Title: David J. Durand Letter

Date/Date Range :   1864 February 21

Extent: 0.1 linear feet

Abstract:

This letter describes the Federal Army's preparedness for a Confederate attack in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Call number: MS-3185

Repository: University of Tennessee Special Collections Library, Knoxville, TN

Aquisition Information:

Purchased by Special Collections, 2007 June 26

Access Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Copyright:

The copyright interests in this collection remain with the creator. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library.

Preferred Citation:

[Identification of Item], David J. Durand Letter, MS-3185. University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Special Collections Library.

Collection consists of a single folder.

David J. Durand was born on 1842 September 17 to David and Lucinda (Banister) Durand in Michigan. He served in Company H of the 20th Michigan Infantry during the Civil War. After his discharge, he married Martha Gorton. He died on 1917 April 9 in El Centro, California.

This letter, written on 1864 February 21, discusses the Union Army's ability to hold Knoxville in the event of a Confederate attack. Durand notes that one Federal soldier could take out 10 Confederate troops due to strong Federal fortifications. He also states that they have the provisions to last into the middle of the next summer, which rules out the possibility of defeat by starvation. He considers the provisions necessary, as Confederate forces have control of the railroads from Richmond, Virginia to within 12 miles of Knoxville. Durand states that orders to move out at a moment's notice are standing, but he does not foresee them being invoked.

• Knoxville (Tenn.) -- History.
• Tennessee -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865.
• United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865.
• Soldiers -- Michigan -- Correspondence.
• United States. Army. Michigan Infantry Regiment, 20th (1862-1865).