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William S. Tippett Letter

 Collection
Identifier: Ms-2013-060

Scope and Content

The collection consists of a single letter from Sgt William S. Tippett to his wife, Maggie. Written from a parole camp in Annapolis, Maryland, the letter opens with Tippett's comments on news from home. A majority of the letter, however,details his stay in Belle Island prison (Richmond) from September 1863 until early March 1864. In particular, he describes the food (or lack of) and the poor conditions.

Dates

  • 1864 - 1864

Creator

Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

Use Restrictions

Permission to publish material from William S. Tippett Letter must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.

Biographical Note

William Tippett was born about 1836. Family records suggest he may have been born in Baltimore, MD, while enlistment records suggest he may have been born in Bath County, VA. Prior to the Civil War, he worked as a painter. Tippett enlisted with Company I, 1st West Virginia Infantry in October 1861. He was wounded at Winchester in March 1862; promoted in November 1862; captured at Moorefield, VA, in September 1863; a POW at Belle Island until March 1864; and at parole camp in MD until May 1864.

Extent

0.1 Cubic Feet (1 folder)

Language of Materials

English

Acquisition Information

The William S. Tippett Letter was purchased by Special Collections in May 2012.

Related Materials

The Library of Virginia is home to six diaries kept by William S. Tippett from 1861-1864. See website for more details.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the William S. Tippett Letter was completed in December 2013.

Title
William S. Tippett Letter, 1864
Status
Completed
Author
Kira A. Dietz, Archivist
Date
© 2013 Virginia Tech. All rights reserved.
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

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