Andrew and Mary E. Burwell Letters

This collection consists of one-hundred seventeen photocopies of letters, poems, and a lock of hair; fifty-seven original letters; and fifty-four typescripts of dated and undated letters (one-hundred seventy five total papers) written between a Civil War soldier, Andrew Burwell and his wife Mary and his mother and sister. The letters range in date from September 7, 1864 to July 11, 1865.

There are forty-eight photocopies and twenty-eight original letters written by Mary. Her letters, for the most part, contain descriptions of her chores on the farm and financial arrangements. These letters give detailed impressions of life on the home front; women's greater sense of independence and responsibility in the absence of a male figure during times of war are explored. In one letter, Mary wishes that women had the privilege of voting. Her letters provide further insight into local sentiments toward the draft or taxes to avoid the draft. She also keeps her husband informed of who from their community has been drafted, killed, wounded, or returned home. Frequent references are made to newspaper reports on battles and guerilla activity. The importance of newspapers as an agent of propaganda and as a source of information during the Civil War may be better understood by reading these letters. Briefly mentioned are the mental problems of a returned soldier.

In terms of actual Civil War activity, Andrew's letters to his wife, of which there are fifty-five photocopies and twenty-seven originals, are more substantive. His letters mention important places, battles, and names of fellow soldiers. There are also nine photocopies and two original letters that are written to his family. His family consist of his mother, sister, and brother.

Andrew constantly is describing camp life; his descriptions span dwellings, rations, uniforms, cooking utensils, daily duties, and religious activities. Interestingly, his letters do not appear to have been censored; these letters often contained strategic information concerning troop movements, strategy, and supplies. He makes note of the numbers of Confederate soldiers who deserted. A detailed account of a Union deserter's execution is also given. Some of the places mentioned in Burwell's letters include Cedar Creek, Virginia, and Weldon Railroad and Hatcher's Run, Pennsylvania. Many of his comments pertain to his service in the Army of the Potomac in the Siege of Petersburg; Burwell saw most of his combat duty at the Siege of Petersburg, where he was stationed at Weldon Camp. Burwell also comments on City Point Hospital (Va.) where he was taken after being wounded at Petersburg. Burwell seems to have been impressed with the chaplain's role in the company; therefore, he included in the letters a detailed commentary on the Chaplain and the trust and responsibility delegated to such persons. Relations between Union and Confederate soldiers on the battlefield are also covered.

Of other interest is the insight these letters provide into the postal system during the Civil War. Also included is important information on the Civil War economy, not only at the national level but also in various states. Interestingly, no mention is made of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, who was shot, oddly enough, on Andrew Burwell's twenty-fourth birthday. (Burwell was stationed in Washington, D.C., when the assassination took place.) Burwell does, however, mention seeing President Johnson at a military parade in Washington, D.C.