xt78sf2m7c9x https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt78sf2m7c9x/data/mets.xml https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt78sf2m7c9x/data/1997ms469.dao.xml Sturgis, Appleton, 1842-1900 1862-1874 0.45 Cubic Feet 72 items Page one of the letter is covered in a mylar sleeve due to poor condition. Page one of the letter is covered in a mylar sleeve due to poor condition and some disintegration. The first and last pages of the letter are covered in mylar sleeves due to poor condition and some disintegration. The first page and the last two pages of the letter are covered in mylar sleeves due to poor condition and some disintegration. Letter is covered in a mylar sleeve due to poor condition and some disintegration. Document is covered in a mylar sleeve due to poor condition and some disintegration. collections 1997ms469 English University of Kentucky Property rights reside with the University of Kentucky. The University of Kentucky holds the copyright for materials created in the course of business by University of Kentucky employees. Copyright for all other materials has not been assigned to the University of Kentucky. For information about permission to reproduce or publish, please contact Special Collections.  Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Appleton Sturgis papers Letters. Peninsular Campaign, 1862 Soldiers--Correspondence. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Correspondence. United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Medical and sanitary affairs United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865. Appleton Sturgis papers text Appleton Sturgis papers 1862 1862-1874 2021 true xt78sf2m7c9x collection true 1997ms469 
     
         1997ms469 
         
             
                 Appleton Sturgis papers, 1862-1874
                     1997ms469 
                 
                 Sturgis, Appleton papers 
                 Finding aid prepared by Dorothy Houston 
             
             
                 
                     
                 
                 University of Kentucky Special Collections 
                 
                     Special Collections 
                     Margaret I. King Building, North 
                     Lexington, KY, 40506-0039 
                     (859) 257-8611 
                     SCLREF@LSV.UKY.EDU 
                 
                 2013 January 27 
             
         
         
             This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit
                 2014-06-25T10:37-0400 
             
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             Appleton Sturgis papers 
             1997ms469 
             
                 University of Kentucky Special Collections 
             
             
                 
             
             
                 0.45 Cubic Feet 
                 72 items 
             
             1862-1874 
             The Appleton Sturgis papers (dated 1862-1874; 0.45 cubic feet; 72 items) consist of 70 letters written by Appleton Sturgis, who served for ten months on a Union transport steamer, the 
                 Achilles , in the Peninsular campaign in Virginia and Maryland. 
             
                 Sturgis, Appleton, 1842-1900 
             
         
         
             Biographical note 
             Appleton Sturgis was born June 2, 1842, in Baltimore, Maryland. Immediate family includes father Captain Russell Sturgis, mother Margaret Sturgis (maiden name: Margaret Dawes Appleton), older brother Russell Sturgis, younger brother Edward Sturgis, and younger sister Kate Sturgis. The family’s home residence was located at 164 East 10th Street in Ward 17 District 9, New York, New York. Sturgis' father was involved in the family shipping company, Sturgis, Clearman and Co. The company was owned by Appleton Sturgis' uncle, William C. Sturgis, and George M. Clearman. During the Civil War, Sturgis served as a lieutenant aboard the Union transport steamer, 
                 Achilles , in the Peninsular Campaign, which spanned across Virginia and Maryland. In December of 1862, Sturgis was assigned to work for the Ordinance Office at the Headquarter for the Department of the Gulf, New Orleans, Louisiana, serving there for six months. His initial duty was as a clerk for the Ordinance Office, but he was later promoted to Assistant Chief of Ordinance. Sturgis joined the 3rd division of the 19th Army Corps after his service for the Ordinance Office was complete and was injured in the battle of Fort Hudson. After the war, Sturgis married Emily Lamb Elliot and had four children: Elizabeth, Russell, Dawes, and Arthur. Sturgis died in August of 1900. 
         
         
             Immediate Source of Acquisition note 
             Gift, 1997 
         
         
             Preferred Citation note 
             1997ms469: [identification of item], Appleton Sturgis papers, 1862-1874, University of Kentucky Special Collections. 
         
         
             Scope and Contents note 
             The Appleton Sturgis papers (dated 1862-1874; 0.45 cubic feet; 72 items) consist of 70 letters written by Appleton Sturgis, who served for ten months on a Union transport steamer, the 
                 Achilles , in the Peninsular campaign in Virginia and Maryland. These lengthy letters contain detailed descriptions of military life, battles, strategy, and a variety of hand-drawn illustrations and maps. They also include Sturgis' personal observations of a tour of the ironclad 
                 Monitor  (Box 1, Folder 19); of President Abraham Lincoln (Box 1, Folder 21); and various military personnel, including Admiral David Farragut, General Nathaniel P. Banks, General Benjamin Butler, General Ulysses S. Grant, and General William T. Sherman (Box 1, Folder 43). Sturgis also describes in these letters the work he does on behalf of his father, obtaining charters and certificates for company ships to be contracted out to the Union. Additionally, the collection includes one telegram and one general release document. 
         
         
             Conditions Governing Access note 
             Collection is open to researchers by appointment. 
         
         
             Arrangement note 
             Collection is arranged chronologically. 
         
         
             Conditions Governing Use note 
             Property rights reside with the University of Kentucky. The University of Kentucky holds the copyright for materials created in the course of business by University of Kentucky employees. Copyright for all other materials has not been assigned to the University of Kentucky. For information about permission to reproduce or publish, please contact Special Collections. 
         
         
             Banks, Nathaniel Prentiss, 1816-1894 
             Butler, Benjamin F.,  (Benjamin Franklin), 1818-1893 
             Farragut, David Glasgow, 1801-1870 
             Grant, Ulysses S., 1822-1885 
             Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 
             Sherman, William T.,  (William Tecumseh), 1820-1891 
             Sturgis, Appleton, 1842-1900 
             United States. Army. Department of the Gulf (1862-1865). 
             Baltimore (Md.). 
             Letters. 
             Maps 
             New Orleans (La.) 
             Peninsular Campaign, 1862 
             Soldiers--Correspondence. 
             United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Campaigns. 
             United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Correspondence. 
             United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Equipment and supplies. 
             United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Medical and sanitary affairs 
             United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Naval operations. 
             United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865. 
         
         
             
                 
                     Letter to Captain Russell Sturgis, aboard the 
                         Achilles , Washington D.C. 
                     1 
                     1 
                     1862 March 18 
                 
                 
                     Scope and Contents note 
                     To Father. The 
                         Achilles  and crew are scheduled to depart from Washington for an unknown destination. The 
                         Townly  is to accompany them. Lieutenant Colonel Ingalls is among the crew, and friend of Sturgis. Provides a drawing of boats on the Potomac River, going past Alexandria. The 
                         South America  was lost on Hay Island upon it's return home. Gives an account of ships, and mentions 
                         May Queen , 
                         Arrowsmith , 
                         State of Miami , 
                         Nanshon , and 
                         Cononicus . They were fired upon in Alexandria and Sturgis describes what happened. Relays that Major Tiffany, A. Quarter Master, and Major Perry of the 15th Regiment N.Y. wish to be remembered to his father. 
                 
             
             
                 
                     Letter to Margaret Sturgis, aboard the 
                         Achilles , Washington D.C. 
                     1 
                     2 
                     1862 March 21 
                     Page one of the letter is covered in a mylar sleeve due to poor condition. 
                 
                 
                     Scope and Contents note 
                     To Mother. The ship and crew are in Washington pending orders, though Sturgis does not think they are more likely to move anytime soon. Barges they were scheduled to tow were deemed not to be sea worthy, and now they only have the ponóten. Mentions Captain Hennessey and the steamer 
                         James Guy . All boats ordered down to Alexandria, except for the 
                         Achilles  and 
                         Townley . They were ordered to take on Gen. Franklin’s division to Fortress Monroe. Pistols fired off every morning 
                         like the Fourth of July . Sturgis took time to see his cousins and aunt. Has not seen the 
                         Illinois , 
                         May Queen , or 
                         South America  in a while, and supposes they are lost. 
                 
             
             
                 
                     Letter to Margaret Sturgis, aboard the 
                         Achilles , Washington D.C. 
                     1 
                     3 
                     1862 March 24 
                 
                 
                     Scope and Contents note 
                     To Mother. The
                         Achilles  and crew were docked in Alexandria, and scheduled to be ordered away Tuesday. Sturgis went to visit the city, and the 
                         Achilles  sent away to retrieve barges in his absence. Met Captain Wilson of the 
                         Nanshon  and watched regiments embark on the ships 
                         Metamora , 
                         John Brooks , 
                         Nanshon , 
                         South America , 
                         C. Vanderbuilt , 
                         Arrowsmith , and 
                         Kennebeck . Gen. Smith’s division and a few thousand of McDowell’s men were among those who left. Sturgis makes the aquaintance of Captain Lopes, and discovers the 
                         Achilles  should be back before night, so he decided to wait on the 
                         Golden Gate , but went aboard the 
                         West Kent  first to see Captain Kirby. Met a Mr. Clearman, son of Mr. C. on board the 
                         War Kent . Mr. C. is likely George M. Clearman of Sturgis, Clearman, and Co. They eventually took a dispatch boat to Washington and met the 
                         Achilles . 
                         May Queen  reported to be at Fort Monroe, the 
                         South American  reported to have left carrying troops, and the 
                         Illinois , 
                         Long Branch , and 
                         John Farrow  reported to have arrived safely. 
                 
             
             
                 
                     Letter to Captain Russell Sturgis, aboard 
                         Achilles , Chesapeake Bay, VA. 
                     1 
                     4 
                     1862 March 26 
                 
                 
                     Scope and Contents note 
                     To Father. Travelling along the Chesapeake River, just passing Smith's Point on the way to Fort Monroe. Towing three schooners, the 
                         Mary Anna , 
                         Dan C. Higins , 
                         Joseph Home  and brig 
                         J.W. Drisko , carrying a total of four companies of artillery; part of General Porter’s division. Ordered to follow steamer 
                         Washington Hunt . Anchored at Swan Point to allow the 
                         Washington Hunt  to pass them due to its slowness. Sturgis met some soldiers from the Pennsylvania regiment in one of the schooners. The 
                         Achilles  eventually overtook the 
                         Washington Hunt  and towed them with the rest of the boats, and arrived at Fort Monroe. Illustration of how the 
                         Achilles  towed the seven vessels. 
                 
             
             
                 
                     Letter to Edward Sturgis, aboard the 
                         Achilles , Potomac River, VA. 
                     1 
                     5 
                     1862 March 28 
                 
                 
                     Scope and Contents note 
                     To younger brother, Ed. The 
                         Achilles  is on its way towards Alexandria pulling two brigs and three schooners. While they were at Fort Monroe on Wednesday there were about 200 other vessels anchored. Toured the iron clad 
                         Monitor , and mentions the 
                         Atlantic  and 
                         Vanderbuilt . Sturgis had hoped the 
                         Merrimac  would show up, but it did not. During their stay at the fort, Sturgis took time to see the Union Gun and Lincoln Gun, which were pointed towards Norfolk. Describes four gunboats they passed in the bay. 
                 
             
             
                 
                     Letter to Margaret Sturgis, aboard the 
                         Achilles , Alexandria, VA. 
                     1 
                     6 
                     1862 March 29 
                 
                 
                     Scope and Contents note 
                     To Mother. Sturgis writes about friends, relatives, and their whereabouts and doings. The 
                         Achilles  is at the docks awaiting orders. A letter came via Lieutenant Colonel Ingalls, who gave it to Major Tiffany, who gave it to Capt. Hennessey, who finally gave it to Sturgis. Inquires about photograph from Addie Foster. Captain Francis of the 
                         May Queen  visited the 
                         Achilles  and went with Captain Andrew. They passed the 
                         Arrowsmith  going down the river loaded with troops bound for Fort Monroe. 
                 
             
             
                 
                     Letter to Margaret Sturgis, aboard the 
                         Achilles , entering the Chesapeake Bay, VA. 
                     1 
                     7 
                     1862 March 31 
                 
                 
                     Scope and Contents note 
                     To Mother. The 
                         Achilles  is on the way to Old Point with a tow. There was a heavy snow while they anchored at Mt. Vernon. They were delayed in their travel due to having to tow the 
                         Dency  and three schooners: the 
                         Jas. Johnson , 
                         West Wind , and 
                         R.S. Dean , as well as two barges: the 
                         Wallkill  and 
                         Cedar Hill . Sturgis mentions seeing the steamship 
                         Constitution  coming out from Alexandria, after obtaining General McClellan and his staff. Describes the cost of goods in Washington and what he has been spending. 
                 
             
             
                 
                     Letter to Captain Russell Sturgis, aboard the 
                         Achilles , anchored below Fort Monroe, VA. 
                     1 
                     8 
                     1862 April 1 
                 
                 
                     Scope and Contents note 
                     To Father. The 
                         Achilles  left Alexandria with heavy tow and arrived at Fort Monroe. Q.M. Captain Hunt sent them off to assist the steamship 
                         Constitution , who had run ashore on the Potomac. They then proceeded up the bay to Smith’s Point to locate ship, and met the 
                         Constitution . Relays news that the 
                         Flushing  sunk March 28 or 29. Mentions seeing 
                         May Queen , 
                         Arrowsmith , 
                         Illinois , 
                         Townley , 
                         Nanshon , 
                         John Brooks , 
                         Elm City , 
                         John Farrow , 
                         Daniel Webster  at Fort Monroe. Most ships had troops on board and bound for Hampton. 
                 
             
             
                 
                     Letter to Margaret Sturgis, aboard the 
                         Achilles , Potomac River, travelling to Alexandria, VA. 
                     1 
                     9 
                     1862 April 5 
                 
                 
                     Scope and Contents note 
                     To Mother. Travelling along the Potomac, just off Indian Head, on the way to Alexandria. Nine or ten heavy guns were fired at 
                         Achilles  from the shore north of Cherrystone Light, towing five schooners. Sturgis thinks it was possibly a U.S. Union battery who mistook the 
                         Achilles  for the enemy. The 
                         Cononicus  was stranded, and the 
                         Achilles  with the 
                         State of Miami  and 
                         Atlantic  try to pull out the ship with no success. Afterwards, they took the 
                         Handy , 
                         Malony , and three schooners in tow with them to Alexandria. Sturgis located the 20th Massachusetts and meets with friend, Nate Hayward. 
                 
             
             
                 
                     Letter to Captain Russell Sturgis, aboard the 
                         Achilles , Alexandria. 
                     1 
                     10 
                     1862 April 6 
                 
                 
                     Scope and Contents note 
                     To Father. A rumor that rebel troops are nearby is circulating, and the Union only has 30,000 troops in Alexandria under General McDowell. General Hooker’s division is ready to move out in four days to the mouth of Rappahannock. The 
                         Elm City , 
                         C. Vandervbuilt , 
                         John Brooks  are located on the Maryland shore of the Potomac waiting for troops. Sturgis reports that General McClellan has 130,000 troops to march to Richmond, and he suspects there will be a fight at Norfolk. Describes finances, payment for crew, and repairs that will be done to ship. 
                 
             
             
                 
                     Letter to Margaret Sturgis, aboard the 
                         Achilles , Shipping Point, VA. 
                     1 
                     11 
                     1862 April 15 
                 
                 
                     Scope and Contents note 
                     To Mother. 
                         Arrowsmith , 
                         Elm City , 
                         C. Vanderbuilt , 
                         John Brooks , 
                         Croten , 
                         Sea Shore , and 
                         R.J. Spalding  transporting troops and on the way to Alexandria to get more. General McClellan and 60,000 troops have rebel forces surrounded and trapped near Yorktown. General Franklin’s division started to arrive, and gunboats are waiting up York river. Sturgis describes the 100,000 men and wagons that stretched four miles long, the conversation he had with men from the 69th New York about their movements, and General McClellan’s narrow escape from a rebel trap. He also lists the acquaintances he has made that may be useful for his future in the shipping business, and some of the jobs the 
                         Achilles  and the crew have been doing. Transcription of a copy of an incident report. 
                 
             
             
                 
                     Letter to Captain Russell Sturgis, aboard the 
                         Achilles , Alexandria, VA. 
                     1 
                     12 
                     1862 April 17 
                 
                 
                     Scope and Contents note 
                     To Father. Around 300 boats waiting in the river waiting for troops, including the 
                         Constitution . Sturgis describes his visits with family: Aunt Kate, Aunt Lottie, and Uncle Charles. General Franklin’s division leaves the city to go support General McClellan, and Sturgis describes their send off, including the band and songs that played. He also discusses the strength of the rebels in Yorktown, possible battle strategies or siege, and the troops high opinion of General McClellan. During this time, one of the crew members lost a toe in an accident while oiling the engine. 
                 
             
             
                 
                     Letter to Margaret Sturgis, Washington D.C. 
                     1 
                     13 
                     1862 April 20 
                 
                 
                     Scope and Contents note 
                     To Mother. Sturgis left the 
                         Achilles  for a few days to finish up business about the charter for his father, and is staying at his Aunt Lottie’s residence. Describes what he has been doing while on land, and asks after the rest of the family and whether they dyed eggs for Easter Sunday. 
                 
             
             
                 
                     Letter to Margaret Sturgis, Washington D.C. 
                     1 
                     14 
                     1862 April 23 
                 
                 
                     Scope and Contents note 
                     To Mother. Sturgis mailed his father the certificate and charter, and telegraphed to inform him. Visited the Capitol, President’s House, Patent Office, and Smithsonian Institute. Relays that Richmond may be won before Yorktown. General McDowell is marching upon Richmond, while General Franklin and General McCall are at the mouth of Rappahannock to march across the York river. Describes possible military strategies, and issues they may face with rebels. 
                 
             
             
                 
                     Letter to Edward Sturgis, Washington D.C. 
                     1 
                     15 
                     1862 April 23 
                 
                 
                     Scope and Contents note 
                     To younger brother, Ed. Sturgis is waiting for the 
                         Achilles  to return, and estimates 7-10 days passage from Alexandria to Ship Point or Fort Monroe. Writes about fishing, the price of fish, and life on the Seim. Asks about friends, including one killed at Pittsburg Landing, his older brother, Russ, and Uncle William. Requests to be sent fishing hooks, and provides a drawing of the hooks he wants. 
                 
             
             
                 
                     Letter to Margaret Sturgis, Washington D.C. 
                     1 
                     16 
                     1862 April 27 
                 
                 
                     Scope and Contents note 
                     To Mother. Sturgis expects the 
                         Achilles  to return that day, and is travelling to Alexandria to meet it. Complains of life on shore, and his desire to be back at sea. Acquainted himself with the Captain of the 
                         Saturn . Visited cousins, Callie and Emma Kassen, and Aunts, Kate and Lottie. Wrote a personal letter for a deck hand who could not write. Asks about new clothes and handkerchiefs. 
                 
             
             
                 
                     Letter to Captain Russell Sturgis, at the docks waiting for 
                         Achilles ,Washington D.C.. 
                     1 
                     17 
                     1862 April 27 
                 
                 
                     Scope and Contents note 
                     To Father. Preparing to travel to Cape Henry. Sturgis describes his dissatisfaction with the ship’s cook and requests that his father send them a better one from New York. Sturgis is unsure of what the ships movement will be, since orders are given on very short notice. The boiler blew out, and had to be repaired. The ship's whisky supply ran out at Ship Point, and Sturgis sent a request for more. Father approved of certificate. 
                 
             
             
                 
                     Letter to Margaret Sturgis, aboard the 
                         Achilles , Chesapeake Bay, VA. 
                     1 
                     18 
                     1862 May 2 
                 
                 
                     Scope and Contents note 
                     To Mother. The 
                         Achilles  will be at Fort Monroe by tomorrow. Sturgis attempted to find a new cook in Washington, but had no success. The ship was ordered to tow several vessels bound for Hatteras: 
                         Condor , 
                         Susan Duncan , four schooners 
                         G.C. Morris , 
                         Dean G. Higgins , 
                         Maryland , and 
                         John Farrow . The vessels held troops for part of Van Allen’s, 3rd New York Cavalry, and the 
                         Achilles  is scheduled to stop at Fort Monroe to pick up soldiers from General Wools to reinforce General Burnside. The 
                         Achilles  is currently under the order of Lieutenant Colonel Mix and staff, who are aboard the 
                         John Farrow . Sturgis describes the men of the 3rd N.Y. Cavalry, and how they drill and spar on the decks of the ships. While the ship and crew were anchored at Piney Point, they took leisure time and ate oysters. 
                 
             
             
                 
                     Letter to Captain Russell Sturgis, aboard the 
                         Achilles , Fort Monroe, VA. 
                     1 
                     19 
                     1862 May 4-5 
                 
                 
                     Scope and Contents note 
                     
                 
             
             
                 
                     Letter to Margaret Sturgis, aboard the 
                         Achilles , Hatteras, NC. 
                     1 
                     20 
                     1862 May 7 
                 
                 
                     Scope and Contents note 
                     To Mother. 
                         Achilles  is named Flagship of the Hatteras Expedition. They were ordered to drop their tows at Cape Henry, and then return to Ft. Monroe, however Colonel Mix requested to have the 
                         Achilles  under his orders for a while longer, and the ship and crew will continue to follow the orders of Colonel Mix. Sturgis transcribed a copy of the order the ship and crew were given. 
                 
             
             
                 
                     Letter to Margaret Sturgis, aboard the 
                         Achilles , Fort Monroe, VA. 
                     1 
                     21 
                     1862 May 11 
                 
                 
                     Scope and Contents note 
                     To Mother. Sturgis just returned from Norfolk, which was taken by Union forces. The 
                         Achilles  was ordered up to Norfolk shortly after the city was taken, and was the second ship to arrive after the 
                         Victory . As the ship travelled up Sewells Point, they passed President Abraham Lincoln aboard the steamer 
                         King Phillip . The crew gave the president three cheers as they went by, and President Abraham Lincoln took off his hat and bowed. Sturgis describes the celebration when they arrived in the city, and the view of the guns on Canary Island. Upon passing the 
                         Monitor  Sturgis found out from the crew that the 
                         Merrimack  was sunk just below Canary Island. Sturgis describes what the crew of the 
                         Monitor  said about the battle that occurred as well as the look and price of various food items after going ashore and the appearance of the city. 
                 
             
             
                 
                     Letter to Captain Russell Sturgis, aboard the 
                         Achilles , Fort Monroe, VA. 
                     1 
                     22 
                     1862 May 14 
                 
                 
                     Scope and Contents note 
                     To Father. The 
                         Achilles  is in the process of coaling up for a trip to Baltimore, and will be towing the 
                         Nelly Baker  to repair leaks after it ran ashore. Richmond was taken and the city surrendered to the 
                         Monitor  and 
                         Galena . The rebel army is in a trap. The news may change the direction of the 
                         Achilles , and they may possibly be sent up river towards Richmond. Sturgis assures father he will work on getting a second charter certificate. 
                 
             
             
                 
                     Letter to Captain Russell Sturgis, aboard the 
                         Achilles , Hampton Roads, VA. 
                     1 
                     23 
                     1862 May 14 
                 
                 
                     Scope and Contents note 
                     To Father. The 
                         Achilles  received official written orders to tow the 
                         Nelly Baker  to Baltimore and report to Major James Belger to receive barges, but they were delayed until the next day. Sturgis spoke to Captain Thomas about the certificate, and he will go from Baltimore to Washington to get the certificate while repairs are being done to the ship. Sturgis goes on to further discuss charter business and dates. The crew is getting homesick, and Sturgis does not think they will stay after their contract months are up. 
                 
             
             
                 
                     Letter to Margaret Sturgis, aboard the 
                         Achilles , Chesapeake Bay, VA. 
                     1 
                     24 
                     1862 May 15 
                 
                 
                     Scope and Contents note 
                     
                 
             
             
                 
                     Letter to Captain Russell Sturgis, aboard the 
                         Achilles , Chesapeake Bay, VA. 
                     1 
                     25 
                     1862 May 15-16