Winnie Ann Cowand papers, 1861-1884.

The collection mainly consists of letters written to Winnie Ann Cowand by family members, including Willie J. Rice, Joseph J. Cowand, Alfred E. Cowand, James R. Cowand, and Edward Rice. Also included are letters from family friends and suitors. Letters from Joseph, Alfred, and James Cowand describe aspects of their experiences as soldiers during the Civil War, including personal health and the health of friends and family, homesickness, and army rations. Joseph Cowand's letters also include folk songs and doggerel popular with the members of his company.

Winnie Ann Cowand (circa 1843-circa 1903) was a resident of Bertie County, North Carolina. She was one of at least twelve children of Starkey Cowand, a farmer, and Mary "Polly" Cowand. During the Civil War, Winnie's brothers Alfred E. Cowand (1845-1864) and James R. Cowand (1846-1866), served in the 2nd North Carolina Union Volunteer Infantry Regiment, as did her uncle Edward ("Ned") Rice. Winnie's cousin Joseph J. Cowand (circa 1838-1863) fought in the Confederate Army in the 32nd North Carolina Infantry Regiment.