Mark Bassett Collection

Collection Summary

Title: Mark Bassett Collection
Call Number: MS 94-31
Size: 0.25 linear feet
Acquisition: Donated by Mark Bassett, 1987
Processed By: JEO, 4-29-1994; JEF, 11-23-1998; MN, 11-2012
Restrictions: None

Literary Rights

Literary rights were not granted to Wichita State University. When permission is granted to examine the manuscripts, it is not an authorization to publish them. Manuscripts cannot be used for publication without regard for common law literary rights, copyright laws and the laws of libel. It is the responsibility of the researcher and his/her publisher to obtain permission to publish. Scholars and students who eventually plan to have their work published are urged to make inquiry regarding overall restrictions on publication before initial research.

Content Note

The Mark Bassett Collection consists of typed and transcribed letters and records of Robert Stevenson and his sons. The first part is a short history of the Stevensons including a summary of Robert’s Civil War career, move to Kansas, description of his house in Olathe, and examples of the family’s interactions. The second portion of the collection includes letters written by Robert Stevenson to his future wife “Les” describing conditions of the war and movement of his unit. The last section of the letters includes letters written from Olathe by Robert to Les describing local happenings and progress made in construction of a house. Although the material in this collection mainly consists of typed transcriptions, the letters and family history allow a brief description of the Civil War and life in rural Kansas in the 1860s

Detailed Description: Box and Folder Listing

Box 1 FF 1 Transcriptions (undated) from a notebook outlining a brief history of the family of Robert G. Stevenson. Included are description of events in the family life, allowing a glimpse of rural life in Olathe, Kansas, tracing illnesses, movement of people, etc.
Box 1 FF 2 Ten typed transcriptions of letters sent from Robert Stevenson to his future wife “Les” during the time of September 23, 1863 through October 11, 1863. These letters affirm Stevenson’s affection for his future bride, describe camp life, war conditions, battle casualties, and service as an assistant surgeon with the 73rd Illinois regiment. These letters were sent from Perryville, Bowling Green, and Chattanooga, among other locations, providing a surgeon’s view of war.
Box 1 FF 3 Three transcribed (legal size) letters from Robert E. Stevenson in Olathe, Kansas, to his wife in Illinois, dated May 26, 1866, July 31, 1867, and November 22, 1867. These letters describe the progress of the construction of their house, expressions of love for his wife and coming child. Included are descriptions of life and events in Olathe, Kansas.