Colonel Carrick W. Heiskell Letters
These July 1861 letters were written by Colonel Carrick W. Heiskell to his sister and niece. In the letter to his sister, Heiskell discusses his surroundings and experiences in the Cumberland Gap while serving in the 19th Tennessee Confederate Infantry. He makes specific note of the mountain area, valleys of Tennessee, and an “abundance of rattlesnakes.” He goes on to discuss his readiness for conflict with the enemy in the days ahead, and soon after mentions the desertion of a relative to the enemy side. Heiskell's next letter to his niece expresses his desire to see her and her family. The letter to his niece ends with a few words about his collection of school books that should be left to “Hugh,” if he is killed.
Dates
- 1861 July 3, July 11
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 (1 folder)
Abstract
In these July 1861 letters from Colonel Carrick W. Heiskell to his sister and neice, Heiskell discusses his surroundings and experiences in the Cumberland Gap while serving in the 19th Tennessee Confederate Infantry. Heiskell makes specific note of the mountain area, valleys of Tennessee, and an “abundance of rattlesnakes.” He goes on to discuss his readiness for conflict with the enemy in the days ahead, as well as the desertion of a relative soldier to the enemy.
Biographical/Historical Note
Col. Carrick W. Heiskell, born near Knoxville, Tenn., July 25th, 1836 was a founder of the Knoxville Register and its editor for over twenty years. He studied at the University of Tennessee (1846-1851) as well as Maryville College where he graduated. Heiskell enlisted in Company K, 19th Tennessee Confederate Infantry in 1861. These letters to his sister and niece discuss his surroundings and experiences in the Cumberland Gap.
Acquisition Note
These collections were purchased in 2012.
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository