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USGPL Finding Aids Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library
10-6-2020
Arthur McKinstry Civil War Correspondence
Arthur McKinstry
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Recommended Citation Arthur McKinstry Civil War Correspondence, Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, Mississippi State University Libraries
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Mississippi State University Libraries P.O. Box 5408 Mississippi State 39762 [email protected] URL: http://library.msstate.edu/specialcollections Arthur McKinstry Civil War Correspondence USGPL.AMc
Table of Contents
Summary Information ...... 3 Biographical Note ...... 3 Scope and Content ...... 4 Administrative Information ...... 5 Controlled Access Headings ...... 5 Collection Inventory ...... 5
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Summary Information
Repository: Mississippi State University Libraries Creator - aut: McKinstry, Arthur, 1839-1862 Source - rcp: McKinstry, Williard, 1815- Title: Arthur McKinstry Civil War Correspondence ID: USGPL.AMc Date [inclusive]: 1861-1988 Date [bulk]: 1861-1862 Physical 0.5 Cubic Feet Description: Language of the English . Material:
Preferred Citation
Arthur McKinstry Civil War Correspondence, Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, Mississippi State University Libraries.
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Biographical Note
Arthur McKinstry was born in Chicopee, MA on November 2, 1839 to William and Mary Theodosia Frink McKinstry. William McKinstry died of consumption when Arthur was five years old, and his mother remarried soon after. Arthur had a sister, Laura Jane McKinstry, who was called Jennie. Arthur spent one year at the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis from 1854 to 1855 when he was sixteen. Arthur enlisted as a private in the New York State Volunteers 72nd Regiment Co. D at Dunkirk, New York, at the age of 21 in late May of 1861. During his service Arthur wrote accounts from Co. D., 3d Excelsior, Sickle's Brigade, which were published by his uncles, Willard and Winthrop McKinstry. Arthur's letters provide a well written perspective to the life and experience of the average Civil War Soldier. Arthur McKinstry's regiment engaged the Confederate Army in four battles before McKinstry died in the Battle of Williamsburg on May 5, 1862 at the age of 22. In a letter to his mother, Arthur's company commander explained that Arthur was KIA after being shot in the leg and groin. He cited Arthurs bravery under fire.
- Page 3- Arthur McKinstry Civil War Correspondence USGPL.AMc He is buried in Yorktown, VA, grave #143. This biographical information was created by the donor.
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Scope and Content
The Arthur McKinstry Civil War correspondence collection consists of 50 total pieces of correspondence. 37 of these pieces were written by Athur McKinstry, a private in the New York State Volunteers 72nd Regiment Co. D during the American Civil War, to various family members. The other 13 pieces consist of correspondence surrounding the death and burial of Arthur McKinstry. The bulk of the material spans 1861-1862, with additional correspondence from 1900 and 1988, respectively, concerning McKinstry's burial at Yorktown. Each piece in the collection was flattened and stored in an acid-free folder. Most letters were in their original envelopes which are included in the folder with their respective letter. Some pieces have a modern adhesive label that was attached by a former owner. Precaution was taken in the storage of such documents to assure that the modern ink or adhesive does not damage any other part of the document. The dated material is organized chronologically with undated material following in alphabetical order by title.
The bulk of the material covers the military service of Arthur McKinstry. Important and significant topics covered in the material are: Military: Artillery, Battle of Williamsburg, camp life, battle formations, battery emplacements, rifles, command structure, rank structure, pay issues, uniforms, food, pickets, ships, Merimac, Monitor, New York State Volunteers Co. D. 72 Regiment, Co. D. Taylor's 3rd Regiment, Steamer Elm City, Fortress Monrow, maps, wounded and killed.
Geogrpahical locations: Yorktown, NY, Fredonia, NY, Richmond, VA, Charles County Maryland, U.S. Naval Academy, Washington DC, Chickamoxen, Maryland, and Dunkirk, NY. People of interest mentioned in the material: Mary Theodosia Frink McKinstry Chapin (Mother), Laura Jane McKinstry White "Jennie" (Sister), Willard McKinstry (Uncle), Perseus Archibald Winthrop McKinstry (Uncle), Willard and Winthrop (Uncles), and Eliza McKinstry (Aunt), General Hooker, Col. Nelson Taylor, General McClellan.
The collection of letters also includes two detailed maps which show Union and Confederate emplacements and units. The maps are incorporatd into the letters and do not stand alone. Also, the letters include descriptions of the freeing of slaves and their interaction with the Union Army.
Many of the letters also discuss money matters.
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Administrative Information
Publication Statement Mississippi State University Libraries
P.O. Box 5408 Mississippi State 39762 [email protected] URL: http://library.msstate.edu/specialcollections
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Controlled Access Headings
• United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Correspondence. • McKinstry, Williard, 1815- • Hooker, Joseph, General, 1814-1879 • McClellan, George B., General (George Brinton), 1826-1885
Collection Inventory
Title/Description Instances AMc to Mother, May 27, 1861 folder 1 General Dunkirk, NY: The letter includes a description of camp life, interactions, and a medical examination. Arthur is expecting letter of introduction from Uncle Willard.
AMc to Mother, June 7, 1861 folder 2 General Camp Scott: The letter describes tent quarters, food coarse but wholesome, coffe terrible, health is fine, description of troops nearby, 7th regt., will keep Willard posted on movements, geography around camp.
AMc to Winthrop, June 19, 1861 folder 3
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General Camp Scott: The letter details that Francis was discharged by the surgeon, sending him to relay details to Winthrop, sent list of officers, game of stealing guns, description of Sickle, mention of Scott.
AMc to Mother, July 2, 1861 folder 4 General Camp Scott: The letter contains details of health, denounces Tribune, description of Co. D, acquaintences there, asks for mother to send trunk.
AMc to Mother, July 6, 1961 folder 5 General Camp Scott: The letter details Sickle's announcement that the brigade is to be completed in a week, mentions of Gen. Scott, Gen. Patterson, health is better, church, send trunk.
AMc to Mother, July 30, 1861 folder 6 General Camp Marsh: The letter mentions how there is little leisure time, got here last Friday, expecting wages, healthy as everyone else, description of Bull Run, possible movements soon.
AMc to Mother, August 1, 1861 folder 7 General Washington: The letter describes Arthur's condition, doing well, camp is strict, difficult to get a pass outside regt. lines, visited 2nd Rhode Island regt., sell horses now, do not be concerned about associations, do not like Cpt. Abell, sent back trunk but kept contents.
AMc to Mother, August 12, 1861 folder 8 General Camp Caldwell: The letter describes the change of location, hot and rainy weather, beard to fight sunburn, slaves treated well but they long for fredom and appear nervous, food, wages, seeing military rule work, comments on southern cavalry, Thomas Chandler, Foster Swift, Ally Cushing, S.M. Doyle, Bill Rockwell, volunteer soldiers.
AMc to Mother, August 16, 1861 folder 9
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General Camp Caldwell: The letter describes that Oscar Ames is not dead, Doyle suggests visiting outposts of regiment and recording experience, Arthur is on sick list from diarrhea, drill is too severe, may be about to relieve Cpt. Austin's company from scouting, slaves help however they can and want freedom desperately.
AMc to Mother, August 26, 1861 folder 10 General Camp Caldwell: The letter describes that danger has passed, did not go scouting, drill 6-8 hours a day, camp life, talk of wages, getting on well with others, camp shenanigans, praise for McClellan.
AMc to Mother, August 31, 1861 folder 11 General Camp Caldwell: The letter includes a map, regt. got a mail horse, got paid, weather and health good, rebels near but their numbers shrinking from disease and desertion, praise for McClellan, doing really well.
AMc to Mother, September 7, 1861 folder 12 General Camp Caldwell: The letter describes that they are ready for a fight, description of uniform, description of food at camp, Bob is still unwell, ate melons, brigade doing well.
AMc to Mother, October 7, 1861 folder 13 General Camp Caldwell: The letter explains that Arthur was in hospital for fever but fine now, did not scout, likes Cpt. Abell more, got watch repaired, spent money on better food.
AMc to Mother, October 25, 1861 folder 14 General Camp Caldwell: The letter explains that the regiment is opposite the rebels, more soldiers coming to join, out of hospital, send woolen drawers and comforter, it's cold.
AMc to Aunt Eliza, November 16, 1861 folder 15 General Camp Wool: The letter describes that the regiment has moved twice, description of quarters, boots, cold - Page 7- Arthur McKinstry Civil War Correspondence USGPL.AMc weather, do not always get to eat, reading material in demand at camp.
AMc to Mother, November 17, 1861 folder 16 General Camp Wool: The letter explains that a box was sent too late to Caldwell, sending for it, Arthur is doing well but he claims he "don't owe it to Uncle Sam." He likes being the correspondent for Fredonia Censor, hoping to get box soon but afraid something will have spoiled, Ephraim Smith died, Aunt Eliza sends things.
AMc to Mother, November 26, 1861 folder 17 General Camp Wool: The letter expresses Arthur's desire to recive more letters. Also, that he is busy writing for the newspaper The Censor, ordered boots, will probably be moving soon, regiment reviewed and inspected today by Gen. Hooker, drill hard, is a model soldier, please send stamps.
AMc to Aunt Eliza, November 26, 1861 folder 18 General Camp Caldwell: The letter explains that the box still hasn't come in, cold weather, may be moving soon to South Carolina, sent correspondence to the newspaper The Censor, Union successes will shorten the war, box has come but cannot get it yet, planning Thanksgiving at camp.
AMc to Mother, Deember 5, 1861 folder 19 General Camp Wool: The letter contains description of rations, Thanksgiving at camp, rumors of movement to South Carolina, health is good, selected as orderly for Col. Taylor, think highly of Cpt. Doyle, got boots, description of food and cooking.
AMc to Aunt Eliza, December 10, 1861 folder 20 General Camp Wool: The letter explains that Arthur is doing well, papers well received, gifts well received, stay is uncertain.
AMc to Mother, December 19, 1861 folder 21
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General Camp Wool: The letter explains that as the letter runner, Arthur has access to information even some of the officers do not. His job allowes him certain comforts like books. Things are slow, they building winter quarters.
AMc to Mother December 23, 1861 folder 22 General Camp Wool: The letter explains that they write must be examined and are limited to one page. He is comfortable and has plenty of clothes.
AMc to Mother, January 1, 1862 folder 23 General Camp Wool: The letter explains that his articles and reports of deaths and sickness are well recived and popular in the newspaper. Living conditions still good.
AMc to Winthrop, January 10, 1862 folder 24 General Camp Wool: The letter explains that most soldiers are good cooks and they are well trained. Most are also enjoying themselves as if they were at home. In need of reading material. Fever is becoming a problem.
AMc to Jennie, January 20, 1862 folder 25 General Camp Wool: The letter describes the comfort food around camp, such as slapjacks and cake. Price of flower and dough. Rebels firing but they havent paid much attention to them. The Rebels do not seem a threat.
AMc to Uncle, January 22, 1862 folder 26 General Camp Wool: The letter includes a detailed description of the position of the Union army and it includes a hand drawn detailed map. Arthur believes it is the best description of their current position. Contains details of daily duty. Also, it discusses slants of newspapers and their inaccuracies.
AMc to Mother, January 30, 1862 folder 27 General Camp Wool: The letter originally contained the amount of $5.00, which Arthur sent to his mother. The letter also - Page 9- Arthur McKinstry Civil War Correspondence USGPL.AMc contains the instuctions of what to do with the money. Discusses pay issues, stomach ailments, the U.S. Naval Academy, and future education.
AMc to Mother, February 9, 1862 folder 28 General Camp Wool: The letter explains Arthur's desire to know news from home and expresses concern over his mother not writing. Health of the regiment is good and clothing is sufficient.
AMc to Mother, February 23, 1862 folder 29 General Camp Wool: The letter explains details of the encampment and the daily duties. The company is on picket along the Potomac River. The letter also contains details of Hooker's Divission and its troop movements. Arthur belived that the Rebels are discouraged since their batteries are silent.
AMc to Jennie, March 1, 1862 folder 30 General Camp Wool: The letter contains details of engagements between Rebel and Union artillery batteries. Arthur explains that the Union batteries and army in general paid little attention to the volley of the Rebel Army. He goes on to say that if his possition is fired upon, they can run and take cover.
AMc to Mother, March 1, 1862 folder 31 General Camp Wool: The letter details news from home, Arthur's duties including guard duty during a cold night. Moreover, it discusses Arthur's view of the Buchanan administration, General Winfield Scott, and handling of the army before the war.
AMc to Mother, March 9, 1862 folder 32 General Camp Wool: The letter describes skirmishes along the Potomac and the destruction of all the Rebel camps along the river. The Rebel batteries are also deserted and in flames. The Potomac is safe.
AMc to Mother, April 1, 1862 folder 33
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General Camp Wool: The letter contains information about celebrating "All Fools Day." Also, news from home, Army pay issues, Generak Hooker, and news from home.
AMc to Mother, April 11, 1862 folder 34 General Steamer Elm City, off Fortress Monroe: The letter explains that they are anchored within a few rods of the Monitor. The letter also contains information about the activity of the Monitor as it tried to get the Marrimac within range of the frotress. Also, the letter contains details on the movements of the ship, a description of it, and command stucture.
AMc to Brother, April 16 1862 folder 35 General Camp Winfield Scott: The letter discusses leaving Camp Wool, new atrillery, general movements of the unit, daily life, deaths, food, and some home life.
AMc to Winthrop, May 2, 1862 folder 36 General Camp Winfield Scott: The letter contains a detailed map of artillery batteries. Also, contains instructions on what to do with $30.00. The letter also discusses volunteers, command structure, skirmishes, and strategy to wint the war in the eastern theather.
AMc to Uncle, May 4, 1862 folder 37 General Before Yorktown: The letter cointains descriptions of working on trenches, picketing, Rebel shelling, sounds of combat, exploding shells, Rebel Shelling of Union camps, and close calls. Last know letter written by Arthur, unfinished.
C. K. Abell to the Mother of Arthur McKinstry, May 12, 1862 folder 38 General Camp Near West Point: The letter informs Arthur's mother of his death. Arthur was killed in action and depicts the manner and cause of death. The letter is written by his company commander.
Willard and Winthrop Mc. to Jenton (?) May 14, 1862 folder 39
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General Fredonia New York: Condolence letter by the uncle of Arthur McKinstry. Describes Arthur, his patriotisim, and devotion to fighting the rebellion.
Willard and Winthrop to Mother of Arthur, May 16, 1862 folder 40 General Fredonia, New York: Condolence letter written to the mother of Arthur by her brothers. Letter includes discussion of the death and details of after his death.
George Tate to "Mr." Mc, June 16, 1862 folder 41 General A camp six miles from Richmond: The letter contains details from Arthur's friend on what happend to his belongings after his death. Most was sent to his family.
Willard Mc to Mother of Arthur, July 16, 1862 folder 42 General Fredonia, New York: The letter discusses what happened to some of Arthur's belongings.
George Tate to Willard Mc, August 7, 1862 folder 43 General Camp Near Harrisons Landing: The letter datails what happened to the belongings of Arthur. Also, it depicts engagements with the enemy and instructions on what to do with $1.00.
Mabel L. White to War Dept. May 11, 1900 folder 44
U.S. Department of the Interior to Frances Nowell, June 6, folder 45 1988
AMc to [Jennie] No Date folder 46 General Unknow Location: Undated letter by Arthur to what is assumed to be his sister. Describes food in camp, rank structure, camp hygiene, thoughts on the enemy, and strategy.
"Company D 3rd Exelsior, Sickle's Brigade" by A. Mc (poem) folder 47 (no date)
Copy of Photo of A. Mc's grave (no date) folder 48
George Tate, "Icident of Williamsburg" August, 1902 folder 49 - Page 12- Arthur McKinstry Civil War Correspondence USGPL.AMc
General George Tate, "Incident of Williamsburg" August, 1902:
Description of the hours following the battle
List containing A.Mc's grave- U.S. Department of the Interior folder 50 (no date)
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