Manuscript Division Elizabeth Burt Papers

Elizabeth Burt Papers

Collection

Identifier: MSS14456

Scope and Content Note

The papers of Elizabeth Burt (1839-1926) consist mainly of a typescript of Burt's autobiographical account, "An Army Wife's Forty Years in the Service, 1862-1902," and letters to her daughter, Edith Burt, discussing family matters and describing the routines of military post life at Fort Bidwell, California; Forts Bridger, Laramie, D. A. Russell, Sanders, and Washakie, Wyoming; Forts Missoula and C. F. Smith, Montana; Forts Omaha and Robinson, Nebraska, and elsewhere.

Elizabeth Reynolds married Captain Andrew Sheridan Burt of the 6th Ohio Volunteers in September 1862. She had her first experience in army camp life during the winter of 1864-1865 when she spent three months at headquarters near South Mountain, Maryland, where her husband was stationed. After the Civil War she accompanied her husband to various military posts until his retirement as brigadier general in 1902.

Subjects in the collection include relations with Native Americans, particularly Shoshone Chief Washakie, and social events and meetings with Mark Twain and Owen Wister. The papers also contain correspondence, diaries, and other items relating to Burt family members, including her husband, Andrew Burt, and father-in-law Andrew Gano Burt. Some material consists of photocopies. The collection is arranged by name of family member.

Dates

Creation: 1797-1917

Language of Materials

Collection material in English

Access and Restrictions

The papers of Elizabeth Burt are open to research. Researchers are advised to contact the Manuscript Reading Room prior to visiting. Many collections are stored off-site and advance notice is needed to retrieve these items for research use.

Copyright Status

The status of copyright in the unpublished writings of Elizabeth Burt is governed by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, U.S.C.).

Extent

60 items
1 container
1 oversize
4 linear feet
1 microfilm reel

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Additional Description

Abstract

Typescript of Burt's autobiographical account as an army wife in the West in the latter half of the nineteenth century and letters to her daughter discussing family life and the routines of military post life. Also includes correspondence and other papers of Burt family members.

Arrangement of the Papers

This collection is arranged by name of family member.

Catalog Record

https://lccn.loc.gov/mm76014456

Acquisition Information

The papers of Elizabeth Burt, wife of an army officer, were given to the Library of Congress by her son, Reynolds J. Burt, 1957-1964.

Microfilm

A microfilm edition of these papers is available on one reel. Consult reference staff in the Manuscript Division concerning availability for purchase or interlibrary loan. To promote preservation of the originals, researchers are required to consult the microfilm edition.

Processing History

The Burt Papers were processed and reproduced on microfilm in 1976. The finding aid was created in 2016. The finding aid was updated in 2023 by Maria Farmer as part of a division-wide remediation project by the Inclusive Description Working Group.