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William Denison Whipple Papers

 Collection
Identifier: MSS-950-BC

Scope and Content

The collection contains military journals and account ledgers, maps, letters and other correspondence, photographs, an engraving and personal papers related to the military career and personal life of United States Army Major General William Denison Whipple. Many of the materials pertain to Whipple’s posts at Fort Fillmore, NM and Fort Defiance, NM. Other materials relate to Whipple’s service in Texas prior to the Civil War and to his military career during the Civil War.

Dates

  • 1853-1865
  • Majority of material found in 1853-1865

Language of Materials

English

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Copy Restrictions

Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.

Biography / History

William Denison Whipple was born in Nelson, New York on August 2, 1826. Appointed to West Point in 1847, Whipple graduated in 1851. In 1852, Whipple marched a detachment of recruits from Fort Leavenworth to join the 3rd Us Infantry in New Mexico, where he served on frontier duty at Camp Vigilance, NM (1852); Fort Fillmore, NM (1852-1857); and Fort Defiance, NM (1858-1860). While stationed in New Mexico, Whipple participated in the Gila Expedition in 1857 and the Navajo Expedition of 1858 (including a skirmish near Fort Defiance on May 30, 1858), and the defense of Fort Defiance against a Navajo attack on April 30, 1860. Whipple then served in Texas, at Fort Bliss, Fort Clark, Fort Duncan and Indianola. While on Quartermaster duty at Indianola, Texas insurgents under Major Earl Van Dorn captured the post. Whipple later escaped and made his way through Confederate territory to Washington, DC. During the Civil War, Whipple served in the Manassas Campaign, including engagement at the Battle of Bull Run. Made Brigadier General of Volunteers in July 1863, Whipple served as Chief of Staff in the Department of the Cumberland until the end of the war, with engagements in the battles of Missionary Ridge, Pine Top, Kennesaw Mountain and Nashville, as well as in the siege and occupation of Atlanta. Whipple was brevetted as Major General on March 13, 1865 “for gallant and meritorious services in the field during the rebellion”. After the war, Whipple held staff positions, including serving as Aide-de-Camp to General William T. Sherman. Whipple married Caroline Cooke of Philadelphia in 1854. He died on April 1, 1902 in New York City. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Extent

1 box (.5 cu. ft.)

Abstract

The collection contains military journals and account ledgers, maps, letters and other correspondence, photographs, an engraving and personal papers related to the military career and personal life of United States Army Major General William Denison Whipple.

Relevant Secondary Sources

  • George W. Collum. Biographical Register of the Officers and Graduates of the United States Military Academy, vol. 2.
Title
Finding aid of the William Denison Whipple Papers, 1853-1865
Status
Completed
Author
Chris Geherin
Date
© 2017
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English

Revision Statements

  • Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451