Sidney Brewster papers

The Sidney Brewster Papers is a collection of Civil War era correspondence, written between 1861 and 1865. Most of the correspondence is between Sidney Brewster and his mother, Mrs. Nancy Brewster. Included are two letters from his brother George, three letters from Norman Brewster to his wife, two letters from Walter F. Brewster to his mother.

Sidney Brewster served with the 21st Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company C, from 1861 through 1863, when he was killed at the Battle of Chickamauga on September 19. The letters provide a fairly comprehensive view of soldier life including health conditions, camp life, troop movement, and battle. His letter of September 14, 1862 encourages his younger brother Walter to stay home rather than join the army. His letter of January 24, 1863 from Parole Camp, Annapolis, Maryland talks about being captured at the Battle of Stones River and his subsequent travels (about 1000 miles) to Chattanooga, Richmond, Atlanta, and finally to Annapolis by way of Fortress Monroe. His letters of May 18 and May 20, 1863 from Camp Chase discuss his exchange and return to the Regiment. The Company received new revolving rifles, five-shooters, according to his letter of June 8, 1863.