Wray, Anne2018-12-202018-052017-07-182018http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:37945076This thesis examines the original correspondence of John Talbot Pitman, a Rhode Islander serving in the Civil War (1861-1865), in an effort to contribute a greater understanding of Rhode Island Civil War History. While most soldiers in the Union Army participated in the war for ideals such as duty, honor, or emancipation, John Talbot Pitman was unusual in the fact that his overwhelming drive to enlist was one of personal ambition. Pitman utilized his social status, education, and rank to tirelessly pursue his goals in an effort to better his personal fortune and that of his family.application/pdfHistory, United StatesThesis or Dissertation2018-12-20