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This document describes a collection of materials held
by the
Special Collections Department
University of Iowa Libraries
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1420
Phone: 319-335-5921
Fax: 319-335-5900
e-mail: lib-spec@uiowa.edu
Posted to Internet: September 2002
Acquisition
Note: These
papers were given to the University of Iowa Libraries in 1967 by Helen Murphy.
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and Restrictions:
Digital Surrogates: Except where indicated, this document describes but
does not reproduce the actual text, images and objects which make up this
collection. Materials are available only in the Special Collections
Department.
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The University of Iowa Libraries' statement on "Property Rights, Copyright Law, and Permissions to Use Unpublished
Materials"
Use of Collections: The University of Iowa Libraries supports access to the materials, published and unpublished, in its collections. Nonetheless, access to some items may be restricted by their fragile condition or by contractual agreement with donors, and it may not be possible at all times to provide appropriate machinery for reading, viewing or accessing non-paper-based materials. Please read our Use of Manuscripts Statement.
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE
Charles H. Murphy
(1877[?] - 1935) was twenty one years old residing in Red Oak, Iowa,
at the time of his enlistment in Company M of the 51st Iowa Volunteer Infantry
Regiment, during the Spanish American War. The regiment was mustered into service
at Des Moines on May 30, 1898. They left Des Moines for San Francisco and from
there traveled by steamship to Manila in the Philippine Islands. Murphy survived
the war and was mustered out on November 2, 1899.
The papers of Charles
H. Murphy consist of twelve letters dating from June 11, 1898 to April 1, 1899
and a welcome home program from November 6- 7, 1899. The letters were written
by Private Murphy to his brother and sister back home in Red Oak, Iowa. He described
the train trip to San Francisco and the military accommodations at Camp Merritt
and later at Camp Miller on the Presidio. There he wrote of fears that the regiment
would never be sent overseas to see combat. Later, while on the steamship Pennsylvania,
he wrote of the ocean trip, rations, and seasickness. After reaching the Philippines,
the letters reflected their frustration over having to remain aboard the ship
for over ninety days. His last letter dated Manila, April 1, 1899, where he
had been assigned to guard duty tells of his desire to take part in the fighting.
Two weeks after that last letter was written, Co. M joined the battle and went
on to participate in a number of campaigns. The only other item in Charles H.
Murphy's papers is a program welcoming Company M home from the war. and are
open for research.
Letters from Charles H. Murphy, 1898-1899. 12 items
Welcome Home Program for Company M, 51st Iowa Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Nov. 1899. 1 item
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