Lyman Van Buren Furber collection

This collection consists of correspondence of Lyman Van Buren Furber (1840-1862) and other family members. The majority of the letters were written by Furber while serving in Company F of the 6th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Militia during the Civil War. As a product of Furber's attentive observation, the letters provide a detailed account of military life and events. He touches on every aspect of military life from the soldiers' clothing, food, and morale to the actual military campaigns. Especially valuable are his descriptions of the Baltimore-Washington-Annapolis area where he was stationed. Mentioned in detail are the company's occupation of the Capitol Building and their presence in Baltimore during Election Day, 1861. Also included are letters from the period of Furber's service in Company D, 1st Massachusetts Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, from various locations in South Carolina. The remaining items in the collection are other Furber and Coburn family letters and a genealogical report on the Otis, Furber, and Spofford families.