Gallagher, John M. letters: Includes 15 letters written by Gallagher to Jonathan Spencer of Exeter, RI and to sister Mary J. Gallagher., Jan. 10, 1862 - March 8, 1863

This collection contains original manuscript writings of relating to the experience of Rhode Islanders serving in the Civil War. The bulk of the collection includes correspondence between Rhode Island soldiers and loved ones at home. Also included is correspondence of Charlotte F. Dailey who inspected Union convalescent hospitals and reported on the experience of Rhode Island troops.

Also included is a field diary for the year 1862 written by Private James Albert Barber of Company C, 1st Regiment, Rhode Island Light Artillery. The diary, written in the field, recounts the daily activities and actions of Company C. The handwriting is difficult to read and Barber’s spelling is largely phonetic but the diary contains first hand accounts of some of the major battles of the war immediately after they happened. As a group, the materials depicts camp life for soldiers, battles and interactions with Confederates, slaves and free Blacks as well as discuss domestic matters on the homefront.