BROOKS, WILLIAM PARAM, 1832-1889.
William Param Brooks papers, 1861-1869

Emory University

Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library

Atlanta, GA 30322

404-727-6887

rose.library@emory.edu

Permanent link: http://pid.emory.edu/ark:/25593/8z1x1

Descriptive Summary

Creator: Brooks, William Param, 1832-1889.
Title: William Param Brooks papers, 1861-1869
Call Number:Manuscript Collection No. 499
Extent: .25 linear ft. (1 box)
Abstract:Photocopies of letters of South Carolina Confederate Navy officer William Param Brooks from 1861-1869.
Language:Some materials in Spanish.

Administrative Information

Restrictions on access

Unrestricted access.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

All requests subject to limitations noted in departmental policies on reproduction.

Source

Gift, 1968.

Citation

[after identification of item(s)], William Param Brooks papers, Manuscript, Archives and Rare Book Library, Emory University.

Processing

Processed by MRD, November 20, 1968.

Collection Description

Biographical Note

William Param Brooks was born March 27, 1832 in Edgefield District, South Carolina. Early in 1861 he was a member of the crew of the Steamship "Habana," a wooden vessel of 499 tons, running between New Orleans and Havana. After the Civil War began, Brooks was asked to join the Confederate Navy by Captain Raphael Semmes, whereupon he prepared the "Habana" (renamed the "Sumter") for a cruise, received his appointment on May 13, 1861. On June 30, 1861 the "Sumter" was chased by the Union boat "Brookline" and outran her. The "Sumter" captured her first ship off Cuba. In April 1862 the Sumter was laid up in Gibraltar and in August Brooks was assigned to duty on the CS Steamship Alabama. After the sinking of the Alabama he was sent to Calais, France for duty aboard the "Rappahannock." On March 25, 1865 he was promoted to "Chief Engineer of the Confederate Navy" for his "long, arduous, and faithful" service. He was on the "Stonewall" when on May 22, 1865 it was taken into custody by the Spanish authorities in Havana. He became a chief engineer on at least two Spanish ships and received citations of bravery and commendations of his ability from his superiors on each of them

William Param Brooks was born March 27, 1832 in Edgefield District, South Carolina. Early in 1861 he was a member of the crew of the Steamship "Habana," a wooden vessel of 499 tons, running between New Orleans and Havana. After the Civil War began, Brooks was asked to join the Confederate Navy by Captain Raphael Semmes, whereupon he prepared the "Habana" (renamed the "Sumter") for a cruise, received his appointment on May 13, 1861. On June 30, 1861 the "Sumter" was chased by the Union boat "Brookline" and outran her. The "Sumter" captured her first ship off Cuba. In April 1862 the Sumter was laid up in Gibraltar and in August Brooks was assigned to duty on the CS Steamship Alabama. After the sinking of the Alabama he was sent to Calais, France for duty aboard the "Rappahannock." On March 25, 1865 he was promoted to "Chief Engineer of the Confederate Navy" for his "long, arduous, and faithful" service. He was on the "Stonewall" when on May 22, 1865 it was taken into custody by the Spanish authorities in Havana. He became a chief engineer on at least two Spanish ships and received citations of bravery and commendations of his ability from his superiors on each of them

Scope and Content Note

Collection consists of 24 pieces of photocopies of the scrapbook of memoirs, letters, citations, appointments and other documents preserved by William P. Brooks. The memoirs contain the accounts of the voyages of various boats as well as of the problems of insufficient clothing and "bad and scant" provisions endured during the Civil War. Also included are 4 pages (typewritten) of translations, by Prof. William Strozier, of the documents in the Spanish language.

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