Glidden, Austin Letter Austin Glidden Letter, 1864 Ms.1989.075

Austin Glidden Letter, 1864 Ms.1989.075


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Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech

Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
Business Number: 540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu
URL: http://spec.lib.vt.edu

John M. Jackson

Repository
Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Identification
Ms.1989.075
Title
Austin Glidden Letter 1864
Quantity
0.1 Cubic Feet, 1 folder
Language
The materials in the collection are in English.
Abstract
Letter from Austin Glidden, a corporal in Company G, 23rd Massachusetts Infantry during the American Civil War, written at Newport News, Virginia on January 1, 1864, to his brother Benjamin, soliciting Benjamin's assistance in securing an officer's commission in a colored troops regiment.

Administrative Information

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

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Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Austin Glidden Letter, Ms1989-075, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The Austin Glidden Letter was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1989.

Processing Information

The processing and description of the Austin Glidden Letter commenced and was completed in February 2022.


Biographical / Historical

Austin Glidden, son of Joseph and Mary Hill Glidden, was born in Beverly (Essex County), Massachusetts on July 16, 1844. The 1860 federal census shows Austin Glidden living in the Beverly home of his parents and working as a shoemaker, as were his father and brothers. He enlisted as a private in Company G, 23rd Massachusetts Infantry on October 21, 1861. On January 17, 1863, Glidden was promoted to corporal, and he re-enlisted on December 2. Austin Glidden died of disease at New Bern, North Carolina on October 13, 1864, and was buried at Central Cemetery, Beverly.

Scope and Content

This collection consists of a single letter written by Austin Glidden, a corporal in Company G, 23rd Massachusetts Infantry during the American Civil War. Addressed to Glidden's brother Benjamin, the letter was written at Newport News, Virginia on January 1, 1864. Glidden writes that he will soon be home on furlough and solicits his brother's assistance in securing an officer's commission: "Many who are no more fitted than I have received commissions through the efforts of influential friends at home," Glidden writes. He suggests influential residents of Beverly, Massachusetts whom Benjamin might enlist in furthering his cause. Glidden notes that, with the organization by the governor of colored regiments, new officers will be needed. He then mentions others from his regiment who have received such commissions.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

  • Civil War
  • United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the Austin Glidden Letter by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).

General

This item had been purchased, accessioned, and originally cataloged as the Newport News, Virginia, Civil War Letter. Research on the letter's contents during processing revealed that the title Austin Glidden Letter would be more accurate. The letter, signed by "brother Austin," is addressed to "Brother Benjamin." Numerous sources show that Austin Glidden had an older brother named Benjamin (1839-1930). In the course of the letter, the writer mentions several residents of Beverly [Massachusetts], with whom he is acquainted, and the 1860 census places Austin Glidden in Beverly, Massachusetts. The writer notes that "Emilio," formerly of Company F, had become a major in the 55th Massachusetts; Luis Emilio of Company F, 23rd Massachusetts, later served in the 54th Massachusetts. He also refers twice to "Captain Raymond," and Captain John A. Raymond served in Company G, 23rd Massachuseets. Lastly, the writer notes his rank (corporal), which corresponds to that of Austin Glidden, 23rd Massachusetts. All of these items point to Glidden as the writer.

Container List

folder 1
Letter
1864