Brown University

Collections A-Z

In addition to general collections and online subscription databases, journals, and ebooks, the Library holds more than 500 named collections which are distinguished by their specialized subject matter, age, uniqueness, or value. Most of the listed collections on this page are located in the John Hay Library. To locate digitized collections, see the list available at the Center for Digital Scholarship site and search the Brown Digital Repository.

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Downs Family correspondence, 1861-1865

The Downs family correspondence consists of letters written by four brothers (Albert, Edward, Frederick, and Willie Downs) to their family in Westville, Connecticut, while the four were serving in the Union Army during the Civil War. The letters, which date mainly from 1861-1865, cover topics such as camp life, military operations, family matters, and the Union naval blockade of the South.
Format(s): Letters
Library: John Hay
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Access to the collection:

Online Catalog (BruKnow):
General description of the collection available on BruKnow


Other Online Access:
RIAMCO: Guide to the Downs family correspondence, 1861-1865

In-house Access to the Collection:
Typescript Inventory

Related Collections:
Brooks (William H.) Family Papers
Cameron (William H.) Civil War Papers
Gurney (Warren S.) Papers
Martensen (Augustus) Papers
Civil War Manuscripts Collection
Ellsworth (Elmer Ephraim) Papers