Robert H. Caldwell papers

Collection

Identifier: MS-0623

Staff Only

Collection Overview

Scope and Contents

The Robert H. Caldwell Papers consist of correspondence between the members of the Caldwell family during the Civil War.

Robert Caldwell served with the 21st Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company I, from September 1861 till February 1863. The correspondence presents a complete series of communications during the period Robert was in the army. Three of the letters are from his brother William, serving with the 72nd O.V.I., with one letter each from Robert's mother Jane, his uncle John Davis, and Amos Wood, also of Company I.

The letters from Robert describe camp life in some detail. Robert was a good friend of Captain Vantine of Co. I, and he served as his clerk. This put Robert in a position to learn information which may not have been available to the average soldier. This also allows him to comment on the company politics. In addition, he mentions health conditions, guard duty, movements, skirmishes, and the conduct of the war.

Two letters stand out as being particularly useful. First, a letter to William, dated July 31, 1862, provides a history of the 21st O.V.I. from its muster-in till the end of July. Second, a letter to his father, dated January 3, 1863, offers a description of Robert's participation in the Battle of Stones River. It should be noted that this letter is difficult to read, so a typed transcript is also provided.

The letters after Robert's death are between various family members expressing their sympathy to each other.

Dates

Creation: 1861-1863

Extent

.25 Linear Feet (1 letter size manuscript box )

Creator

Caldwell, Robert H., 1841-1863 (Person)

Biographical / Historical

Robert H. Caldwell was born on June 14, 1841, the son of William and Jane (Davis) Caldwell. Robert was one of four children, with two brothers and a sister. William C., the oldest brother, served with the 72nd Regiment, O.V.I. as hospital steward and assistant surgeon. Charles, the middle brother, died in 1852 at the age of 13. Juliet, the sister, studied at Oberlin.

Robert worked for his father, a lumberman, at the family's mill. At the age of twenty, Robert joined the 21st Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was appointed 3rd corporal of Company I. He was promoted to sergeant on June 7, 1862.

In August, he was sent home on a recruiting mission. He rejoined the 21st in mid November. At the Battle of Stones River, he was wounded. He died in the hospital on February 8, 1863.

Conditions Governing Access

No known access restrictions

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers using this collection assume full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright, and are responsible for securing permissions necessary for publication or reproduction.

Language of Materials

Materials in English.

Additional Description

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The collection was copied from the Caldwell Family Papers, located at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center, Fremont, Ohio, with the cooperation of Nan Card, Reference Archivist. The originals were donated by Mr. C.K. Wesley in 1972.