Terry, Robert B. (fl. 1861-1865) to Sister and Father
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.08.24 Author/Creator: Terry, Robert B. (fl. 1861-1865) Place Written: Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 December 1861 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 20 x 25.5 cm. Order a Copy
First half of letter written to his sister from Camp Pierpont. Includes newspaper clippings, noting that they are in regards to General George McCall and his division, as well as some "poetry dedicated to the Ranger's which I knew you will like it after you read it." The second half of the letter is addressed to his father, relaying information of the trial of Lieutenant Howell in Washington and "about a dozen" other men. Comments that "the reason we took the women prisinors was on account of being spies." Also divulges that a man named Johnson, who joined the Lincoln Cavalry in New York was shot for desertion. Remarks that they "ought to shoot some of the women spies for they are worse than [the] men." Letter written on stationery that has a large image of an eagle and an American flag on the top, alongside the words "Union & Liberty." Newspaper clippings include: a poem titled, "Dedicated to the Stay-at-Home Rangers"; a poem, "The American Standard" by George P. Morris, and an article titled, "A Grand Review of the Right Wing of the Army of the Potomac."
Robert Terry enlisted on 4 June 1861 as a Private. He was mustered into "K" Co. PA 36th Infantry. He was discharged on 27 April 1865.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.