Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
John O. Crummett (or Crommett), a private in the 3rd Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, wrote to his sister Celestia in China, Maine, about his service at Fort Heiman in Kentucky in 1863.
A native of Maine, Crummet had moved to Minnesota by 1860. By about 1880, his sister, then Celestia Strong, also lived in Minnesota, where they may have had other relatives.
Crummett wrote about Black people who had left plantations and were streaming into the fort. He said he had been opposed to arming them, but now thought it was a good idea -- and a good idea to deprive the Rebels of the labor of Black people. He also wrote about the progress of the war.
Less than two months after the letter was written, most of the 3rd Minnesota was captured at Murfreesboro when Col. Henry C. Lester and other officers surrendered to Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest.
Crummett (1833-1925) also wrote about family issues.
Transcription
About This Item
- Title: John O. Crummett letter about Black soldiers, war, Kentucky, 1863
- Creator: John Orin Crummett
- Creation Date: 1863-05-25
- Subject Date: 1863
-
Locations:
- China, Kennebec County, ME
- Fort Helman, KN
- Media: Ink on paper
- Dimensions: 25 cm x 19.5 cm
- Local Code: Coll. S-5880, Misc. Box 151/7
- Object Type: Text
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- African American soldiers
- Crommett family
- Fort Helman (Ky.)--History
- Forts--Kentucky
- Slave soldiers
- United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Participation, African American
- United States. Army--African American troops
- United States. Army--Military life
People
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
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