BROOKS, WILLIAM PARAM, 1832-1889.
William Param Brooks papers,
1861-1869
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
Table of Contents
Descriptive Summary
Creator: | Brooks, William Param, 1832-1889. |
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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 of and loaned for copying by William P. Brooks, 1968.
Custodial History
The donor and lender is the grandson of William P. Brooks, creator of the papers.
Citation
[after identification of item(s)], William Param Brooks papers, Manuscript, Archives and Rare Book Library, Emory University.
Appraisal Note
Acquired as part of the Rose Library's holdings in the history of the Civil War.
Processing
Processed by MRD, November 20, 1968.
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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
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.
Selected Search Terms
Personal Names
Corporate Names
- Alabama (Steamer).
- Confederate States of America. Navy--Officials and employees.
- Confederate States of America. Navy--Sea life.
- Rappahannock (Ship).
- Stonewall (Steamer).
- Sumter (Steamer).
Topical Terms
Geographic Names
Form/Genre Terms
Occupation
Container List
Box | Folder | Content |
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1 | - | Photocopies and typescripts of correspondence about William P. Brooks, certificate of membership in Confederate Veterans Association |