James Kent (Formerly MS 013)

Corporal James Kent of Company "G," 2nd United States Sharpshooters. Company "G" was recruited from New Hampshire in December of 1861. Kent was in Augur's Brigade of Rufus King's Division and was assigned to duty in the Defenses of Washington, D. C. until March, 1862. From February until October of 1862, the regiment was involved in the following actions: Great Bethel and Howard's Bridge April 4; Warwick Road April 5; Siege of Yorktown April 5-May 4; Battle of Williamsburg, May 5; Battle of Hanover Court House, May 27; Operations about Hanover Court House April 27-29; Battles of Mechanicsville June 26; Gaines' Mill June 27; Peach Orchard and Savage Station June 29; Turkey Bridge, White Oak Swamp, June 30; Malvern Hill July 1; Duty at Harrison's Landing until August 15; Battles of Groveton August 29; Bull Run August 30; Battle of South Mountain September 14; Battle of Antietam September 16-17. Sharpsburg, Shepherdstown Ford, September 19.

This collection contains copies and transcripts of seven letters written by Corporal James S. Kent written to his mother and two sisters from February 26, 1862 to September 22, 1862.

The letters describe the daily routines of Union soldiers during the Civil War. Narratives include description of marches, food, camps, weather, and family information. The letters briefly mention General McDowell, Beauregard, and the death of Willie Lincoln.

Copies and transcripts of Civil War letters written from the front in Northern Virginia from March to September of 1862.

Provenance unknown. The original letters went missing from the archives in the early 1990s.