Edward L. Chatfield letters

Approximately 110 letters written by Edward L. Chatfield during his time fighting with the American Army in the Western Theater of the Ameican Civil War war and after his escape from prison. Letters are very detailed in nature and Chatfield talks about the army camps, conditions, his fellow soldiers, fighting, etc. There are several letters written by his father, mother, and brothers. There are also several poems written by Chatfield and a sketch he did of Henry Wirz. Each letter is accompanied by a full transcript (completed by the donors).

There is also a 40-page mimeograph of an unpublished work written by Chatfield's friend and fellow soldier in Company B, Riley Beach ("Recollections and Diary Extracts" dated 1919). Also included is a quantity of accompanying documents and photographs and a DVD with high-resolution scans of all letters and surviving envelopes.

Some of the letters are written on patriotic stationery (noted in finding aid and on folder).