Manuscript Group 1149, William James Evans (1838 – 1864), Civil War Officer Papers, 1861 – 1864
Archives Documents, Manuscripts, Maps, & Photographs
1149. EVANS, WILLIAM JAMES (1838-1864), Civil War officer.
Papers, 1861-1864. 1 ft.
Correspondence, military records, commissions, photographs, and
newspaper clippings of Captain William James Evans of the 7th
N.J. Volunteers. Evans was born in England but grew up in
Paterson and volunteered for military service in the Union army
in September 1861. The letters Evans sent home to his
parents and sisters provide detailed accounts of the everyday
experience of the soldier and provide specific descriptions of
the battles of Williamsburg, Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville,
and Gettysburg. Evans was killed in the Battle of Spotsylvania
Court House, May 1864. In addition to personal
correspondence, the collection contains invoices of ordnance
stores, muster rolls of Company B of the 7th Regiment, lists of
equipment lost by soldiers, records of deceased soldiers,
clothing rolls, and a photograph album of Evans with other
members of his regiment. An exceptionally detailed inventory is
available.
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Walter T. Cocker, 1981.
