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The Thomas L. Evans correspondence consists of letters to various family members including his parents and siblings in Ohio during the latter part of the Civil War. Evans describes the living conditions, morale, and activities of his unit, as well as his observations of southern towns and plantations in a time of war. In the letters, Evans also comments on his belief in the fight to bring Southern states back into the United States and to abolish slavery.

Biographical Information

Thomas L. Evans joined the 96th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI) as a Lieutenant when the unit was founded in August 1863. The 96th OVI was originally sent to Cincinnati to protect against Confederate forces threatening Ohio. The 96th OVI continued south to aid in the trans-Mississippi theater, including the Siege of Vicksburg.

In April 1864, Evans and other soldiers from the 96th OVI were captured by Confederate forces in western Louisiana. They were sent to Camp Ford near Tyler, Texas, where Evans was a prisoner for months before being exchanged and mustered back into the 96th OVI in December 1864.

Evans was promoted to Captain after rejoining the Union forces, participating in the Battle of Mobile Bay. After the Union victory at Mobile Bay and the eventual surrender of Robert E. Lee and other Confederate generals, Evans is shipped to Texas, where the letters end.

For more information about Thomas L. Evans, read Joel Martin's thesis The Education of Thomas L. Evans