Luther M. Fairbank letters, 1862-1893 (bulk 1862-1863).

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Luther M. Fairbank letters, 1862-1893 (bulk 1862-1863).

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/265700436

Fairbank writes to his sister, Julia, while stationed at Camp Seward in Pittsfield, Mass., Ship Island, Miss., Fort Jackson, La., New Orleans, La., Camp Norwood in New Orleans, La., Greenville, Miss., and Donaldsonville, La. He describes the Union bombardment of Fort Jackson in 1862; the arrival of Union forces in New Orleans, their looting of the post office, reception by civilians and their soliciting soldiers for food. He reports the existence of Unionists in New Orleans and that the citizens are impressed with General Butler's ability to maintain order. He also mentions Butler's hanging of a man for removing the American flag from the U.S. Mint, stripping the 7th Vermont Infantry of its colors for cowardice at the Battle of Baton Rouge, and employing slaves on a nearby sugar plantation. He also claims civilians support Butler's General Order No. 28 calling for an end to harassment of Union soldiers by women in the city. From both Camp Norwood and Fort Jackson, Fairbank mentions Confederate and New Orleans secessionist prisoners. Fairbank also condemns northern newspapers for inaccurate reporting, especially concerning the Union occupation of New Orleans. He frequently comments on the easy life of soldiers compared to farmers and describes fellow soldiers' attempts to escape duty by feigning illness. His letters further relate camp life. Undated letter (possibly June 1863) written on stationery featuring a printed map of New Orleans. Fairbank numbered locations on the map and provided a legend. Locations include landing site of the 31st Massachusetts, their route into the city, and soldiers' quarters. Oversize letter dated November 21 - 25, 1863, describes weather and refers to playing ten pins, consolidation of companies D and E, visiting the theatre without permission, and Thanksgiving dinner.

35 items.

Louisiana State University, LSU Libraries

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SNAC Resource ID: 7165393

Louisiana State University, LSU Libraries

Related Entities

There are 5 Entities related to this resource.

United States. Army. Vermont Infantry Regiment, 7th (1862-1866)

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United States. Army. Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, 26th (1861-1865)

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United States. Army. Native Guard Infantry Regiment, 2nd (1862-1863)

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Fairbank, Luther M. (Luther Monroe), b. 1841.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6jq2ds2 (person)

Fairbank was a farm laborer from Ware, Mass. He enlisted in late 1861 as a private in Company D of the 31st Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. The regiment was organized in Pittsfield, Mass., in late 1861, and served predominantly in the Department of the Gulf. Fairbank's regiment escorted General Benjamin Butler into New Orleans, the first Union regiment to march into the city after its surrender. The regiment was mustered out in Sept. 1865. Fairbank returned to Mass. where he worked as a carpent...

Butler, Benjamin Franklin, 1818-1893

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6pz5cdh (person)

Benjamin Franklin Butler was born in Deerfield, New Hampshire, the sixth and youngest child of John Butler and Charlotte Ellison Butler. His father served under General Andrew Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812 and later became a privateer, dying of yellow fever in the West Indies not long after Benjamin was born. He was named after Founding Father Benjamin Franklin. His elder brother, Andrew Jackson Butler (1815–1864), would serve as a colonel in the Union Army during t...