Summary
Overview
John S. Copley Civil War Letters
0.2 linear feet, 1 half-size archival box
Princeton University. Library. Dept. of Rare Books and Special Collections
Manuscripts Division
One Washington Road
Princeton, New Jersey 08544 USA
Abstract
Consists of 24 letters by Union soldier, John S. Copley to his friend Robert Moody throughout the first two years of the American Civil War. The letters include detailed accounts of battles and life in various military camps.
Description
Description
The collection consists of twenty-four letters by Copley to his friend Robert Moody in Pittsburg, Pa., written between July 24, 1861, and August 20, 1862, from different military camps in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, describing his Civil War experiences in the 9th Pennsylvania Regiment. Mailed from such locations as Washington City, Campy Tennaly, Md., and Camp Pierpoint, Va., the letters provide a valuable record of military life at the onset of the American Civil War by a soldier in the Union Army. In addition to providing detailed accounts about the movements of the "Rebels," Copley writes about battles he participated in and his superiors in the army, such as Col. Block and Gen. George B. McClellan. He also writes about the scenery in different areas where he is stationed. In a letter sent from Camp Tennaly, dated August 28, 1861, Copley mentions that his brigade was received by Gen. McClellan and President Abraham Lincoln.
Collection Creator
Biography
John S. Copley was an officer in the 9th Pennsylvania Regiment during the American Civil War.
Collection History
Acquisition
Gift of Ladlie I. Laughlin, Princeton Class of 1912, on December 30, 1961 (AM17333).
Processing Information
This collection was processed by Dina Britain on May 22, 2009. Finding aid written by Elizabeth Mulvey on June 11, 2009. Folder Inventory added by Jameson Creager (2015) in 2012.
Access and Use
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research.
Use Restrictions
Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. Permission to publish material from the collection must be requested from the Associate University Librarian for Rare Books and Special Collections.
Preferred Citation
John S. Copley Civil War Letters; 1861-1862, Manuscripts Division, Department of Rare Books and Special Collections, Princeton University Library.
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