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University of Michigan William L. Clements Library

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George W. Barr papers, 1855-1865 (majority within 1861-1865)

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Summary

Creator:
Barr, Lavinia Ayer
Abstract:
The Barr papers consist of the Civil War letters of George W. Barr, who served as a surgeon in the 64th New York Infantry Regiment. Barr's letters describe his experience with the army as well as the aftermath of battles and his criticism of the ineptitude of generals and politicians.
Extent:
150 items
Language:
English
Sponsor:
James S. Schoff Civil War Collection
Authors:
Collection processed and finding aid created by Rob Cox

Background

Scope and Content:

George W. Barr wrote 144 letters to his wife during the years 1861-1865, distinguished by their openness and honesty. Early in his service, he spoke confidently of a quick Union victory on the Peninsula, but the horrible casualties and sickness that faced him had a huge psychological impact. Barr does little to spare his wife when describing the aftermath of a battle, and is honest in his criticism of the ineptitude of McClellan, Burnside, and other generals and politicians. Nevertheless, Barr remained a strong patriot throughout.

Military concerns aside, Barr's letters provide some interesting details regarding his medical practice, building a home in Titusville, his interest in the flora and fauna, and his illness which may have been symptoms of hypochondria. Finally, the collection includes a letter from Barr to his cousins and one to his parents, a fragmentary history of the 64th New York Infantry, and a letter to Iris Barr regarding the war-time correspondence.

Biographical / Historical:

Barr, George W., b. 1832

Rank: Surgeon

Regiment: 64th New York Infantry Regiment (1861-1865)

Service:1861 November 13-1863 February 4

George W. Barr was born in 1832, probably in Gowanda, N.Y., where, until 1865, he owned property adjacent to his father's farm. Barr studied medicine at the Buffalo Medical College and was engaged in private practice in Gowanda in 1861, when, at the relatively youthful age of 29, he was appointed surgeon to the 64th New York Infantry Regiment. Prior to his Civil War service, Barr had sought a medical post with the Russian Army in the Crimea in 1855, but had been refused.

After receiving his commission, Barr had to scramble to organize his medical unit, fighting not only the usual government red tape, but also the corruption and lack of concern for troops exhibited by the regiment's colonel, Thomas J. Parker. Exasperated, Barr considered resigning but instead brought charges against Parker and his brother, Frederick, a quartermaster, which proved instrumental in relieving the embezzling colonel of his command. Barr performed with distinction through the Peninsular Campaign, at Antietam, and Fredericksburg, and served stints as acting brigade and divisional surgeon. Despite these accomplishments, he tried at least twice to resign his post, apparently due to illness, but each time was rejected. He became increasingly disenchanted with the army and the destructiveness of the war following his experiences on the Peninsula and at Antietam, and then, after appearing before the Army examining board, was suddenly dismissed from the service in February, 1863.

During the summer of 1863, Barr went to New York City to gain additional medical training. He then returned to Gowanda until 1865, when he, and later his wife and children, moved to Titusville, Pa., hoping for a more lucrative practice. Barr and his wife Lavinia (Vinnie) Ayer had a daughter, Iris, and a younger son born early in 1862.

Acquisition Information:
1985. M-2237 .
Arrangement:

The collection is arranged chronologically.

Rules or Conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Contents

Using These Materials

Info for Visitors

How to Request

Ordering Reproductions

Download PDF Finding Aid
RESTRICTIONS:

The collection is open for research.

USE & PERMISSIONS:

Copyright status is unknown.

PREFERRED CITATION:

George W. Barr Papers, James S. Schoff Civil War Collection, William L. Clements Library, The University of Michigan.

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Collection

George W. Barr papers, 1855-1865 (majority within 1861-1865)
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Total components 3
Last indexed 2023-08-08