Rhode Island Soldiers and Sailors Historical Society manuscripts, published works, and other material (MSS 019)

Historical note

The Rhode Island Soldiers and Sailors Historical Society was founded circa 1875 with the intention of preserving and disseminating the history of the Civil War, with an emphasis on the role of Rhode Island residents. Full membership was open to Rhode Island residents who had served in the Civil War. Meetings included readings concerning battles and campaigns, many of which were published under the title Personal Narratives of the Battles of the Rebellion.

The Ballou Collar was worn by Major Sullivan Ballou during the battle of Bull Run, in which he died. The collar was recovered by Mr. Nichols of the First Rhode Island Cavalry on March 21, 1862 after the Confederate descrecation of his body on the battle field. The collar was then donated to the Rhode Island Soldiers and Sailors Historical Society by Lieutenant Charles A. Towne.

When the society was disbanded, its published material, papers, and library were donated to the Providence Public Library. While the majority of the manuscripts and papers were given in an exchange to the Rhode Island Historical Society in 1933, these materials appear to have been kept by the Providence Public Library.