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Special Collections Research Center
William & Mary Special Collections Research CenterSteven Bookman, University Archives Specialist and Anne Johnson, Special Collections Assistant.
Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.
Collection is open to all researchers.
This collection was previously identified as Mss. Acc. 2014.103.
Craig Family Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.
Acc. 2014.103 was received by Special Collections from the donor on 5/21/2014.
Accessioned and minimally described by Steven Bookman, University Archives Specialist, in September 2014. Processing and description completed in September 2014 by Anne Johnson, Special Collections Assistant.
The Craig Family resided in Canton, Illinois during the American Civil War. Robert P. and Sarah Craig had two sons who fought for the Union in the Civil War, Albert and George, as well as other children.
Collection consists mostly of letters from Albert Clifton Craig to his parents, Robert and Sarah Craig in Canton, Illinois, while a private in the 2nd Illinois Light Artillery during the Civil War. The company is composed of men from the area of Canton and Peoria, Illinois, including Albert's uncle, William J. Gardner. Albert is a postilion and takes care of the horses. The company travels from Peoria, Illinois through Missouri to Pea Ridge, Arkansas, where Albert is injured in battle. Albert's letters tell the story of early recruitment, camp life, leadership troubles, a court martial, encounters with "secesh," fighting, battle injury, medical care and death during the Civil War.
The collection includes Indian Depredation Claims from the office of John Wedderburn, claims examiner in Washington, D.C., with completed claim forms and correspondence. William R. Hearst and the San Francisco Examiner established the "Examiner Bureau of Claims" in 1891 and appointed John Wedderburn as the head person.
The fragile nature of this material may limit handling.
A few letters are from family members about family news, but letters from Uncle Gardner [William J. Gardner] to Albert Craig concern fighting, commissions for the Peoria Light Artillery and the need for musicians to enlist. Albert's letters mention sickness and the many Dutchmen who have joined his company. He travels from Peoria to St. Charles, Missouri where he first encounters slavery and secession.
Albert's letters describe his marches or river travel to camps in Mexico, St. Louis, Jefferson City, Camp Thomas near Georgetown, Otterville, Springfield, Syracuse and Sedalia – all in Missouri. He mentions the penitentiary where there are men of all colors – Native American, Black and white – who are helping to build breastworks. He describes the clothing and condition of the Confederate prisoners. He tells about news of battles, particularly Lexington. In Syracuse, he sees the "Kansas Jayhawkers," a regiment of General Lane which includes many Black families.
Many letters concern the trial of Uncle Gardner because of a confrontation with an inebriated Captain. Gardner had been on a committee that investigated the poor condition of the uniforms supplied the soldiers. Albert moves from Otterville to Benton County, Arkansas. In March, he is shot in the hip at the Battle of Pea Ridge. He describes in detail his experience, from the shot at the battlefield to the hospital in the courthouse in Cassville, Missouri.
Letters from Albert Clifton Craig's father Robert to his family. Albert's father comes to Cassville and remains until Albert's death. He writes all the letters to the family about Albert's condition. After initial improvement, Albert dies on June 8, allegedly due to bedsores on his back and thigh. The remainder of the letters are from Albert's friends from home who are still in the Peoria Light Artillery. There is also a newspaper clipping with notice of Albert Craig's death (stating he died on June 7th).
Newspaper clipping about the Battle at Pea Ridge, Arkansas, which mentions Albert's injury. Two portrait photographs of men in uniform, both possibly of Albert Craig; one has 'Sheldon and Swymmer, 142 Canal St., New Orleans, La.' printed on verso.
Indian Depredation Claims from the office of John Wedderburn, claims examiner in Washington, D.C. Includes correspondence and completed claim forms which include date of event, property damaged or stolen, name of tribe, assessment and more. Claimants are Esther and Hans Carlston, J.H. Dickson, and Celia M. Farlee. Most claims date to the 1860s and 1870s.
Indian Depredation Claims from the office of John Wedderburn, claims examiner in Washington, D.C. Includes correspondence and completed claim forms which include date of event, property damaged or stolen, name of tribe, assessment and more. Claimants are R.B. Gay, Nancy T. Griffith, James McCain, B.F. Riley and Charles Yates. Most claims date to the 1860s and 1870s.