Archive of Civil War Era Naval Correspondence, 1860/1868

Location of collection:

University of Richmond

Rare Books and Special Collections

Boatwright Library

University of Richmond

28 Westhampton Way

Richmond, VA 23173

Contact for questions and access:

POC: Lynda Kachurek

Email: lkachure@richmond.edu

Email: jgwin@richmond.edu

Phone: (804) 289-8458

Fax: (804) 287-1840

Web: library.richmond.edu/collections/rare

Summary

Extent:

1.5 Linear Feet 1 clam shell box.

Abstract:

This collection contains 47 letters concerning naval matters during the American Civil War. Largely addressed to Captain (eventually Commodore) John R. Goldsborough, the letters are signed by high-ranking Union officers like Admiral Samuel Lee, Rear Admiral H. H. Bell, Admiral David Farragut, Admiral A. H. Foote, and Commodore R. B. Hitchcock. Topics covered by the letters include politics, the needs and movements of ships on blockade duty along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, illness at sea, the use of African Americans to replenish dwindling manpower, and more.

Language:

English

Background

Biographical / historical:

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Acquisition information:

Purchased in 2016.

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged into 2 series:

Series I: Letters Addressed to John R. Goldsborough

Physical facet:

47 letters of various length and sizes, on various papers.

Rules or conventions:

Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Related

Alternative form available:

Transcriptions of some of the letters are available within the corresponding series. Additionally, the library has made digital copies of 15 of the letters; these letters are marked with an asterisk in the collection inventory below.