Jonathan B. Labrant papers

Correspondence between Jonathan Labrant and his wife Mary Melissa and his parents and siblings (chiefly between 1862 and 1864), miscellaneous letters addressed to the Labrants, photographs and documents. One letter is in German.

Jonathan Labrant's Civil War letters cover his service in Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas, including encouters with fugitive slaves, "black rebels," and Confederacy sympathizers, and discuss military actions, camp life - rations, inspections, drills, etc., recruiting in Illinois in 1863, and war news. His correspondence with other veterans of the 58th Regiment includes discussions of the history of the regiment and current political affairs. His wife's letters give updates on friends and family, local news, and describe challenges faced by a young mother running a household.