Scope and Content From the Collection: This collection consists of a single letter written by Austin Glidden, a corporal in Company G, 23rd Massachusetts Infantry during the American Civil War. Addressed to Glidden's brother Benjamin, the letter was written at Newport News, Virginia on January 1, 1864. Glidden writes that he will soon be home on furlough and solicits his brother's assistance in securing an officer's commission: "Many who are no more fitted than I have received commissions through the efforts of influential...