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[Collection of John William Flinn, 17th Mississippi] [Decimalized .01-.15]

Covers Flinn's capture at Gettysburg and life as a prisoner of war, as well as the Battle of Chickamauga. Flinn joined the 17th Mississippi as a 14-year old and served in Virginia and Tennessee. He later earned a Doctor of Divinity degree and taught...

GLC04573

[Photograph of Flinn as a 14 year old Confederate enlistee]

Daguerreotype photograph of John W. Flinn. Depicts Flinn as a fourteen year old Confederate enlistee, wearing a military hat and belt.

GLC04573.01

to his father

Reports that his regiment is on Provost Guard. Three days worth of rations only lasts for two days, after which the soldiers must provide for themselves or do without. It is illegal to sell whiskey in town, and his regiment usually catches those...

GLC04573.02

to A.M. Flinn

Spent three weeks as a prisoner at Fort Delaware. Has not heard from his family since he returned to camp. While at Fort Delaware, his father had come to camp to visit and went home without knowing the fate of his son. He discusses the losses from...

GLC04573.04

to A.M. Flinn [incomplete]

His regiment suffered heavy casualties in the battle. They were caught in the crossfire of several Yankee infantry units and within the sights of an artillery battery. He also speculates on whether Yankees in Virginia or Tennessee fight harder...

GLC04573.05

to A. M. Flinn

He received the sad news of his little sister's death. He asks about the cause of her death and the length of her illness. He did not receive a check his father sent to him. Signed: "your son William."

GLC04573.06

A Southern Soldier's Experiences in a Northern Prison

Originally written for the students of a "lady cousin" who was concerned her pupils were being misinformed about the "kind treatment of Southern Soldiers in Northern prisons." Flinn later presented the address at "S. C. College Nov. 1893." He...

GLC04573.13

[Bible given to Flinn at Point Lookout, Maryland]

A fellow inmate at Point Lookout gave this Bible to Flinn. Contains two inscriptions recording the gift: "C. R. Myers to J. W. Flinn Prison Camp 1864" and "From C. R. Myers to J. W. Flinn Prison Camp Point Lookout Maryland 1864."

GLC04573.15

to A. M. Flinn

He has not received a letter since 26 November. He encloses a clothing permit, which will allow his father to send him items from home. The permit is to be fastened to the articles of clothing and "permit inside" is to be written on the box. He...

GLC04573.07

[Memorial ribbon and explanatory note]

The ribbon is pinned across the top of an explanatory note entitled "Jefferson Davis Memorial Badge," written by J. W. Flinn. The note indicates that the Flinn wore the ribbon at South Carolina' memorial service for Jefferson Davis. The note...

GLC04573.11