Allen Shortledge 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.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Allen Shortledge Letter, Ms2021-007, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Abstract:
This collection contains a letter written by Captain Allen Shortledge of the First Delaware Infantry of Union Army during the American Civil War. He describes enlisting in Wilmington, Delaware, and his posting at Camp Hamilton, near Fort Monroe, Virginia. Attached to the letter is a page containing an engraved image of Fort Monroe and an engraved map of the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. Shortledge was born in York, Pennsylvania in 1820 and fought in the Civil War, achieving the rank of Captain. He was wounded at the Battle of Antietam in September of 1862, but survived the war.
Language:
The materials in this collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Allen Shortledge Letter, Ms2021-007, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains a letter written by Captain Allen Shortledge of the First Delaware Infantry during the American Civil War. Writing to a friend, Shortledge advises that he enlisted and reviews news from Wilmington. Attached is two uncolored illustrations, the top is an engraved depiction of "Fortress Monroe, Old Point Comfort and Hygeia Hotel, Va". and below is an engraving of a "Map of Fortress Monroe and Surroundings" publilshed by C. Born in Washington D.C.

Biographical / historical:

Allen Shortledge (1820-1899) was born in 1820 in York, Pennsylvania. He married Mary Ann Plumy and had a daughter named Ruth. They lived in the New Garden Township of Chester County at least until 1852.

As the American Civil War loomed, Shortledge enlisted in the First Delaware Regiment in Wilmington, Delaware, April 1861 as a private. After regimental reorganization in August, he was promoted to captain of G company. The regiment was first assigned to Camp Hamilton near Fort Monroe, Virginia. After fighting with the regiment through several campaigns, Shortledge was wounded by gunfire during the Battle of Antietam in September 1862. In July 1863, he transferred to the Veterans Reserve Corps (Invalid Corps).

Following the war, he recieved a pension and stayed in veterans' homes throughout the late 1880s and 1890s. He and is buried in Rockwood, Tennessee.

External sources:

"Capt Allen Shortledge" entry, FindaGrave.com, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/10622870/allen-shortledge

Seville, William P. "History of the First Regiment, Delware Volunteers", page 51, Historical Society of Delaware, 1884 https://books.google.com/books?id=RlgVAAAAYAAJ&dq=capt+allen+shortledge&source=gbs_navlinks_s

"Chester County Tax Exonerations 1850-1865" entry, Chester County, Pennsylvania, https://www.chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/12215/Tax-Exonerations-1850-1865-Q-Z?bidId=

"Allen Shortlidge in the U.S., National Homes for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, 1866-1938" entry, Ancestry.com, https://www-ancestrylibrary-com.ezproxy.lib.vt.edu/discoveryui-content/view/485537:1200

Acquisition information:
The collection was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in September 2019.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Allen Shortledge Letter completed July 2021.