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Emory University Libraries

Atlanta, GA

Emory University Libraries
Archives and Special Collections 
Robert W. Woodruff Library
Emory University 
540 Asbury Circle
Atlanta, GA 30322-2870

 

Benedict, Edwin R.
Papers, 1864-1865

In this manuscript diary, Benedict describes life on board the ships; his friends and family; and naval operations, including the bombardment of Fort Fisher, North Carolina, in December 1864, and its fall in January 1865; the blockade of Wilmington, North Carolina; and his ship's activities at Beaufort, South Carolina, Newport News, Virginia, and New York. His diary also records his activities while on leave at home in Herkimer County, New York.

1 microfilm reel

 

Branham Family
Papers, 1873-1985

Correspondence, financial records, sheet music, genealogical and biographical material, clippings, photographs, scrapbooks, diplomas, memorabilia, writings, and audio tapes. Materials relate to the Branham, Blackshear, and Singleton families. Well represented is Elizabeth (Billy) Branham whose writings (plays, songs, and short stories) and financial papers are included. Diplomas are for Robert Henry Blackshear, and Branham family members. Photographs are of Emory College students and faculty, family members, friends, military service of Robert Blackshear (Sr. and Jr.), family homes and properties. Audio tapes are of church services (1951).

5 feet

 

Brooks, William P.
Papers, 1861-1869

Scrapbook and genealogical information of William Param Brooks, Confederate Navy engineer. Contents of scrapbook (memoirs, letters, citations, appointments, etc.) are photocopies of originals. Materials give an account of Brooks's voyages and recount problems such as lack of clothing and scant provisions encountered during the Civil War. Spanish language documents are translated. Genealogical information is on the William P. Brooks family.

32 items

 

Charleston Harbor Documents
Collection, 1861-1864

Official documents including reports (vessel position, inspection, damage, and description of attacking fleets) and orders. Materials relate to the operations and defense of Charleston Harbor, through activities at Ft. Sumter and James Island, South Carolina. Orders and reports were exchanged between officers stationed there, with their headquarters in Charleston. The activities of Colonel A.D. Frederick, Commander of the 2nd South Carolina Artillery Regiment on James Island, are particularly apparent through these documents.

147 items

 

Confederate States of America Navy, Savannah River Squadron
Records, 1862-1865

In 1861, the Confederate Navy assembled three tugs and a passenger boat as a squadron at Savannah, Georgia; in 1862 five gunboats and another passenger boat were added.

In 1863 the command at Savannah was divided into a naval station and a squadron was under the command of Richard L. Page. In 1864, the squadron was comprised of the vessels SavannahGeorgiaIsondigaSampsonResoluteFirefly, and the capturedWater Witch and Macon. In December 1864, some of the vessels were burned, sunk, or captured when Savannah was taken by Union forces.

Official documents and correspondence. Materials are from the administrative files of the Savannah River Squadron and concern the Squadron's vessels plus AtlantaOconeeAmazon, and Leesburg. Most letters are from Richmond, Virginia, headquarters and are signed by and addressed to various officials, including Squadron Commanders Richard L. Page, William A. Webb, and Captain William W. Hunter.

0.5 feet

 

Confederate States of America, Secret Service
Records, 1861-1865

A cipher used during the Civil War.  These items are found in the Confederate Miscellany collection.

2 items

 

Davis, Frederic E.
Papers, 1860-1863

Correspondence, a diary, a journal, an obituary, photographs, and a muster roll. Most letters are from Davis to his family in Providence, Rhode Island, and describe activities on and off the vessels of the Mississippi Squadron, draft riots in St. Louis, Missouri, conditions at sea, desertion of his fellow seamen, and preparations for the Siege of Vicksburg. His diary (1862-1863) also describes his war activities. A journal (1860-1861) describes his voyage to the coast of Africa and Arabia. Letters to his parents written after his death are from shipmates and fellow officers, including a letter from the wife of Brigadier General Clinton Fisk. The muster roll was captured from the 24th Regiment of the Arkansas Infantry; the photograph and obituary are of Davis.

69 items and 1 reel microfilm

 

Frisbie, Ichabod
Papers, 1862-1865

Correspondence (1862-1865), three essays, a journal (1862), and a diary (1865). Letters are from Frisbie to his first wife, Hannah. Correspondence, the journal, and the diary, all tell of his experiences in camp, his reading, leisure activities, his thoughts on child-rearing and religion, and of his work as a hospital steward based in Camp Strong (Iowa) and Camp Defiance (Cairo, Illinois); he was also sent to Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Alabama. The essays are "Benevolence," "The Christian Light," and "A Way to Reclaim the Fallen and Retain the Virtuous."

63 items and 1 microfilm reel

 

Harwell, Richard B.
Papers, 1940-1991

Manuscripts, drafts and proofs, notebook, correspondence, and reviews. Manuscripts are for Harwell's books, Confederate Belles-Letters (1941), Confederate Music (1950), and A Confederate Marine (1963); other materials relate to these books, to articles by Harwell, and to his career. Topics include his service with the U.S. Navy during World War II, his position as head of Emory University Special Collections Department (1946-1948), Japan, John Wesley, and Wilbur Kurtz. Posthumous materials include an obituary, tributes, and a reminiscence by Philip N. Racine.

2 feet

 

Lokey, Hamilton
Papers, 1945-1992

The collection consists of personal and literary papers of Hamilton "Ham" Lokey from 1945-1992. Includes a draft of various pages from Lokey's book The Low Key Life of Ham Lokey, speeches by Lokey, correspondence, poetry, writings by Lokey, and clippings. Some material relates to Lokey's service in the United States Navy during World War II, particularly during the Battle of the Philippine Sea (1944).

0.5 feet

 

McBlair, Virginia M.
Papers, 1818-1894

Virginia Myers McBlair, wife and mother, was born ca. 1821-1823 in Pensacola, Florida, and died ca. 1893-1896 in Virginia. She married (1843) William McBlair of Maryland, a commander in the U.S. Navy, who was a part of the Confederate Navy as of 1861. He died (1863) while commanding CSS Atlanta. The McBlairs had five children and also raised the child of a relative. The eldest son, William Jr., served on Atlanta with his father.

Correspondence, notes, school compositions, a sermon, wills. Letters and notes are to Virginia McBlair from her husband William McBlair, concerning Confederate Navy life and military operations (1861-1862); from her mother Louisa Marx Myers concerning family, home, religion (the Marx and Myers were Jewish), and social activities (1833-1848); and to and from her children, other relatives, and businesses. There are also letters (1818-1824) to Louisa Myers from her husband Samuel Myers (Virginia's father) in Pensacola, Florida, discussing life there, Indians, and slave traders, and Montgomery County, Alabama; and from Louisa to her father Joseph Marx. School compositions are Virginia's and a sermon is from Samuel Myers' funeral.

0.25 feet

 

Oxford, Jonathan L.
Papers, 1862-1906

Diary (February 1862 - April 27 1865), account books (1870-1896), a military pass, a letter, a photograph, and a newsletter.  The diary gives a daily account of Oxford's whereabouts but makes little reference to battle description or commentary. Account books cover Oxford's business transactions and also give notes on family and events. The pass is for a paroled prisoner at Appomattox Court House (1865). A letter is from Oxford to Mrs. J.L. Chastain (1906). Two items related to John M. Oxford's participation in World War I are a photograph of USS George Washington and a clipping from The Hatchet, a newspaper produced on that ship.

9 items

 

Willink, Henry F.
Papers, 1861-1879

Correspondence, receipts, and ship plans relating to the building of the armored vessels SavannahMilledgeville, and Macon. Correspondence is with Confederate Navy Commanders Stephen R. Mallory and Thomas W. Brent (some of which mentions the armored vessel Fingal, soon to be the Atlanta). Receipts are for payment of slave laborers on shipbuilding projects. Plans for the vessels include the signatures of John L. Porter, CSA Naval Constructor, and William A. Graves, CSA naval engineer.

44 items

 

10 May 2002

 

Published: Wed Feb 03 13:59:55 EST 2021