{"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Baccess_subjects%5D%5B%5D=United+States%E2%80%94History%E2%80%94Civil+War%2C+1861-1865\u0026page=13","prev":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Baccess_subjects%5D%5B%5D=United+States%E2%80%94History%E2%80%94Civil+War%2C+1861-1865\u0026page=12","last":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog.json?f%5Baccess_subjects%5D%5B%5D=United+States%E2%80%94History%E2%80%94Civil+War%2C+1861-1865\u0026page=13"},"meta":{"pages":{"current_page":13,"next_page":null,"prev_page":12,"total_pages":13,"limit_value":10,"offset_value":120,"total_count":127,"first_page?":false,"last_page?":true}},"data":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_245","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Thomas A. Stevenson papers","creator":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_245#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Stevenson, Thomas A. (Thomas Andrew), 1841-?","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_245#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThe Thomas A. Stevenson papers consist of the papers (five items) Stevenson, including: \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThree letters (1860) from Stevenson (known as Andrew) to his sister Maria Stevenson in which he discusses the possibility of war, the celebration of Washington's birthday, and war preparation activities at VMI following the announcement of Virginia's secession\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne Confederate War Department visitor's pass (dated November 11, 1861) that allows Maria Stevenson to travel to Norfolk, Virginia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne letter (dated March 27, 1862) that introduces Stevenson to Major Taylor and recommends him for drillmaster duties\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_245#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_245","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_245","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_245","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_245","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_245.xml","title_ssm":["Thomas A. Stevenson papers"],"title_tesim":["Thomas A. Stevenson papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1860-1862"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1860-1862"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0175","/repositories/3/resources/245"],"text":["MS.0175","/repositories/3/resources/245","Thomas A. Stevenson papers","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Secession","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","Thomas Andrew Stevenson was born in 1841 in Richmond, Virginia. He graduated VMI in 1864. During the Civil War he was a Sergeant with the 8th Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States of America. After the War he was a lawyer in Missouri.","V. M. I. Lexington \nNov 20th 1860","My Dear Sister \nYour affectionate letter has been received and would have been answered immediately had not circumstances so conspired as to render it impossible.","You question very gravely as to the part we will take in the civil contest should one ensue in consequence of the election of the abols [abolitionist] nominee. The part that we will take Dear Sister will be forced in a measure upon us, by recuring [referring] to your map. You will notice that our geographical position is such that should the enemy cross from Ohio this (Lex) would be their first point of attack; for all other places west of this, they are little better than abolitionist. Besides our magazine and arsenal would naturally excite their cupidity, the latter of which two, is located in the centre of Barracks. Consequently you see that should they\nattempt the invasion this would be the first field of battle and in making the attack resistance on our part would be necessarily and honorably called for which in consequence would render fair Lexington the first picture in the bloody scene of devastation.","You ask in the same breath if I would take part in this contingency and endeavour to persuade me to the contrary. My Dear Sister I propose answering this question by venturing the following consideration. On entering the Institute as a Cadet I have sworn as it were allegiance to a constitution peculiar to the Institute and independent of the general government. And when I consider the former [modeled] by the government constitution in its purity and at the time confined to legitimate limits under its authority this I will abide by when the general government shall have been perverted by ambitious and designing men for personal sectional interest. And since I enjoy the privilege and protection the Institute affords I am as you will admit honorably bound to defend its interest when infringed on by the corrupt and aggressive government.","And another consideration is in defending this point- I am assisting to defend a place where a treasure far beyond my life is deposited. I know the enemy will not be rash enough to attack you by sea since your water fortification are so extensive. This reflection consoles me greatly for your safety at home. And moreover by making an effectual resistance here we will be the means of protecting the eastern portion of the state if not routing the enemy in general. So you see my Dear Sister I am compelled first in\nconsideration of the safety of those I have at home and secondly the obligation that so honorably bind me to protect the establishment that affords me the means of assisting to protect you and myself.","All I have said Dear Sister amounts to a mere probability. Believe me there will be no such issue as these extravagant fanatics prophesy. We consider it here as trifling talk, but have prepared in case of an emergency. We have commenced the skirmish drill and cartridges have been distributed to the amount of twenty five hundred. But believe me in the whole it will amount to nothing.","If my letter is uninteresting you cannot blame me. The nature of your question called for it. At present I am in good health and fine spirits--only wanting a heavy pair of gloves to walk post in to make me contented. I have received a letter from Chas. Smith. What he says is unimportant. My love to all and believe me your Brother devoted, Andrew.","P. S. Tell Sister Mary that since I came to reflect I think the Express would be the way that would cause her the less inconvenience and perhaps would be safest. The expense will be paid here.","I earnestly request that this be burnt as soon as read \nV. M. I. Lexington \nFeb 23d 1861","My Dear Sister \nI received your dear letter some days back and am sorry it was not in my power to reply sooner. I am much indebted for the entertaining style of your last. I am unable to describe the effect it had. Your good humor or scandle as you are pleased to term it went well to destroy the monotony of the time. It encouraged in me such a feeling [of] pleasantry that I was unable to content myself with being the only participant and turned to my friend sitting by, whose attention had been attracted by my involuntary and\nalmost spasmodic laughter, and allowed him to read some of your pleasant remarks. He seemed to enjoy the humor with equal good taste. You will excuse this liberty when you learn the motive which prompted it.","Christmas here as every festivity of the kind passed off quite pleasant, not to mention the occurrence of several cases of lager beer distemper necessary as you are aware among so many. It has now been a considerable time since Christmas passed and what occurred on the occasion fails my memory to some extent. I have faint recollection of a smashing dinner though was unable\nto participate with satisfaction remembering those less favored.","Yesterday we celebrated the anniversary of the birth of Washington. At daybreak thirteen guns were fired in commemoration and a general jubilee followed throughout the day. Grand doings were carried on by the two societies to one of which I am attached. By invitation the whole corps marched under arms to a church engaged for the occasion, where complimentary addresses were delivered on the memory and character of Washington by representatives of four societies, two of the Institute and two of Washington College in the neighborhood.","On returning from the church we repaired to the Mess Hall where a dinner the most sumptuous I ever witnessed was served up to a hungry crew. After dinner about three hours was employed in toast making and short speeches on the part of invited guests, of which there were a great number. This was followed by a dance which was kept up until after night, when the jubilee was ended by a magnificent display of fireworks.","Cousin D's informant is rather careless of the truth. No such excitement prevails. Alas! poor Tom I lament his fate, but am not surprised at what occasioned so dire a calamity. I admire your military skill. I think our [word not clear] cousin would make a fine breast work to command the harbor entrance. Friend John I see [swells] on the dignity of Church collection. I am rather inclined to think that he had little to say with regard to the cut and material of his sparrow tail. A coat of that shape in this season of the\nfashion looks rather suspicious. One would be lead to believe it a generous donation from some liberal hearted Christian. [Not insinuating] I am of the opinion.","Charlie White is a wicked fellow not writing to his sister. I will let him know that it has been noticed when I see him again. I wonder if the new edition of Blackstone would stand a revision. I am inclined to think if it was not proved to be fictitious it would on examination result in a defunct. Success to my friend Ned with this piece of advice to be careful that the pigs mouth is well [stuffed? stopped?]. The same white head individual is the ex cadet Grandy. I thought better of the people of Norfolk than to\nrepresent themselves through Geo. Blow. My Dear Sister I am ashamed to send this but when you learn that the mail boy is standing by my side waiting for my letter you will excuse my miserable writing and hasty composition. I will detail my studies in my letter to sister Mary. \nYour Affectionate Brother Andrew","P. S. A disunion flag was raised secretly yesterday morning on one of the towers and the bollards cut so as the stripes couldn't go up by three cadets.","V. M. I. Lexington \nApril 19th/61","My Dear Sister \nI was gratified with the reception of Sister M's letter on yesterday. It was a wish to await her answer to my last before replying to yours that has caused the delay on my part for which I am I must confess deservedly rebuked in your short but [pathetic] and expressive sentence \"why don't you answer my letter.\" I beg pardon dear Sister for I see from your tone your good humor is not a little provoked for my unwarrantable indulgence and pledge more strict attention for the future.","Great excitement prevails here since the reception of the secession ordinance (on which occasion fifteen guns were fired as a salute of honor). All academic duties have been suspended if not thrown aside with the intention never to be resumed. Military instruction constitutes the order of the day. We drill from five in the morning until dusk with slight intermissions.","Col. Smith has been ordered to Richmond to report for special duty. Several cadets have been ordered by the governor to report in different sections of the state to drill recruits. It is thought more will be sent on tomorrow. The place about presents a most busy aspect. Arms are being carried from the arsenal during the entire day to supply the militia and volunteers of the county. Two companies equipped for service passed here on route for Washington. It was quite touching to see the wives and children following after. Our entire second class are employed in making cartridges. Our tents are being repaired and every warlike preparation is being made. We are under orders to hold ourselves in readiness. You must not be alarmed at what I have said. I have thought it best to be candid. I shall write to you frequently that is if my purse will afford. I am so fatigued from my exercise today that I am scarcely able to drag my pen across the paper. I would beg excuse for my careless composition with a promise to do better when I am more refreshed. My love to my mother and sisters. Kiss D for me. Your affect Bro., Andrew","Destroy this as soon as read. I am so fatigued that I am unable to do better.","Hd. Qrs. 2d Brigade Vol. \nNorfolk, Va. March 27th, 1862","Major R. C. Taylor \nComg. \u0026 c Georgia Barracks","Major \nI beg to introduce to your acquaintance for assignment to any duty\nyou may think proper Cadet T. Andrew Stevenson of the Virginia M. Institute. He is anxious to render some service to the Confederacy and desires to avail himself of the furlough which has been granted him to assist you in the drilling and organization of the troops under your command. \nI am Major, \nVery truly \u0026 c, \nR. Taylor","The Thomas A. Stevenson papers consist of the papers (five items) Stevenson, including:\n Three letters (1860) from Stevenson (known as Andrew) to his sister Maria Stevenson in which he discusses the possibility of war, the celebration of Washington's birthday, and war preparation activities at VMI following the announcement of Virginia's secession One Confederate War Department visitor's pass (dated November 11, 1861) that allows Maria Stevenson to travel to Norfolk, Virginia One letter (dated March 27, 1862) that introduces Stevenson to Major Taylor and recommends him for drillmaster duties","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses the possibility of war.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the celebration of Washington's birthday and cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards war preparation activities at VMI following the announcement of Virginia's secession.","A Confederate War Department visitor's pass that allows Maria Stevenson to travel to Norfolk, Virginia.","Written from Norfolk, Virginia. Letter introduces Thomas A. Stevenson to Major Taylor and recommends him for drillmaster duties.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Stevenson, Thomas A. (Thomas Andrew), 1841-?","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0175","/repositories/3/resources/245"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Thomas A. Stevenson papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Thomas A. Stevenson papers"],"collection_ssim":["Thomas A. Stevenson papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Stevenson, Thomas A. (Thomas Andrew), 1841-?"],"creator_ssim":["Stevenson, Thomas A. (Thomas Andrew), 1841-?"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Stevenson, Thomas A. (Thomas Andrew), 1841-?"],"creators_ssim":["Stevenson, Thomas A. (Thomas Andrew), 1841-?"],"access_terms_ssm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Secession","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Secession","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["5 items"],"extent_tesim":["5 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1860,1861,1862],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":[" Restrictions on Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThomas Andrew Stevenson was born in 1841 in Richmond, Virginia. He graduated VMI in 1864. During the Civil War he was a Sergeant with the 8th Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States of America. After the War he was a lawyer in Missouri.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Thomas Andrew Stevenson was born in 1841 in Richmond, Virginia. He graduated VMI in 1864. During the Civil War he was a Sergeant with the 8th Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States of America. After the War he was a lawyer in Missouri."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eV. M. I. Lexington\u003cbr\u003e\nNov 20th 1860\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate letter has been received and would have been answered immediately had not circumstances so conspired as to render it impossible.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou question very gravely as to the part we will take in the civil contest should one ensue in consequence of the election of the abols [abolitionist] nominee. The part that we will take Dear Sister will be forced in a measure upon us, by recuring [referring] to your map. You will notice that our geographical position is such that should the enemy cross from Ohio this (Lex) would be their first point of attack; for all other places west of this, they are little better than abolitionist. Besides our magazine and arsenal would naturally excite their cupidity, the latter of which two, is located in the centre of Barracks. Consequently you see that should they\nattempt the invasion this would be the first field of battle and in making the attack resistance on our part would be necessarily and honorably called for which in consequence would render fair Lexington the first picture in the bloody scene of devastation.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou ask in the same breath if I would take part in this contingency and endeavour to persuade me to the contrary. My Dear Sister I propose answering this question by venturing the following consideration. On entering the Institute as a Cadet I have sworn as it were allegiance to a constitution peculiar to the Institute and independent of the general government. And when I consider the former [modeled] by the government constitution in its purity and at the time confined to legitimate limits under its authority this I will abide by when the general government shall have been perverted by ambitious and designing men for personal sectional interest. And since I enjoy the privilege and protection the Institute affords I am as you will admit honorably bound to defend its interest when infringed on by the corrupt and aggressive government.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAnd another consideration is in defending this point- I am assisting to defend a place where a treasure far beyond my life is deposited. I know the enemy will not be rash enough to attack you by sea since your water fortification are so extensive. This reflection consoles me greatly for your safety at home. And moreover by making an effectual resistance here we will be the means of protecting the eastern portion of the state if not routing the enemy in general. So you see my Dear Sister I am compelled first in\nconsideration of the safety of those I have at home and secondly the obligation that so honorably bind me to protect the establishment that affords me the means of assisting to protect you and myself.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAll I have said Dear Sister amounts to a mere probability. Believe me there will be no such issue as these extravagant fanatics prophesy. We consider it here as trifling talk, but have prepared in case of an emergency. We have commenced the skirmish drill and cartridges have been distributed to the amount of twenty five hundred. But believe me in the whole it will amount to nothing.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf my letter is uninteresting you cannot blame me. The nature of your question called for it. At present I am in good health and fine spirits--only wanting a heavy pair of gloves to walk post in to make me contented. I have received a letter from Chas. Smith. What he says is unimportant. My love to all and believe me your Brother devoted, Andrew.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eP. S. Tell Sister Mary that since I came to reflect I think the Express would be the way that would cause her the less inconvenience and perhaps would be safest. The expense will be paid here.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI earnestly request that this be burnt as soon as read\u003cbr\u003e\nV. M. I. Lexington\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb 23d 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nI received your dear letter some days back and am sorry it was not in my power to reply sooner. I am much indebted for the entertaining style of your last. I am unable to describe the effect it had. Your good humor or scandle as you are pleased to term it went well to destroy the monotony of the time. It encouraged in me such a feeling [of] pleasantry that I was unable to content myself with being the only participant and turned to my friend sitting by, whose attention had been attracted by my involuntary and\nalmost spasmodic laughter, and allowed him to read some of your pleasant remarks. He seemed to enjoy the humor with equal good taste. You will excuse this liberty when you learn the motive which prompted it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eChristmas here as every festivity of the kind passed off quite pleasant, not to mention the occurrence of several cases of lager beer distemper necessary as you are aware among so many. It has now been a considerable time since Christmas passed and what occurred on the occasion fails my memory to some extent. I have faint recollection of a smashing dinner though was unable\nto participate with satisfaction remembering those less favored.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYesterday we celebrated the anniversary of the birth of Washington. At daybreak thirteen guns were fired in commemoration and a general jubilee followed throughout the day. Grand doings were carried on by the two societies to one of which I am attached. By invitation the whole corps marched under arms to a church engaged for the occasion, where complimentary addresses were delivered on the memory and character of Washington by representatives of four societies, two of the Institute and two of Washington College in the neighborhood.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOn returning from the church we repaired to the Mess Hall where a dinner the most sumptuous I ever witnessed was served up to a hungry crew. After dinner about three hours was employed in toast making and short speeches on the part of invited guests, of which there were a great number. This was followed by a dance which was kept up until after night, when the jubilee was ended by a magnificent display of fireworks.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCousin D's informant is rather careless of the truth. No such excitement prevails. Alas! poor Tom I lament his fate, but am not surprised at what occasioned so dire a calamity. I admire your military skill. I think our [word not clear] cousin would make a fine breast work to command the harbor entrance. Friend John I see [swells] on the dignity of Church collection. I am rather inclined to think that he had little to say with regard to the cut and material of his sparrow tail. A coat of that shape in this season of the\nfashion looks rather suspicious. One would be lead to believe it a generous donation from some liberal hearted Christian. [Not insinuating] I am of the opinion.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCharlie White is a wicked fellow not writing to his sister. I will let him know that it has been noticed when I see him again. I wonder if the new edition of Blackstone would stand a revision. I am inclined to think if it was not proved to be fictitious it would on examination result in a defunct. Success to my friend Ned with this piece of advice to be careful that the pigs mouth is well [stuffed? stopped?]. The same white head individual is the ex cadet Grandy. I thought better of the people of Norfolk than to\nrepresent themselves through Geo. Blow. My Dear Sister I am ashamed to send this but when you learn that the mail boy is standing by my side waiting for my letter you will excuse my miserable writing and hasty composition. I will detail my studies in my letter to sister Mary.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour Affectionate Brother Andrew\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eP. S. A disunion flag was raised secretly yesterday morning on one of the towers and the bollards cut so as the stripes couldn't go up by three cadets.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV. M. I. Lexington\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 19th/61\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nI was gratified with the reception of Sister M's letter on yesterday. It was a wish to await her answer to my last before replying to yours that has caused the delay on my part for which I am I must confess deservedly rebuked in your short but [pathetic] and expressive sentence \"why don't you answer my letter.\" I beg pardon dear Sister for I see from your tone your good humor is not a little provoked for my unwarrantable indulgence and pledge more strict attention for the future.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGreat excitement prevails here since the reception of the secession ordinance (on which occasion fifteen guns were fired as a salute of honor). All academic duties have been suspended if not thrown aside with the intention never to be resumed. Military instruction constitutes the order of the day. We drill from five in the morning until dusk with slight intermissions.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. Smith has been ordered to Richmond to report for special duty. Several cadets have been ordered by the governor to report in different sections of the state to drill recruits. It is thought more will be sent on tomorrow. The place about presents a most busy aspect. Arms are being carried from the arsenal during the entire day to supply the militia and volunteers of the county. Two companies equipped for service passed here on route for Washington. It was quite touching to see the wives and children following after. Our entire second class are employed in making cartridges. Our tents are being repaired and every warlike preparation is being made. We are under orders to hold ourselves in readiness. You must not be alarmed at what I have said. I have thought it best to be candid. I shall write to you frequently that is if my purse will afford. I am so fatigued from my exercise today that I am scarcely able to drag my pen across the paper. I would beg excuse for my careless composition with a promise to do better when I am more refreshed. My love to my mother and sisters. Kiss D for me. Your affect Bro., Andrew\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDestroy this as soon as read. I am so fatigued that I am unable to do better.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd. Qrs. 2d Brigade Vol.\u003cbr\u003e\nNorfolk, Va. March 27th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMajor R. C. Taylor\u003cbr\u003e\nComg. \u0026amp; c Georgia Barracks\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMajor\u003cbr\u003e\nI beg to introduce to your acquaintance for assignment to any duty\nyou may think proper Cadet T. Andrew Stevenson of the Virginia M. Institute. He is anxious to render some service to the Confederacy and desires to avail himself of the furlough which has been granted him to assist you in the drilling and organization of the troops under your command.\u003cbr\u003e\nI am Major,\u003cbr\u003e\nVery truly \u0026amp; c,\u003cbr\u003e\nR. Taylor\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["V. M. I. Lexington \nNov 20th 1860","My Dear Sister \nYour affectionate letter has been received and would have been answered immediately had not circumstances so conspired as to render it impossible.","You question very gravely as to the part we will take in the civil contest should one ensue in consequence of the election of the abols [abolitionist] nominee. The part that we will take Dear Sister will be forced in a measure upon us, by recuring [referring] to your map. You will notice that our geographical position is such that should the enemy cross from Ohio this (Lex) would be their first point of attack; for all other places west of this, they are little better than abolitionist. Besides our magazine and arsenal would naturally excite their cupidity, the latter of which two, is located in the centre of Barracks. Consequently you see that should they\nattempt the invasion this would be the first field of battle and in making the attack resistance on our part would be necessarily and honorably called for which in consequence would render fair Lexington the first picture in the bloody scene of devastation.","You ask in the same breath if I would take part in this contingency and endeavour to persuade me to the contrary. My Dear Sister I propose answering this question by venturing the following consideration. On entering the Institute as a Cadet I have sworn as it were allegiance to a constitution peculiar to the Institute and independent of the general government. And when I consider the former [modeled] by the government constitution in its purity and at the time confined to legitimate limits under its authority this I will abide by when the general government shall have been perverted by ambitious and designing men for personal sectional interest. And since I enjoy the privilege and protection the Institute affords I am as you will admit honorably bound to defend its interest when infringed on by the corrupt and aggressive government.","And another consideration is in defending this point- I am assisting to defend a place where a treasure far beyond my life is deposited. I know the enemy will not be rash enough to attack you by sea since your water fortification are so extensive. This reflection consoles me greatly for your safety at home. And moreover by making an effectual resistance here we will be the means of protecting the eastern portion of the state if not routing the enemy in general. So you see my Dear Sister I am compelled first in\nconsideration of the safety of those I have at home and secondly the obligation that so honorably bind me to protect the establishment that affords me the means of assisting to protect you and myself.","All I have said Dear Sister amounts to a mere probability. Believe me there will be no such issue as these extravagant fanatics prophesy. We consider it here as trifling talk, but have prepared in case of an emergency. We have commenced the skirmish drill and cartridges have been distributed to the amount of twenty five hundred. But believe me in the whole it will amount to nothing.","If my letter is uninteresting you cannot blame me. The nature of your question called for it. At present I am in good health and fine spirits--only wanting a heavy pair of gloves to walk post in to make me contented. I have received a letter from Chas. Smith. What he says is unimportant. My love to all and believe me your Brother devoted, Andrew.","P. S. Tell Sister Mary that since I came to reflect I think the Express would be the way that would cause her the less inconvenience and perhaps would be safest. The expense will be paid here.","I earnestly request that this be burnt as soon as read \nV. M. I. Lexington \nFeb 23d 1861","My Dear Sister \nI received your dear letter some days back and am sorry it was not in my power to reply sooner. I am much indebted for the entertaining style of your last. I am unable to describe the effect it had. Your good humor or scandle as you are pleased to term it went well to destroy the monotony of the time. It encouraged in me such a feeling [of] pleasantry that I was unable to content myself with being the only participant and turned to my friend sitting by, whose attention had been attracted by my involuntary and\nalmost spasmodic laughter, and allowed him to read some of your pleasant remarks. He seemed to enjoy the humor with equal good taste. You will excuse this liberty when you learn the motive which prompted it.","Christmas here as every festivity of the kind passed off quite pleasant, not to mention the occurrence of several cases of lager beer distemper necessary as you are aware among so many. It has now been a considerable time since Christmas passed and what occurred on the occasion fails my memory to some extent. I have faint recollection of a smashing dinner though was unable\nto participate with satisfaction remembering those less favored.","Yesterday we celebrated the anniversary of the birth of Washington. At daybreak thirteen guns were fired in commemoration and a general jubilee followed throughout the day. Grand doings were carried on by the two societies to one of which I am attached. By invitation the whole corps marched under arms to a church engaged for the occasion, where complimentary addresses were delivered on the memory and character of Washington by representatives of four societies, two of the Institute and two of Washington College in the neighborhood.","On returning from the church we repaired to the Mess Hall where a dinner the most sumptuous I ever witnessed was served up to a hungry crew. After dinner about three hours was employed in toast making and short speeches on the part of invited guests, of which there were a great number. This was followed by a dance which was kept up until after night, when the jubilee was ended by a magnificent display of fireworks.","Cousin D's informant is rather careless of the truth. No such excitement prevails. Alas! poor Tom I lament his fate, but am not surprised at what occasioned so dire a calamity. I admire your military skill. I think our [word not clear] cousin would make a fine breast work to command the harbor entrance. Friend John I see [swells] on the dignity of Church collection. I am rather inclined to think that he had little to say with regard to the cut and material of his sparrow tail. A coat of that shape in this season of the\nfashion looks rather suspicious. One would be lead to believe it a generous donation from some liberal hearted Christian. [Not insinuating] I am of the opinion.","Charlie White is a wicked fellow not writing to his sister. I will let him know that it has been noticed when I see him again. I wonder if the new edition of Blackstone would stand a revision. I am inclined to think if it was not proved to be fictitious it would on examination result in a defunct. Success to my friend Ned with this piece of advice to be careful that the pigs mouth is well [stuffed? stopped?]. The same white head individual is the ex cadet Grandy. I thought better of the people of Norfolk than to\nrepresent themselves through Geo. Blow. My Dear Sister I am ashamed to send this but when you learn that the mail boy is standing by my side waiting for my letter you will excuse my miserable writing and hasty composition. I will detail my studies in my letter to sister Mary. \nYour Affectionate Brother Andrew","P. S. A disunion flag was raised secretly yesterday morning on one of the towers and the bollards cut so as the stripes couldn't go up by three cadets.","V. M. I. Lexington \nApril 19th/61","My Dear Sister \nI was gratified with the reception of Sister M's letter on yesterday. It was a wish to await her answer to my last before replying to yours that has caused the delay on my part for which I am I must confess deservedly rebuked in your short but [pathetic] and expressive sentence \"why don't you answer my letter.\" I beg pardon dear Sister for I see from your tone your good humor is not a little provoked for my unwarrantable indulgence and pledge more strict attention for the future.","Great excitement prevails here since the reception of the secession ordinance (on which occasion fifteen guns were fired as a salute of honor). All academic duties have been suspended if not thrown aside with the intention never to be resumed. Military instruction constitutes the order of the day. We drill from five in the morning until dusk with slight intermissions.","Col. Smith has been ordered to Richmond to report for special duty. Several cadets have been ordered by the governor to report in different sections of the state to drill recruits. It is thought more will be sent on tomorrow. The place about presents a most busy aspect. Arms are being carried from the arsenal during the entire day to supply the militia and volunteers of the county. Two companies equipped for service passed here on route for Washington. It was quite touching to see the wives and children following after. Our entire second class are employed in making cartridges. Our tents are being repaired and every warlike preparation is being made. We are under orders to hold ourselves in readiness. You must not be alarmed at what I have said. I have thought it best to be candid. I shall write to you frequently that is if my purse will afford. I am so fatigued from my exercise today that I am scarcely able to drag my pen across the paper. I would beg excuse for my careless composition with a promise to do better when I am more refreshed. My love to my mother and sisters. Kiss D for me. Your affect Bro., Andrew","Destroy this as soon as read. I am so fatigued that I am unable to do better.","Hd. Qrs. 2d Brigade Vol. \nNorfolk, Va. March 27th, 1862","Major R. C. Taylor \nComg. \u0026 c Georgia Barracks","Major \nI beg to introduce to your acquaintance for assignment to any duty\nyou may think proper Cadet T. Andrew Stevenson of the Virginia M. Institute. He is anxious to render some service to the Confederacy and desires to avail himself of the furlough which has been granted him to assist you in the drilling and organization of the troops under your command. \nI am Major, \nVery truly \u0026 c, \nR. Taylor"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThomas A. Stevenson papers, 1860-1862. MS 0175. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Thomas A. Stevenson papers, 1860-1862. MS 0175. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe Thomas A. Stevenson papers consist of the papers (five items) Stevenson, including:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThree letters (1860) from Stevenson (known as Andrew) to his sister Maria Stevenson in which he discusses the possibility of war, the celebration of Washington's birthday, and war preparation activities at VMI following the announcement of Virginia's secession\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne Confederate War Department visitor's pass (dated November 11, 1861) that allows Maria Stevenson to travel to Norfolk, Virginia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne letter (dated March 27, 1862) that introduces Stevenson to Major Taylor and recommends him for drillmaster duties\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses the possibility of war.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the celebration of Washington's birthday and cadet life.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards war preparation activities at VMI following the announcement of Virginia's secession.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA Confederate War Department visitor's pass that allows Maria Stevenson to travel to Norfolk, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Norfolk, Virginia. Letter introduces Thomas A. Stevenson to Major Taylor and recommends him for drillmaster duties.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The Thomas A. Stevenson papers consist of the papers (five items) Stevenson, including:\n Three letters (1860) from Stevenson (known as Andrew) to his sister Maria Stevenson in which he discusses the possibility of war, the celebration of Washington's birthday, and war preparation activities at VMI following the announcement of Virginia's secession One Confederate War Department visitor's pass (dated November 11, 1861) that allows Maria Stevenson to travel to Norfolk, Virginia One letter (dated March 27, 1862) that introduces Stevenson to Major Taylor and recommends him for drillmaster duties","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses the possibility of war.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the celebration of Washington's birthday and cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards war preparation activities at VMI following the announcement of Virginia's secession.","A Confederate War Department visitor's pass that allows Maria Stevenson to travel to Norfolk, Virginia.","Written from Norfolk, Virginia. Letter introduces Thomas A. Stevenson to Major Taylor and recommends him for drillmaster duties."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_7438c09235fb8f3749c120dbbfac2014\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Stevenson, Thomas A. (Thomas Andrew), 1841-?"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"persname_ssim":["Stevenson, Thomas A. (Thomas Andrew), 1841-?"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    "],"total_component_count_is":5,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:11:19.316Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_245","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_245","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_245","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_245","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_245.xml","title_ssm":["Thomas A. Stevenson papers"],"title_tesim":["Thomas A. Stevenson papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1860-1862"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1860-1862"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0175","/repositories/3/resources/245"],"text":["MS.0175","/repositories/3/resources/245","Thomas A. Stevenson papers","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Secession","Correspondence","There are no restrictions.","Thomas Andrew Stevenson was born in 1841 in Richmond, Virginia. He graduated VMI in 1864. During the Civil War he was a Sergeant with the 8th Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States of America. After the War he was a lawyer in Missouri.","V. M. I. Lexington \nNov 20th 1860","My Dear Sister \nYour affectionate letter has been received and would have been answered immediately had not circumstances so conspired as to render it impossible.","You question very gravely as to the part we will take in the civil contest should one ensue in consequence of the election of the abols [abolitionist] nominee. The part that we will take Dear Sister will be forced in a measure upon us, by recuring [referring] to your map. You will notice that our geographical position is such that should the enemy cross from Ohio this (Lex) would be their first point of attack; for all other places west of this, they are little better than abolitionist. Besides our magazine and arsenal would naturally excite their cupidity, the latter of which two, is located in the centre of Barracks. Consequently you see that should they\nattempt the invasion this would be the first field of battle and in making the attack resistance on our part would be necessarily and honorably called for which in consequence would render fair Lexington the first picture in the bloody scene of devastation.","You ask in the same breath if I would take part in this contingency and endeavour to persuade me to the contrary. My Dear Sister I propose answering this question by venturing the following consideration. On entering the Institute as a Cadet I have sworn as it were allegiance to a constitution peculiar to the Institute and independent of the general government. And when I consider the former [modeled] by the government constitution in its purity and at the time confined to legitimate limits under its authority this I will abide by when the general government shall have been perverted by ambitious and designing men for personal sectional interest. And since I enjoy the privilege and protection the Institute affords I am as you will admit honorably bound to defend its interest when infringed on by the corrupt and aggressive government.","And another consideration is in defending this point- I am assisting to defend a place where a treasure far beyond my life is deposited. I know the enemy will not be rash enough to attack you by sea since your water fortification are so extensive. This reflection consoles me greatly for your safety at home. And moreover by making an effectual resistance here we will be the means of protecting the eastern portion of the state if not routing the enemy in general. So you see my Dear Sister I am compelled first in\nconsideration of the safety of those I have at home and secondly the obligation that so honorably bind me to protect the establishment that affords me the means of assisting to protect you and myself.","All I have said Dear Sister amounts to a mere probability. Believe me there will be no such issue as these extravagant fanatics prophesy. We consider it here as trifling talk, but have prepared in case of an emergency. We have commenced the skirmish drill and cartridges have been distributed to the amount of twenty five hundred. But believe me in the whole it will amount to nothing.","If my letter is uninteresting you cannot blame me. The nature of your question called for it. At present I am in good health and fine spirits--only wanting a heavy pair of gloves to walk post in to make me contented. I have received a letter from Chas. Smith. What he says is unimportant. My love to all and believe me your Brother devoted, Andrew.","P. S. Tell Sister Mary that since I came to reflect I think the Express would be the way that would cause her the less inconvenience and perhaps would be safest. The expense will be paid here.","I earnestly request that this be burnt as soon as read \nV. M. I. Lexington \nFeb 23d 1861","My Dear Sister \nI received your dear letter some days back and am sorry it was not in my power to reply sooner. I am much indebted for the entertaining style of your last. I am unable to describe the effect it had. Your good humor or scandle as you are pleased to term it went well to destroy the monotony of the time. It encouraged in me such a feeling [of] pleasantry that I was unable to content myself with being the only participant and turned to my friend sitting by, whose attention had been attracted by my involuntary and\nalmost spasmodic laughter, and allowed him to read some of your pleasant remarks. He seemed to enjoy the humor with equal good taste. You will excuse this liberty when you learn the motive which prompted it.","Christmas here as every festivity of the kind passed off quite pleasant, not to mention the occurrence of several cases of lager beer distemper necessary as you are aware among so many. It has now been a considerable time since Christmas passed and what occurred on the occasion fails my memory to some extent. I have faint recollection of a smashing dinner though was unable\nto participate with satisfaction remembering those less favored.","Yesterday we celebrated the anniversary of the birth of Washington. At daybreak thirteen guns were fired in commemoration and a general jubilee followed throughout the day. Grand doings were carried on by the two societies to one of which I am attached. By invitation the whole corps marched under arms to a church engaged for the occasion, where complimentary addresses were delivered on the memory and character of Washington by representatives of four societies, two of the Institute and two of Washington College in the neighborhood.","On returning from the church we repaired to the Mess Hall where a dinner the most sumptuous I ever witnessed was served up to a hungry crew. After dinner about three hours was employed in toast making and short speeches on the part of invited guests, of which there were a great number. This was followed by a dance which was kept up until after night, when the jubilee was ended by a magnificent display of fireworks.","Cousin D's informant is rather careless of the truth. No such excitement prevails. Alas! poor Tom I lament his fate, but am not surprised at what occasioned so dire a calamity. I admire your military skill. I think our [word not clear] cousin would make a fine breast work to command the harbor entrance. Friend John I see [swells] on the dignity of Church collection. I am rather inclined to think that he had little to say with regard to the cut and material of his sparrow tail. A coat of that shape in this season of the\nfashion looks rather suspicious. One would be lead to believe it a generous donation from some liberal hearted Christian. [Not insinuating] I am of the opinion.","Charlie White is a wicked fellow not writing to his sister. I will let him know that it has been noticed when I see him again. I wonder if the new edition of Blackstone would stand a revision. I am inclined to think if it was not proved to be fictitious it would on examination result in a defunct. Success to my friend Ned with this piece of advice to be careful that the pigs mouth is well [stuffed? stopped?]. The same white head individual is the ex cadet Grandy. I thought better of the people of Norfolk than to\nrepresent themselves through Geo. Blow. My Dear Sister I am ashamed to send this but when you learn that the mail boy is standing by my side waiting for my letter you will excuse my miserable writing and hasty composition. I will detail my studies in my letter to sister Mary. \nYour Affectionate Brother Andrew","P. S. A disunion flag was raised secretly yesterday morning on one of the towers and the bollards cut so as the stripes couldn't go up by three cadets.","V. M. I. Lexington \nApril 19th/61","My Dear Sister \nI was gratified with the reception of Sister M's letter on yesterday. It was a wish to await her answer to my last before replying to yours that has caused the delay on my part for which I am I must confess deservedly rebuked in your short but [pathetic] and expressive sentence \"why don't you answer my letter.\" I beg pardon dear Sister for I see from your tone your good humor is not a little provoked for my unwarrantable indulgence and pledge more strict attention for the future.","Great excitement prevails here since the reception of the secession ordinance (on which occasion fifteen guns were fired as a salute of honor). All academic duties have been suspended if not thrown aside with the intention never to be resumed. Military instruction constitutes the order of the day. We drill from five in the morning until dusk with slight intermissions.","Col. Smith has been ordered to Richmond to report for special duty. Several cadets have been ordered by the governor to report in different sections of the state to drill recruits. It is thought more will be sent on tomorrow. The place about presents a most busy aspect. Arms are being carried from the arsenal during the entire day to supply the militia and volunteers of the county. Two companies equipped for service passed here on route for Washington. It was quite touching to see the wives and children following after. Our entire second class are employed in making cartridges. Our tents are being repaired and every warlike preparation is being made. We are under orders to hold ourselves in readiness. You must not be alarmed at what I have said. I have thought it best to be candid. I shall write to you frequently that is if my purse will afford. I am so fatigued from my exercise today that I am scarcely able to drag my pen across the paper. I would beg excuse for my careless composition with a promise to do better when I am more refreshed. My love to my mother and sisters. Kiss D for me. Your affect Bro., Andrew","Destroy this as soon as read. I am so fatigued that I am unable to do better.","Hd. Qrs. 2d Brigade Vol. \nNorfolk, Va. March 27th, 1862","Major R. C. Taylor \nComg. \u0026 c Georgia Barracks","Major \nI beg to introduce to your acquaintance for assignment to any duty\nyou may think proper Cadet T. Andrew Stevenson of the Virginia M. Institute. He is anxious to render some service to the Confederacy and desires to avail himself of the furlough which has been granted him to assist you in the drilling and organization of the troops under your command. \nI am Major, \nVery truly \u0026 c, \nR. Taylor","The Thomas A. Stevenson papers consist of the papers (five items) Stevenson, including:\n Three letters (1860) from Stevenson (known as Andrew) to his sister Maria Stevenson in which he discusses the possibility of war, the celebration of Washington's birthday, and war preparation activities at VMI following the announcement of Virginia's secession One Confederate War Department visitor's pass (dated November 11, 1861) that allows Maria Stevenson to travel to Norfolk, Virginia One letter (dated March 27, 1862) that introduces Stevenson to Major Taylor and recommends him for drillmaster duties","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses the possibility of war.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the celebration of Washington's birthday and cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards war preparation activities at VMI following the announcement of Virginia's secession.","A Confederate War Department visitor's pass that allows Maria Stevenson to travel to Norfolk, Virginia.","Written from Norfolk, Virginia. Letter introduces Thomas A. Stevenson to Major Taylor and recommends him for drillmaster duties.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Stevenson, Thomas A. (Thomas Andrew), 1841-?","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0175","/repositories/3/resources/245"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Thomas A. 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Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Secession","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Secession","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["5 items"],"extent_tesim":["5 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1860,1861,1862],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":[" Restrictions on Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThomas Andrew Stevenson was born in 1841 in Richmond, Virginia. He graduated VMI in 1864. During the Civil War he was a Sergeant with the 8th Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States of America. After the War he was a lawyer in Missouri.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Thomas Andrew Stevenson was born in 1841 in Richmond, Virginia. He graduated VMI in 1864. During the Civil War he was a Sergeant with the 8th Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States of America. After the War he was a lawyer in Missouri."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eV. M. I. Lexington\u003cbr\u003e\nNov 20th 1860\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate letter has been received and would have been answered immediately had not circumstances so conspired as to render it impossible.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou question very gravely as to the part we will take in the civil contest should one ensue in consequence of the election of the abols [abolitionist] nominee. The part that we will take Dear Sister will be forced in a measure upon us, by recuring [referring] to your map. You will notice that our geographical position is such that should the enemy cross from Ohio this (Lex) would be their first point of attack; for all other places west of this, they are little better than abolitionist. Besides our magazine and arsenal would naturally excite their cupidity, the latter of which two, is located in the centre of Barracks. Consequently you see that should they\nattempt the invasion this would be the first field of battle and in making the attack resistance on our part would be necessarily and honorably called for which in consequence would render fair Lexington the first picture in the bloody scene of devastation.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou ask in the same breath if I would take part in this contingency and endeavour to persuade me to the contrary. My Dear Sister I propose answering this question by venturing the following consideration. On entering the Institute as a Cadet I have sworn as it were allegiance to a constitution peculiar to the Institute and independent of the general government. And when I consider the former [modeled] by the government constitution in its purity and at the time confined to legitimate limits under its authority this I will abide by when the general government shall have been perverted by ambitious and designing men for personal sectional interest. And since I enjoy the privilege and protection the Institute affords I am as you will admit honorably bound to defend its interest when infringed on by the corrupt and aggressive government.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAnd another consideration is in defending this point- I am assisting to defend a place where a treasure far beyond my life is deposited. I know the enemy will not be rash enough to attack you by sea since your water fortification are so extensive. This reflection consoles me greatly for your safety at home. And moreover by making an effectual resistance here we will be the means of protecting the eastern portion of the state if not routing the enemy in general. So you see my Dear Sister I am compelled first in\nconsideration of the safety of those I have at home and secondly the obligation that so honorably bind me to protect the establishment that affords me the means of assisting to protect you and myself.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAll I have said Dear Sister amounts to a mere probability. Believe me there will be no such issue as these extravagant fanatics prophesy. We consider it here as trifling talk, but have prepared in case of an emergency. We have commenced the skirmish drill and cartridges have been distributed to the amount of twenty five hundred. But believe me in the whole it will amount to nothing.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf my letter is uninteresting you cannot blame me. The nature of your question called for it. At present I am in good health and fine spirits--only wanting a heavy pair of gloves to walk post in to make me contented. I have received a letter from Chas. Smith. What he says is unimportant. My love to all and believe me your Brother devoted, Andrew.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eP. S. Tell Sister Mary that since I came to reflect I think the Express would be the way that would cause her the less inconvenience and perhaps would be safest. The expense will be paid here.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eI earnestly request that this be burnt as soon as read\u003cbr\u003e\nV. M. I. Lexington\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb 23d 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nI received your dear letter some days back and am sorry it was not in my power to reply sooner. I am much indebted for the entertaining style of your last. I am unable to describe the effect it had. Your good humor or scandle as you are pleased to term it went well to destroy the monotony of the time. It encouraged in me such a feeling [of] pleasantry that I was unable to content myself with being the only participant and turned to my friend sitting by, whose attention had been attracted by my involuntary and\nalmost spasmodic laughter, and allowed him to read some of your pleasant remarks. He seemed to enjoy the humor with equal good taste. You will excuse this liberty when you learn the motive which prompted it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eChristmas here as every festivity of the kind passed off quite pleasant, not to mention the occurrence of several cases of lager beer distemper necessary as you are aware among so many. It has now been a considerable time since Christmas passed and what occurred on the occasion fails my memory to some extent. I have faint recollection of a smashing dinner though was unable\nto participate with satisfaction remembering those less favored.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYesterday we celebrated the anniversary of the birth of Washington. At daybreak thirteen guns were fired in commemoration and a general jubilee followed throughout the day. Grand doings were carried on by the two societies to one of which I am attached. By invitation the whole corps marched under arms to a church engaged for the occasion, where complimentary addresses were delivered on the memory and character of Washington by representatives of four societies, two of the Institute and two of Washington College in the neighborhood.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOn returning from the church we repaired to the Mess Hall where a dinner the most sumptuous I ever witnessed was served up to a hungry crew. After dinner about three hours was employed in toast making and short speeches on the part of invited guests, of which there were a great number. This was followed by a dance which was kept up until after night, when the jubilee was ended by a magnificent display of fireworks.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCousin D's informant is rather careless of the truth. No such excitement prevails. Alas! poor Tom I lament his fate, but am not surprised at what occasioned so dire a calamity. I admire your military skill. I think our [word not clear] cousin would make a fine breast work to command the harbor entrance. Friend John I see [swells] on the dignity of Church collection. I am rather inclined to think that he had little to say with regard to the cut and material of his sparrow tail. A coat of that shape in this season of the\nfashion looks rather suspicious. One would be lead to believe it a generous donation from some liberal hearted Christian. [Not insinuating] I am of the opinion.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCharlie White is a wicked fellow not writing to his sister. I will let him know that it has been noticed when I see him again. I wonder if the new edition of Blackstone would stand a revision. I am inclined to think if it was not proved to be fictitious it would on examination result in a defunct. Success to my friend Ned with this piece of advice to be careful that the pigs mouth is well [stuffed? stopped?]. The same white head individual is the ex cadet Grandy. I thought better of the people of Norfolk than to\nrepresent themselves through Geo. Blow. My Dear Sister I am ashamed to send this but when you learn that the mail boy is standing by my side waiting for my letter you will excuse my miserable writing and hasty composition. I will detail my studies in my letter to sister Mary.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour Affectionate Brother Andrew\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eP. S. A disunion flag was raised secretly yesterday morning on one of the towers and the bollards cut so as the stripes couldn't go up by three cadets.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eV. M. I. Lexington\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 19th/61\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Sister\u003cbr\u003e\nI was gratified with the reception of Sister M's letter on yesterday. It was a wish to await her answer to my last before replying to yours that has caused the delay on my part for which I am I must confess deservedly rebuked in your short but [pathetic] and expressive sentence \"why don't you answer my letter.\" I beg pardon dear Sister for I see from your tone your good humor is not a little provoked for my unwarrantable indulgence and pledge more strict attention for the future.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGreat excitement prevails here since the reception of the secession ordinance (on which occasion fifteen guns were fired as a salute of honor). All academic duties have been suspended if not thrown aside with the intention never to be resumed. Military instruction constitutes the order of the day. We drill from five in the morning until dusk with slight intermissions.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. Smith has been ordered to Richmond to report for special duty. Several cadets have been ordered by the governor to report in different sections of the state to drill recruits. It is thought more will be sent on tomorrow. The place about presents a most busy aspect. Arms are being carried from the arsenal during the entire day to supply the militia and volunteers of the county. Two companies equipped for service passed here on route for Washington. It was quite touching to see the wives and children following after. Our entire second class are employed in making cartridges. Our tents are being repaired and every warlike preparation is being made. We are under orders to hold ourselves in readiness. You must not be alarmed at what I have said. I have thought it best to be candid. I shall write to you frequently that is if my purse will afford. I am so fatigued from my exercise today that I am scarcely able to drag my pen across the paper. I would beg excuse for my careless composition with a promise to do better when I am more refreshed. My love to my mother and sisters. Kiss D for me. Your affect Bro., Andrew\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDestroy this as soon as read. I am so fatigued that I am unable to do better.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd. Qrs. 2d Brigade Vol.\u003cbr\u003e\nNorfolk, Va. March 27th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMajor R. C. Taylor\u003cbr\u003e\nComg. \u0026amp; c Georgia Barracks\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMajor\u003cbr\u003e\nI beg to introduce to your acquaintance for assignment to any duty\nyou may think proper Cadet T. Andrew Stevenson of the Virginia M. Institute. He is anxious to render some service to the Confederacy and desires to avail himself of the furlough which has been granted him to assist you in the drilling and organization of the troops under your command.\u003cbr\u003e\nI am Major,\u003cbr\u003e\nVery truly \u0026amp; c,\u003cbr\u003e\nR. Taylor\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["V. M. I. Lexington \nNov 20th 1860","My Dear Sister \nYour affectionate letter has been received and would have been answered immediately had not circumstances so conspired as to render it impossible.","You question very gravely as to the part we will take in the civil contest should one ensue in consequence of the election of the abols [abolitionist] nominee. The part that we will take Dear Sister will be forced in a measure upon us, by recuring [referring] to your map. You will notice that our geographical position is such that should the enemy cross from Ohio this (Lex) would be their first point of attack; for all other places west of this, they are little better than abolitionist. Besides our magazine and arsenal would naturally excite their cupidity, the latter of which two, is located in the centre of Barracks. Consequently you see that should they\nattempt the invasion this would be the first field of battle and in making the attack resistance on our part would be necessarily and honorably called for which in consequence would render fair Lexington the first picture in the bloody scene of devastation.","You ask in the same breath if I would take part in this contingency and endeavour to persuade me to the contrary. My Dear Sister I propose answering this question by venturing the following consideration. On entering the Institute as a Cadet I have sworn as it were allegiance to a constitution peculiar to the Institute and independent of the general government. And when I consider the former [modeled] by the government constitution in its purity and at the time confined to legitimate limits under its authority this I will abide by when the general government shall have been perverted by ambitious and designing men for personal sectional interest. And since I enjoy the privilege and protection the Institute affords I am as you will admit honorably bound to defend its interest when infringed on by the corrupt and aggressive government.","And another consideration is in defending this point- I am assisting to defend a place where a treasure far beyond my life is deposited. I know the enemy will not be rash enough to attack you by sea since your water fortification are so extensive. This reflection consoles me greatly for your safety at home. And moreover by making an effectual resistance here we will be the means of protecting the eastern portion of the state if not routing the enemy in general. So you see my Dear Sister I am compelled first in\nconsideration of the safety of those I have at home and secondly the obligation that so honorably bind me to protect the establishment that affords me the means of assisting to protect you and myself.","All I have said Dear Sister amounts to a mere probability. Believe me there will be no such issue as these extravagant fanatics prophesy. We consider it here as trifling talk, but have prepared in case of an emergency. We have commenced the skirmish drill and cartridges have been distributed to the amount of twenty five hundred. But believe me in the whole it will amount to nothing.","If my letter is uninteresting you cannot blame me. The nature of your question called for it. At present I am in good health and fine spirits--only wanting a heavy pair of gloves to walk post in to make me contented. I have received a letter from Chas. Smith. What he says is unimportant. My love to all and believe me your Brother devoted, Andrew.","P. S. Tell Sister Mary that since I came to reflect I think the Express would be the way that would cause her the less inconvenience and perhaps would be safest. The expense will be paid here.","I earnestly request that this be burnt as soon as read \nV. M. I. Lexington \nFeb 23d 1861","My Dear Sister \nI received your dear letter some days back and am sorry it was not in my power to reply sooner. I am much indebted for the entertaining style of your last. I am unable to describe the effect it had. Your good humor or scandle as you are pleased to term it went well to destroy the monotony of the time. It encouraged in me such a feeling [of] pleasantry that I was unable to content myself with being the only participant and turned to my friend sitting by, whose attention had been attracted by my involuntary and\nalmost spasmodic laughter, and allowed him to read some of your pleasant remarks. He seemed to enjoy the humor with equal good taste. You will excuse this liberty when you learn the motive which prompted it.","Christmas here as every festivity of the kind passed off quite pleasant, not to mention the occurrence of several cases of lager beer distemper necessary as you are aware among so many. It has now been a considerable time since Christmas passed and what occurred on the occasion fails my memory to some extent. I have faint recollection of a smashing dinner though was unable\nto participate with satisfaction remembering those less favored.","Yesterday we celebrated the anniversary of the birth of Washington. At daybreak thirteen guns were fired in commemoration and a general jubilee followed throughout the day. Grand doings were carried on by the two societies to one of which I am attached. By invitation the whole corps marched under arms to a church engaged for the occasion, where complimentary addresses were delivered on the memory and character of Washington by representatives of four societies, two of the Institute and two of Washington College in the neighborhood.","On returning from the church we repaired to the Mess Hall where a dinner the most sumptuous I ever witnessed was served up to a hungry crew. After dinner about three hours was employed in toast making and short speeches on the part of invited guests, of which there were a great number. This was followed by a dance which was kept up until after night, when the jubilee was ended by a magnificent display of fireworks.","Cousin D's informant is rather careless of the truth. No such excitement prevails. Alas! poor Tom I lament his fate, but am not surprised at what occasioned so dire a calamity. I admire your military skill. I think our [word not clear] cousin would make a fine breast work to command the harbor entrance. Friend John I see [swells] on the dignity of Church collection. I am rather inclined to think that he had little to say with regard to the cut and material of his sparrow tail. A coat of that shape in this season of the\nfashion looks rather suspicious. One would be lead to believe it a generous donation from some liberal hearted Christian. [Not insinuating] I am of the opinion.","Charlie White is a wicked fellow not writing to his sister. I will let him know that it has been noticed when I see him again. I wonder if the new edition of Blackstone would stand a revision. I am inclined to think if it was not proved to be fictitious it would on examination result in a defunct. Success to my friend Ned with this piece of advice to be careful that the pigs mouth is well [stuffed? stopped?]. The same white head individual is the ex cadet Grandy. I thought better of the people of Norfolk than to\nrepresent themselves through Geo. Blow. My Dear Sister I am ashamed to send this but when you learn that the mail boy is standing by my side waiting for my letter you will excuse my miserable writing and hasty composition. I will detail my studies in my letter to sister Mary. \nYour Affectionate Brother Andrew","P. S. A disunion flag was raised secretly yesterday morning on one of the towers and the bollards cut so as the stripes couldn't go up by three cadets.","V. M. I. Lexington \nApril 19th/61","My Dear Sister \nI was gratified with the reception of Sister M's letter on yesterday. It was a wish to await her answer to my last before replying to yours that has caused the delay on my part for which I am I must confess deservedly rebuked in your short but [pathetic] and expressive sentence \"why don't you answer my letter.\" I beg pardon dear Sister for I see from your tone your good humor is not a little provoked for my unwarrantable indulgence and pledge more strict attention for the future.","Great excitement prevails here since the reception of the secession ordinance (on which occasion fifteen guns were fired as a salute of honor). All academic duties have been suspended if not thrown aside with the intention never to be resumed. Military instruction constitutes the order of the day. We drill from five in the morning until dusk with slight intermissions.","Col. Smith has been ordered to Richmond to report for special duty. Several cadets have been ordered by the governor to report in different sections of the state to drill recruits. It is thought more will be sent on tomorrow. The place about presents a most busy aspect. Arms are being carried from the arsenal during the entire day to supply the militia and volunteers of the county. Two companies equipped for service passed here on route for Washington. It was quite touching to see the wives and children following after. Our entire second class are employed in making cartridges. Our tents are being repaired and every warlike preparation is being made. We are under orders to hold ourselves in readiness. You must not be alarmed at what I have said. I have thought it best to be candid. I shall write to you frequently that is if my purse will afford. I am so fatigued from my exercise today that I am scarcely able to drag my pen across the paper. I would beg excuse for my careless composition with a promise to do better when I am more refreshed. My love to my mother and sisters. Kiss D for me. Your affect Bro., Andrew","Destroy this as soon as read. I am so fatigued that I am unable to do better.","Hd. Qrs. 2d Brigade Vol. \nNorfolk, Va. March 27th, 1862","Major R. C. Taylor \nComg. \u0026 c Georgia Barracks","Major \nI beg to introduce to your acquaintance for assignment to any duty\nyou may think proper Cadet T. Andrew Stevenson of the Virginia M. Institute. He is anxious to render some service to the Confederacy and desires to avail himself of the furlough which has been granted him to assist you in the drilling and organization of the troops under your command. \nI am Major, \nVery truly \u0026 c, \nR. Taylor"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThomas A. Stevenson papers, 1860-1862. MS 0175. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Thomas A. Stevenson papers, 1860-1862. MS 0175. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe Thomas A. Stevenson papers consist of the papers (five items) Stevenson, including:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThree letters (1860) from Stevenson (known as Andrew) to his sister Maria Stevenson in which he discusses the possibility of war, the celebration of Washington's birthday, and war preparation activities at VMI following the announcement of Virginia's secession\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne Confederate War Department visitor's pass (dated November 11, 1861) that allows Maria Stevenson to travel to Norfolk, Virginia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne letter (dated March 27, 1862) that introduces Stevenson to Major Taylor and recommends him for drillmaster duties\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses the possibility of war.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the celebration of Washington's birthday and cadet life.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards war preparation activities at VMI following the announcement of Virginia's secession.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA Confederate War Department visitor's pass that allows Maria Stevenson to travel to Norfolk, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Norfolk, Virginia. Letter introduces Thomas A. Stevenson to Major Taylor and recommends him for drillmaster duties.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The Thomas A. Stevenson papers consist of the papers (five items) Stevenson, including:\n Three letters (1860) from Stevenson (known as Andrew) to his sister Maria Stevenson in which he discusses the possibility of war, the celebration of Washington's birthday, and war preparation activities at VMI following the announcement of Virginia's secession One Confederate War Department visitor's pass (dated November 11, 1861) that allows Maria Stevenson to travel to Norfolk, Virginia One letter (dated March 27, 1862) that introduces Stevenson to Major Taylor and recommends him for drillmaster duties","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses the possibility of war.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the celebration of Washington's birthday and cadet life.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards war preparation activities at VMI following the announcement of Virginia's secession.","A Confederate War Department visitor's pass that allows Maria Stevenson to travel to Norfolk, Virginia.","Written from Norfolk, Virginia. Letter introduces Thomas A. Stevenson to Major Taylor and recommends him for drillmaster duties."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. 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The document is signed by Governor John Letcher.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["This collection consists of one commission document (dated June 27, 1863) that appoints Thomas W. White a second lieutenant with the Abingdon Virginia Militia. The document is signed by Governor John Letcher."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_ead3359e17c751664336b45b1962a1a7\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","White, Thomas W. (Thomas Wilson), 1846-1907"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["White, Thomas W. (Thomas Wilson), 1846-1907"],"persname_ssim":["Letcher, John, 1813-1884","White, Thomas W. (Thomas Wilson), 1846-1907"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    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Boykin to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, signed by Governor John Letcher.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598_c06#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598_c06","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598_c06"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598_c06","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598","parent_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers"],"text":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers","Virginia Volunteers commission document","Boykin, Francis M. (Francis Marshall), 1837-1906","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Boykin, Francis M. (Francis Marshall), 1837-1906","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Military records","Military commissions","English","The Commonwealth of Virginia \nTo Francis M. Boykin, Jr Greeting:","Know you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a Lieutenant Colonel in the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the 14th day of December 1861","In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 14th day of December 1861. \nJohn Letcher","Document appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, signed by Governor John Letcher."],"title_filing_ssi":"Virginia Volunteers commission document","title_ssm":["Virginia Volunteers commission document"],"title_tesim":["Virginia Volunteers commission document"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1861 December 14"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1861"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Virginia Volunteers commission document"],"component_level_isim":[1],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers"],"creator_ssim":["Letcher, John, 1813-1884"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"sort_isi":6,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["There are no restrictions."],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"date_range_isim":[1861],"names_ssim":["Boykin, Francis M. (Francis Marshall), 1837-1906","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Boykin, Francis M. (Francis Marshall), 1837-1906"],"persname_ssim":["Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Boykin, Francis M. (Francis Marshall), 1837-1906"],"access_subjects_ssim":["United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Military records","Military commissions"],"access_subjects_ssm":["United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Military records","Military commissions"],"language_ssim":["English"],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe Commonwealth of Virginia\u003cbr/\u003e\nTo Francis M. Boykin, Jr Greeting:\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eKnow you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a Lieutenant Colonel in the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the 14th day of December 1861\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 14th day of December 1861.\u003cbr/\u003e\nJohn Letcher\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["The Commonwealth of Virginia \nTo Francis M. Boykin, Jr Greeting:","Know you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a Lieutenant Colonel in the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the 14th day of December 1861","In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 14th day of December 1861. \nJohn Letcher"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eDocument appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, signed by Governor John Letcher.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Document appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, signed by Governor John Letcher."],"_nest_path_":"/components#5","timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:09:06.300Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_598.xml","title_ssm":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers"],"title_tesim":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1861"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1861"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0232","/repositories/3/resources/598"],"text":["MS.0232","/repositories/3/resources/598","Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1856","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 31st","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence","Orders (military records)","Military commissions","There are no restrictions.","Francis Marshall Boykin was born in Isle of Wight County, Virginia on March 1, 1837. His ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, and his father, General Francis Boykin, was a member of the Virginia Senate. Boykin entered VMI in July 1853 and graduated in 1856. He engaged in teaching until 1861. ","During the Civil War, Boykin served as a Lieutenant Colonel with the 31st Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States of America. He served throughout the War and was briefly imprisoned at Johnson's Island, Lake Erie.","After the War he was in the tobacco business in Richmond, Virginia. Boykin married Ellen B. George, and they had three children: Hamilton, Anna, and Ellen. He died on May 5, 1906 in Richmond.","Executive Department \nRichmond Apl 29 1861","Major F. M. Boykin \nWeston Lewis Cty Va","Sir: \nYou will proceed at once to Grafton at the junction of the B and Ohio and the Parkersburg Road and communicate with Col. Thomas J. Jackson* at Harpers Ferry who is in the command of the Volunteer forces in that section of the State. \nI am most Respectfully \nJohn Letcher","Hdqtrs Va Forces \nRichmond Va \nApril 29th/61","Major F. M. Boykin \nVirg Volunteers \nWeston Va.","You are desired to take measures to muster into the service of the State such volunteer companies as may offer their services for the protection of the N. W. portion of the State.  Assume the command and take position at or near Grafton unless some other point should offer greater facilities for the command of the Balt. \u0026 Ohio R. R. and the branch to Parkersburg.  It is not the object to interrupt peaceful travel on the road, or to offer annoyance to citizens pursuing their usual avocations, but to hold the road for the benefit of Maryland and Virgi9nia and to prevent its being used against them.  You will therefore endeavor to obtain the cooperation of the Officers of the road and afford them on your part every assistance in your power to attain this end.  ","You will also endeavor to give quiet and security to the inhabitants of the country.","Major Alonso Loring at Wheeling has been directed, with the volunteer companies under his command, to give protection to the road near its terminus at the Ohio River, and you will place yourself in communications with him and cooperative with him if necessary.","Please state whether a force at Parkersburg will be necessary and what number of companies, and what number of companies can be furnished in that vicinity.","You are requested to report the number of companies, you may muster into the service of the State, their arms, condition vc and your views as to the best means for the accomplishment of the object in view.  To enable you to supply any deficiency in arms in the Company's, 200 muskets of the old pattern, flint lock, will be forwarded to Col. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson) the Comdy Officer at Harpers Ferry to your order from whom you must take measures to receive them and convey them in safely to their destination under guard if necessary.  I regret that no other arms are at present for issue. \nVery Respectfully \nR. E. Lee \nMaj. Genl Comd","General Orders \nNo. 4","1. The General or other officers commanding Virginia Forces at Richmond, Norfolk, Fredericksburg, Alexandria, \u0026 Harpers Ferry, and such other points as they may hereafter be sent in separate commands, are required to submit to this offices; returns of their respective commands once in ten days, commending on the 1st day of each month.","2. The attention of all officers of the Va Volunteers, is called to the regulation concerning military correspondence as laid down in the Army regulations of the late United States Edition of 1857.","By Command of Maj. Genl Lee, \nR. S. Garnett \nAdjutant General","Hd Qrs Va Forces \nRichmond, Va \nApril 29, 1861","General Orders \nNo. 5","The General commanding desires to impress upon all officers and agents employed in the military and naval service of the State, the necessity of observing the strictest economy and accountability, in the expenditure of public money, or in the use of the credit of the State.","No expenditures will be made unless duly authorized; nor will they assume the responsibility of incurring any expense, or of using the credit of the state, unless the necessities of the case are so clear and imperative as not to admit of the delay of referring to the proper authority.","Records + vouchers must be made + preserved for all expenditures or uses of the credit of the State, specifying the nature + necessity of the service of which they were made.  They will keep all expenditures in the subsistence department (food for the men only) distinct from those of the Qr Master Dept. which embraces shelter for men and horses, transportation, forage, stationary + like subjects.  As soon as the exigencies of the service will permit the officers and agents of the disbursing dept of the service will be supplied with the necesary blank forms for the proper performance of their duties.","By Command of Major General Lee \nR. S. Garnett \nAdjutant General","Hd Qrs Va Forces \nRichmond, Va \nApril 29, 1861","General Orders \nNo. 6","Lieutenant Colonel Henry Heth, Va Volunteers, and Major James R. Crenshaw, Va Volunteers, are announced respectively as acting quartermaster general and acting commissary general of subsistence of the Forces in the field, subordinate officers in these departments will refer to them before making their purchases + contracts, unless the circumstances of the case prevents.","By Command of Major Genl Lee, \nR. S. Garnett \nAdjutant General","The Commonwealth of Virginia \nTo Francis M. Boykin, Jr Greeting:","Know you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a Lieutenant Colonel in the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the 14th day of December 1861","In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 14th day of December 1861. \nJohn Letcher","The Commonwealth of Virginia ","To Francis M. Boykin, Jr \nGreeting:\nKnow you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a \nMajor \nIn the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the Second day of May 1861.\nIn testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 29 day of April 1861.","(signed)  John Letcher","Extract \nAdjutant and Inspector Generals Office \nRichmond, VA  Decr 16th 1861","Special Orders \nNo 267","IV\tMajor F. M. Boykin Va Vols having been appointed Lieutenant Colonel is assigned to duty with the 31st Regiment Virg Vols and will report accordingly.","By order of the Secretary of War \nJno Withers, \nAAG\t","A watercolor sketch of Francis M. Boykin is avaliable  online .","The Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers include:\n Two commission documents Extracts from military orders One letter from Governor John Letcher that orders Boykin to proceed to Grafton, West Virginia and communicate with Colonel Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall) One letter bearing the signature of General Robert E. Lee","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter orders Francis M. Boykin to proceed to Grafton, West Virginia and contact Colonel Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall).","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter orders Francis M. Boykin to muster into service volunteer companies and to take position near Grafton, West Virginia to protect the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.","Writen from Richmond, Virginia. Order requires officers to submit returns of their commands and to abide by regulations concerning military correspondence.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Order discusses officers' obligations with regard to expenditures and record keeping.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Order appoints Lieutenant Colonel Henry Heth and Major James R. Crenshaw acting Quartermaster General and Acting Commissary General, respectively.","Document appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, signed by Governor John Letcher.","Document appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Major, signed by Governor John Letcher.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Order assigns Lieutenant Colonel Francis M. Boykin to the 31st Regiment Virginia Volunteers.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Boykin, Francis M. (Francis Marshall), 1837-1906","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Garnett, R. S., Adjutant General","English"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0232","/repositories/3/resources/598"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers"],"collection_ssim":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Letcher, John, 1813-1884"],"creator_ssim":["Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Letcher, John, 1813-1884"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Letcher, John, 1813-1884"],"creators_ssim":["Lee, Robert E. 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He engaged in teaching until 1861. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDuring the Civil War, Boykin served as a Lieutenant Colonel with the 31st Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States of America. He served throughout the War and was briefly imprisoned at Johnson's Island, Lake Erie.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAfter the War he was in the tobacco business in Richmond, Virginia. Boykin married Ellen B. George, and they had three children: Hamilton, Anna, and Ellen. He died on May 5, 1906 in Richmond.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Francis Marshall Boykin was born in Isle of Wight County, Virginia on March 1, 1837. His ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, and his father, General Francis Boykin, was a member of the Virginia Senate. Boykin entered VMI in July 1853 and graduated in 1856. He engaged in teaching until 1861. ","During the Civil War, Boykin served as a Lieutenant Colonel with the 31st Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States of America. He served throughout the War and was briefly imprisoned at Johnson's Island, Lake Erie.","After the War he was in the tobacco business in Richmond, Virginia. Boykin married Ellen B. George, and they had three children: Hamilton, Anna, and Ellen. He died on May 5, 1906 in Richmond."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eExecutive Department\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond Apl 29 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMajor F. M. Boykin\u003cbr\u003e\nWeston Lewis Cty Va\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir:\u003cbr\u003e\nYou will proceed at once to Grafton at the junction of the B and Ohio and the Parkersburg Road and communicate with Col. Thomas J. Jackson* at Harpers Ferry who is in the command of the Volunteer forces in that section of the State.\u003cbr\u003e\nI am most Respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nJohn Letcher\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHdqtrs Va Forces\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond Va\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 29th/61\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMajor F. M. Boykin\u003cbr\u003e\nVirg Volunteers\u003cbr\u003e\nWeston Va.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou are desired to take measures to muster into the service of the State such volunteer companies as may offer their services for the protection of the N. W. portion of the State.  Assume the command and take position at or near Grafton unless some other point should offer greater facilities for the command of the Balt. \u0026amp; Ohio R. R. and the branch to Parkersburg.  It is not the object to interrupt peaceful travel on the road, or to offer annoyance to citizens pursuing their usual avocations, but to hold the road for the benefit of Maryland and Virgi9nia and to prevent its being used against them.  You will therefore endeavor to obtain the cooperation of the Officers of the road and afford them on your part every assistance in your power to attain this end.  \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou will also endeavor to give quiet and security to the inhabitants of the country.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMajor Alonso Loring at Wheeling has been directed, with the volunteer companies under his command, to give protection to the road near its terminus at the Ohio River, and you will place yourself in communications with him and cooperative with him if necessary.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePlease state whether a force at Parkersburg will be necessary and what number of companies, and what number of companies can be furnished in that vicinity.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou are requested to report the number of companies, you may muster into the service of the State, their arms, condition vc and your views as to the best means for the accomplishment of the object in view.  To enable you to supply any deficiency in arms in the Company's, 200 muskets of the old pattern, flint lock, will be forwarded to Col. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson) the Comdy Officer at Harpers Ferry to your order from whom you must take measures to receive them and convey them in safely to their destination under guard if necessary.  I regret that no other arms are at present for issue.\u003cbr\u003e\nVery Respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nR. E. Lee\u003cbr\u003e\nMaj. Genl Comd\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGeneral Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 4\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e1. The General or other officers commanding Virginia Forces at Richmond, Norfolk, Fredericksburg, Alexandria, \u0026amp; Harpers Ferry, and such other points as they may hereafter be sent in separate commands, are required to submit to this offices; returns of their respective commands once in ten days, commending on the 1st day of each month.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e2. The attention of all officers of the Va Volunteers, is called to the regulation concerning military correspondence as laid down in the Army regulations of the late United States Edition of 1857.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Command of Maj. Genl Lee,\u003cbr\u003e\nR. S. Garnett\u003cbr\u003e\nAdjutant General\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd Qrs Va Forces\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, Va\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 29, 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGeneral Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 5\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe General commanding desires to impress upon all officers and agents employed in the military and naval service of the State, the necessity of observing the strictest economy and accountability, in the expenditure of public money, or in the use of the credit of the State.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eNo expenditures will be made unless duly authorized; nor will they assume the responsibility of incurring any expense, or of using the credit of the state, unless the necessities of the case are so clear and imperative as not to admit of the delay of referring to the proper authority.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRecords + vouchers must be made + preserved for all expenditures or uses of the credit of the State, specifying the nature + necessity of the service of which they were made.  They will keep all expenditures in the subsistence department (food for the men only) distinct from those of the Qr Master Dept. which embraces shelter for men and horses, transportation, forage, stationary + like subjects.  As soon as the exigencies of the service will permit the officers and agents of the disbursing dept of the service will be supplied with the necesary blank forms for the proper performance of their duties.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Command of Major General Lee\u003cbr\u003e\nR. S. Garnett\u003cbr\u003e\nAdjutant General\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd Qrs Va Forces\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, Va\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 29, 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGeneral Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 6\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLieutenant Colonel Henry Heth, Va Volunteers, and Major James R. Crenshaw, Va Volunteers, are announced respectively as acting quartermaster general and acting commissary general of subsistence of the Forces in the field, subordinate officers in these departments will refer to them before making their purchases + contracts, unless the circumstances of the case prevents.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Command of Major Genl Lee,\u003cbr\u003e\nR. S. Garnett\u003cbr\u003e\nAdjutant General\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Commonwealth of Virginia\u003cbr\u003e\nTo Francis M. Boykin, Jr Greeting:\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eKnow you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a Lieutenant Colonel in the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the 14th day of December 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 14th day of December 1861.\u003cbr\u003e\nJohn Letcher\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Commonwealth of Virginia \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTo Francis M. Boykin, Jr\u003cbr\u003e\nGreeting:\nKnow you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a\u003cbr\u003e\nMajor\u003cbr\u003e\nIn the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the Second day of May 1861.\nIn testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 29 day of April 1861.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e(signed)  John Letcher\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eExtract\u003cbr\u003e\nAdjutant and Inspector Generals Office\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, VA  Decr 16th 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo 267\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIV\tMajor F. M. Boykin Va Vols having been appointed Lieutenant Colonel is assigned to duty with the 31st Regiment Virg Vols and will report accordingly.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy order of the Secretary of War\u003cbr\u003e\nJno Withers,\u003cbr\u003e\nAAG\t\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Executive Department \nRichmond Apl 29 1861","Major F. M. Boykin \nWeston Lewis Cty Va","Sir: \nYou will proceed at once to Grafton at the junction of the B and Ohio and the Parkersburg Road and communicate with Col. Thomas J. Jackson* at Harpers Ferry who is in the command of the Volunteer forces in that section of the State. \nI am most Respectfully \nJohn Letcher","Hdqtrs Va Forces \nRichmond Va \nApril 29th/61","Major F. M. Boykin \nVirg Volunteers \nWeston Va.","You are desired to take measures to muster into the service of the State such volunteer companies as may offer their services for the protection of the N. W. portion of the State.  Assume the command and take position at or near Grafton unless some other point should offer greater facilities for the command of the Balt. \u0026 Ohio R. R. and the branch to Parkersburg.  It is not the object to interrupt peaceful travel on the road, or to offer annoyance to citizens pursuing their usual avocations, but to hold the road for the benefit of Maryland and Virgi9nia and to prevent its being used against them.  You will therefore endeavor to obtain the cooperation of the Officers of the road and afford them on your part every assistance in your power to attain this end.  ","You will also endeavor to give quiet and security to the inhabitants of the country.","Major Alonso Loring at Wheeling has been directed, with the volunteer companies under his command, to give protection to the road near its terminus at the Ohio River, and you will place yourself in communications with him and cooperative with him if necessary.","Please state whether a force at Parkersburg will be necessary and what number of companies, and what number of companies can be furnished in that vicinity.","You are requested to report the number of companies, you may muster into the service of the State, their arms, condition vc and your views as to the best means for the accomplishment of the object in view.  To enable you to supply any deficiency in arms in the Company's, 200 muskets of the old pattern, flint lock, will be forwarded to Col. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson) the Comdy Officer at Harpers Ferry to your order from whom you must take measures to receive them and convey them in safely to their destination under guard if necessary.  I regret that no other arms are at present for issue. \nVery Respectfully \nR. E. Lee \nMaj. Genl Comd","General Orders \nNo. 4","1. The General or other officers commanding Virginia Forces at Richmond, Norfolk, Fredericksburg, Alexandria, \u0026 Harpers Ferry, and such other points as they may hereafter be sent in separate commands, are required to submit to this offices; returns of their respective commands once in ten days, commending on the 1st day of each month.","2. The attention of all officers of the Va Volunteers, is called to the regulation concerning military correspondence as laid down in the Army regulations of the late United States Edition of 1857.","By Command of Maj. Genl Lee, \nR. S. Garnett \nAdjutant General","Hd Qrs Va Forces \nRichmond, Va \nApril 29, 1861","General Orders \nNo. 5","The General commanding desires to impress upon all officers and agents employed in the military and naval service of the State, the necessity of observing the strictest economy and accountability, in the expenditure of public money, or in the use of the credit of the State.","No expenditures will be made unless duly authorized; nor will they assume the responsibility of incurring any expense, or of using the credit of the state, unless the necessities of the case are so clear and imperative as not to admit of the delay of referring to the proper authority.","Records + vouchers must be made + preserved for all expenditures or uses of the credit of the State, specifying the nature + necessity of the service of which they were made.  They will keep all expenditures in the subsistence department (food for the men only) distinct from those of the Qr Master Dept. which embraces shelter for men and horses, transportation, forage, stationary + like subjects.  As soon as the exigencies of the service will permit the officers and agents of the disbursing dept of the service will be supplied with the necesary blank forms for the proper performance of their duties.","By Command of Major General Lee \nR. S. Garnett \nAdjutant General","Hd Qrs Va Forces \nRichmond, Va \nApril 29, 1861","General Orders \nNo. 6","Lieutenant Colonel Henry Heth, Va Volunteers, and Major James R. Crenshaw, Va Volunteers, are announced respectively as acting quartermaster general and acting commissary general of subsistence of the Forces in the field, subordinate officers in these departments will refer to them before making their purchases + contracts, unless the circumstances of the case prevents.","By Command of Major Genl Lee, \nR. S. Garnett \nAdjutant General","The Commonwealth of Virginia \nTo Francis M. Boykin, Jr Greeting:","Know you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a Lieutenant Colonel in the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the 14th day of December 1861","In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 14th day of December 1861. \nJohn Letcher","The Commonwealth of Virginia ","To Francis M. Boykin, Jr \nGreeting:\nKnow you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a \nMajor \nIn the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the Second day of May 1861.\nIn testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 29 day of April 1861.","(signed)  John Letcher","Extract \nAdjutant and Inspector Generals Office \nRichmond, VA  Decr 16th 1861","Special Orders \nNo 267","IV\tMajor F. M. Boykin Va Vols having been appointed Lieutenant Colonel is assigned to duty with the 31st Regiment Virg Vols and will report accordingly.","By order of the Secretary of War \nJno Withers, \nAAG\t"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFrancis M. Boykin Civil War papers, 1861. MS 0232. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers, 1861. MS 0232. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eA watercolor sketch of Francis M. Boykin is avaliable \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll7/id/3392\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["A watercolor sketch of Francis M. Boykin is avaliable  online ."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers include:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo commission documents\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtracts from military orders\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne letter from Governor John Letcher that orders Boykin to proceed to Grafton, West Virginia and communicate with Colonel Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne letter bearing the signature of General Robert E. Lee\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter orders Francis M. Boykin to proceed to Grafton, West Virginia and contact Colonel Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter orders Francis M. Boykin to muster into service volunteer companies and to take position near Grafton, West Virginia to protect the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWriten from Richmond, Virginia. Order requires officers to submit returns of their commands and to abide by regulations concerning military correspondence.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Order discusses officers' obligations with regard to expenditures and record keeping.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Order appoints Lieutenant Colonel Henry Heth and Major James R. Crenshaw acting Quartermaster General and Acting Commissary General, respectively.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDocument appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, signed by Governor John Letcher.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDocument appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Major, signed by Governor John Letcher.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Order assigns Lieutenant Colonel Francis M. Boykin to the 31st Regiment Virginia Volunteers.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers include:\n Two commission documents Extracts from military orders One letter from Governor John Letcher that orders Boykin to proceed to Grafton, West Virginia and communicate with Colonel Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall) One letter bearing the signature of General Robert E. Lee","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter orders Francis M. Boykin to proceed to Grafton, West Virginia and contact Colonel Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall).","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter orders Francis M. Boykin to muster into service volunteer companies and to take position near Grafton, West Virginia to protect the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.","Writen from Richmond, Virginia. Order requires officers to submit returns of their commands and to abide by regulations concerning military correspondence.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Order discusses officers' obligations with regard to expenditures and record keeping.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Order appoints Lieutenant Colonel Henry Heth and Major James R. Crenshaw acting Quartermaster General and Acting Commissary General, respectively.","Document appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, signed by Governor John Letcher.","Document appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Major, signed by Governor John Letcher.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Order assigns Lieutenant Colonel Francis M. Boykin to the 31st Regiment Virginia Volunteers."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_976788868ba1aae0183916fb43d98e4b\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Boykin, Francis M. (Francis Marshall), 1837-1906","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Garnett, R. S., Adjutant General"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Boykin, Francis M. (Francis Marshall), 1837-1906","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"persname_ssim":["Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Boykin, Francis M. (Francis Marshall), 1837-1906","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Garnett, R. S., Adjutant General"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":8,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:09:06.300Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598_c06"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598_c07","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Virginia Volunteers commission document","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598_c07#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eDocument appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Major, signed by Governor John Letcher.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598_c07#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598_c07","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598_c07"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598_c07","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598","parent_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers"],"text":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers","Virginia Volunteers commission document","Boykin, Francis M. (Francis Marshall), 1837-1906","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Boykin, Francis M. (Francis Marshall), 1837-1906","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Military records","Military commissions","English","The Commonwealth of Virginia ","To Francis M. Boykin, Jr \nGreeting:\nKnow you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a \nMajor \nIn the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the Second day of May 1861.\nIn testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 29 day of April 1861.","(signed)  John Letcher","Document appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Major, signed by Governor John Letcher."],"title_filing_ssi":"Virginia Volunteers commission document","title_ssm":["Virginia Volunteers commission document"],"title_tesim":["Virginia Volunteers commission document"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1861 April 29"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1861"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Virginia Volunteers commission document"],"component_level_isim":[1],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers"],"creator_ssim":["Letcher, John, 1813-1884"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"sort_isi":7,"parent_access_restrict_tesm":["There are no restrictions."],"parent_access_terms_tesm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"date_range_isim":[1861],"names_ssim":["Boykin, Francis M. (Francis Marshall), 1837-1906","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Boykin, Francis M. (Francis Marshall), 1837-1906"],"persname_ssim":["Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Boykin, Francis M. (Francis Marshall), 1837-1906"],"access_subjects_ssim":["United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Military records","Military commissions"],"access_subjects_ssm":["United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Military records","Military commissions"],"language_ssim":["English"],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe Commonwealth of Virginia \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTo Francis M. Boykin, Jr\u003cbr/\u003e\nGreeting:\nKnow you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a\u003cbr/\u003e\nMajor\u003cbr/\u003e\nIn the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the Second day of May 1861.\nIn testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 29 day of April 1861.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e(signed)  John Letcher\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["The Commonwealth of Virginia ","To Francis M. Boykin, Jr \nGreeting:\nKnow you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a \nMajor \nIn the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the Second day of May 1861.\nIn testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 29 day of April 1861.","(signed)  John Letcher"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eDocument appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Major, signed by Governor John Letcher.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Document appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Major, signed by Governor John Letcher."],"_nest_path_":"/components#6","timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:09:06.300Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_598.xml","title_ssm":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers"],"title_tesim":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1861"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1861"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0232","/repositories/3/resources/598"],"text":["MS.0232","/repositories/3/resources/598","Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1856","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 31st","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence","Orders (military records)","Military commissions","There are no restrictions.","Francis Marshall Boykin was born in Isle of Wight County, Virginia on March 1, 1837. His ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, and his father, General Francis Boykin, was a member of the Virginia Senate. Boykin entered VMI in July 1853 and graduated in 1856. He engaged in teaching until 1861. ","During the Civil War, Boykin served as a Lieutenant Colonel with the 31st Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States of America. He served throughout the War and was briefly imprisoned at Johnson's Island, Lake Erie.","After the War he was in the tobacco business in Richmond, Virginia. Boykin married Ellen B. George, and they had three children: Hamilton, Anna, and Ellen. He died on May 5, 1906 in Richmond.","Executive Department \nRichmond Apl 29 1861","Major F. M. Boykin \nWeston Lewis Cty Va","Sir: \nYou will proceed at once to Grafton at the junction of the B and Ohio and the Parkersburg Road and communicate with Col. Thomas J. Jackson* at Harpers Ferry who is in the command of the Volunteer forces in that section of the State. \nI am most Respectfully \nJohn Letcher","Hdqtrs Va Forces \nRichmond Va \nApril 29th/61","Major F. M. Boykin \nVirg Volunteers \nWeston Va.","You are desired to take measures to muster into the service of the State such volunteer companies as may offer their services for the protection of the N. W. portion of the State.  Assume the command and take position at or near Grafton unless some other point should offer greater facilities for the command of the Balt. \u0026 Ohio R. R. and the branch to Parkersburg.  It is not the object to interrupt peaceful travel on the road, or to offer annoyance to citizens pursuing their usual avocations, but to hold the road for the benefit of Maryland and Virgi9nia and to prevent its being used against them.  You will therefore endeavor to obtain the cooperation of the Officers of the road and afford them on your part every assistance in your power to attain this end.  ","You will also endeavor to give quiet and security to the inhabitants of the country.","Major Alonso Loring at Wheeling has been directed, with the volunteer companies under his command, to give protection to the road near its terminus at the Ohio River, and you will place yourself in communications with him and cooperative with him if necessary.","Please state whether a force at Parkersburg will be necessary and what number of companies, and what number of companies can be furnished in that vicinity.","You are requested to report the number of companies, you may muster into the service of the State, their arms, condition vc and your views as to the best means for the accomplishment of the object in view.  To enable you to supply any deficiency in arms in the Company's, 200 muskets of the old pattern, flint lock, will be forwarded to Col. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson) the Comdy Officer at Harpers Ferry to your order from whom you must take measures to receive them and convey them in safely to their destination under guard if necessary.  I regret that no other arms are at present for issue. \nVery Respectfully \nR. E. Lee \nMaj. Genl Comd","General Orders \nNo. 4","1. The General or other officers commanding Virginia Forces at Richmond, Norfolk, Fredericksburg, Alexandria, \u0026 Harpers Ferry, and such other points as they may hereafter be sent in separate commands, are required to submit to this offices; returns of their respective commands once in ten days, commending on the 1st day of each month.","2. The attention of all officers of the Va Volunteers, is called to the regulation concerning military correspondence as laid down in the Army regulations of the late United States Edition of 1857.","By Command of Maj. Genl Lee, \nR. S. Garnett \nAdjutant General","Hd Qrs Va Forces \nRichmond, Va \nApril 29, 1861","General Orders \nNo. 5","The General commanding desires to impress upon all officers and agents employed in the military and naval service of the State, the necessity of observing the strictest economy and accountability, in the expenditure of public money, or in the use of the credit of the State.","No expenditures will be made unless duly authorized; nor will they assume the responsibility of incurring any expense, or of using the credit of the state, unless the necessities of the case are so clear and imperative as not to admit of the delay of referring to the proper authority.","Records + vouchers must be made + preserved for all expenditures or uses of the credit of the State, specifying the nature + necessity of the service of which they were made.  They will keep all expenditures in the subsistence department (food for the men only) distinct from those of the Qr Master Dept. which embraces shelter for men and horses, transportation, forage, stationary + like subjects.  As soon as the exigencies of the service will permit the officers and agents of the disbursing dept of the service will be supplied with the necesary blank forms for the proper performance of their duties.","By Command of Major General Lee \nR. S. Garnett \nAdjutant General","Hd Qrs Va Forces \nRichmond, Va \nApril 29, 1861","General Orders \nNo. 6","Lieutenant Colonel Henry Heth, Va Volunteers, and Major James R. Crenshaw, Va Volunteers, are announced respectively as acting quartermaster general and acting commissary general of subsistence of the Forces in the field, subordinate officers in these departments will refer to them before making their purchases + contracts, unless the circumstances of the case prevents.","By Command of Major Genl Lee, \nR. S. Garnett \nAdjutant General","The Commonwealth of Virginia \nTo Francis M. Boykin, Jr Greeting:","Know you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a Lieutenant Colonel in the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the 14th day of December 1861","In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 14th day of December 1861. \nJohn Letcher","The Commonwealth of Virginia ","To Francis M. Boykin, Jr \nGreeting:\nKnow you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a \nMajor \nIn the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the Second day of May 1861.\nIn testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 29 day of April 1861.","(signed)  John Letcher","Extract \nAdjutant and Inspector Generals Office \nRichmond, VA  Decr 16th 1861","Special Orders \nNo 267","IV\tMajor F. M. Boykin Va Vols having been appointed Lieutenant Colonel is assigned to duty with the 31st Regiment Virg Vols and will report accordingly.","By order of the Secretary of War \nJno Withers, \nAAG\t","A watercolor sketch of Francis M. Boykin is avaliable  online .","The Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers include:\n Two commission documents Extracts from military orders One letter from Governor John Letcher that orders Boykin to proceed to Grafton, West Virginia and communicate with Colonel Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall) One letter bearing the signature of General Robert E. Lee","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter orders Francis M. Boykin to proceed to Grafton, West Virginia and contact Colonel Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall).","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter orders Francis M. Boykin to muster into service volunteer companies and to take position near Grafton, West Virginia to protect the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.","Writen from Richmond, Virginia. Order requires officers to submit returns of their commands and to abide by regulations concerning military correspondence.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Order discusses officers' obligations with regard to expenditures and record keeping.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Order appoints Lieutenant Colonel Henry Heth and Major James R. Crenshaw acting Quartermaster General and Acting Commissary General, respectively.","Document appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, signed by Governor John Letcher.","Document appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Major, signed by Governor John Letcher.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Order assigns Lieutenant Colonel Francis M. Boykin to the 31st Regiment Virginia Volunteers.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Boykin, Francis M. (Francis Marshall), 1837-1906","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Garnett, R. S., Adjutant General","English"],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0232","/repositories/3/resources/598"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers"],"collection_ssim":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Letcher, John, 1813-1884"],"creator_ssim":["Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Letcher, John, 1813-1884"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Letcher, John, 1813-1884"],"creators_ssim":["Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Letcher, John, 1813-1884"],"access_terms_ssm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1856","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 31st","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence","Orders (military records)","Military commissions"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1856","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 31st","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Correspondence","Orders (military records)","Military commissions"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["8 items"],"extent_tesim":["8 items"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence","Orders (military records)","Military commissions"],"date_range_isim":[1861],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFrancis Marshall Boykin was born in Isle of Wight County, Virginia on March 1, 1837. His ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, and his father, General Francis Boykin, was a member of the Virginia Senate. Boykin entered VMI in July 1853 and graduated in 1856. He engaged in teaching until 1861. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDuring the Civil War, Boykin served as a Lieutenant Colonel with the 31st Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States of America. He served throughout the War and was briefly imprisoned at Johnson's Island, Lake Erie.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAfter the War he was in the tobacco business in Richmond, Virginia. Boykin married Ellen B. George, and they had three children: Hamilton, Anna, and Ellen. He died on May 5, 1906 in Richmond.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Francis Marshall Boykin was born in Isle of Wight County, Virginia on March 1, 1837. His ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, and his father, General Francis Boykin, was a member of the Virginia Senate. Boykin entered VMI in July 1853 and graduated in 1856. He engaged in teaching until 1861. ","During the Civil War, Boykin served as a Lieutenant Colonel with the 31st Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States of America. He served throughout the War and was briefly imprisoned at Johnson's Island, Lake Erie.","After the War he was in the tobacco business in Richmond, Virginia. Boykin married Ellen B. George, and they had three children: Hamilton, Anna, and Ellen. He died on May 5, 1906 in Richmond."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eExecutive Department\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond Apl 29 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMajor F. M. Boykin\u003cbr\u003e\nWeston Lewis Cty Va\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir:\u003cbr\u003e\nYou will proceed at once to Grafton at the junction of the B and Ohio and the Parkersburg Road and communicate with Col. Thomas J. Jackson* at Harpers Ferry who is in the command of the Volunteer forces in that section of the State.\u003cbr\u003e\nI am most Respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nJohn Letcher\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHdqtrs Va Forces\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond Va\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 29th/61\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMajor F. M. Boykin\u003cbr\u003e\nVirg Volunteers\u003cbr\u003e\nWeston Va.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou are desired to take measures to muster into the service of the State such volunteer companies as may offer their services for the protection of the N. W. portion of the State.  Assume the command and take position at or near Grafton unless some other point should offer greater facilities for the command of the Balt. \u0026amp; Ohio R. R. and the branch to Parkersburg.  It is not the object to interrupt peaceful travel on the road, or to offer annoyance to citizens pursuing their usual avocations, but to hold the road for the benefit of Maryland and Virgi9nia and to prevent its being used against them.  You will therefore endeavor to obtain the cooperation of the Officers of the road and afford them on your part every assistance in your power to attain this end.  \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou will also endeavor to give quiet and security to the inhabitants of the country.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMajor Alonso Loring at Wheeling has been directed, with the volunteer companies under his command, to give protection to the road near its terminus at the Ohio River, and you will place yourself in communications with him and cooperative with him if necessary.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePlease state whether a force at Parkersburg will be necessary and what number of companies, and what number of companies can be furnished in that vicinity.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou are requested to report the number of companies, you may muster into the service of the State, their arms, condition vc and your views as to the best means for the accomplishment of the object in view.  To enable you to supply any deficiency in arms in the Company's, 200 muskets of the old pattern, flint lock, will be forwarded to Col. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson) the Comdy Officer at Harpers Ferry to your order from whom you must take measures to receive them and convey them in safely to their destination under guard if necessary.  I regret that no other arms are at present for issue.\u003cbr\u003e\nVery Respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nR. E. Lee\u003cbr\u003e\nMaj. Genl Comd\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGeneral Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 4\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e1. The General or other officers commanding Virginia Forces at Richmond, Norfolk, Fredericksburg, Alexandria, \u0026amp; Harpers Ferry, and such other points as they may hereafter be sent in separate commands, are required to submit to this offices; returns of their respective commands once in ten days, commending on the 1st day of each month.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e2. The attention of all officers of the Va Volunteers, is called to the regulation concerning military correspondence as laid down in the Army regulations of the late United States Edition of 1857.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Command of Maj. Genl Lee,\u003cbr\u003e\nR. S. Garnett\u003cbr\u003e\nAdjutant General\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd Qrs Va Forces\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, Va\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 29, 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGeneral Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 5\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe General commanding desires to impress upon all officers and agents employed in the military and naval service of the State, the necessity of observing the strictest economy and accountability, in the expenditure of public money, or in the use of the credit of the State.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eNo expenditures will be made unless duly authorized; nor will they assume the responsibility of incurring any expense, or of using the credit of the state, unless the necessities of the case are so clear and imperative as not to admit of the delay of referring to the proper authority.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRecords + vouchers must be made + preserved for all expenditures or uses of the credit of the State, specifying the nature + necessity of the service of which they were made.  They will keep all expenditures in the subsistence department (food for the men only) distinct from those of the Qr Master Dept. which embraces shelter for men and horses, transportation, forage, stationary + like subjects.  As soon as the exigencies of the service will permit the officers and agents of the disbursing dept of the service will be supplied with the necesary blank forms for the proper performance of their duties.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Command of Major General Lee\u003cbr\u003e\nR. S. Garnett\u003cbr\u003e\nAdjutant General\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd Qrs Va Forces\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, Va\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 29, 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGeneral Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 6\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLieutenant Colonel Henry Heth, Va Volunteers, and Major James R. Crenshaw, Va Volunteers, are announced respectively as acting quartermaster general and acting commissary general of subsistence of the Forces in the field, subordinate officers in these departments will refer to them before making their purchases + contracts, unless the circumstances of the case prevents.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Command of Major Genl Lee,\u003cbr\u003e\nR. S. Garnett\u003cbr\u003e\nAdjutant General\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Commonwealth of Virginia\u003cbr\u003e\nTo Francis M. Boykin, Jr Greeting:\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eKnow you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a Lieutenant Colonel in the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the 14th day of December 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 14th day of December 1861.\u003cbr\u003e\nJohn Letcher\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe Commonwealth of Virginia \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTo Francis M. Boykin, Jr\u003cbr\u003e\nGreeting:\nKnow you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a\u003cbr\u003e\nMajor\u003cbr\u003e\nIn the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the Second day of May 1861.\nIn testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 29 day of April 1861.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e(signed)  John Letcher\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eExtract\u003cbr\u003e\nAdjutant and Inspector Generals Office\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, VA  Decr 16th 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo 267\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIV\tMajor F. M. Boykin Va Vols having been appointed Lieutenant Colonel is assigned to duty with the 31st Regiment Virg Vols and will report accordingly.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy order of the Secretary of War\u003cbr\u003e\nJno Withers,\u003cbr\u003e\nAAG\t\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Executive Department \nRichmond Apl 29 1861","Major F. M. Boykin \nWeston Lewis Cty Va","Sir: \nYou will proceed at once to Grafton at the junction of the B and Ohio and the Parkersburg Road and communicate with Col. Thomas J. Jackson* at Harpers Ferry who is in the command of the Volunteer forces in that section of the State. \nI am most Respectfully \nJohn Letcher","Hdqtrs Va Forces \nRichmond Va \nApril 29th/61","Major F. M. Boykin \nVirg Volunteers \nWeston Va.","You are desired to take measures to muster into the service of the State such volunteer companies as may offer their services for the protection of the N. W. portion of the State.  Assume the command and take position at or near Grafton unless some other point should offer greater facilities for the command of the Balt. \u0026 Ohio R. R. and the branch to Parkersburg.  It is not the object to interrupt peaceful travel on the road, or to offer annoyance to citizens pursuing their usual avocations, but to hold the road for the benefit of Maryland and Virgi9nia and to prevent its being used against them.  You will therefore endeavor to obtain the cooperation of the Officers of the road and afford them on your part every assistance in your power to attain this end.  ","You will also endeavor to give quiet and security to the inhabitants of the country.","Major Alonso Loring at Wheeling has been directed, with the volunteer companies under his command, to give protection to the road near its terminus at the Ohio River, and you will place yourself in communications with him and cooperative with him if necessary.","Please state whether a force at Parkersburg will be necessary and what number of companies, and what number of companies can be furnished in that vicinity.","You are requested to report the number of companies, you may muster into the service of the State, their arms, condition vc and your views as to the best means for the accomplishment of the object in view.  To enable you to supply any deficiency in arms in the Company's, 200 muskets of the old pattern, flint lock, will be forwarded to Col. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson) the Comdy Officer at Harpers Ferry to your order from whom you must take measures to receive them and convey them in safely to their destination under guard if necessary.  I regret that no other arms are at present for issue. \nVery Respectfully \nR. E. Lee \nMaj. Genl Comd","General Orders \nNo. 4","1. The General or other officers commanding Virginia Forces at Richmond, Norfolk, Fredericksburg, Alexandria, \u0026 Harpers Ferry, and such other points as they may hereafter be sent in separate commands, are required to submit to this offices; returns of their respective commands once in ten days, commending on the 1st day of each month.","2. The attention of all officers of the Va Volunteers, is called to the regulation concerning military correspondence as laid down in the Army regulations of the late United States Edition of 1857.","By Command of Maj. Genl Lee, \nR. S. Garnett \nAdjutant General","Hd Qrs Va Forces \nRichmond, Va \nApril 29, 1861","General Orders \nNo. 5","The General commanding desires to impress upon all officers and agents employed in the military and naval service of the State, the necessity of observing the strictest economy and accountability, in the expenditure of public money, or in the use of the credit of the State.","No expenditures will be made unless duly authorized; nor will they assume the responsibility of incurring any expense, or of using the credit of the state, unless the necessities of the case are so clear and imperative as not to admit of the delay of referring to the proper authority.","Records + vouchers must be made + preserved for all expenditures or uses of the credit of the State, specifying the nature + necessity of the service of which they were made.  They will keep all expenditures in the subsistence department (food for the men only) distinct from those of the Qr Master Dept. which embraces shelter for men and horses, transportation, forage, stationary + like subjects.  As soon as the exigencies of the service will permit the officers and agents of the disbursing dept of the service will be supplied with the necesary blank forms for the proper performance of their duties.","By Command of Major General Lee \nR. S. Garnett \nAdjutant General","Hd Qrs Va Forces \nRichmond, Va \nApril 29, 1861","General Orders \nNo. 6","Lieutenant Colonel Henry Heth, Va Volunteers, and Major James R. Crenshaw, Va Volunteers, are announced respectively as acting quartermaster general and acting commissary general of subsistence of the Forces in the field, subordinate officers in these departments will refer to them before making their purchases + contracts, unless the circumstances of the case prevents.","By Command of Major Genl Lee, \nR. S. Garnett \nAdjutant General","The Commonwealth of Virginia \nTo Francis M. Boykin, Jr Greeting:","Know you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a Lieutenant Colonel in the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the 14th day of December 1861","In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 14th day of December 1861. \nJohn Letcher","The Commonwealth of Virginia ","To Francis M. Boykin, Jr \nGreeting:\nKnow you, that from special trust and confidence reposed in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, our Governor, in pursuance of the authority vested in him by an Ordinance of the Convention of the State of Virginia, doth commission you a \nMajor \nIn the active volunteer forces of the State, to rank as such from the Second day of May 1861.\nIn testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name as Governor, and caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, this 29 day of April 1861.","(signed)  John Letcher","Extract \nAdjutant and Inspector Generals Office \nRichmond, VA  Decr 16th 1861","Special Orders \nNo 267","IV\tMajor F. M. Boykin Va Vols having been appointed Lieutenant Colonel is assigned to duty with the 31st Regiment Virg Vols and will report accordingly.","By order of the Secretary of War \nJno Withers, \nAAG\t"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFrancis M. Boykin Civil War papers, 1861. MS 0232. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers, 1861. MS 0232. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eA watercolor sketch of Francis M. Boykin is avaliable \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll7/id/3392\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["A watercolor sketch of Francis M. Boykin is avaliable  online ."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers include:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo commission documents\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtracts from military orders\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne letter from Governor John Letcher that orders Boykin to proceed to Grafton, West Virginia and communicate with Colonel Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall)\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOne letter bearing the signature of General Robert E. Lee\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter orders Francis M. Boykin to proceed to Grafton, West Virginia and contact Colonel Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter orders Francis M. Boykin to muster into service volunteer companies and to take position near Grafton, West Virginia to protect the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWriten from Richmond, Virginia. Order requires officers to submit returns of their commands and to abide by regulations concerning military correspondence.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Order discusses officers' obligations with regard to expenditures and record keeping.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Order appoints Lieutenant Colonel Henry Heth and Major James R. Crenshaw acting Quartermaster General and Acting Commissary General, respectively.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDocument appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, signed by Governor John Letcher.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDocument appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Major, signed by Governor John Letcher.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Order assigns Lieutenant Colonel Francis M. Boykin to the 31st Regiment Virginia Volunteers.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers include:\n Two commission documents Extracts from military orders One letter from Governor John Letcher that orders Boykin to proceed to Grafton, West Virginia and communicate with Colonel Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall) One letter bearing the signature of General Robert E. Lee","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter orders Francis M. Boykin to proceed to Grafton, West Virginia and contact Colonel Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall).","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter orders Francis M. Boykin to muster into service volunteer companies and to take position near Grafton, West Virginia to protect the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.","Writen from Richmond, Virginia. Order requires officers to submit returns of their commands and to abide by regulations concerning military correspondence.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Order discusses officers' obligations with regard to expenditures and record keeping.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Order appoints Lieutenant Colonel Henry Heth and Major James R. Crenshaw acting Quartermaster General and Acting Commissary General, respectively.","Document appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, signed by Governor John Letcher.","Document appoints Francis M. Boykin to the rank of Major, signed by Governor John Letcher.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Order assigns Lieutenant Colonel Francis M. Boykin to the 31st Regiment Virginia Volunteers."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_976788868ba1aae0183916fb43d98e4b\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Boykin, Francis M. (Francis Marshall), 1837-1906","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Garnett, R. S., Adjutant General"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Boykin, Francis M. (Francis Marshall), 1837-1906","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"persname_ssim":["Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Boykin, Francis M. (Francis Marshall), 1837-1906","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Garnett, R. S., Adjutant General"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":8,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:09:06.300Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_598_c07"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"William D. Stuart papers","creator":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Stuart, William D. (William Dabney), 1830-1863","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThe bulk of the William D. Stuart papers consists of the Civil War papers (60 items; 1861-1863) of Stuart. The papers contain: \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCorrespondence to and from various Confederate Army officers\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMorning and guard reports\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMilitary orders\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInvoices and receipts documenting Stuart's brief service with the 15th Virginia Infantry Regiment and his command of the 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e Other items include letters of recommendation for a United States Army Commission (1850), a letter from Gabriel Jordan, Jr. (VMI Class of 1850) dated November 1854, and printed material.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_588.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00007.xml","title_ssm":["William D. Stuart papers"],"title_tesim":["William D. Stuart papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1850-1863"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1850-1863"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0108","/repositories/3/resources/588"],"text":["MS.0108","/repositories/3/resources/588","William D. Stuart papers","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 56th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 15th","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1850","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Correspondence","Orders (military records)","Receipts (financial records)","Letters of recommendation","There are no restrictions.","Full text transcriptions of the bulk of these papers are available   online .","The papers are arranged by document type and chronologically thereunder.","William Dabney Stuart was born on September 30, 1830 in Staunton, Virginia to Thomas Jefferson Stuart and Martha M. Dabney. He did preparatory work at the Staunton Academy and then entered VMI in July 1847. Stuart graduated from VMI in July 1850, standing 3rd in a class of 17.","Following graduation he taught at VMI (1850-1853) and was subsequently a principal of classical schools in Washington D.C. and Richmond, Virginia. He married Frances Harris of Loudon County, Virginia and the couple had three children: Martha, Mary Bell, and William.","During the Civil War, Stuart briefly commanded the 15th Virginia Infantry Regiment, and was then appointed Colonel with the 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States Army. He was mortally wounded at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania during Pickett's Charge, and died in a hospital in Staunton on July 29, 1863.","The William D. Stuart papers were originally in the possession of Stuart's widow and were passed down through the family before being donated to VMI.","Virginia Military Institute \nDecember 3 1850","My dear sir \nHaving understood that Mr. W. D. Stuart is an applicant for a commission in the U.S. Army I take the liberty of addressing you a private note on his behalf. I do this in preference to the formal course of a recommendation, because you will be better able to appreciate what I may\nsay in the unreserved mode in which I write.","You are aware that Mr. S. entered this Institution as a cadet in July 1847. After completing the whole course of studies, he was graduated in July last with great credit. You will see by the accompanying merit roll that in all his classes he maintained a most respectable standing, while in Geology, Artillery, and Infantry Tactics, he was No. 1. And in Military Engineering 3rd.","In addition to these facts, he was a commissioned officer of the Corps of Cadets and gave great satisfaction to us in the manner in which he discharged his duties.","So high was our estimate of his talents as a scholar and qualifications as an officer, that on a vacancy in our Corps of Instructors occurring in July, he was selected as an assistant Professor of Math. And assistant Instructor of Tactics and has been discharging these duties with great credit up to the present time.","From my personal knowledge of the qualifications of an officer of the Army, I know that there are few young men who enter the Service from West Point who are better qualified than Stuart and I have no doubt he will make as fine an officer as can be selected for the Infantry arm of\nthe Service.","You know his moral qualifications as well as I do. If any doubt had existed on this point, he would never have been appointed an officer in this Institution.","hope it will be the pleasure of the President to confer an appointment upon Mr. Stuart.","This Institution has been laboring now for 11 years in building up its Military reputation and we should like to have an opportunity of comparing our graduates with those from West Point.","With cordial regards to Mrs. S. \nI am very truly your friend \nFrancis H. Smith","Hon. A. H. H. Stuart\nWashington City","Va. Military Institute \nDec 10th 1850","Mr. W.D. Stuart desires to obtain a commision in the U.S. Army. His present post, that of Asst. Instructor of Tactics in the Va. Military Institute is evidence of his peculiar fitness for command. His acquirements at the Insititute of which he is a graduate, embracing Engineering, Artillery, and Infantry Tactics, with Mathematics and the Natural Sciences were such as to induce the authorities of the Institute to select him from her many graduates for the very responsible situation he now holds, a situation which requires judgement, firmness and decision of Character- all of which Mr. Stuart possesses in a high degree. His uniformily gentlemanly\ndeportment has endeared him to his fellow officers and will make him grace the position he seeks. \nThomas. H. Williamson \nProf. Engr. \u0026 Arch.","VMI \nDecember 10, 1850","W. Stuart was appointed immediately after his graduation Assistant Instructor of Tactics in the Virginia Military Institute. This is the highest and most indubitable testimony of the estimate of his military qualifications, by those who know him best. The course of military instruction and discipline at the Institute conforms strictly to that of the U.S.A. at West Point and is conducted by graduates of the latter Institution. If from a jealous regard to the character of the Army, the\nGovernment ordinarily restricts its commissions to the graduates of West Point, the same principle might well incline it, in its exceptional appointment of citizens, to feel a preference for those, who like Mr. Stuart, have at a State Institution, thoroughly prepared themselves for the Military Profession. \nJohn T.L. Preston \nProf. V.M.I","Engineers Office \nMemphis and Charleston Railroad \nHuntsville \nNovember 22d 1854","My Dear Stuart, \nI have just stolen away from my wife and have run up to my office with the determination of writing you. I was not a little surprised to learn through your letter that you had written me. Your letter, which reached me about ten days ago was the only one I have received from you since your marriage. I wrote you at that particularly interesting time a note of congratulations, as well as a letter, just before your mariage, but have received no letter in return. Now my good fellow I have no doubt but what you think that you wrote me, but as for my part I am inclined to think that you did not. I am sure I should not think it strange if you had not for you are a newly married man, and as a matter of course can not afford to give your friends many thoughts, at least for a while.","It is really refreshing, my old friend to hear from you and especially to know that you are a married man and in the full enjoyment of the pleasures that attend married love. My wife returned from Virginia about the first of September with much improved health---and my boy is a most magnificent fellow. A look at him might be of some service to you. Don't blush my dear fellow I don't mean any thing.","Dabney, what under the sun has become of all of our class mates. You are living in the center of our great union and should be posted up on every thing. I never see the names of any of our class in the papers, nor do I ever correspond with any of them, hence I am utterly ignorant of their movements. I never any thing from Lexington since you left there. Have any of our old acquaintances married off since our days-.","Matters here are still wearing a pleasant and flattering aspect. Our road is moving on finely, and we trust ere many more months pass away, that we will have a large and important portion of our work finished. I wish that we had a good comfortable post to offer you here. We are finishing up so fast that we are reducing the Corps instead of increasing. Still, should you ever make up your mind to embark in the profession, we might look out for a post for you.","Your school I trust will for the present afford you a comfortable competency, and something besides. School teaching, like every thing else has its reverses, its calms and its storms. We can find no profession that is made up entirely of sunshine. We must expect the life of man to harmonize with nature, having its passing clouds and refreshing sunshine in equal turns. I with all my hopeful temperament, have had my moments of gloom and anxiety, but with a fond wife, no less hopeful than myself, to cheer me, I have faced all and am now full of bright anticipation. Nor does this come about from any fortune, or particular promises, but all from a conviction that there is room for everyone in this world and plenty for everyone to do, and that industry when ever it is found is in the course of time rewarded. This is an unusually difficult time with almost everyone. There seems to be a weariness in the money market in every quarter. Men experience great difficulty in meeting their general expenses. This state of affairs, I have no doubt has had its influence upon your school, and I feel assured that there will be an improvement after a little while. I hope my dear Stuart, that you will continue to keep me posted up in regard to your movements, for I may find a good offering out South that would please you, and if such should be the case, it would give me inexpressible pleasure to serve you. I will always be on the look out. A new country is better for a young man in any profession. The competition is not so great and pay better. Present me the kindest manner to your good wife and receive the renewed assurance of your old and sincere friend and classmate. \nGabe Jordan Jr.","Richmond, Va. \nApril 15th 1861","Gov. Letcher \nDear Sir, \nI enclose recommendations from the Authorities of the Va. Military Institute to the Secretary of War under Mr. Fillmore for an appointment in the U.S. Army at that time. I submit them to you in my own behalf for an appointment under the State of Va. in the event of her secession from\nthe present Federal Government. I desire an appointment to any position in which my services may be required the most valuable, either in the active duties of the field or otherwise. \nVery respectfully yours, \nWm. D. Stuart","Head Qrs Va Forces \nRichmond Va. May 20 1861 \nSpecial Orders \nNo 82","Col. T.P. August, Lt. Col. W.D. Stuart, and Major Thos. G. Peyton, Virginia Vols, are assigned to duty with the troops at the \"Camp of Instruction\" and will report without delay to Col. William Gilham commanding that post.","By order of Maj. Genl Lee \nR. Garnett \nAdjt Genl.","Richmond \nMay 21st 1861 \nCapt. W. D. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nAt a meeting of the Richmond City Guard held this evening, the undersigned were appointed a Committee to express to you the unfeigned regret of the Company on having read your resignation, and to tender you the sincere thanks of the Company for the faithfulness and efficiency with which you have discharged the duties of Commanding Officer.","While the Company deplores deeply the necessity which separates you from us, we rejoice to know that our Beloved State will have the benefit of your valuable services.","Permit us personally and on behalf of the Company to tender you our best wishes for your future happiness and prosperity.","Very truly your friends, \nDavis N. Walker \nSamuel M. Bailey \nJames E. Burress","Unofficial","Camp of Instruction \nMay 23rd","My dear Col. \nWhen three field officers were assigned to duty here, I was so green as to put each in command of a Regt., having no other officers who knew any thing about organizing a Regt. This arrangement does not seem to have suited Col. August, who has been complaining to the powers that be, and I have received an order directing me to assign them all to one Regt--that of Col. August of course. Col. Stuart is one of them, and is totally unprepared for the field; he will make application to Gen. Fauntleroy this evening for a few days, please see what you can do for him. Gen. F. though may not have him in his Divn, if so he will have to go to Col. Magruder of course.","Yours sincerely \nW. Gilham","Richmond \nJuly 5th 1861 \nLt. Col. Stewart [Stuart] \n3rd Regt. Va. Vols. \nYorktown","Dear Sir, \nSometime, about the latter part of May or the commencement of June your lady Mrs. Stewart in company with Mrs. Lucy Wharton called at my Office in order to procure material for the purpose of making you a tent as they were unable to get a tent allready made: and stated that you were without one. Under these circumstances, I furnished the necessary material with the consent of Col. Heth the then Q.M. General who instructed me to take your receipt for one tent. The receipt has been delayed from various causes, partly because I did not know the address of Mrs. Stewart or yourself. Should you receive this letter I would be much obliged that you sign and return me the enclosed receipt; by your prompt attention to wit you will much oblige.","Yours very respectfully, \nMaury Garland \nCapt. and Asst. Q. M.","Head Quarters Williamsburg \nJuly 25th 1861","Col., \nThe General having understood that Colonel August is unwell. He directs that you will urge with the greatest vigor the work on the Fortification at King's Mill. In order to do this you will have but one drill a day in the evening. The working hours will be from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The guns to place in the various works are now on the way here and it is specially desired to have the works ready for them at the earliest moment.","I am sir very respectfully \nYour obedient servant \nG. B. Cosby \nMaj. and AAAG","Adjutant Inspr Genl's Office \nRichmond \nSept 17th 1861 \nExtract \nSpecial Orders \nNo. 280","XI. Lieut Colonel William D. Stuart Virginia Volunteers is promoted to be Colonel and assigned to the Command of the 56th Virginia Regiment just organized at Camp Lee, near this city, andwill report accordingly.","By order of the Secretary of War \n[Geo. Deas] \nA.A.G.","Camp Lee \nNov. 15th 1861 \nCol. George W. Munford","Sir \nI had the honor receive at the hands of Col. S. Bassett French the Flag of Va. intended for the Regiment I have the honor to command, also the accompanying letter of presentation from you.","As the commanding officer of the Regt. and its organ upon this occasion, I need not assure you that I received it with pride and satisfaction. Regarding it as the emblem of the honor and purity of our Mother State, hitherto unsullied in Council or War it shall be carefully guarded that it receive no detriment at the hands of the Regiment to which you have confided. I think I can with all safety assure you, and that the Sons of Va., voluntarily of the 56th Va. Regt. will ever be found at their post of duty and that they will never do discredit to the sacred cause in which they have enlisted.","The Daughters of Va. whose fair hands have wrought this beautiful emblem of Va.'s honor, will never have cause to blush for shame at the conduct of their brothers.","I am very respectfully \nYour obedient servant \nWilliam D. Stuart, Col. \nCommanding 56th Va. Regt.","Adjt and Insp Genls Office \nRichmond, Nov 21st 1861 \nExtract \nSpecial Orders \nNo 232","XI. The 56th Regiment Virginia Volunteers, Col. Stuart Commanding, will proceed without delay, via Wytheville, to Jeffersonville, VA. and report for duty to Brig. Genl. Marshall.","By Command of the Sec. of War \nJno. Withers \nAsst. Adjt. Genl.","Head Quarters Brigade \nPound Gap \n1 Dec 1861","Col. Stuart, \nSir, \nIn reply to your note reporting your command to me, I direct that you move your regiment forward by Pound Gap towards Prestonburg in Kentucky, as soon as possible after the reception of the order, unless you should receive other directions from Maj. Genl. George B. Crittenden at Knoxville.","I am sir, \nYour obedient servant, \nHumphrey Marshall \nBrig. Genl.","Some of the wagoners I hired and started left the teams on the road. I am compelled to go to Abingdon by private conveyance ad will purchase some waggons \u0026 c by the way and hire other wagoners.","W. Gibboney \nA. Q. M.","Transportation Office C.S.A \nWytheville, Va. December 2nd 1861 \nCol. W. D. Stuart \nCom. 56th Regt. Va. Vols. \nAbingdon Va.","Colonel, \nThe Frt. Agt. of the Va. and Tenn. R. R. has requested me to give him vouchers for the transportation of the stores in the Train which accompanied that containing your Regiment from Wytheville to Abigdon and allso for the baggage of the Regiment.","Will you please inform me whether you have already provided receipt for the transportation and whether the baggage was entitled to transportable from government. I have the honor to be","Very Respectfully \nYour obedient servant \nA. Meade Smith \nCapt. \u0026 [Acting] QM CSA","Hd. Qts. Knoxville, Tenn \nDec. 5th 1861","To- \nCol. Stuart \nCommd. 56th Regt. Va. Vols.","You will move with your Regiment as soon as transportation can be furnished to you, to Nashville Tenn.","By Command of \nMaj. Genl. G. B. Crittenden \nA.S. Cunningham \nA.A. Genl.","Received at: Abingdon Dec 10 1861","By Telegraph from: Knoxville Dec 10 \nTo: Col. Stuart","Genl. Johnson orders that your Regiment remain with Genl. Marshall W. H. Carroll \nBrig. Genl.","Received at: Abingdon Dec 11 1861 \nBy Telegraph from: Richmond Dec 11 \nTo: Col. W. D. Stuart","Proceed with your Regiment to Pound Gap and report to Genl. Marshall. The Quarter Masters Dept. is ordered to furnish transportation.","S. Cooper \nA. G.","Headquarters 1st Brigade \nArmy of Eastern Ky. \nCamp near Paintville \nDec 21st 1861","Special Order \nNo. 8","Col. Stuart is directed to move his Regiment from Abingdon immediately with such transportation as can be procured. It is of the first importance to the safety and success of the command on this frontier that the reinforcements destined for the forces already here shall move to the front without delay. Fine opportunities for brilliant successes have been lost for want of their presence ad others are daily passing away. The weather has favored the\nmovement of the troops, but has not been taken at advantage. The General directs that the movement be commenced without further delay and that the passage of the troops over Pound Gap be notified to him by the returning courier.","By order of \nBrig. Genl. H. Marshall \nAtt. B. H. Bradley \nA. Adjt. Genl.","1861 December 22 \nPaintsville, KY 22nd Dec.","Col. Stuart, \nI send express to you to move your regiment without delay. I am before a force so much superior to me in number, according to the report of reliable scouts, that I can scarcely hope to avoid a collision-- it may be disastrous to us- until you arrive.","If there are any forces near your route who are disengaged I would like exceedingly to have them assist me now. I am here with a force not amounting to 1500 men fit for duty. I shall struggle to keep off the evil day as long possible for you to arrive.","Yours truly \u0026 c \nH. Marshall \nBrig. Genl.","[note on back] \nPress transportation any where you can, if it is not ready, but travel lightly for the roads are deep. H.M.","Adj. [\u0026] Inspect. Genl's Office \nRichmond Dec 24/61","Sir, \nThe Secretary of War directs that you immediately proceed to carry out the instructions referred to in your comn of the 23rd inst. by reporting, with all your effective force, for duty to Brig. General Marshall, making proper provisions for your sick at Abingdon.","Very Respectfully \nYour Obd. Servt. \nR. H. Chilton \nA. Genl.","Lt. Col. Philip P. Slaughter \nOr/ Commanding Officer \n56 Reg. Va. Vols. \nAbingdon , Va.","Abingdon (Va) Dec 27th 1861","To- \nCol. Wm. D Stuart","Dear Sir: \nSince my arrival I have received orders to go immediately to Pound Gap from both the Sec. of War and Gen. Marshall. The order from Gen. M is both peremptory and urgent, and it is asource of the greatest mortification to me to find that, at so critical a juncture we are totally impotent, and I much fear (\"entre nous\") our reputation may suffer in the mind of the public\nwho cannot be aware of the embarrassing circumstances by which we are surrounded. I think it would be well if you could represent us in our true colors to the War Dept. Genl. M. writes that he is threatened by a superior force and urges our immediate movement which I am unable to comply with, not having more than eight or nine waggons and no horses. At the very earliest moment possible I will move on to Pound Gap with the fragment of the Regt.","From what I have learned since writing the above, the opinion prevails in Richmond that the Regt. declined transportation on account of the \"onerous march across the mountains\". You can judge of the correctness of this statement. Such seems to be the prevailing opinion in the War. Dept. Can you do any thing for us? I am in the worst quandary I ever was in my life.\nPlease telegraph me at your earliest convenience.","I think a court of inquiry would be beneficial to us: at all events, it could not injure us.","Yours very respectfully \nP. P. Slaughter \nFavor of \nCapt. R. B. Patterson \nQ.M.","P. S. \nI enclose you Genl. Marshall's orders, that you may see how we stand. I retain a copy of them. You will also find enclosed, the order from War Dept. P. P. S.","Abingdon Dec. 27th 1861","To- \nBrig. Gen. Marshall","Sir, \nI am in receipt of your order of the 22nd inst. as well as your Special Order No. 8. It is a source of exceeding regret and much mortification to me, to find myself in so crippled a condition at such a critical junction. Twice since being here I have prepared transportation in accordance with orders, once to join your command, which, when I got ready, I was compelled to decline by an order from Gen. Crittenden \"to go immediately to Nashville and report to Gen. A. S. Johnston. I then went to work to get transportation by rail, to Nashville, which I after some days effected. My men were at the Depot ready to march on the cars, when I received a telegram to remain and go with you; since which time I have not been able to collect the necessary No. of waggons to convey the Regt. in obedience to orders.","The Regt. is reduced lower than one half its original size, and is at present in a very debilitated condition. Col. Stuart, by reason of sickness has not been able to take command of the Regt. since leaving Richmond. Maj. Green is absent, all of which combine to place me in a very unenviable position upon the receipt of your orders.","As to the matter of transportation, I have only eight or ten wagons and no horses, as the Quartermaster informs me.","I shall endeavor to the utmost of my ability to move at the earliest time possible and most sincerely hope I may be able to join you in season to render some assistance in the existing emergency.","This will be handed to you by Capt. T. Smith of the 56th Regt. in whom you can place all confidence.","I did not see your courier or I should have dispatched by him. He left before I could reach the village.","I am sir very respectfully \nYour obt. Servt. \nPhilip P. Slaughter \nLt. Col. Comd. 56th Va. Regt.","Abigdon, Va. Dec 27th 1861","Dear Colonel, \n'Tis said and I more than partly believe that we are to move to Marshall's Command per Pound Gap and that in some what of a hurry. Your command is worse off in the matter of sick men than when you left. There are forty men in the Hospital and the number would be greater in there were room. The number of sick men in camp and private houses is hardly to be believed,\nbut I think I am in bounds when I say that if 250 men rank and file are able to march now, 'tis more than I expect. But 'tis hardly friendly to trouble you with such things so I'll only say that we \"what can go\" are going and no mistake. I hear you have some idea of joining us immediately. Don't hurry unless you are really strong enough; for I know your impetuosity of old.","In great haste \nM. Howard","Adjt and Inspr. Genl's Office \nRichmond, Jany 2 1862 \nExtract \nSpecial Order \nNo. 1","Colonel Stuart's 56th Regiment Virginia Volunteers is detached from General Humphrey Marshall's Command and will immediately proceed to Bowling Green Kentucky and report to General A.S. Johnston for duty with General Floyds Brigade.","By Command of the Secretary of War \nJohn Withers \nAsst. Adjt Genl.","Abingdon (Va) Jan. 4th 1862 \nCol. Wm. D. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nOn yesterday, I received from Captain Patteson the following telegram. \"Col. Stuart says, leave Jacob and his baggage\". The dispatch said nothing of the horse. I was in much doubt about him. Before determining, I mentioned the matter to Dr. Howard, who by the way, has been confined to his bed for a week, \u0026 is unable to proceed with the Regt. and intends keeping his horse with him. After reading the telegram, he advised me to leave your horse in care of Jacob. All your baggage, that is, all I imagine was meant, consisting of a horse, saddle \u0026 bridle, sword, bed, trunk, field glasses, canteen, etc. I turned over to Mr. Benham, saw them placed together in a room and showed them to Jacob.","Six companies of the Regt. have gone in under command of Capt. Boswell. The others will go tonight. I am much afraid we may be detained somewhat at Union, the first burnt bridge; but our great object is to get away as fast as possible from the road to Pound Gap. I will send you a copy of the order from the Sec of War.","Jacob, during our troubles has been invaluable to me; indeed, while attending to my immensible duties, I think I would have starved but for his providing hand \u0026 it is almost certain I would have lost everything I have, but for his care. I envy you very much the possession of so valuable \u0026 reliable a servant.","I told him he would either keep his horse in the Quartermaster's stables or at Mr. Benham's. In case I misinterpreted your wishes concerning him, and you should desire him to be sent on, write to Dr. Howard, who expects to carry his own, \u0026 it will be as easy to carry two as one. Should you adopt this suggestion, you had better write immediately.","Jacob desires me to say he is tolerable well and would like to hear from you as soon as convenient to know what course he is to pursue.","Maj. Green has not returned as yet. Two of Capt. Richardson's men deserted last night. I think we have some thirty sick in the hospital.","Hoping this may find you rapidly recovering and that you are able to rejoin us speedily.","I am sir, very respectfully \nP. P. Slaughter","[on back]\nCopy of Order from Sec. Of War \nExtract \nAdj. \u0026 Inspect. Genl's Office \nRichmond Jan 2th 1862 \nSpecial Order \nNo. 1:","XV. Colonel Stuart's 56th Regt. Virginia Volunteers, is detached from General Humphrey Marshall's Command and will immediately proceed to Bowling Green, Kentucky and report to General A. S. Johnston for duty with General Floyd's Brigade.","By Command of the Secretary of War \nJno. Withers \nAsst. Adjt. Genl. Col. 56th Va. Vols. \nTo \nCommanding Officer C. S. Forces \nAbingdon Va.","Richmond, Va. \nFeb 5th 62","Genl. Cooper, \nSir, \nI beg leave to submit he following statement to the Department in refutation of the report, circulated I understand at the Head Qrs. by the Brigade Quartermaster of Genl. Humphrey Marshall's, to the effect that I had refused transportation for my command, from Abingdon to Prestonsburg the point to which I was ordered by Genl. Marshall. The enclosed letter written at\nthe time to the Department has bearing upon this point. The following is a literal copy of the order from Genl. Marshall by my messenger Capt. Taylor sent to inquire to which point I should march.","Head Quarters Brigade \nPound Gap 1 Dec 1861","Col. Stuart, \nSir, \nIn reply to your note reporting your command to me, I direct that you move your regiment forward by Pound Gap towards Prestonsburg in Kentucky, as soon as possible after the reception of this order, unless you should receive directions from Major Genl. George B. Crittenden at Knoxville.","I am sir \nYour Obt. Servt. \nHumphrey Marshall \nBrig. Genl.","This order was received late at night and a verbal message by Capt. Taylor that a messenger had been sent to Genl. Crittenden to inform him of my presence in Abingdon and that he should write order me to join him if necessary. Not hearing from Genl. Crittenden in forty-eight hours after, I sent Lieut. Col. Slaughter to Knoxville to find out from him at once whether I should expect orders from him and he replied by Telegraph through Capt. Cunningham his A. A. Genl.ordering me to Nashville \u0026 Col. Slaughter returned the following day bringing the following order by which this is an exact copy.","Hd. Qrs. Knoxville Tenn. \nDec. 5th 1861 \nTo Col Stuart \nCommand. 56th Regt. Va. Vols.","Sir, \nYou will move with your Regiment as soon as transportation can be furnished to Nashville, Tenn.","By Command of \nMaj. Genl. G. B. Crittenden \nS. Cunningham A.Genl.","The interval between the reception of these orders was employed by me busily in attempting to procure transportation and finding no Quarter Master at Abingdon, I sent to Wytheville for Capt. Gibboney A. Q. M. at that point to report at Abingdon and assist me. My own QuarterMaster was without funds for that purpose. Capt. Gibboney arrived bringing with him waggons purchased on the road and by the time of the reception of the order from Genl. Crittenden, I had enough transportation on hand, by leaving some articles behind to enable me to reach Prestonsburg. Of course after the order of Genl. Crittenden, I had no use for the waggons and ordered them immediately to be loaded with supplies of ordnance and other belongings to Genl. Marshall and forwarded to him","Immediately upon the receipt of Genl. Crittenden's order, so uncertain was telegraphic communication, I sent my Quarter Master to Lynchburg to arrange for transportation by rail to Nashville and had already procured it and would have been on the way to Nashville but for the bursting of one of the [flues] of the engines, when I received the following order by Telegraph\nreceived in Abingdon Dec 10th about dark.","Knoxville Dec 10th \nTo Col. Stuart,\nGenl. A . S. Johnston orders that your Regiment remain with Genl. Marshall. \nW. H. Carroll \nBrig. Genl.","Upon the reception of this order I immediately telegraphed the Department to know whose orders I should obey? In the meantime the waggons I had secured for my Regiment were on the way to Pound Gap and I was thus compelled to\ncommence again to prepare transportation for that trip.","I had been quite unwell with jaundice ad the Surgeon finding that we would be compelled to go to Pound Gap told me that he would not answer for the consequences should I undertake to go and advised my return to Richmond, where I have been confined to my room with a severe attack of Rheumatism until within the last ten days. I left the Regiment under command of Lt. Col. Slaughter and I know that the delay in proceeding to join Genl. Marshall arose from no indisposition on his part to execute the orders, but from an absolute inability to procure the necessary transportation.\nThere can be found in the service no officer more active, intelligent and competent to the discharge of the duties of his position. We are anxious if there is the slightest doubt remaining on the mind of the Honl. Sec. as to the want of proper activity on the part of the officer of the Regiment to move forward, that he will order a Court of Inquiry that the matter may be thoroughly sifted.","I have the honor to be \nYour obt. servt. \nWm. D. Stuart, Col. \n56th Va. Regt.","Genl. Hospital \nRichmd. March 4 1862","Wm. T Cross, Private Co. E. 56 Reg. Va. Vols. has been in this hospital since 1 Nov 1861 with Secondary Syphilis. He has now Syphilitic Rheumatism \u0026 as his turn of enlistment will expire in June, I recommend his discharge from the service.","I. Beu. Gibson \nSurg. P. A. C. S. \nRichmond Genl. Hospital","Official business \nWm. D. Stuart \nCol: 56 Regt.","Sir, \nEnclosed please find Certificate of disability for Private W. T. Cross. It must be approved by the Capt. of his Co. \u0026 Col. of the Reg. \u0026 returned to me- at least this is the usual form.","If there is a prospect of obtaining his discharge at once, I would prefer his remaining in the Hospital until it is received here.","Very resp. \nI. B. Gibson \nSurg. P. A. C. S. \nRichmd Genl. Hospital","Richmond Arsenal \nMarch 8th 1862","My Dear Colonel, \nThis will be handed you by my friend Col. W. D Stuart 56 Va. Vols. who is about joining his Regiment, at present attached to your Department. Col. Stuart has by severe sickness been detained from following a career so nobly begun at Bethel.","His health is now sufficiently restored to justify his joining his command. I bespeak for him your kind consideration in advance, because having known him intimately from boyhood to the present time, I declare him to be a \"gentleman and a soldier\", as Lear was a king- \"every inch\".","Your Friend \nBriscoe G. Baldwin \nCapt. Arty. P. [A?] \nCol. W. W. Mackall \nA. A. Genl.","Head Quarters Floyd's Division \nChattanooga, Mar 17th 1862 \nGeneral Order \nNo. 246","The reenlisted men of this command are entitled to a furlough of sixty days at home, but in case of a collision with the enemy at Knoxville this will be suspended for one week.","By order \nBrig. Gen. Floyd \n[C. Derrick] \nA.A. Gen.","Official \n[Mr]Robin Terry \nA.A. A Gen.","Headquarters Floyd's Division \nCamp [? Childress] Mar 17 1862 \nGeneral Orders \nNo. 27 \nExtract","The entire command will move tomorrow morning on the cars in the following order. 1st Headquarters, 2d Artillery, 3d. 1st Brigade, 4th 2d Brigade.","The 1st Brigade will load its baggage on the cars at 9 o'clock in the [trn]-yard just across the bridge arranging so that their baggage or wagons will not be in the way of Head Qrs.","By order Brig. Gen. Floyd \nPeter Otey \nA.A. Gen","Official \nMr. Robbin Terry \nA.A. A Gen.","Head Qrs Floyd Division \nKnoxville, March 19th/62 \nSpecial Orders \nNo--","Having been relieved from my command I hereby turn over the troops under me to the command of Col. Maney commanding forces at Knoxville Tennessee. The commanding officers of Regts will report for duty at once to Col. Maney","By order Brigdr Gen. Floyd \nPeter Otey \nA.A.G.","The Field Officers and officers commanding regiments will report at these HdQrs as soon as practicable. The General desires to introduce these gentlemen to the commanding officer Col. Maney.","By direction \nBrigdr Gen. Floyd \nPeter Otey \nA.A.G.","Head Quarters Knoxville \nMarch 19th 1862","Col. Stuart \nCommnd. 56th Va. Regt.","You will hold your Regt. ready to move at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning. Send to these Headquarters by 8 ½O'clock tomorrow morning a report of the strength of your command for duty.","Geo. Maury \nCol. Comdg. at Knoxville.","Hd. Quarters Knoxville \n20th March 1862","Colonel \nW. D. Stuart \n56 Va. Regiment","You are hereby directed to take command of all the forces here, formerly of Genl. Floyd's command in the movement towards Jacksboro. Capt. B. W. Snyder Qr. Master will report to you as Qr. Master for your command. He will be furnished with twelve 4 horse wagons for transportation of your command. If this transportation is more than sufficient for the tents, cooking utensils and ammunition necessary for your command you will please direct your commissary, whom you may select from your command, to load the unappropriated wagons with Flour and Bacon for which he will make requisition on the post commissary at this place.","Respectfully, \nGeo. Maney \nCol. Commanding \nForces at Knoxville","Hd Qrs Knoxville Mch 20th/62 \nSpecial Order \nNo--","Col. Stuart will move with his command tomorrow morning at 6 o'clk on the road to Clinton. You will have rations for one day cooked tonight.","By comd of \nCol. George Maney Comdg Post \nR.B. Snowden Adjt.","Head Qrs Knoxville, March 21st 1862 \nSpecial Order No-","Col Stuart \nYou will hold your command, composed of the 36th, 50th, 51st and 56th Regts in readiness to move at 4 o'clk this afternoon towards Jacksboro.","Col. George Maney Comdg Post \nR.B. Snowden Adj't.","Col. Stuart \nI am instructed by Col. Maney to say you will not put your command on the march until further orders. You are however instructed to hold it ready to move at a moment's notice.","R. B. Snowden Adjt. \nKnoxville March 21st 1862","Hd. Quarters Knoxville \nMarch 21st 1862","Col. Stuart \nCommand. of Floyd Brigade","Your order to march toward Clinton is revoked. I desire to see you at my Hd. Quarters in person at first convenient moment to regard to encamping your command here.","Very Respectfully \nGeo. Maney Col. \nCommnd. At Knoxville","Lebanon, 31st March 1862","Col. Stuart, \nOf so much of your order of the 28th as proposes the formation of a camp near Abingdon by the unfurloughed officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates of \"Floyd's Brigade\", I shall express no opinion at this time. I presume your halt at Abingdon, for instructions from Richmond, was in pursuance of your duty under the direction of Major General Smith. I am glad he has force to spare.","The others parts of your order I cheerfully approve and will sustain. I know of no vice so fatal to our soldiery as intemperance; and, independent of the loss of many genial fellows to the cause in which our swords are drawn, their fall is the gain of the meanest and the most heartless men in community. The vigor of authority shall not be wanting on my part to sustain every effort to limit the pernicious vice.","I enclose an Order, which please hand to Maj. Fisher that he may have a few struck off and sent after such of my men as have left Abingdon.","Your vindicatory note has been successful I imagine in proving that you did not delay marching last winter intentionally, but the failure to join me was a great misfortune to this command.","I am ready however to look forward and not backwards, and hope our acquaintance may be as agreeable in its continuance as it has been awkward in its beginning.","Yours Respectfully, \nH. Marshall \nBrig. Genl. Comd.","Apr 1st 1862 \nCol. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nThe bearer of this note Mr. Hanshew is the father of the soldier in the 50th Regt. The young man is at present in hospital and has been quite a sufferer. He was sick in the autumn and before fairly recovered was taken to the west. He was subjected to all the exposure and hardships at Ft. Donelson where he was frost bitten in the trenches. The retreat and long march have proved too much for him and he is really quite worn out. His father wishes to take\nhim home for a few weeks if possible to [illegible] him \u0026 I think it important for the young man to go. I know the father well, he is worthy of trust and is a man of excellent character.","I am sir very truly yours \nJohn B. Floyd","Confederate States of America \nTREASURY DEPARTMENT \nFIRST AUDITOR'S OFFICE \nApr. 8th 1862","Dear Mr. Stuart, \nI think I shall die if I don't manage to get with the Army in some capacity or other, \u0026 as the circumstances of my family do not admit of my going as a private, I must try to obtain some position which will pay. I have not the presumption to ask for a commission in the Infantry or Artillery, where a knowledge of military tactics is essential, but as all the appointments are not made in the Engineers Corps \u0026 for that a knowledge of Mathematics more than anything else is required, I have thought that I might possibly by some study in the meanwhile fit myself for a position in the Engineers. I would not myself have thought such to be the case, but for the assurance of a friend, who is in the Corps \u0026 and after considerable experience says that I am fully capable of filling such a position creditably. The object of my writing this letter therefore is to request that you will give me a testimonial to be presented to the Sec. of War, who would doubtless be influenced by what you say. Possibly with that \u0026 what I may get old Bledsoe, the Asst. Sec. to say for me, I may obtain a Lieutenancy in the Engineers.","If Frank had been successful I would not myself apply, but I suppose his application is pretty securely pigeon holed \u0026 he will never hear from it, though Tom Harris is now in the city \u0026 a member of the Military Committee of Congress.","I saw Aunt F. last night and she and the children are in good spirits, looking forward to visiting you in Abingdon, in accordance with your letter of recent date. Aunt F. was glad to hear of your being so well \u0026 comfortably fixed \u0026 perhaps her cheerfulness is only the reflection from your good spirits, as she learns from your letters \u0026 others who have seen you.","Ma and the children are pleasantly fixed in Danville \u0026 are all very well: Frank was at Orange C. H. when I heard from him, though there is a rumor that his division went down to reinforce Magurder. The sky is brightening. I have not time to write more at present. Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain yours affectionately. \nW.R. Abbott","Abingdon 20th April 1862 \nCol. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nMrs. Saunders, the bearer of this is the mother of the boy who is applying for a discharge on the score of minority. I sent you the certificate, \u0026 c some days ago. I have no doubt of his being under age. She wants to know the conditions of his application. May I ask you to let her know it?","With the highest respect \nYour obd. Servt. \nJohn B. Floyd","Confederate States of America \nWAR DEPARTMENT \nEngineer's Bureau \nRichmond, Va. 30 April 1862","Genl. G. W. Randolph \nSecretary of War","Sir, \nI have had the pleasure of knowing Col. W. D. Stuart for many years. At Lexington where we were cadets together, his peculiar qualifications as a soldier and tactician, on graduating, led to his immediate appointment as assistant instructor of infantry and artillery tactics, a position\nwhich he held with much credit for three years. Since the commencement of the war he has been constantly engaged on active service, first on the Peninsula and afterwards in the West. In the first locality I had the pleasure of again meeting him and heard him uniformly spoken of as a gallant, efficient, and accomplished officer.","In these days of uncertain tenure of office, your endorsement of the substance of this letter would probably be of great service to him, especially as his standing on the Peninsula and conduct in the Battle of Bethel are personally known to you.","With great respect, your obedient servant, \nA. L. Rives \nActing Chf. Eng. Bu.","War Department \nApril 30th 1862","I take great pleasure in bearing the testimony to the gallantry and conduct of Col. Stuart at the Battle of Bethel of which I was an eye witness, and to his efficiency as an officer and his deportment as a gentleman. He is an educated soldier and I should be sorry for the Country to lose his services. \nGeo. W. Randolph","Camp near Winchester, Va. \nOct 26 1862","My dear Colonel: \nI have rec'd your report of the battle of \"South Mountain\" and with it your very kind note.","I can truly assure you I was much gratified with the expressions of regard and esteem you therein expressed towards me. My brief association with you was among the most pleasant I have formed during the war and I sincerely trust it may be renewed at no distant time, under such auspices that we may be able to cultivate a still closer intimacy. With many prayers for you safety and happiness I remain truly your friend \nR. B. Garnett","Provost Marshal's Office \nLynchburg, Va. \nOct 30th 1862 \nCol. W. D. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nI received this morning a letter from one of the 56th Va. Regt. informing me that \"you \u0026 Maj. Green intended to write to the War Department and endeavor if possible to have me relieved of duty here and ordered to return to Regt.\" I at first doubted its authenticity, but seeing it was from a semi-official source I necessarily attached some importance to it.","I was astonished to hear that you contemplated such a thing as it would undoubtedly place me in a false light before the Department. I presumed you had received official notification of my appointment here.","I have always thought you were magnanimous enough not only to be willing for any officer of your Regt. to obtain promotion and a better position, but would aid him if possible in doing so.","I informed you in three letters before that I applied in Sept. last to Q. M. for transportation to Regt. and applying the same day to Adjt. Gen. Cooper in person to ascertain the point to go to, was directed by him to report to Maj. Gen. Smith for duty. By whom I was sent to Brig. Gen. Winder who ordered me to take charge of the C. S. Military Prison. I remained there about three weeks and discharged the duties satisfactorily to my commissioning officer and was on the 21st Oct. appointed \"Provost Marshal\" of this city with written orders from Maj. Gen. G. W. Smith, a copy of which I send you.","Each position was unsolicited and unexpected by me; but at the same time agreeable ad satisfactory; because the \"posts\" I was assigned were not only easier and higher than the Capt. of Infantry, but also horses and servants furnished me, and paid $180 per month. The pay however is no consideration with me. The chances of promotion are still greater in my present position.","I will also state to you, that is I preferred it, I am legally exempt from military duty by the recent \"exemption act\" passed by both \"Houses of Congress\" and approved by the President. First I have a plantation with over 40 negroes, and on it \"no white male adult not liable to military duty.\" Second I have a large manufacturing mill and my superintendence is necessary for its successful operation. For either 1st or 2nd reasons I am exempt by \"Act of Congress\".","But notwithstanding pecuniary losses I am willing to remain in the army, provided my services will accomplish anything in the cause we are engaged.","I hope this will be satisfactory to you. I fear you did not receive my former letters making substantially the same statements as above; and I feel a conscientious sense of duty, in justice to myself to write to you again","The appointment here was somewhat complimentary to me and I have intimations already of a higher and more responsible position being assigned me.","I would be glad if you would answer this.","Very respectfully \nYour obt. Servant \nThomas D. Jeffress \nCapt. and Provost Marshall of Lynchburg","P.S. I understand that only 8 or 10 efficient men of Co. \"G\" are with the Regt. and only about 22 or 23 in all on roll. I left several in Richmond at Hospital who will probably never recover sufficiently to return to duty. \nT. D. J.","18th Va. Regt. \nNov. 26th 1862 \nCol. W. D. Stuart","Col., \nIn reply to your note rec'd some time since asking of the \"mention made\" of Capt. T. D. Jeffress \"upon\" a report of one of the Richmond battles forwarded by myself to Brigade Hd. Qrs., I have to say that Capt. Jeffress made out the report of the battle himself, he being the Senr. Officer present who was in the fight. When the report was handed to me Lt. Chaffin Actg. Adjt. told me that the officers of the Regt. desired that I should make mention of the good conduct of Capt. Jeffress in battle, as the Capt. from motives of delicacy would of course say nothing of himself. I endorsed upon the report that I was not in the battle myself, was not in command of the Regiment at the time the events spoken of occurred, but that at the request of others, I would state that Capt. Jeffress deserved \"honorable mention\" for good conduct in battle. I have since learned that Lt. Chaffin was not in the fight himself and I am sorry that I acted upon his suggestion and made the endorsement referred to for the reason that I appeared to discriminate in favor of Capt. Jeffress when in fact I knew nothing of the conduct of any officer in the Regiment in the battle alluded to.","I am Col. \nVery Respectfully \nGeo. C. Cabell, Major","Camp Near Petersburg \nof Pickett's Div. Garnett's Brig. \nMarch 7th 1863 \nGenl. S. A. Cooper","Sir, \nI respectfully make an application for 25 Conscripts the requisite number to fill the reduced ranks of my Company at its present standard. You will confer a favour by assigning to the ranks of my Company 25 Conscripts,or any number as you, in your judgement may think proper or circumstances may require. You can see by my muster roll that my company only numbers 31 total present or absent, having never received any Conscripts since its entry into\nservice.","Most Respectfully \nYour obedient Servt. \nF. W. Nelson \nLt. Comd. Co. \"A\" 56th Va.","Camp Near Petersburg, Va. \nMarch 7th 1863","I respectfully ask permission to be absent from my duties for a few days for the following reasons. My property has been dwindling away daily since 25th Dec last, for want of my personal attention. My negroes are roaming through the country without a proper home and I will probably lose them all if I cannot attend to the matter immediately. I leave my company in command of the Capt. I have deferred asking leave of absence until now, because of there being only two (2) officers belonging to the company and the comdg. Officer of the Regt. deems it best that the vacancies of 2nd and 2nd jr. Lieuts. should not be filled at present, I presume because of the smallness of the Co. I reenlisted as a private and have never received a furlough or anything in lieu thereof and have never been absent without leave.","S. D. Cronin 1st Lieut. \nCo. \"I\" 56th Va. Regt.","March 8th, 1863","I respectfully ask for a leave of absence for 20 days to visit my home in Mecklenburg Co. Va. having been in the service for 20 months and having never received but four days furlough since the organization of my Regiment. I hope this application will be granted. I was originally a 12 months Volunteer and subsequently reenlisted for the War.","Lieut. F. W. Nelson \nCo. A. 56th Va. Regt.","Kittrell's Springs \nJuly 27th 1863 \nCol. Wm. D. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nI was transferred from General Hospital No. 10 to Black's and White's Hospital, from that place on the recommendation of the Medical Director in Richmond (Dr. Wm. Carrington) I was allowed the privilege of going home and report once in fifteen days in person or through my Physician's certificate. My furlough was extended the other day, 30 days to enable me to visit\nthe Springs for my health. I am improving very rapidly mow and shall be on, as soon as I am able for duty. You have passed though a very fiery ordeal since I left you. I regret being absent from my company in time of battle. I am truly sorry to learn that you are wounded, hope it will not prove serious, and allow me here to indulge the hope that you will be Genl. Garrett's successor. You certainly deserve the place. I am very anxious to hear from my company. I heard indirectly that Lieut. Finley was wounded, whether seriously or not I did not learn. Pickett's Division was very badly cut up. The mortality among officers was unprecedented. I expect to be here at least two weeks longer. I wish to get entirely well before returning. When I return again I hope to be able to stay with you. Direct your letter to \"Lawrenceville. Brunswick Co. Va.\" With my best wishes that you may speedily recover and when I see you again you may be my Brigadier. I subscribe myself your true friend, \nN. A. Flournoy","The bulk of the William D. Stuart papers consists of the Civil War papers (60 items; 1861-1863) of Stuart. The papers contain:\n Correspondence to and from various Confederate Army officers Morning and guard reports Military orders Invoices and receipts documenting Stuart's brief service with the 15th Virginia Infantry Regiment and his command of the 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment \nOther items include letters of recommendation for a United\nStates Army Commission (1850), a letter from Gabriel Jordan, Jr. (VMI Class of 1850) dated November 1854, and printed material.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter endorses William D. Stuart's application for a commission in the United States Army.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter endorses William D. Stuart's application for a commission in the United States Army.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter endorses William D. Stuart's application for a commission in the United States Army.","Written from Huntsville, Alabama. Letter comments on respective marriages, jobs, and future prospects.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter asks Virginia Governor John Letcher for an appointment in the Army in the event of secession.","Special Order No. 81 from Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart is assigned to duty with troops at the camp of instruction.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter expresses regret at William D. Stuart's resignation as commanding officer of the Richmond City Guard.","Written from the Camp of Instruction, Richmond. Letter to an unidentified colonel regards the placement of William D. Stuart and other officers.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards materials to make a tent.","Written from Williamsburg, Virginia. Letter orders William D. Stuart to work on fortifications at King's Mill.","Special Order No. 222 from Youngs Farm. Regards payment of troops and powers of attorney. By command of General Magruder and signed by G. B. Cosby, A.A.A.G.","Special Order No. 280 from the Adjutant Inspector General's office, Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart is promoted and assigned to the command of the 56th Virginia Regiment.","Written from Camp Lee. Letter regards a flag for William D. Stuart's regiment.","Special Order No. 232 from Richmond, Virginia by command of Secretary of War per John Withers. The 56th Virginia Infantry regiment is ordered to Jeffersonville, Virginia to report to Brigadier General Marshall.","Written from Pound Gap, Virginia. William D. Stuart is ordered to move his regiment forward by Pound Gap towards Prestonsburg, Kentucky.","Written from Wytheville, Virginia. Telegram regards wagons.","Written from Wytheville, Virginia. Letter regards transportation vouchers.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart's regiment is ordered to Nashville, Tennessee.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. General A. S. Johnson orders William D. Stuart's regiment to remain with General Marshall.","From Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart's regiment is to proceed to Pound Gap to report to General Marshall.","Special Order No. 8 from Headquarters 1st Brigade, Army of Eastern Kentucky, Camp near Paintville, by order of General Marshall. William D. Stuart's regiment is to move immediately without further delay.","Written from Paintville, Kentucky. William D. Stuart must move his regiment without delay.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart is directed by the Secretary of War to report to General Marshall.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter concerns orders to go to Pound Gap, Virginia.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter regards contradictory orders and illness of William D. Stuart and men.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter reprts on sickness of regiment and men in hospital.","Special Order No. 1 from Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart's regiment\nis detached from General Marshall's command and will proceed to Bowling Green, Kentucky to General A. S. Johnston.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter regards order to proceed to Bowling Green, Kentucky. Letter also encloses Special Order No. 1 (dated January 2, 1862).","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards confusion in orders to 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards William T. Cross' certificate of disability.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards William D. Stuart rejoining his regiment after a severe illness.","General Order No. 246 from Floyd's Division, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Reenlisted men are entitled to a 60 day furlough, but this may be suspended in case of \"collision with the enemy.\"","General Order No. 27 (extract) from Floyd's Division, Camp Bettie Childress. Order regards movement of the command via rail.","Special Order from Floyd's Division, Knoxville, Tennessee. General Floyd is relieved of command and regimental commanders are to report to Colonel George Maney.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is to hold his regiment ready to move and to report on the strength of his command.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is directed to \"take command of all the forces here, formerly of Genl Floyd's command, in the movement towards Jacksboro.\"","Special order from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is to move tomorrow on the road to Clinton.","Special Order from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is to hold command of the 36th, 50th, 51st and 56th Virginia Regiments in readiness to move towards Jacksboro.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is not to move his command until further orders.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart march towards Clinton is revoked.","Written from Lebanon. Letter regards previous orders.","Letter regards releasing a sick soldier (Hanshew, 50th Virginia Regiment) to go home with his father.","Letter requests recommendation to enter the Confederate Army and family news.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter regards discharge of an underage soldier.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter commends William D. Stuart, with an endorsement specifically about his gallantry at the Battle of Bethel, Virginia.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. Letter acknowledges receipt of report of Battle of South Mountain (Maryland) and expresses personal regard.","Written from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter protests Thomas D. Jeffress' return to the Regiment.","Letter regards a report in which George C. Cabell erroneously commended Captain Thomas D. Jeffress.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter requests 25 conscripts to fill reduced ranks.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter requests to be absent from duty to see to business at home.","Letter requests a leave of absence to visit home.","Written from Kittrell's Springs, North Carolina. This letter was written after the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and it comments on casualties in regiment and general news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Telegram regards search of trains for stolen coffee.","Report for the 56th Virginia Regiment at Camp Robertson.","Report for the 56th Virginia Regiment at Camp Robertson.","Special duty roster for the 56th Virginia Regiment.","Guard report for the 56th Virginia Regiment.","Receipt for wall tent pins and poles.","Receipt for ordnance (cartridges).","Invoice of commutation of quarters and fuel for 1st Lieutenant George W. May, Company C. 56th Virginia, for the period of December 8 to 31, 1861.","Invoice of commutation of quarters and fuel for 1st Lieutenant George W. May, Company C. 56th Virginia, for the period of January 1 to 31, 1862.","Receipt for wall tents.","Two receipts for muskets and cartridge boxes.","Receipt for clothing.","Receipt for commissary stores.","This series includes a draft of a speech given upon presentation of a flag to the 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment, court-martial specifications, and other documents.","This series includes programs and other documents from Roanoke, Virginia area camps.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Stuart, William D. (William Dabney), 1830-1863","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jordan, Gabriel, Jr., 1831-1884","Marshall, Humphrey, 1812-1872","Cosby, George B. (George Blake, 1831-1909)","Slaughter, Philip P. (Philip Peyton), 1834-1893","Baldwin, Briscoe G. (Briscoe Gerard), 1828-1898","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0108","/repositories/3/resources/588"],"normalized_title_ssm":["William D. Stuart papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["William D. Stuart papers"],"collection_ssim":["William D. Stuart papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Stuart, William D. (William Dabney), 1830-1863","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jordan, Gabriel, Jr., 1831-1884"],"creator_ssim":["Stuart, William D. (William Dabney), 1830-1863","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jordan, Gabriel, Jr., 1831-1884"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Stuart, William D. (William Dabney), 1830-1863","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jordan, Gabriel, Jr., 1831-1884"],"creators_ssim":["Stuart, William D. (William Dabney), 1830-1863","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jordan, Gabriel, Jr., 1831-1884"],"access_terms_ssm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 56th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 15th","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1850","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Correspondence","Orders (military records)","Receipts (financial records)","Letters of recommendation"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 56th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 15th","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1850","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Correspondence","Orders (military records)","Receipts (financial records)","Letters of recommendation"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["60 items 60 items in one box"],"extent_tesim":["60 items 60 items in one box"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence","Orders (military records)","Receipts (financial records)","Letters of recommendation"],"date_range_isim":[1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions."],"altformavail_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFull text transcriptions of the bulk of these papers are available  \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1828\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["Full text transcriptions of the bulk of these papers are available   online ."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe papers are arranged by document type and chronologically thereunder.\u003c/p\u003e"],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["The papers are arranged by document type and chronologically thereunder."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWilliam Dabney Stuart was born on September 30, 1830 in Staunton, Virginia to Thomas Jefferson Stuart and Martha M. Dabney. He did preparatory work at the Staunton Academy and then entered VMI in July 1847. Stuart graduated from VMI in July 1850, standing 3rd in a class of 17.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFollowing graduation he taught at VMI (1850-1853) and was subsequently a principal of classical schools in Washington D.C. and Richmond, Virginia. He married Frances Harris of Loudon County, Virginia and the couple had three children: Martha, Mary Bell, and William.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDuring the Civil War, Stuart briefly commanded the 15th Virginia Infantry Regiment, and was then appointed Colonel with the 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States Army. He was mortally wounded at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania during Pickett's Charge, and died in a hospital in Staunton on July 29, 1863.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["William Dabney Stuart was born on September 30, 1830 in Staunton, Virginia to Thomas Jefferson Stuart and Martha M. Dabney. He did preparatory work at the Staunton Academy and then entered VMI in July 1847. Stuart graduated from VMI in July 1850, standing 3rd in a class of 17.","Following graduation he taught at VMI (1850-1853) and was subsequently a principal of classical schools in Washington D.C. and Richmond, Virginia. He married Frances Harris of Loudon County, Virginia and the couple had three children: Martha, Mary Bell, and William.","During the Civil War, Stuart briefly commanded the 15th Virginia Infantry Regiment, and was then appointed Colonel with the 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States Army. He was mortally wounded at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania during Pickett's Charge, and died in a hospital in Staunton on July 29, 1863."],"custodhist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe William D. Stuart papers were originally in the possession of Stuart's widow and were passed down through the family before being donated to VMI.\u003c/p\u003e"],"custodhist_heading_ssm":["Provenance"],"custodhist_tesim":["The William D. Stuart papers were originally in the possession of Stuart's widow and were passed down through the family before being donated to VMI."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nDecember 3 1850\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear sir\u003cbr\u003e\nHaving understood that Mr. W. D. Stuart is an applicant for a commission in the U.S. Army I take the liberty of addressing you a private note on his behalf. I do this in preference to the formal course of a recommendation, because you will be better able to appreciate what I may\nsay in the unreserved mode in which I write.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou are aware that Mr. S. entered this Institution as a cadet in July 1847. After completing the whole course of studies, he was graduated in July last with great credit. You will see by the accompanying merit roll that in all his classes he maintained a most respectable standing, while in Geology, Artillery, and Infantry Tactics, he was No. 1. And in Military Engineering 3rd.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn addition to these facts, he was a commissioned officer of the Corps of Cadets and gave great satisfaction to us in the manner in which he discharged his duties.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSo high was our estimate of his talents as a scholar and qualifications as an officer, that on a vacancy in our Corps of Instructors occurring in July, he was selected as an assistant Professor of Math. And assistant Instructor of Tactics and has been discharging these duties with great credit up to the present time.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom my personal knowledge of the qualifications of an officer of the Army, I know that there are few young men who enter the Service from West Point who are better qualified than Stuart and I have no doubt he will make as fine an officer as can be selected for the Infantry arm of\nthe Service.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou know his moral qualifications as well as I do. If any doubt had existed on this point, he would never have been appointed an officer in this Institution.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ehope it will be the pleasure of the President to confer an appointment upon Mr. Stuart.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThis Institution has been laboring now for 11 years in building up its Military reputation and we should like to have an opportunity of comparing our graduates with those from West Point.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWith cordial regards to Mrs. S.\u003cbr\u003e\nI am very truly your friend\u003cbr\u003e\nFrancis H. Smith\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHon. A. H. H. Stuart\nWashington City\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa. Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nDec 10th 1850\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMr. W.D. Stuart desires to obtain a commision in the U.S. Army. His present post, that of Asst. Instructor of Tactics in the Va. Military Institute is evidence of his peculiar fitness for command. His acquirements at the Insititute of which he is a graduate, embracing Engineering, Artillery, and Infantry Tactics, with Mathematics and the Natural Sciences were such as to induce the authorities of the Institute to select him from her many graduates for the very responsible situation he now holds, a situation which requires judgement, firmness and decision of Character- all of which Mr. Stuart possesses in a high degree. His uniformily gentlemanly\ndeportment has endeared him to his fellow officers and will make him grace the position he seeks.\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas. H. Williamson\u003cbr\u003e\nProf. Engr. \u0026amp; Arch.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVMI\u003cbr\u003e\nDecember 10, 1850\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eW. Stuart was appointed immediately after his graduation Assistant Instructor of Tactics in the Virginia Military Institute. This is the highest and most indubitable testimony of the estimate of his military qualifications, by those who know him best. The course of military instruction and discipline at the Institute conforms strictly to that of the U.S.A. at West Point and is conducted by graduates of the latter Institution. If from a jealous regard to the character of the Army, the\nGovernment ordinarily restricts its commissions to the graduates of West Point, the same principle might well incline it, in its exceptional appointment of citizens, to feel a preference for those, who like Mr. Stuart, have at a State Institution, thoroughly prepared themselves for the Military Profession.\u003cbr\u003e\nJohn T.L. Preston\u003cbr\u003e\nProf. V.M.I\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEngineers Office\u003cbr\u003e\nMemphis and Charleston Railroad\u003cbr\u003e\nHuntsville\u003cbr\u003e\nNovember 22d 1854\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Stuart,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have just stolen away from my wife and have run up to my office with the determination of writing you. I was not a little surprised to learn through your letter that you had written me. Your letter, which reached me about ten days ago was the only one I have received from you since your marriage. I wrote you at that particularly interesting time a note of congratulations, as well as a letter, just before your mariage, but have received no letter in return. Now my good fellow I have no doubt but what you think that you wrote me, but as for my part I am inclined to think that you did not. I am sure I should not think it strange if you had not for you are a newly married man, and as a matter of course can not afford to give your friends many thoughts, at least for a while.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt is really refreshing, my old friend to hear from you and especially to know that you are a married man and in the full enjoyment of the pleasures that attend married love. My wife returned from Virginia about the first of September with much improved health---and my boy is a most magnificent fellow. A look at him might be of some service to you. Don't blush my dear fellow I don't mean any thing.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDabney, what under the sun has become of all of our class mates. You are living in the center of our great union and should be posted up on every thing. I never see the names of any of our class in the papers, nor do I ever correspond with any of them, hence I am utterly ignorant of their movements. I never any thing from Lexington since you left there. Have any of our old acquaintances married off since our days-.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMatters here are still wearing a pleasant and flattering aspect. Our road is moving on finely, and we trust ere many more months pass away, that we will have a large and important portion of our work finished. I wish that we had a good comfortable post to offer you here. We are finishing up so fast that we are reducing the Corps instead of increasing. Still, should you ever make up your mind to embark in the profession, we might look out for a post for you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour school I trust will for the present afford you a comfortable competency, and something besides. School teaching, like every thing else has its reverses, its calms and its storms. We can find no profession that is made up entirely of sunshine. We must expect the life of man to harmonize with nature, having its passing clouds and refreshing sunshine in equal turns. I with all my hopeful temperament, have had my moments of gloom and anxiety, but with a fond wife, no less hopeful than myself, to cheer me, I have faced all and am now full of bright anticipation. Nor does this come about from any fortune, or particular promises, but all from a conviction that there is room for everyone in this world and plenty for everyone to do, and that industry when ever it is found is in the course of time rewarded. This is an unusually difficult time with almost everyone. There seems to be a weariness in the money market in every quarter. Men experience great difficulty in meeting their general expenses. This state of affairs, I have no doubt has had its influence upon your school, and I feel assured that there will be an improvement after a little while. I hope my dear Stuart, that you will continue to keep me posted up in regard to your movements, for I may find a good offering out South that would please you, and if such should be the case, it would give me inexpressible pleasure to serve you. I will always be on the look out. A new country is better for a young man in any profession. The competition is not so great and pay better. Present me the kindest manner to your good wife and receive the renewed assurance of your old and sincere friend and classmate.\u003cbr\u003e\nGabe Jordan Jr.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 15th 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGov. Letcher\u003cbr\u003e\nDear Sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nI enclose recommendations from the Authorities of the Va. Military Institute to the Secretary of War under Mr. Fillmore for an appointment in the U.S. Army at that time. I submit them to you in my own behalf for an appointment under the State of Va. in the event of her secession from\nthe present Federal Government. I desire an appointment to any position in which my services may be required the most valuable, either in the active duties of the field or otherwise.\u003cbr\u003e\nVery respectfully yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nWm. D. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHead Qrs Va Forces\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond Va. May 20 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nSpecial Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo 82\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. T.P. August, Lt. Col. W.D. Stuart, and Major Thos. G. Peyton, Virginia Vols, are assigned to duty with the troops at the \"Camp of Instruction\" and will report without delay to Col. William Gilham commanding that post.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy order of Maj. Genl Lee\u003cbr\u003e\nR. Garnett\u003cbr\u003e\nAdjt Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 21st 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nCapt. W. D. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nAt a meeting of the Richmond City Guard held this evening, the undersigned were appointed a Committee to express to you the unfeigned regret of the Company on having read your resignation, and to tender you the sincere thanks of the Company for the faithfulness and efficiency with which you have discharged the duties of Commanding Officer.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhile the Company deplores deeply the necessity which separates you from us, we rejoice to know that our Beloved State will have the benefit of your valuable services.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePermit us personally and on behalf of the Company to tender you our best wishes for your future happiness and prosperity.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eVery truly your friends,\u003cbr\u003e\nDavis N. Walker\u003cbr\u003e\nSamuel M. Bailey\u003cbr\u003e\nJames E. Burress\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUnofficial\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCamp of Instruction\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 23rd\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Col.\u003cbr\u003e\nWhen three field officers were assigned to duty here, I was so green as to put each in command of a Regt., having no other officers who knew any thing about organizing a Regt. This arrangement does not seem to have suited Col. August, who has been complaining to the powers that be, and I have received an order directing me to assign them all to one Regt--that of Col. August of course. Col. Stuart is one of them, and is totally unprepared for the field; he will make application to Gen. Fauntleroy this evening for a few days, please see what you can do for him. Gen. F. though may not have him in his Divn, if so he will have to go to Col. Magruder of course.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours sincerely\u003cbr\u003e\nW. Gilham\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 5th 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nLt. Col. Stewart [Stuart]\u003cbr\u003e\n3rd Regt. Va. Vols.\u003cbr\u003e\nYorktown\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nSometime, about the latter part of May or the commencement of June your lady Mrs. Stewart in company with Mrs. Lucy Wharton called at my Office in order to procure material for the purpose of making you a tent as they were unable to get a tent allready made: and stated that you were without one. Under these circumstances, I furnished the necessary material with the consent of Col. Heth the then Q.M. General who instructed me to take your receipt for one tent. The receipt has been delayed from various causes, partly because I did not know the address of Mrs. Stewart or yourself. Should you receive this letter I would be much obliged that you sign and return me the enclosed receipt; by your prompt attention to wit you will much oblige.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours very respectfully,\u003cbr\u003e\nMaury Garland\u003cbr\u003e\nCapt. and Asst. Q. M.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHead Quarters Williamsburg\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 25th 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol.,\u003cbr\u003e\nThe General having understood that Colonel August is unwell. He directs that you will urge with the greatest vigor the work on the Fortification at King's Mill. In order to do this you will have but one drill a day in the evening. The working hours will be from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The guns to place in the various works are now on the way here and it is specially desired to have the works ready for them at the earliest moment.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am sir very respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nYour obedient servant\u003cbr\u003e\nG. B. Cosby\u003cbr\u003e\nMaj. and AAAG\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdjutant Inspr Genl's Office\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\nSept 17th 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nExtract\u003cbr\u003e\nSpecial Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 280\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eXI. Lieut Colonel William D. Stuart Virginia Volunteers is promoted to be Colonel and assigned to the Command of the 56th Virginia Regiment just organized at Camp Lee, near this city, andwill report accordingly.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy order of the Secretary of War\u003cbr\u003e\n[Geo. Deas]\u003cbr\u003e\nA.A.G.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Lee\u003cbr\u003e\nNov. 15th 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. George W. Munford\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir\u003cbr\u003e\nI had the honor receive at the hands of Col. S. Bassett French the Flag of Va. intended for the Regiment I have the honor to command, also the accompanying letter of presentation from you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAs the commanding officer of the Regt. and its organ upon this occasion, I need not assure you that I received it with pride and satisfaction. Regarding it as the emblem of the honor and purity of our Mother State, hitherto unsullied in Council or War it shall be carefully guarded that it receive no detriment at the hands of the Regiment to which you have confided. I think I can with all safety assure you, and that the Sons of Va., voluntarily of the 56th Va. Regt. will ever be found at their post of duty and that they will never do discredit to the sacred cause in which they have enlisted.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Daughters of Va. whose fair hands have wrought this beautiful emblem of Va.'s honor, will never have cause to blush for shame at the conduct of their brothers.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am very respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nYour obedient servant\u003cbr\u003e\nWilliam D. Stuart, Col.\u003cbr\u003e\nCommanding 56th Va. Regt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdjt and Insp Genls Office\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, Nov 21st 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nExtract\u003cbr\u003e\nSpecial Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo 232\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eXI. The 56th Regiment Virginia Volunteers, Col. Stuart Commanding, will proceed without delay, via Wytheville, to Jeffersonville, VA. and report for duty to Brig. Genl. Marshall.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Command of the Sec. of War\u003cbr\u003e\nJno. Withers\u003cbr\u003e\nAsst. Adjt. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHead Quarters Brigade\u003cbr\u003e\nPound Gap\u003cbr\u003e\n1 Dec 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. Stuart,\u003cbr\u003e\nSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nIn reply to your note reporting your command to me, I direct that you move your regiment forward by Pound Gap towards Prestonburg in Kentucky, as soon as possible after the reception of the order, unless you should receive other directions from Maj. Genl. George B. Crittenden at Knoxville.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour obedient servant,\u003cbr\u003e\nHumphrey Marshall\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSome of the wagoners I hired and started left the teams on the road. I am compelled to go to Abingdon by private conveyance ad will purchase some waggons \u0026amp; c by the way and hire other wagoners.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eW. Gibboney\u003cbr\u003e\nA. Q. M.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTransportation Office C.S.A\u003cbr\u003e\nWytheville, Va. December 2nd 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. W. D. Stuart\u003cbr\u003e\nCom. 56th Regt. Va. Vols.\u003cbr\u003e\nAbingdon Va.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eColonel,\u003cbr\u003e\nThe Frt. Agt. of the Va. and Tenn. R. R. has requested me to give him vouchers for the transportation of the stores in the Train which accompanied that containing your Regiment from Wytheville to Abigdon and allso for the baggage of the Regiment.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWill you please inform me whether you have already provided receipt for the transportation and whether the baggage was entitled to transportable from government. I have the honor to be\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eVery Respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nYour obedient servant\u003cbr\u003e\nA. Meade Smith\u003cbr\u003e\nCapt. \u0026amp; [Acting] QM CSA\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd. Qts. Knoxville, Tenn\u003cbr\u003e\nDec. 5th 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTo-\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Stuart\u003cbr\u003e\nCommd. 56th Regt. Va. Vols.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou will move with your Regiment as soon as transportation can be furnished to you, to Nashville Tenn.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Command of\u003cbr\u003e\nMaj. Genl. G. B. Crittenden\u003cbr\u003e\nA.S. Cunningham\u003cbr\u003e\nA.A. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReceived at: Abingdon Dec 10 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Telegraph from: Knoxville Dec 10\u003cbr\u003e\nTo: Col. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGenl. Johnson orders that your Regiment remain with Genl. Marshall W. H. Carroll\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReceived at: Abingdon Dec 11 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nBy Telegraph from: Richmond Dec 11\u003cbr\u003e\nTo: Col. W. D. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eProceed with your Regiment to Pound Gap and report to Genl. Marshall. The Quarter Masters Dept. is ordered to furnish transportation.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eS. Cooper\u003cbr\u003e\nA. G.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHeadquarters 1st Brigade\u003cbr\u003e\nArmy of Eastern Ky.\u003cbr\u003e\nCamp near Paintville\u003cbr\u003e\nDec 21st 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Order\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 8\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. Stuart is directed to move his Regiment from Abingdon immediately with such transportation as can be procured. It is of the first importance to the safety and success of the command on this frontier that the reinforcements destined for the forces already here shall move to the front without delay. Fine opportunities for brilliant successes have been lost for want of their presence ad others are daily passing away. The weather has favored the\nmovement of the troops, but has not been taken at advantage. The General directs that the movement be commenced without further delay and that the passage of the troops over Pound Gap be notified to him by the returning courier.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy order of\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig. Genl. H. Marshall\u003cbr\u003e\nAtt. B. H. Bradley\u003cbr\u003e\nA. Adjt. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1861 December 22\u003cbr\u003e\nPaintsville, KY 22nd Dec.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. Stuart,\u003cbr\u003e\nI send express to you to move your regiment without delay. I am before a force so much superior to me in number, according to the report of reliable scouts, that I can scarcely hope to avoid a collision-- it may be disastrous to us- until you arrive.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf there are any forces near your route who are disengaged I would like exceedingly to have them assist me now. I am here with a force not amounting to 1500 men fit for duty. I shall struggle to keep off the evil day as long possible for you to arrive.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours truly \u0026amp; c\u003cbr\u003e\nH. Marshall\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[note on back]\u003cbr\u003e\nPress transportation any where you can, if it is not ready, but travel lightly for the roads are deep. H.M.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdj. [\u0026amp;] Inspect. Genl's Office\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond Dec 24/61\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nThe Secretary of War directs that you immediately proceed to carry out the instructions referred to in your comn of the 23rd inst. by reporting, with all your effective force, for duty to Brig. General Marshall, making proper provisions for your sick at Abingdon.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eVery Respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nYour Obd. Servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nR. H. Chilton\u003cbr\u003e\nA. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLt. Col. Philip P. Slaughter\u003cbr\u003e\nOr/ Commanding Officer\u003cbr\u003e\n56 Reg. Va. Vols.\u003cbr\u003e\nAbingdon , Va.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAbingdon (Va) Dec 27th 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTo-\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Wm. D Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir:\u003cbr\u003e\nSince my arrival I have received orders to go immediately to Pound Gap from both the Sec. of War and Gen. Marshall. The order from Gen. M is both peremptory and urgent, and it is asource of the greatest mortification to me to find that, at so critical a juncture we are totally impotent, and I much fear (\"entre nous\") our reputation may suffer in the mind of the public\nwho cannot be aware of the embarrassing circumstances by which we are surrounded. I think it would be well if you could represent us in our true colors to the War Dept. Genl. M. writes that he is threatened by a superior force and urges our immediate movement which I am unable to comply with, not having more than eight or nine waggons and no horses. At the very earliest moment possible I will move on to Pound Gap with the fragment of the Regt.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom what I have learned since writing the above, the opinion prevails in Richmond that the Regt. declined transportation on account of the \"onerous march across the mountains\". You can judge of the correctness of this statement. Such seems to be the prevailing opinion in the War. Dept. Can you do any thing for us? I am in the worst quandary I ever was in my life.\nPlease telegraph me at your earliest convenience.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI think a court of inquiry would be beneficial to us: at all events, it could not injure us.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours very respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nP. P. Slaughter\u003cbr\u003e\nFavor of\u003cbr\u003e\nCapt. R. B. Patterson\u003cbr\u003e\nQ.M.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eP. S.\u003cbr\u003e\nI enclose you Genl. Marshall's orders, that you may see how we stand. I retain a copy of them. You will also find enclosed, the order from War Dept. P. P. S.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAbingdon Dec. 27th 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTo-\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig. Gen. Marshall\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nI am in receipt of your order of the 22nd inst. as well as your Special Order No. 8. It is a source of exceeding regret and much mortification to me, to find myself in so crippled a condition at such a critical junction. Twice since being here I have prepared transportation in accordance with orders, once to join your command, which, when I got ready, I was compelled to decline by an order from Gen. Crittenden \"to go immediately to Nashville and report to Gen. A. S. Johnston. I then went to work to get transportation by rail, to Nashville, which I after some days effected. My men were at the Depot ready to march on the cars, when I received a telegram to remain and go with you; since which time I have not been able to collect the necessary No. of waggons to convey the Regt. in obedience to orders.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Regt. is reduced lower than one half its original size, and is at present in a very debilitated condition. Col. Stuart, by reason of sickness has not been able to take command of the Regt. since leaving Richmond. Maj. Green is absent, all of which combine to place me in a very unenviable position upon the receipt of your orders.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAs to the matter of transportation, I have only eight or ten wagons and no horses, as the Quartermaster informs me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI shall endeavor to the utmost of my ability to move at the earliest time possible and most sincerely hope I may be able to join you in season to render some assistance in the existing emergency.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThis will be handed to you by Capt. T. Smith of the 56th Regt. in whom you can place all confidence.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI did not see your courier or I should have dispatched by him. He left before I could reach the village.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am sir very respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nYour obt. Servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nPhilip P. Slaughter\u003cbr\u003e\nLt. Col. Comd. 56th Va. Regt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAbigdon, Va. Dec 27th 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Colonel,\u003cbr\u003e\n'Tis said and I more than partly believe that we are to move to Marshall's Command per Pound Gap and that in some what of a hurry. Your command is worse off in the matter of sick men than when you left. There are forty men in the Hospital and the number would be greater in there were room. The number of sick men in camp and private houses is hardly to be believed,\nbut I think I am in bounds when I say that if 250 men rank and file are able to march now, 'tis more than I expect. But 'tis hardly friendly to trouble you with such things so I'll only say that we \"what can go\" are going and no mistake. I hear you have some idea of joining us immediately. Don't hurry unless you are really strong enough; for I know your impetuosity of old.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn great haste\u003cbr\u003e\nM. Howard\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdjt and Inspr. Genl's Office\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, Jany 2 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nExtract\u003cbr\u003e\nSpecial Order\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 1\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eColonel Stuart's 56th Regiment Virginia Volunteers is detached from General Humphrey Marshall's Command and will immediately proceed to Bowling Green Kentucky and report to General A.S. Johnston for duty with General Floyds Brigade.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Command of the Secretary of War\u003cbr\u003e\nJohn Withers\u003cbr\u003e\nAsst. Adjt Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAbingdon (Va) Jan. 4th 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Wm. D. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nOn yesterday, I received from Captain Patteson the following telegram. \"Col. Stuart says, leave Jacob and his baggage\". The dispatch said nothing of the horse. I was in much doubt about him. Before determining, I mentioned the matter to Dr. Howard, who by the way, has been confined to his bed for a week, \u0026amp; is unable to proceed with the Regt. and intends keeping his horse with him. After reading the telegram, he advised me to leave your horse in care of Jacob. All your baggage, that is, all I imagine was meant, consisting of a horse, saddle \u0026amp; bridle, sword, bed, trunk, field glasses, canteen, etc. I turned over to Mr. Benham, saw them placed together in a room and showed them to Jacob.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSix companies of the Regt. have gone in under command of Capt. Boswell. The others will go tonight. I am much afraid we may be detained somewhat at Union, the first burnt bridge; but our great object is to get away as fast as possible from the road to Pound Gap. I will send you a copy of the order from the Sec of War.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJacob, during our troubles has been invaluable to me; indeed, while attending to my immensible duties, I think I would have starved but for his providing hand \u0026amp; it is almost certain I would have lost everything I have, but for his care. I envy you very much the possession of so valuable \u0026amp; reliable a servant.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI told him he would either keep his horse in the Quartermaster's stables or at Mr. Benham's. In case I misinterpreted your wishes concerning him, and you should desire him to be sent on, write to Dr. Howard, who expects to carry his own, \u0026amp; it will be as easy to carry two as one. Should you adopt this suggestion, you had better write immediately.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJacob desires me to say he is tolerable well and would like to hear from you as soon as convenient to know what course he is to pursue.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMaj. Green has not returned as yet. Two of Capt. Richardson's men deserted last night. I think we have some thirty sick in the hospital.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHoping this may find you rapidly recovering and that you are able to rejoin us speedily.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am sir, very respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nP. P. Slaughter\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[on back]\nCopy of Order from Sec. Of War\u003cbr\u003e\nExtract\u003cbr\u003e\nAdj. \u0026amp; Inspect. Genl's Office\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond Jan 2th 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nSpecial Order\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 1:\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eXV. Colonel Stuart's 56th Regt. Virginia Volunteers, is detached from General Humphrey Marshall's Command and will immediately proceed to Bowling Green, Kentucky and report to General A. S. Johnston for duty with General Floyd's Brigade.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Command of the Secretary of War\u003cbr\u003e\nJno. Withers\u003cbr\u003e\nAsst. Adjt. Genl. Col. 56th Va. Vols.\u003cbr\u003e\nTo\u003cbr\u003e\nCommanding Officer C. S. Forces\u003cbr\u003e\nAbingdon Va.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb 5th 62\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGenl. Cooper,\u003cbr\u003e\nSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nI beg leave to submit he following statement to the Department in refutation of the report, circulated I understand at the Head Qrs. by the Brigade Quartermaster of Genl. Humphrey Marshall's, to the effect that I had refused transportation for my command, from Abingdon to Prestonsburg the point to which I was ordered by Genl. Marshall. The enclosed letter written at\nthe time to the Department has bearing upon this point. The following is a literal copy of the order from Genl. Marshall by my messenger Capt. Taylor sent to inquire to which point I should march.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHead Quarters Brigade\u003cbr\u003e\nPound Gap 1 Dec 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. Stuart,\u003cbr\u003e\nSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nIn reply to your note reporting your command to me, I direct that you move your regiment forward by Pound Gap towards Prestonsburg in Kentucky, as soon as possible after the reception of this order, unless you should receive directions from Major Genl. George B. Crittenden at Knoxville.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am sir\u003cbr\u003e\nYour Obt. Servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nHumphrey Marshall\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThis order was received late at night and a verbal message by Capt. Taylor that a messenger had been sent to Genl. Crittenden to inform him of my presence in Abingdon and that he should write order me to join him if necessary. Not hearing from Genl. Crittenden in forty-eight hours after, I sent Lieut. Col. Slaughter to Knoxville to find out from him at once whether I should expect orders from him and he replied by Telegraph through Capt. Cunningham his A. A. Genl.ordering me to Nashville \u0026amp; Col. Slaughter returned the following day bringing the following order by which this is an exact copy.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHd. Qrs. Knoxville Tenn.\u003cbr\u003e\nDec. 5th 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nTo Col Stuart\u003cbr\u003e\nCommand. 56th Regt. Va. Vols.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nYou will move with your Regiment as soon as transportation can be furnished to Nashville, Tenn.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Command of\u003cbr\u003e\nMaj. Genl. G. B. Crittenden\u003cbr\u003e\nS. Cunningham A.Genl.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe interval between the reception of these orders was employed by me busily in attempting to procure transportation and finding no Quarter Master at Abingdon, I sent to Wytheville for Capt. Gibboney A. Q. M. at that point to report at Abingdon and assist me. My own QuarterMaster was without funds for that purpose. Capt. Gibboney arrived bringing with him waggons purchased on the road and by the time of the reception of the order from Genl. Crittenden, I had enough transportation on hand, by leaving some articles behind to enable me to reach Prestonsburg. Of course after the order of Genl. Crittenden, I had no use for the waggons and ordered them immediately to be loaded with supplies of ordnance and other belongings to Genl. Marshall and forwarded to him\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eImmediately upon the receipt of Genl. Crittenden's order, so uncertain was telegraphic communication, I sent my Quarter Master to Lynchburg to arrange for transportation by rail to Nashville and had already procured it and would have been on the way to Nashville but for the bursting of one of the [flues] of the engines, when I received the following order by Telegraph\nreceived in Abingdon Dec 10th about dark.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eKnoxville Dec 10th\u003cbr\u003e\nTo Col. Stuart,\nGenl. A . S. Johnston orders that your Regiment remain with Genl. Marshall.\u003cbr\u003e\nW. H. Carroll\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eUpon the reception of this order I immediately telegraphed the Department to know whose orders I should obey? In the meantime the waggons I had secured for my Regiment were on the way to Pound Gap and I was thus compelled to\ncommence again to prepare transportation for that trip.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI had been quite unwell with jaundice ad the Surgeon finding that we would be compelled to go to Pound Gap told me that he would not answer for the consequences should I undertake to go and advised my return to Richmond, where I have been confined to my room with a severe attack of Rheumatism until within the last ten days. I left the Regiment under command of Lt. Col. Slaughter and I know that the delay in proceeding to join Genl. Marshall arose from no indisposition on his part to execute the orders, but from an absolute inability to procure the necessary transportation.\nThere can be found in the service no officer more active, intelligent and competent to the discharge of the duties of his position. We are anxious if there is the slightest doubt remaining on the mind of the Honl. Sec. as to the want of proper activity on the part of the officer of the Regiment to move forward, that he will order a Court of Inquiry that the matter may be thoroughly sifted.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have the honor to be\u003cbr\u003e\nYour obt. servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nWm. D. Stuart, Col.\u003cbr\u003e\n56th Va. Regt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGenl. Hospital\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmd. March 4 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWm. T Cross, Private Co. E. 56 Reg. Va. Vols. has been in this hospital since 1 Nov 1861 with Secondary Syphilis. He has now Syphilitic Rheumatism \u0026amp; as his turn of enlistment will expire in June, I recommend his discharge from the service.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI. Beu. Gibson\u003cbr\u003e\nSurg. P. A. C. S.\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond Genl. Hospital\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOfficial business\u003cbr\u003e\nWm. D. Stuart\u003cbr\u003e\nCol: 56 Regt.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nEnclosed please find Certificate of disability for Private W. T. Cross. It must be approved by the Capt. of his Co. \u0026amp; Col. of the Reg. \u0026amp; returned to me- at least this is the usual form.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf there is a prospect of obtaining his discharge at once, I would prefer his remaining in the Hospital until it is received here.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eVery resp.\u003cbr\u003e\nI. B. Gibson\u003cbr\u003e\nSurg. P. A. C. S.\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmd Genl. Hospital\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond Arsenal\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 8th 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Colonel,\u003cbr\u003e\nThis will be handed you by my friend Col. W. D Stuart 56 Va. Vols. who is about joining his Regiment, at present attached to your Department. Col. Stuart has by severe sickness been detained from following a career so nobly begun at Bethel.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHis health is now sufficiently restored to justify his joining his command. I bespeak for him your kind consideration in advance, because having known him intimately from boyhood to the present time, I declare him to be a \"gentleman and a soldier\", as Lear was a king- \"every inch\".\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour Friend\u003cbr\u003e\nBriscoe G. Baldwin\u003cbr\u003e\nCapt. Arty. P. [A?]\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. W. W. Mackall\u003cbr\u003e\nA. A. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHead Quarters Floyd's Division\u003cbr\u003e\nChattanooga, Mar 17th 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nGeneral Order\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 246\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe reenlisted men of this command are entitled to a furlough of sixty days at home, but in case of a collision with the enemy at Knoxville this will be suspended for one week.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy order\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig. Gen. Floyd\u003cbr\u003e\n[C. Derrick]\u003cbr\u003e\nA.A. Gen.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOfficial\u003cbr\u003e\n[Mr]Robin Terry\u003cbr\u003e\nA.A. A Gen.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHeadquarters Floyd's Division\u003cbr\u003e\nCamp [? Childress] Mar 17 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nGeneral Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 27\u003cbr\u003e\nExtract\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe entire command will move tomorrow morning on the cars in the following order. 1st Headquarters, 2d Artillery, 3d. 1st Brigade, 4th 2d Brigade.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe 1st Brigade will load its baggage on the cars at 9 o'clock in the [trn]-yard just across the bridge arranging so that their baggage or wagons will not be in the way of Head Qrs.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy order Brig. Gen. Floyd\u003cbr\u003e\nPeter Otey\u003cbr\u003e\nA.A. Gen\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOfficial\u003cbr\u003e\nMr. Robbin Terry\u003cbr\u003e\nA.A. A Gen.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHead Qrs Floyd Division\u003cbr\u003e\nKnoxville, March 19th/62\u003cbr\u003e\nSpecial Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo--\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHaving been relieved from my command I hereby turn over the troops under me to the command of Col. Maney commanding forces at Knoxville Tennessee. The commanding officers of Regts will report for duty at once to Col. Maney\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy order Brigdr Gen. Floyd\u003cbr\u003e\nPeter Otey\u003cbr\u003e\nA.A.G.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Field Officers and officers commanding regiments will report at these HdQrs as soon as practicable. The General desires to introduce these gentlemen to the commanding officer Col. Maney.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy direction\u003cbr\u003e\nBrigdr Gen. Floyd\u003cbr\u003e\nPeter Otey\u003cbr\u003e\nA.A.G.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHead Quarters Knoxville\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 19th 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. Stuart\u003cbr\u003e\nCommnd. 56th Va. Regt.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou will hold your Regt. ready to move at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning. Send to these Headquarters by 8 ½O'clock tomorrow morning a report of the strength of your command for duty.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGeo. Maury\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Comdg. at Knoxville.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd. Quarters Knoxville\u003cbr\u003e\n20th March 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eColonel\u003cbr\u003e\nW. D. Stuart\u003cbr\u003e\n56 Va. Regiment\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou are hereby directed to take command of all the forces here, formerly of Genl. Floyd's command in the movement towards Jacksboro. Capt. B. W. Snyder Qr. Master will report to you as Qr. Master for your command. He will be furnished with twelve 4 horse wagons for transportation of your command. If this transportation is more than sufficient for the tents, cooking utensils and ammunition necessary for your command you will please direct your commissary, whom you may select from your command, to load the unappropriated wagons with Flour and Bacon for which he will make requisition on the post commissary at this place.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRespectfully,\u003cbr\u003e\nGeo. Maney\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Commanding\u003cbr\u003e\nForces at Knoxville\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd Qrs Knoxville Mch 20th/62\u003cbr\u003e\nSpecial Order\u003cbr\u003e\nNo--\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. Stuart will move with his command tomorrow morning at 6 o'clk on the road to Clinton. You will have rations for one day cooked tonight.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy comd of\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. George Maney Comdg Post\u003cbr\u003e\nR.B. Snowden Adjt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHead Qrs Knoxville, March 21st 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nSpecial Order No-\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol Stuart\u003cbr\u003e\nYou will hold your command, composed of the 36th, 50th, 51st and 56th Regts in readiness to move at 4 o'clk this afternoon towards Jacksboro.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. George Maney Comdg Post\u003cbr\u003e\nR.B. Snowden Adj't.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCol. Stuart\u003cbr\u003e\nI am instructed by Col. Maney to say you will not put your command on the march until further orders. You are however instructed to hold it ready to move at a moment's notice.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eR. B. Snowden Adjt.\u003cbr\u003e\nKnoxville March 21st 1862\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd. Quarters Knoxville\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 21st 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. Stuart\u003cbr\u003e\nCommand. of Floyd Brigade\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour order to march toward Clinton is revoked. I desire to see you at my Hd. Quarters in person at first convenient moment to regard to encamping your command here.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eVery Respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nGeo. Maney Col.\u003cbr\u003e\nCommnd. At Knoxville\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLebanon, 31st March 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. Stuart,\u003cbr\u003e\nOf so much of your order of the 28th as proposes the formation of a camp near Abingdon by the unfurloughed officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates of \"Floyd's Brigade\", I shall express no opinion at this time. I presume your halt at Abingdon, for instructions from Richmond, was in pursuance of your duty under the direction of Major General Smith. I am glad he has force to spare.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe others parts of your order I cheerfully approve and will sustain. I know of no vice so fatal to our soldiery as intemperance; and, independent of the loss of many genial fellows to the cause in which our swords are drawn, their fall is the gain of the meanest and the most heartless men in community. The vigor of authority shall not be wanting on my part to sustain every effort to limit the pernicious vice.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI enclose an Order, which please hand to Maj. Fisher that he may have a few struck off and sent after such of my men as have left Abingdon.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour vindicatory note has been successful I imagine in proving that you did not delay marching last winter intentionally, but the failure to join me was a great misfortune to this command.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am ready however to look forward and not backwards, and hope our acquaintance may be as agreeable in its continuance as it has been awkward in its beginning.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours Respectfully,\u003cbr\u003e\nH. Marshall\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig. Genl. Comd.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eApr 1st 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nThe bearer of this note Mr. Hanshew is the father of the soldier in the 50th Regt. The young man is at present in hospital and has been quite a sufferer. He was sick in the autumn and before fairly recovered was taken to the west. He was subjected to all the exposure and hardships at Ft. Donelson where he was frost bitten in the trenches. The retreat and long march have proved too much for him and he is really quite worn out. His father wishes to take\nhim home for a few weeks if possible to [illegible] him \u0026amp; I think it important for the young man to go. I know the father well, he is worthy of trust and is a man of excellent character.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am sir very truly yours\u003cbr\u003e\nJohn B. Floyd\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eConfederate States of America\u003cbr\u003e\nTREASURY DEPARTMENT\u003cbr\u003e\nFIRST AUDITOR'S OFFICE\u003cbr\u003e\nApr. 8th 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Mr. Stuart,\u003cbr\u003e\nI think I shall die if I don't manage to get with the Army in some capacity or other, \u0026amp; as the circumstances of my family do not admit of my going as a private, I must try to obtain some position which will pay. I have not the presumption to ask for a commission in the Infantry or Artillery, where a knowledge of military tactics is essential, but as all the appointments are not made in the Engineers Corps \u0026amp; for that a knowledge of Mathematics more than anything else is required, I have thought that I might possibly by some study in the meanwhile fit myself for a position in the Engineers. I would not myself have thought such to be the case, but for the assurance of a friend, who is in the Corps \u0026amp; and after considerable experience says that I am fully capable of filling such a position creditably. The object of my writing this letter therefore is to request that you will give me a testimonial to be presented to the Sec. of War, who would doubtless be influenced by what you say. Possibly with that \u0026amp; what I may get old Bledsoe, the Asst. Sec. to say for me, I may obtain a Lieutenancy in the Engineers.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf Frank had been successful I would not myself apply, but I suppose his application is pretty securely pigeon holed \u0026amp; he will never hear from it, though Tom Harris is now in the city \u0026amp; a member of the Military Committee of Congress.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI saw Aunt F. last night and she and the children are in good spirits, looking forward to visiting you in Abingdon, in accordance with your letter of recent date. Aunt F. was glad to hear of your being so well \u0026amp; comfortably fixed \u0026amp; perhaps her cheerfulness is only the reflection from your good spirits, as she learns from your letters \u0026amp; others who have seen you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMa and the children are pleasantly fixed in Danville \u0026amp; are all very well: Frank was at Orange C. H. when I heard from him, though there is a rumor that his division went down to reinforce Magurder. The sky is brightening. I have not time to write more at present. Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain yours affectionately.\u003cbr\u003e\nW.R. Abbott\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAbingdon 20th April 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nMrs. Saunders, the bearer of this is the mother of the boy who is applying for a discharge on the score of minority. I sent you the certificate, \u0026amp; c some days ago. I have no doubt of his being under age. She wants to know the conditions of his application. May I ask you to let her know it?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWith the highest respect\u003cbr\u003e\nYour obd. Servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nJohn B. Floyd\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eConfederate States of America\u003cbr\u003e\nWAR DEPARTMENT\u003cbr\u003e\nEngineer's Bureau\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, Va. 30 April 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGenl. G. W. Randolph\u003cbr\u003e\nSecretary of War\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have had the pleasure of knowing Col. W. D. Stuart for many years. At Lexington where we were cadets together, his peculiar qualifications as a soldier and tactician, on graduating, led to his immediate appointment as assistant instructor of infantry and artillery tactics, a position\nwhich he held with much credit for three years. Since the commencement of the war he has been constantly engaged on active service, first on the Peninsula and afterwards in the West. In the first locality I had the pleasure of again meeting him and heard him uniformly spoken of as a gallant, efficient, and accomplished officer.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn these days of uncertain tenure of office, your endorsement of the substance of this letter would probably be of great service to him, especially as his standing on the Peninsula and conduct in the Battle of Bethel are personally known to you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWith great respect, your obedient servant,\u003cbr\u003e\nA. L. Rives\u003cbr\u003e\nActing Chf. Eng. Bu.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWar Department\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 30th 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI take great pleasure in bearing the testimony to the gallantry and conduct of Col. Stuart at the Battle of Bethel of which I was an eye witness, and to his efficiency as an officer and his deportment as a gentleman. He is an educated soldier and I should be sorry for the Country to lose his services.\u003cbr\u003e\nGeo. W. Randolph\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp near Winchester, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nOct 26 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Colonel:\u003cbr\u003e\nI have rec'd your report of the battle of \"South Mountain\" and with it your very kind note.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI can truly assure you I was much gratified with the expressions of regard and esteem you therein expressed towards me. My brief association with you was among the most pleasant I have formed during the war and I sincerely trust it may be renewed at no distant time, under such auspices that we may be able to cultivate a still closer intimacy. With many prayers for you safety and happiness I remain truly your friend\u003cbr\u003e\nR. B. Garnett\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eProvost Marshal's Office\u003cbr\u003e\nLynchburg, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nOct 30th 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. W. D. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nI received this morning a letter from one of the 56th Va. Regt. informing me that \"you \u0026amp; Maj. Green intended to write to the War Department and endeavor if possible to have me relieved of duty here and ordered to return to Regt.\" I at first doubted its authenticity, but seeing it was from a semi-official source I necessarily attached some importance to it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI was astonished to hear that you contemplated such a thing as it would undoubtedly place me in a false light before the Department. I presumed you had received official notification of my appointment here.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have always thought you were magnanimous enough not only to be willing for any officer of your Regt. to obtain promotion and a better position, but would aid him if possible in doing so.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI informed you in three letters before that I applied in Sept. last to Q. M. for transportation to Regt. and applying the same day to Adjt. Gen. Cooper in person to ascertain the point to go to, was directed by him to report to Maj. Gen. Smith for duty. By whom I was sent to Brig. Gen. Winder who ordered me to take charge of the C. S. Military Prison. I remained there about three weeks and discharged the duties satisfactorily to my commissioning officer and was on the 21st Oct. appointed \"Provost Marshal\" of this city with written orders from Maj. Gen. G. W. Smith, a copy of which I send you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eEach position was unsolicited and unexpected by me; but at the same time agreeable ad satisfactory; because the \"posts\" I was assigned were not only easier and higher than the Capt. of Infantry, but also horses and servants furnished me, and paid $180 per month. The pay however is no consideration with me. The chances of promotion are still greater in my present position.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI will also state to you, that is I preferred it, I am legally exempt from military duty by the recent \"exemption act\" passed by both \"Houses of Congress\" and approved by the President. First I have a plantation with over 40 negroes, and on it \"no white male adult not liable to military duty.\" Second I have a large manufacturing mill and my superintendence is necessary for its successful operation. For either 1st or 2nd reasons I am exempt by \"Act of Congress\".\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBut notwithstanding pecuniary losses I am willing to remain in the army, provided my services will accomplish anything in the cause we are engaged.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope this will be satisfactory to you. I fear you did not receive my former letters making substantially the same statements as above; and I feel a conscientious sense of duty, in justice to myself to write to you again\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe appointment here was somewhat complimentary to me and I have intimations already of a higher and more responsible position being assigned me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI would be glad if you would answer this.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eVery respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nYour obt. Servant\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas D. Jeffress\u003cbr\u003e\nCapt. and Provost Marshall of Lynchburg\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eP.S. I understand that only 8 or 10 efficient men of Co. \"G\" are with the Regt. and only about 22 or 23 in all on roll. I left several in Richmond at Hospital who will probably never recover sufficiently to return to duty.\u003cbr\u003e\nT. D. J.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e18th Va. Regt.\u003cbr\u003e\nNov. 26th 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. W. D. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol.,\u003cbr\u003e\nIn reply to your note rec'd some time since asking of the \"mention made\" of Capt. T. D. Jeffress \"upon\" a report of one of the Richmond battles forwarded by myself to Brigade Hd. Qrs., I have to say that Capt. Jeffress made out the report of the battle himself, he being the Senr. Officer present who was in the fight. When the report was handed to me Lt. Chaffin Actg. Adjt. told me that the officers of the Regt. desired that I should make mention of the good conduct of Capt. Jeffress in battle, as the Capt. from motives of delicacy would of course say nothing of himself. I endorsed upon the report that I was not in the battle myself, was not in command of the Regiment at the time the events spoken of occurred, but that at the request of others, I would state that Capt. Jeffress deserved \"honorable mention\" for good conduct in battle. I have since learned that Lt. Chaffin was not in the fight himself and I am sorry that I acted upon his suggestion and made the endorsement referred to for the reason that I appeared to discriminate in favor of Capt. Jeffress when in fact I knew nothing of the conduct of any officer in the Regiment in the battle alluded to.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am Col.\u003cbr\u003e\nVery Respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nGeo. C. Cabell, Major\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Near Petersburg\u003cbr\u003e\nof Pickett's Div. Garnett's Brig.\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 7th 1863\u003cbr\u003e\nGenl. S. A. Cooper\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nI respectfully make an application for 25 Conscripts the requisite number to fill the reduced ranks of my Company at its present standard. You will confer a favour by assigning to the ranks of my Company 25 Conscripts,or any number as you, in your judgement may think proper or circumstances may require. You can see by my muster roll that my company only numbers 31 total present or absent, having never received any Conscripts since its entry into\nservice.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMost Respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nYour obedient Servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nF. W. Nelson\u003cbr\u003e\nLt. Comd. Co. \"A\" 56th Va.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Near Petersburg, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 7th 1863\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI respectfully ask permission to be absent from my duties for a few days for the following reasons. My property has been dwindling away daily since 25th Dec last, for want of my personal attention. My negroes are roaming through the country without a proper home and I will probably lose them all if I cannot attend to the matter immediately. I leave my company in command of the Capt. I have deferred asking leave of absence until now, because of there being only two (2) officers belonging to the company and the comdg. Officer of the Regt. deems it best that the vacancies of 2nd and 2nd jr. Lieuts. should not be filled at present, I presume because of the smallness of the Co. I reenlisted as a private and have never received a furlough or anything in lieu thereof and have never been absent without leave.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eS. D. Cronin 1st Lieut.\u003cbr\u003e\nCo. \"I\" 56th Va. Regt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMarch 8th, 1863\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI respectfully ask for a leave of absence for 20 days to visit my home in Mecklenburg Co. Va. having been in the service for 20 months and having never received but four days furlough since the organization of my Regiment. I hope this application will be granted. I was originally a 12 months Volunteer and subsequently reenlisted for the War.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLieut. F. W. Nelson\u003cbr\u003e\nCo. A. 56th Va. Regt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eKittrell's Springs\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 27th 1863\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Wm. D. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nI was transferred from General Hospital No. 10 to Black's and White's Hospital, from that place on the recommendation of the Medical Director in Richmond (Dr. Wm. Carrington) I was allowed the privilege of going home and report once in fifteen days in person or through my Physician's certificate. My furlough was extended the other day, 30 days to enable me to visit\nthe Springs for my health. I am improving very rapidly mow and shall be on, as soon as I am able for duty. You have passed though a very fiery ordeal since I left you. I regret being absent from my company in time of battle. I am truly sorry to learn that you are wounded, hope it will not prove serious, and allow me here to indulge the hope that you will be Genl. Garrett's successor. You certainly deserve the place. I am very anxious to hear from my company. I heard indirectly that Lieut. Finley was wounded, whether seriously or not I did not learn. Pickett's Division was very badly cut up. The mortality among officers was unprecedented. I expect to be here at least two weeks longer. I wish to get entirely well before returning. When I return again I hope to be able to stay with you. Direct your letter to \"Lawrenceville. Brunswick Co. Va.\" With my best wishes that you may speedily recover and when I see you again you may be my Brigadier. I subscribe myself your true friend,\u003cbr\u003e\nN. A. Flournoy\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Virginia Military Institute \nDecember 3 1850","My dear sir \nHaving understood that Mr. W. D. Stuart is an applicant for a commission in the U.S. Army I take the liberty of addressing you a private note on his behalf. I do this in preference to the formal course of a recommendation, because you will be better able to appreciate what I may\nsay in the unreserved mode in which I write.","You are aware that Mr. S. entered this Institution as a cadet in July 1847. After completing the whole course of studies, he was graduated in July last with great credit. You will see by the accompanying merit roll that in all his classes he maintained a most respectable standing, while in Geology, Artillery, and Infantry Tactics, he was No. 1. And in Military Engineering 3rd.","In addition to these facts, he was a commissioned officer of the Corps of Cadets and gave great satisfaction to us in the manner in which he discharged his duties.","So high was our estimate of his talents as a scholar and qualifications as an officer, that on a vacancy in our Corps of Instructors occurring in July, he was selected as an assistant Professor of Math. And assistant Instructor of Tactics and has been discharging these duties with great credit up to the present time.","From my personal knowledge of the qualifications of an officer of the Army, I know that there are few young men who enter the Service from West Point who are better qualified than Stuart and I have no doubt he will make as fine an officer as can be selected for the Infantry arm of\nthe Service.","You know his moral qualifications as well as I do. If any doubt had existed on this point, he would never have been appointed an officer in this Institution.","hope it will be the pleasure of the President to confer an appointment upon Mr. Stuart.","This Institution has been laboring now for 11 years in building up its Military reputation and we should like to have an opportunity of comparing our graduates with those from West Point.","With cordial regards to Mrs. S. \nI am very truly your friend \nFrancis H. Smith","Hon. A. H. H. Stuart\nWashington City","Va. Military Institute \nDec 10th 1850","Mr. W.D. Stuart desires to obtain a commision in the U.S. Army. His present post, that of Asst. Instructor of Tactics in the Va. Military Institute is evidence of his peculiar fitness for command. His acquirements at the Insititute of which he is a graduate, embracing Engineering, Artillery, and Infantry Tactics, with Mathematics and the Natural Sciences were such as to induce the authorities of the Institute to select him from her many graduates for the very responsible situation he now holds, a situation which requires judgement, firmness and decision of Character- all of which Mr. Stuart possesses in a high degree. His uniformily gentlemanly\ndeportment has endeared him to his fellow officers and will make him grace the position he seeks. \nThomas. H. Williamson \nProf. Engr. \u0026 Arch.","VMI \nDecember 10, 1850","W. Stuart was appointed immediately after his graduation Assistant Instructor of Tactics in the Virginia Military Institute. This is the highest and most indubitable testimony of the estimate of his military qualifications, by those who know him best. The course of military instruction and discipline at the Institute conforms strictly to that of the U.S.A. at West Point and is conducted by graduates of the latter Institution. If from a jealous regard to the character of the Army, the\nGovernment ordinarily restricts its commissions to the graduates of West Point, the same principle might well incline it, in its exceptional appointment of citizens, to feel a preference for those, who like Mr. Stuart, have at a State Institution, thoroughly prepared themselves for the Military Profession. \nJohn T.L. Preston \nProf. V.M.I","Engineers Office \nMemphis and Charleston Railroad \nHuntsville \nNovember 22d 1854","My Dear Stuart, \nI have just stolen away from my wife and have run up to my office with the determination of writing you. I was not a little surprised to learn through your letter that you had written me. Your letter, which reached me about ten days ago was the only one I have received from you since your marriage. I wrote you at that particularly interesting time a note of congratulations, as well as a letter, just before your mariage, but have received no letter in return. Now my good fellow I have no doubt but what you think that you wrote me, but as for my part I am inclined to think that you did not. I am sure I should not think it strange if you had not for you are a newly married man, and as a matter of course can not afford to give your friends many thoughts, at least for a while.","It is really refreshing, my old friend to hear from you and especially to know that you are a married man and in the full enjoyment of the pleasures that attend married love. My wife returned from Virginia about the first of September with much improved health---and my boy is a most magnificent fellow. A look at him might be of some service to you. Don't blush my dear fellow I don't mean any thing.","Dabney, what under the sun has become of all of our class mates. You are living in the center of our great union and should be posted up on every thing. I never see the names of any of our class in the papers, nor do I ever correspond with any of them, hence I am utterly ignorant of their movements. I never any thing from Lexington since you left there. Have any of our old acquaintances married off since our days-.","Matters here are still wearing a pleasant and flattering aspect. Our road is moving on finely, and we trust ere many more months pass away, that we will have a large and important portion of our work finished. I wish that we had a good comfortable post to offer you here. We are finishing up so fast that we are reducing the Corps instead of increasing. Still, should you ever make up your mind to embark in the profession, we might look out for a post for you.","Your school I trust will for the present afford you a comfortable competency, and something besides. School teaching, like every thing else has its reverses, its calms and its storms. We can find no profession that is made up entirely of sunshine. We must expect the life of man to harmonize with nature, having its passing clouds and refreshing sunshine in equal turns. I with all my hopeful temperament, have had my moments of gloom and anxiety, but with a fond wife, no less hopeful than myself, to cheer me, I have faced all and am now full of bright anticipation. Nor does this come about from any fortune, or particular promises, but all from a conviction that there is room for everyone in this world and plenty for everyone to do, and that industry when ever it is found is in the course of time rewarded. This is an unusually difficult time with almost everyone. There seems to be a weariness in the money market in every quarter. Men experience great difficulty in meeting their general expenses. This state of affairs, I have no doubt has had its influence upon your school, and I feel assured that there will be an improvement after a little while. I hope my dear Stuart, that you will continue to keep me posted up in regard to your movements, for I may find a good offering out South that would please you, and if such should be the case, it would give me inexpressible pleasure to serve you. I will always be on the look out. A new country is better for a young man in any profession. The competition is not so great and pay better. Present me the kindest manner to your good wife and receive the renewed assurance of your old and sincere friend and classmate. \nGabe Jordan Jr.","Richmond, Va. \nApril 15th 1861","Gov. Letcher \nDear Sir, \nI enclose recommendations from the Authorities of the Va. Military Institute to the Secretary of War under Mr. Fillmore for an appointment in the U.S. Army at that time. I submit them to you in my own behalf for an appointment under the State of Va. in the event of her secession from\nthe present Federal Government. I desire an appointment to any position in which my services may be required the most valuable, either in the active duties of the field or otherwise. \nVery respectfully yours, \nWm. D. Stuart","Head Qrs Va Forces \nRichmond Va. May 20 1861 \nSpecial Orders \nNo 82","Col. T.P. August, Lt. Col. W.D. Stuart, and Major Thos. G. Peyton, Virginia Vols, are assigned to duty with the troops at the \"Camp of Instruction\" and will report without delay to Col. William Gilham commanding that post.","By order of Maj. Genl Lee \nR. Garnett \nAdjt Genl.","Richmond \nMay 21st 1861 \nCapt. W. D. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nAt a meeting of the Richmond City Guard held this evening, the undersigned were appointed a Committee to express to you the unfeigned regret of the Company on having read your resignation, and to tender you the sincere thanks of the Company for the faithfulness and efficiency with which you have discharged the duties of Commanding Officer.","While the Company deplores deeply the necessity which separates you from us, we rejoice to know that our Beloved State will have the benefit of your valuable services.","Permit us personally and on behalf of the Company to tender you our best wishes for your future happiness and prosperity.","Very truly your friends, \nDavis N. Walker \nSamuel M. Bailey \nJames E. Burress","Unofficial","Camp of Instruction \nMay 23rd","My dear Col. \nWhen three field officers were assigned to duty here, I was so green as to put each in command of a Regt., having no other officers who knew any thing about organizing a Regt. This arrangement does not seem to have suited Col. August, who has been complaining to the powers that be, and I have received an order directing me to assign them all to one Regt--that of Col. August of course. Col. Stuart is one of them, and is totally unprepared for the field; he will make application to Gen. Fauntleroy this evening for a few days, please see what you can do for him. Gen. F. though may not have him in his Divn, if so he will have to go to Col. Magruder of course.","Yours sincerely \nW. Gilham","Richmond \nJuly 5th 1861 \nLt. Col. Stewart [Stuart] \n3rd Regt. Va. Vols. \nYorktown","Dear Sir, \nSometime, about the latter part of May or the commencement of June your lady Mrs. Stewart in company with Mrs. Lucy Wharton called at my Office in order to procure material for the purpose of making you a tent as they were unable to get a tent allready made: and stated that you were without one. Under these circumstances, I furnished the necessary material with the consent of Col. Heth the then Q.M. General who instructed me to take your receipt for one tent. The receipt has been delayed from various causes, partly because I did not know the address of Mrs. Stewart or yourself. Should you receive this letter I would be much obliged that you sign and return me the enclosed receipt; by your prompt attention to wit you will much oblige.","Yours very respectfully, \nMaury Garland \nCapt. and Asst. Q. M.","Head Quarters Williamsburg \nJuly 25th 1861","Col., \nThe General having understood that Colonel August is unwell. He directs that you will urge with the greatest vigor the work on the Fortification at King's Mill. In order to do this you will have but one drill a day in the evening. The working hours will be from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The guns to place in the various works are now on the way here and it is specially desired to have the works ready for them at the earliest moment.","I am sir very respectfully \nYour obedient servant \nG. B. Cosby \nMaj. and AAAG","Adjutant Inspr Genl's Office \nRichmond \nSept 17th 1861 \nExtract \nSpecial Orders \nNo. 280","XI. Lieut Colonel William D. Stuart Virginia Volunteers is promoted to be Colonel and assigned to the Command of the 56th Virginia Regiment just organized at Camp Lee, near this city, andwill report accordingly.","By order of the Secretary of War \n[Geo. Deas] \nA.A.G.","Camp Lee \nNov. 15th 1861 \nCol. George W. Munford","Sir \nI had the honor receive at the hands of Col. S. Bassett French the Flag of Va. intended for the Regiment I have the honor to command, also the accompanying letter of presentation from you.","As the commanding officer of the Regt. and its organ upon this occasion, I need not assure you that I received it with pride and satisfaction. Regarding it as the emblem of the honor and purity of our Mother State, hitherto unsullied in Council or War it shall be carefully guarded that it receive no detriment at the hands of the Regiment to which you have confided. I think I can with all safety assure you, and that the Sons of Va., voluntarily of the 56th Va. Regt. will ever be found at their post of duty and that they will never do discredit to the sacred cause in which they have enlisted.","The Daughters of Va. whose fair hands have wrought this beautiful emblem of Va.'s honor, will never have cause to blush for shame at the conduct of their brothers.","I am very respectfully \nYour obedient servant \nWilliam D. Stuart, Col. \nCommanding 56th Va. Regt.","Adjt and Insp Genls Office \nRichmond, Nov 21st 1861 \nExtract \nSpecial Orders \nNo 232","XI. The 56th Regiment Virginia Volunteers, Col. Stuart Commanding, will proceed without delay, via Wytheville, to Jeffersonville, VA. and report for duty to Brig. Genl. Marshall.","By Command of the Sec. of War \nJno. Withers \nAsst. Adjt. Genl.","Head Quarters Brigade \nPound Gap \n1 Dec 1861","Col. Stuart, \nSir, \nIn reply to your note reporting your command to me, I direct that you move your regiment forward by Pound Gap towards Prestonburg in Kentucky, as soon as possible after the reception of the order, unless you should receive other directions from Maj. Genl. George B. Crittenden at Knoxville.","I am sir, \nYour obedient servant, \nHumphrey Marshall \nBrig. Genl.","Some of the wagoners I hired and started left the teams on the road. I am compelled to go to Abingdon by private conveyance ad will purchase some waggons \u0026 c by the way and hire other wagoners.","W. Gibboney \nA. Q. M.","Transportation Office C.S.A \nWytheville, Va. December 2nd 1861 \nCol. W. D. Stuart \nCom. 56th Regt. Va. Vols. \nAbingdon Va.","Colonel, \nThe Frt. Agt. of the Va. and Tenn. R. R. has requested me to give him vouchers for the transportation of the stores in the Train which accompanied that containing your Regiment from Wytheville to Abigdon and allso for the baggage of the Regiment.","Will you please inform me whether you have already provided receipt for the transportation and whether the baggage was entitled to transportable from government. I have the honor to be","Very Respectfully \nYour obedient servant \nA. Meade Smith \nCapt. \u0026 [Acting] QM CSA","Hd. Qts. Knoxville, Tenn \nDec. 5th 1861","To- \nCol. Stuart \nCommd. 56th Regt. Va. Vols.","You will move with your Regiment as soon as transportation can be furnished to you, to Nashville Tenn.","By Command of \nMaj. Genl. G. B. Crittenden \nA.S. Cunningham \nA.A. Genl.","Received at: Abingdon Dec 10 1861","By Telegraph from: Knoxville Dec 10 \nTo: Col. Stuart","Genl. Johnson orders that your Regiment remain with Genl. Marshall W. H. Carroll \nBrig. Genl.","Received at: Abingdon Dec 11 1861 \nBy Telegraph from: Richmond Dec 11 \nTo: Col. W. D. Stuart","Proceed with your Regiment to Pound Gap and report to Genl. Marshall. The Quarter Masters Dept. is ordered to furnish transportation.","S. Cooper \nA. G.","Headquarters 1st Brigade \nArmy of Eastern Ky. \nCamp near Paintville \nDec 21st 1861","Special Order \nNo. 8","Col. Stuart is directed to move his Regiment from Abingdon immediately with such transportation as can be procured. It is of the first importance to the safety and success of the command on this frontier that the reinforcements destined for the forces already here shall move to the front without delay. Fine opportunities for brilliant successes have been lost for want of their presence ad others are daily passing away. The weather has favored the\nmovement of the troops, but has not been taken at advantage. The General directs that the movement be commenced without further delay and that the passage of the troops over Pound Gap be notified to him by the returning courier.","By order of \nBrig. Genl. H. Marshall \nAtt. B. H. Bradley \nA. Adjt. Genl.","1861 December 22 \nPaintsville, KY 22nd Dec.","Col. Stuart, \nI send express to you to move your regiment without delay. I am before a force so much superior to me in number, according to the report of reliable scouts, that I can scarcely hope to avoid a collision-- it may be disastrous to us- until you arrive.","If there are any forces near your route who are disengaged I would like exceedingly to have them assist me now. I am here with a force not amounting to 1500 men fit for duty. I shall struggle to keep off the evil day as long possible for you to arrive.","Yours truly \u0026 c \nH. Marshall \nBrig. Genl.","[note on back] \nPress transportation any where you can, if it is not ready, but travel lightly for the roads are deep. H.M.","Adj. [\u0026] Inspect. Genl's Office \nRichmond Dec 24/61","Sir, \nThe Secretary of War directs that you immediately proceed to carry out the instructions referred to in your comn of the 23rd inst. by reporting, with all your effective force, for duty to Brig. General Marshall, making proper provisions for your sick at Abingdon.","Very Respectfully \nYour Obd. Servt. \nR. H. Chilton \nA. Genl.","Lt. Col. Philip P. Slaughter \nOr/ Commanding Officer \n56 Reg. Va. Vols. \nAbingdon , Va.","Abingdon (Va) Dec 27th 1861","To- \nCol. Wm. D Stuart","Dear Sir: \nSince my arrival I have received orders to go immediately to Pound Gap from both the Sec. of War and Gen. Marshall. The order from Gen. M is both peremptory and urgent, and it is asource of the greatest mortification to me to find that, at so critical a juncture we are totally impotent, and I much fear (\"entre nous\") our reputation may suffer in the mind of the public\nwho cannot be aware of the embarrassing circumstances by which we are surrounded. I think it would be well if you could represent us in our true colors to the War Dept. Genl. M. writes that he is threatened by a superior force and urges our immediate movement which I am unable to comply with, not having more than eight or nine waggons and no horses. At the very earliest moment possible I will move on to Pound Gap with the fragment of the Regt.","From what I have learned since writing the above, the opinion prevails in Richmond that the Regt. declined transportation on account of the \"onerous march across the mountains\". You can judge of the correctness of this statement. Such seems to be the prevailing opinion in the War. Dept. Can you do any thing for us? I am in the worst quandary I ever was in my life.\nPlease telegraph me at your earliest convenience.","I think a court of inquiry would be beneficial to us: at all events, it could not injure us.","Yours very respectfully \nP. P. Slaughter \nFavor of \nCapt. R. B. Patterson \nQ.M.","P. S. \nI enclose you Genl. Marshall's orders, that you may see how we stand. I retain a copy of them. You will also find enclosed, the order from War Dept. P. P. S.","Abingdon Dec. 27th 1861","To- \nBrig. Gen. Marshall","Sir, \nI am in receipt of your order of the 22nd inst. as well as your Special Order No. 8. It is a source of exceeding regret and much mortification to me, to find myself in so crippled a condition at such a critical junction. Twice since being here I have prepared transportation in accordance with orders, once to join your command, which, when I got ready, I was compelled to decline by an order from Gen. Crittenden \"to go immediately to Nashville and report to Gen. A. S. Johnston. I then went to work to get transportation by rail, to Nashville, which I after some days effected. My men were at the Depot ready to march on the cars, when I received a telegram to remain and go with you; since which time I have not been able to collect the necessary No. of waggons to convey the Regt. in obedience to orders.","The Regt. is reduced lower than one half its original size, and is at present in a very debilitated condition. Col. Stuart, by reason of sickness has not been able to take command of the Regt. since leaving Richmond. Maj. Green is absent, all of which combine to place me in a very unenviable position upon the receipt of your orders.","As to the matter of transportation, I have only eight or ten wagons and no horses, as the Quartermaster informs me.","I shall endeavor to the utmost of my ability to move at the earliest time possible and most sincerely hope I may be able to join you in season to render some assistance in the existing emergency.","This will be handed to you by Capt. T. Smith of the 56th Regt. in whom you can place all confidence.","I did not see your courier or I should have dispatched by him. He left before I could reach the village.","I am sir very respectfully \nYour obt. Servt. \nPhilip P. Slaughter \nLt. Col. Comd. 56th Va. Regt.","Abigdon, Va. Dec 27th 1861","Dear Colonel, \n'Tis said and I more than partly believe that we are to move to Marshall's Command per Pound Gap and that in some what of a hurry. Your command is worse off in the matter of sick men than when you left. There are forty men in the Hospital and the number would be greater in there were room. The number of sick men in camp and private houses is hardly to be believed,\nbut I think I am in bounds when I say that if 250 men rank and file are able to march now, 'tis more than I expect. But 'tis hardly friendly to trouble you with such things so I'll only say that we \"what can go\" are going and no mistake. I hear you have some idea of joining us immediately. Don't hurry unless you are really strong enough; for I know your impetuosity of old.","In great haste \nM. Howard","Adjt and Inspr. Genl's Office \nRichmond, Jany 2 1862 \nExtract \nSpecial Order \nNo. 1","Colonel Stuart's 56th Regiment Virginia Volunteers is detached from General Humphrey Marshall's Command and will immediately proceed to Bowling Green Kentucky and report to General A.S. Johnston for duty with General Floyds Brigade.","By Command of the Secretary of War \nJohn Withers \nAsst. Adjt Genl.","Abingdon (Va) Jan. 4th 1862 \nCol. Wm. D. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nOn yesterday, I received from Captain Patteson the following telegram. \"Col. Stuart says, leave Jacob and his baggage\". The dispatch said nothing of the horse. I was in much doubt about him. Before determining, I mentioned the matter to Dr. Howard, who by the way, has been confined to his bed for a week, \u0026 is unable to proceed with the Regt. and intends keeping his horse with him. After reading the telegram, he advised me to leave your horse in care of Jacob. All your baggage, that is, all I imagine was meant, consisting of a horse, saddle \u0026 bridle, sword, bed, trunk, field glasses, canteen, etc. I turned over to Mr. Benham, saw them placed together in a room and showed them to Jacob.","Six companies of the Regt. have gone in under command of Capt. Boswell. The others will go tonight. I am much afraid we may be detained somewhat at Union, the first burnt bridge; but our great object is to get away as fast as possible from the road to Pound Gap. I will send you a copy of the order from the Sec of War.","Jacob, during our troubles has been invaluable to me; indeed, while attending to my immensible duties, I think I would have starved but for his providing hand \u0026 it is almost certain I would have lost everything I have, but for his care. I envy you very much the possession of so valuable \u0026 reliable a servant.","I told him he would either keep his horse in the Quartermaster's stables or at Mr. Benham's. In case I misinterpreted your wishes concerning him, and you should desire him to be sent on, write to Dr. Howard, who expects to carry his own, \u0026 it will be as easy to carry two as one. Should you adopt this suggestion, you had better write immediately.","Jacob desires me to say he is tolerable well and would like to hear from you as soon as convenient to know what course he is to pursue.","Maj. Green has not returned as yet. Two of Capt. Richardson's men deserted last night. I think we have some thirty sick in the hospital.","Hoping this may find you rapidly recovering and that you are able to rejoin us speedily.","I am sir, very respectfully \nP. P. Slaughter","[on back]\nCopy of Order from Sec. Of War \nExtract \nAdj. \u0026 Inspect. Genl's Office \nRichmond Jan 2th 1862 \nSpecial Order \nNo. 1:","XV. Colonel Stuart's 56th Regt. Virginia Volunteers, is detached from General Humphrey Marshall's Command and will immediately proceed to Bowling Green, Kentucky and report to General A. S. Johnston for duty with General Floyd's Brigade.","By Command of the Secretary of War \nJno. Withers \nAsst. Adjt. Genl. Col. 56th Va. Vols. \nTo \nCommanding Officer C. S. Forces \nAbingdon Va.","Richmond, Va. \nFeb 5th 62","Genl. Cooper, \nSir, \nI beg leave to submit he following statement to the Department in refutation of the report, circulated I understand at the Head Qrs. by the Brigade Quartermaster of Genl. Humphrey Marshall's, to the effect that I had refused transportation for my command, from Abingdon to Prestonsburg the point to which I was ordered by Genl. Marshall. The enclosed letter written at\nthe time to the Department has bearing upon this point. The following is a literal copy of the order from Genl. Marshall by my messenger Capt. Taylor sent to inquire to which point I should march.","Head Quarters Brigade \nPound Gap 1 Dec 1861","Col. Stuart, \nSir, \nIn reply to your note reporting your command to me, I direct that you move your regiment forward by Pound Gap towards Prestonsburg in Kentucky, as soon as possible after the reception of this order, unless you should receive directions from Major Genl. George B. Crittenden at Knoxville.","I am sir \nYour Obt. Servt. \nHumphrey Marshall \nBrig. Genl.","This order was received late at night and a verbal message by Capt. Taylor that a messenger had been sent to Genl. Crittenden to inform him of my presence in Abingdon and that he should write order me to join him if necessary. Not hearing from Genl. Crittenden in forty-eight hours after, I sent Lieut. Col. Slaughter to Knoxville to find out from him at once whether I should expect orders from him and he replied by Telegraph through Capt. Cunningham his A. A. Genl.ordering me to Nashville \u0026 Col. Slaughter returned the following day bringing the following order by which this is an exact copy.","Hd. Qrs. Knoxville Tenn. \nDec. 5th 1861 \nTo Col Stuart \nCommand. 56th Regt. Va. Vols.","Sir, \nYou will move with your Regiment as soon as transportation can be furnished to Nashville, Tenn.","By Command of \nMaj. Genl. G. B. Crittenden \nS. Cunningham A.Genl.","The interval between the reception of these orders was employed by me busily in attempting to procure transportation and finding no Quarter Master at Abingdon, I sent to Wytheville for Capt. Gibboney A. Q. M. at that point to report at Abingdon and assist me. My own QuarterMaster was without funds for that purpose. Capt. Gibboney arrived bringing with him waggons purchased on the road and by the time of the reception of the order from Genl. Crittenden, I had enough transportation on hand, by leaving some articles behind to enable me to reach Prestonsburg. Of course after the order of Genl. Crittenden, I had no use for the waggons and ordered them immediately to be loaded with supplies of ordnance and other belongings to Genl. Marshall and forwarded to him","Immediately upon the receipt of Genl. Crittenden's order, so uncertain was telegraphic communication, I sent my Quarter Master to Lynchburg to arrange for transportation by rail to Nashville and had already procured it and would have been on the way to Nashville but for the bursting of one of the [flues] of the engines, when I received the following order by Telegraph\nreceived in Abingdon Dec 10th about dark.","Knoxville Dec 10th \nTo Col. Stuart,\nGenl. A . S. Johnston orders that your Regiment remain with Genl. Marshall. \nW. H. Carroll \nBrig. Genl.","Upon the reception of this order I immediately telegraphed the Department to know whose orders I should obey? In the meantime the waggons I had secured for my Regiment were on the way to Pound Gap and I was thus compelled to\ncommence again to prepare transportation for that trip.","I had been quite unwell with jaundice ad the Surgeon finding that we would be compelled to go to Pound Gap told me that he would not answer for the consequences should I undertake to go and advised my return to Richmond, where I have been confined to my room with a severe attack of Rheumatism until within the last ten days. I left the Regiment under command of Lt. Col. Slaughter and I know that the delay in proceeding to join Genl. Marshall arose from no indisposition on his part to execute the orders, but from an absolute inability to procure the necessary transportation.\nThere can be found in the service no officer more active, intelligent and competent to the discharge of the duties of his position. We are anxious if there is the slightest doubt remaining on the mind of the Honl. Sec. as to the want of proper activity on the part of the officer of the Regiment to move forward, that he will order a Court of Inquiry that the matter may be thoroughly sifted.","I have the honor to be \nYour obt. servt. \nWm. D. Stuart, Col. \n56th Va. Regt.","Genl. Hospital \nRichmd. March 4 1862","Wm. T Cross, Private Co. E. 56 Reg. Va. Vols. has been in this hospital since 1 Nov 1861 with Secondary Syphilis. He has now Syphilitic Rheumatism \u0026 as his turn of enlistment will expire in June, I recommend his discharge from the service.","I. Beu. Gibson \nSurg. P. A. C. S. \nRichmond Genl. Hospital","Official business \nWm. D. Stuart \nCol: 56 Regt.","Sir, \nEnclosed please find Certificate of disability for Private W. T. Cross. It must be approved by the Capt. of his Co. \u0026 Col. of the Reg. \u0026 returned to me- at least this is the usual form.","If there is a prospect of obtaining his discharge at once, I would prefer his remaining in the Hospital until it is received here.","Very resp. \nI. B. Gibson \nSurg. P. A. C. S. \nRichmd Genl. Hospital","Richmond Arsenal \nMarch 8th 1862","My Dear Colonel, \nThis will be handed you by my friend Col. W. D Stuart 56 Va. Vols. who is about joining his Regiment, at present attached to your Department. Col. Stuart has by severe sickness been detained from following a career so nobly begun at Bethel.","His health is now sufficiently restored to justify his joining his command. I bespeak for him your kind consideration in advance, because having known him intimately from boyhood to the present time, I declare him to be a \"gentleman and a soldier\", as Lear was a king- \"every inch\".","Your Friend \nBriscoe G. Baldwin \nCapt. Arty. P. [A?] \nCol. W. W. Mackall \nA. A. Genl.","Head Quarters Floyd's Division \nChattanooga, Mar 17th 1862 \nGeneral Order \nNo. 246","The reenlisted men of this command are entitled to a furlough of sixty days at home, but in case of a collision with the enemy at Knoxville this will be suspended for one week.","By order \nBrig. Gen. Floyd \n[C. Derrick] \nA.A. Gen.","Official \n[Mr]Robin Terry \nA.A. A Gen.","Headquarters Floyd's Division \nCamp [? Childress] Mar 17 1862 \nGeneral Orders \nNo. 27 \nExtract","The entire command will move tomorrow morning on the cars in the following order. 1st Headquarters, 2d Artillery, 3d. 1st Brigade, 4th 2d Brigade.","The 1st Brigade will load its baggage on the cars at 9 o'clock in the [trn]-yard just across the bridge arranging so that their baggage or wagons will not be in the way of Head Qrs.","By order Brig. Gen. Floyd \nPeter Otey \nA.A. Gen","Official \nMr. Robbin Terry \nA.A. A Gen.","Head Qrs Floyd Division \nKnoxville, March 19th/62 \nSpecial Orders \nNo--","Having been relieved from my command I hereby turn over the troops under me to the command of Col. Maney commanding forces at Knoxville Tennessee. The commanding officers of Regts will report for duty at once to Col. Maney","By order Brigdr Gen. Floyd \nPeter Otey \nA.A.G.","The Field Officers and officers commanding regiments will report at these HdQrs as soon as practicable. The General desires to introduce these gentlemen to the commanding officer Col. Maney.","By direction \nBrigdr Gen. Floyd \nPeter Otey \nA.A.G.","Head Quarters Knoxville \nMarch 19th 1862","Col. Stuart \nCommnd. 56th Va. Regt.","You will hold your Regt. ready to move at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning. Send to these Headquarters by 8 ½O'clock tomorrow morning a report of the strength of your command for duty.","Geo. Maury \nCol. Comdg. at Knoxville.","Hd. Quarters Knoxville \n20th March 1862","Colonel \nW. D. Stuart \n56 Va. Regiment","You are hereby directed to take command of all the forces here, formerly of Genl. Floyd's command in the movement towards Jacksboro. Capt. B. W. Snyder Qr. Master will report to you as Qr. Master for your command. He will be furnished with twelve 4 horse wagons for transportation of your command. If this transportation is more than sufficient for the tents, cooking utensils and ammunition necessary for your command you will please direct your commissary, whom you may select from your command, to load the unappropriated wagons with Flour and Bacon for which he will make requisition on the post commissary at this place.","Respectfully, \nGeo. Maney \nCol. Commanding \nForces at Knoxville","Hd Qrs Knoxville Mch 20th/62 \nSpecial Order \nNo--","Col. Stuart will move with his command tomorrow morning at 6 o'clk on the road to Clinton. You will have rations for one day cooked tonight.","By comd of \nCol. George Maney Comdg Post \nR.B. Snowden Adjt.","Head Qrs Knoxville, March 21st 1862 \nSpecial Order No-","Col Stuart \nYou will hold your command, composed of the 36th, 50th, 51st and 56th Regts in readiness to move at 4 o'clk this afternoon towards Jacksboro.","Col. George Maney Comdg Post \nR.B. Snowden Adj't.","Col. Stuart \nI am instructed by Col. Maney to say you will not put your command on the march until further orders. You are however instructed to hold it ready to move at a moment's notice.","R. B. Snowden Adjt. \nKnoxville March 21st 1862","Hd. Quarters Knoxville \nMarch 21st 1862","Col. Stuart \nCommand. of Floyd Brigade","Your order to march toward Clinton is revoked. I desire to see you at my Hd. Quarters in person at first convenient moment to regard to encamping your command here.","Very Respectfully \nGeo. Maney Col. \nCommnd. At Knoxville","Lebanon, 31st March 1862","Col. Stuart, \nOf so much of your order of the 28th as proposes the formation of a camp near Abingdon by the unfurloughed officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates of \"Floyd's Brigade\", I shall express no opinion at this time. I presume your halt at Abingdon, for instructions from Richmond, was in pursuance of your duty under the direction of Major General Smith. I am glad he has force to spare.","The others parts of your order I cheerfully approve and will sustain. I know of no vice so fatal to our soldiery as intemperance; and, independent of the loss of many genial fellows to the cause in which our swords are drawn, their fall is the gain of the meanest and the most heartless men in community. The vigor of authority shall not be wanting on my part to sustain every effort to limit the pernicious vice.","I enclose an Order, which please hand to Maj. Fisher that he may have a few struck off and sent after such of my men as have left Abingdon.","Your vindicatory note has been successful I imagine in proving that you did not delay marching last winter intentionally, but the failure to join me was a great misfortune to this command.","I am ready however to look forward and not backwards, and hope our acquaintance may be as agreeable in its continuance as it has been awkward in its beginning.","Yours Respectfully, \nH. Marshall \nBrig. Genl. Comd.","Apr 1st 1862 \nCol. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nThe bearer of this note Mr. Hanshew is the father of the soldier in the 50th Regt. The young man is at present in hospital and has been quite a sufferer. He was sick in the autumn and before fairly recovered was taken to the west. He was subjected to all the exposure and hardships at Ft. Donelson where he was frost bitten in the trenches. The retreat and long march have proved too much for him and he is really quite worn out. His father wishes to take\nhim home for a few weeks if possible to [illegible] him \u0026 I think it important for the young man to go. I know the father well, he is worthy of trust and is a man of excellent character.","I am sir very truly yours \nJohn B. Floyd","Confederate States of America \nTREASURY DEPARTMENT \nFIRST AUDITOR'S OFFICE \nApr. 8th 1862","Dear Mr. Stuart, \nI think I shall die if I don't manage to get with the Army in some capacity or other, \u0026 as the circumstances of my family do not admit of my going as a private, I must try to obtain some position which will pay. I have not the presumption to ask for a commission in the Infantry or Artillery, where a knowledge of military tactics is essential, but as all the appointments are not made in the Engineers Corps \u0026 for that a knowledge of Mathematics more than anything else is required, I have thought that I might possibly by some study in the meanwhile fit myself for a position in the Engineers. I would not myself have thought such to be the case, but for the assurance of a friend, who is in the Corps \u0026 and after considerable experience says that I am fully capable of filling such a position creditably. The object of my writing this letter therefore is to request that you will give me a testimonial to be presented to the Sec. of War, who would doubtless be influenced by what you say. Possibly with that \u0026 what I may get old Bledsoe, the Asst. Sec. to say for me, I may obtain a Lieutenancy in the Engineers.","If Frank had been successful I would not myself apply, but I suppose his application is pretty securely pigeon holed \u0026 he will never hear from it, though Tom Harris is now in the city \u0026 a member of the Military Committee of Congress.","I saw Aunt F. last night and she and the children are in good spirits, looking forward to visiting you in Abingdon, in accordance with your letter of recent date. Aunt F. was glad to hear of your being so well \u0026 comfortably fixed \u0026 perhaps her cheerfulness is only the reflection from your good spirits, as she learns from your letters \u0026 others who have seen you.","Ma and the children are pleasantly fixed in Danville \u0026 are all very well: Frank was at Orange C. H. when I heard from him, though there is a rumor that his division went down to reinforce Magurder. The sky is brightening. I have not time to write more at present. Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain yours affectionately. \nW.R. Abbott","Abingdon 20th April 1862 \nCol. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nMrs. Saunders, the bearer of this is the mother of the boy who is applying for a discharge on the score of minority. I sent you the certificate, \u0026 c some days ago. I have no doubt of his being under age. She wants to know the conditions of his application. May I ask you to let her know it?","With the highest respect \nYour obd. Servt. \nJohn B. Floyd","Confederate States of America \nWAR DEPARTMENT \nEngineer's Bureau \nRichmond, Va. 30 April 1862","Genl. G. W. Randolph \nSecretary of War","Sir, \nI have had the pleasure of knowing Col. W. D. Stuart for many years. At Lexington where we were cadets together, his peculiar qualifications as a soldier and tactician, on graduating, led to his immediate appointment as assistant instructor of infantry and artillery tactics, a position\nwhich he held with much credit for three years. Since the commencement of the war he has been constantly engaged on active service, first on the Peninsula and afterwards in the West. In the first locality I had the pleasure of again meeting him and heard him uniformly spoken of as a gallant, efficient, and accomplished officer.","In these days of uncertain tenure of office, your endorsement of the substance of this letter would probably be of great service to him, especially as his standing on the Peninsula and conduct in the Battle of Bethel are personally known to you.","With great respect, your obedient servant, \nA. L. Rives \nActing Chf. Eng. Bu.","War Department \nApril 30th 1862","I take great pleasure in bearing the testimony to the gallantry and conduct of Col. Stuart at the Battle of Bethel of which I was an eye witness, and to his efficiency as an officer and his deportment as a gentleman. He is an educated soldier and I should be sorry for the Country to lose his services. \nGeo. W. Randolph","Camp near Winchester, Va. \nOct 26 1862","My dear Colonel: \nI have rec'd your report of the battle of \"South Mountain\" and with it your very kind note.","I can truly assure you I was much gratified with the expressions of regard and esteem you therein expressed towards me. My brief association with you was among the most pleasant I have formed during the war and I sincerely trust it may be renewed at no distant time, under such auspices that we may be able to cultivate a still closer intimacy. With many prayers for you safety and happiness I remain truly your friend \nR. B. Garnett","Provost Marshal's Office \nLynchburg, Va. \nOct 30th 1862 \nCol. W. D. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nI received this morning a letter from one of the 56th Va. Regt. informing me that \"you \u0026 Maj. Green intended to write to the War Department and endeavor if possible to have me relieved of duty here and ordered to return to Regt.\" I at first doubted its authenticity, but seeing it was from a semi-official source I necessarily attached some importance to it.","I was astonished to hear that you contemplated such a thing as it would undoubtedly place me in a false light before the Department. I presumed you had received official notification of my appointment here.","I have always thought you were magnanimous enough not only to be willing for any officer of your Regt. to obtain promotion and a better position, but would aid him if possible in doing so.","I informed you in three letters before that I applied in Sept. last to Q. M. for transportation to Regt. and applying the same day to Adjt. Gen. Cooper in person to ascertain the point to go to, was directed by him to report to Maj. Gen. Smith for duty. By whom I was sent to Brig. Gen. Winder who ordered me to take charge of the C. S. Military Prison. I remained there about three weeks and discharged the duties satisfactorily to my commissioning officer and was on the 21st Oct. appointed \"Provost Marshal\" of this city with written orders from Maj. Gen. G. W. Smith, a copy of which I send you.","Each position was unsolicited and unexpected by me; but at the same time agreeable ad satisfactory; because the \"posts\" I was assigned were not only easier and higher than the Capt. of Infantry, but also horses and servants furnished me, and paid $180 per month. The pay however is no consideration with me. The chances of promotion are still greater in my present position.","I will also state to you, that is I preferred it, I am legally exempt from military duty by the recent \"exemption act\" passed by both \"Houses of Congress\" and approved by the President. First I have a plantation with over 40 negroes, and on it \"no white male adult not liable to military duty.\" Second I have a large manufacturing mill and my superintendence is necessary for its successful operation. For either 1st or 2nd reasons I am exempt by \"Act of Congress\".","But notwithstanding pecuniary losses I am willing to remain in the army, provided my services will accomplish anything in the cause we are engaged.","I hope this will be satisfactory to you. I fear you did not receive my former letters making substantially the same statements as above; and I feel a conscientious sense of duty, in justice to myself to write to you again","The appointment here was somewhat complimentary to me and I have intimations already of a higher and more responsible position being assigned me.","I would be glad if you would answer this.","Very respectfully \nYour obt. Servant \nThomas D. Jeffress \nCapt. and Provost Marshall of Lynchburg","P.S. I understand that only 8 or 10 efficient men of Co. \"G\" are with the Regt. and only about 22 or 23 in all on roll. I left several in Richmond at Hospital who will probably never recover sufficiently to return to duty. \nT. D. J.","18th Va. Regt. \nNov. 26th 1862 \nCol. W. D. Stuart","Col., \nIn reply to your note rec'd some time since asking of the \"mention made\" of Capt. T. D. Jeffress \"upon\" a report of one of the Richmond battles forwarded by myself to Brigade Hd. Qrs., I have to say that Capt. Jeffress made out the report of the battle himself, he being the Senr. Officer present who was in the fight. When the report was handed to me Lt. Chaffin Actg. Adjt. told me that the officers of the Regt. desired that I should make mention of the good conduct of Capt. Jeffress in battle, as the Capt. from motives of delicacy would of course say nothing of himself. I endorsed upon the report that I was not in the battle myself, was not in command of the Regiment at the time the events spoken of occurred, but that at the request of others, I would state that Capt. Jeffress deserved \"honorable mention\" for good conduct in battle. I have since learned that Lt. Chaffin was not in the fight himself and I am sorry that I acted upon his suggestion and made the endorsement referred to for the reason that I appeared to discriminate in favor of Capt. Jeffress when in fact I knew nothing of the conduct of any officer in the Regiment in the battle alluded to.","I am Col. \nVery Respectfully \nGeo. C. Cabell, Major","Camp Near Petersburg \nof Pickett's Div. Garnett's Brig. \nMarch 7th 1863 \nGenl. S. A. Cooper","Sir, \nI respectfully make an application for 25 Conscripts the requisite number to fill the reduced ranks of my Company at its present standard. You will confer a favour by assigning to the ranks of my Company 25 Conscripts,or any number as you, in your judgement may think proper or circumstances may require. You can see by my muster roll that my company only numbers 31 total present or absent, having never received any Conscripts since its entry into\nservice.","Most Respectfully \nYour obedient Servt. \nF. W. Nelson \nLt. Comd. Co. \"A\" 56th Va.","Camp Near Petersburg, Va. \nMarch 7th 1863","I respectfully ask permission to be absent from my duties for a few days for the following reasons. My property has been dwindling away daily since 25th Dec last, for want of my personal attention. My negroes are roaming through the country without a proper home and I will probably lose them all if I cannot attend to the matter immediately. I leave my company in command of the Capt. I have deferred asking leave of absence until now, because of there being only two (2) officers belonging to the company and the comdg. Officer of the Regt. deems it best that the vacancies of 2nd and 2nd jr. Lieuts. should not be filled at present, I presume because of the smallness of the Co. I reenlisted as a private and have never received a furlough or anything in lieu thereof and have never been absent without leave.","S. D. Cronin 1st Lieut. \nCo. \"I\" 56th Va. Regt.","March 8th, 1863","I respectfully ask for a leave of absence for 20 days to visit my home in Mecklenburg Co. Va. having been in the service for 20 months and having never received but four days furlough since the organization of my Regiment. I hope this application will be granted. I was originally a 12 months Volunteer and subsequently reenlisted for the War.","Lieut. F. W. Nelson \nCo. A. 56th Va. Regt.","Kittrell's Springs \nJuly 27th 1863 \nCol. Wm. D. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nI was transferred from General Hospital No. 10 to Black's and White's Hospital, from that place on the recommendation of the Medical Director in Richmond (Dr. Wm. Carrington) I was allowed the privilege of going home and report once in fifteen days in person or through my Physician's certificate. My furlough was extended the other day, 30 days to enable me to visit\nthe Springs for my health. I am improving very rapidly mow and shall be on, as soon as I am able for duty. You have passed though a very fiery ordeal since I left you. I regret being absent from my company in time of battle. I am truly sorry to learn that you are wounded, hope it will not prove serious, and allow me here to indulge the hope that you will be Genl. Garrett's successor. You certainly deserve the place. I am very anxious to hear from my company. I heard indirectly that Lieut. Finley was wounded, whether seriously or not I did not learn. Pickett's Division was very badly cut up. The mortality among officers was unprecedented. I expect to be here at least two weeks longer. I wish to get entirely well before returning. When I return again I hope to be able to stay with you. Direct your letter to \"Lawrenceville. Brunswick Co. Va.\" With my best wishes that you may speedily recover and when I see you again you may be my Brigadier. I subscribe myself your true friend, \nN. A. Flournoy"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWilliam D. Stuart papers, 1850-1863. MS 0108. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["William D. Stuart papers, 1850-1863. MS 0108. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe bulk of the William D. Stuart papers consists of the Civil War papers (60 items; 1861-1863) of Stuart. The papers contain:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCorrespondence to and from various Confederate Army officers\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMorning and guard reports\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMilitary orders\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInvoices and receipts documenting Stuart's brief service with the 15th Virginia Infantry Regiment and his command of the 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\nOther items include letters of recommendation for a United\nStates Army Commission (1850), a letter from Gabriel Jordan, Jr. (VMI Class of 1850) dated November 1854, and printed material.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter endorses William D. Stuart's application for a commission in the United States Army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter endorses William D. Stuart's application for a commission in the United States Army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter endorses William D. Stuart's application for a commission in the United States Army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Huntsville, Alabama. Letter comments on respective marriages, jobs, and future prospects.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter asks Virginia Governor John Letcher for an appointment in the Army in the event of secession.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Order No. 81 from Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart is assigned to duty with troops at the camp of instruction.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter expresses regret at William D. Stuart's resignation as commanding officer of the Richmond City Guard.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Camp of Instruction, Richmond. Letter to an unidentified colonel regards the placement of William D. Stuart and other officers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards materials to make a tent.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Williamsburg, Virginia. Letter orders William D. Stuart to work on fortifications at King's Mill.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Order No. 222 from Youngs Farm. Regards payment of troops and powers of attorney. By command of General Magruder and signed by G. B. Cosby, A.A.A.G.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Order No. 280 from the Adjutant Inspector General's office, Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart is promoted and assigned to the command of the 56th Virginia Regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camp Lee. Letter regards a flag for William D. Stuart's regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Order No. 232 from Richmond, Virginia by command of Secretary of War per John Withers. The 56th Virginia Infantry regiment is ordered to Jeffersonville, Virginia to report to Brigadier General Marshall.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Pound Gap, Virginia. William D. Stuart is ordered to move his regiment forward by Pound Gap towards Prestonsburg, Kentucky.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Wytheville, Virginia. Telegram regards wagons.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Wytheville, Virginia. Letter regards transportation vouchers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart's regiment is ordered to Nashville, Tennessee.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Knoxville, Tennessee. General A. S. Johnson orders William D. Stuart's regiment to remain with General Marshall.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFrom Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart's regiment is to proceed to Pound Gap to report to General Marshall.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Order No. 8 from Headquarters 1st Brigade, Army of Eastern Kentucky, Camp near Paintville, by order of General Marshall. William D. Stuart's regiment is to move immediately without further delay.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Paintville, Kentucky. William D. Stuart must move his regiment without delay.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart is directed by the Secretary of War to report to General Marshall.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter concerns orders to go to Pound Gap, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter regards contradictory orders and illness of William D. Stuart and men.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter reprts on sickness of regiment and men in hospital.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Order No. 1 from Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart's regiment\nis detached from General Marshall's command and will proceed to Bowling Green, Kentucky to General A. S. Johnston.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter regards order to proceed to Bowling Green, Kentucky. Letter also encloses Special Order No. 1 (dated January 2, 1862).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards confusion in orders to 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards William T. Cross' certificate of disability.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards William D. Stuart rejoining his regiment after a severe illness.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGeneral Order No. 246 from Floyd's Division, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Reenlisted men are entitled to a 60 day furlough, but this may be suspended in case of \"collision with the enemy.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGeneral Order No. 27 (extract) from Floyd's Division, Camp Bettie Childress. Order regards movement of the command via rail.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Order from Floyd's Division, Knoxville, Tennessee. General Floyd is relieved of command and regimental commanders are to report to Colonel George Maney.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is to hold his regiment ready to move and to report on the strength of his command.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is directed to \"take command of all the forces here, formerly of Genl Floyd's command, in the movement towards Jacksboro.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial order from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is to move tomorrow on the road to Clinton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Order from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is to hold command of the 36th, 50th, 51st and 56th Virginia Regiments in readiness to move towards Jacksboro.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is not to move his command until further orders.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart march towards Clinton is revoked.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lebanon. Letter regards previous orders.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards releasing a sick soldier (Hanshew, 50th Virginia Regiment) to go home with his father.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter requests recommendation to enter the Confederate Army and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter regards discharge of an underage soldier.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter commends William D. Stuart, with an endorsement specifically about his gallantry at the Battle of Bethel, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Winchester, Virginia. Letter acknowledges receipt of report of Battle of South Mountain (Maryland) and expresses personal regard.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter protests Thomas D. Jeffress' return to the Regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards a report in which George C. Cabell erroneously commended Captain Thomas D. Jeffress.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter requests 25 conscripts to fill reduced ranks.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter requests to be absent from duty to see to business at home.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter requests a leave of absence to visit home.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Kittrell's Springs, North Carolina. This letter was written after the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and it comments on casualties in regiment and general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Telegram regards search of trains for stolen coffee.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReport for the 56th Virginia Regiment at Camp Robertson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReport for the 56th Virginia Regiment at Camp Robertson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial duty roster for the 56th Virginia Regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGuard report for the 56th Virginia Regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReceipt for wall tent pins and poles.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReceipt for ordnance (cartridges).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInvoice of commutation of quarters and fuel for 1st Lieutenant George W. May, Company C. 56th Virginia, for the period of December 8 to 31, 1861.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInvoice of commutation of quarters and fuel for 1st Lieutenant George W. May, Company C. 56th Virginia, for the period of January 1 to 31, 1862.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReceipt for wall tents.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwo receipts for muskets and cartridge boxes.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReceipt for clothing.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReceipt for commissary stores.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis series includes a draft of a speech given upon presentation of a flag to the 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment, court-martial specifications, and other documents.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis series includes programs and other documents from Roanoke, Virginia area camps.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The bulk of the William D. Stuart papers consists of the Civil War papers (60 items; 1861-1863) of Stuart. The papers contain:\n Correspondence to and from various Confederate Army officers Morning and guard reports Military orders Invoices and receipts documenting Stuart's brief service with the 15th Virginia Infantry Regiment and his command of the 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment \nOther items include letters of recommendation for a United\nStates Army Commission (1850), a letter from Gabriel Jordan, Jr. (VMI Class of 1850) dated November 1854, and printed material.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter endorses William D. Stuart's application for a commission in the United States Army.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter endorses William D. Stuart's application for a commission in the United States Army.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter endorses William D. Stuart's application for a commission in the United States Army.","Written from Huntsville, Alabama. Letter comments on respective marriages, jobs, and future prospects.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter asks Virginia Governor John Letcher for an appointment in the Army in the event of secession.","Special Order No. 81 from Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart is assigned to duty with troops at the camp of instruction.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter expresses regret at William D. Stuart's resignation as commanding officer of the Richmond City Guard.","Written from the Camp of Instruction, Richmond. Letter to an unidentified colonel regards the placement of William D. Stuart and other officers.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards materials to make a tent.","Written from Williamsburg, Virginia. Letter orders William D. Stuart to work on fortifications at King's Mill.","Special Order No. 222 from Youngs Farm. Regards payment of troops and powers of attorney. By command of General Magruder and signed by G. B. Cosby, A.A.A.G.","Special Order No. 280 from the Adjutant Inspector General's office, Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart is promoted and assigned to the command of the 56th Virginia Regiment.","Written from Camp Lee. Letter regards a flag for William D. Stuart's regiment.","Special Order No. 232 from Richmond, Virginia by command of Secretary of War per John Withers. The 56th Virginia Infantry regiment is ordered to Jeffersonville, Virginia to report to Brigadier General Marshall.","Written from Pound Gap, Virginia. William D. Stuart is ordered to move his regiment forward by Pound Gap towards Prestonsburg, Kentucky.","Written from Wytheville, Virginia. Telegram regards wagons.","Written from Wytheville, Virginia. Letter regards transportation vouchers.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart's regiment is ordered to Nashville, Tennessee.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. General A. S. Johnson orders William D. Stuart's regiment to remain with General Marshall.","From Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart's regiment is to proceed to Pound Gap to report to General Marshall.","Special Order No. 8 from Headquarters 1st Brigade, Army of Eastern Kentucky, Camp near Paintville, by order of General Marshall. William D. Stuart's regiment is to move immediately without further delay.","Written from Paintville, Kentucky. William D. Stuart must move his regiment without delay.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart is directed by the Secretary of War to report to General Marshall.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter concerns orders to go to Pound Gap, Virginia.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter regards contradictory orders and illness of William D. Stuart and men.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter reprts on sickness of regiment and men in hospital.","Special Order No. 1 from Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart's regiment\nis detached from General Marshall's command and will proceed to Bowling Green, Kentucky to General A. S. Johnston.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter regards order to proceed to Bowling Green, Kentucky. Letter also encloses Special Order No. 1 (dated January 2, 1862).","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards confusion in orders to 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards William T. Cross' certificate of disability.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards William D. Stuart rejoining his regiment after a severe illness.","General Order No. 246 from Floyd's Division, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Reenlisted men are entitled to a 60 day furlough, but this may be suspended in case of \"collision with the enemy.\"","General Order No. 27 (extract) from Floyd's Division, Camp Bettie Childress. Order regards movement of the command via rail.","Special Order from Floyd's Division, Knoxville, Tennessee. General Floyd is relieved of command and regimental commanders are to report to Colonel George Maney.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is to hold his regiment ready to move and to report on the strength of his command.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is directed to \"take command of all the forces here, formerly of Genl Floyd's command, in the movement towards Jacksboro.\"","Special order from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is to move tomorrow on the road to Clinton.","Special Order from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is to hold command of the 36th, 50th, 51st and 56th Virginia Regiments in readiness to move towards Jacksboro.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is not to move his command until further orders.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart march towards Clinton is revoked.","Written from Lebanon. Letter regards previous orders.","Letter regards releasing a sick soldier (Hanshew, 50th Virginia Regiment) to go home with his father.","Letter requests recommendation to enter the Confederate Army and family news.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter regards discharge of an underage soldier.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter commends William D. Stuart, with an endorsement specifically about his gallantry at the Battle of Bethel, Virginia.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. Letter acknowledges receipt of report of Battle of South Mountain (Maryland) and expresses personal regard.","Written from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter protests Thomas D. Jeffress' return to the Regiment.","Letter regards a report in which George C. Cabell erroneously commended Captain Thomas D. Jeffress.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter requests 25 conscripts to fill reduced ranks.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter requests to be absent from duty to see to business at home.","Letter requests a leave of absence to visit home.","Written from Kittrell's Springs, North Carolina. This letter was written after the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and it comments on casualties in regiment and general news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Telegram regards search of trains for stolen coffee.","Report for the 56th Virginia Regiment at Camp Robertson.","Report for the 56th Virginia Regiment at Camp Robertson.","Special duty roster for the 56th Virginia Regiment.","Guard report for the 56th Virginia Regiment.","Receipt for wall tent pins and poles.","Receipt for ordnance (cartridges).","Invoice of commutation of quarters and fuel for 1st Lieutenant George W. May, Company C. 56th Virginia, for the period of December 8 to 31, 1861.","Invoice of commutation of quarters and fuel for 1st Lieutenant George W. May, Company C. 56th Virginia, for the period of January 1 to 31, 1862.","Receipt for wall tents.","Two receipts for muskets and cartridge boxes.","Receipt for clothing.","Receipt for commissary stores.","This series includes a draft of a speech given upon presentation of a flag to the 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment, court-martial specifications, and other documents.","This series includes programs and other documents from Roanoke, Virginia area camps."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_a9ce738eb690b4bbd27af1954a7067ed\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Stuart, William D. (William Dabney), 1830-1863","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jordan, Gabriel, Jr., 1831-1884","Marshall, Humphrey, 1812-1872","Cosby, George B. (George Blake, 1831-1909)","Slaughter, Philip P. (Philip Peyton), 1834-1893","Baldwin, Briscoe G. (Briscoe Gerard), 1828-1898","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Gilham, William, 1818-1872"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Marshall, Humphrey, 1812-1872","Cosby, George B. (George Blake, 1831-1909)","Slaughter, Philip P. (Philip Peyton), 1834-1893","Baldwin, Briscoe G. (Briscoe Gerard), 1828-1898"],"persname_ssim":["Stuart, William D. (William Dabney), 1830-1863","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jordan, Gabriel, Jr., 1831-1884","Marshall, Humphrey, 1812-1872","Cosby, George B. (George Blake, 1831-1909)","Slaughter, Philip P. (Philip Peyton), 1834-1893","Baldwin, Briscoe G. (Briscoe Gerard), 1828-1898","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Gilham, William, 1818-1872"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    "],"total_component_count_is":71,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:12:13.177Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_588.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00007.xml","title_ssm":["William D. Stuart papers"],"title_tesim":["William D. Stuart papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1850-1863"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1850-1863"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0108","/repositories/3/resources/588"],"text":["MS.0108","/repositories/3/resources/588","William D. Stuart papers","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 56th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 15th","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1850","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Correspondence","Orders (military records)","Receipts (financial records)","Letters of recommendation","There are no restrictions.","Full text transcriptions of the bulk of these papers are available   online .","The papers are arranged by document type and chronologically thereunder.","William Dabney Stuart was born on September 30, 1830 in Staunton, Virginia to Thomas Jefferson Stuart and Martha M. Dabney. He did preparatory work at the Staunton Academy and then entered VMI in July 1847. Stuart graduated from VMI in July 1850, standing 3rd in a class of 17.","Following graduation he taught at VMI (1850-1853) and was subsequently a principal of classical schools in Washington D.C. and Richmond, Virginia. He married Frances Harris of Loudon County, Virginia and the couple had three children: Martha, Mary Bell, and William.","During the Civil War, Stuart briefly commanded the 15th Virginia Infantry Regiment, and was then appointed Colonel with the 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States Army. He was mortally wounded at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania during Pickett's Charge, and died in a hospital in Staunton on July 29, 1863.","The William D. Stuart papers were originally in the possession of Stuart's widow and were passed down through the family before being donated to VMI.","Virginia Military Institute \nDecember 3 1850","My dear sir \nHaving understood that Mr. W. D. Stuart is an applicant for a commission in the U.S. Army I take the liberty of addressing you a private note on his behalf. I do this in preference to the formal course of a recommendation, because you will be better able to appreciate what I may\nsay in the unreserved mode in which I write.","You are aware that Mr. S. entered this Institution as a cadet in July 1847. After completing the whole course of studies, he was graduated in July last with great credit. You will see by the accompanying merit roll that in all his classes he maintained a most respectable standing, while in Geology, Artillery, and Infantry Tactics, he was No. 1. And in Military Engineering 3rd.","In addition to these facts, he was a commissioned officer of the Corps of Cadets and gave great satisfaction to us in the manner in which he discharged his duties.","So high was our estimate of his talents as a scholar and qualifications as an officer, that on a vacancy in our Corps of Instructors occurring in July, he was selected as an assistant Professor of Math. And assistant Instructor of Tactics and has been discharging these duties with great credit up to the present time.","From my personal knowledge of the qualifications of an officer of the Army, I know that there are few young men who enter the Service from West Point who are better qualified than Stuart and I have no doubt he will make as fine an officer as can be selected for the Infantry arm of\nthe Service.","You know his moral qualifications as well as I do. If any doubt had existed on this point, he would never have been appointed an officer in this Institution.","hope it will be the pleasure of the President to confer an appointment upon Mr. Stuart.","This Institution has been laboring now for 11 years in building up its Military reputation and we should like to have an opportunity of comparing our graduates with those from West Point.","With cordial regards to Mrs. S. \nI am very truly your friend \nFrancis H. Smith","Hon. A. H. H. Stuart\nWashington City","Va. Military Institute \nDec 10th 1850","Mr. W.D. Stuart desires to obtain a commision in the U.S. Army. His present post, that of Asst. Instructor of Tactics in the Va. Military Institute is evidence of his peculiar fitness for command. His acquirements at the Insititute of which he is a graduate, embracing Engineering, Artillery, and Infantry Tactics, with Mathematics and the Natural Sciences were such as to induce the authorities of the Institute to select him from her many graduates for the very responsible situation he now holds, a situation which requires judgement, firmness and decision of Character- all of which Mr. Stuart possesses in a high degree. His uniformily gentlemanly\ndeportment has endeared him to his fellow officers and will make him grace the position he seeks. \nThomas. H. Williamson \nProf. Engr. \u0026 Arch.","VMI \nDecember 10, 1850","W. Stuart was appointed immediately after his graduation Assistant Instructor of Tactics in the Virginia Military Institute. This is the highest and most indubitable testimony of the estimate of his military qualifications, by those who know him best. The course of military instruction and discipline at the Institute conforms strictly to that of the U.S.A. at West Point and is conducted by graduates of the latter Institution. If from a jealous regard to the character of the Army, the\nGovernment ordinarily restricts its commissions to the graduates of West Point, the same principle might well incline it, in its exceptional appointment of citizens, to feel a preference for those, who like Mr. Stuart, have at a State Institution, thoroughly prepared themselves for the Military Profession. \nJohn T.L. Preston \nProf. V.M.I","Engineers Office \nMemphis and Charleston Railroad \nHuntsville \nNovember 22d 1854","My Dear Stuart, \nI have just stolen away from my wife and have run up to my office with the determination of writing you. I was not a little surprised to learn through your letter that you had written me. Your letter, which reached me about ten days ago was the only one I have received from you since your marriage. I wrote you at that particularly interesting time a note of congratulations, as well as a letter, just before your mariage, but have received no letter in return. Now my good fellow I have no doubt but what you think that you wrote me, but as for my part I am inclined to think that you did not. I am sure I should not think it strange if you had not for you are a newly married man, and as a matter of course can not afford to give your friends many thoughts, at least for a while.","It is really refreshing, my old friend to hear from you and especially to know that you are a married man and in the full enjoyment of the pleasures that attend married love. My wife returned from Virginia about the first of September with much improved health---and my boy is a most magnificent fellow. A look at him might be of some service to you. Don't blush my dear fellow I don't mean any thing.","Dabney, what under the sun has become of all of our class mates. You are living in the center of our great union and should be posted up on every thing. I never see the names of any of our class in the papers, nor do I ever correspond with any of them, hence I am utterly ignorant of their movements. I never any thing from Lexington since you left there. Have any of our old acquaintances married off since our days-.","Matters here are still wearing a pleasant and flattering aspect. Our road is moving on finely, and we trust ere many more months pass away, that we will have a large and important portion of our work finished. I wish that we had a good comfortable post to offer you here. We are finishing up so fast that we are reducing the Corps instead of increasing. Still, should you ever make up your mind to embark in the profession, we might look out for a post for you.","Your school I trust will for the present afford you a comfortable competency, and something besides. School teaching, like every thing else has its reverses, its calms and its storms. We can find no profession that is made up entirely of sunshine. We must expect the life of man to harmonize with nature, having its passing clouds and refreshing sunshine in equal turns. I with all my hopeful temperament, have had my moments of gloom and anxiety, but with a fond wife, no less hopeful than myself, to cheer me, I have faced all and am now full of bright anticipation. Nor does this come about from any fortune, or particular promises, but all from a conviction that there is room for everyone in this world and plenty for everyone to do, and that industry when ever it is found is in the course of time rewarded. This is an unusually difficult time with almost everyone. There seems to be a weariness in the money market in every quarter. Men experience great difficulty in meeting their general expenses. This state of affairs, I have no doubt has had its influence upon your school, and I feel assured that there will be an improvement after a little while. I hope my dear Stuart, that you will continue to keep me posted up in regard to your movements, for I may find a good offering out South that would please you, and if such should be the case, it would give me inexpressible pleasure to serve you. I will always be on the look out. A new country is better for a young man in any profession. The competition is not so great and pay better. Present me the kindest manner to your good wife and receive the renewed assurance of your old and sincere friend and classmate. \nGabe Jordan Jr.","Richmond, Va. \nApril 15th 1861","Gov. Letcher \nDear Sir, \nI enclose recommendations from the Authorities of the Va. Military Institute to the Secretary of War under Mr. Fillmore for an appointment in the U.S. Army at that time. I submit them to you in my own behalf for an appointment under the State of Va. in the event of her secession from\nthe present Federal Government. I desire an appointment to any position in which my services may be required the most valuable, either in the active duties of the field or otherwise. \nVery respectfully yours, \nWm. D. Stuart","Head Qrs Va Forces \nRichmond Va. May 20 1861 \nSpecial Orders \nNo 82","Col. T.P. August, Lt. Col. W.D. Stuart, and Major Thos. G. Peyton, Virginia Vols, are assigned to duty with the troops at the \"Camp of Instruction\" and will report without delay to Col. William Gilham commanding that post.","By order of Maj. Genl Lee \nR. Garnett \nAdjt Genl.","Richmond \nMay 21st 1861 \nCapt. W. D. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nAt a meeting of the Richmond City Guard held this evening, the undersigned were appointed a Committee to express to you the unfeigned regret of the Company on having read your resignation, and to tender you the sincere thanks of the Company for the faithfulness and efficiency with which you have discharged the duties of Commanding Officer.","While the Company deplores deeply the necessity which separates you from us, we rejoice to know that our Beloved State will have the benefit of your valuable services.","Permit us personally and on behalf of the Company to tender you our best wishes for your future happiness and prosperity.","Very truly your friends, \nDavis N. Walker \nSamuel M. Bailey \nJames E. Burress","Unofficial","Camp of Instruction \nMay 23rd","My dear Col. \nWhen three field officers were assigned to duty here, I was so green as to put each in command of a Regt., having no other officers who knew any thing about organizing a Regt. This arrangement does not seem to have suited Col. August, who has been complaining to the powers that be, and I have received an order directing me to assign them all to one Regt--that of Col. August of course. Col. Stuart is one of them, and is totally unprepared for the field; he will make application to Gen. Fauntleroy this evening for a few days, please see what you can do for him. Gen. F. though may not have him in his Divn, if so he will have to go to Col. Magruder of course.","Yours sincerely \nW. Gilham","Richmond \nJuly 5th 1861 \nLt. Col. Stewart [Stuart] \n3rd Regt. Va. Vols. \nYorktown","Dear Sir, \nSometime, about the latter part of May or the commencement of June your lady Mrs. Stewart in company with Mrs. Lucy Wharton called at my Office in order to procure material for the purpose of making you a tent as they were unable to get a tent allready made: and stated that you were without one. Under these circumstances, I furnished the necessary material with the consent of Col. Heth the then Q.M. General who instructed me to take your receipt for one tent. The receipt has been delayed from various causes, partly because I did not know the address of Mrs. Stewart or yourself. Should you receive this letter I would be much obliged that you sign and return me the enclosed receipt; by your prompt attention to wit you will much oblige.","Yours very respectfully, \nMaury Garland \nCapt. and Asst. Q. M.","Head Quarters Williamsburg \nJuly 25th 1861","Col., \nThe General having understood that Colonel August is unwell. He directs that you will urge with the greatest vigor the work on the Fortification at King's Mill. In order to do this you will have but one drill a day in the evening. The working hours will be from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The guns to place in the various works are now on the way here and it is specially desired to have the works ready for them at the earliest moment.","I am sir very respectfully \nYour obedient servant \nG. B. Cosby \nMaj. and AAAG","Adjutant Inspr Genl's Office \nRichmond \nSept 17th 1861 \nExtract \nSpecial Orders \nNo. 280","XI. Lieut Colonel William D. Stuart Virginia Volunteers is promoted to be Colonel and assigned to the Command of the 56th Virginia Regiment just organized at Camp Lee, near this city, andwill report accordingly.","By order of the Secretary of War \n[Geo. Deas] \nA.A.G.","Camp Lee \nNov. 15th 1861 \nCol. George W. Munford","Sir \nI had the honor receive at the hands of Col. S. Bassett French the Flag of Va. intended for the Regiment I have the honor to command, also the accompanying letter of presentation from you.","As the commanding officer of the Regt. and its organ upon this occasion, I need not assure you that I received it with pride and satisfaction. Regarding it as the emblem of the honor and purity of our Mother State, hitherto unsullied in Council or War it shall be carefully guarded that it receive no detriment at the hands of the Regiment to which you have confided. I think I can with all safety assure you, and that the Sons of Va., voluntarily of the 56th Va. Regt. will ever be found at their post of duty and that they will never do discredit to the sacred cause in which they have enlisted.","The Daughters of Va. whose fair hands have wrought this beautiful emblem of Va.'s honor, will never have cause to blush for shame at the conduct of their brothers.","I am very respectfully \nYour obedient servant \nWilliam D. Stuart, Col. \nCommanding 56th Va. Regt.","Adjt and Insp Genls Office \nRichmond, Nov 21st 1861 \nExtract \nSpecial Orders \nNo 232","XI. The 56th Regiment Virginia Volunteers, Col. Stuart Commanding, will proceed without delay, via Wytheville, to Jeffersonville, VA. and report for duty to Brig. Genl. Marshall.","By Command of the Sec. of War \nJno. Withers \nAsst. Adjt. Genl.","Head Quarters Brigade \nPound Gap \n1 Dec 1861","Col. Stuart, \nSir, \nIn reply to your note reporting your command to me, I direct that you move your regiment forward by Pound Gap towards Prestonburg in Kentucky, as soon as possible after the reception of the order, unless you should receive other directions from Maj. Genl. George B. Crittenden at Knoxville.","I am sir, \nYour obedient servant, \nHumphrey Marshall \nBrig. Genl.","Some of the wagoners I hired and started left the teams on the road. I am compelled to go to Abingdon by private conveyance ad will purchase some waggons \u0026 c by the way and hire other wagoners.","W. Gibboney \nA. Q. M.","Transportation Office C.S.A \nWytheville, Va. December 2nd 1861 \nCol. W. D. Stuart \nCom. 56th Regt. Va. Vols. \nAbingdon Va.","Colonel, \nThe Frt. Agt. of the Va. and Tenn. R. R. has requested me to give him vouchers for the transportation of the stores in the Train which accompanied that containing your Regiment from Wytheville to Abigdon and allso for the baggage of the Regiment.","Will you please inform me whether you have already provided receipt for the transportation and whether the baggage was entitled to transportable from government. I have the honor to be","Very Respectfully \nYour obedient servant \nA. Meade Smith \nCapt. \u0026 [Acting] QM CSA","Hd. Qts. Knoxville, Tenn \nDec. 5th 1861","To- \nCol. Stuart \nCommd. 56th Regt. Va. Vols.","You will move with your Regiment as soon as transportation can be furnished to you, to Nashville Tenn.","By Command of \nMaj. Genl. G. B. Crittenden \nA.S. Cunningham \nA.A. Genl.","Received at: Abingdon Dec 10 1861","By Telegraph from: Knoxville Dec 10 \nTo: Col. Stuart","Genl. Johnson orders that your Regiment remain with Genl. Marshall W. H. Carroll \nBrig. Genl.","Received at: Abingdon Dec 11 1861 \nBy Telegraph from: Richmond Dec 11 \nTo: Col. W. D. Stuart","Proceed with your Regiment to Pound Gap and report to Genl. Marshall. The Quarter Masters Dept. is ordered to furnish transportation.","S. Cooper \nA. G.","Headquarters 1st Brigade \nArmy of Eastern Ky. \nCamp near Paintville \nDec 21st 1861","Special Order \nNo. 8","Col. Stuart is directed to move his Regiment from Abingdon immediately with such transportation as can be procured. It is of the first importance to the safety and success of the command on this frontier that the reinforcements destined for the forces already here shall move to the front without delay. Fine opportunities for brilliant successes have been lost for want of their presence ad others are daily passing away. The weather has favored the\nmovement of the troops, but has not been taken at advantage. The General directs that the movement be commenced without further delay and that the passage of the troops over Pound Gap be notified to him by the returning courier.","By order of \nBrig. Genl. H. Marshall \nAtt. B. H. Bradley \nA. Adjt. Genl.","1861 December 22 \nPaintsville, KY 22nd Dec.","Col. Stuart, \nI send express to you to move your regiment without delay. I am before a force so much superior to me in number, according to the report of reliable scouts, that I can scarcely hope to avoid a collision-- it may be disastrous to us- until you arrive.","If there are any forces near your route who are disengaged I would like exceedingly to have them assist me now. I am here with a force not amounting to 1500 men fit for duty. I shall struggle to keep off the evil day as long possible for you to arrive.","Yours truly \u0026 c \nH. Marshall \nBrig. Genl.","[note on back] \nPress transportation any where you can, if it is not ready, but travel lightly for the roads are deep. H.M.","Adj. [\u0026] Inspect. Genl's Office \nRichmond Dec 24/61","Sir, \nThe Secretary of War directs that you immediately proceed to carry out the instructions referred to in your comn of the 23rd inst. by reporting, with all your effective force, for duty to Brig. General Marshall, making proper provisions for your sick at Abingdon.","Very Respectfully \nYour Obd. Servt. \nR. H. Chilton \nA. Genl.","Lt. Col. Philip P. Slaughter \nOr/ Commanding Officer \n56 Reg. Va. Vols. \nAbingdon , Va.","Abingdon (Va) Dec 27th 1861","To- \nCol. Wm. D Stuart","Dear Sir: \nSince my arrival I have received orders to go immediately to Pound Gap from both the Sec. of War and Gen. Marshall. The order from Gen. M is both peremptory and urgent, and it is asource of the greatest mortification to me to find that, at so critical a juncture we are totally impotent, and I much fear (\"entre nous\") our reputation may suffer in the mind of the public\nwho cannot be aware of the embarrassing circumstances by which we are surrounded. I think it would be well if you could represent us in our true colors to the War Dept. Genl. M. writes that he is threatened by a superior force and urges our immediate movement which I am unable to comply with, not having more than eight or nine waggons and no horses. At the very earliest moment possible I will move on to Pound Gap with the fragment of the Regt.","From what I have learned since writing the above, the opinion prevails in Richmond that the Regt. declined transportation on account of the \"onerous march across the mountains\". You can judge of the correctness of this statement. Such seems to be the prevailing opinion in the War. Dept. Can you do any thing for us? I am in the worst quandary I ever was in my life.\nPlease telegraph me at your earliest convenience.","I think a court of inquiry would be beneficial to us: at all events, it could not injure us.","Yours very respectfully \nP. P. Slaughter \nFavor of \nCapt. R. B. Patterson \nQ.M.","P. S. \nI enclose you Genl. Marshall's orders, that you may see how we stand. I retain a copy of them. You will also find enclosed, the order from War Dept. P. P. S.","Abingdon Dec. 27th 1861","To- \nBrig. Gen. Marshall","Sir, \nI am in receipt of your order of the 22nd inst. as well as your Special Order No. 8. It is a source of exceeding regret and much mortification to me, to find myself in so crippled a condition at such a critical junction. Twice since being here I have prepared transportation in accordance with orders, once to join your command, which, when I got ready, I was compelled to decline by an order from Gen. Crittenden \"to go immediately to Nashville and report to Gen. A. S. Johnston. I then went to work to get transportation by rail, to Nashville, which I after some days effected. My men were at the Depot ready to march on the cars, when I received a telegram to remain and go with you; since which time I have not been able to collect the necessary No. of waggons to convey the Regt. in obedience to orders.","The Regt. is reduced lower than one half its original size, and is at present in a very debilitated condition. Col. Stuart, by reason of sickness has not been able to take command of the Regt. since leaving Richmond. Maj. Green is absent, all of which combine to place me in a very unenviable position upon the receipt of your orders.","As to the matter of transportation, I have only eight or ten wagons and no horses, as the Quartermaster informs me.","I shall endeavor to the utmost of my ability to move at the earliest time possible and most sincerely hope I may be able to join you in season to render some assistance in the existing emergency.","This will be handed to you by Capt. T. Smith of the 56th Regt. in whom you can place all confidence.","I did not see your courier or I should have dispatched by him. He left before I could reach the village.","I am sir very respectfully \nYour obt. Servt. \nPhilip P. Slaughter \nLt. Col. Comd. 56th Va. Regt.","Abigdon, Va. Dec 27th 1861","Dear Colonel, \n'Tis said and I more than partly believe that we are to move to Marshall's Command per Pound Gap and that in some what of a hurry. Your command is worse off in the matter of sick men than when you left. There are forty men in the Hospital and the number would be greater in there were room. The number of sick men in camp and private houses is hardly to be believed,\nbut I think I am in bounds when I say that if 250 men rank and file are able to march now, 'tis more than I expect. But 'tis hardly friendly to trouble you with such things so I'll only say that we \"what can go\" are going and no mistake. I hear you have some idea of joining us immediately. Don't hurry unless you are really strong enough; for I know your impetuosity of old.","In great haste \nM. Howard","Adjt and Inspr. Genl's Office \nRichmond, Jany 2 1862 \nExtract \nSpecial Order \nNo. 1","Colonel Stuart's 56th Regiment Virginia Volunteers is detached from General Humphrey Marshall's Command and will immediately proceed to Bowling Green Kentucky and report to General A.S. Johnston for duty with General Floyds Brigade.","By Command of the Secretary of War \nJohn Withers \nAsst. Adjt Genl.","Abingdon (Va) Jan. 4th 1862 \nCol. Wm. D. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nOn yesterday, I received from Captain Patteson the following telegram. \"Col. Stuart says, leave Jacob and his baggage\". The dispatch said nothing of the horse. I was in much doubt about him. Before determining, I mentioned the matter to Dr. Howard, who by the way, has been confined to his bed for a week, \u0026 is unable to proceed with the Regt. and intends keeping his horse with him. After reading the telegram, he advised me to leave your horse in care of Jacob. All your baggage, that is, all I imagine was meant, consisting of a horse, saddle \u0026 bridle, sword, bed, trunk, field glasses, canteen, etc. I turned over to Mr. Benham, saw them placed together in a room and showed them to Jacob.","Six companies of the Regt. have gone in under command of Capt. Boswell. The others will go tonight. I am much afraid we may be detained somewhat at Union, the first burnt bridge; but our great object is to get away as fast as possible from the road to Pound Gap. I will send you a copy of the order from the Sec of War.","Jacob, during our troubles has been invaluable to me; indeed, while attending to my immensible duties, I think I would have starved but for his providing hand \u0026 it is almost certain I would have lost everything I have, but for his care. I envy you very much the possession of so valuable \u0026 reliable a servant.","I told him he would either keep his horse in the Quartermaster's stables or at Mr. Benham's. In case I misinterpreted your wishes concerning him, and you should desire him to be sent on, write to Dr. Howard, who expects to carry his own, \u0026 it will be as easy to carry two as one. Should you adopt this suggestion, you had better write immediately.","Jacob desires me to say he is tolerable well and would like to hear from you as soon as convenient to know what course he is to pursue.","Maj. Green has not returned as yet. Two of Capt. Richardson's men deserted last night. I think we have some thirty sick in the hospital.","Hoping this may find you rapidly recovering and that you are able to rejoin us speedily.","I am sir, very respectfully \nP. P. Slaughter","[on back]\nCopy of Order from Sec. Of War \nExtract \nAdj. \u0026 Inspect. Genl's Office \nRichmond Jan 2th 1862 \nSpecial Order \nNo. 1:","XV. Colonel Stuart's 56th Regt. Virginia Volunteers, is detached from General Humphrey Marshall's Command and will immediately proceed to Bowling Green, Kentucky and report to General A. S. Johnston for duty with General Floyd's Brigade.","By Command of the Secretary of War \nJno. Withers \nAsst. Adjt. Genl. Col. 56th Va. Vols. \nTo \nCommanding Officer C. S. Forces \nAbingdon Va.","Richmond, Va. \nFeb 5th 62","Genl. Cooper, \nSir, \nI beg leave to submit he following statement to the Department in refutation of the report, circulated I understand at the Head Qrs. by the Brigade Quartermaster of Genl. Humphrey Marshall's, to the effect that I had refused transportation for my command, from Abingdon to Prestonsburg the point to which I was ordered by Genl. Marshall. The enclosed letter written at\nthe time to the Department has bearing upon this point. The following is a literal copy of the order from Genl. Marshall by my messenger Capt. Taylor sent to inquire to which point I should march.","Head Quarters Brigade \nPound Gap 1 Dec 1861","Col. Stuart, \nSir, \nIn reply to your note reporting your command to me, I direct that you move your regiment forward by Pound Gap towards Prestonsburg in Kentucky, as soon as possible after the reception of this order, unless you should receive directions from Major Genl. George B. Crittenden at Knoxville.","I am sir \nYour Obt. Servt. \nHumphrey Marshall \nBrig. Genl.","This order was received late at night and a verbal message by Capt. Taylor that a messenger had been sent to Genl. Crittenden to inform him of my presence in Abingdon and that he should write order me to join him if necessary. Not hearing from Genl. Crittenden in forty-eight hours after, I sent Lieut. Col. Slaughter to Knoxville to find out from him at once whether I should expect orders from him and he replied by Telegraph through Capt. Cunningham his A. A. Genl.ordering me to Nashville \u0026 Col. Slaughter returned the following day bringing the following order by which this is an exact copy.","Hd. Qrs. Knoxville Tenn. \nDec. 5th 1861 \nTo Col Stuart \nCommand. 56th Regt. Va. Vols.","Sir, \nYou will move with your Regiment as soon as transportation can be furnished to Nashville, Tenn.","By Command of \nMaj. Genl. G. B. Crittenden \nS. Cunningham A.Genl.","The interval between the reception of these orders was employed by me busily in attempting to procure transportation and finding no Quarter Master at Abingdon, I sent to Wytheville for Capt. Gibboney A. Q. M. at that point to report at Abingdon and assist me. My own QuarterMaster was without funds for that purpose. Capt. Gibboney arrived bringing with him waggons purchased on the road and by the time of the reception of the order from Genl. Crittenden, I had enough transportation on hand, by leaving some articles behind to enable me to reach Prestonsburg. Of course after the order of Genl. Crittenden, I had no use for the waggons and ordered them immediately to be loaded with supplies of ordnance and other belongings to Genl. Marshall and forwarded to him","Immediately upon the receipt of Genl. Crittenden's order, so uncertain was telegraphic communication, I sent my Quarter Master to Lynchburg to arrange for transportation by rail to Nashville and had already procured it and would have been on the way to Nashville but for the bursting of one of the [flues] of the engines, when I received the following order by Telegraph\nreceived in Abingdon Dec 10th about dark.","Knoxville Dec 10th \nTo Col. Stuart,\nGenl. A . S. Johnston orders that your Regiment remain with Genl. Marshall. \nW. H. Carroll \nBrig. Genl.","Upon the reception of this order I immediately telegraphed the Department to know whose orders I should obey? In the meantime the waggons I had secured for my Regiment were on the way to Pound Gap and I was thus compelled to\ncommence again to prepare transportation for that trip.","I had been quite unwell with jaundice ad the Surgeon finding that we would be compelled to go to Pound Gap told me that he would not answer for the consequences should I undertake to go and advised my return to Richmond, where I have been confined to my room with a severe attack of Rheumatism until within the last ten days. I left the Regiment under command of Lt. Col. Slaughter and I know that the delay in proceeding to join Genl. Marshall arose from no indisposition on his part to execute the orders, but from an absolute inability to procure the necessary transportation.\nThere can be found in the service no officer more active, intelligent and competent to the discharge of the duties of his position. We are anxious if there is the slightest doubt remaining on the mind of the Honl. Sec. as to the want of proper activity on the part of the officer of the Regiment to move forward, that he will order a Court of Inquiry that the matter may be thoroughly sifted.","I have the honor to be \nYour obt. servt. \nWm. D. Stuart, Col. \n56th Va. Regt.","Genl. Hospital \nRichmd. March 4 1862","Wm. T Cross, Private Co. E. 56 Reg. Va. Vols. has been in this hospital since 1 Nov 1861 with Secondary Syphilis. He has now Syphilitic Rheumatism \u0026 as his turn of enlistment will expire in June, I recommend his discharge from the service.","I. Beu. Gibson \nSurg. P. A. C. S. \nRichmond Genl. Hospital","Official business \nWm. D. Stuart \nCol: 56 Regt.","Sir, \nEnclosed please find Certificate of disability for Private W. T. Cross. It must be approved by the Capt. of his Co. \u0026 Col. of the Reg. \u0026 returned to me- at least this is the usual form.","If there is a prospect of obtaining his discharge at once, I would prefer his remaining in the Hospital until it is received here.","Very resp. \nI. B. Gibson \nSurg. P. A. C. S. \nRichmd Genl. Hospital","Richmond Arsenal \nMarch 8th 1862","My Dear Colonel, \nThis will be handed you by my friend Col. W. D Stuart 56 Va. Vols. who is about joining his Regiment, at present attached to your Department. Col. Stuart has by severe sickness been detained from following a career so nobly begun at Bethel.","His health is now sufficiently restored to justify his joining his command. I bespeak for him your kind consideration in advance, because having known him intimately from boyhood to the present time, I declare him to be a \"gentleman and a soldier\", as Lear was a king- \"every inch\".","Your Friend \nBriscoe G. Baldwin \nCapt. Arty. P. [A?] \nCol. W. W. Mackall \nA. A. Genl.","Head Quarters Floyd's Division \nChattanooga, Mar 17th 1862 \nGeneral Order \nNo. 246","The reenlisted men of this command are entitled to a furlough of sixty days at home, but in case of a collision with the enemy at Knoxville this will be suspended for one week.","By order \nBrig. Gen. Floyd \n[C. Derrick] \nA.A. Gen.","Official \n[Mr]Robin Terry \nA.A. A Gen.","Headquarters Floyd's Division \nCamp [? Childress] Mar 17 1862 \nGeneral Orders \nNo. 27 \nExtract","The entire command will move tomorrow morning on the cars in the following order. 1st Headquarters, 2d Artillery, 3d. 1st Brigade, 4th 2d Brigade.","The 1st Brigade will load its baggage on the cars at 9 o'clock in the [trn]-yard just across the bridge arranging so that their baggage or wagons will not be in the way of Head Qrs.","By order Brig. Gen. Floyd \nPeter Otey \nA.A. Gen","Official \nMr. Robbin Terry \nA.A. A Gen.","Head Qrs Floyd Division \nKnoxville, March 19th/62 \nSpecial Orders \nNo--","Having been relieved from my command I hereby turn over the troops under me to the command of Col. Maney commanding forces at Knoxville Tennessee. The commanding officers of Regts will report for duty at once to Col. Maney","By order Brigdr Gen. Floyd \nPeter Otey \nA.A.G.","The Field Officers and officers commanding regiments will report at these HdQrs as soon as practicable. The General desires to introduce these gentlemen to the commanding officer Col. Maney.","By direction \nBrigdr Gen. Floyd \nPeter Otey \nA.A.G.","Head Quarters Knoxville \nMarch 19th 1862","Col. Stuart \nCommnd. 56th Va. Regt.","You will hold your Regt. ready to move at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning. Send to these Headquarters by 8 ½O'clock tomorrow morning a report of the strength of your command for duty.","Geo. Maury \nCol. Comdg. at Knoxville.","Hd. Quarters Knoxville \n20th March 1862","Colonel \nW. D. Stuart \n56 Va. Regiment","You are hereby directed to take command of all the forces here, formerly of Genl. Floyd's command in the movement towards Jacksboro. Capt. B. W. Snyder Qr. Master will report to you as Qr. Master for your command. He will be furnished with twelve 4 horse wagons for transportation of your command. If this transportation is more than sufficient for the tents, cooking utensils and ammunition necessary for your command you will please direct your commissary, whom you may select from your command, to load the unappropriated wagons with Flour and Bacon for which he will make requisition on the post commissary at this place.","Respectfully, \nGeo. Maney \nCol. Commanding \nForces at Knoxville","Hd Qrs Knoxville Mch 20th/62 \nSpecial Order \nNo--","Col. Stuart will move with his command tomorrow morning at 6 o'clk on the road to Clinton. You will have rations for one day cooked tonight.","By comd of \nCol. George Maney Comdg Post \nR.B. Snowden Adjt.","Head Qrs Knoxville, March 21st 1862 \nSpecial Order No-","Col Stuart \nYou will hold your command, composed of the 36th, 50th, 51st and 56th Regts in readiness to move at 4 o'clk this afternoon towards Jacksboro.","Col. George Maney Comdg Post \nR.B. Snowden Adj't.","Col. Stuart \nI am instructed by Col. Maney to say you will not put your command on the march until further orders. You are however instructed to hold it ready to move at a moment's notice.","R. B. Snowden Adjt. \nKnoxville March 21st 1862","Hd. Quarters Knoxville \nMarch 21st 1862","Col. Stuart \nCommand. of Floyd Brigade","Your order to march toward Clinton is revoked. I desire to see you at my Hd. Quarters in person at first convenient moment to regard to encamping your command here.","Very Respectfully \nGeo. Maney Col. \nCommnd. At Knoxville","Lebanon, 31st March 1862","Col. Stuart, \nOf so much of your order of the 28th as proposes the formation of a camp near Abingdon by the unfurloughed officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates of \"Floyd's Brigade\", I shall express no opinion at this time. I presume your halt at Abingdon, for instructions from Richmond, was in pursuance of your duty under the direction of Major General Smith. I am glad he has force to spare.","The others parts of your order I cheerfully approve and will sustain. I know of no vice so fatal to our soldiery as intemperance; and, independent of the loss of many genial fellows to the cause in which our swords are drawn, their fall is the gain of the meanest and the most heartless men in community. The vigor of authority shall not be wanting on my part to sustain every effort to limit the pernicious vice.","I enclose an Order, which please hand to Maj. Fisher that he may have a few struck off and sent after such of my men as have left Abingdon.","Your vindicatory note has been successful I imagine in proving that you did not delay marching last winter intentionally, but the failure to join me was a great misfortune to this command.","I am ready however to look forward and not backwards, and hope our acquaintance may be as agreeable in its continuance as it has been awkward in its beginning.","Yours Respectfully, \nH. Marshall \nBrig. Genl. Comd.","Apr 1st 1862 \nCol. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nThe bearer of this note Mr. Hanshew is the father of the soldier in the 50th Regt. The young man is at present in hospital and has been quite a sufferer. He was sick in the autumn and before fairly recovered was taken to the west. He was subjected to all the exposure and hardships at Ft. Donelson where he was frost bitten in the trenches. The retreat and long march have proved too much for him and he is really quite worn out. His father wishes to take\nhim home for a few weeks if possible to [illegible] him \u0026 I think it important for the young man to go. I know the father well, he is worthy of trust and is a man of excellent character.","I am sir very truly yours \nJohn B. Floyd","Confederate States of America \nTREASURY DEPARTMENT \nFIRST AUDITOR'S OFFICE \nApr. 8th 1862","Dear Mr. Stuart, \nI think I shall die if I don't manage to get with the Army in some capacity or other, \u0026 as the circumstances of my family do not admit of my going as a private, I must try to obtain some position which will pay. I have not the presumption to ask for a commission in the Infantry or Artillery, where a knowledge of military tactics is essential, but as all the appointments are not made in the Engineers Corps \u0026 for that a knowledge of Mathematics more than anything else is required, I have thought that I might possibly by some study in the meanwhile fit myself for a position in the Engineers. I would not myself have thought such to be the case, but for the assurance of a friend, who is in the Corps \u0026 and after considerable experience says that I am fully capable of filling such a position creditably. The object of my writing this letter therefore is to request that you will give me a testimonial to be presented to the Sec. of War, who would doubtless be influenced by what you say. Possibly with that \u0026 what I may get old Bledsoe, the Asst. Sec. to say for me, I may obtain a Lieutenancy in the Engineers.","If Frank had been successful I would not myself apply, but I suppose his application is pretty securely pigeon holed \u0026 he will never hear from it, though Tom Harris is now in the city \u0026 a member of the Military Committee of Congress.","I saw Aunt F. last night and she and the children are in good spirits, looking forward to visiting you in Abingdon, in accordance with your letter of recent date. Aunt F. was glad to hear of your being so well \u0026 comfortably fixed \u0026 perhaps her cheerfulness is only the reflection from your good spirits, as she learns from your letters \u0026 others who have seen you.","Ma and the children are pleasantly fixed in Danville \u0026 are all very well: Frank was at Orange C. H. when I heard from him, though there is a rumor that his division went down to reinforce Magurder. The sky is brightening. I have not time to write more at present. Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain yours affectionately. \nW.R. Abbott","Abingdon 20th April 1862 \nCol. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nMrs. Saunders, the bearer of this is the mother of the boy who is applying for a discharge on the score of minority. I sent you the certificate, \u0026 c some days ago. I have no doubt of his being under age. She wants to know the conditions of his application. May I ask you to let her know it?","With the highest respect \nYour obd. Servt. \nJohn B. Floyd","Confederate States of America \nWAR DEPARTMENT \nEngineer's Bureau \nRichmond, Va. 30 April 1862","Genl. G. W. Randolph \nSecretary of War","Sir, \nI have had the pleasure of knowing Col. W. D. Stuart for many years. At Lexington where we were cadets together, his peculiar qualifications as a soldier and tactician, on graduating, led to his immediate appointment as assistant instructor of infantry and artillery tactics, a position\nwhich he held with much credit for three years. Since the commencement of the war he has been constantly engaged on active service, first on the Peninsula and afterwards in the West. In the first locality I had the pleasure of again meeting him and heard him uniformly spoken of as a gallant, efficient, and accomplished officer.","In these days of uncertain tenure of office, your endorsement of the substance of this letter would probably be of great service to him, especially as his standing on the Peninsula and conduct in the Battle of Bethel are personally known to you.","With great respect, your obedient servant, \nA. L. Rives \nActing Chf. Eng. Bu.","War Department \nApril 30th 1862","I take great pleasure in bearing the testimony to the gallantry and conduct of Col. Stuart at the Battle of Bethel of which I was an eye witness, and to his efficiency as an officer and his deportment as a gentleman. He is an educated soldier and I should be sorry for the Country to lose his services. \nGeo. W. Randolph","Camp near Winchester, Va. \nOct 26 1862","My dear Colonel: \nI have rec'd your report of the battle of \"South Mountain\" and with it your very kind note.","I can truly assure you I was much gratified with the expressions of regard and esteem you therein expressed towards me. My brief association with you was among the most pleasant I have formed during the war and I sincerely trust it may be renewed at no distant time, under such auspices that we may be able to cultivate a still closer intimacy. With many prayers for you safety and happiness I remain truly your friend \nR. B. Garnett","Provost Marshal's Office \nLynchburg, Va. \nOct 30th 1862 \nCol. W. D. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nI received this morning a letter from one of the 56th Va. Regt. informing me that \"you \u0026 Maj. Green intended to write to the War Department and endeavor if possible to have me relieved of duty here and ordered to return to Regt.\" I at first doubted its authenticity, but seeing it was from a semi-official source I necessarily attached some importance to it.","I was astonished to hear that you contemplated such a thing as it would undoubtedly place me in a false light before the Department. I presumed you had received official notification of my appointment here.","I have always thought you were magnanimous enough not only to be willing for any officer of your Regt. to obtain promotion and a better position, but would aid him if possible in doing so.","I informed you in three letters before that I applied in Sept. last to Q. M. for transportation to Regt. and applying the same day to Adjt. Gen. Cooper in person to ascertain the point to go to, was directed by him to report to Maj. Gen. Smith for duty. By whom I was sent to Brig. Gen. Winder who ordered me to take charge of the C. S. Military Prison. I remained there about three weeks and discharged the duties satisfactorily to my commissioning officer and was on the 21st Oct. appointed \"Provost Marshal\" of this city with written orders from Maj. Gen. G. W. Smith, a copy of which I send you.","Each position was unsolicited and unexpected by me; but at the same time agreeable ad satisfactory; because the \"posts\" I was assigned were not only easier and higher than the Capt. of Infantry, but also horses and servants furnished me, and paid $180 per month. The pay however is no consideration with me. The chances of promotion are still greater in my present position.","I will also state to you, that is I preferred it, I am legally exempt from military duty by the recent \"exemption act\" passed by both \"Houses of Congress\" and approved by the President. First I have a plantation with over 40 negroes, and on it \"no white male adult not liable to military duty.\" Second I have a large manufacturing mill and my superintendence is necessary for its successful operation. For either 1st or 2nd reasons I am exempt by \"Act of Congress\".","But notwithstanding pecuniary losses I am willing to remain in the army, provided my services will accomplish anything in the cause we are engaged.","I hope this will be satisfactory to you. I fear you did not receive my former letters making substantially the same statements as above; and I feel a conscientious sense of duty, in justice to myself to write to you again","The appointment here was somewhat complimentary to me and I have intimations already of a higher and more responsible position being assigned me.","I would be glad if you would answer this.","Very respectfully \nYour obt. Servant \nThomas D. Jeffress \nCapt. and Provost Marshall of Lynchburg","P.S. I understand that only 8 or 10 efficient men of Co. \"G\" are with the Regt. and only about 22 or 23 in all on roll. I left several in Richmond at Hospital who will probably never recover sufficiently to return to duty. \nT. D. J.","18th Va. Regt. \nNov. 26th 1862 \nCol. W. D. Stuart","Col., \nIn reply to your note rec'd some time since asking of the \"mention made\" of Capt. T. D. Jeffress \"upon\" a report of one of the Richmond battles forwarded by myself to Brigade Hd. Qrs., I have to say that Capt. Jeffress made out the report of the battle himself, he being the Senr. Officer present who was in the fight. When the report was handed to me Lt. Chaffin Actg. Adjt. told me that the officers of the Regt. desired that I should make mention of the good conduct of Capt. Jeffress in battle, as the Capt. from motives of delicacy would of course say nothing of himself. I endorsed upon the report that I was not in the battle myself, was not in command of the Regiment at the time the events spoken of occurred, but that at the request of others, I would state that Capt. Jeffress deserved \"honorable mention\" for good conduct in battle. I have since learned that Lt. Chaffin was not in the fight himself and I am sorry that I acted upon his suggestion and made the endorsement referred to for the reason that I appeared to discriminate in favor of Capt. Jeffress when in fact I knew nothing of the conduct of any officer in the Regiment in the battle alluded to.","I am Col. \nVery Respectfully \nGeo. C. Cabell, Major","Camp Near Petersburg \nof Pickett's Div. Garnett's Brig. \nMarch 7th 1863 \nGenl. S. A. Cooper","Sir, \nI respectfully make an application for 25 Conscripts the requisite number to fill the reduced ranks of my Company at its present standard. You will confer a favour by assigning to the ranks of my Company 25 Conscripts,or any number as you, in your judgement may think proper or circumstances may require. You can see by my muster roll that my company only numbers 31 total present or absent, having never received any Conscripts since its entry into\nservice.","Most Respectfully \nYour obedient Servt. \nF. W. Nelson \nLt. Comd. Co. \"A\" 56th Va.","Camp Near Petersburg, Va. \nMarch 7th 1863","I respectfully ask permission to be absent from my duties for a few days for the following reasons. My property has been dwindling away daily since 25th Dec last, for want of my personal attention. My negroes are roaming through the country without a proper home and I will probably lose them all if I cannot attend to the matter immediately. I leave my company in command of the Capt. I have deferred asking leave of absence until now, because of there being only two (2) officers belonging to the company and the comdg. Officer of the Regt. deems it best that the vacancies of 2nd and 2nd jr. Lieuts. should not be filled at present, I presume because of the smallness of the Co. I reenlisted as a private and have never received a furlough or anything in lieu thereof and have never been absent without leave.","S. D. Cronin 1st Lieut. \nCo. \"I\" 56th Va. Regt.","March 8th, 1863","I respectfully ask for a leave of absence for 20 days to visit my home in Mecklenburg Co. Va. having been in the service for 20 months and having never received but four days furlough since the organization of my Regiment. I hope this application will be granted. I was originally a 12 months Volunteer and subsequently reenlisted for the War.","Lieut. F. W. Nelson \nCo. A. 56th Va. Regt.","Kittrell's Springs \nJuly 27th 1863 \nCol. Wm. D. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nI was transferred from General Hospital No. 10 to Black's and White's Hospital, from that place on the recommendation of the Medical Director in Richmond (Dr. Wm. Carrington) I was allowed the privilege of going home and report once in fifteen days in person or through my Physician's certificate. My furlough was extended the other day, 30 days to enable me to visit\nthe Springs for my health. I am improving very rapidly mow and shall be on, as soon as I am able for duty. You have passed though a very fiery ordeal since I left you. I regret being absent from my company in time of battle. I am truly sorry to learn that you are wounded, hope it will not prove serious, and allow me here to indulge the hope that you will be Genl. Garrett's successor. You certainly deserve the place. I am very anxious to hear from my company. I heard indirectly that Lieut. Finley was wounded, whether seriously or not I did not learn. Pickett's Division was very badly cut up. The mortality among officers was unprecedented. I expect to be here at least two weeks longer. I wish to get entirely well before returning. When I return again I hope to be able to stay with you. Direct your letter to \"Lawrenceville. Brunswick Co. Va.\" With my best wishes that you may speedily recover and when I see you again you may be my Brigadier. I subscribe myself your true friend, \nN. A. Flournoy","The bulk of the William D. Stuart papers consists of the Civil War papers (60 items; 1861-1863) of Stuart. The papers contain:\n Correspondence to and from various Confederate Army officers Morning and guard reports Military orders Invoices and receipts documenting Stuart's brief service with the 15th Virginia Infantry Regiment and his command of the 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment \nOther items include letters of recommendation for a United\nStates Army Commission (1850), a letter from Gabriel Jordan, Jr. (VMI Class of 1850) dated November 1854, and printed material.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter endorses William D. Stuart's application for a commission in the United States Army.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter endorses William D. Stuart's application for a commission in the United States Army.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter endorses William D. Stuart's application for a commission in the United States Army.","Written from Huntsville, Alabama. Letter comments on respective marriages, jobs, and future prospects.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter asks Virginia Governor John Letcher for an appointment in the Army in the event of secession.","Special Order No. 81 from Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart is assigned to duty with troops at the camp of instruction.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter expresses regret at William D. Stuart's resignation as commanding officer of the Richmond City Guard.","Written from the Camp of Instruction, Richmond. Letter to an unidentified colonel regards the placement of William D. Stuart and other officers.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards materials to make a tent.","Written from Williamsburg, Virginia. Letter orders William D. Stuart to work on fortifications at King's Mill.","Special Order No. 222 from Youngs Farm. Regards payment of troops and powers of attorney. By command of General Magruder and signed by G. B. Cosby, A.A.A.G.","Special Order No. 280 from the Adjutant Inspector General's office, Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart is promoted and assigned to the command of the 56th Virginia Regiment.","Written from Camp Lee. Letter regards a flag for William D. Stuart's regiment.","Special Order No. 232 from Richmond, Virginia by command of Secretary of War per John Withers. The 56th Virginia Infantry regiment is ordered to Jeffersonville, Virginia to report to Brigadier General Marshall.","Written from Pound Gap, Virginia. William D. Stuart is ordered to move his regiment forward by Pound Gap towards Prestonsburg, Kentucky.","Written from Wytheville, Virginia. Telegram regards wagons.","Written from Wytheville, Virginia. Letter regards transportation vouchers.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart's regiment is ordered to Nashville, Tennessee.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. General A. S. Johnson orders William D. Stuart's regiment to remain with General Marshall.","From Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart's regiment is to proceed to Pound Gap to report to General Marshall.","Special Order No. 8 from Headquarters 1st Brigade, Army of Eastern Kentucky, Camp near Paintville, by order of General Marshall. William D. Stuart's regiment is to move immediately without further delay.","Written from Paintville, Kentucky. William D. Stuart must move his regiment without delay.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart is directed by the Secretary of War to report to General Marshall.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter concerns orders to go to Pound Gap, Virginia.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter regards contradictory orders and illness of William D. Stuart and men.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter reprts on sickness of regiment and men in hospital.","Special Order No. 1 from Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart's regiment\nis detached from General Marshall's command and will proceed to Bowling Green, Kentucky to General A. S. Johnston.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter regards order to proceed to Bowling Green, Kentucky. Letter also encloses Special Order No. 1 (dated January 2, 1862).","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards confusion in orders to 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards William T. Cross' certificate of disability.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards William D. Stuart rejoining his regiment after a severe illness.","General Order No. 246 from Floyd's Division, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Reenlisted men are entitled to a 60 day furlough, but this may be suspended in case of \"collision with the enemy.\"","General Order No. 27 (extract) from Floyd's Division, Camp Bettie Childress. Order regards movement of the command via rail.","Special Order from Floyd's Division, Knoxville, Tennessee. General Floyd is relieved of command and regimental commanders are to report to Colonel George Maney.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is to hold his regiment ready to move and to report on the strength of his command.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is directed to \"take command of all the forces here, formerly of Genl Floyd's command, in the movement towards Jacksboro.\"","Special order from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is to move tomorrow on the road to Clinton.","Special Order from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is to hold command of the 36th, 50th, 51st and 56th Virginia Regiments in readiness to move towards Jacksboro.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is not to move his command until further orders.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart march towards Clinton is revoked.","Written from Lebanon. Letter regards previous orders.","Letter regards releasing a sick soldier (Hanshew, 50th Virginia Regiment) to go home with his father.","Letter requests recommendation to enter the Confederate Army and family news.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter regards discharge of an underage soldier.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter commends William D. Stuart, with an endorsement specifically about his gallantry at the Battle of Bethel, Virginia.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. Letter acknowledges receipt of report of Battle of South Mountain (Maryland) and expresses personal regard.","Written from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter protests Thomas D. Jeffress' return to the Regiment.","Letter regards a report in which George C. Cabell erroneously commended Captain Thomas D. Jeffress.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter requests 25 conscripts to fill reduced ranks.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter requests to be absent from duty to see to business at home.","Letter requests a leave of absence to visit home.","Written from Kittrell's Springs, North Carolina. This letter was written after the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and it comments on casualties in regiment and general news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Telegram regards search of trains for stolen coffee.","Report for the 56th Virginia Regiment at Camp Robertson.","Report for the 56th Virginia Regiment at Camp Robertson.","Special duty roster for the 56th Virginia Regiment.","Guard report for the 56th Virginia Regiment.","Receipt for wall tent pins and poles.","Receipt for ordnance (cartridges).","Invoice of commutation of quarters and fuel for 1st Lieutenant George W. May, Company C. 56th Virginia, for the period of December 8 to 31, 1861.","Invoice of commutation of quarters and fuel for 1st Lieutenant George W. May, Company C. 56th Virginia, for the period of January 1 to 31, 1862.","Receipt for wall tents.","Two receipts for muskets and cartridge boxes.","Receipt for clothing.","Receipt for commissary stores.","This series includes a draft of a speech given upon presentation of a flag to the 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment, court-martial specifications, and other documents.","This series includes programs and other documents from Roanoke, Virginia area camps.","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Stuart, William D. (William Dabney), 1830-1863","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jordan, Gabriel, Jr., 1831-1884","Marshall, Humphrey, 1812-1872","Cosby, George B. (George Blake, 1831-1909)","Slaughter, Philip P. (Philip Peyton), 1834-1893","Baldwin, Briscoe G. (Briscoe Gerard), 1828-1898","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0108","/repositories/3/resources/588"],"normalized_title_ssm":["William D. Stuart papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["William D. Stuart papers"],"collection_ssim":["William D. Stuart papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Stuart, William D. (William Dabney), 1830-1863","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jordan, Gabriel, Jr., 1831-1884"],"creator_ssim":["Stuart, William D. (William Dabney), 1830-1863","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jordan, Gabriel, Jr., 1831-1884"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Stuart, William D. (William Dabney), 1830-1863","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jordan, Gabriel, Jr., 1831-1884"],"creators_ssim":["Stuart, William D. (William Dabney), 1830-1863","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jordan, Gabriel, Jr., 1831-1884"],"access_terms_ssm":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 56th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 15th","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1850","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Correspondence","Orders (military records)","Receipts (financial records)","Letters of recommendation"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 56th","Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 15th","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1850","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Correspondence","Orders (military records)","Receipts (financial records)","Letters of recommendation"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["60 items 60 items in one box"],"extent_tesim":["60 items 60 items in one box"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence","Orders (military records)","Receipts (financial records)","Letters of recommendation"],"date_range_isim":[1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863],"accessrestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e"],"accessrestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Access"],"accessrestrict_tesim":["There are no restrictions."],"altformavail_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFull text transcriptions of the bulk of these papers are available  \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1828\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["Full text transcriptions of the bulk of these papers are available   online ."],"arrangement_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe papers are arranged by document type and chronologically thereunder.\u003c/p\u003e"],"arrangement_heading_ssm":["Arrangement"],"arrangement_tesim":["The papers are arranged by document type and chronologically thereunder."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWilliam Dabney Stuart was born on September 30, 1830 in Staunton, Virginia to Thomas Jefferson Stuart and Martha M. Dabney. He did preparatory work at the Staunton Academy and then entered VMI in July 1847. Stuart graduated from VMI in July 1850, standing 3rd in a class of 17.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFollowing graduation he taught at VMI (1850-1853) and was subsequently a principal of classical schools in Washington D.C. and Richmond, Virginia. He married Frances Harris of Loudon County, Virginia and the couple had three children: Martha, Mary Bell, and William.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDuring the Civil War, Stuart briefly commanded the 15th Virginia Infantry Regiment, and was then appointed Colonel with the 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States Army. He was mortally wounded at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania during Pickett's Charge, and died in a hospital in Staunton on July 29, 1863.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["William Dabney Stuart was born on September 30, 1830 in Staunton, Virginia to Thomas Jefferson Stuart and Martha M. Dabney. He did preparatory work at the Staunton Academy and then entered VMI in July 1847. Stuart graduated from VMI in July 1850, standing 3rd in a class of 17.","Following graduation he taught at VMI (1850-1853) and was subsequently a principal of classical schools in Washington D.C. and Richmond, Virginia. He married Frances Harris of Loudon County, Virginia and the couple had three children: Martha, Mary Bell, and William.","During the Civil War, Stuart briefly commanded the 15th Virginia Infantry Regiment, and was then appointed Colonel with the 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States Army. He was mortally wounded at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania during Pickett's Charge, and died in a hospital in Staunton on July 29, 1863."],"custodhist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe William D. Stuart papers were originally in the possession of Stuart's widow and were passed down through the family before being donated to VMI.\u003c/p\u003e"],"custodhist_heading_ssm":["Provenance"],"custodhist_tesim":["The William D. Stuart papers were originally in the possession of Stuart's widow and were passed down through the family before being donated to VMI."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nDecember 3 1850\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear sir\u003cbr\u003e\nHaving understood that Mr. W. D. Stuart is an applicant for a commission in the U.S. Army I take the liberty of addressing you a private note on his behalf. I do this in preference to the formal course of a recommendation, because you will be better able to appreciate what I may\nsay in the unreserved mode in which I write.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou are aware that Mr. S. entered this Institution as a cadet in July 1847. After completing the whole course of studies, he was graduated in July last with great credit. You will see by the accompanying merit roll that in all his classes he maintained a most respectable standing, while in Geology, Artillery, and Infantry Tactics, he was No. 1. And in Military Engineering 3rd.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn addition to these facts, he was a commissioned officer of the Corps of Cadets and gave great satisfaction to us in the manner in which he discharged his duties.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSo high was our estimate of his talents as a scholar and qualifications as an officer, that on a vacancy in our Corps of Instructors occurring in July, he was selected as an assistant Professor of Math. And assistant Instructor of Tactics and has been discharging these duties with great credit up to the present time.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom my personal knowledge of the qualifications of an officer of the Army, I know that there are few young men who enter the Service from West Point who are better qualified than Stuart and I have no doubt he will make as fine an officer as can be selected for the Infantry arm of\nthe Service.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou know his moral qualifications as well as I do. If any doubt had existed on this point, he would never have been appointed an officer in this Institution.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ehope it will be the pleasure of the President to confer an appointment upon Mr. Stuart.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThis Institution has been laboring now for 11 years in building up its Military reputation and we should like to have an opportunity of comparing our graduates with those from West Point.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWith cordial regards to Mrs. S.\u003cbr\u003e\nI am very truly your friend\u003cbr\u003e\nFrancis H. Smith\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHon. A. H. H. Stuart\nWashington City\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa. Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nDec 10th 1850\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMr. W.D. Stuart desires to obtain a commision in the U.S. Army. His present post, that of Asst. Instructor of Tactics in the Va. Military Institute is evidence of his peculiar fitness for command. His acquirements at the Insititute of which he is a graduate, embracing Engineering, Artillery, and Infantry Tactics, with Mathematics and the Natural Sciences were such as to induce the authorities of the Institute to select him from her many graduates for the very responsible situation he now holds, a situation which requires judgement, firmness and decision of Character- all of which Mr. Stuart possesses in a high degree. His uniformily gentlemanly\ndeportment has endeared him to his fellow officers and will make him grace the position he seeks.\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas. H. Williamson\u003cbr\u003e\nProf. Engr. \u0026amp; Arch.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVMI\u003cbr\u003e\nDecember 10, 1850\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eW. Stuart was appointed immediately after his graduation Assistant Instructor of Tactics in the Virginia Military Institute. This is the highest and most indubitable testimony of the estimate of his military qualifications, by those who know him best. The course of military instruction and discipline at the Institute conforms strictly to that of the U.S.A. at West Point and is conducted by graduates of the latter Institution. If from a jealous regard to the character of the Army, the\nGovernment ordinarily restricts its commissions to the graduates of West Point, the same principle might well incline it, in its exceptional appointment of citizens, to feel a preference for those, who like Mr. Stuart, have at a State Institution, thoroughly prepared themselves for the Military Profession.\u003cbr\u003e\nJohn T.L. Preston\u003cbr\u003e\nProf. V.M.I\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEngineers Office\u003cbr\u003e\nMemphis and Charleston Railroad\u003cbr\u003e\nHuntsville\u003cbr\u003e\nNovember 22d 1854\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Stuart,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have just stolen away from my wife and have run up to my office with the determination of writing you. I was not a little surprised to learn through your letter that you had written me. Your letter, which reached me about ten days ago was the only one I have received from you since your marriage. I wrote you at that particularly interesting time a note of congratulations, as well as a letter, just before your mariage, but have received no letter in return. Now my good fellow I have no doubt but what you think that you wrote me, but as for my part I am inclined to think that you did not. I am sure I should not think it strange if you had not for you are a newly married man, and as a matter of course can not afford to give your friends many thoughts, at least for a while.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIt is really refreshing, my old friend to hear from you and especially to know that you are a married man and in the full enjoyment of the pleasures that attend married love. My wife returned from Virginia about the first of September with much improved health---and my boy is a most magnificent fellow. A look at him might be of some service to you. Don't blush my dear fellow I don't mean any thing.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDabney, what under the sun has become of all of our class mates. You are living in the center of our great union and should be posted up on every thing. I never see the names of any of our class in the papers, nor do I ever correspond with any of them, hence I am utterly ignorant of their movements. I never any thing from Lexington since you left there. Have any of our old acquaintances married off since our days-.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMatters here are still wearing a pleasant and flattering aspect. Our road is moving on finely, and we trust ere many more months pass away, that we will have a large and important portion of our work finished. I wish that we had a good comfortable post to offer you here. We are finishing up so fast that we are reducing the Corps instead of increasing. Still, should you ever make up your mind to embark in the profession, we might look out for a post for you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour school I trust will for the present afford you a comfortable competency, and something besides. School teaching, like every thing else has its reverses, its calms and its storms. We can find no profession that is made up entirely of sunshine. We must expect the life of man to harmonize with nature, having its passing clouds and refreshing sunshine in equal turns. I with all my hopeful temperament, have had my moments of gloom and anxiety, but with a fond wife, no less hopeful than myself, to cheer me, I have faced all and am now full of bright anticipation. Nor does this come about from any fortune, or particular promises, but all from a conviction that there is room for everyone in this world and plenty for everyone to do, and that industry when ever it is found is in the course of time rewarded. This is an unusually difficult time with almost everyone. There seems to be a weariness in the money market in every quarter. Men experience great difficulty in meeting their general expenses. This state of affairs, I have no doubt has had its influence upon your school, and I feel assured that there will be an improvement after a little while. I hope my dear Stuart, that you will continue to keep me posted up in regard to your movements, for I may find a good offering out South that would please you, and if such should be the case, it would give me inexpressible pleasure to serve you. I will always be on the look out. A new country is better for a young man in any profession. The competition is not so great and pay better. Present me the kindest manner to your good wife and receive the renewed assurance of your old and sincere friend and classmate.\u003cbr\u003e\nGabe Jordan Jr.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 15th 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGov. Letcher\u003cbr\u003e\nDear Sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nI enclose recommendations from the Authorities of the Va. Military Institute to the Secretary of War under Mr. Fillmore for an appointment in the U.S. Army at that time. I submit them to you in my own behalf for an appointment under the State of Va. in the event of her secession from\nthe present Federal Government. I desire an appointment to any position in which my services may be required the most valuable, either in the active duties of the field or otherwise.\u003cbr\u003e\nVery respectfully yours,\u003cbr\u003e\nWm. D. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHead Qrs Va Forces\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond Va. May 20 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nSpecial Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo 82\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. T.P. August, Lt. Col. W.D. Stuart, and Major Thos. G. Peyton, Virginia Vols, are assigned to duty with the troops at the \"Camp of Instruction\" and will report without delay to Col. William Gilham commanding that post.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy order of Maj. Genl Lee\u003cbr\u003e\nR. Garnett\u003cbr\u003e\nAdjt Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 21st 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nCapt. W. D. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nAt a meeting of the Richmond City Guard held this evening, the undersigned were appointed a Committee to express to you the unfeigned regret of the Company on having read your resignation, and to tender you the sincere thanks of the Company for the faithfulness and efficiency with which you have discharged the duties of Commanding Officer.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWhile the Company deplores deeply the necessity which separates you from us, we rejoice to know that our Beloved State will have the benefit of your valuable services.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003ePermit us personally and on behalf of the Company to tender you our best wishes for your future happiness and prosperity.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eVery truly your friends,\u003cbr\u003e\nDavis N. Walker\u003cbr\u003e\nSamuel M. Bailey\u003cbr\u003e\nJames E. Burress\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUnofficial\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCamp of Instruction\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 23rd\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Col.\u003cbr\u003e\nWhen three field officers were assigned to duty here, I was so green as to put each in command of a Regt., having no other officers who knew any thing about organizing a Regt. This arrangement does not seem to have suited Col. August, who has been complaining to the powers that be, and I have received an order directing me to assign them all to one Regt--that of Col. August of course. Col. Stuart is one of them, and is totally unprepared for the field; he will make application to Gen. Fauntleroy this evening for a few days, please see what you can do for him. Gen. F. though may not have him in his Divn, if so he will have to go to Col. Magruder of course.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours sincerely\u003cbr\u003e\nW. Gilham\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 5th 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nLt. Col. Stewart [Stuart]\u003cbr\u003e\n3rd Regt. Va. Vols.\u003cbr\u003e\nYorktown\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nSometime, about the latter part of May or the commencement of June your lady Mrs. Stewart in company with Mrs. Lucy Wharton called at my Office in order to procure material for the purpose of making you a tent as they were unable to get a tent allready made: and stated that you were without one. Under these circumstances, I furnished the necessary material with the consent of Col. Heth the then Q.M. General who instructed me to take your receipt for one tent. The receipt has been delayed from various causes, partly because I did not know the address of Mrs. Stewart or yourself. Should you receive this letter I would be much obliged that you sign and return me the enclosed receipt; by your prompt attention to wit you will much oblige.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours very respectfully,\u003cbr\u003e\nMaury Garland\u003cbr\u003e\nCapt. and Asst. Q. M.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHead Quarters Williamsburg\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 25th 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol.,\u003cbr\u003e\nThe General having understood that Colonel August is unwell. He directs that you will urge with the greatest vigor the work on the Fortification at King's Mill. In order to do this you will have but one drill a day in the evening. The working hours will be from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The guns to place in the various works are now on the way here and it is specially desired to have the works ready for them at the earliest moment.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am sir very respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nYour obedient servant\u003cbr\u003e\nG. B. Cosby\u003cbr\u003e\nMaj. and AAAG\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdjutant Inspr Genl's Office\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond\u003cbr\u003e\nSept 17th 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nExtract\u003cbr\u003e\nSpecial Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 280\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eXI. Lieut Colonel William D. Stuart Virginia Volunteers is promoted to be Colonel and assigned to the Command of the 56th Virginia Regiment just organized at Camp Lee, near this city, andwill report accordingly.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy order of the Secretary of War\u003cbr\u003e\n[Geo. Deas]\u003cbr\u003e\nA.A.G.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Lee\u003cbr\u003e\nNov. 15th 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. George W. Munford\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir\u003cbr\u003e\nI had the honor receive at the hands of Col. S. Bassett French the Flag of Va. intended for the Regiment I have the honor to command, also the accompanying letter of presentation from you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAs the commanding officer of the Regt. and its organ upon this occasion, I need not assure you that I received it with pride and satisfaction. Regarding it as the emblem of the honor and purity of our Mother State, hitherto unsullied in Council or War it shall be carefully guarded that it receive no detriment at the hands of the Regiment to which you have confided. I think I can with all safety assure you, and that the Sons of Va., voluntarily of the 56th Va. Regt. will ever be found at their post of duty and that they will never do discredit to the sacred cause in which they have enlisted.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Daughters of Va. whose fair hands have wrought this beautiful emblem of Va.'s honor, will never have cause to blush for shame at the conduct of their brothers.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am very respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nYour obedient servant\u003cbr\u003e\nWilliam D. Stuart, Col.\u003cbr\u003e\nCommanding 56th Va. Regt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdjt and Insp Genls Office\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, Nov 21st 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nExtract\u003cbr\u003e\nSpecial Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo 232\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eXI. The 56th Regiment Virginia Volunteers, Col. Stuart Commanding, will proceed without delay, via Wytheville, to Jeffersonville, VA. and report for duty to Brig. Genl. Marshall.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Command of the Sec. of War\u003cbr\u003e\nJno. Withers\u003cbr\u003e\nAsst. Adjt. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHead Quarters Brigade\u003cbr\u003e\nPound Gap\u003cbr\u003e\n1 Dec 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. Stuart,\u003cbr\u003e\nSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nIn reply to your note reporting your command to me, I direct that you move your regiment forward by Pound Gap towards Prestonburg in Kentucky, as soon as possible after the reception of the order, unless you should receive other directions from Maj. Genl. George B. Crittenden at Knoxville.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nYour obedient servant,\u003cbr\u003e\nHumphrey Marshall\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSome of the wagoners I hired and started left the teams on the road. I am compelled to go to Abingdon by private conveyance ad will purchase some waggons \u0026amp; c by the way and hire other wagoners.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eW. Gibboney\u003cbr\u003e\nA. Q. M.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTransportation Office C.S.A\u003cbr\u003e\nWytheville, Va. December 2nd 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. W. D. Stuart\u003cbr\u003e\nCom. 56th Regt. Va. Vols.\u003cbr\u003e\nAbingdon Va.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eColonel,\u003cbr\u003e\nThe Frt. Agt. of the Va. and Tenn. R. R. has requested me to give him vouchers for the transportation of the stores in the Train which accompanied that containing your Regiment from Wytheville to Abigdon and allso for the baggage of the Regiment.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWill you please inform me whether you have already provided receipt for the transportation and whether the baggage was entitled to transportable from government. I have the honor to be\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eVery Respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nYour obedient servant\u003cbr\u003e\nA. Meade Smith\u003cbr\u003e\nCapt. \u0026amp; [Acting] QM CSA\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd. Qts. Knoxville, Tenn\u003cbr\u003e\nDec. 5th 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTo-\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Stuart\u003cbr\u003e\nCommd. 56th Regt. Va. Vols.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou will move with your Regiment as soon as transportation can be furnished to you, to Nashville Tenn.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Command of\u003cbr\u003e\nMaj. Genl. G. B. Crittenden\u003cbr\u003e\nA.S. Cunningham\u003cbr\u003e\nA.A. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReceived at: Abingdon Dec 10 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Telegraph from: Knoxville Dec 10\u003cbr\u003e\nTo: Col. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGenl. Johnson orders that your Regiment remain with Genl. Marshall W. H. Carroll\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReceived at: Abingdon Dec 11 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nBy Telegraph from: Richmond Dec 11\u003cbr\u003e\nTo: Col. W. D. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eProceed with your Regiment to Pound Gap and report to Genl. Marshall. The Quarter Masters Dept. is ordered to furnish transportation.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eS. Cooper\u003cbr\u003e\nA. G.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHeadquarters 1st Brigade\u003cbr\u003e\nArmy of Eastern Ky.\u003cbr\u003e\nCamp near Paintville\u003cbr\u003e\nDec 21st 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Order\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 8\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. Stuart is directed to move his Regiment from Abingdon immediately with such transportation as can be procured. It is of the first importance to the safety and success of the command on this frontier that the reinforcements destined for the forces already here shall move to the front without delay. Fine opportunities for brilliant successes have been lost for want of their presence ad others are daily passing away. The weather has favored the\nmovement of the troops, but has not been taken at advantage. The General directs that the movement be commenced without further delay and that the passage of the troops over Pound Gap be notified to him by the returning courier.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy order of\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig. Genl. H. Marshall\u003cbr\u003e\nAtt. B. H. Bradley\u003cbr\u003e\nA. Adjt. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e1861 December 22\u003cbr\u003e\nPaintsville, KY 22nd Dec.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. Stuart,\u003cbr\u003e\nI send express to you to move your regiment without delay. I am before a force so much superior to me in number, according to the report of reliable scouts, that I can scarcely hope to avoid a collision-- it may be disastrous to us- until you arrive.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf there are any forces near your route who are disengaged I would like exceedingly to have them assist me now. I am here with a force not amounting to 1500 men fit for duty. I shall struggle to keep off the evil day as long possible for you to arrive.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours truly \u0026amp; c\u003cbr\u003e\nH. Marshall\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[note on back]\u003cbr\u003e\nPress transportation any where you can, if it is not ready, but travel lightly for the roads are deep. H.M.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdj. [\u0026amp;] Inspect. Genl's Office\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond Dec 24/61\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nThe Secretary of War directs that you immediately proceed to carry out the instructions referred to in your comn of the 23rd inst. by reporting, with all your effective force, for duty to Brig. General Marshall, making proper provisions for your sick at Abingdon.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eVery Respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nYour Obd. Servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nR. H. Chilton\u003cbr\u003e\nA. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLt. Col. Philip P. Slaughter\u003cbr\u003e\nOr/ Commanding Officer\u003cbr\u003e\n56 Reg. Va. Vols.\u003cbr\u003e\nAbingdon , Va.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAbingdon (Va) Dec 27th 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTo-\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Wm. D Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir:\u003cbr\u003e\nSince my arrival I have received orders to go immediately to Pound Gap from both the Sec. of War and Gen. Marshall. The order from Gen. M is both peremptory and urgent, and it is asource of the greatest mortification to me to find that, at so critical a juncture we are totally impotent, and I much fear (\"entre nous\") our reputation may suffer in the mind of the public\nwho cannot be aware of the embarrassing circumstances by which we are surrounded. I think it would be well if you could represent us in our true colors to the War Dept. Genl. M. writes that he is threatened by a superior force and urges our immediate movement which I am unable to comply with, not having more than eight or nine waggons and no horses. At the very earliest moment possible I will move on to Pound Gap with the fragment of the Regt.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFrom what I have learned since writing the above, the opinion prevails in Richmond that the Regt. declined transportation on account of the \"onerous march across the mountains\". You can judge of the correctness of this statement. Such seems to be the prevailing opinion in the War. Dept. Can you do any thing for us? I am in the worst quandary I ever was in my life.\nPlease telegraph me at your earliest convenience.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI think a court of inquiry would be beneficial to us: at all events, it could not injure us.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours very respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nP. P. Slaughter\u003cbr\u003e\nFavor of\u003cbr\u003e\nCapt. R. B. Patterson\u003cbr\u003e\nQ.M.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eP. S.\u003cbr\u003e\nI enclose you Genl. Marshall's orders, that you may see how we stand. I retain a copy of them. You will also find enclosed, the order from War Dept. P. P. S.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAbingdon Dec. 27th 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eTo-\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig. Gen. Marshall\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nI am in receipt of your order of the 22nd inst. as well as your Special Order No. 8. It is a source of exceeding regret and much mortification to me, to find myself in so crippled a condition at such a critical junction. Twice since being here I have prepared transportation in accordance with orders, once to join your command, which, when I got ready, I was compelled to decline by an order from Gen. Crittenden \"to go immediately to Nashville and report to Gen. A. S. Johnston. I then went to work to get transportation by rail, to Nashville, which I after some days effected. My men were at the Depot ready to march on the cars, when I received a telegram to remain and go with you; since which time I have not been able to collect the necessary No. of waggons to convey the Regt. in obedience to orders.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Regt. is reduced lower than one half its original size, and is at present in a very debilitated condition. Col. Stuart, by reason of sickness has not been able to take command of the Regt. since leaving Richmond. Maj. Green is absent, all of which combine to place me in a very unenviable position upon the receipt of your orders.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAs to the matter of transportation, I have only eight or ten wagons and no horses, as the Quartermaster informs me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI shall endeavor to the utmost of my ability to move at the earliest time possible and most sincerely hope I may be able to join you in season to render some assistance in the existing emergency.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThis will be handed to you by Capt. T. Smith of the 56th Regt. in whom you can place all confidence.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI did not see your courier or I should have dispatched by him. He left before I could reach the village.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am sir very respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nYour obt. Servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nPhilip P. Slaughter\u003cbr\u003e\nLt. Col. Comd. 56th Va. Regt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAbigdon, Va. Dec 27th 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Colonel,\u003cbr\u003e\n'Tis said and I more than partly believe that we are to move to Marshall's Command per Pound Gap and that in some what of a hurry. Your command is worse off in the matter of sick men than when you left. There are forty men in the Hospital and the number would be greater in there were room. The number of sick men in camp and private houses is hardly to be believed,\nbut I think I am in bounds when I say that if 250 men rank and file are able to march now, 'tis more than I expect. But 'tis hardly friendly to trouble you with such things so I'll only say that we \"what can go\" are going and no mistake. I hear you have some idea of joining us immediately. Don't hurry unless you are really strong enough; for I know your impetuosity of old.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn great haste\u003cbr\u003e\nM. Howard\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAdjt and Inspr. Genl's Office\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, Jany 2 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nExtract\u003cbr\u003e\nSpecial Order\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 1\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eColonel Stuart's 56th Regiment Virginia Volunteers is detached from General Humphrey Marshall's Command and will immediately proceed to Bowling Green Kentucky and report to General A.S. Johnston for duty with General Floyds Brigade.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Command of the Secretary of War\u003cbr\u003e\nJohn Withers\u003cbr\u003e\nAsst. Adjt Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAbingdon (Va) Jan. 4th 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Wm. D. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nOn yesterday, I received from Captain Patteson the following telegram. \"Col. Stuart says, leave Jacob and his baggage\". The dispatch said nothing of the horse. I was in much doubt about him. Before determining, I mentioned the matter to Dr. Howard, who by the way, has been confined to his bed for a week, \u0026amp; is unable to proceed with the Regt. and intends keeping his horse with him. After reading the telegram, he advised me to leave your horse in care of Jacob. All your baggage, that is, all I imagine was meant, consisting of a horse, saddle \u0026amp; bridle, sword, bed, trunk, field glasses, canteen, etc. I turned over to Mr. Benham, saw them placed together in a room and showed them to Jacob.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSix companies of the Regt. have gone in under command of Capt. Boswell. The others will go tonight. I am much afraid we may be detained somewhat at Union, the first burnt bridge; but our great object is to get away as fast as possible from the road to Pound Gap. I will send you a copy of the order from the Sec of War.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJacob, during our troubles has been invaluable to me; indeed, while attending to my immensible duties, I think I would have starved but for his providing hand \u0026amp; it is almost certain I would have lost everything I have, but for his care. I envy you very much the possession of so valuable \u0026amp; reliable a servant.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI told him he would either keep his horse in the Quartermaster's stables or at Mr. Benham's. In case I misinterpreted your wishes concerning him, and you should desire him to be sent on, write to Dr. Howard, who expects to carry his own, \u0026amp; it will be as easy to carry two as one. Should you adopt this suggestion, you had better write immediately.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eJacob desires me to say he is tolerable well and would like to hear from you as soon as convenient to know what course he is to pursue.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMaj. Green has not returned as yet. Two of Capt. Richardson's men deserted last night. I think we have some thirty sick in the hospital.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHoping this may find you rapidly recovering and that you are able to rejoin us speedily.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am sir, very respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nP. P. Slaughter\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e[on back]\nCopy of Order from Sec. Of War\u003cbr\u003e\nExtract\u003cbr\u003e\nAdj. \u0026amp; Inspect. Genl's Office\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond Jan 2th 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nSpecial Order\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 1:\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eXV. Colonel Stuart's 56th Regt. Virginia Volunteers, is detached from General Humphrey Marshall's Command and will immediately proceed to Bowling Green, Kentucky and report to General A. S. Johnston for duty with General Floyd's Brigade.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Command of the Secretary of War\u003cbr\u003e\nJno. Withers\u003cbr\u003e\nAsst. Adjt. Genl. Col. 56th Va. Vols.\u003cbr\u003e\nTo\u003cbr\u003e\nCommanding Officer C. S. Forces\u003cbr\u003e\nAbingdon Va.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb 5th 62\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGenl. Cooper,\u003cbr\u003e\nSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nI beg leave to submit he following statement to the Department in refutation of the report, circulated I understand at the Head Qrs. by the Brigade Quartermaster of Genl. Humphrey Marshall's, to the effect that I had refused transportation for my command, from Abingdon to Prestonsburg the point to which I was ordered by Genl. Marshall. The enclosed letter written at\nthe time to the Department has bearing upon this point. The following is a literal copy of the order from Genl. Marshall by my messenger Capt. Taylor sent to inquire to which point I should march.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHead Quarters Brigade\u003cbr\u003e\nPound Gap 1 Dec 1861\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. Stuart,\u003cbr\u003e\nSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nIn reply to your note reporting your command to me, I direct that you move your regiment forward by Pound Gap towards Prestonsburg in Kentucky, as soon as possible after the reception of this order, unless you should receive directions from Major Genl. George B. Crittenden at Knoxville.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am sir\u003cbr\u003e\nYour Obt. Servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nHumphrey Marshall\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThis order was received late at night and a verbal message by Capt. Taylor that a messenger had been sent to Genl. Crittenden to inform him of my presence in Abingdon and that he should write order me to join him if necessary. Not hearing from Genl. Crittenden in forty-eight hours after, I sent Lieut. Col. Slaughter to Knoxville to find out from him at once whether I should expect orders from him and he replied by Telegraph through Capt. Cunningham his A. A. Genl.ordering me to Nashville \u0026amp; Col. Slaughter returned the following day bringing the following order by which this is an exact copy.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHd. Qrs. Knoxville Tenn.\u003cbr\u003e\nDec. 5th 1861\u003cbr\u003e\nTo Col Stuart\u003cbr\u003e\nCommand. 56th Regt. Va. Vols.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nYou will move with your Regiment as soon as transportation can be furnished to Nashville, Tenn.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy Command of\u003cbr\u003e\nMaj. Genl. G. B. Crittenden\u003cbr\u003e\nS. Cunningham A.Genl.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe interval between the reception of these orders was employed by me busily in attempting to procure transportation and finding no Quarter Master at Abingdon, I sent to Wytheville for Capt. Gibboney A. Q. M. at that point to report at Abingdon and assist me. My own QuarterMaster was without funds for that purpose. Capt. Gibboney arrived bringing with him waggons purchased on the road and by the time of the reception of the order from Genl. Crittenden, I had enough transportation on hand, by leaving some articles behind to enable me to reach Prestonsburg. Of course after the order of Genl. Crittenden, I had no use for the waggons and ordered them immediately to be loaded with supplies of ordnance and other belongings to Genl. Marshall and forwarded to him\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eImmediately upon the receipt of Genl. Crittenden's order, so uncertain was telegraphic communication, I sent my Quarter Master to Lynchburg to arrange for transportation by rail to Nashville and had already procured it and would have been on the way to Nashville but for the bursting of one of the [flues] of the engines, when I received the following order by Telegraph\nreceived in Abingdon Dec 10th about dark.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eKnoxville Dec 10th\u003cbr\u003e\nTo Col. Stuart,\nGenl. A . S. Johnston orders that your Regiment remain with Genl. Marshall.\u003cbr\u003e\nW. H. Carroll\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eUpon the reception of this order I immediately telegraphed the Department to know whose orders I should obey? In the meantime the waggons I had secured for my Regiment were on the way to Pound Gap and I was thus compelled to\ncommence again to prepare transportation for that trip.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI had been quite unwell with jaundice ad the Surgeon finding that we would be compelled to go to Pound Gap told me that he would not answer for the consequences should I undertake to go and advised my return to Richmond, where I have been confined to my room with a severe attack of Rheumatism until within the last ten days. I left the Regiment under command of Lt. Col. Slaughter and I know that the delay in proceeding to join Genl. Marshall arose from no indisposition on his part to execute the orders, but from an absolute inability to procure the necessary transportation.\nThere can be found in the service no officer more active, intelligent and competent to the discharge of the duties of his position. We are anxious if there is the slightest doubt remaining on the mind of the Honl. Sec. as to the want of proper activity on the part of the officer of the Regiment to move forward, that he will order a Court of Inquiry that the matter may be thoroughly sifted.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have the honor to be\u003cbr\u003e\nYour obt. servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nWm. D. Stuart, Col.\u003cbr\u003e\n56th Va. Regt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGenl. Hospital\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmd. March 4 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWm. T Cross, Private Co. E. 56 Reg. Va. Vols. has been in this hospital since 1 Nov 1861 with Secondary Syphilis. He has now Syphilitic Rheumatism \u0026amp; as his turn of enlistment will expire in June, I recommend his discharge from the service.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI. Beu. Gibson\u003cbr\u003e\nSurg. P. A. C. S.\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond Genl. Hospital\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOfficial business\u003cbr\u003e\nWm. D. Stuart\u003cbr\u003e\nCol: 56 Regt.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nEnclosed please find Certificate of disability for Private W. T. Cross. It must be approved by the Capt. of his Co. \u0026amp; Col. of the Reg. \u0026amp; returned to me- at least this is the usual form.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf there is a prospect of obtaining his discharge at once, I would prefer his remaining in the Hospital until it is received here.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eVery resp.\u003cbr\u003e\nI. B. Gibson\u003cbr\u003e\nSurg. P. A. C. S.\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmd Genl. Hospital\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eRichmond Arsenal\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 8th 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy Dear Colonel,\u003cbr\u003e\nThis will be handed you by my friend Col. W. D Stuart 56 Va. Vols. who is about joining his Regiment, at present attached to your Department. Col. Stuart has by severe sickness been detained from following a career so nobly begun at Bethel.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHis health is now sufficiently restored to justify his joining his command. I bespeak for him your kind consideration in advance, because having known him intimately from boyhood to the present time, I declare him to be a \"gentleman and a soldier\", as Lear was a king- \"every inch\".\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour Friend\u003cbr\u003e\nBriscoe G. Baldwin\u003cbr\u003e\nCapt. Arty. P. [A?]\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. W. W. Mackall\u003cbr\u003e\nA. A. Genl.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHead Quarters Floyd's Division\u003cbr\u003e\nChattanooga, Mar 17th 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nGeneral Order\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 246\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe reenlisted men of this command are entitled to a furlough of sixty days at home, but in case of a collision with the enemy at Knoxville this will be suspended for one week.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy order\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig. Gen. Floyd\u003cbr\u003e\n[C. Derrick]\u003cbr\u003e\nA.A. Gen.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOfficial\u003cbr\u003e\n[Mr]Robin Terry\u003cbr\u003e\nA.A. A Gen.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHeadquarters Floyd's Division\u003cbr\u003e\nCamp [? Childress] Mar 17 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nGeneral Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. 27\u003cbr\u003e\nExtract\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe entire command will move tomorrow morning on the cars in the following order. 1st Headquarters, 2d Artillery, 3d. 1st Brigade, 4th 2d Brigade.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe 1st Brigade will load its baggage on the cars at 9 o'clock in the [trn]-yard just across the bridge arranging so that their baggage or wagons will not be in the way of Head Qrs.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy order Brig. Gen. Floyd\u003cbr\u003e\nPeter Otey\u003cbr\u003e\nA.A. Gen\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOfficial\u003cbr\u003e\nMr. Robbin Terry\u003cbr\u003e\nA.A. A Gen.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHead Qrs Floyd Division\u003cbr\u003e\nKnoxville, March 19th/62\u003cbr\u003e\nSpecial Orders\u003cbr\u003e\nNo--\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eHaving been relieved from my command I hereby turn over the troops under me to the command of Col. Maney commanding forces at Knoxville Tennessee. The commanding officers of Regts will report for duty at once to Col. Maney\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy order Brigdr Gen. Floyd\u003cbr\u003e\nPeter Otey\u003cbr\u003e\nA.A.G.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe Field Officers and officers commanding regiments will report at these HdQrs as soon as practicable. The General desires to introduce these gentlemen to the commanding officer Col. Maney.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy direction\u003cbr\u003e\nBrigdr Gen. Floyd\u003cbr\u003e\nPeter Otey\u003cbr\u003e\nA.A.G.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHead Quarters Knoxville\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 19th 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. Stuart\u003cbr\u003e\nCommnd. 56th Va. Regt.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou will hold your Regt. ready to move at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning. Send to these Headquarters by 8 ½O'clock tomorrow morning a report of the strength of your command for duty.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGeo. Maury\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Comdg. at Knoxville.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd. Quarters Knoxville\u003cbr\u003e\n20th March 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eColonel\u003cbr\u003e\nW. D. Stuart\u003cbr\u003e\n56 Va. Regiment\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYou are hereby directed to take command of all the forces here, formerly of Genl. Floyd's command in the movement towards Jacksboro. Capt. B. W. Snyder Qr. Master will report to you as Qr. Master for your command. He will be furnished with twelve 4 horse wagons for transportation of your command. If this transportation is more than sufficient for the tents, cooking utensils and ammunition necessary for your command you will please direct your commissary, whom you may select from your command, to load the unappropriated wagons with Flour and Bacon for which he will make requisition on the post commissary at this place.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eRespectfully,\u003cbr\u003e\nGeo. Maney\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Commanding\u003cbr\u003e\nForces at Knoxville\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd Qrs Knoxville Mch 20th/62\u003cbr\u003e\nSpecial Order\u003cbr\u003e\nNo--\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. Stuart will move with his command tomorrow morning at 6 o'clk on the road to Clinton. You will have rations for one day cooked tonight.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBy comd of\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. George Maney Comdg Post\u003cbr\u003e\nR.B. Snowden Adjt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHead Qrs Knoxville, March 21st 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nSpecial Order No-\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol Stuart\u003cbr\u003e\nYou will hold your command, composed of the 36th, 50th, 51st and 56th Regts in readiness to move at 4 o'clk this afternoon towards Jacksboro.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. George Maney Comdg Post\u003cbr\u003e\nR.B. Snowden Adj't.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCol. Stuart\u003cbr\u003e\nI am instructed by Col. Maney to say you will not put your command on the march until further orders. You are however instructed to hold it ready to move at a moment's notice.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eR. B. Snowden Adjt.\u003cbr\u003e\nKnoxville March 21st 1862\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHd. Quarters Knoxville\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 21st 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. Stuart\u003cbr\u003e\nCommand. of Floyd Brigade\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour order to march toward Clinton is revoked. I desire to see you at my Hd. Quarters in person at first convenient moment to regard to encamping your command here.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eVery Respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nGeo. Maney Col.\u003cbr\u003e\nCommnd. At Knoxville\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLebanon, 31st March 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol. Stuart,\u003cbr\u003e\nOf so much of your order of the 28th as proposes the formation of a camp near Abingdon by the unfurloughed officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates of \"Floyd's Brigade\", I shall express no opinion at this time. I presume your halt at Abingdon, for instructions from Richmond, was in pursuance of your duty under the direction of Major General Smith. I am glad he has force to spare.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe others parts of your order I cheerfully approve and will sustain. I know of no vice so fatal to our soldiery as intemperance; and, independent of the loss of many genial fellows to the cause in which our swords are drawn, their fall is the gain of the meanest and the most heartless men in community. The vigor of authority shall not be wanting on my part to sustain every effort to limit the pernicious vice.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI enclose an Order, which please hand to Maj. Fisher that he may have a few struck off and sent after such of my men as have left Abingdon.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYour vindicatory note has been successful I imagine in proving that you did not delay marching last winter intentionally, but the failure to join me was a great misfortune to this command.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am ready however to look forward and not backwards, and hope our acquaintance may be as agreeable in its continuance as it has been awkward in its beginning.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eYours Respectfully,\u003cbr\u003e\nH. Marshall\u003cbr\u003e\nBrig. Genl. Comd.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eApr 1st 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nThe bearer of this note Mr. Hanshew is the father of the soldier in the 50th Regt. The young man is at present in hospital and has been quite a sufferer. He was sick in the autumn and before fairly recovered was taken to the west. He was subjected to all the exposure and hardships at Ft. Donelson where he was frost bitten in the trenches. The retreat and long march have proved too much for him and he is really quite worn out. His father wishes to take\nhim home for a few weeks if possible to [illegible] him \u0026amp; I think it important for the young man to go. I know the father well, he is worthy of trust and is a man of excellent character.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am sir very truly yours\u003cbr\u003e\nJohn B. Floyd\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eConfederate States of America\u003cbr\u003e\nTREASURY DEPARTMENT\u003cbr\u003e\nFIRST AUDITOR'S OFFICE\u003cbr\u003e\nApr. 8th 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Mr. Stuart,\u003cbr\u003e\nI think I shall die if I don't manage to get with the Army in some capacity or other, \u0026amp; as the circumstances of my family do not admit of my going as a private, I must try to obtain some position which will pay. I have not the presumption to ask for a commission in the Infantry or Artillery, where a knowledge of military tactics is essential, but as all the appointments are not made in the Engineers Corps \u0026amp; for that a knowledge of Mathematics more than anything else is required, I have thought that I might possibly by some study in the meanwhile fit myself for a position in the Engineers. I would not myself have thought such to be the case, but for the assurance of a friend, who is in the Corps \u0026amp; and after considerable experience says that I am fully capable of filling such a position creditably. The object of my writing this letter therefore is to request that you will give me a testimonial to be presented to the Sec. of War, who would doubtless be influenced by what you say. Possibly with that \u0026amp; what I may get old Bledsoe, the Asst. Sec. to say for me, I may obtain a Lieutenancy in the Engineers.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIf Frank had been successful I would not myself apply, but I suppose his application is pretty securely pigeon holed \u0026amp; he will never hear from it, though Tom Harris is now in the city \u0026amp; a member of the Military Committee of Congress.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI saw Aunt F. last night and she and the children are in good spirits, looking forward to visiting you in Abingdon, in accordance with your letter of recent date. Aunt F. was glad to hear of your being so well \u0026amp; comfortably fixed \u0026amp; perhaps her cheerfulness is only the reflection from your good spirits, as she learns from your letters \u0026amp; others who have seen you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMa and the children are pleasantly fixed in Danville \u0026amp; are all very well: Frank was at Orange C. H. when I heard from him, though there is a rumor that his division went down to reinforce Magurder. The sky is brightening. I have not time to write more at present. Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain yours affectionately.\u003cbr\u003e\nW.R. Abbott\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAbingdon 20th April 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nMrs. Saunders, the bearer of this is the mother of the boy who is applying for a discharge on the score of minority. I sent you the certificate, \u0026amp; c some days ago. I have no doubt of his being under age. She wants to know the conditions of his application. May I ask you to let her know it?\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWith the highest respect\u003cbr\u003e\nYour obd. Servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nJohn B. Floyd\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eConfederate States of America\u003cbr\u003e\nWAR DEPARTMENT\u003cbr\u003e\nEngineer's Bureau\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, Va. 30 April 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eGenl. G. W. Randolph\u003cbr\u003e\nSecretary of War\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nI have had the pleasure of knowing Col. W. D. Stuart for many years. At Lexington where we were cadets together, his peculiar qualifications as a soldier and tactician, on graduating, led to his immediate appointment as assistant instructor of infantry and artillery tactics, a position\nwhich he held with much credit for three years. Since the commencement of the war he has been constantly engaged on active service, first on the Peninsula and afterwards in the West. In the first locality I had the pleasure of again meeting him and heard him uniformly spoken of as a gallant, efficient, and accomplished officer.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn these days of uncertain tenure of office, your endorsement of the substance of this letter would probably be of great service to him, especially as his standing on the Peninsula and conduct in the Battle of Bethel are personally known to you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWith great respect, your obedient servant,\u003cbr\u003e\nA. L. Rives\u003cbr\u003e\nActing Chf. Eng. Bu.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eWar Department\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 30th 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI take great pleasure in bearing the testimony to the gallantry and conduct of Col. Stuart at the Battle of Bethel of which I was an eye witness, and to his efficiency as an officer and his deportment as a gentleman. He is an educated soldier and I should be sorry for the Country to lose his services.\u003cbr\u003e\nGeo. W. Randolph\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp near Winchester, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nOct 26 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMy dear Colonel:\u003cbr\u003e\nI have rec'd your report of the battle of \"South Mountain\" and with it your very kind note.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI can truly assure you I was much gratified with the expressions of regard and esteem you therein expressed towards me. My brief association with you was among the most pleasant I have formed during the war and I sincerely trust it may be renewed at no distant time, under such auspices that we may be able to cultivate a still closer intimacy. With many prayers for you safety and happiness I remain truly your friend\u003cbr\u003e\nR. B. Garnett\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eProvost Marshal's Office\u003cbr\u003e\nLynchburg, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nOct 30th 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. W. D. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nI received this morning a letter from one of the 56th Va. Regt. informing me that \"you \u0026amp; Maj. Green intended to write to the War Department and endeavor if possible to have me relieved of duty here and ordered to return to Regt.\" I at first doubted its authenticity, but seeing it was from a semi-official source I necessarily attached some importance to it.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI was astonished to hear that you contemplated such a thing as it would undoubtedly place me in a false light before the Department. I presumed you had received official notification of my appointment here.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI have always thought you were magnanimous enough not only to be willing for any officer of your Regt. to obtain promotion and a better position, but would aid him if possible in doing so.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI informed you in three letters before that I applied in Sept. last to Q. M. for transportation to Regt. and applying the same day to Adjt. Gen. Cooper in person to ascertain the point to go to, was directed by him to report to Maj. Gen. Smith for duty. By whom I was sent to Brig. Gen. Winder who ordered me to take charge of the C. S. Military Prison. I remained there about three weeks and discharged the duties satisfactorily to my commissioning officer and was on the 21st Oct. appointed \"Provost Marshal\" of this city with written orders from Maj. Gen. G. W. Smith, a copy of which I send you.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eEach position was unsolicited and unexpected by me; but at the same time agreeable ad satisfactory; because the \"posts\" I was assigned were not only easier and higher than the Capt. of Infantry, but also horses and servants furnished me, and paid $180 per month. The pay however is no consideration with me. The chances of promotion are still greater in my present position.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI will also state to you, that is I preferred it, I am legally exempt from military duty by the recent \"exemption act\" passed by both \"Houses of Congress\" and approved by the President. First I have a plantation with over 40 negroes, and on it \"no white male adult not liable to military duty.\" Second I have a large manufacturing mill and my superintendence is necessary for its successful operation. For either 1st or 2nd reasons I am exempt by \"Act of Congress\".\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eBut notwithstanding pecuniary losses I am willing to remain in the army, provided my services will accomplish anything in the cause we are engaged.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI hope this will be satisfactory to you. I fear you did not receive my former letters making substantially the same statements as above; and I feel a conscientious sense of duty, in justice to myself to write to you again\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe appointment here was somewhat complimentary to me and I have intimations already of a higher and more responsible position being assigned me.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI would be glad if you would answer this.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eVery respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nYour obt. Servant\u003cbr\u003e\nThomas D. Jeffress\u003cbr\u003e\nCapt. and Provost Marshall of Lynchburg\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eP.S. I understand that only 8 or 10 efficient men of Co. \"G\" are with the Regt. and only about 22 or 23 in all on roll. I left several in Richmond at Hospital who will probably never recover sufficiently to return to duty.\u003cbr\u003e\nT. D. J.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e18th Va. Regt.\u003cbr\u003e\nNov. 26th 1862\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. W. D. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCol.,\u003cbr\u003e\nIn reply to your note rec'd some time since asking of the \"mention made\" of Capt. T. D. Jeffress \"upon\" a report of one of the Richmond battles forwarded by myself to Brigade Hd. Qrs., I have to say that Capt. Jeffress made out the report of the battle himself, he being the Senr. Officer present who was in the fight. When the report was handed to me Lt. Chaffin Actg. Adjt. told me that the officers of the Regt. desired that I should make mention of the good conduct of Capt. Jeffress in battle, as the Capt. from motives of delicacy would of course say nothing of himself. I endorsed upon the report that I was not in the battle myself, was not in command of the Regiment at the time the events spoken of occurred, but that at the request of others, I would state that Capt. Jeffress deserved \"honorable mention\" for good conduct in battle. I have since learned that Lt. Chaffin was not in the fight himself and I am sorry that I acted upon his suggestion and made the endorsement referred to for the reason that I appeared to discriminate in favor of Capt. Jeffress when in fact I knew nothing of the conduct of any officer in the Regiment in the battle alluded to.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI am Col.\u003cbr\u003e\nVery Respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nGeo. C. Cabell, Major\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Near Petersburg\u003cbr\u003e\nof Pickett's Div. Garnett's Brig.\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 7th 1863\u003cbr\u003e\nGenl. S. A. Cooper\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSir,\u003cbr\u003e\nI respectfully make an application for 25 Conscripts the requisite number to fill the reduced ranks of my Company at its present standard. You will confer a favour by assigning to the ranks of my Company 25 Conscripts,or any number as you, in your judgement may think proper or circumstances may require. You can see by my muster roll that my company only numbers 31 total present or absent, having never received any Conscripts since its entry into\nservice.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMost Respectfully\u003cbr\u003e\nYour obedient Servt.\u003cbr\u003e\nF. W. Nelson\u003cbr\u003e\nLt. Comd. Co. \"A\" 56th Va.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp Near Petersburg, Va.\u003cbr\u003e\nMarch 7th 1863\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI respectfully ask permission to be absent from my duties for a few days for the following reasons. My property has been dwindling away daily since 25th Dec last, for want of my personal attention. My negroes are roaming through the country without a proper home and I will probably lose them all if I cannot attend to the matter immediately. I leave my company in command of the Capt. I have deferred asking leave of absence until now, because of there being only two (2) officers belonging to the company and the comdg. Officer of the Regt. deems it best that the vacancies of 2nd and 2nd jr. Lieuts. should not be filled at present, I presume because of the smallness of the Co. I reenlisted as a private and have never received a furlough or anything in lieu thereof and have never been absent without leave.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eS. D. Cronin 1st Lieut.\u003cbr\u003e\nCo. \"I\" 56th Va. Regt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMarch 8th, 1863\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eI respectfully ask for a leave of absence for 20 days to visit my home in Mecklenburg Co. Va. having been in the service for 20 months and having never received but four days furlough since the organization of my Regiment. I hope this application will be granted. I was originally a 12 months Volunteer and subsequently reenlisted for the War.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eLieut. F. W. Nelson\u003cbr\u003e\nCo. A. 56th Va. Regt.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eKittrell's Springs\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 27th 1863\u003cbr\u003e\nCol. Wm. D. Stuart\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sir,\u003cbr\u003e\nI was transferred from General Hospital No. 10 to Black's and White's Hospital, from that place on the recommendation of the Medical Director in Richmond (Dr. Wm. Carrington) I was allowed the privilege of going home and report once in fifteen days in person or through my Physician's certificate. My furlough was extended the other day, 30 days to enable me to visit\nthe Springs for my health. I am improving very rapidly mow and shall be on, as soon as I am able for duty. You have passed though a very fiery ordeal since I left you. I regret being absent from my company in time of battle. I am truly sorry to learn that you are wounded, hope it will not prove serious, and allow me here to indulge the hope that you will be Genl. Garrett's successor. You certainly deserve the place. I am very anxious to hear from my company. I heard indirectly that Lieut. Finley was wounded, whether seriously or not I did not learn. Pickett's Division was very badly cut up. The mortality among officers was unprecedented. I expect to be here at least two weeks longer. I wish to get entirely well before returning. When I return again I hope to be able to stay with you. Direct your letter to \"Lawrenceville. Brunswick Co. Va.\" With my best wishes that you may speedily recover and when I see you again you may be my Brigadier. I subscribe myself your true friend,\u003cbr\u003e\nN. A. Flournoy\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Virginia Military Institute \nDecember 3 1850","My dear sir \nHaving understood that Mr. W. D. Stuart is an applicant for a commission in the U.S. Army I take the liberty of addressing you a private note on his behalf. I do this in preference to the formal course of a recommendation, because you will be better able to appreciate what I may\nsay in the unreserved mode in which I write.","You are aware that Mr. S. entered this Institution as a cadet in July 1847. After completing the whole course of studies, he was graduated in July last with great credit. You will see by the accompanying merit roll that in all his classes he maintained a most respectable standing, while in Geology, Artillery, and Infantry Tactics, he was No. 1. And in Military Engineering 3rd.","In addition to these facts, he was a commissioned officer of the Corps of Cadets and gave great satisfaction to us in the manner in which he discharged his duties.","So high was our estimate of his talents as a scholar and qualifications as an officer, that on a vacancy in our Corps of Instructors occurring in July, he was selected as an assistant Professor of Math. And assistant Instructor of Tactics and has been discharging these duties with great credit up to the present time.","From my personal knowledge of the qualifications of an officer of the Army, I know that there are few young men who enter the Service from West Point who are better qualified than Stuart and I have no doubt he will make as fine an officer as can be selected for the Infantry arm of\nthe Service.","You know his moral qualifications as well as I do. If any doubt had existed on this point, he would never have been appointed an officer in this Institution.","hope it will be the pleasure of the President to confer an appointment upon Mr. Stuart.","This Institution has been laboring now for 11 years in building up its Military reputation and we should like to have an opportunity of comparing our graduates with those from West Point.","With cordial regards to Mrs. S. \nI am very truly your friend \nFrancis H. Smith","Hon. A. H. H. Stuart\nWashington City","Va. Military Institute \nDec 10th 1850","Mr. W.D. Stuart desires to obtain a commision in the U.S. Army. His present post, that of Asst. Instructor of Tactics in the Va. Military Institute is evidence of his peculiar fitness for command. His acquirements at the Insititute of which he is a graduate, embracing Engineering, Artillery, and Infantry Tactics, with Mathematics and the Natural Sciences were such as to induce the authorities of the Institute to select him from her many graduates for the very responsible situation he now holds, a situation which requires judgement, firmness and decision of Character- all of which Mr. Stuart possesses in a high degree. His uniformily gentlemanly\ndeportment has endeared him to his fellow officers and will make him grace the position he seeks. \nThomas. H. Williamson \nProf. Engr. \u0026 Arch.","VMI \nDecember 10, 1850","W. Stuart was appointed immediately after his graduation Assistant Instructor of Tactics in the Virginia Military Institute. This is the highest and most indubitable testimony of the estimate of his military qualifications, by those who know him best. The course of military instruction and discipline at the Institute conforms strictly to that of the U.S.A. at West Point and is conducted by graduates of the latter Institution. If from a jealous regard to the character of the Army, the\nGovernment ordinarily restricts its commissions to the graduates of West Point, the same principle might well incline it, in its exceptional appointment of citizens, to feel a preference for those, who like Mr. Stuart, have at a State Institution, thoroughly prepared themselves for the Military Profession. \nJohn T.L. Preston \nProf. V.M.I","Engineers Office \nMemphis and Charleston Railroad \nHuntsville \nNovember 22d 1854","My Dear Stuart, \nI have just stolen away from my wife and have run up to my office with the determination of writing you. I was not a little surprised to learn through your letter that you had written me. Your letter, which reached me about ten days ago was the only one I have received from you since your marriage. I wrote you at that particularly interesting time a note of congratulations, as well as a letter, just before your mariage, but have received no letter in return. Now my good fellow I have no doubt but what you think that you wrote me, but as for my part I am inclined to think that you did not. I am sure I should not think it strange if you had not for you are a newly married man, and as a matter of course can not afford to give your friends many thoughts, at least for a while.","It is really refreshing, my old friend to hear from you and especially to know that you are a married man and in the full enjoyment of the pleasures that attend married love. My wife returned from Virginia about the first of September with much improved health---and my boy is a most magnificent fellow. A look at him might be of some service to you. Don't blush my dear fellow I don't mean any thing.","Dabney, what under the sun has become of all of our class mates. You are living in the center of our great union and should be posted up on every thing. I never see the names of any of our class in the papers, nor do I ever correspond with any of them, hence I am utterly ignorant of their movements. I never any thing from Lexington since you left there. Have any of our old acquaintances married off since our days-.","Matters here are still wearing a pleasant and flattering aspect. Our road is moving on finely, and we trust ere many more months pass away, that we will have a large and important portion of our work finished. I wish that we had a good comfortable post to offer you here. We are finishing up so fast that we are reducing the Corps instead of increasing. Still, should you ever make up your mind to embark in the profession, we might look out for a post for you.","Your school I trust will for the present afford you a comfortable competency, and something besides. School teaching, like every thing else has its reverses, its calms and its storms. We can find no profession that is made up entirely of sunshine. We must expect the life of man to harmonize with nature, having its passing clouds and refreshing sunshine in equal turns. I with all my hopeful temperament, have had my moments of gloom and anxiety, but with a fond wife, no less hopeful than myself, to cheer me, I have faced all and am now full of bright anticipation. Nor does this come about from any fortune, or particular promises, but all from a conviction that there is room for everyone in this world and plenty for everyone to do, and that industry when ever it is found is in the course of time rewarded. This is an unusually difficult time with almost everyone. There seems to be a weariness in the money market in every quarter. Men experience great difficulty in meeting their general expenses. This state of affairs, I have no doubt has had its influence upon your school, and I feel assured that there will be an improvement after a little while. I hope my dear Stuart, that you will continue to keep me posted up in regard to your movements, for I may find a good offering out South that would please you, and if such should be the case, it would give me inexpressible pleasure to serve you. I will always be on the look out. A new country is better for a young man in any profession. The competition is not so great and pay better. Present me the kindest manner to your good wife and receive the renewed assurance of your old and sincere friend and classmate. \nGabe Jordan Jr.","Richmond, Va. \nApril 15th 1861","Gov. Letcher \nDear Sir, \nI enclose recommendations from the Authorities of the Va. Military Institute to the Secretary of War under Mr. Fillmore for an appointment in the U.S. Army at that time. I submit them to you in my own behalf for an appointment under the State of Va. in the event of her secession from\nthe present Federal Government. I desire an appointment to any position in which my services may be required the most valuable, either in the active duties of the field or otherwise. \nVery respectfully yours, \nWm. D. Stuart","Head Qrs Va Forces \nRichmond Va. May 20 1861 \nSpecial Orders \nNo 82","Col. T.P. August, Lt. Col. W.D. Stuart, and Major Thos. G. Peyton, Virginia Vols, are assigned to duty with the troops at the \"Camp of Instruction\" and will report without delay to Col. William Gilham commanding that post.","By order of Maj. Genl Lee \nR. Garnett \nAdjt Genl.","Richmond \nMay 21st 1861 \nCapt. W. D. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nAt a meeting of the Richmond City Guard held this evening, the undersigned were appointed a Committee to express to you the unfeigned regret of the Company on having read your resignation, and to tender you the sincere thanks of the Company for the faithfulness and efficiency with which you have discharged the duties of Commanding Officer.","While the Company deplores deeply the necessity which separates you from us, we rejoice to know that our Beloved State will have the benefit of your valuable services.","Permit us personally and on behalf of the Company to tender you our best wishes for your future happiness and prosperity.","Very truly your friends, \nDavis N. Walker \nSamuel M. Bailey \nJames E. Burress","Unofficial","Camp of Instruction \nMay 23rd","My dear Col. \nWhen three field officers were assigned to duty here, I was so green as to put each in command of a Regt., having no other officers who knew any thing about organizing a Regt. This arrangement does not seem to have suited Col. August, who has been complaining to the powers that be, and I have received an order directing me to assign them all to one Regt--that of Col. August of course. Col. Stuart is one of them, and is totally unprepared for the field; he will make application to Gen. Fauntleroy this evening for a few days, please see what you can do for him. Gen. F. though may not have him in his Divn, if so he will have to go to Col. Magruder of course.","Yours sincerely \nW. Gilham","Richmond \nJuly 5th 1861 \nLt. Col. Stewart [Stuart] \n3rd Regt. Va. Vols. \nYorktown","Dear Sir, \nSometime, about the latter part of May or the commencement of June your lady Mrs. Stewart in company with Mrs. Lucy Wharton called at my Office in order to procure material for the purpose of making you a tent as they were unable to get a tent allready made: and stated that you were without one. Under these circumstances, I furnished the necessary material with the consent of Col. Heth the then Q.M. General who instructed me to take your receipt for one tent. The receipt has been delayed from various causes, partly because I did not know the address of Mrs. Stewart or yourself. Should you receive this letter I would be much obliged that you sign and return me the enclosed receipt; by your prompt attention to wit you will much oblige.","Yours very respectfully, \nMaury Garland \nCapt. and Asst. Q. M.","Head Quarters Williamsburg \nJuly 25th 1861","Col., \nThe General having understood that Colonel August is unwell. He directs that you will urge with the greatest vigor the work on the Fortification at King's Mill. In order to do this you will have but one drill a day in the evening. The working hours will be from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The guns to place in the various works are now on the way here and it is specially desired to have the works ready for them at the earliest moment.","I am sir very respectfully \nYour obedient servant \nG. B. Cosby \nMaj. and AAAG","Adjutant Inspr Genl's Office \nRichmond \nSept 17th 1861 \nExtract \nSpecial Orders \nNo. 280","XI. Lieut Colonel William D. Stuart Virginia Volunteers is promoted to be Colonel and assigned to the Command of the 56th Virginia Regiment just organized at Camp Lee, near this city, andwill report accordingly.","By order of the Secretary of War \n[Geo. Deas] \nA.A.G.","Camp Lee \nNov. 15th 1861 \nCol. George W. Munford","Sir \nI had the honor receive at the hands of Col. S. Bassett French the Flag of Va. intended for the Regiment I have the honor to command, also the accompanying letter of presentation from you.","As the commanding officer of the Regt. and its organ upon this occasion, I need not assure you that I received it with pride and satisfaction. Regarding it as the emblem of the honor and purity of our Mother State, hitherto unsullied in Council or War it shall be carefully guarded that it receive no detriment at the hands of the Regiment to which you have confided. I think I can with all safety assure you, and that the Sons of Va., voluntarily of the 56th Va. Regt. will ever be found at their post of duty and that they will never do discredit to the sacred cause in which they have enlisted.","The Daughters of Va. whose fair hands have wrought this beautiful emblem of Va.'s honor, will never have cause to blush for shame at the conduct of their brothers.","I am very respectfully \nYour obedient servant \nWilliam D. Stuart, Col. \nCommanding 56th Va. Regt.","Adjt and Insp Genls Office \nRichmond, Nov 21st 1861 \nExtract \nSpecial Orders \nNo 232","XI. The 56th Regiment Virginia Volunteers, Col. Stuart Commanding, will proceed without delay, via Wytheville, to Jeffersonville, VA. and report for duty to Brig. Genl. Marshall.","By Command of the Sec. of War \nJno. Withers \nAsst. Adjt. Genl.","Head Quarters Brigade \nPound Gap \n1 Dec 1861","Col. Stuart, \nSir, \nIn reply to your note reporting your command to me, I direct that you move your regiment forward by Pound Gap towards Prestonburg in Kentucky, as soon as possible after the reception of the order, unless you should receive other directions from Maj. Genl. George B. Crittenden at Knoxville.","I am sir, \nYour obedient servant, \nHumphrey Marshall \nBrig. Genl.","Some of the wagoners I hired and started left the teams on the road. I am compelled to go to Abingdon by private conveyance ad will purchase some waggons \u0026 c by the way and hire other wagoners.","W. Gibboney \nA. Q. M.","Transportation Office C.S.A \nWytheville, Va. December 2nd 1861 \nCol. W. D. Stuart \nCom. 56th Regt. Va. Vols. \nAbingdon Va.","Colonel, \nThe Frt. Agt. of the Va. and Tenn. R. R. has requested me to give him vouchers for the transportation of the stores in the Train which accompanied that containing your Regiment from Wytheville to Abigdon and allso for the baggage of the Regiment.","Will you please inform me whether you have already provided receipt for the transportation and whether the baggage was entitled to transportable from government. I have the honor to be","Very Respectfully \nYour obedient servant \nA. Meade Smith \nCapt. \u0026 [Acting] QM CSA","Hd. Qts. Knoxville, Tenn \nDec. 5th 1861","To- \nCol. Stuart \nCommd. 56th Regt. Va. Vols.","You will move with your Regiment as soon as transportation can be furnished to you, to Nashville Tenn.","By Command of \nMaj. Genl. G. B. Crittenden \nA.S. Cunningham \nA.A. Genl.","Received at: Abingdon Dec 10 1861","By Telegraph from: Knoxville Dec 10 \nTo: Col. Stuart","Genl. Johnson orders that your Regiment remain with Genl. Marshall W. H. Carroll \nBrig. Genl.","Received at: Abingdon Dec 11 1861 \nBy Telegraph from: Richmond Dec 11 \nTo: Col. W. D. Stuart","Proceed with your Regiment to Pound Gap and report to Genl. Marshall. The Quarter Masters Dept. is ordered to furnish transportation.","S. Cooper \nA. G.","Headquarters 1st Brigade \nArmy of Eastern Ky. \nCamp near Paintville \nDec 21st 1861","Special Order \nNo. 8","Col. Stuart is directed to move his Regiment from Abingdon immediately with such transportation as can be procured. It is of the first importance to the safety and success of the command on this frontier that the reinforcements destined for the forces already here shall move to the front without delay. Fine opportunities for brilliant successes have been lost for want of their presence ad others are daily passing away. The weather has favored the\nmovement of the troops, but has not been taken at advantage. The General directs that the movement be commenced without further delay and that the passage of the troops over Pound Gap be notified to him by the returning courier.","By order of \nBrig. Genl. H. Marshall \nAtt. B. H. Bradley \nA. Adjt. Genl.","1861 December 22 \nPaintsville, KY 22nd Dec.","Col. Stuart, \nI send express to you to move your regiment without delay. I am before a force so much superior to me in number, according to the report of reliable scouts, that I can scarcely hope to avoid a collision-- it may be disastrous to us- until you arrive.","If there are any forces near your route who are disengaged I would like exceedingly to have them assist me now. I am here with a force not amounting to 1500 men fit for duty. I shall struggle to keep off the evil day as long possible for you to arrive.","Yours truly \u0026 c \nH. Marshall \nBrig. Genl.","[note on back] \nPress transportation any where you can, if it is not ready, but travel lightly for the roads are deep. H.M.","Adj. [\u0026] Inspect. Genl's Office \nRichmond Dec 24/61","Sir, \nThe Secretary of War directs that you immediately proceed to carry out the instructions referred to in your comn of the 23rd inst. by reporting, with all your effective force, for duty to Brig. General Marshall, making proper provisions for your sick at Abingdon.","Very Respectfully \nYour Obd. Servt. \nR. H. Chilton \nA. Genl.","Lt. Col. Philip P. Slaughter \nOr/ Commanding Officer \n56 Reg. Va. Vols. \nAbingdon , Va.","Abingdon (Va) Dec 27th 1861","To- \nCol. Wm. D Stuart","Dear Sir: \nSince my arrival I have received orders to go immediately to Pound Gap from both the Sec. of War and Gen. Marshall. The order from Gen. M is both peremptory and urgent, and it is asource of the greatest mortification to me to find that, at so critical a juncture we are totally impotent, and I much fear (\"entre nous\") our reputation may suffer in the mind of the public\nwho cannot be aware of the embarrassing circumstances by which we are surrounded. I think it would be well if you could represent us in our true colors to the War Dept. Genl. M. writes that he is threatened by a superior force and urges our immediate movement which I am unable to comply with, not having more than eight or nine waggons and no horses. At the very earliest moment possible I will move on to Pound Gap with the fragment of the Regt.","From what I have learned since writing the above, the opinion prevails in Richmond that the Regt. declined transportation on account of the \"onerous march across the mountains\". You can judge of the correctness of this statement. Such seems to be the prevailing opinion in the War. Dept. Can you do any thing for us? I am in the worst quandary I ever was in my life.\nPlease telegraph me at your earliest convenience.","I think a court of inquiry would be beneficial to us: at all events, it could not injure us.","Yours very respectfully \nP. P. Slaughter \nFavor of \nCapt. R. B. Patterson \nQ.M.","P. S. \nI enclose you Genl. Marshall's orders, that you may see how we stand. I retain a copy of them. You will also find enclosed, the order from War Dept. P. P. S.","Abingdon Dec. 27th 1861","To- \nBrig. Gen. Marshall","Sir, \nI am in receipt of your order of the 22nd inst. as well as your Special Order No. 8. It is a source of exceeding regret and much mortification to me, to find myself in so crippled a condition at such a critical junction. Twice since being here I have prepared transportation in accordance with orders, once to join your command, which, when I got ready, I was compelled to decline by an order from Gen. Crittenden \"to go immediately to Nashville and report to Gen. A. S. Johnston. I then went to work to get transportation by rail, to Nashville, which I after some days effected. My men were at the Depot ready to march on the cars, when I received a telegram to remain and go with you; since which time I have not been able to collect the necessary No. of waggons to convey the Regt. in obedience to orders.","The Regt. is reduced lower than one half its original size, and is at present in a very debilitated condition. Col. Stuart, by reason of sickness has not been able to take command of the Regt. since leaving Richmond. Maj. Green is absent, all of which combine to place me in a very unenviable position upon the receipt of your orders.","As to the matter of transportation, I have only eight or ten wagons and no horses, as the Quartermaster informs me.","I shall endeavor to the utmost of my ability to move at the earliest time possible and most sincerely hope I may be able to join you in season to render some assistance in the existing emergency.","This will be handed to you by Capt. T. Smith of the 56th Regt. in whom you can place all confidence.","I did not see your courier or I should have dispatched by him. He left before I could reach the village.","I am sir very respectfully \nYour obt. Servt. \nPhilip P. Slaughter \nLt. Col. Comd. 56th Va. Regt.","Abigdon, Va. Dec 27th 1861","Dear Colonel, \n'Tis said and I more than partly believe that we are to move to Marshall's Command per Pound Gap and that in some what of a hurry. Your command is worse off in the matter of sick men than when you left. There are forty men in the Hospital and the number would be greater in there were room. The number of sick men in camp and private houses is hardly to be believed,\nbut I think I am in bounds when I say that if 250 men rank and file are able to march now, 'tis more than I expect. But 'tis hardly friendly to trouble you with such things so I'll only say that we \"what can go\" are going and no mistake. I hear you have some idea of joining us immediately. Don't hurry unless you are really strong enough; for I know your impetuosity of old.","In great haste \nM. Howard","Adjt and Inspr. Genl's Office \nRichmond, Jany 2 1862 \nExtract \nSpecial Order \nNo. 1","Colonel Stuart's 56th Regiment Virginia Volunteers is detached from General Humphrey Marshall's Command and will immediately proceed to Bowling Green Kentucky and report to General A.S. Johnston for duty with General Floyds Brigade.","By Command of the Secretary of War \nJohn Withers \nAsst. Adjt Genl.","Abingdon (Va) Jan. 4th 1862 \nCol. Wm. D. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nOn yesterday, I received from Captain Patteson the following telegram. \"Col. Stuart says, leave Jacob and his baggage\". The dispatch said nothing of the horse. I was in much doubt about him. Before determining, I mentioned the matter to Dr. Howard, who by the way, has been confined to his bed for a week, \u0026 is unable to proceed with the Regt. and intends keeping his horse with him. After reading the telegram, he advised me to leave your horse in care of Jacob. All your baggage, that is, all I imagine was meant, consisting of a horse, saddle \u0026 bridle, sword, bed, trunk, field glasses, canteen, etc. I turned over to Mr. Benham, saw them placed together in a room and showed them to Jacob.","Six companies of the Regt. have gone in under command of Capt. Boswell. The others will go tonight. I am much afraid we may be detained somewhat at Union, the first burnt bridge; but our great object is to get away as fast as possible from the road to Pound Gap. I will send you a copy of the order from the Sec of War.","Jacob, during our troubles has been invaluable to me; indeed, while attending to my immensible duties, I think I would have starved but for his providing hand \u0026 it is almost certain I would have lost everything I have, but for his care. I envy you very much the possession of so valuable \u0026 reliable a servant.","I told him he would either keep his horse in the Quartermaster's stables or at Mr. Benham's. In case I misinterpreted your wishes concerning him, and you should desire him to be sent on, write to Dr. Howard, who expects to carry his own, \u0026 it will be as easy to carry two as one. Should you adopt this suggestion, you had better write immediately.","Jacob desires me to say he is tolerable well and would like to hear from you as soon as convenient to know what course he is to pursue.","Maj. Green has not returned as yet. Two of Capt. Richardson's men deserted last night. I think we have some thirty sick in the hospital.","Hoping this may find you rapidly recovering and that you are able to rejoin us speedily.","I am sir, very respectfully \nP. P. Slaughter","[on back]\nCopy of Order from Sec. Of War \nExtract \nAdj. \u0026 Inspect. Genl's Office \nRichmond Jan 2th 1862 \nSpecial Order \nNo. 1:","XV. Colonel Stuart's 56th Regt. Virginia Volunteers, is detached from General Humphrey Marshall's Command and will immediately proceed to Bowling Green, Kentucky and report to General A. S. Johnston for duty with General Floyd's Brigade.","By Command of the Secretary of War \nJno. Withers \nAsst. Adjt. Genl. Col. 56th Va. Vols. \nTo \nCommanding Officer C. S. Forces \nAbingdon Va.","Richmond, Va. \nFeb 5th 62","Genl. Cooper, \nSir, \nI beg leave to submit he following statement to the Department in refutation of the report, circulated I understand at the Head Qrs. by the Brigade Quartermaster of Genl. Humphrey Marshall's, to the effect that I had refused transportation for my command, from Abingdon to Prestonsburg the point to which I was ordered by Genl. Marshall. The enclosed letter written at\nthe time to the Department has bearing upon this point. The following is a literal copy of the order from Genl. Marshall by my messenger Capt. Taylor sent to inquire to which point I should march.","Head Quarters Brigade \nPound Gap 1 Dec 1861","Col. Stuart, \nSir, \nIn reply to your note reporting your command to me, I direct that you move your regiment forward by Pound Gap towards Prestonsburg in Kentucky, as soon as possible after the reception of this order, unless you should receive directions from Major Genl. George B. Crittenden at Knoxville.","I am sir \nYour Obt. Servt. \nHumphrey Marshall \nBrig. Genl.","This order was received late at night and a verbal message by Capt. Taylor that a messenger had been sent to Genl. Crittenden to inform him of my presence in Abingdon and that he should write order me to join him if necessary. Not hearing from Genl. Crittenden in forty-eight hours after, I sent Lieut. Col. Slaughter to Knoxville to find out from him at once whether I should expect orders from him and he replied by Telegraph through Capt. Cunningham his A. A. Genl.ordering me to Nashville \u0026 Col. Slaughter returned the following day bringing the following order by which this is an exact copy.","Hd. Qrs. Knoxville Tenn. \nDec. 5th 1861 \nTo Col Stuart \nCommand. 56th Regt. Va. Vols.","Sir, \nYou will move with your Regiment as soon as transportation can be furnished to Nashville, Tenn.","By Command of \nMaj. Genl. G. B. Crittenden \nS. Cunningham A.Genl.","The interval between the reception of these orders was employed by me busily in attempting to procure transportation and finding no Quarter Master at Abingdon, I sent to Wytheville for Capt. Gibboney A. Q. M. at that point to report at Abingdon and assist me. My own QuarterMaster was without funds for that purpose. Capt. Gibboney arrived bringing with him waggons purchased on the road and by the time of the reception of the order from Genl. Crittenden, I had enough transportation on hand, by leaving some articles behind to enable me to reach Prestonsburg. Of course after the order of Genl. Crittenden, I had no use for the waggons and ordered them immediately to be loaded with supplies of ordnance and other belongings to Genl. Marshall and forwarded to him","Immediately upon the receipt of Genl. Crittenden's order, so uncertain was telegraphic communication, I sent my Quarter Master to Lynchburg to arrange for transportation by rail to Nashville and had already procured it and would have been on the way to Nashville but for the bursting of one of the [flues] of the engines, when I received the following order by Telegraph\nreceived in Abingdon Dec 10th about dark.","Knoxville Dec 10th \nTo Col. Stuart,\nGenl. A . S. Johnston orders that your Regiment remain with Genl. Marshall. \nW. H. Carroll \nBrig. Genl.","Upon the reception of this order I immediately telegraphed the Department to know whose orders I should obey? In the meantime the waggons I had secured for my Regiment were on the way to Pound Gap and I was thus compelled to\ncommence again to prepare transportation for that trip.","I had been quite unwell with jaundice ad the Surgeon finding that we would be compelled to go to Pound Gap told me that he would not answer for the consequences should I undertake to go and advised my return to Richmond, where I have been confined to my room with a severe attack of Rheumatism until within the last ten days. I left the Regiment under command of Lt. Col. Slaughter and I know that the delay in proceeding to join Genl. Marshall arose from no indisposition on his part to execute the orders, but from an absolute inability to procure the necessary transportation.\nThere can be found in the service no officer more active, intelligent and competent to the discharge of the duties of his position. We are anxious if there is the slightest doubt remaining on the mind of the Honl. Sec. as to the want of proper activity on the part of the officer of the Regiment to move forward, that he will order a Court of Inquiry that the matter may be thoroughly sifted.","I have the honor to be \nYour obt. servt. \nWm. D. Stuart, Col. \n56th Va. Regt.","Genl. Hospital \nRichmd. March 4 1862","Wm. T Cross, Private Co. E. 56 Reg. Va. Vols. has been in this hospital since 1 Nov 1861 with Secondary Syphilis. He has now Syphilitic Rheumatism \u0026 as his turn of enlistment will expire in June, I recommend his discharge from the service.","I. Beu. Gibson \nSurg. P. A. C. S. \nRichmond Genl. Hospital","Official business \nWm. D. Stuart \nCol: 56 Regt.","Sir, \nEnclosed please find Certificate of disability for Private W. T. Cross. It must be approved by the Capt. of his Co. \u0026 Col. of the Reg. \u0026 returned to me- at least this is the usual form.","If there is a prospect of obtaining his discharge at once, I would prefer his remaining in the Hospital until it is received here.","Very resp. \nI. B. Gibson \nSurg. P. A. C. S. \nRichmd Genl. Hospital","Richmond Arsenal \nMarch 8th 1862","My Dear Colonel, \nThis will be handed you by my friend Col. W. D Stuart 56 Va. Vols. who is about joining his Regiment, at present attached to your Department. Col. Stuart has by severe sickness been detained from following a career so nobly begun at Bethel.","His health is now sufficiently restored to justify his joining his command. I bespeak for him your kind consideration in advance, because having known him intimately from boyhood to the present time, I declare him to be a \"gentleman and a soldier\", as Lear was a king- \"every inch\".","Your Friend \nBriscoe G. Baldwin \nCapt. Arty. P. [A?] \nCol. W. W. Mackall \nA. A. Genl.","Head Quarters Floyd's Division \nChattanooga, Mar 17th 1862 \nGeneral Order \nNo. 246","The reenlisted men of this command are entitled to a furlough of sixty days at home, but in case of a collision with the enemy at Knoxville this will be suspended for one week.","By order \nBrig. Gen. Floyd \n[C. Derrick] \nA.A. Gen.","Official \n[Mr]Robin Terry \nA.A. A Gen.","Headquarters Floyd's Division \nCamp [? Childress] Mar 17 1862 \nGeneral Orders \nNo. 27 \nExtract","The entire command will move tomorrow morning on the cars in the following order. 1st Headquarters, 2d Artillery, 3d. 1st Brigade, 4th 2d Brigade.","The 1st Brigade will load its baggage on the cars at 9 o'clock in the [trn]-yard just across the bridge arranging so that their baggage or wagons will not be in the way of Head Qrs.","By order Brig. Gen. Floyd \nPeter Otey \nA.A. Gen","Official \nMr. Robbin Terry \nA.A. A Gen.","Head Qrs Floyd Division \nKnoxville, March 19th/62 \nSpecial Orders \nNo--","Having been relieved from my command I hereby turn over the troops under me to the command of Col. Maney commanding forces at Knoxville Tennessee. The commanding officers of Regts will report for duty at once to Col. Maney","By order Brigdr Gen. Floyd \nPeter Otey \nA.A.G.","The Field Officers and officers commanding regiments will report at these HdQrs as soon as practicable. The General desires to introduce these gentlemen to the commanding officer Col. Maney.","By direction \nBrigdr Gen. Floyd \nPeter Otey \nA.A.G.","Head Quarters Knoxville \nMarch 19th 1862","Col. Stuart \nCommnd. 56th Va. Regt.","You will hold your Regt. ready to move at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning. Send to these Headquarters by 8 ½O'clock tomorrow morning a report of the strength of your command for duty.","Geo. Maury \nCol. Comdg. at Knoxville.","Hd. Quarters Knoxville \n20th March 1862","Colonel \nW. D. Stuart \n56 Va. Regiment","You are hereby directed to take command of all the forces here, formerly of Genl. Floyd's command in the movement towards Jacksboro. Capt. B. W. Snyder Qr. Master will report to you as Qr. Master for your command. He will be furnished with twelve 4 horse wagons for transportation of your command. If this transportation is more than sufficient for the tents, cooking utensils and ammunition necessary for your command you will please direct your commissary, whom you may select from your command, to load the unappropriated wagons with Flour and Bacon for which he will make requisition on the post commissary at this place.","Respectfully, \nGeo. Maney \nCol. Commanding \nForces at Knoxville","Hd Qrs Knoxville Mch 20th/62 \nSpecial Order \nNo--","Col. Stuart will move with his command tomorrow morning at 6 o'clk on the road to Clinton. You will have rations for one day cooked tonight.","By comd of \nCol. George Maney Comdg Post \nR.B. Snowden Adjt.","Head Qrs Knoxville, March 21st 1862 \nSpecial Order No-","Col Stuart \nYou will hold your command, composed of the 36th, 50th, 51st and 56th Regts in readiness to move at 4 o'clk this afternoon towards Jacksboro.","Col. George Maney Comdg Post \nR.B. Snowden Adj't.","Col. Stuart \nI am instructed by Col. Maney to say you will not put your command on the march until further orders. You are however instructed to hold it ready to move at a moment's notice.","R. B. Snowden Adjt. \nKnoxville March 21st 1862","Hd. Quarters Knoxville \nMarch 21st 1862","Col. Stuart \nCommand. of Floyd Brigade","Your order to march toward Clinton is revoked. I desire to see you at my Hd. Quarters in person at first convenient moment to regard to encamping your command here.","Very Respectfully \nGeo. Maney Col. \nCommnd. At Knoxville","Lebanon, 31st March 1862","Col. Stuart, \nOf so much of your order of the 28th as proposes the formation of a camp near Abingdon by the unfurloughed officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates of \"Floyd's Brigade\", I shall express no opinion at this time. I presume your halt at Abingdon, for instructions from Richmond, was in pursuance of your duty under the direction of Major General Smith. I am glad he has force to spare.","The others parts of your order I cheerfully approve and will sustain. I know of no vice so fatal to our soldiery as intemperance; and, independent of the loss of many genial fellows to the cause in which our swords are drawn, their fall is the gain of the meanest and the most heartless men in community. The vigor of authority shall not be wanting on my part to sustain every effort to limit the pernicious vice.","I enclose an Order, which please hand to Maj. Fisher that he may have a few struck off and sent after such of my men as have left Abingdon.","Your vindicatory note has been successful I imagine in proving that you did not delay marching last winter intentionally, but the failure to join me was a great misfortune to this command.","I am ready however to look forward and not backwards, and hope our acquaintance may be as agreeable in its continuance as it has been awkward in its beginning.","Yours Respectfully, \nH. Marshall \nBrig. Genl. Comd.","Apr 1st 1862 \nCol. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nThe bearer of this note Mr. Hanshew is the father of the soldier in the 50th Regt. The young man is at present in hospital and has been quite a sufferer. He was sick in the autumn and before fairly recovered was taken to the west. He was subjected to all the exposure and hardships at Ft. Donelson where he was frost bitten in the trenches. The retreat and long march have proved too much for him and he is really quite worn out. His father wishes to take\nhim home for a few weeks if possible to [illegible] him \u0026 I think it important for the young man to go. I know the father well, he is worthy of trust and is a man of excellent character.","I am sir very truly yours \nJohn B. Floyd","Confederate States of America \nTREASURY DEPARTMENT \nFIRST AUDITOR'S OFFICE \nApr. 8th 1862","Dear Mr. Stuart, \nI think I shall die if I don't manage to get with the Army in some capacity or other, \u0026 as the circumstances of my family do not admit of my going as a private, I must try to obtain some position which will pay. I have not the presumption to ask for a commission in the Infantry or Artillery, where a knowledge of military tactics is essential, but as all the appointments are not made in the Engineers Corps \u0026 for that a knowledge of Mathematics more than anything else is required, I have thought that I might possibly by some study in the meanwhile fit myself for a position in the Engineers. I would not myself have thought such to be the case, but for the assurance of a friend, who is in the Corps \u0026 and after considerable experience says that I am fully capable of filling such a position creditably. The object of my writing this letter therefore is to request that you will give me a testimonial to be presented to the Sec. of War, who would doubtless be influenced by what you say. Possibly with that \u0026 what I may get old Bledsoe, the Asst. Sec. to say for me, I may obtain a Lieutenancy in the Engineers.","If Frank had been successful I would not myself apply, but I suppose his application is pretty securely pigeon holed \u0026 he will never hear from it, though Tom Harris is now in the city \u0026 a member of the Military Committee of Congress.","I saw Aunt F. last night and she and the children are in good spirits, looking forward to visiting you in Abingdon, in accordance with your letter of recent date. Aunt F. was glad to hear of your being so well \u0026 comfortably fixed \u0026 perhaps her cheerfulness is only the reflection from your good spirits, as she learns from your letters \u0026 others who have seen you.","Ma and the children are pleasantly fixed in Danville \u0026 are all very well: Frank was at Orange C. H. when I heard from him, though there is a rumor that his division went down to reinforce Magurder. The sky is brightening. I have not time to write more at present. Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain yours affectionately. \nW.R. Abbott","Abingdon 20th April 1862 \nCol. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nMrs. Saunders, the bearer of this is the mother of the boy who is applying for a discharge on the score of minority. I sent you the certificate, \u0026 c some days ago. I have no doubt of his being under age. She wants to know the conditions of his application. May I ask you to let her know it?","With the highest respect \nYour obd. Servt. \nJohn B. Floyd","Confederate States of America \nWAR DEPARTMENT \nEngineer's Bureau \nRichmond, Va. 30 April 1862","Genl. G. W. Randolph \nSecretary of War","Sir, \nI have had the pleasure of knowing Col. W. D. Stuart for many years. At Lexington where we were cadets together, his peculiar qualifications as a soldier and tactician, on graduating, led to his immediate appointment as assistant instructor of infantry and artillery tactics, a position\nwhich he held with much credit for three years. Since the commencement of the war he has been constantly engaged on active service, first on the Peninsula and afterwards in the West. In the first locality I had the pleasure of again meeting him and heard him uniformly spoken of as a gallant, efficient, and accomplished officer.","In these days of uncertain tenure of office, your endorsement of the substance of this letter would probably be of great service to him, especially as his standing on the Peninsula and conduct in the Battle of Bethel are personally known to you.","With great respect, your obedient servant, \nA. L. Rives \nActing Chf. Eng. Bu.","War Department \nApril 30th 1862","I take great pleasure in bearing the testimony to the gallantry and conduct of Col. Stuart at the Battle of Bethel of which I was an eye witness, and to his efficiency as an officer and his deportment as a gentleman. He is an educated soldier and I should be sorry for the Country to lose his services. \nGeo. W. Randolph","Camp near Winchester, Va. \nOct 26 1862","My dear Colonel: \nI have rec'd your report of the battle of \"South Mountain\" and with it your very kind note.","I can truly assure you I was much gratified with the expressions of regard and esteem you therein expressed towards me. My brief association with you was among the most pleasant I have formed during the war and I sincerely trust it may be renewed at no distant time, under such auspices that we may be able to cultivate a still closer intimacy. With many prayers for you safety and happiness I remain truly your friend \nR. B. Garnett","Provost Marshal's Office \nLynchburg, Va. \nOct 30th 1862 \nCol. W. D. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nI received this morning a letter from one of the 56th Va. Regt. informing me that \"you \u0026 Maj. Green intended to write to the War Department and endeavor if possible to have me relieved of duty here and ordered to return to Regt.\" I at first doubted its authenticity, but seeing it was from a semi-official source I necessarily attached some importance to it.","I was astonished to hear that you contemplated such a thing as it would undoubtedly place me in a false light before the Department. I presumed you had received official notification of my appointment here.","I have always thought you were magnanimous enough not only to be willing for any officer of your Regt. to obtain promotion and a better position, but would aid him if possible in doing so.","I informed you in three letters before that I applied in Sept. last to Q. M. for transportation to Regt. and applying the same day to Adjt. Gen. Cooper in person to ascertain the point to go to, was directed by him to report to Maj. Gen. Smith for duty. By whom I was sent to Brig. Gen. Winder who ordered me to take charge of the C. S. Military Prison. I remained there about three weeks and discharged the duties satisfactorily to my commissioning officer and was on the 21st Oct. appointed \"Provost Marshal\" of this city with written orders from Maj. Gen. G. W. Smith, a copy of which I send you.","Each position was unsolicited and unexpected by me; but at the same time agreeable ad satisfactory; because the \"posts\" I was assigned were not only easier and higher than the Capt. of Infantry, but also horses and servants furnished me, and paid $180 per month. The pay however is no consideration with me. The chances of promotion are still greater in my present position.","I will also state to you, that is I preferred it, I am legally exempt from military duty by the recent \"exemption act\" passed by both \"Houses of Congress\" and approved by the President. First I have a plantation with over 40 negroes, and on it \"no white male adult not liable to military duty.\" Second I have a large manufacturing mill and my superintendence is necessary for its successful operation. For either 1st or 2nd reasons I am exempt by \"Act of Congress\".","But notwithstanding pecuniary losses I am willing to remain in the army, provided my services will accomplish anything in the cause we are engaged.","I hope this will be satisfactory to you. I fear you did not receive my former letters making substantially the same statements as above; and I feel a conscientious sense of duty, in justice to myself to write to you again","The appointment here was somewhat complimentary to me and I have intimations already of a higher and more responsible position being assigned me.","I would be glad if you would answer this.","Very respectfully \nYour obt. Servant \nThomas D. Jeffress \nCapt. and Provost Marshall of Lynchburg","P.S. I understand that only 8 or 10 efficient men of Co. \"G\" are with the Regt. and only about 22 or 23 in all on roll. I left several in Richmond at Hospital who will probably never recover sufficiently to return to duty. \nT. D. J.","18th Va. Regt. \nNov. 26th 1862 \nCol. W. D. Stuart","Col., \nIn reply to your note rec'd some time since asking of the \"mention made\" of Capt. T. D. Jeffress \"upon\" a report of one of the Richmond battles forwarded by myself to Brigade Hd. Qrs., I have to say that Capt. Jeffress made out the report of the battle himself, he being the Senr. Officer present who was in the fight. When the report was handed to me Lt. Chaffin Actg. Adjt. told me that the officers of the Regt. desired that I should make mention of the good conduct of Capt. Jeffress in battle, as the Capt. from motives of delicacy would of course say nothing of himself. I endorsed upon the report that I was not in the battle myself, was not in command of the Regiment at the time the events spoken of occurred, but that at the request of others, I would state that Capt. Jeffress deserved \"honorable mention\" for good conduct in battle. I have since learned that Lt. Chaffin was not in the fight himself and I am sorry that I acted upon his suggestion and made the endorsement referred to for the reason that I appeared to discriminate in favor of Capt. Jeffress when in fact I knew nothing of the conduct of any officer in the Regiment in the battle alluded to.","I am Col. \nVery Respectfully \nGeo. C. Cabell, Major","Camp Near Petersburg \nof Pickett's Div. Garnett's Brig. \nMarch 7th 1863 \nGenl. S. A. Cooper","Sir, \nI respectfully make an application for 25 Conscripts the requisite number to fill the reduced ranks of my Company at its present standard. You will confer a favour by assigning to the ranks of my Company 25 Conscripts,or any number as you, in your judgement may think proper or circumstances may require. You can see by my muster roll that my company only numbers 31 total present or absent, having never received any Conscripts since its entry into\nservice.","Most Respectfully \nYour obedient Servt. \nF. W. Nelson \nLt. Comd. Co. \"A\" 56th Va.","Camp Near Petersburg, Va. \nMarch 7th 1863","I respectfully ask permission to be absent from my duties for a few days for the following reasons. My property has been dwindling away daily since 25th Dec last, for want of my personal attention. My negroes are roaming through the country without a proper home and I will probably lose them all if I cannot attend to the matter immediately. I leave my company in command of the Capt. I have deferred asking leave of absence until now, because of there being only two (2) officers belonging to the company and the comdg. Officer of the Regt. deems it best that the vacancies of 2nd and 2nd jr. Lieuts. should not be filled at present, I presume because of the smallness of the Co. I reenlisted as a private and have never received a furlough or anything in lieu thereof and have never been absent without leave.","S. D. Cronin 1st Lieut. \nCo. \"I\" 56th Va. Regt.","March 8th, 1863","I respectfully ask for a leave of absence for 20 days to visit my home in Mecklenburg Co. Va. having been in the service for 20 months and having never received but four days furlough since the organization of my Regiment. I hope this application will be granted. I was originally a 12 months Volunteer and subsequently reenlisted for the War.","Lieut. F. W. Nelson \nCo. A. 56th Va. Regt.","Kittrell's Springs \nJuly 27th 1863 \nCol. Wm. D. Stuart","Dear Sir, \nI was transferred from General Hospital No. 10 to Black's and White's Hospital, from that place on the recommendation of the Medical Director in Richmond (Dr. Wm. Carrington) I was allowed the privilege of going home and report once in fifteen days in person or through my Physician's certificate. My furlough was extended the other day, 30 days to enable me to visit\nthe Springs for my health. I am improving very rapidly mow and shall be on, as soon as I am able for duty. You have passed though a very fiery ordeal since I left you. I regret being absent from my company in time of battle. I am truly sorry to learn that you are wounded, hope it will not prove serious, and allow me here to indulge the hope that you will be Genl. Garrett's successor. You certainly deserve the place. I am very anxious to hear from my company. I heard indirectly that Lieut. Finley was wounded, whether seriously or not I did not learn. Pickett's Division was very badly cut up. The mortality among officers was unprecedented. I expect to be here at least two weeks longer. I wish to get entirely well before returning. When I return again I hope to be able to stay with you. Direct your letter to \"Lawrenceville. Brunswick Co. Va.\" With my best wishes that you may speedily recover and when I see you again you may be my Brigadier. I subscribe myself your true friend, \nN. A. Flournoy"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWilliam D. Stuart papers, 1850-1863. MS 0108. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["William D. Stuart papers, 1850-1863. MS 0108. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe bulk of the William D. Stuart papers consists of the Civil War papers (60 items; 1861-1863) of Stuart. The papers contain:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCorrespondence to and from various Confederate Army officers\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMorning and guard reports\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMilitary orders\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInvoices and receipts documenting Stuart's brief service with the 15th Virginia Infantry Regiment and his command of the 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\nOther items include letters of recommendation for a United\nStates Army Commission (1850), a letter from Gabriel Jordan, Jr. (VMI Class of 1850) dated November 1854, and printed material.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter endorses William D. Stuart's application for a commission in the United States Army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter endorses William D. Stuart's application for a commission in the United States Army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter endorses William D. Stuart's application for a commission in the United States Army.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Huntsville, Alabama. Letter comments on respective marriages, jobs, and future prospects.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter asks Virginia Governor John Letcher for an appointment in the Army in the event of secession.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Order No. 81 from Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart is assigned to duty with troops at the camp of instruction.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter expresses regret at William D. Stuart's resignation as commanding officer of the Richmond City Guard.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from the Camp of Instruction, Richmond. Letter to an unidentified colonel regards the placement of William D. Stuart and other officers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards materials to make a tent.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Williamsburg, Virginia. Letter orders William D. Stuart to work on fortifications at King's Mill.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Order No. 222 from Youngs Farm. Regards payment of troops and powers of attorney. By command of General Magruder and signed by G. B. Cosby, A.A.A.G.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Order No. 280 from the Adjutant Inspector General's office, Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart is promoted and assigned to the command of the 56th Virginia Regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camp Lee. Letter regards a flag for William D. Stuart's regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Order No. 232 from Richmond, Virginia by command of Secretary of War per John Withers. The 56th Virginia Infantry regiment is ordered to Jeffersonville, Virginia to report to Brigadier General Marshall.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Pound Gap, Virginia. William D. Stuart is ordered to move his regiment forward by Pound Gap towards Prestonsburg, Kentucky.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Wytheville, Virginia. Telegram regards wagons.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Wytheville, Virginia. Letter regards transportation vouchers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart's regiment is ordered to Nashville, Tennessee.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Knoxville, Tennessee. General A. S. Johnson orders William D. Stuart's regiment to remain with General Marshall.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFrom Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart's regiment is to proceed to Pound Gap to report to General Marshall.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Order No. 8 from Headquarters 1st Brigade, Army of Eastern Kentucky, Camp near Paintville, by order of General Marshall. William D. Stuart's regiment is to move immediately without further delay.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Paintville, Kentucky. William D. Stuart must move his regiment without delay.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart is directed by the Secretary of War to report to General Marshall.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter concerns orders to go to Pound Gap, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter regards contradictory orders and illness of William D. Stuart and men.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter reprts on sickness of regiment and men in hospital.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Order No. 1 from Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart's regiment\nis detached from General Marshall's command and will proceed to Bowling Green, Kentucky to General A. S. Johnston.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter regards order to proceed to Bowling Green, Kentucky. Letter also encloses Special Order No. 1 (dated January 2, 1862).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards confusion in orders to 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards William T. Cross' certificate of disability.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards William D. Stuart rejoining his regiment after a severe illness.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGeneral Order No. 246 from Floyd's Division, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Reenlisted men are entitled to a 60 day furlough, but this may be suspended in case of \"collision with the enemy.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGeneral Order No. 27 (extract) from Floyd's Division, Camp Bettie Childress. Order regards movement of the command via rail.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Order from Floyd's Division, Knoxville, Tennessee. General Floyd is relieved of command and regimental commanders are to report to Colonel George Maney.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is to hold his regiment ready to move and to report on the strength of his command.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is directed to \"take command of all the forces here, formerly of Genl Floyd's command, in the movement towards Jacksboro.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial order from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is to move tomorrow on the road to Clinton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial Order from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is to hold command of the 36th, 50th, 51st and 56th Virginia Regiments in readiness to move towards Jacksboro.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is not to move his command until further orders.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart march towards Clinton is revoked.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lebanon. Letter regards previous orders.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards releasing a sick soldier (Hanshew, 50th Virginia Regiment) to go home with his father.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter requests recommendation to enter the Confederate Army and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter regards discharge of an underage soldier.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Letter commends William D. Stuart, with an endorsement specifically about his gallantry at the Battle of Bethel, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Winchester, Virginia. Letter acknowledges receipt of report of Battle of South Mountain (Maryland) and expresses personal regard.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter protests Thomas D. Jeffress' return to the Regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter regards a report in which George C. Cabell erroneously commended Captain Thomas D. Jeffress.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter requests 25 conscripts to fill reduced ranks.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter requests to be absent from duty to see to business at home.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eLetter requests a leave of absence to visit home.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Kittrell's Springs, North Carolina. This letter was written after the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and it comments on casualties in regiment and general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Richmond, Virginia. Telegram regards search of trains for stolen coffee.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReport for the 56th Virginia Regiment at Camp Robertson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReport for the 56th Virginia Regiment at Camp Robertson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSpecial duty roster for the 56th Virginia Regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eGuard report for the 56th Virginia Regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReceipt for wall tent pins and poles.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReceipt for ordnance (cartridges).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInvoice of commutation of quarters and fuel for 1st Lieutenant George W. May, Company C. 56th Virginia, for the period of December 8 to 31, 1861.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInvoice of commutation of quarters and fuel for 1st Lieutenant George W. May, Company C. 56th Virginia, for the period of January 1 to 31, 1862.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReceipt for wall tents.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwo receipts for muskets and cartridge boxes.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReceipt for clothing.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eReceipt for commissary stores.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis series includes a draft of a speech given upon presentation of a flag to the 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment, court-martial specifications, and other documents.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThis series includes programs and other documents from Roanoke, Virginia area camps.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The bulk of the William D. Stuart papers consists of the Civil War papers (60 items; 1861-1863) of Stuart. The papers contain:\n Correspondence to and from various Confederate Army officers Morning and guard reports Military orders Invoices and receipts documenting Stuart's brief service with the 15th Virginia Infantry Regiment and his command of the 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment \nOther items include letters of recommendation for a United\nStates Army Commission (1850), a letter from Gabriel Jordan, Jr. (VMI Class of 1850) dated November 1854, and printed material.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter endorses William D. Stuart's application for a commission in the United States Army.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter endorses William D. Stuart's application for a commission in the United States Army.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter endorses William D. Stuart's application for a commission in the United States Army.","Written from Huntsville, Alabama. Letter comments on respective marriages, jobs, and future prospects.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter asks Virginia Governor John Letcher for an appointment in the Army in the event of secession.","Special Order No. 81 from Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart is assigned to duty with troops at the camp of instruction.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter expresses regret at William D. Stuart's resignation as commanding officer of the Richmond City Guard.","Written from the Camp of Instruction, Richmond. Letter to an unidentified colonel regards the placement of William D. Stuart and other officers.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards materials to make a tent.","Written from Williamsburg, Virginia. Letter orders William D. Stuart to work on fortifications at King's Mill.","Special Order No. 222 from Youngs Farm. Regards payment of troops and powers of attorney. By command of General Magruder and signed by G. B. Cosby, A.A.A.G.","Special Order No. 280 from the Adjutant Inspector General's office, Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart is promoted and assigned to the command of the 56th Virginia Regiment.","Written from Camp Lee. Letter regards a flag for William D. Stuart's regiment.","Special Order No. 232 from Richmond, Virginia by command of Secretary of War per John Withers. The 56th Virginia Infantry regiment is ordered to Jeffersonville, Virginia to report to Brigadier General Marshall.","Written from Pound Gap, Virginia. William D. Stuart is ordered to move his regiment forward by Pound Gap towards Prestonsburg, Kentucky.","Written from Wytheville, Virginia. Telegram regards wagons.","Written from Wytheville, Virginia. Letter regards transportation vouchers.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart's regiment is ordered to Nashville, Tennessee.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. General A. S. Johnson orders William D. Stuart's regiment to remain with General Marshall.","From Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart's regiment is to proceed to Pound Gap to report to General Marshall.","Special Order No. 8 from Headquarters 1st Brigade, Army of Eastern Kentucky, Camp near Paintville, by order of General Marshall. William D. Stuart's regiment is to move immediately without further delay.","Written from Paintville, Kentucky. William D. Stuart must move his regiment without delay.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart is directed by the Secretary of War to report to General Marshall.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter concerns orders to go to Pound Gap, Virginia.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter regards contradictory orders and illness of William D. Stuart and men.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter reprts on sickness of regiment and men in hospital.","Special Order No. 1 from Richmond, Virginia. William D. Stuart's regiment\nis detached from General Marshall's command and will proceed to Bowling Green, Kentucky to General A. S. Johnston.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter regards order to proceed to Bowling Green, Kentucky. Letter also encloses Special Order No. 1 (dated January 2, 1862).","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards confusion in orders to 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards William T. Cross' certificate of disability.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter regards William D. Stuart rejoining his regiment after a severe illness.","General Order No. 246 from Floyd's Division, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Reenlisted men are entitled to a 60 day furlough, but this may be suspended in case of \"collision with the enemy.\"","General Order No. 27 (extract) from Floyd's Division, Camp Bettie Childress. Order regards movement of the command via rail.","Special Order from Floyd's Division, Knoxville, Tennessee. General Floyd is relieved of command and regimental commanders are to report to Colonel George Maney.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is to hold his regiment ready to move and to report on the strength of his command.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is directed to \"take command of all the forces here, formerly of Genl Floyd's command, in the movement towards Jacksboro.\"","Special order from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is to move tomorrow on the road to Clinton.","Special Order from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is to hold command of the 36th, 50th, 51st and 56th Virginia Regiments in readiness to move towards Jacksboro.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart is not to move his command until further orders.","Written from Knoxville, Tennessee. William D. Stuart march towards Clinton is revoked.","Written from Lebanon. Letter regards previous orders.","Letter regards releasing a sick soldier (Hanshew, 50th Virginia Regiment) to go home with his father.","Letter requests recommendation to enter the Confederate Army and family news.","Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter regards discharge of an underage soldier.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Letter commends William D. Stuart, with an endorsement specifically about his gallantry at the Battle of Bethel, Virginia.","Written from Winchester, Virginia. Letter acknowledges receipt of report of Battle of South Mountain (Maryland) and expresses personal regard.","Written from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter protests Thomas D. Jeffress' return to the Regiment.","Letter regards a report in which George C. Cabell erroneously commended Captain Thomas D. Jeffress.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter requests 25 conscripts to fill reduced ranks.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter requests to be absent from duty to see to business at home.","Letter requests a leave of absence to visit home.","Written from Kittrell's Springs, North Carolina. This letter was written after the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and it comments on casualties in regiment and general news.","Written from Richmond, Virginia. Telegram regards search of trains for stolen coffee.","Report for the 56th Virginia Regiment at Camp Robertson.","Report for the 56th Virginia Regiment at Camp Robertson.","Special duty roster for the 56th Virginia Regiment.","Guard report for the 56th Virginia Regiment.","Receipt for wall tent pins and poles.","Receipt for ordnance (cartridges).","Invoice of commutation of quarters and fuel for 1st Lieutenant George W. May, Company C. 56th Virginia, for the period of December 8 to 31, 1861.","Invoice of commutation of quarters and fuel for 1st Lieutenant George W. May, Company C. 56th Virginia, for the period of January 1 to 31, 1862.","Receipt for wall tents.","Two receipts for muskets and cartridge boxes.","Receipt for clothing.","Receipt for commissary stores.","This series includes a draft of a speech given upon presentation of a flag to the 56th Virginia Infantry Regiment, court-martial specifications, and other documents.","This series includes programs and other documents from Roanoke, Virginia area camps."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_a9ce738eb690b4bbd27af1954a7067ed\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Stuart, William D. (William Dabney), 1830-1863","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Jordan, Gabriel, Jr., 1831-1884","Marshall, Humphrey, 1812-1872","Cosby, George B. 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(John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Gilham, William, 1818-1872"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    "],"total_component_count_is":71,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:12:13.177Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_281","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"William G. Williamson papers","creator":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_281#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Williamson, William G. (William Garnett), 1840-1898","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_281#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThe William G. Williamson papers consist of the personal papers of Williamson. Included is an original manuscript Civil War notebook that contains: \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReports (September 1862-May 1863) submitted to the Chief Engineer's Office, Army of Northern Virginia, in which Williamson discusses destroying bridges at Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, and reconnaissance and mapping trips in the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePoetry\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNotes about architecture, engineering, and Williamson family genealogy\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e The papers also include correspondence and documents (1868-1898), Williamson's obituary, and a book owned by Williamson titled \"Scott's Infantry Tactics\" (Volume III, 1860 edition).\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_281#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_281","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_281","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_281","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_281","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_281.xml","title_ssm":["William G. Williamson papers"],"title_tesim":["William G. Williamson papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1857-1898"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1857-1898"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0205","/repositories/3/resources/281"],"text":["MS.0205","/repositories/3/resources/281","William G. Williamson papers","Confederate States of America. Army—Corps of Engineers","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864 Military Science","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Washington College (Lexington, Va.)–Students","Washington and Lee University—History","Reports","Correspondence","Poetry","There are no restrictions.","The Civil War reports and the pre-War notebook are available   online .","William Garnett Williamson was born in 1840 in Norfolk, Virginia. From 1858 to 1859 he was a student at Washington College, Lexington, Virginia. In 1861 he received military training at VMI (VMI Class of 1864 Military Science). During the Civil War he served with the 1st Regiment Engineers, Confederate States of America. ","After the War, Williamson was a civil engineer. He died in 1898 in Pensacola, Florida while constructing coastal defenses during the Spanish-American War. He was the brother of Thomas Hoomes Williamson, a longtime member of the VMI faculty.","The William G. Williamson papers consist of the personal papers of Williamson. Included is \nan original manuscript Civil War notebook that contains:\n Reports (September 1862-May 1863) submitted to the Chief Engineer's Office, Army of Northern Virginia, in which Williamson discusses destroying bridges at Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, and reconnaissance and mapping trips in the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont Poetry Notes about architecture, engineering, and Williamson family genealogy \nThe papers also include correspondence and documents (1868-1898),  Williamson's obituary, and a book owned by Williamson titled \"Scott's Infantry Tactics\" (Volume III, 1860 edition).","In addition, the papers include a digital version only of an additional notebook (original owned by a descendant). This notebook dates from circa 1857 to 1861 and contains class notes and sketches, including a drawing of Stonewall Jackson while he was professor at VMI. The notebook likely dates in part from the period in which Williamson was a student at Washington College (now Washington and Lee University).","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Williamson family","Williamson, William G. (William Garnett), 1840-1898","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0205","/repositories/3/resources/281"],"normalized_title_ssm":["William G. Williamson papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["William G. Williamson papers"],"collection_ssim":["William G. 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Army—Corps of Engineers","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864 Military Science","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Washington College (Lexington, Va.)–Students","Washington and Lee University—History","Reports","Correspondence","Poetry"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. 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From 1858 to 1859 he was a student at Washington College, Lexington, Virginia. In 1861 he received military training at VMI (VMI Class of 1864 Military Science). During the Civil War he served with the 1st Regiment Engineers, Confederate States of America. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAfter the War, Williamson was a civil engineer. He died in 1898 in Pensacola, Florida while constructing coastal defenses during the Spanish-American War. He was the brother of Thomas Hoomes Williamson, a longtime member of the VMI faculty.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["William Garnett Williamson was born in 1840 in Norfolk, Virginia. From 1858 to 1859 he was a student at Washington College, Lexington, Virginia. In 1861 he received military training at VMI (VMI Class of 1864 Military Science). During the Civil War he served with the 1st Regiment Engineers, Confederate States of America. ","After the War, Williamson was a civil engineer. He died in 1898 in Pensacola, Florida while constructing coastal defenses during the Spanish-American War. He was the brother of Thomas Hoomes Williamson, a longtime member of the VMI faculty."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWilliam G. Williamson papers, 1857-1898. MS 0205. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["William G. Williamson papers, 1857-1898. MS 0205. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe William G. Williamson papers consist of the personal papers of Williamson. Included is \nan original manuscript Civil War notebook that contains:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReports (September 1862-May 1863) submitted to the Chief Engineer's Office, Army of Northern Virginia, in which Williamson discusses destroying bridges at Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, and reconnaissance and mapping trips in the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePoetry\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNotes about architecture, engineering, and Williamson family genealogy\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\nThe papers also include correspondence and documents (1868-1898),  Williamson's obituary, and a book owned by Williamson titled \"Scott's Infantry Tactics\" (Volume III, 1860 edition).\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn addition, the papers include a digital version only of an additional notebook (original owned by a descendant). This notebook dates from circa 1857 to 1861 and contains class notes and sketches, including a drawing of Stonewall Jackson while he was professor at VMI. The notebook likely dates in part from the period in which Williamson was a student at Washington College (now Washington and Lee University).\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The William G. Williamson papers consist of the personal papers of Williamson. Included is \nan original manuscript Civil War notebook that contains:\n Reports (September 1862-May 1863) submitted to the Chief Engineer's Office, Army of Northern Virginia, in which Williamson discusses destroying bridges at Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, and reconnaissance and mapping trips in the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont Poetry Notes about architecture, engineering, and Williamson family genealogy \nThe papers also include correspondence and documents (1868-1898),  Williamson's obituary, and a book owned by Williamson titled \"Scott's Infantry Tactics\" (Volume III, 1860 edition).","In addition, the papers include a digital version only of an additional notebook (original owned by a descendant). This notebook dates from circa 1857 to 1861 and contains class notes and sketches, including a drawing of Stonewall Jackson while he was professor at VMI. The notebook likely dates in part from the period in which Williamson was a student at Washington College (now Washington and Lee University)."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eManuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.\u003c/p\u003e"],"userestrict_heading_ssm":["Conditions Governing Use"],"userestrict_tesim":["Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_970d21bcbf480f9400b76d0193047e72\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Williamson family","Williamson, William G. (William Garnett), 1840-1898","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Williamson family","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"famname_ssim":["Williamson family"],"persname_ssim":["Williamson, William G. (William Garnett), 1840-1898","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    "],"total_component_count_is":0,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:11:19.316Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_281","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_281","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_281","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_281","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_281.xml","title_ssm":["William G. Williamson papers"],"title_tesim":["William G. Williamson papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1857-1898"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1857-1898"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0205","/repositories/3/resources/281"],"text":["MS.0205","/repositories/3/resources/281","William G. Williamson papers","Confederate States of America. Army—Corps of Engineers","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864 Military Science","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Washington College (Lexington, Va.)–Students","Washington and Lee University—History","Reports","Correspondence","Poetry","There are no restrictions.","The Civil War reports and the pre-War notebook are available   online .","William Garnett Williamson was born in 1840 in Norfolk, Virginia. From 1858 to 1859 he was a student at Washington College, Lexington, Virginia. In 1861 he received military training at VMI (VMI Class of 1864 Military Science). During the Civil War he served with the 1st Regiment Engineers, Confederate States of America. ","After the War, Williamson was a civil engineer. He died in 1898 in Pensacola, Florida while constructing coastal defenses during the Spanish-American War. He was the brother of Thomas Hoomes Williamson, a longtime member of the VMI faculty.","The William G. Williamson papers consist of the personal papers of Williamson. Included is \nan original manuscript Civil War notebook that contains:\n Reports (September 1862-May 1863) submitted to the Chief Engineer's Office, Army of Northern Virginia, in which Williamson discusses destroying bridges at Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, and reconnaissance and mapping trips in the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont Poetry Notes about architecture, engineering, and Williamson family genealogy \nThe papers also include correspondence and documents (1868-1898),  Williamson's obituary, and a book owned by Williamson titled \"Scott's Infantry Tactics\" (Volume III, 1860 edition).","In addition, the papers include a digital version only of an additional notebook (original owned by a descendant). This notebook dates from circa 1857 to 1861 and contains class notes and sketches, including a drawing of Stonewall Jackson while he was professor at VMI. The notebook likely dates in part from the period in which Williamson was a student at Washington College (now Washington and Lee University).","Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Williamson family","Williamson, William G. (William Garnett), 1840-1898","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","English \n.    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Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"access_subjects_ssim":["Confederate States of America. Army—Corps of Engineers","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864 Military Science","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Washington College (Lexington, Va.)–Students","Washington and Lee University—History","Reports","Correspondence","Poetry"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. 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From 1858 to 1859 he was a student at Washington College, Lexington, Virginia. In 1861 he received military training at VMI (VMI Class of 1864 Military Science). During the Civil War he served with the 1st Regiment Engineers, Confederate States of America. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAfter the War, Williamson was a civil engineer. He died in 1898 in Pensacola, Florida while constructing coastal defenses during the Spanish-American War. He was the brother of Thomas Hoomes Williamson, a longtime member of the VMI faculty.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["William Garnett Williamson was born in 1840 in Norfolk, Virginia. From 1858 to 1859 he was a student at Washington College, Lexington, Virginia. In 1861 he received military training at VMI (VMI Class of 1864 Military Science). During the Civil War he served with the 1st Regiment Engineers, Confederate States of America. ","After the War, Williamson was a civil engineer. He died in 1898 in Pensacola, Florida while constructing coastal defenses during the Spanish-American War. He was the brother of Thomas Hoomes Williamson, a longtime member of the VMI faculty."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWilliam G. Williamson papers, 1857-1898. MS 0205. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["William G. Williamson papers, 1857-1898. MS 0205. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe William G. Williamson papers consist of the personal papers of Williamson. Included is \nan original manuscript Civil War notebook that contains:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReports (September 1862-May 1863) submitted to the Chief Engineer's Office, Army of Northern Virginia, in which Williamson discusses destroying bridges at Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, and reconnaissance and mapping trips in the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePoetry\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNotes about architecture, engineering, and Williamson family genealogy\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\nThe papers also include correspondence and documents (1868-1898),  Williamson's obituary, and a book owned by Williamson titled \"Scott's Infantry Tactics\" (Volume III, 1860 edition).\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eIn addition, the papers include a digital version only of an additional notebook (original owned by a descendant). This notebook dates from circa 1857 to 1861 and contains class notes and sketches, including a drawing of Stonewall Jackson while he was professor at VMI. The notebook likely dates in part from the period in which Williamson was a student at Washington College (now Washington and Lee University).\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The William G. Williamson papers consist of the personal papers of Williamson. 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