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Campbell family papers

 Collection
Identifier: c-00182

Scope and Contents

The Campbell family papers consist primarily of Civil War letters from Alexander and Allen Campbell to their father, John, in Groveland, Michigan. The Campbell brothers joined the 1st Michigan engineers and served for the most part in Tennessee, where they helped build bridges and repair railroads. The letters discuss their experiences and home matters as well as recruitment and opposition to the draft. Their regiment later joined Sherman for his March to the Sea. In one letter Allen describes his part in the burning of Atlanta and the march through Georgia and the Carolinas.

Two other sons of John Campbell fought in the Civil War. George joined the 30th Michigan in early 1865 and was mustered out when the war ended. His brother James also enlisted and was sent to Texas on garrison duty. He remained in the Army through 1866, and letters from his brothers advise him to be patient and get through his service as cheerfully as possible.

Also included in the collection are several letters to John Campbell from business associates in New York. One letter (December 31, 1860) speculates about the possible effects of the Southern States' secession on business. Another, dated December 18, 1861, evaluates the impact of the war thus far and the possibility of British intervention.

Some photocopies have been included in place of original letters.

Dates

  • Creation: 1860 - 1866

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish material from this collection must be obtained from University Archives & Historical Collections, Michigan State University.

Biographical Note

The Campbell brothers, Alexander and Allen Campbell (sons of John Campbell), enlisted in Company F, 1st Michigan engineers (October 1861) and served for the most part in Tennessee, where they helped build bridges and repair railroads. Their regiment later joined Sherman on his March to the Sea. Both mustered out in September 1865 at Nashville, Tennessee.

Two other sons of John Campbell fought in the Civil War. George joined the 30th Michigan (Company I) in early 1865 and was mustered out when the war ended (June 1865). His brother James also enlisted in 1865 (Company E, Michigan 3rd Infantry) and was sent to Texas on garrison duty. He remained in the Army until April 1866.

Extent

0.1 Cubic Feet (, 4 folders)

Language of Materials

English

Custodial History

Gift of Al Hurd, 1964-05-00. Transferred by Michigan State University Museum.

Legal Status

Copyright: Michigan State University Property Rights: Michigan State University

Title
Campbell Family Papers
Status
4 Published And Cataloged
Date
May 1964
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the University Archives and Historical Collections Repository

Contact:
Conrad Hall
943 Conrad Road, Room 101
East Lansing MI 48824 US
517-355-2330