Guide to the Aaron Martin U.S. Civil War letters, 1862-1865

Biographical Note

Aaron Martin was a native of Salem, Washington County, New York, born July 25, 1838, who left home in 1861 to live and study medicine in Rockford, Illinois. He came from a family of two brothers, Lambert and William, and two sisters, Mary and Martha. He enlisted with the 74th Illinois Volunteers on August 9, 1862, and served in Perryvillle, Nolensville, Murfreesboro, Winchester, and a part of the Chickamauga encounters. In September 1863, while suffering from “piles” he was sent to Cumberland Hospital in Nashville where he served in the dispensary, making up prescriptions for soldier patients until the summer of 1865.

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of 63 dated letters, 4 undated letters, and 8 envelopes from Martin to members of his family. Many are personal, but also include information “from the field” dealing with phases of army life and battle descriptions.

Restrictions

Access Restrictions

This material is open for research.

Use Restrictions

Permission to publish from the Aaron Martin U.S. Civil War letters, MS 31, must be obtained from the Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library, Rice University.

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Aaron Martin U.S. Civil War letters, MS 31, Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library, Rice University.

Acquisition Information

Purchased May 21, 1965.

Detailed Description of the Collection