Campbell Family Papers
c.00182

Summary Information

Repository
Michigan State University Archives and Historical Collections
Creator
Campbell family, (John Campbell)
Title
Campbell family papers
ID
c.00182
Date [inclusive]
1860-1866
Extent
0.1 Cubic feet , 4 folders
Language
English

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: "Item title, Collection title, Collection Identifier, Michigan State University Archives & Historical Collections, East Lansing,Michigan".

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Biographical Note

The Campbell brothers, Alexander and Allen Campbell (sons of John Campbell), enlisted in Company F, 1st Michigan engineers (October 1861) and served for the most part in Tennessee, where they helped build bridges and repair railroads. Their regiment later joined Sherman on his March to the Sea. Both mustered out in September 1865 at Nashville, Tennessee.

Two other sons of John Campbell fought in the Civil War. George joined the 30th Michigan (Company I) in early 1865 and was mustered out when the war ended (June 1865). His brother James also enlisted in 1865 (Company E, Michigan 3rd Infantry) and was sent to Texas on garrison duty. He remained in the Army until April 1866.

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Scope and Contents note

The Campbell family papers consist primarily of Civil War letters from Alexander and Allen Campbell to their father, John, in Groveland, Michigan. The Campbell brothers joined the 1st Michigan engineers and served for the most part in Tennessee, where they helped build bridges and repair railroads. The letters discuss their experiences and home matters as well as recruitment and opposition to the draft. Their regiment later joined Sherman for his March to the Sea. In one letter Allen describes his part in the burning of Atlanta and the march through Georgia and the Carolinas.

Two other sons of John Campbell fought in the Civil War. George joined the 30th Michigan in early 1865 and was mustered out when the war ended. His brother James also enlisted and was sent to Texas on garrison duty. He remained in the Army through 1866, and letters from his brothers advise him to be patient and get through his service as cheerfully as possible.

Also included in the collection are several letters to John Campbell from business associates in New York. One letter (December 31, 1860) speculates about the possible effects of the Southern States' secession on business. Another, dated December 18, 1861, evaluates the impact of the war thus far and the possibility of British intervention.

Some photocopies have been included in place of original letters.

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Administrative Information

Publication Information

Michigan State University Archives and Historical Collections May 1964

Conrad Hall
888 Wilson Road, Room 101
East Lansing , MI, 48824
517-355-2330
archives@msu.edu

Revision Description

  March 2000

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Legal Status

Copyright: Michigan State University Property Rights: Michigan State University

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish material from this collection must be obtained from University Archives & Historical Collections, Michigan State University.

Custodial History

Gift of Al Hurd, 1964-05-00. Transferred by Michigan State University Museum.

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Controlled Access Headings

Corporate Name(s)

  • United States. Army -- Military life -- History -- 19th century.
  • United States. Army. Michigan Engineers and Mechanics Regiment, 1st (1861-1865).
  • United States. Army. Michigan Infantry Regiment, 30th.

Geographic Name(s)

  • Atlanta (Ga.)
  • Texas
  • United States -- Economic conditions -- 19th century
  • United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Economic aspects
  • United States -- Politics and government -- 19th century

Personal Name(s)

  • Campbell, Alexander
  • Campbell, Allen
  • Campbell, George
  • Campbell, James

Subject(s)

  • Sherman’s March to the Sea

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Collection Inventory

Folder

 May 1860-September 1862 

 1

 November 1862-December 1864 

 2

 January 1865-February 1866 

 3

Photocopies 

 4