Elijah Keith, 1819-1882
Published: 1862
Total Pages:
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The Elijah Reed Keith Civil War papers consist of correspondence between Elijah and different members of his family, primarily his wife Caroline, during the years 1862-1865. The first letters dated ca. Feb. 1862, come from Charles Keith, who has already mustered into service in the New York State Volunteers, and are addressed to his father, who had not yet enlisted. Charles' letters are brief updates concerning his whereabouts and living conditions. He writes to his family relatively infrequently up until the time of his death on June 17, 1864. Elijah's letters begin on Sept. 25, 1862, while he is at Camp Schuyler in Herkimer Co., N.Y. He writes to his wife and family at least twice a week throughout his time in the service. Although Elijah does not seem to see much combat because of illness, he remains with his regiment for much of the war, until he goes to the Armory Square Hospital in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 2, 1864. His letters contain vivid descriptions of army life and of the hospital, as well as his opinions on such matters as abolition, the looting of southern homes, and the nature of war.