The Daniel Ludlow Thompson Papers, 1862-1961 (bulk 1862-1865).

ArchivalResource

Thompson, David Ludlow, 1837-1926. The Daniel Ludlow Thompson Papers, 1862-1961 (bulk 1862-1865).

The Daniel Ludlow Thompson Papers, 1862-1961 (bulk 1862-1865).

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/479322855

The Daniel Ludlow Thompson Papers consist primarily of letters Thompson sent to his mother, Keturah Sayre Thompson, and his friend, Elias Fairchild, relating his experiences in battle during the American Civil War, inquiring about friends and relations at home, and asking to be sent clothing, food, and reading materials. Housed with each letter is a transcript provided by the donor that has been photocopied onto archival quality paper. The reader is cautioned against editorial mistakes in the transcripts. The "original" transcripts (i.e. those not printed on archival quality paper) are housed in a binder in Box 2, along with the wooden spoon carved by Thompson while he was held as a prisoner of war. A letter written from a prisoner of war camp in Richmond (Va.) in October 1862 describes his experiences at Antietam. The collection includes a wooden spoon which he carved in Libby Prison. Other letters, written while he was serving with the 9th New York (Hawkins' Zouaves), and later with the 3rd New York, describe army life, mainly in Virginia and South Carolina, and discuss news of family and friends, with occasional political comments. A letter dated August 1863 describes his time in an army hospital in Portsmouth (Va.). He writes vividly and with wit about the weather, the meagre and inedible rations, the ill-fitting garments provided by the U.S. Sanitary Commission, his poor attempts to mend his clothing, his scurvy, and his troubles with lice and other vermin.

0.7 linear feet (2 boxes)

Churchill County Museum