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Arthur McKinstry Correspondence

During his time of service, Arthur was faithful to write his mother and to his aunts and cousins. The letters in the donated collection were written by Arthur to these individuals. He wrote other letters to his uncles, giving reports and first-hand accounts about Company D. These letters were published in The Fredonia Censor.

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Arthur McKinstry's "Company D 3rd Exelsior, Sickle's Brigade"

Arthur McKinstry

Arthur McKinstry's poem "Company D 3rd Exelsior, Sickle's Brigade"
Arthur McKinstry to Jennie

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to Jennie. Unknow Location: Undated letter by Arthur to what is assumed to be his sister. Describes food in camp, rank structure, camp hygiene, thoughts on the enemy, and strategy.
U.S. Department of the Interior's Listing of Arthur McKinstry's Grave

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Department of the Interior's listing of Arthur McKinstry's grave
U.S. Department of the Interior to Frances Nowell

U.S. Department of the Interior

Letter from U. S. Department of the Interior to Frances Nowell
George Tate's "Icident of Williamsburg"

George Tate

George Tate's recollection of battle titled "Icident of Williamsburg". Description of the hours following the battle
Mabel L. White to War Department

Mabel L. White

Letter from Mabel L White to War Department
C. K. Abell to the Mother of Arthur McKinstry

C. K. Abell

Letter from C. K. Abell to the mother of Arthur McKinstry. Camp Near West Point: The letter informs Arthur's mother of his death. Arthur was killed in action and depicts the manner and cause of death. The letter is written by his company commander.
Arthur McKinstry to Brother

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to his mother. Camp Winfield Scott: The letter discusses leaving Camp Wool, new atrillery, general movements of the unit, daily life, deaths, food, and some home life.
Arthur McKinstry to Jennie

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to Jennie. Camp Wool: The letter describes the comfort food around camp, such as slapjacks and cake. Price of flower and dough. Rebels firing but they havent paid much attention to them. The Rebels do not seem a threat.
Arthur McKinstry to Jennie

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to Jennie. Camp Wool: The letter contains details of engagements between Rebel and Union artillery batteries. Arthur explains that the Union batteries and army in general paid little attention to the volley of the Rebel Army. He goes on to say that if his possition is fired upon, they can run and take cover.
Arthur McKinstry to Mother

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to his mother. Steamer Elm City, off Fortress Monroe: The letter explains that they are anchored within a few rods of the Monitor. The letter also contains information about the activity of the Monitor as it tried to get the Marrimac within range of the frotress. Also, the letter contains details on the movements of the ship, a description of it, and command structure.
Arthur McKinstry to Mother

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to his mother. Camp Wool: The letter contains information about celebrating "All Fools Day." Also, news from home, Army pay issues, Generak Hooker, and news from home.
Arthur McKinstry to Mother

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to his mother. Camp Wool: The letter originally contained the amount of $5.00, which Arthur sent to his mother. The letter also contains the instuctions of what to do with the money. Discusses pay issues, stomach ailments, the U.S. Naval Academy, and future education.
Arthur McKinstry to Mother

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to his mother. Camp Wool: The letter explains Arthur's desire to know news from home and expresses concern over his mother not writing. Health of the regiment is good and clothing is sufficient.
Arthur McKinstry to Mother

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to his mother. Camp Wool: The letter explains details of the encampment and the daily duties. The company is on picket along the Potomac River. The letter also contains details of Hooker's Divission and its troop movements. Arthur belived that the Rebels are discouraged since their batteries are silent.
Arthur McKinstry to Mother

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to his mother. Camp Wool: The letter details news from home, Arthur's duties including guard duty during a cold night. Moreover, it discusses Arthur's view of the Buchanan administration, General Winfield Scott, and handling of the army before the war.
Arthur McKinstry to Mother

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to his mother. Camp Wool: The letter explains that his articles and reports of deaths and sickness are well recived and popular in the newspaper. Living conditions still good.
Arthur McKinstry to Mother

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to his mother. Camp Wool: The letter describes skirmishes along the Potomac and the destruction of all the Rebel camps along the river. The Rebel batteries are also deserted and in flames. The Potomac is safe.
Arthur McKinstry to Uncle

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to Uncle. Camp Wool: The letter includes a detailed description of the position of the Union army and it includes a hand drawn detailed map. Arthur believes it is the best description of their current position. Contains details of daily duty. Also, it discusses slants of newspapers and their inaccuracies.
Arthur McKinstry to Uncle

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to Uncle. Before Yorktown: The letter cointains descriptions of working on trenches, picketing, Rebel shelling, sounds of combat, exploding shells, Rebel Shelling of Union camps, and close calls. Last know letter written by Arthur, unfinished.
Arthur McKinstry to Winthrop

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to Winthrop McKinstry. Camp Wool: The letter explains that most soldiers are good cooks and they are well trained. Most are also enjoying themselves as if they were at home. In need of reading material. Fever is becoming a problem.
Arthur McKinstry to Winthrop

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to Winthrop McKinstry. Camp Winfield Scott: The letter contains a detailed map of artillery batteries. Also, contains instructions on what to do with $30.00. The letter also discusses volunteers, command structure, skirmishes, and strategy to wint the war in the eastern theather.
Willard McKinstry to Mother of Arthur McKinstry

Willard McKinstry

Letter from Willard McKinstry to Mother of Arthur McKinstry. Fredonia, New York: The letter discusses what happened to some of Arthur's belongings.
Willard and Winthrop McKinstry to Mother of Arthur McKinstry

Willard McKinstry and Winthrop McKinstry

Letter from Willard and Winthrop McKinstry to Mother of Arthur McKinstry. Fredonia, New York: Condolence letter written to the mother of Arthur by her brothers. Letter includes discussion of the death and details of after his death.
Willard and Winthrop McKinstry To R. E. Fenton

Willard McKinstry and Winthrop McKinstry

Letter from Willard and Winthrop McKinstry to R. E. Fenton. Fredonia New York: Condolence letter by the uncle of Arthur McKinstry. Describes Arthur, his patriotism, and devotion to fighting the rebellion.
George Tate to "Mr." McKinstry

George Tate

Letter from George Tate to Mr. McKinstry. A camp six miles from Richmond: The letter contains details from Arthur's friend on what happend to his belongings after his death. Most was sent to his family.
George Tate to Willard McKinstry

George Tate

Letter from George Tate to Willard McKinstry. Camp Near Harrisons Landing: The letter datails what happened to the belongings of Arthur. Also, it depicts engagements with the enemy and instructions on what to do with $1.00.
Arthur McKinstry to Aunt Eliza

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to Aunt Eliza. Camp Caldwell: The letter explains that the box still hasn't come in, cold weather, may be moving soon to South Carolina, sent correspondence to the newspaper The Censor, Union successes will shorten the war, box has come but cannot get it yet, planning Thanksgiving at camp.
Arthur McKinstry to Aunt Eliza

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to Aunt Eliza. Camp Wool: The letter describes that the regiment has moved twice, description of quarters, boots, cold weather, do not always get to eat, reading material in demand at camp.
Arthur McKinstry to Aunt Eliza

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to Aunt Eliza. Camp Wool: The letter explains that Arthur is doing well, papers well received, gifts well received, stay is uncertain.
Arthur McKinstry to Mother

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to his mother. Washington: The letter describes Arthur's condition, doing well, camp is strict, difficult to get a pass outside regt. lines, visited 2nd Rhode Island regt., sell horses now, do not be concerned about associations, do not like Cpt. Abell, sent back trunk but kept contents.
Arthur McKinstry to Mother

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to his mother. Camp Wool: The letter contains description of rations, Thanksgiving at camp, rumors of movement to South Carolina, health is good, selected as orderly for Col. Taylor, think highly of Cpt. Doyle, got boots, description of food and cooking.
Arthur McKinstry to Mother

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to his mother. Camp Caldwell: The letter describes that danger has passed, did not go scouting, drill 6-8 hours a day, camp life, talk of wages, getting on well with others, camp shenanigans, praise for McClellan.
Arthur McKinstry to Mother

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to his mother. Camp Wool: The letter explains that as the letter runner, Arthur has access to information even some of the officers do not. His job allowes him certain comforts like books. Things are slow, they building winter quarters.
Arthur McKinstry to Mother

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to his mother. Camp Caldwell: The letter explains that Arthur was in hospital for fever but fine now, did not scout, likes Cpt. Abell more, got watch repaired, spent money on better food.
Arthur McKinstry to Mother

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to his mother. Camp Marsh: The letter mentions how there is little leisure time, got here last Friday, expecting wages, healthy as everyone else, description of Bull Run, possible movements soon.
Arthur McKinstry to Mother

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to his mother. Camp Caldwell: The letter describes that Oscar Ames is not dead, Doyle suggests visiting outposts of regiment and recording experience, Arthur is on sick list from diarrhea, drill is too severe, may be about to relieve Cpt. Austin's company from scouting, slaves help however they can and want freedom desperately.
Arthur McKinstry to Mother

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to his mother. Camp Wool: The letter expresses Arthur's desire to recieve more letters. Also, that he is busy writing for the newspaper The Censor, ordered boots, will probably be moving soon,regiment reviewed and inspected today by Gen. Hooker, drill hard, is a model soldier, please send stamps.
Arthur McKinstry to Mother

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to his mother. Camp Caldwell: The letter describes that they are ready for a fight, description of uniform, description of food at camp, Bob is still unwell, ate melons, brigade doing well.
Arthur McKinstry to Mother

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to his mother. Camp Caldwell: The letter describes the change of location, hot and rainy weather, beard to fight sunburn, slaves treated well but they long for fredom and appear nervous, food, wages, seeing military rule work, comments on southern cavalry, Thomas Chandler, Foster Swift, Ally Cushing, S.M. Doyle, Bill Rockwell, volunteer soldiers.
Arthur McKinstry to Mother

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to his mother. Camp Wool: The letter explains that they write must be examined and are limited to one page. He is comfortable and has plenty of clothes.
Arthur McKinstry to Mother

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to his mother. Camp Scott: The letter details Sickle's announcement that the brigade is to be completed in a week, mentions of Gen. Scott, Gen. Patterson, health is better, church, send trunk.
Arthur McKinstry to Mother

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to his mother. Dunkirk, NY: The letter includes a description of camp life, interactions, and a medical examination. Arthur is expecting letter of introduction from Uncle Willard
Arthur McKinstry to Mother

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to his mother. Camp Scott: The letter describes tent quarters, food coarse butwholesome, coffe terrible, health is fine, description of troops nearby, 7th regt., will keep Willard posted on movements, geography around camp.
Arthur McKinstry to Mother

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to his mother. Camp Caldwell: The letter explains that the regiment is opposite the rebels, more soldiers coming to join, out of hospital, send woolen drawers and comforter, it's cold.
Arthur McKinstry to Mother

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to his mother. Camp Caldwell: The letter includes a map, regt. got a mail horse, got paid, weather and health good, rebels near but their numbers shrinking from disease and desertion, praise for McClellan, doing really well
Arthur McKinstry to Mother

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to his mother. Camp Wool: The letter explains that a box was sent too late to Caldwell, sending for it, Arthur is doing well but he claims he ""don't owe it to Uncle Sam."" He likes being the correspondent for Fredonia Censor, hoping to get box soon but afraid something will have spoiled, Ephraim Smith died, Aunt Eliza sends things.
Arthur McKinstry to Mother

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to his mother. Camp Scott: The letter contains details of health, denounces Tribune, description of Co. D, acquaintences there, asks for mother to send trunk.
Arthur McKinstry to Winthrop

Arthur McKinstry

Letter from Arthur McKinstry to Winthrop McKinstry. Camp Scott: The letter details that Francis was discharged bythe surgeon, sending him to relay details to Winthrop, sent list of officers, game of stealing guns, description of Sickle, mention of Scott.