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[identification of item], [box #, folder #], William B. Durie Letter, 1864, SC 0013, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA.
James Madison University Special Collections Library acquired this document at auction from Cohasco, Inc in January 2016.
William Brittin Durie (1840-1916) enlisted as a private in the Union Army on August 28, 1862. On September 17, 1862 Private Durie was mustered into Company B, 30th New Jersey Infantry Division. On June, 27, 1862 he was mustered out of service in Flemington, New Jersey. Durie was promoted to Corporal on April 12, 1863. On October 6, 1864 Durie was mustered into Company C, 39th New Jersey Infantry Division in which he served out the remainder of the war. He was mustered out of service again on June 17, 1865. Following the war, Durie remained in New Jersey until his death on January 16, 1916. William signed this particular letter as "W.B." All official documentation of Durie reference his given name - "William." Spelling variations of his surname include Durrie and Duryee.
This letter, dated December 27, 1864, was written by Cpl. William B. Durie to his "Dear Sister" during the Siege of Petersburg. This letter gives a glimpse at camp life during late 1864. Durie is writing shortly after Christmas to inform his sister that he is alive and well. He goes on to describe the conditions of the camp and the front, as well as details on his state of being. He tells her of the cold weather that the men are enduring during the Siege of Petersburg during Christmas. Durie also informs his sister of his ongoing dental problems and that his tooth was pulled the day before Christmas. Durie mentions that his paper supply is running low with only four pieces remaining. He also reveals some personal details when he informs his sister that he no longer has money to send to her, only having twenty-five cents remaining.
One letter housed in a legal folder.