Michigan in the Civil War

Browse by Name: Thomas, Stephen Van Rennslaer

Thomas, Calvin, 1854-1919.

Stephen V. Thomas, from L.S. Trowbridge, Brief History of the Tenth Michigan Cavalry. Detroit, 1905

The papers of this University of Michigan professor of German include one letter (June 5, 1865) written by Stephen Van Rennslaer Thomas to his wife from Lenoir Station, Tenn. He was a captain in the 10th Michigan Cavalry, and he tells of a two months' expedition as a part of the Stoneman raid of 1865. They skirmish with the enemy and destroy bridges, trestles, military supplies and property of the Confederate government, especially around High Point and Salisbury, N.C. After Johnston's surrender, the cavalry was sent in pursuit of Jefferson Davis but the 4th Michigan Cavalry found him first. Thomas's discharge certificate (Nov. 11, 1865) is also included. Thomas was from Lapeer, Mich.

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