Isaac Norval Baker Civil War Memoirs

Collection

Identifier: MS-0357

Staff Only

The collection consists of an original manuscript fragment (ca. 12 pages) and typewritten transcription (21 pages) describing Isaac Norval Baker's Civil War service as a Private in the Confederate Army's 18th Virginia Cavalry Regiment. Baker's language is descriptive and lively, and the account includes many vignettes that provide insight into the lives of both soldiers and civilians. The narrative covers the period June 1863-April 1865; topics include camp life, wartime hardships, battles (Gettysburg, Bristoe Campaign, third Battle of Winchester, Fisher's Hill), and the effects of war in Shenandoah Valley. Includes Company F roster.

Chronology

1863 June: At Cumberland, Maryland; back to Virginia; scouting for horses; raid into Pennsylvania; on to Gettysburg.
1863 July 1-18: The Battle of Gettysburg and aftermath; accompanying wagon train carrying dead and wounded; wagons under attack; at Williamsport, Maryland; back to Virginia.
1863 October-1864 March: Yankee scouting party; illness strikes (pneumonia and diphtheria); civilians hide Baker from Yankees; he walks home on "furlough."
1864 September: Preparations for battle; third Battle of Winchester; comments about officers' mistakes; Fisher's Hill.
1865 April: The end of the war; surrender and parole.

Dates

1863 - 1864

Creator

Baker, I. Norval (Isaac Norval), 1844-1924 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions

Conditions Governing Use

Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.

Extent

2 items (ca. 33 pages in total)

Additional Description

Biographical / Historical

Isaac Norval Baker was born October 8, 1844, and lived near Whitacre, Frederick County, Virginia. During the Civil War he served as a Private in Company F, 18th Virginia Cavalry Regiment. At the time of enlistment he was described as having a light complexion, brown hair, hazel eyes, 5' 7". After the war Baker practiced herbal medicine in Shenandoah and Frederick Counties (VA). He died December 6, 1924, in Frederick County and is buried in Redland Cemetery, Hampshire Co., West Virginia.