Victor E. Comte papers, 1853-1878

Summary

Creator:

Comte, Victor E., 1833-1864

Extent:

60 items

Language:

French

Call Number:

85975 Aa 2 UAx Vault

Authors:

Finding aid created by Bentley Historical Library staff

Background

Scope and Content:

Primarily consists of fifty letters (1862-1864) written to his wife, Elise, while Comte was serving in Company C, 5th Michigan Cavalry. Many of the letters are written in a humorous vein as he tells of camp life, food, army clothing, picket duty, scouting and bushwhackers. He is much in earnest as he expresses his attitude toward slavery, foraging from destitute Southern families, and re-enlisting. There is an account of the battle of Gettysburg and the casualties among Michigan regiments, and also of Williamsport and Falling Waters where four Michigan cavalry regiments engaged eight infantry regiments of Lee's retreating army. Also includes a marriage certificate, miscellaneous items, and photographic portraits (tintype original and copy print).

Biographical / Historical:

Soldier from Wayne County, Michigan, who served in Co. C, Fifth Michigan Cavalry during the Civil War. Comte died July 11, 1864 of wounds received in action.

Acquisition Information:

Donor: 3529

Rules or Conventions:

appm

Related

Alternative Form Available:

Materials have been microfilmed and digitized, with online availability; see Contents List for more information.

Subjects

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Subjects:

Soldiers -- American.

Formats:

Digital file formats.
Photographs.
Tintypes.

Names:

United States. Army. Michigan Cavalry Regiment, 5th (1862-1865). Company C.
Comte, Victor E., 1833-1864.
Custer, George A. (George Armstrong), 1839-1876.
Melcher, Louis, b. 1838.

Places:

United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865.
Wayne County (Mich.)