Robert Mueller Collection (c.00690)

The collection includes three letters written by Richard Austin to his wife Eliza Ann (maiden name Beers), dated January, 25th 1862, February 4, 1862, August 18, 1862. In 1861, Austin (born circa 1837) enlisted in Company E of the 6th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment in Marshall, Michigan. This unit was later reorganized as the 6th Michigan Volunteer Heavy Artillery Regiment. Austin died November 18, 1863 in the Regimental Hospital (6th Michigan Artillery). Eliza's brother, Josiah Luther Beers, composed the last letter in the collection, dated October 20, 1862. Josiah also enlisted in Company E of the 6th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He was captured in Tunica Bayou, LA, on November 12, 1863, and died at Andersonville Prison on June 6, 1864, from "diarrhea."