This collection includes the Civil War reminiscences of Newton Thorne Kirk (1836-1909). Written between 1907 and 1909, this account was based on a war diary of Kirk's service with Company E, 26th Michigan Infantry. Wounded and made prisoner at the Battle of Spottsylvania Court House, he describes his experiences while in Confederate hands. He also comments on the inauguration of President Lincoln and on Michigan Governor Austin Blair.

Kirk's papers also include a certificate (1864) commissioning him Captain in the 127th U.S. Colored Infantry; two letters (1896,1897) describing a trip to India; a certificate of membership in the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States, Commander of the State of California; and a memorial pamphlet containing biographical information on Kirk.

Folders 1-3 have been added to the http://civilwar.archives.msu.edu/collection/7-1C-32/kirk website. Folder 4 is partially available on this website.