Use Restrictions

Permission to publish material from Henry Close Letter must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.

Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Henry Close Letter, Ms2012-024, Special Collections, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va.

Acquisition Information

The collection was purchased by Special Collections in December 2011.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Henry Close Letter was completed in June 2012.

Biographical Note

Federal census records suggest Hannah was Henry Close's older sister. They appear to have also had a younger brother. Oliver P. Bennett and Hanna Close were married before 1860 and had at least 6 children prior to 1880.

Scope and Content

The collection consists of a letter from Henry Close to Oliver P. and Hannah Bennett on the 31st of January, 1864. Close writes of his recent illness (typhoid) and the lack of good wages for work. He also complains about Lincoln and the Civil War, shares some local war news, and describes his desire to avoid military service. Close says that "this is a damned licoln War and any body that Will fight for Lincoln is not better than a damed black abolishinish."

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Bennett, Hannah, b.1836(?)
• Bennett, Oliver P., b.1832(?)
• Civil War
• United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865