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Letter, 1864

 File — Folder: 1

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

The collection contains a letter written by Joseph Rule from his camp at Petersburg, Virginia, December 15th, 1864 to his friend Silas. The letter details Rule's Company B, 50th New York Engineers involvement in the December, 1864 raid on the Weldon Railroad which was a major supply line for Robert E. Lee's Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. Rule writes that they had plenty to eat from the surrounding countryside including turkey, chicken, geese, and pigs. Applejack was drank by some cavalry and infantrymen accompanying the engineers. The engineers, including Rule, tore up 21 miles of track on the Weldon Railroad. On their return march they burned every house and barn on their way in retaliation. Rule writes, "I dont think that we would of burnt anything if the Rebbels had not brutily murdered some of our men on the line of march."

Dates

  • 1864

Creator

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Extent

From the Collection: 0.1 Cubic Feet (1 folder)

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech Repository

Contact:
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg Virginia 24061 US
540-231-6308