Call Number:

C0947

Repository:

Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division

Extent:

• 1 box
• 1.6 linear feet

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); John W. Comfort Papers, Box and Folder Number; Special Collections, Princeton University Library.

Date:

circa 1875-1895 (inclusive)

Creator:

Comfort, John W., 1844-1893.

Abstract:

The John W. Comfort Papers consists of a letter, hand-drawn map, detailed narrative, military service history, and photograph of the career soldier John W. Comfort (1844-1893). The map and narrative document Comfort's experience fighting Big Foot's Sioux band at the Battle of Wounded Knee, 29 December 1890.

John W. Comfort was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1844. He was a career soldier, reenlisting continually in the Army from 1861 to 1890, and still serving in 1892. He participated in many battles during the Civil War, particularly in Georgia, including the sieges of Atlanta and Savannah. On 13 October 1875 Comfort received a Medal of Honor for his bravery associated with a battle against the Kiowa and Comanche in Staked Plains, Texas, on 5 November 1874. The citation for the medal plainly states, "Ran down and killed an Indian." As the materials in this collection demonstrate, he was a keen observer of his experiences at the Battle of Wounded Knee. Comfort died on 29 November 1893 in his hometown of Philadelphia.

Consists of a letter by Comfort to his brother, Winchester ["Chess"], a hand-drawn map of the "Battle Ground of Wounded Knee Creek," a first-hand narrative of the Battle of Wounded Knee, the "Military History of John W. Comfort. U.S. Army," and a photograph of Comfort wearing his Medal of Honor.

The collection has been arranged in the following order: letter, map, narrative, military history, and photograph.