The McRae Papers-An Introduction

[Bob 125th NYSVI]

I wonder if there is anyway to connect the deliveries to pier side to depot to units?

Once the goods are off the ship they need to be moved into the hands of the troops.

If we could determine which depots received the goods and when, it would provide a very solid trail as to who likely got what and when.

Does anybody know if there are existing quartermaster documenation that needs to (or can) be reviewed in conjunction with these papers?

[Moonshine]

A good way to raise some $$$ would be to put in book form? Any hopes of this in the future? It could be a good treatise of the war all by itself.

Makes you wonder how much other stuff is still around in attics and trunks. Makes me believe that just because the Confederate records in Richmond were burned, that there aren't secondary (perhaps private) sources such as these that could give more insight as we've always been looking for.

Thank you to all the individuals who are donating any time to this project!

[paulcalloway]

I believe the SC Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum has contracted to purchase these papers. They don't actually own them yet - they are raising the funds to purchase them.

Which means, they can't publish them (yet). I'm sure Neill or Allen can provide more clarification.

[SCSecesh]

Paul,
Correct! Contracted to purchase, also means that the $$$ has to be raised to finalize that purchase. If it isn't raised, these may may go the way of the four winds to the highest bidders! Hint! Hint!

[Iron Scout]

Folks,

As a point of clarification, the documents are "in-house" at the Relic Room currently as they're being cataloged, etc. We'll have to finish all the payments to take binding legal ownership. Thanks goodness the owners/family have been very accomodating and patient (a rarity these days).

As for tracing the shipments, etc., some of this is possible to an extent. Many of the documents list the steamer in which the shipments were loaded. By matching these with Bourne's log (1863+) in Bermuda, we can figure which port in which the runners arrived. The ORs are a resource to an extent too.

Hope this helps,

Regards,

Neill Rose
PLHA

[Krissy Dunn]

Thanks to all of you who are helping to support this project through your money, time, and interest! It has been wonderful to read the comments about the thumbnails and fundraising activities. The McRae Papers are an amazing treasure trove to the CW and LH communities that will substantially alter our views on blockade running, supplies, etc., as Neill previously mentioned.

Thanks to Neill and the A.C. for distributing the information and helping with the fundraising. I look forward to posting more about this project in the future!

Krissy Dunn
Curator of History
South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum