Allegany to Appomattox: The Life and Letters of Private William Whitlock of the 188th New York Volunteers

Acknowledgments

xxi Acknowledgments Ithank a number of friends and colleagues in Conway, South Carolina , for their encouragement during the writing of the manuscript. I was also encouraged by colleagues at Coastal Carolina University, including Ben Burroughs, regional historian and research specialist , and Aron Goff, computer technologist, who rescued me several times. Rod Gragg, director of the Center for Military and Veterans Studies and adjunct professor of history, has been a valued colleague, adviser, and friend. The staff of the Horry County Memorial Library in Conway was helpful and encouraging. The library staffs at Olean and Allegany, New York, also assisted in research, and Sharon Fellows, historian of Cattaraugus County, New York, assisted in research of members of the 188th New York. I greatly appreciate the support provided by Donald Housley, emeritus professor of history at Susquehanna University and my former undergraduate roommate at Houghton College. When I informed him that I was writing outside of the sciences, he immediately gave me A Pocket Guide to Writing in History by Mary Lynn Rampolla. Other individuals associated with Houghton College, past and present, who have been sources of encouragement and information include President Shirley Mullen and Dr. and Mrs. Richard Troutman. I was also aided by Chris Calkins, historian at Sailor’s Creek Historical Battlefield, who assisted in the confirmation of William Whitlock’s burial site, and staff members at Five Forks and Poplar Grove National Cemetery. Gary Williams, clerk of the Circuit Court at Sussex Court House in 2009, took time out of his schedule to help me get historical background on the Weldon Railroad. Hal Jespersen provided the excellent xxii  Preface maps for the three battles reported in the book. Peter Whitlock of the Whitlock Family Association was personally helpful with Whitlock genealogy. Steve Wiezbicki, historian for the 169th New York Volunteers, assisted me in outlining an organized plan of research on the history of the 188th. My sister, Vaughn Dunham Estep, and my cousin and his wife, Tony and Joyce Nudd, provided places for me to stay while I was doing research in New York and Pennsylvania. Special appreciation is also extended to Bill Potter and Howard Mark Whitney for their transcription and handling of the Whitlock letters. Both of these men were of great assistance in providing access to the letters and family documents and helpful comments during the writing of the book. Will’s letters are currently held by Howard Mark Whitney in Allegany, New York. I appreciate the staff of Syracuse University Press for the patience andexpertisetheyhavedisplayedinbringingthisprojecttocompletion. My thanks are also extended to Annie Barva, manuscript copy editor who specializes in bringing order out of chaos. Allegany to Appomattox ...