Manuscript Database
Creator/Title
Belts-Sherman family. Papers, 1861-1906. .33 cu.ft.
Call No.
Mss. A B453 / 1, 5
Content
This collection consists of the correspondence of Ellen M. "Nellie" Sherman (1840-1914), a schoolteacher who resided in Marietta, Ill. In addition to her future husband, Conrad "Will" Belts, she corresponded with other Union soldiers from the community. In a letter from Fort Jefferson, Ky. dated 24 Jan. 1862, Will, a member of the 29th Illinois Infantry, describes the hardships the command endured on a recent expedition. In a letter from Paducah, Ky. dated 23 June 1864, Charlie Norcutt, a musician in the 132nd Illinois Infantry reports that Union troops have destroyed over 67 houses in the vicinity. While there was enemy activity nearby, he boasted that the town was defended by three regiments, a strong fort and eight gunboats. He also describes their camp as "a nice place" with "good water" and "plenty to eat."