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Alexander Simms Buchanan Civil War collection

 Collection
Identifier: M209

  • Staff Only
  • Please use the Collection Organization section below to place requests.

Scope and Content

Contains documents and realia pertaining to the Civil War, including an album containing a signed photograph of Abraham Lincoln, original military documents, clippings, and ephemera. Also included in the collection is a signed photograph of General Ulysses S. Grant and a whiskey glass used by Grant, and Buchanan's buttons and spurs.

Dates

  • Creation: 1861-1928

Creator

Biographical/Historical Note

Alexander Simms Buchanan was born February 19, 1840, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where he enlisted as a private in Company K of the 3rd U.S. Reserve Corps in 1861. When his three months of duty ended, Buchanan re-enlisted in Company C, of the 10th Missouri Volunteers, and was made 2nd lieutenant; he was later promoted to 1st lieutenant. In July, 1862, he was appointed aide-de-camp to Brig. General J.C. Sullivan, commanding the 3rd Division of the Army of the Mississippi. He participated in various Civil War battles, including Vicksburg, Harper's Ferry, and the Battle of Iuka, during which his horse was shot dead from under him and the tip of his scabbard was shot away. Throughout his military career, Buchanan frequently associated with Generals Grant, Sherman, and McPherson. Buchanan died in 1918.

Extent

1 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Contains documents and realia pertaining to the Civil War, including an album containing a signed photograph of Abraham Lincoln, original military documents, clippings, and ephemera.

Related Names

Subjects

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title
Guide to the Alexander Simms Buchanan Civil War Collection
Author
Special Collections & Archives Staff
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick, Maine 04011 Repository

http://library.bowdoin.edu/arch/index.shtml
Contact:
3000 College Station
Brunswick Maine 04011 USA
(207) 725-3288

Acknowledgment of non-neutrality

The George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, like all archives and special collections libraries, is the creation of human beings who have collected, organized, and described things in ways that reflect personal, cultural, societal, and institutional biases. Although we strive to preserve and present collections in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections, we acknowledge that our systems are neither neutral nor perfect. We encourage you to let us know if you encounter materials, descriptive language, or practices that are offensive or harmful, particularly those for which inadequate context or warning is offered. We are committed to modifying and updating our descriptive practices to use respectful and inclusive terminology and appreciate your help in this work. We look forward to supporting you in your research and learning together.