Collections : [University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library]

The Military papers series documents Morris Stuart Hall's service in the Union army during the Civil War. It includes an autobiographical sketch written in 1908 that contains an account of his experiences as a soldier in the Eighteenth Michigan Infantry and officer in the Forty-fourth U.S. Colored Infantry during the Civil War. He gives many vivid accounts of army life, skirmishes, battles-especially those against Hood's army at Franklin and Nashville. Much is written concerning the training of the African American regiment he commanded and of its bravery under fire. The series also contains twenty-two letters (1863-1866) written to members of his family. He tells of guard and patrol duty and of his duties as commissary of subsistence with the Army of the Cumberland. He describes the review of troops, the beauties of the Tennessee and Georgia countryside; comments on his religious beliefs, Copperheads, doctors and hospitals, Vallandigham's crossing, and intrigues in army promotions. He gives accounts of skirmishes and a vivid description of the battle of Nashville with special praise for the bravery of the African American troops. Also included are varioys papers relating to Hall's war service and subsequent efforts to receive government pension; a deed to property; and carte de visite portraits of some of the officers of the 14th and 44th U.S. Colored Infantry during the Civil War.