Thomas Vincent Papers

General description of the collection: The Thomas Vincent papers primarily consists of the letters written by Vincent to his family from 7 September 1962 to 2 October 1864. In his letters, Vincent relates news of his regiment in Kentucky and Tennessee, describing their actions against the "Rebel House," and the capture and guarding of prisoners of war. Vincent describes military life, giving details of his illnesses and medical care, and noting improving and worsening conditions in the camps, with particular attention to food. He describes his difficulties in getting paid, and the necessity of pawning his watch. He also describes his duties as a bugler with the 18th Ohio Light Artillery Battery. The collection also contains letters to Vincent's mother, Mrs. Palmer, notifying her of her son's death and the disposition of his belongings, a letter from James Palmer while at Fort Sill, a letter from "Brother William" describing work on a narrow gauge railroad, and a letter from Arthur Soulby, a friend of Vincent's, to Eliza, Vincent's sister, dated 1 May 1863. Photocopies of Vincent's personnel records are also included.