Joab Roberson Letter,
Scope and Content note
This collection consists of a photocopy of a letter written by Joab Roberson (or Robertson), a private in Company I of the 57th Virginia Infantry during the Civil War. Writing to his wife Nan, Roberson discusses the possibility of selling his house to obtain a substitute to fulfill his military service, concluding, "I would be gladest [sic] in the world if I could get one but I think Nan that chance is a very bad one." Roberson mentions mutual acquaintances, both in the army and at home, and expresses a desire to be with his family. Elsewhere, he asks Nan to make and send him two shirts, using "cloth that would hide dirt good." A typed transcript accompanies the photocopy.
Dates
- Creation: 1862 - 1862
Creator
- Roberson, Joab, Jr., abt.1838-1862 (Person)
Access Restrictions
Collection is open for research.
Use Restrictions
Permission to publish material from the Joab Roberson Letter must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.
Biographical Note
Joab Roberson Jr. (also known as Joab Robertson Jr.), son of Joab and Niecy Shackleford Robertson, was born around 1838. He married Nancy J. Ragan, and the couple was living at Bachelor's Hill (Pittsylvania County), Virginia by 1860. On March 1, 1862, Roberson enlisted in Company I of the 57th Virginia Infantry. He was hospitalized in July, 1862. Roberson died of typhoid on August 29 of that year and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Richmond, Virginia. The Robersons had two daughters, Joanna and Nicey (the latter born posthumously). Post-war census records show that Nancy Roberson/Robertson continued to live in Pittsylvania County through 1900.
Full Extent
0.1 Cubic Feet (1 folder)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Photocopy of a letter from Joab Roberson, a private in Company I, 57th Virginia Infantry during the Civil War, written from Drewry's Bluff, Virginia, to his wife, Nan.
Acquisition Information
The Joab Roberson Letter was donated to Special Collections in 1976.
Physical Characteristics
0.1 cu. ft. 1 folder
Note
Though it seems most sources record the surname of this man, his ancestors, and descendants as "Robertson," the letter is clearly signed "Roberson" so was cataloged under the latter name.
Processing Information
The processing and description of the Joab Robertson Letter commenced and was completed in May, 2012.
- Title
- A Guide to the Joab Roberson Letter, 1862
- Subtitle
- A collection in Special Collections.
- Author
- John M. Jackson
- Date
- ©2011 By Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. All rights reserved.
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections, Virginia Tech Repository
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg Virginia 24061 US
540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu