Ruggles Bequest

Contains drawings by William E. Ruggles of episodes in the American Civil War. 1863-1864. 2 sets of photographs of these drawings are also held. [See MS 29/4.] Also contains correspondence and documents mainly relating to Ruggles' drawing and the American Civil War; biographical notes on William Eugene Ruggles and Phillip M. Ostrander, by David Swinfen, later incorporated into a book by Dr Swinfen: 'Ruggles' Regiment: the 122nd New York Volunteers in the American Civil War', 1982; and a set of negatives and two sets of photographic prints of the drawings (except MS 29/1/7, of which there is only one print) which includes photographs of signature of W.F. Ruggles and [erased] signature of Ostrander, including photograph of enhancement of Ostrander's signature by Forensic Dept. of Tayside Police.

Usually chronological within series.

Open for consultation subject to preservation requirements. Access must also conform to the restrictions of the Data Protection Act (2018), General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR, 2018) and any other relevant legislation or restrictions. Clinical information is closed for 100 years.

Paper, photographs

Description compiled by Bernard John McLaughlin.

Reproduction is available subject to preservation requirements. Charges may be made for this service, and copyright and other restrictions may apply; please check with the Duty Archivist.

Bequest of Miss Ruggles of Craichie House by Letham, Angus. "Original" drawings in pencil and ink on card, claimed to be by William E. Ruggles, a private in Company B, 122nd New York Infantry, and drawn c.1885. They depict episodes in the American Civil War drawn "from memory". All at some time appear to have had a different signature, in the right hand corner, which has been erased. The name in most cases is illegible apart from a few letters. According to Professor David B. Swinfen, Department of Modern History, Dundee University, the original artist was almost certainly Phillip M. Ostrander, 149th Regiment. Several of the drawings, however, depict scenes at which Ostrander could not have been present. Professor Swinfen says it can be assumed that the later and perhaps even all the drawings are based on original photographs or other pictures. [See MS 29/3].

Not expected

Published

Catalogued

MS 29