheridan’s victory.

Dates

  • 1862 - 1864

Creator

Access Restrictions

This material is open for research.

Conditions Governing Access

Stored onsite at the Woodson Research Center.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish material from the Roberts letters must be obtained from the Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library.

Biographical / Historical

Charles Roberts served in the Union Army during the Civil War. A New York State Volunteer, he belonged to the 93rd Regiment. He served in the Army of the Potomac from 1862-64 under McClellan and Hooker and was also in the Armies operating against Richmond. Roberts’ service ended December 5, 1864. In these letters, Roberts mainly addresses his family members: father David G. Roberts, mother Martha Ann Clark Roberts, sister Helen Roberts, and brother Amos Roberts. Although Roberts had a number of brothers and sisters, the above names are the ones to whom some of these letters were addressed.

Extent

0.25 Linear Feet (1 folder)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Overview

A collection of letters written by Charles Roberts to his family during his years of service in the Union Army of the U.S. Civil War. The letters cover a wide range of emotions and activities, including his regiment’s movements, his career in the army, and his personal opinions regarding the war.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This collection was a gift donated by Mrs. H. Malcolm Lovett and sister in 1975.

General

Digitized versions of letters are available in Rice University's Institutional Repository: https://scholarship.rice.edu/handle/1911/92618

Subjects

Record Groups

Related Names

Creator

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title
Guide to the Charles Roberts U.S. Civil War letters, 1862-1864
Status
Completed
Date
2008
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the Woodson Research Center, Rice University, Houston, Texas Repository

https://library.rice.edu/woodson
Contact:
Fondren Library MS-44, Rice University
6100 Main St.
Houston Texas 77005 USA

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Harmful Content Statement
© 2023 Woodson Research Center
Fondren Library, Rice University
Physical Address: 6100 Main, Houston, Texas 77005-1827
Mailing Address: MS-44, P.O. Box 1892, Houston, Texas 77251-1892