Augustus Martensen Papers (Ms.Martensen)

The Papers of Augustus Martensen consist of approximately 107 items from the period 1822-1923. The collection includes fifty-five Civil War letters in German by Martensen, primarily to his wife Rosine and their children, and to his siblings in Germany, as well as letters received by Martensen and various family members from friends, relations, and fellow soldiers.

Martensen's letters present details of a Union soldier's life, describing hardships endured by soldiers and officers, the attitudes of Southern civilians, the use of Negro slaves by the Union army, the poor quality of army supplies, and the attitudes of Union soldiers, along with troop movements and battles. The majority of the documents relate particularly to Augustus Martensen's military career in Schleswig-Holstein and the United States. However, a number also document Rosine Martensen's efforts to obtain a widow's pension (as well as dependents' pensions on behalf of her children), and her efforts to maintain the family property, after his death.