Hiram P. Tweed Papers, 1863-1865 - Gifts to Manuscripts Division Announced 2003 (USCS) - South Caroliniana Library - University Libraries

Hiram P. Tweed Papers, 1863-1865
A gift to the SCL Manuscripts Division announced in 2003

Fifty-three letters, 1863-1865, document the Civil War experience of Hiram P. Tweed, Co. A, 144th Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was composed entirely of Delaware County soldiers and was mustered into the Union Army on 27 September 1862. Tweed was faithful in writing to his wife, Libby, at Trout Creek, Delaware County, N.Y., with datelines from Morris Island, Hilton Head, Port Royal, and in the field while accompanying the regiment on various military expeditions.

Tweed’s first letter, written from Suffolk, Va., 26 April 1863, sets the tone for the collection. Having been away from his beloved “birdling” for many months, he proclaims “this separation [has been] really tough at times for me.” Further correspondence, dated 25 April 1865, Hilton Head, relates that “Joe Johnston has not surrendered” and, instead, was fleeing in front of Sherman “as fast as he can and killing the poor darkies...in his retreat.” As the hostilities drew to a close, Tweed relates in a letter of 17 June 1865, Hilton Head, “the Regt. Expect[s] to leave...tomorrow or the next day, we are all busy trying to get ready.”

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