| Scope and content |
Collection is chiefly photocopied correspondence, the bulk of which was written by Oliver C. Spoor and his brothers James W., Joseph, and Phillip L. Spoor. Of particular significance are letters written from New Bern, N.C. , in which descriptions are made of the town; battles around Washington, N.C.; raids on Hamilton, Williamston, and Tarboro, N.C.; stealing of livestock; and encounters with guerrilla forces. Also of note are commentaries concerning duty in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Md.; troop movements around Manassas, Winchester, and Front Royal, Va.; ineptness of Union generals; plundering of farms; and the Confederate victory of General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's forces over the Union troops of General Nathaniel Banks in western Virginia. Other topics include descriptions of camp life, disease and sickness among the troops, and architectural features of southern homes. An unrelated letter includes description of the Oregon territory, including its social life and customs, need for more women and clerics, jobs available for women, and its geography and climate. |
| Access restriction | No access restrictions. |
| Cite as |
Oliver C. Spoor Papers (#308), Special Collections Department, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA. |
| Reproduction note | Photocopy. Greenville, N.C. : East Carolina University, 1976. |
| Terms of use | Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law. |
| Acquisitions source |
Joyner- Loaned by Reverend R. Graham Nahouse. |
| Biographical note | Oliver C., James W., Joseph, and Phillip L. Spoor, the sons of Reverend and Mrs. J. W. Spoor of Rochester, N.Y., were enlisted in the Union Army. Oliver served in the 3rd Regiment New York Cavalry Volunteers and rose to the rank of captain before the Civil War ended. |
