Brigham Family Papers, 1853-1909

Title:

Brigham Family Papers, 1853-1909

Creator:

Brigham family

Accession / Call Number:

2016.107

Object ID:

2016.107

Date:

1853-1909

Bulk Dates:

1862-1864

Physical Description:

2 boxes

Level of Description:

Collection

Scope and Content:

This is a collection primarily of civil war letters written by two young New Hampshire volunteers to their parents and siblings in Nashua, NH. There are also a few letters among other family members, some photographs, and photocopied records about the pension awarded to one of the brothers after the war. \n The letters of the older brother, Charles Lewis Brigham (1843-1864), who variously signed himself as "Charles" and "Lewis," are more detailed and informative than those of Edward. They describe his housing, food, soldierly activities, the countryside in which he found himself, and the people there. When hospitalized early in his military career for "bowel trouble" he told his parents about his treatment and, once recovered and assigned to ward duties, what hospital work entailed. At the end of his life, hospitalized for a wound to his left hand, he again described his treatment, including care given him by the "sanitary ladies." He often asked questions about what was happening to family at home and commented upon their activities. He kept a journal describing his movements (kind of transport, dates, places; also, a list of names of men in his regiment 1862-1864). There is no documentation of his death or burial.\n The younger brother, Edward H. Brigham (1845-1880), wrote much more briefly and much less descriptively. Official records indicate he was wounded and captured, but no letters from him document this - perhaps he was unable to write during that time. Of his years after returning home there is also no record except that he received a pension. The donor of the papers acquired photocopied official pension records from the National Archives and these are also included. \n The ephemera folder in Box 2 contains two fabric swatches, one red and one black. The collection also includes some photographs: originals, copies, and negatives. \n

Arrangement:

The collection has been organized by primary correspondent: Brigham family, Charles Lewis Brigham, Edward H. Brigham; all arranged chronologically. The photographs are at the end of the collection and are arranged by sitter. Envelopes, from which all stamps have been removed, have been kept with the letters only when found together and with the same date. \n

Subjects:

Military life, Military pensions--United States--Civil War, 1861-1865, Slavery, Soldiers, United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865, United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Hospitals, United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Medical care, War wounds

Locations:

Boston, MA
Kentucky
Manassas, VA
Nashua, NH
Petersburg, VA
Virginia
Washington, DC

People:

Brigham, Charles A. , 1815-1899, Brigham, Charles Lewis, 1843-1864, Brigham, Edward H. , 1845-1880, Brigham, Eliza Fairbanks, 1816-1900

Credit Line:

Gift in memory of Richard Bean Law and George B. Law arranged by Jerrilee Cain.

Location Code:

TL/1E

Restrictions:

Available for research.

Preferred Citation:

Brigham Family Papers, 2016.107. New Hampshire Historical Society, Concord, NH. Date accessed.

Finding Aid Link:

RS62154_Brigham_Family_Papers_2016.107.pdf