Daniel and Hugh Friel letters
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Date
Creator
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Language of Materials
Abstract
This collection primarily consists of letters from Daniel and Hugh Friel to their family, in which they address business affairs, personal matters, and their experiences fighting in the Civil War.
Biographical note
Daniel and Hugh Friel immigrated to Brooklyn from Ireland and lived on the corner of Classon and Lafayette Streets. Daniel, the eldest brother, had served in the U.S. Navy on the Frigate Wabash before serving in the Civil War as Second Lieutenant in the 47th New York Volunteers. After the War, he returned to Brooklyn and became a fireman. Hugh also served in the Civil War, enlisting in the 158th New York Volunteers as a drummer boy. He later resided at the Old Soldiers Home in Bath, N.Y., where he died at an advanced age.
Arrangement
The letters are arranged by sender and the originals are foldered separately from the typescript copies.
Scope and Contents
This collection includes letters from Daniel and Hugh Friel to their family, in which they address business affairs, personal matters, and their experiences fighting in the Civil War. The collection includes the original letters along with typed transcriptions. The collection also includes typescript copies of letters from William Davis and "Father" Friel as well as an original 1866 letter from W.E. (William Erigena) Robinson (1814-1892) recommending Daniel Friel for employment. The letters span 1858 to 1866.
Subjects
Families
Genres
People
Topics
Conditions Governing Access
The two folders of original letters are restricted due to their fragile condition.
Conditions Governing Use
These materials are in the public domain. While many items at the Center for Brooklyn History are unrestricted, we do not own reproduction rights to all materials. Be aware of the several kinds of rights that might apply: copyright, licensing and trademarks. The researcher assumes all responsibility for copyright questions.
Preferred Citation
Identification of item, date (if known); Daniel and Hugh Friel letters, 1977.425, Box and Folder number; Brooklyn Public Library, Center for Brooklyn History.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Mrs. Meyers and Mrs. George Blanthorn, 1965.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Due to the fragility of the original letters, researchers should use the typescript copies in their stead whenever possible.
About this Guide
Processing Information
Originally minimally processed to the collection level, the collection was rehoused and the finding aid revised by Dee Bowers in November 2023.