Alfred A. Parmenter papers

Collection

Identifier: LaRC-690

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection is primarily made up of the correspondence of Alfred A. Parmenter (1836-1880), a musician in the 26th Regiment Massachusetts Voluntary Infantry, to his parents, Horace and Betsey Parmenter in Lowell, Massachusetts (1861-1862). Parmenter corresponds with his parents while he is stationed at Ship Island, Quarantine Station, Fort Saint Philip, New Orleans, and on board the Steamship Constitution. He often describes Ship Island, drilling operations, regimental organization, and work activities of the band. Parmenter recalls the sinking of the Manassas, the fall of Fort Saint Philip and the surrender of New Orleans. He also makes note of important Union military figures, including General Benjamin Butler, Colonel Edward Jones, Colonel George Foster Shepley, General Thomas Williams, Admiral David Farragut, and General John Wolcott Phelps. Also included in the collection are correspondence and notes relating to Alvin E. Brizzard's search for information concerning Parmenter and his regiment. The collection also contains copies of Parmenter's marriage and death certificates as well as his military record.

Dates

1861-1862; 1962-1963
Other: Majority of material found within 1861-1862

Creator

Parmenter, Alfred A. (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open to the public. No known restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Physical rights are retained by the Louisiana Research Collection. Copyright is retained in accordance with U.S. copyright laws.

Biographical / Historical

Alfred A. Parmenter (1835-1880) was a musician in the 26th Regiment Massachusetts Voluntary Infantry. The Union regiment participated in General Butler's expedition on the Gulf Coast and against New Orleans. Parmenter was born in Lowell, Massachusetts and enlisted in the Union army on 1861 September 26 and was mustered out of service on 1862 September 15. His military records list his occupation as teacher. Parmenter married Letitia M. Fillmore 1862 July 2 and died of apoplexy at Lynn, Massachusetts in 1880.

Extent

1.00 Boxes

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

The collection is arranged by topic, then arranged chronologically, as follows: correspondence and correspondence, notes, and printed material. The collection is made up of one box.