Dates: 1862-1863.

Biography:

Norman S. Fields

Norman S. Fields was probably the son of Pierson Fields of Carroll County, Mississippi. Norman S. Fields married Abigail Matthews on December 8, 1853. They had two children: Norman S., Jr. (Fleet), who was born on September 24, 1854, and Eliza. Fields enlisted as a private in the Buckner Rebels, Company I, Thirtieth Regiment, Mississippi Infantry, Confederate States Army, on April 13, 1862. He participated in the battle of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, from December 31, 1862, to January 3, 1863. Fields died in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on January 23, 1863.

 

Scope and Content Note:

This collection consists of correspondence of Norman S. Fields of Carroll County, Mississippi; an inventory of his estate; and an unidentified letter. Fields wrote three of the letters to his wife, Abigail. He comments on the war in Tennessee, including its effect on the men in his unit, and he relates news of battles and troop movements. Fields also discusses the education of his son, Fleet, and mentions his daughter, Eliza. Of particular interest is a January 5, 1863, letter that Fields wrote shortly before his death. He describes the battle of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, including casualties and troop movements. Fields also notes the death of Enoch B. Redus, who died carrying the regimental battle flag. The inventory of the Norman S. Fields estate lists a slave named Burton and various household items. Frances Eubanks, John Harlin, and James Wall of Carroll County prepared the inventory. Included is a letter from an unidentified correspondent in Mulberry, Crawford County, Arkansas, to a woman named Sue. The writer mentions building a cabin and notes the health of family members and friends and weather conditions.

 

Series Identification:

Series 1: Correspondence. 1862-1863; n.d. 1 folder.