Collection: Lyman H. Needham letters | ArchivesSpace Public Interface

Scope and Contents

The majority of letters are to his sister and brother-in-law, some to "my friends back home". He details his life in camp, many references to sickness and death. Describes his commanding officers and their different styles and his clerical work. Describes the battles and skirmishes and his discouragement at the way the war is going. References to people back home and often speaks of his desire to be back there and married. Three letters from prison at Danville, Va.

Dates

Created: 1861 - 1864

Creator

Needham, Lyman K. (Person)

Biographical / Historical

Corporal in the 42nd Illinois Infantry, Company K from DeKalb, Illinois where his sister and brother-in-law, Eli Gilbert also lived. Did the clerical work for his company for a time. Was engaged in battle at Corinth, Chattanooga and Chickamauga, where he was captured. Imprisoned at Danville, Va. and then Andersonville, Ga. where he died Sept. 1, 1864.