John McJellison Papers,
Scope and Content
The collection contains two items. McJellison's commission papers are signed by the Secretary of State for Maine, Joseph B. Hall, and the Maine Adjutant General, John L. Hodsdon. The other item is a letter from McJellison's nephew, Horatio E. Goodwin, a private in the 2nd Regiment, Massachusetts Infantry. Stationed in Maryland, Goodwin writes of war news he has heard, and picket and camp duties.
Dates
- Creation: 1861 - 1862
Access Restrictions
Collection is open to research.
Use Restrictions
Permission to publish from the John McJellison Papers must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.
Biographical/Historical Information
John McJellison was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in Company K, 27th Regiment, Maine Infantry, on September 17, 1862. He mustered out with the regiment in June 1863.
The 27th Maine was notable for soldiers voluntarily staying beyond their original enlistment period in 1863 to guard Washington D.C. against Lee's offensive into Pennsylvania. However, these volunteers only remained in defense of the capitol for four days and returned to Maine in time to muster out with the rest of the regiment. Still, Congress awarded the entire regiment of more than 850 men the Medal of Honor. The awards were purged by Congress in 1917 as the "actions of the regiment did not meet the criteria for receiving such a medal." Although the medals were not taken away, the names of the recipients were stricken from the roll.
Full Extent
0.1 Cubic Feet (1 folder)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
This collection contains John McJellison's commission papers to serve as Second Lieutenant in Company K, 27th Regiment, Maine Infantry, as well as a letter to McJellison from his nephew.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged in chronological order.
Acquisition Information
The John McJellison Papers were purchased by Special Collections in March 2010. They were found mixed in with the John W. Jellison Papers, Ms2010-057.
General Physical Description note
1 folder; 0.1 cu. ft.
Processing Information
The processing, arrangement, and description of the John McJellison Papers commenced and was completed in July 2010.
Subject
- Title
- A Guide to the John McJellison Papers, 1861-1862
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Kira A. Dietz
- Date
- © 2010 By Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. All rights reserved.
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- Description is in English
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections, Virginia Tech Repository
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg Virginia 24061 US
540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu