Reuben Kirk Correspondence
An inventory of the collection at Syracuse University
Finding aid created by: EFB
Date: Apr 1971
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| 25 Apr 2010 | converted to EAD (MRC) |
Finding aid created by: EFB
Date: Apr 1971
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|
| 25 Apr 2010 | converted to EAD (MRC) |
Overview of the Collection |
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| Creator: | Kirk, Reuben. |
| Title: | Reuben Kirk Correspondence |
| Dates: | 1863-1865 |
| Quantity: | 0.25 linear ft. |
| Abstract: | Union soldier from Vermont. Collection contains correspondence with his wife, Mary, concerning camp life, life on campaign, battles, and the election of 1864. |
| Language: | English |
| Repository: | Special Collections Research Center, Syracuse University Libraries 222 Waverly Avenue Syracuse, NY 13244-2010 https://library.syracuse.edu/special-collections-research-center |
Reuben Kirk (fl. 1865) was a native of Springfield, Vermont and a soldier in the Union Army. He volunteered in 1863 and served as a private at the battle of Chancellorsville that same year; in General Philip Sheridan's campaign in the Shenandoah Valley in 1864; and in General Grant's campaign against Richmond and Petersburg, 1864-1865.
The Reuben Kirk Correspondence consists of letters written by Kirk to his wife Mary. With two exceptions, dated July 12 and 13, 1864, all the letters are written from locations in Virginia.
The letters contain descriptions of life in the Union Army camps and on campaigns, descriptions of battles, and comments on such things as the religious life of the army and the presidential election of 1864. Campaigns mentioned include the Battle of Chancellorsville, General Philip Sheridan's campaign in the Shenandoah Valley in 1864, and General Grant's campaign against Richmond and Petersburg, 1864-1865.
The letters indicate that Private Kirk was deeply religious, and his beliefs find expression in almost every letter. His attachment to his wife and daughter is also evident.
Letters are arranged chronologically.
Access Restrictions:
The majority of our archival and manuscript collections are housed offsite and require advanced notice for retrieval. Researchers are encouraged to contact us in advance concerning the collection material they wish to access for their research.
Use Restrictions:
Written permission must be obtained from SCRC and all relevant rights holders before publishing quotations, excerpts or images from any materials in this collection.
Special Collections Research Center has numerous collections of Civil War soldiers and officers. Please refer to the SCRC Subject Index for a complete listing.
Persons
Kirk, Mary C., fl. 1864.
Kirk, Reuben.
Sheridan, Philip Henry, 1831-1888.
Corporate Bodies
United States. -- Army -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Sources.
Subjects
Cedar Creek, Battle of, Va., 1864.
Chancellorsville, Battle of, Chancellorsville, Va., 1863.
Shenandoah Valley Campaign, 1864 (August-November)
Shenandoah Valley Campaign, 1864 (May-August)
Soldiers -- United States.
Spotsylvania Court House, Battle of, Va., 1864.
Wilderness, Battle of the, Va., 1864.
Winchester, 3rd Battle of, Winchester, Va., 1864.
Places
Petersburg (Va.) -- History -- Siege, 1864-1865.
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Campaigns -- Sources.
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives.
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Religious aspects.
United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Sources.
United States -- History, Military -- To 1900 -- Sources.
Vermont -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865.
Virginia -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865.
Genres and Forms
Correspondence.
Occupations
Soldiers.
Preferred Citation
Preferred citation for this material is as follows:
Reuben Kirk Letters,
Special Collections Research Center,
Syracuse University Libraries
Correspondence
| Correspondence | |||||||||||
| Box 1 | Letters 1863-1865, undated (4 folders) | ||||||||||
| Box 1 | Envelopes | ||||||||||