William J. Ricketts Letters
This collection consists of six letters that William J. Ricketts wrote to his parents in Wales, Massachusetts from October 2, 1863 to March 15, 1864. In them, he discusses camp life, poor rations, being hospitalized in Knoxville, various battles that his unit has engaged in, marching across Tennessee, citizens forming the National Guard of East Tennessee, and his plans for returning home.
Dates
- 1863 October 2-1864 March 15
Conditions Governing Access
Collections are stored offsite and must be requested in advance. See www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.
Conditions Governing Use
The UT Libraries claims only physical ownership of most material in the collections. Persons wishing to broadcast or publish this material must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants on www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.
Extent
0.1 Linear Feet
Abstract
This collection consists of six letters that William J. Ricketts wrote to his parents in Wales, Massachusetts from October 2, 1863 to March 15, 1864. In them, he discusses camp life, poor rations, being hospitalized in Knoxville, various battles that his unit has engaged in, marching across Tennessee, citizens forming the National Guard of East Tennessee, and his plans for returning home.
Biographical/Historical Note
William J. Ricketts was born to John and Ann (Stevens) Ricketts near Bath, England in November of 1838. His family emigrated to the United States and settled in Massachusetts when he was three years old. Ricketts worked as a clerk in a country store before enlisting in Company D of the 21st Massachusetts Infantry on August 13, 1861. He was wounded twice, once in Fredricksburg, Virginia in December of 1862 and once in Bethesda Church, Virginia in June of 1864. Ricketts was promoted to Corporal on December 3, 1863 and mustered out on August 30, 1864. After the war, he returned to Massachusetts and married Mary E. Parker on November 26, 1867. The couple had three children: William Luther (1868-), Charles L. (1873-), and George Gardner (1875-1878). William J. Ricketts worked in manufacturing in addition to holding a number of political offices. He died on December 7, 1900.
Arrangement
This collection consists of a single folder.
Acquisition Note
Special Collections purchased these letters April 2010.
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository