Skip to main content

     MANUSCRIPTS and ARCHIVAL MATERIAL

John McKnight Brayton diary

 Collection — Box: BW 12, Folder: 1 [X031589385]
Identifier: MSS 16309

Scope and Contents

John McKnight Brayton diary, 1865 April-May, 0.03 cubic feet, while he was serving with the United States Christian Commission in devastated Richmond. Brayton's job included supplying wounded soldiers with bibles, crutches, paper, food, and other necessities, which is detailed in his diary. He also wrote letters for the soldiers to their family members and they are included at the end of the diary. There are descriptions of Brayton's trip to Richmond and the scenery as his boat neared the former Confederate capital, including the wrecks of the CSS privateer Florida and the ram Atlanta, as well as incidents when landing at City Point. Also mentioned are Rebel General Winder, Provost Marshal General M. R. Patrick, Castle Thunder Prison, Hollywood Cemetary, and Shockoe Hill Cemetery.

Dates

  • Creation: 1865

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research use.

Extent

0.03 Cubic Feet (One folder in a legal document box BW 12.)

Language of Materials

English

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This collection was purchased from Ian Brabner, Rare Americana by the Small Special Collections Library at the University of Virginia on March 28, 2017.

Title
John McKnight Brayton diary
Status
Completed
Author
Ellen Welch
Date
7/6/17
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library Repository

Contact:
Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library
P.O. Box 400110
University of Virginia
Charlottesville Virginia 22904-4110 United States