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
Kira A. Dietz, Archivist
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.
Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction . Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication . Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.
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], John McJellison Papers, Ms2010-059, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
Source of Acquisition
The John McJellison Papers were purchased by Special Collections in March 2010. They were found mixed in with the John W. Jellison Papers, Ms2010-057.
Processing Information
The processing, arrangement, and description of the John McJellison Papers commenced and was completed in July 2010.
Biographical Note
During the American Civil War, John McJellison was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in Company K, 27th Regiment, Maine Infantry, on September 17, 1862. He mustered out with the regiment in June 1863.
The 27th Maine was notable for soldiers voluntarily staying beyond their original enlistment period in 1863 to guard Washington D.C. against Lee's offensive into Pennsylvania. However, these volunteers only remained in defense of the capitol for four days and returned to Maine in time to muster out with the rest of the regiment. Still, Congress awarded the entire regiment of more than 850 men the Medal of Honor. The awards were purged by Congress in 1917 as the "actions of the regiment did not meet the criteria for receiving such a medal." Although the medals were not taken away, the names of the recipients were stricken from the roll.
Scope and Content
This collection contains John McJellison's commission papers to serve as Second Lieutenant in Company K, 27th Regiment, Maine Infantry, as well as a letter to McJellison from his nephew, during the American Civil War. McJellison's commission papers are signed by the Secretary of State for Maine, Joseph B. Hall, and the Maine Adjutant General, John L. Hodsdon. The other item is a letter from McJellison's nephew, Horatio E. Goodwin, a private in the 2nd Regiment, Massachusetts Infantry. Stationed in Maryland, Goodwin writes of war news he has heard, and picket and camp duties.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged in chronological order.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
- Civil War
- McJellison, John (Company K, 27th Regiment, Maine Infantry)
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865
Rights Statement for Archival Description
The guide to the John McJellison Papers by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).