Abel Smith Jr. Letter

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

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Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Abel Smith, Jr., Letter, Ms1989-070, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Smith, Abel, Jr.
Abstract:
Official communication from Abel Smith Jr. (1839-1863), lieutenant colonel commanding the 165th New York Infantry during the American Civil War, written on March 20, 1863, to Captain Felix Agnus, demanding an explanation for allowing a first lieutenant to hold a subordinate position to a second lieutenant during the morning battalion drill.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Abel Smith, Jr., Letter, Ms1989-070, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of a single official communication from Lieutenant Colonel Abel Smith Jr., commanding the 165th New York Infantry. Written to Captain [Felix] Agnus on March 20, 1863, the message demands an explanation for allowing a first lieutenant to hold a subordinate position to a second lieutenant during the morning battalion drill while Agnus was commanding the battalion.

Biographical / historical:

Abel Smith Jr., son of Col. Abel and Ann F. Smith, was born in New York in 1839. By June 1861, Captain Abel Smith Jr. was commanding Company A, 3rd New York Infantry. He was promoted to major on July 2. By December 1862, Smith had been promoted to lieutenant colonel in command of the 165th New York Infantry (aka 2nd Duryea Zouaves). After being mortally wounded at the Battle of Port Hudson on May 27, 1863, Smith died in New Orleans on June 23. He was buried in Evergreens Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York.

Felix Agnus (1839-1925) served alongside Smith in the 165th New York and eventually rose to the rank of brigadier general.

Acquisition information:
The Abel Smith Jr. Letter was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1989.
Processing information:

The processing and description of the Abel Smith Jr. Letter commenced and was completed in February 2022.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard