The collection is open for research.
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.
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Albert O. Stratton Journal, Ms2021-012, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
The Albert O. Stratton Journal was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in September 2019.
The processing, arrangement, and description of the Albert O. Stratton Journal was completed July 2021.
Albert O. Stratton (1839-1915) was born in Leominster, Massachusetts. Stratton enlisted as a private in D Company, 37th Massachusetts Infantry when it was organized in Pittsfield on August 30, 1862, during the American Civil War. Stratton served with the unit through several campaigns including, but not limited to, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and the Overland. During this time, Stratton was promoted to corporal. He survived the war, and married Jennie L. Stone, with whom he had four children and lived in Lunenburg, Massachusetts. He recieved an invalid pension throughout his later life. The family moved to Cheshire, Connecticut, by 1900, and Albert is buried there along with his wife.
Sources:
This collection contains the journal of Corporal Albert O. Stratton, that he kept while serving with Company D, 37th Regiment Massachusetts Infantry, during the 1864-1865 Siege of Petersburg, Virginia, during the American Civil War. The fourty-page diary portion starts on January 1 and ends on January 31, 1865. Stratton describes the daily life of a soldier during the siege: interactions with friends and superiors, skirmishes and battles with the Confederate defenders, learning news from other Union armies, and other experiences. The remaining fifty-five pages consist of various notes, thoughts, and reflections on the war, as well as poetry and short stories.
The guide to the Albert O. Stratton Journal by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/).