The Patchin Family Collection is organized into four series: Augustus Patchin, James Patchin, Margaret Patchin, and Mary McDougall.
Augustus Patchin (1861-1864) is comprised almost entirely of letters written by Augusts to his family while he was serving in the Civil War. These letters are primarily written to the whole family, with Augustus writing small paragraphs to specific family members in the text of each letter. There are a few letters addressed to specific family members, such as his wife, Margaret, and his son, James. These letters have been arranged together with those written to his family as Augustus didn't change the tone of his letters in these cases and that they happen infrequently. Themes throughout the letters include his interest in the well-being of the family, answering questions about managing the farm, and instructing his young sons to behave and listen to their mother. He also inquires about his youngest son, Herbert, who was born after he enlisted. Augustus also provides support for his wife, who writes to him about the stress the war has placed on the family. The letters written by Augustus while he was a prisoner of war primarily indicate that he was being held at Libby Prison in Virginia. One letter (May 29, 1864) is addressed from Macon, Georgia, which could mean he was transferred to Camp Ogelthorpe. The camp was used to hold Union officers after prisoner exchanges broke down between the Union and Confederacy. The series also includes letters written to Augustus from the entire family. These letters are generally written by Margaret, James, and Mary (with some notes from his younger sons) and were written on the same piece of paper. The series also includes a prayer that was apparently carried by Augustus during the war.
James Patchin (1863-1865) is comprised mainly of letters written by James to his family while serving in the Civil War. The letters are generally written to specific people and have been arranged by name of recipient. Letters written in 1863 were to his father, Augustus, who was serving with the 10th Wisconsin. These letters primarily describe the family and also concern the running of the farm. James also expresses his frustration of dealing with his younger brothers and mentions the stress placed on the family in his absence. Despite this, James remains supportive of the war effort and mentions in several letters his desire to enlist. Additional letters written by James to Augustus during this time are located in the Augustus Patchin series. They were included with other letters written by family members. Letters written by James dated 1864 describe his training and service with the 40th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. The regiment was comprised of men who enlisted for a one-hundred day period. Just like Augustus, James relays instructions to the family on farm upkeep and also inquires about life at home. He also inquires about the release of his father from prison (July 14, 1864) and also talks to his mother about enlisting again instead of waiting to be drafted (August 29, 1864). Letters from 1865 pertain to his service with the 47th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. These letters include ones James wrote to his father after he returned home from being a POW, and also those written to other members of his family. James indicates in these letters his boredom with his service, his lack of respect for the commanding officers in his regiment, and his desire to return home soon. The collection also features a few letters written to James pertaining to the war. A. E. Blakesla and Clarence Burnett were cousins of James, and both wrote letters mainly about the welfare of their respective families. The Blakesla letter does mention hearing of Augustus being wounded and taken prisoner. The Burnett letter ends with a very interesting description of seeing prisoners of war and wounded soldiers being transported through Mazomanie, Wisconsin. The cannon he describes in his letter is featured in the gallery of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum. The letter from S. C. Gibb, a friend, mentions the draft ending and news of other friends who were serving in the war. The last letter written to James was from Robert H. Spencer, who served as captain of Company H, 10th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. Spencer was captured during the Battle of Chickamauga
Margaret Patchin (1861-1864) is comprised mainly of letters she wrote to Augustus. The letters generally refer to life on the farm, and often relay her struggles of running the farm and disciplining the children. The letters provide insight into the stress placed on families while fathers were serving during the Civil War, as women had to maintain the family and were constantly worried about the safety of their husbands. Additional letters written to Augustus from Margaret are included in the Augustus Patchin series under "Letters from family." The letters written to James show similar concerns for his safety, but she does not relay the stress placed upon her as much as she does in the letters to Augustus. The letter from Rodintha Palmer, a relative, wishes Margaret well and hopes that her family will survive the war.
Mary McDougall (1863, 1865-1866) is made up of letters written by a cousin of the Patchin family who stayed on the farm while Augustus and James were serving in the war. Letters written to Augustus from James and Margaret indicate that Mary came to stay with the Patchin family in order to help Margaret around the house. The letters indicate that she was from Black Earth, Wisconsin and apparently arrived at the Patchin farm sometime in 1863. Mary wrote individual letters to Augustus during 1863 and also included some messages with letters written by the family. These letters can be found in the Augustus Patchin series under "Letters from Family." The letters written to Augustus inform him on the welfare of the family and the status of the farm; similar to those written by James and Margaret. She also includes, in several letters, her disgust over Copperheads and the need for continued support of the war effort. There is one letter written by Mary to James that was included with a letter to James written by Margaret (July 18, 1864). This letter is similar in context to the ones written to Augustus. The collection also includes letters written by Mary to the Patchin Family after she returned to Black Earth. Most of the letters are dated 1866 and show her connection to the family after living there. Mary also continues to indicate her political interest and asks her uncle his opinions on President Johnson and the nation as a whole. One letter (May 1, 1865) describes her journey back home and indicates that she helped the family out until Augustus regained his strength after his release from prison.
