This collection consists of 65 letters (64 originals and one photocopy), transcriptions of letters, 9 envelopes, photocopies of national archives records and research papers on both Darwin and John Sunderland prepared by St. Lawrence University students.
Letter to Sister Emma.
Collection Overview
Darwin W. and John R. Sunderland, brothers from Rensselaer Falls, New York, were the sons of Albert and Prudence Sunderland. Both served in the Union Army during the Civil War.
Darwin, who was born in Addison, Vermont, was a private in Company C of the 106th infantry regiment of the New York State Volunteers. He served in the Union army from August 6, 1862 until he died in combat on May 12, 1864 near Brandy (Spottsylvania), Virginia at the age of 23.
John was a private in Company K of the 11th Cavalry unit NYSV, or "Scott's 900". He enlisted in Canton on Dec. 22, 1863 and served until December 16, 1864 when he died of smallpox at St. Louis Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was 22 at the time of his death.