Collection: John P. Reynolds Papers | Salem State University

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of unpublished writings, the most significant of which is his memoir of time spent in the Veteran Reserve Corps in Michigan and Indiana from 1864-1866. The memoir is a detailed account of his service from joining the "Invalid Corps" to the end of the Civil War. Most notably he discusses probelms with Confederate sympathizers and the treatment of African-Americans after the end of the war.

The collection also contains a long narrative poem about life in the Salem Light Infantry Camp in 1868 and a notebook with what appears to be a manuscript on weaponry.

Dates

ca. 1864 - 1902

Creator

Reynolds, John P., 1840-1919 (Person)

Biographical / Historical

John P. Reynolds was born in Salem, MA on June 1, 1840. He enlisted in the Salem Light Infantry in 1861 and subsequently went on to serve with the 19th MA Infantry. He fought in many campaign and was wounded at the Battle of Antietam. He was discharged on November 5, 1863. He subsequently joined the Veteran Reserve Corp and served in Michigan and Indiana. After the War, he worked at the Adjutant General's office at the Boston State House. He died in Salem in 1919 and is buried at Harmony Grove Cemetery.