Karl L. Rommel Collection (c.00532)

The Karl L. Rommel collection contains the Civil War letters (1861-1865) of Harrison Traphagen, David R. Frego, Lt. Robert A. Moon, Augustus, L. A. Hall, and Robert, to various friends and relatives.

Harrison Traphagen served in Company I of the 3rd Michigan Cavalry. At 21, he enlisted on September 9, 1861 in Fentonville, Michigan, and was mustered in on October 3, 1861 as a Corporal. Traphagen addresses his letters to his parents and brother, detailing his Regiment's organization in Grand Rapids, relocation to St. Louis and Benton Barracks, and establishment in the Cavalry Division of the Army of the Mississippi. Traphagen's letters conclude as he died from typhoid fever on April 9, 1862 in the Regimental Hospital in New Madrid, Missouri.

David R. Frego served in the 6th Regiment of the Michigan Cavalry, mustered in on October 1, 1862, and proceeded to become part of the Veteran Reserve Corps until he was discharged on October 11, 1865. Frego writes his letters to his brother and sister Lavina E. Frego, in particular noting his time at Dismounted Camp near Washington, D. C. Frego was born in Northumberland, Pennsylvania, worked as a farmer prior to enlistment, and was 27 at the time of his discharge.

Lt. Robert A. Moon is presumed to be First Lieutenant in Company I of the 6th Regiment of the Michigan Cavalry. Moon writes to his friends' uncle from Washington D. C., reflecting on his thoughts on enlistment and the Homestead Act.

Augustus, presumed Augustus Voorhees from South Haven, Michigan, who served in Company C of the 3rd Regiment of the Michigan Calvary, writes of his time since leaving South Haven, including his enlistment in Grand Rapids and travel to Benton Barracks.

L. A. Hall writes to his brother, sister, and niece Elva A. Woodward, noting his time in City Point, Camp Russel, and Camp Stoneman, detailing the events experienced throughout camp as the war came to a close.

Robert writes to his sister Helen Rogers from Camp Nelson, Camp Stockton, and Lexington, detailing that he is serving in Company A, and that they potentially will be joining General Burnside's division.