Robert H. Caldwell papers
Collection Organization
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.
Correspondence - Robert Caldwell, Sept 1861
- Dates
- Creation: Sept 1861
- Language of Materials
- English
Correspondence - Robert Caldwell, Oct 1861
- Dates
- Creation: Oct 1861
- Language of Materials
- English
Correspondence - Robert Caldwell, Nov 1861
- Dates
- Creation: Nov 1861
- Language of Materials
- English
Correspondence - Robert Caldwell, Dec 1861
- Dates
- Creation: Dec 1861
- Language of Materials
- English
Correspondence - Robert Caldwell, Jan 1862
- Dates
- Creation: Jan 1862
- Language of Materials
- English
Correspondence - Robert Caldwell, Feb 1862
- Dates
- Creation: Feb 1862
- Language of Materials
- English
Correspondence - Robert Caldwell, Mar 1862
- Dates
- Creation: Mar 1862
- Language of Materials
- English
Correspondence - Robert Caldwell, Apr 1862
- Dates
- Creation: Apr 1862
- Language of Materials
- English
Correspondence - Robert Caldwell, May 1862
- Dates
- Creation: May 1862
- Language of Materials
- English
Correspondence - Robert Caldwell, June 1862
- Dates
- Creation: June 1862
- Language of Materials
- English
Correspondence - Robert Caldwell, July 1862
- Dates
- Creation: July 1862
- Language of Materials
- English
Correspondence - Robert Caldwell, Aug 1862
- Dates
- Creation: Aug 1862
- Language of Materials
- English
Correspondence - Robert Caldwell, Sept 1862
- Dates
- Creation: Sept 1862
- Language of Materials
- English
Correspondence - Robert Caldwell, Oct 1862
- Dates
- Creation: Oct 1862
- Language of Materials
- English
Correspondence - Robert Caldwell, Nov 1862
- Dates
- Creation: Nov 1862
- Language of Materials
- English
Correspondence - Robert Caldwell, Dec 1862
- Dates
- Creation: Dec 1862
- Language of Materials
- English
Correspondence - Robert Caldwell, Jan 1863
- Dates
- Creation: Jan 1863
- Language of Materials
- English
Correspondence - Miscellaneous, Jan-Feb 1863
- Dates
- Creation: Jan-Feb 1863
- Language of Materials
- English