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Theodore Winthrop Papers

 Collection
Identifier: Ms-2021-004

Scope and Content

This collection contains an original poem in the hand of Theodore Winthrop, a poet who volunteered at the outset of the American Civil War. In these original verses, he seems to not only portend the cloud of Civil War – but his own demise. The poem comprises of one leaf, with draft portions of a different poem on each side, with some changes and alternate phrases. This collection also includes Winthrop's original signature and a period envelope that depicts his memorial.

Dates

  • 1861, undated

Creator

Language of Materials

The materials in the collection are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing 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

Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Theodore Winthrop (1828-1861) was the son of Francis Bayard Winthrop and Elizabeth Woolsey. After studying at Yale and spending time writing novels and short stories, Winthrop enlisted in the 7th New York Regiment at the beginning of the American Civil War in 1861. After being appointed to General Benjamin Butler's staff with the rank of major, he was killed during the first land engagement of the war at Big Bethel, Virginia, a short distance from the city of Hampton. His unpublished novels were published postumulusly, including "Cecil Dreeme", "John Brent", and "Edwin Brothertoft", among others. Overall, his writings gained critical success after his death.

Source:

Extent

0.1 Cubic Feet (1 folder)

Abstract

This collection contains an original poem written in the hand of Theodore Winthrop, the first Union officer killed in the American Civil War. Verses describe the great importance and coming destruction and suffering that the war will bring. This collection also includes Winthrop's original signature and a period envelope that depicts his memorial. Born in 1828 and a graduate of Yale, Winthrop volunteered in 1861 with the 7th New York Regiment. After being made a major on the staff of General Benjamin Butler, he was killed at the battle of Big Bethel, VA on 10 June 1861. Winthrop's poems and unpublished novels recieved great attention following his death.

Source of Aquisition

The Theodore Winthrop Papers were purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in October 2019.

Related Archival Materials

The New York Public Library maintains the Theodore Winthrop Papers.

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the Theodore Winthrop Papers 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, arrangement, and description of the Theodore Winthrop Papers were completed in July 2021.

Title
Theodore Winthrop Papers, 1861, undated
Status
Completed
Author
Miles Abernethy, Student Worker
Date
2021 (CC0 1.0)
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