Samuel Darwin McConnell Papers

This collection encompasses the correspondence of Samuel D. McConnell, as well as other relatives of the McConnell family. The bulk of the collection features letters written to his fiancé and later wife, Mary Eloise Brumby, in which he describes being admitted to the Ocala bar, his work at the East Florida Seminary, and his thoughts on the political happenings of the time. Though his regiment saw action at Chickamauga and Chattanooga, this collection does not contain any of his letters pertaining to these battles.

In his early letters, McConnell writes about his thoughts on secession, the election of President Lincoln, his feelings on serving in the Confederate Army, and his regiment's movements in the early stages of his enlistment. Towards the end of the war, while stationed in Georgia and Alabama, he discusses the Confederate Army's retreat from Atlanta, the prospect of peace if McClellan wins election as president of the United States, and the army's attempt to regain momentum against Union forces. Other letters discuss routine subjects. The letters from McConnell to his wife Mary span from October 5, 1859 to January 23, 1876. Overall, McConnell's correspondence reflects his thoughts on the war more than his military actions.

The collection also includes correspondence between R. T. Brumby and other members of the McConnell/Brumby family, letters among family members, some correspondence with the War Department.