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Carlton Birch Letters Collection

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The Carlton Birch Letters Collection contains letters from Carlton Birch and James Birch, as well as other letters related to the two men. There are ten letters from Carlton, eight sketches by Carlton, eight letters from James, three letters from others regarding James, a miniature painting, copies of the miniature painting, and four photographs.

Carlton's letters describe his service during the American Civil War from 1863 to 1864 while he served with the 1st Michigan Volunteer Infantry. All of the letters are to "Uncle" or "Uncle George," and many contain sketches of his experiences in camp and in the field.

James' letters describe his service during the Mexican-American War from 1846 to 1847 while he served with the 1st Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. Most of the letters are to his wife Amanda, and include information about his difficult voyage south, a stay in Pittsburgh, several campsites in Mexico, and the Battle at Cerro Gordo. The additional documents are related to James' death in the war.