Charles A. Townsend 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], Charles A. Townsend Letter, 1898, Ms2022-009, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Townsend, Charles A.
Abstract:
This collection contains a short letter from Charles A. Townsend, chief clerk of the United States of America, while at Guantánamo, Cuba, on August 14, 1898, during the Spanish American War, to his brother, Joseph Townsend. The letter discusses events during the Spanish-American War in Puerto Rico, including racist remarks about the "colored" troops fighting in 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], Charles A. Townsend Letter, 1898, Ms2022-009, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains a short letter from Charles A. Townsend, Chief Clerk of the United States, while at Guantánamo, Cuba, on August 14, 1898, to his brother, Joseph Townsend in Colorado City, Texas, detailing events about the Spanish American War with remarks about the causalities during the "invasion of Puerto Rico" and the actions of Theodore Roosevelt at San Juan Hill. Charles hopes to reunite with his brother soon. The end of the letter contains racist remarks about the "colored" troops participating in the war.

N.B.: The document contains offensive and racist language.

Biographical / historical:

There is not much information to identify Charles A. Townsend. A Charles A. Townsend enlisted as a private in the U. S. Army's 9th Infantry, Company C, enlisting on December 7, 1897. A Charles A. Townsend served in the 8th Infantry.

Sources:

"Charles A. Townsend" entry in the database "U.S., Returns from Regular Army Infantry Regiments, 1821-1916", Ancestry.com, from the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)'s "Returns from Regular Army Infantry Regiments, June 1821 - December 1916", Microfilm Serial: M665; Roll: 106, https://www-ancestrylibrary-com.ezproxy.lib.vt.edu/discoveryui-content/view/13066435:2229

"Charles A Townsend" entry in the U.S., Returns from Regular Army Infantry Regiments, 1821-1916, Ancestry.com, https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/discoveryui-content/view/13407928:2229

Acquisition information:
This collection was acquired by Special Collections and University Archives prior to 2012.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Charles A. Townsend Letter was completed in April 2022.