This collection consists of 65 letters (64 originals and one photocopy) of John and Darwin Sunderland describe camp life, battles, hospitals, and medical care during the Civil War.
Letter written by Darwin Sunderland to his sister Emma.
Collection Overview
Darwin W. and John R. Sunderland, brothers from Rensselaer Falls, NY, 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 the age of 22 at St. Louis Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana.