Explore an Archival Collection: The Battle of Galveston

The Combat between the Alabama and the Hatteras, off Galveston, on the 11th of Jan. 1863. 1869, undated reproduction. G-7202 FF1 #2, Galveston Photographic Subject Files: War and Military Affairs. Rosenberg Library, Galveston, Texas.

By Brock Yetter

The Galveston & Texas History Center holds a vast collection within their archives, consisting of books, maps, newspapers, and letters, with each item being related to the city of Galveston and the early growth of Texas. To not be overwhelmed by all of the material, I focused my research on a singular topic, the 1st of January in 1863, more commonly known as the Battle of Galveston. Initially, I was worried that my topic was too niche, as after searching through the History Center’s online catalog, there were only ten results out of the thousands of items listed online. However, those worries were quickly dropped, for the content of each item was extraordinary. Along with paintings that depict events from the battle, the online catalog listed family documents and letters, first-hand accounts of the Civil War and how it affected the lives in Galveston. There were newspaper clippings and reprints of notice boards within the Battle of Galveston vertical files, further explaining the events surrounding the battle. Other documents included a critical analysis of the battle, and how it affected the war, as well as a ship’s logbook that participated in the battle. The documents that grabbed my interest the most were the writings of James Black, a confederate artillery officer, who participated in the Battle of Galveston.

Destruction of the Westfield. 1863. G-7202 Oversize FF #4, Galveston Photographic Subject Files: War and Military Affairs. Rosenberg Library, Galveston, Texas.

The letters of James Black were the writings between him and his wife, Patience, during the Civil War, which were later published by the Galveston News in 1936. The contents of the letters provided a brief glimpse into the war, with James providing the perspective of tired confederate soldier, and Patience giving insight of the civilian side of the war. The first set of letters depict James exploits and participation in the Battle of Galveston, as a land based artillery gunner positioned right outside the Union occupied city. He later recounts the Confederacy’s victory and his ongoing mission of defending the city from Union retaliation. As the war progresses, the weariness and impatience begin to seep through James’ writings, as he simply wishes for the war to be over, so that he could return to Patience’s side and see his son again. Patience responds in kind words and gifts, returning the sentiments, and explains her own thoughts on the war, wishing for its end and the safe return of her husband.

Capture of the Harriet Lane. 1863. G-7202 Oversize FF #2, Galveston Photographic Subject Files: War and Military Affairs. Rosenberg Library, Galveston, Texas.

The most interesting part of this assignment was how simple I found the research process to be. Navigating through the archive was intimidating at first, but after fully exploring how the functions of the online catalog, how the files and materials are arranged throughout the archive, and with the helpful assistance of the staff, finding the materials of the Battle of Galveston was easy. Once it was all explained and I experienced my way through it, the process to find letters related to the Civil War became no different than looking for a book at a library.

Works Cited

James Black letters, Civil War (in Galveston), Galveston Vertical Files. Rosenberg Library, Galveston, Texas.

The Confederate Loss and Recapture of Galveston, 1862-1863 by Charles C. Cumberland, Civil War (in Galveston), Galveston Vertical Files. Rosenberg Library, Galveston, Texas.

Log of the Royal Yacht, MS 53-0001. Rosenberg Library, Galveston, Texas

Trueheart Family papers, MS 22-0023. Rosenberg Library, Galveston, Texas