HARRIS, JOHN A., D. 1864.
John A. Harris papers, 1854-1864 (bulk 1861-1864)

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:/25593/8zdcz

Descriptive Summary

Creator: Harris, John A., d. 1864.
Title: John A. Harris papers, 1854-1864 (bulk 1861-1864)
Call Number:Manuscript Collection No. 399
Extent: 1 microfilm reel (MF) and .25 linear ft. (1 box)
Abstract:Microfilm copy of the papers of Confederate soldier John A. Harris who served in Company D, 19th Louisiana Infantry Regiment.
Language:Materials entirely in English.

Administrative Information

Restrictions on access

Unrestricted access.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

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

Additional Physical Form

Typescripts of the letters are available.

Source

Loaned for microfilming, 1963.

Citation

[after identification of item(s)], John A. Harris papers, Manuscript, Archives and Rare Book Library, Emory University.

Processing

Processed by MRD, February 1963

Collection Description

Biographical Note

John A. Harris, Confederate soldier, died near Atlanta, Georgia, July 28, 1864. He enlisted December 11, 1861, and served with Company D, 19th Louisiana Infantry Regiment as a private in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia. Harris apparently owned slaves and had a limited education.

Scope and Content Note

The collection consists of printed typescripts and a microfilm copy of the papers of John A. Harris from 1854-1865. The papers consist mainly of correspondence written by Harris to his wife, Rebecca, and other family members, and tell of camp conditions, his activities, illness, and a train accident. The final letter (July 30, 1864; to Harris's wife) tells of Harris's death. The typescript copies are microfilmed along with the originals.

Arrangement Note

Arranged in chronological order.

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Container List

Box Folder Content
1 1 Typescripts of correspondence, 1861-1864
MF1 1 1861 November 6 and 21; December 7, Camp Moore, Louisiana. Describes camp conditions and the clothing worn by the Sisters of Charity. Harris’s regiment was "completed" by December 7, and they prepared to move.
MF1 2 1862 January 6, Camp Benjamin, near New Orleans, Louisiana. Harris writes, "Yesterday, 90,000 pounds of powder and guns of all kinds landed in the city from England, Hurah for us."
MF1 3 1862 March 7, Corinth, Mississippi. According to Harris, "Privates pay $1 per month apeice" for the doctor, a Dr. Canon of Minden. Harris also tells of a soldier raping an eight -year-old girl.
MF1 4 1862 March 27; May 28, Oxford, Mississippi. Harris has been ill in a hospital at Oxford. He hears of fighting at Corinth and fears Vicksburg may fall.
MF1 5 1862 July 6; August 1 [?], Tupelo, Mississippi. This letter discusses problems of men afflicted with diarrhea.
MF1 6 1862 August 11 and 19; October 5; December 24, Pollard, Alabama. Harris had left Tupelo on August 3, 1862, and reached Mobile the following Monday night. His regiment’s train ran into another train carrying troops of the 18th Lousiana Infantry Regiment. Six people were killed and many more wounded.
MF1 7 1863 February 8[?] and 23; March 27, Pollard, Alabama. Harris comments on the possibility of peace and the good spirits of his comrades.
MF1 8 1863 May 16, above Wartrace, Tennessee. He comments on morals of soldiers.
MF1 9 1863 July 3, Boltons Depot, Mississippi. Three men died of sunstroke on a march from Jackson, Mississippi. Harris can hear the “cannon roar” at Vicksburg, 23 miles away, but he does not think they “are doing much over their, more than bow and Scrape.”
MF1 10 1864 March 13; April 25, encamped near Dalton, Georgia. Harris has visited his mother and other relatives. Rations are scarce but sufficient for health.
MF1 11 1864 July 30, in the field near Atlanta. A note from a comrade announcing the death of J. A. Harris, written to Rebecca, his widow.
MF1 12 Deed signed by F. P. Strother and J. Peace, dated October 20, 1854 [fragment]
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