Emmons Dexter Guild papers (Ms. 78.20)

Sixty-seven of the hundred items in the Guild papers are letters written by Emmons Guild to his family in East Attleboro, Massachusetts. In these letters, Guild briefly describes his training, the journey to Washington, D.C., scouting, and battles and raids in which he and the 1st Rhode Island Cavalry took part. Mentioned in the letters is Abraham Lincoln as well as a number of generals who were prominent in the Army of the Potomac. Guild also writes of the men in his own company, many of whom would have been known to his family, and his experience in the Andersonville Prison. Day to day concerns are constant topics.

Included is a letter from William Chauncy Sherman to Abby Guild, E.D. Guild's mother. Sherman is thought to have eventually married Malzena Guild, Emmons sister.

Also in the correspondence is a letter from Lt. Charles Parker, C.S.A., to Abby T. Guild replying to her inquiry about her son following his capture.

Finally there are printed items that reflect Guild's continuing interest in the war, his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic and several other fraternal organizations.