Collection: Z. Payson Shunway papers | ArchivesSpace Public Interface

Scope and Contents

Approx. 50 letters and two diaries. Letters to his girlfriend and then wife, Hattie, give a detailed and vivid description of the war both in camp and in battle. They are also very personal giving his feelings about what he experiences and sees, his feelings for Hattie and trying to reassure and soothe her fears for him. His letters are sent from Missouri, Donelson, Pittsburgh Landing, Vicksburg and Jackson, Miss. After the battle at Pittsburgh Landing, he writes to "let you know we are not all dead" and that he can't write more because he is "too busy looking after the interests of others". A few days later he wrote her a detailed letter re: that battle. His letters show what a caring man he was. Diaries, 1861-1863, are also full of detail and personal expression.