Solomon McColl (1823-80), a Canadian participant in the American Civil War from December 1862 to September 1865, wrote these three letters to his nephew Ebenezer McColl (1835-1902) at Iona P.O., Elgin County and Michigan University, Ann Arbor. Solomon, a carpenter, describes his work with Michigan's regiment of engineers and mechanics. The men rebuilt bridges and maintained railroads as well as building blockhouses to defend bridges against Bush-Whackers. The letters also describe scenery and local landmarks in Georgia and Tennessee. Solomon also records an interesting encounter with local women, news of actions by General Rosecrans, and word of troop movements on both sides of the conflict. Earlier he served during the Mexican War from December 1846 to August 1848 when he was stationed at the Baton Rouge Barracks as a member of the Ordnance Department. Solomon is bured at the Dayton Ohio soldiers home where he died. Ebenezer went on to become superintendent of Indian Affairs for Manitoba and Northwest Territories 1890-1902.
