The Citadel Archives & Museum
171 Moultrie Street
Charleston, South Carolina 29409
Telephone: 843.953.6846
Fax: 843.953.6956
Walter Scott Brewster Papers
A 1962.42
Biography
Walter Scott Brewster was born in Charleston in 1832 and graduated from The Citadel in 1852. He was a
lawyer and served as First Lieutenant in the Palmetto Guard, Fourth Brigade, South Carolina Militia. In
1861 he participated in the Battle of Fort Sumter. He later served as Captain of the 24th Regiment
Georgia Volunteer Infantry and was killed in the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862.
Scope and Content Note
In 1962, Mrs. Marjorie Wilkes Huntley donated the papers of her grandfather, Walter Brewster, to The
Citadel Archives & Museum. Papers consist chiefly of letters 1854-1855 written by Brewster to his sister
concerning life in Charleston as commander of the Palmetto Guard and letters 1860-1862 written to his
wife describing military activities. The letters with brief summaries are arranged chronologically.
1.
Photographs (2 prints)
1962.43.4
1962.43.9
2.
1847 October l
Uncle C.R. Brewster to Walter S. Brewster
From Charleston, 3 pages, handwritten
Suggests Walter finish his education in Charleston.
1962.42.1
3.
1852 May 9
Cadet Walter S. Brewster to his sister Georgie.
From Tallulah Falls, Rabun County Georgia, 4 p. handwritten.
Describes survey for the completed rail road route through the Rabun Gap in Georgia led by
Citadel professor Abbott Brisbane. Cadets G.W. Earle, Richardson, Singletary, Charles and
Brewster were on the survey trip.
1962.42.2
1
Walter Scott Brewster Papers
A 1962.42
4.
1854 April
Walter Brewster to his sister Georgie, brother-in-law,Clark and niece, Alla.
From Charleston, 3 pages handwritten
Mentions Palmetto Guard's participation in the great Southern Commercial Convention.
1962.42.4
5.
1854 June 4
Walter Brewster to his sister, Georgie
From Charleston, 3 pages handwritten
Describes his daily routine and evenings.
1962.42.5
6.
1854 June 28
Menu (printed, l page)
Anniversary dinner of the Palmetto Guard at the Pavilion Hotel
1962.43.1
7.
1854 Oct. 3
Resolution from Palmetto Guard
2 pages handwritten
Acknowledges Captain Cuthbert gift (banner.)
Brewster to brother-in-law, Clark
2 pages handwritten
Describes fever epidemic and deaths of friends.
1962.42.3
8.
1855 Nov. 28
Walter Brewster to his sister, Georgie
From Belvidere (Assumed to be Uncle Charles Brewster's farm in Georgetown, S.C.)
4 pages, handwritten
Mentions plans for social events in Columbia, South Carolina and at neighboring plantations in
Georgetown, South Carolina.
1962.42.6
9. Miscellaneous
a.
Admittance Card 1860 June 28 for Palmetto Guard anniversary supper 1962.43.3
b.
Visiting Card - Walter S. Brewster 1962.43.7
c.
Clipping [1861] from Gainesville, Georgia newspaper mentions Lt. Brewster,
commander of Palmetto Guard Company, relieved from active duty on Morris Island.
1962.43.5
d.
Clipping [1862 Dec.] description of Brewster's bravery & his death. 1962.43.6
2
Walter Scott Brewster Papers
A 1962.42
10.
1860 December
Poem
l page handwritten
Sue Banks Brewster to Walter S. Brewster. [Susan Willingham Banks Brewster. Banks
County, Georgia was named for her father, Dr. Richard Banks of Gainesville, Georgia.]
1962.42.11
11.
1861March 6-7
Walter Brewster to his wife, Sue
From Charleston, 4 pages handwritten
Hopes for peace; Fort Sumter is not yet ours; Palmettos [Palmetto Guard] are ready.
March 7th, he resigned his commission as First Lieutenant of Palmetto Guards and was offered
Captaincy of Jamison Guards.
1962.42.10
12.
1861March 11
Walter Brewster to his wife, Sue
From Charleston, 4 pages, handwritten
Comments on Congress passage of an Army Bill. He has refused three appointments: First
Lieutenant - Cadet Rifleman; Captaincy of Jamison Rifles; Major, First Battalion of the 17th
Regiment.
1962.42.7
13.
1861 Sept. 20
Brewster to his wife, Sue [occasionally referred to as "Bob"]
From Fort Pickens, Battery, 4 pages handwritten
Only corps stationed there and is overcome by sand flies and red bugs. His address is Lieutenant
Brewster, Vigilant Rifles, Battery Island.
1962.42.8
14.
1861 Sept. 22
Brewster to his wife, Sue
From Fort Pickens, 4 pages handwritten
Describes fishing, insects and hot weather.
1962.42.9
15.
[Undated]
Brewster to his wife, Sue
Lumpkin House, l page handwritten
Going to leave for Augusta, Georgia.
1962.42.17
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Walter Scott Brewster Papers
A 1962.42
16.
1862 March
Brewster to his wife, Sue
From Charleston, l page handwritten
Mentions the raffle of china tea set to benefit building the gun boat The Palmetto State.
Hospitals being built in Summerville, South Carolina. Capt. Simonton has his former
command at Fort Pickens. Has applied for a commission and received letters of recommendation.
1962.42.13
17.
1862 June 15
Brewster to his wife, Sue
From Richmond, Virginia, 6 lines handwritten, page is torn
1962.42.14
18.
1862 June 19
Brewster to his wife, Sue
Near Richmond, Virginia, 4 1/2 pages handwritten
Mentions Secretary of War Randolph, Union reconnaissance balloons, officers and camping in
the Chickahominy Swamp
1962.42.15
19.
[1862 July]
Brewster to his wife, Sue
Letter torn, in poor condition
Mentions respect from his men. Uniform torn at Battle of Malvern Hill (July 1, 1862). Requests
brass buttons and cloth for a uniform coat.
1962.42.18
20.
1862 Nov. 24
Sketch drawn by Brewster of Camp near Fredericksburg, Virginia
1962.43.2
21.
1862 Dec. 18
R.W. Alexander to Sue Brewster
4 pages handwritten
Describes Walter’s leg wound and death in Battle of Fredericksburg.
Praises his bravery.
1962.42.12
4