Confederate Naval letters

Collection

Identifier: MS-0412

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

A collection of almost 260 letters and documents, written by various officers of the Confederate States Government and the Confederate Navy.

While many of the letters concern routine matters such as requests for munitions and provisions, transfers of officers to different duty stations, or docking ships for repairs, there are a considerable number which relate to naval engagements, plans for future maneouvers, coordination of naval efforst with those of land forces, and other historically noteworthy events.

The two men whose names appear most often in the letters, John Randolph and William G. Dozier, were shipmates of Sharf's during the latter's brief service in the Confederate Navy.

Dates

Creation: 1861-1864

Creator

Scharf, J. Thomas (John Thomas), 1843-1898 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is housed off-site and requires 48-hours' notice for retrieval. Please contact Special Collections for more information.

Collection is open for use.

Conditions Governing Use

Single copies may be made for research purposes. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions. It is not necessary to seek our permission as the owner of the physical work to publish or otherwise use public domain materials that we have made available for use, unless Johns Hopkins University holds the copyright.

Biographical / Historical

The Navy of the Confederate States (CSN) was the naval branch of the Confederate States armed forces, established by an act of the Confederate Congress on February 21, 1861. It was responsible for Confederate naval operations during the American Civil War, fighting against the U.S. Navy.

Extent

0.19 Cubic Feet (1 letter half-size document box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

A collection of almost 260 letters and documents dating 1861-1864, written by various officers of the Confederate States Government and the Confederate Navy.

Arrangement

Arranged alphabetically by writer of letter.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The collection was donated to the University in 1891 by J. Thomas Scharf, an author of numerous volumes on Maryland history and a noted collector of manuscripts, books, and historical ephemera.