Collection Guide
Collection Title:
Collection Number:
Get Items:
Bell (James Alvin) Papers
mssBellja
View entire collection guide
Search this collection
Table of contents
Contributing Institution:
The Huntington Library
Title: James Alvin Bell Papers
Identifier/Call Number: mssBellja
Physical Description:
5.8 Linear Feet
(3 boxes )
Date (inclusive): 1854-1883
Date (bulk): 1854-1863
Abstract: This collection contains correspondence between Illinois farmer and Civil war soldier James Alvin Bell (1834-1863) and his
fiancee about their private life. A few letters written by other soldiers after Bell's death, depict hardships of a Civil
War soldier's life.
Language of Material: English.
Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader
Services.
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material,
nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and
obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
[Identification of item]. James Alvin Bell Papers, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.
Purchased from G.E. Woodley, July 1964.
Born c. 1834, James Alvin Bell was a farmer in Kaneville, Illinois until he enlisted in the 8th Illinois Cavalry in May, 1861
where he served until his death at Stanton Army Hospital (Washington, D.C.) in October 1863. His long engagement to Augusta
Anna (Hallock) Elliott, a school teacher in rural New York, is the most prominent matter of this collection.
This collection contains 135 letters written by James to Augusta during the period 1854-October, 1863, and 141 letters from
Augusta to him. The content of their letters is limited to themselves and their limited social sphere. James' war letters
provide little description of relevant conditions, but do afford his reactions to the hardships. Another soldier's letters
to Augusta (24 in all) during the 1863-1865 period and 12 others written to her after the death of James portray the tragedy
of the war. There are other miscellaneous letters, a few of Augusta and James' poems, seven photographs, and some fragments.
Former call number: mssBell, James papers.
Related Materials in the Huntington Library
- James Alvin Bell Papers Addenda (Call number: mssHM 82523-82540)
The collection is arranged in alphabetical order by author, and then chronologically.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Soldiers -- United States -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Correspondence
New York (State) -- Social life and customs -- 19th century -- Sources
Illinois -- Social life and customs -- 19th century -- Sources
Letters (correspondence) -- United States -- 19th century