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Harold J. Eaton Memoir

 Collection
Identifier: Ms-2023-018

Scope and Content

This collection contains a memoir written by Corporal Harold J. Eaton, a Union soldier. Inside the front cover Eaton writes, “a sketch of Army life, or Army days and nights on the battlefield". In the memoir, Eaton discusses his personal experience during the Civil War. The memoir begins in May 1864 after the Battle of Spotsylvania and continues through the end of his service in the war. Towards the end of the memoir he notes the battles that were included in the memoir. These are the Battle of Spotsylvania, the Battle of North-Anna, the Battle of Gaines Mills, the Battle of Bethesda-Church, the Battle of Cold Harbor, and the Battle of Petersburg. Eaton also discusses other aspects of military life including marches, interaction with officers, and interactions with local residents. Eaton also briefly discusses General Grant’s headquarters. The last pages of the memoir are filled with poetry written by Eaton and other Union soldiers.

Dates

  • 1864 - 1865

Creator

Language of Materials

The materials in this collection are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for 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

Harold J. Eaton was a Corporal in the Union Army during the Civil War. Eaton served in Company E of the 11th Regiment of the New Hampshire Volunteers. During the war Eaton fought in a number of the most important battles. These were the battles of Fredericksburg, Vicksburg, Jackson, Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North-Anna, Bethesda-Church, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg. Eaton’s service in the war came to an end on June 16th, 1864 when he was wounded during the Battle of Petersburg. Eaton spent the remainder of the war in hospitals before being mustered out on May 25, 1865.

Extent

0.1 Cubic Feet (1 folder)

Abstract

This collection contains a memoir written by Corporal Harold J. Eaton, a Union soldier. In the memoir, Eaton discusses several aspects of military life during the Civil War, including battles and marches.

Source of Acquisition

The Harold J. Eaton Memoir was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in April 2017.

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the Harold J. Eaton Memoir 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 Harold J. Eaton Memoir was completed in May 2023.

Title
Harold J. Eaton Memoir, 1864-1865
Status
Completed
Author
Tyler Williams, Student Assistant
Date
2023 (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