Robert Dickinson papers, 1862.

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Robert Dickinson papers, 1862.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/732093564

Letters relating to Dickinson's Confederate service during the Civil War, his military leadership, battles, and camp life; majority of letters written from Camp Ford in Charleston, S.C. to his wife Amanda in Darlington District, S.C.; includes several letters from Amanda Dickinson reporting news from the home front. Affidavit, 14 Mar. 1862, signed by Confederate soldiers attesting that they were coerced into petition demanding resignation of First Lieutenant Robert Dickinson and were well satisfied with his leadershipl letter, 19 May and 2 July 1862, to Amanda reporting high prices in Charleston, S.C., re disposition of Union fleet blockading Charleston Harbor, complaining of "sand flies" and mosquitoes, locating Confederate infantry and artillery on Morris Island, describing reaction to news of the deafeat of Union forces lead by Major General George B. McClellan on the Peninsular Campaign, "when the news was announced in Charleston all the forts after hearing it turned loose a salute of at least ten guns each, and letter reporting escape of the steamer Planter "with several negroes and one white man on board," [during which ship's pilot Robert Smalls and his family crossed Union lines and escaped slavery to report on local geography of the coast of Beaufort District, S.C.]. Letter, dated 6 June 1862, re account of activities on James Island, S.C., where a Union force had landed near Legare's plantation, reviewing an engagement in which twenty Union soldiers were taken prisoner, describing the appearance of the prisoners, "they were a good looking set of men all young and well-built and rosy faces," stating that there were no Massachusetts men among them, "they all run at the sight of our boys. The prisoners were Pennsylvanians and farmers at home.. there is not one genuine Yankee among them," and reporting the prisoners' reaction to the "good treatment" accorded them, "we had been represented as cut throats and barbarians to them." Letter, 23 June 1862, re Battle of Secessionville (First Battle of James Island) on June 16, an engagement in which Union troops entrenched at Grimball's Landing, "They came to take the Battery all stimulated with Whiskey and desire to eat Supper in Charleston," reporting that he had become ill and was staying at the Pavilion Hotel, mentioning that his regiment moved to Morris Island. Incomplete letter, 29 July 1862, from Amanda Dickinson in Darlington, S.C., re news of their children, rising prices, and requesting that he obtain some cloth from which she could make clothes for him and for the children. Letter, 26 Aug. 1862, from Amanda thanking him for sending money, news of friends and relatives, looking forward to his visit, and reporting that Carrie Brunson wanting two paintings. Letter, 31 Aug. 1862, from Amanda relating family activities, her expenditures, a report on the crops.

8 items.

University of South Carolina, System Library Service, University Libraries

Information

SNAC Resource ID: 8102744

University of South Carolina, System Library Service, University Libraries

Related Entities

There are 3 Entities related to this resource.

Smalls, Robert, 1839-1915

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6jx955t (person)

Robert Smalls (April 5, 1839 – February 23, 1915) was an American politician, publisher, businessman, and naval pilot. Born into slavery in Beaufort, South Carolina, he freed himself, his crew, and their families during the American Civil War by commandeering a Confederate transport ship, CSS Planter, in Charleston harbor, on May 13, 1862, and sailing it from Confederate-controlled waters of the harbor to the U.S. blockade that surrounded it. He then piloted the ship to the Union-controlled encl...

McClellan, George B. (George Brinton), 1826-1885

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6fs0m24 (person)

George Brinton McClellan (December 3, 1826 – October 29, 1885) was an American soldier, civil engineer, railroad executive, and politician who served as the 24th Governor of New Jersey. A graduate of West Point, McClellan served with distinction during the Mexican–American War (1846–1848), and later left the Army to work on railroads until the outbreak of the American Civil War (1861–1865). Early in the conflict, McClellan was appointed to the rank of major general and played an important role i...

Dickinson, Robert, b. 1830.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6bs1sd4 (person)

Confederate officer whose service began in 1862, as lieutenant, later promoted to captain in 21st Regiment of the South Carolina Infantry Regiment, a unit with men chiefly from the Pee Dee region of the state. From the description of Robert Dickinson papers, 1862. (University of South Carolina). WorldCat record id: 732093564 ...