Michigan in the Civil War

Shattuck, Lucius L., 1836-1863.

The collection contains about 60 letters, some original, some photocopies, and some typescripts, written to members of his family (Sept. 14, 1862-June 21, 1863) while he was serving in Company C, 24th Michigan Infantry as sergeant and second lieutenant. These letters include fine bits of description of men and teams on the march; the countryside and its people; pillaging of rails, straw, and farm buildings for wood, breastworks, and shelters; the quarters they built and their recreations and activities while in camp; food and its preparation; the exchange of visits with Rebels while on picket duty; portable boats and pontoon bridges; regimental bands; a review of troops by President Lincoln and General Hooker at which Mrs. Lincoln and the children were also present; and the battles of Fredericksburg and Westmoreland. Shattuck, of Plymouth, Mich., was killed in action July 1, 1863 at the battle of Gettysburg. Before enlisting he was a farmer and had attended the University of Michigan, 1856-1858.

Included with these letters is one written to Gilbert Shattuck by Henry Bird [Burr] (Sept. 6, 1862), from the 24th Michigan Infantry; and a letter from Mary Donelson Shattuck to her mother (July 6, 1863) about Lucius' death and the wounding of Henry Burr.

This collection is available on microfilm for interlibrary loan.