MSS. Manuscript Collections

Abstract

This collection consists of a note written in 1864 to General John C. Breckinridge asking for permission to ship a carriage to prevent its theft.

Abstract

The collection contains two letters to relatives by Beckwith. In the 1861 letter, Beckwith writes of the burgeoning Civil War in Virginia and what he has heard about actions in surrounding states. The 1866 letter refers to family business and Beckwith's views on ante- and post-bellum West Virginia.

Abstract

The Dr. Thomas' Eclectric Oil trade card is an advertisement for a cure-all serum marketed most popularly during the Victorian era. This particular trade card was distributed by James Aumann, M.D.—a druggist and chemist from Wytheville, Virginia.

Abstract

The collection contains two volumes of Harper's Weekly publications from 1863 and 1864, including several Winslow Homer woodcuts and Thomas Nast cartoons.

Abstract

Letter written by Robert J. Wells. Robert J. Wells enlisted on June 5, 1861 at Lynchburg, Virginia as a Private in Company H of the 24th Virginia Infantry. The letter is written to "Cousin Louise" and dates from November 30, 1864.

Abstract

Deeds and genealogy notes relating to the family of David S. Rice of Rockingham County, Virginia.

Abstract

Letter from John O. Thornhill of the 2nd Virginia Cavalry, written apparently while on medical leave at Campbell, Virginia.

Abstract

Letter from former Union officer Spencer C. Stanhope to C. P. Leverich, describing his destitution and pleading for financial assistance. Accompanied by a second letter, which had likely been enclosed with the first, further describing his situation.

Abstract

Letter from Vermont native, living with a Virginia farming family during the Civil War, relating his attempt to join the army, unsuccessful due to illness. Also provides a contrasting description between the farms of Vermont and Virginia, instructs his father in handling his affairs during his absence, and denigrates newspapers as "liars by liars."

Abstract This collection consists of eighteen letters, seventeen of which are by John C. Watkins and three of which are fragments, two by John C. and one by his wife, Harriet (Hattie) Watkins. All were written to friends and family back home in Lowell, Massachusetts, first, when Watkins served as a private with the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment in Suffolk, Virginia in 1862 and 1863; then while in Washington, DC, from 1864 to 1866; and, lastly, while serving with the Eighth Cavalry as Acting Assistant...