Lewis H. Brown Collection

Binghamton University - Binghamton University Libraries

Letter from L.H. Brown to Burritt Brown, 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. Lewis Brown served in the 27th New York Regiment of the Volunteer Infantry from 1861-1863, while Burritt Brown and Al Ransom were in the 168th New York Regiment of Volunteer Infantry from 1862-1863. They all re-enlisted in the 1st New York Veteran Cavalry in 1864 and continued with this regiment until the war’s end. They were all residents of Broome County, New York.

Scope of Collection

The Lewis H. Brown Collection consists of sixty-four letters written by Lewis Henry Brown, Lewis’ brother Burritt Brown, and Albert Ransom, Burritt Brown’s friend and tent-mate. They were residents of Binghamton, Broome County, NY. The letters, written to family members, date from 1861-1863 and 1865. The letters provide insight into daily life in the camps, troop movements, and military engagements, with mention of the First Battle of Bull Run, General McDowell’s advance on Fredericksburg and the siege at Yorktown, VA. The majority of the letters were written by Lewis Brown.