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Charles Curtis Brown papers

 Collection
Identifier: D.88

Biographical/Historical note

Charles Curtis Brown (born in New York City, January 4, 1827 - died in Rochester, N.Y., November 12, 1871) was the only son of Briant Curtis (1794-1879) and Catherine (Hyne?, Hayn?) Brown (1791-1872). He moved to Rochester with his parents in 1835 and later became a silversmith by trade.

In April 1861, Charles C. Brown enlisted as a private in the 13th N.Y. Volunteers. He was promoted twice in 1862, first to Second Lieutenant in January, then to Captain in November. In May 1863, he left the army for six months but then rejoined as a Major in the 22nd N.Y. Cavalry serving until the end of the war. His final appointment as deputy inspector and collector of customs at the Port of Rochester came in 1869. He held this post until shortly before his death.

Scope and Contents

The collection contains about 200 letters written while Charles C. Brown was with the 13th N.Y. Volunteers (1861-1863) and the 22nd N.Y. Cavalry (1864-1865). The letters represent a long and detailed record of Brown's thoughts, observations, and actions while engaged in the War for Union. Most of the letters were written to his sister Caroline (Mrs. William Van Kleek Lansing of Rochester) or to Sarah Pierrepont Brown of New York City, whom he married in June 1863. Among those frequently mentioned in the letters were William (Caroline's husband) and Charlie and Frances (Mr. and Mrs. Charles Pelletreau of Brooklyn). She was Sarah's half-sister.

Also included are 63 supporting documents, including letters, vouchers, returns, and inventories, generated through Brown's role as an officer.

Creator

Dates

  • Creation: 1861-1916

Language of Materials

English

Extent

2 box(es)

Access

The Charles Curtis Brown Papers is open for research use. Researchers are advised to contact the Rare Books Special Collections & Preservation Department prior to visiting. Upon arrival, researchers will also be asked to fill out a registration form and provide photo identification.

Use

In consultation with a curator, reproductions may be made upon request. Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from a curator. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Mrs. E. H. Smith, November 1976.

In June 1997, Mrs. Smith's daughter, Katharine McPherson of Albany, OR, gave a transcription of the letters (which has been catalogued as a monograph, call number E523.5 13th .B86) and a transcription of Charles Curtis Brown's 1861/62 diary (which has been placed in box 2, folder 8).

Preferred Citation

[Item title, item date], Charles Curtis Brown Papers, D.88, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester

Title
Charles Curtis Brown papers
Author
Finding aid prepared by Rare Books and Special Collections staff
Date
undated
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Library Details

Part of the Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation Library

Contact:
Rochester NY 14627-0055 USA