Francis M. and Henry H. Stone Collection

Binghamton University - Binghamton University Libraries

Letter from Francis M. Stone to Alta Stone, January 1861 - Image Source

Collection Facts

Extent:

Dates of Original:

c. 1860 - 1870

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Historical Context

The American Civil War was fought between the years 1861 - 1865 between the Union (the North half of the country) and the Confederates (the South half of the country). The war began over the disagreements between the North and South regarding slavery. The Civil War is known for having more American deaths in a war than any other war America has been a part of. People from both halves of the nation joined this battle, both voluntarily and through a draft. Francis M. and Henry H. Stone were two brothers who were in the 27th Regiment of the New York Volunteer Infantry and the 1st Regiment New York Veteran Cavalry. The brothers were from Lima, in Livingston County, New York. These two soldiers participated in some of the most important battles, Bull Run, Manassas, Martinsburg and Richmond.

Scope of Collection

The Francis M. and Henry H. Stone Collection contain twenty-one letters written by the two brothers while they were in the 27th Regiment of the New York Volunteer Infantry and the 1st Regiment New York Veteran Cavalry. The brothers were from Lima, in Livingston County, New York. The letters home are to their father, sister Alta, and brother George. and are from 1861-1864. These letters are full of rich details concerning officers of the U.S. Army, battle positions taken up, troop strengths and movements, and capture of prisoners. These two soldiers participated in some of the most important battles, Bull Run, Manassas, Martinsburg and Richmond. The letters also furnish information about daily life for soldiers, limited food rations, bad conditions and illness within the camps and barracks.