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Henry M. Bond Letter

 Collection
Identifier: Ms-1988-075

Scope and Content

This collection consists of a single letter written by Henry M. Bond, of Company B, 45th Massachusetts Infantry during the American Civil War. Writing to "My Dear George" from Camp Armory on the Trent, on January 24, 1863, Bond describes a recent reconnaissance to the Trenton, North Carolina vicinity and a march to Young's. Along the way, Bond shares his opinion of the environs ("North Carolina as a whole I think must be a wretched old bog hole or sand heap [and] in itself not worth fighting for.") He describes being fed by a family of local Union sympathizers and of a march back to camp in heavy rain. Bond complains of being too busy to read his Bible (though he has attended prayer meetings) and of not being among the troops ordered to join an upcoming expedition ("I want much to see a large fight [and] be in it especially if it is destined to Charleston.")

Dates

  • 1863

Creator

Language of Materials

The materials in the collection are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open to research.

Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Biographical Note

Henry May Bond, son of George W. and Sophia Augusta May Bond, was born in Massachusetts on April 3, 1836. Prior to the Civil War, Bond lived in Roxbury, Massachusetts, where he worked as a publisher and was also a member o fthe First Corps of Cadets of Massachusetts. He enlisted in the 45th Massachusetts (the "Cadet Regiment") on September 12, 1862, and served as an orderly sergeant in Company B. Following the mustering out of the 45th, Bond served as lieutenant and adjutant in the 20th Massachusetts Infantry. Henry M. Bond died on May 15, 1864, from wounds received at the Battle of the Wilderness.

The 45th Massachusetts Infantry (aka 45th Massachusetts Volunteer Militia) was formed from the First Corps of Cadets of Massachusetts. Mustered into Federal service on September 26, 1862, the regiment trained at Camp Meigs (Readville, Massachusetts), then was ordered to North Carolina, where the regiment fought in the Battle of Kinston (December, 1862) and in various actions in the vicinity of New Bern the following spring. The regiment was ordered in June, 1863, to Boston, to patrol the streets. The 45th Massachusetts was mustered out of service on July 21, 1863.

Extent

0.1 Cubic Feet (1 folder)

Abstract

Letter from Henry M. Bond, of Company B, 45th Massachusetts Infantry (aka 45th Massachusetts Volunteer Militia) during the American Civil War. Bond describes his regiment's recent movements, to Trent, Pollacksville, and Young's; marching through the rain; and his opinion of North Carolina.

Source of Acquisition

The Henry M. Bond Letter was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1988.

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the Henry M. Bond Letter by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/).

Processing Information

The processing and description of the Henry M. Bond Letter commenced and was completed in April, 2021.

Title
Henry M. Bond Letter, 1863
Status
Completed
Author
John M. Jackson
Date
2021 (CC0 1.0)
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Revision Statements

  • 2020-08-25: Finding aid notes updated to new department standards. juliags
  • 2021-03-29: LM Rozema added missing notes for an unprocessed collection, added FA title, added FA date from EAD, and added component with instances previously attached to collection level.

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