William Culbertson Robinson papers

Collection — Box: 73

Identifier: MS-SC1285

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Letters of William to Charles Abbot, a friend in Ohio, and to family. Discuss camp life, family news, and regimental activity. Numerous mentions of soldiers from back home in Dixon and Sterling. Accounts of action at Pittsburg Landing and Murphreesboro. Accounts of action in Georgia and the march to the sea. Gives views on what should happen to instigators of secession. Visits trial of Lincoln conspirators and gives a description of them and the court room. Diary, Oct. 1863- Jan. 1864, while at Belle Isle, describes life in the prison. Includes some letters of his father while serving, to wife and son George at home and letters to his sons who were in the army. A few letters from brothers. Typed transcript of letters and diary. One pamphlet, 1899, for the Will Robinson GAR Post, No. 274 at Sterling, Ill. Short history of the Robinson and Dillon families.

Dates

Created: 1860 - 1877

Creator

Robinson, William Culbertson, d. 1883 (Person)

Biographical / Historical

Captain in the 34th Illinois Infantry, Company A, engaged in fighting at Pittsburg Landing, Corinth and Murphreesboro. Was taken prisoner in October 1863 and moved to Belle Isle. Was exchanged in April 1864 and rejoined his regiment in Georgia, May 1864, to participate in the siege of Atlanta, Sherman's March to the Sea and up through the Carolinas to Washington, D.C. The Robinson family had come from Ohio in 1856 and started hardware stores in Sterling and Dixon, Illinois, eventually living in Sterling. William's father, Robert P. joined the 34th but was mustered out in 1862 due to illness. His brother Frank was a captain with the 4th Iowa Cavalry. Step brother Moses Dillon served as a private in the 140th Illinois. Loyd Dillon, who became a captain, was wounded and died while recovering in Minnesota.