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Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"date_range_isim":[1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862],"names_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"persname_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. 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Army—Alabama Infantry Regiment, 44th","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Military education—Georgia—History","Education—Georgia—History","Military education—Alabama—History","Education—Alabama—History","Presbyterian Church in the U.S.—Presbytery of Lexington","Episcopal Church—Alabama—History","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence","There are no restrictions","Charles A. Derby's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available  online .","Derby's 1862 letters are avaliable  online .","Charles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.","Following his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n Private tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia Head of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy Head of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama Professor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia Principal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama \nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.","Derby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).","A year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.","William F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","VM Institute \nApril 4th 1846","Dear Father, \nYours of the 15th ult. was duly received. The fifteen dollars which were enclosed I handed to Col Smith as you desired. This will certainly be sufficient to cover all my expenses between now and July. In regard to my health, I think you need not be at all uneasy for it never was better than it has been since I have been here. At this time I know of no case of sickness in Lexington. For the last three weeks, the weather has been very pleasant and if it continues to be so, the corps will in a few days put on white pantaloons. Enclosed you will find a list of the standing of the third class at our January examination. I copied it from a semi-annual report. I did intend to send you a report; but there are I believe only two at the Institute. Col. Smith had this year, only a few published for the legislature. You may perhaps obtain one from Dr. Thompson. I am getting on remarkably well with all my studies except Drawing and this I must confess. I think will prevent me from retaining my present standing. When I first commenced it I had but little talent for it, and thought I have made a considerable improvement in it. My marks have hitherto been so low, that I fear I will not be able to make up for them. I shall endeavor to do my best at it. In French and Mathematics I still stand among the first. You have perhaps, before this received a circular from Col. Smith. I have I believe one demerit, but if I get no more than five between now and July, they will all be taken off. You will recollect that I had a few previous to our examination, but as they did not exceed five, they were taken off. I see in The Petersburg Republican that Dr. Thompson and Capt Sydnor are the candidates for the Legislature in Dinwiddie. I would be glad if you would inform me whether there is any chance for a Whig to be elected and also whether Mr. Lyme has any opposition. I do not believe that the candidates in Rockbridge have been nominated, but she will certainly elect two Whigs. Gov. McDorrel's influence is not so great as to prevent her from doing this although he was almost unanimously elected to Congress a short time since. I received a letter from cousin Robt last week in which he stated that his family were all well. He says that he expects after this year to teach school as there is not much to be made by shoemaking in Marysville. He thinks he can get at least thirty scholars. \nGive my love to mother etc. \nIn haste your devoted son \n[signed]Chas. A. Derby","VM Institute \nMay 9th 1846","Dear Father \nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,  \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby","Dear Father \nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was. \nMy love to all. \nYour affectionate son, \n[signed] Chas A Derby","Va Military Institute \nJany 19th 1847","Dear Father, \nAs you are perhaps anxious to learn the result of our last examination I take the present opportunity to write to you. The examination commenced on Monday the 4th last and continued until Saturday evening. I still stand second in my class and am also as I expect you have before this seen in my circular a file higher in mathematics, than I was at the examination in July. I will also state that the maximum in Mathematics in the second class is 300 from which you will perceive that considerably more importance is attached to that part of the mathematical course which is studied by the second class than to that which is studied by the third class. I could have easily stood higher in Latin than I did by studying it as much as some members of my class did, but I preferred devoting my time mostly to the principal study. In fact I believe it better to have a tolerable standing in each department, than to stand very high in some, and very low in others; and it is upon this principle that I have acted ever since I have been at this place. The young man who stands first in Latin, having already a good knowledge of Mathematics devoted most of his time to that study with which he was least acquainted; on the other hand I depended upon the little knowledge of Latin which I had already acquired and studied Mathematics. I saw in some of the papers last week, that Mr. Bryan was first Lieutenant of the second company, which had been raised in Petersburg. Please inform me in your next, whether there were any Other members of that company with whom you were acquainted.  You perhaps wish to know what kind of a Christmas we had.  At the Institute Christmas is kept only one day, and that day is never forgotten inasmuch as it is the only one on which we are blessed with turkeys and minced pies. With the exception of the eatings my enjoyments were no greater than usual. Since I wrote to you last, there has been another severe snowstorm in Rockbridge. The weather last week was extremely cold, but it has moderated considerably. Write me word whether you have hired any servants and if you have who they are. Also whether my sisters have made much progress in the study of music. I would indeed be very much pleased to learn that they have.  Give my love to them and to mother. I remain as ever - your devoted son, \n[signed] Chas A. Derby","P.S. My old school mate Samuel Garland stands second in the third class.  Please inform me whether Samuel Hardy succeeded in obtaining the situation at Winfield Academy.  We were not examined in French and consequently no standing was determined upon it. [signed] CAD","Virginia Military Institute \nFeb 26th 1847","Dear Father, \nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney. \nGive my love to all. \nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby","Virginia Military Institute \nDec 27th 1847","Dear Father \nI received yesterday morning the letter in which you had enclosed the other half of the twenty dollar note which I am to place in the hands of the treasurer. I was considerably surprised on learning the circumstances which attended the death of Capt Ferguson. Your advice in regard to perseverance I have all along endeavored to follow.  If I fail at the next examination it will not be my fault but the fault of nature. One cannot expect to have a talent for every department. One cannot be responsible for the deficiencies of nature; yet it is his duty to improve that with which the Lord has blessed him, however little it  may be. It is an admitted fact that application can never create a talent; yet it cannot be denied that by application talents are directed into their proper channels. It is for this reason that a person should while young ascertain that for which he is best fitted in order that he may not in after life be trifling with that for which he has no turn. There are many in my class who are smarter than myself; yet by application I have succeeded in accomplishing more than they have. Indolence is often an attendant of talents; for gifted men frequently trust too much to their talents. It is not always the most talented men who are first at the Bar; it is not always the most talented who have the greatest political fame; it is not always the most talented who are first in the scientific world. The greatest men of whom the world has every boasted have generally been those who with moderate abilities, by their industry made up for their deficiencies, and won the confidence and esteem of all.  The lawyer who has the greatest natural ability will if he is careless get but little practice. He may be able to deliver a startling speech; he may be the originator of striking ideas; yet none can place their confidence in him. It is on this account that I never despair. Whenever I do not succeed, I try again. It seems to me that h this year I am peculiarly unfortunate. Of Chemistry I do not profess to know much; yet I do not believe that in this department I have received justice. The opinion which you hand me express in regard to our professor of Natural Sciences has undergone but little change. I have not done well, comparatively speaking in Engineering; yet I by no means find fault with our professor in that department. I believe him to be a perfect gentlemen. The principle reason why I have not done well on these two studies is that a knowledge of them depends upon the memory; and you yourself know that my memory is very poor. Those studies which depend exclusively upon the reasoning faculties I find but little difficulty in mastering. Since I wrote to you last there has been another snow storm in this county.  During this Christmas there have been several private entertainments given by Cadets who have lately received boxes of eatables from their homes. This evening I have been enjoying a fine supper of oysters which are the first that I have eaten for more than two years. \nI continue to enjoy my usual share of health. Give my love to all. \nYour son as ever. \n[signed] Chas A Derby","St. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala. \nApril 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next. \nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell. \nYours Affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettsville, N.C.","Benton, Ala. May 27th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all. \nYours affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettesville, N. C.","Camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield. \nJuly 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write. \nAddress \nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby \n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade \nHuger's Division \nRichmond, VA","The bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.","The papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.","Written by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.","Written from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.","Written from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.","Written from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.","Certified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.","Two announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.","Written from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.","Written from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.","Written from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.","A translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.","An acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"","Twelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.","One page of cadet uniform drawings.","Written from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.","Written from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.","Written from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.","Written from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.","Included is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.","Francis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.","Written from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.","Written from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.","Blank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.","An unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.","Devotional poem written to \"my mother.\"","Two place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.","Written from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.","Poem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"","Wedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.","Wedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.","Wedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.","Wedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.","Invitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.","Wedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.","Wedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.","Composition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"","Pressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.","Henry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.","Eight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.","Book chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.","Fragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026 Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"","Funeral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.","Place card with the name Wm. Hughlett.","A transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown.","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 \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 1","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"collection_ssim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"creator_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"creators_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"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 \nnot 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—Alabama Infantry Regiment, 44th","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Military education—Georgia—History","Education—Georgia—History","Military education—Alabama—History","Education—Alabama—History","Presbyterian Church in the U.S.—Presbytery of Lexington","Episcopal Church—Alabama—History","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. Army—Alabama Infantry Regiment, 44th","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Military education—Georgia—History","Education—Georgia—History","Military education—Alabama—History","Education—Alabama—History","Presbyterian Church in the U.S.—Presbytery of Lexington","Episcopal Church—Alabama—History","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["0.25 cubic feet Approximately 80 items in 1 box"],"extent_tesim":["0.25 cubic feet Approximately 80 items in 1 box"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891],"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\u003eCharles A. Derby's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1205\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDerby's 1862 letters are avaliable \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/search/collection/p15821coll11/searchterm/MS%200030/order/manusa\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["Charles A. Derby's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available  online .","Derby's 1862 letters are avaliable  online ."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCharles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFollowing his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrivate tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHead of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHead of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProfessor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrincipal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDerby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWilliam F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePublished by the American Tract Society, New York.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePublished by the American Tract Society, New York.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Charles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.","Following his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n Private tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia Head of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy Head of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama Professor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia Principal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama \nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.","Derby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).","A year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.","William F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eVM Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 4th 1846\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 15th ult. was duly received. The fifteen dollars which were enclosed I handed to Col Smith as you desired. This will certainly be sufficient to cover all my expenses between now and July. In regard to my health, I think you need not be at all uneasy for it never was better than it has been since I have been here. At this time I know of no case of sickness in Lexington. For the last three weeks, the weather has been very pleasant and if it continues to be so, the corps will in a few days put on white pantaloons. Enclosed you will find a list of the standing of the third class at our January examination. I copied it from a semi-annual report. I did intend to send you a report; but there are I believe only two at the Institute. Col. Smith had this year, only a few published for the legislature. You may perhaps obtain one from Dr. Thompson. I am getting on remarkably well with all my studies except Drawing and this I must confess. I think will prevent me from retaining my present standing. When I first commenced it I had but little talent for it, and thought I have made a considerable improvement in it. My marks have hitherto been so low, that I fear I will not be able to make up for them. I shall endeavor to do my best at it. In French and Mathematics I still stand among the first. You have perhaps, before this received a circular from Col. Smith. I have I believe one demerit, but if I get no more than five between now and July, they will all be taken off. You will recollect that I had a few previous to our examination, but as they did not exceed five, they were taken off. I see in The Petersburg Republican that Dr. Thompson and Capt Sydnor are the candidates for the Legislature in Dinwiddie. I would be glad if you would inform me whether there is any chance for a Whig to be elected and also whether Mr. Lyme has any opposition. I do not believe that the candidates in Rockbridge have been nominated, but she will certainly elect two Whigs. Gov. McDorrel's influence is not so great as to prevent her from doing this although he was almost unanimously elected to Congress a short time since. I received a letter from cousin Robt last week in which he stated that his family were all well. He says that he expects after this year to teach school as there is not much to be made by shoemaking in Marysville. He thinks he can get at least thirty scholars.\u003cbr\u003e\nGive my love to mother etc.\u003cbr\u003e\nIn haste your devoted son\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed]Chas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVM Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 9th 1846\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,\u003cbr\u003e \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was.\u003cbr\u003e\nMy love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate son,\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed] Chas A Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nJany 19th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nAs you are perhaps anxious to learn the result of our last examination I take the present opportunity to write to you. The examination commenced on Monday the 4th last and continued until Saturday evening. I still stand second in my class and am also as I expect you have before this seen in my circular a file higher in mathematics, than I was at the examination in July. I will also state that the maximum in Mathematics in the second class is 300 from which you will perceive that considerably more importance is attached to that part of the mathematical course which is studied by the second class than to that which is studied by the third class. I could have easily stood higher in Latin than I did by studying it as much as some members of my class did, but I preferred devoting my time mostly to the principal study. In fact I believe it better to have a tolerable standing in each department, than to stand very high in some, and very low in others; and it is upon this principle that I have acted ever since I have been at this place. The young man who stands first in Latin, having already a good knowledge of Mathematics devoted most of his time to that study with which he was least acquainted; on the other hand I depended upon the little knowledge of Latin which I had already acquired and studied Mathematics. I saw in some of the papers last week, that Mr. Bryan was first Lieutenant of the second company, which had been raised in Petersburg. Please inform me in your next, whether there were any Other members of that company with whom you were acquainted.  You perhaps wish to know what kind of a Christmas we had.  At the Institute Christmas is kept only one day, and that day is never forgotten inasmuch as it is the only one on which we are blessed with turkeys and minced pies. With the exception of the eatings my enjoyments were no greater than usual. Since I wrote to you last, there has been another severe snowstorm in Rockbridge. The weather last week was extremely cold, but it has moderated considerably. Write me word whether you have hired any servants and if you have who they are. Also whether my sisters have made much progress in the study of music. I would indeed be very much pleased to learn that they have.  Give my love to them and to mother. I remain as ever - your devoted son,\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed] Chas A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eP.S. My old school mate Samuel Garland stands second in the third class.  Please inform me whether Samuel Hardy succeeded in obtaining the situation at Winfield Academy.  We were not examined in French and consequently no standing was determined upon it. [signed] CAD\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb 26th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney.\u003cbr\u003e\nGive my love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nDec 27th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nI received yesterday morning the letter in which you had enclosed the other half of the twenty dollar note which I am to place in the hands of the treasurer. I was considerably surprised on learning the circumstances which attended the death of Capt Ferguson. Your advice in regard to perseverance I have all along endeavored to follow.  If I fail at the next examination it will not be my fault but the fault of nature. One cannot expect to have a talent for every department. One cannot be responsible for the deficiencies of nature; yet it is his duty to improve that with which the Lord has blessed him, however little it  may be. It is an admitted fact that application can never create a talent; yet it cannot be denied that by application talents are directed into their proper channels. It is for this reason that a person should while young ascertain that for which he is best fitted in order that he may not in after life be trifling with that for which he has no turn. There are many in my class who are smarter than myself; yet by application I have succeeded in accomplishing more than they have. Indolence is often an attendant of talents; for gifted men frequently trust too much to their talents. It is not always the most talented men who are first at the Bar; it is not always the most talented who have the greatest political fame; it is not always the most talented who are first in the scientific world. The greatest men of whom the world has every boasted have generally been those who with moderate abilities, by their industry made up for their deficiencies, and won the confidence and esteem of all.  The lawyer who has the greatest natural ability will if he is careless get but little practice. He may be able to deliver a startling speech; he may be the originator of striking ideas; yet none can place their confidence in him. It is on this account that I never despair. Whenever I do not succeed, I try again. It seems to me that h this year I am peculiarly unfortunate. Of Chemistry I do not profess to know much; yet I do not believe that in this department I have received justice. The opinion which you hand me express in regard to our professor of Natural Sciences has undergone but little change. I have not done well, comparatively speaking in Engineering; yet I by no means find fault with our professor in that department. I believe him to be a perfect gentlemen. The principle reason why I have not done well on these two studies is that a knowledge of them depends upon the memory; and you yourself know that my memory is very poor. Those studies which depend exclusively upon the reasoning faculties I find but little difficulty in mastering. Since I wrote to you last there has been another snow storm in this county.  During this Christmas there have been several private entertainments given by Cadets who have lately received boxes of eatables from their homes. This evening I have been enjoying a fine supper of oysters which are the first that I have eaten for more than two years.\u003cbr\u003e\nI continue to enjoy my usual share of health. Give my love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour son as ever.\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed] Chas A Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSt. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala.\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 15th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next.\u003cbr\u003e\nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours Affectionately,\u003cbr\u003e\nChas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMrs. Mary E. Stancell\u003cbr\u003e\nMargarettsville, N.C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBenton, Ala. May 27th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours affectionately,\u003cbr\u003e\nChas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMrs. Mary E. Stancell\u003cbr\u003e\nMargarettesville, N. C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield.\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 15th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write.\u003cbr\u003e\nAddress\u003cbr\u003e\nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby\u003cbr\u003e\n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade\u003cbr\u003e\nHuger's Division\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, VA\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["VM Institute \nApril 4th 1846","Dear Father, \nYours of the 15th ult. was duly received. The fifteen dollars which were enclosed I handed to Col Smith as you desired. This will certainly be sufficient to cover all my expenses between now and July. In regard to my health, I think you need not be at all uneasy for it never was better than it has been since I have been here. At this time I know of no case of sickness in Lexington. For the last three weeks, the weather has been very pleasant and if it continues to be so, the corps will in a few days put on white pantaloons. Enclosed you will find a list of the standing of the third class at our January examination. I copied it from a semi-annual report. I did intend to send you a report; but there are I believe only two at the Institute. Col. Smith had this year, only a few published for the legislature. You may perhaps obtain one from Dr. Thompson. I am getting on remarkably well with all my studies except Drawing and this I must confess. I think will prevent me from retaining my present standing. When I first commenced it I had but little talent for it, and thought I have made a considerable improvement in it. My marks have hitherto been so low, that I fear I will not be able to make up for them. I shall endeavor to do my best at it. In French and Mathematics I still stand among the first. You have perhaps, before this received a circular from Col. Smith. I have I believe one demerit, but if I get no more than five between now and July, they will all be taken off. You will recollect that I had a few previous to our examination, but as they did not exceed five, they were taken off. I see in The Petersburg Republican that Dr. Thompson and Capt Sydnor are the candidates for the Legislature in Dinwiddie. I would be glad if you would inform me whether there is any chance for a Whig to be elected and also whether Mr. Lyme has any opposition. I do not believe that the candidates in Rockbridge have been nominated, but she will certainly elect two Whigs. Gov. McDorrel's influence is not so great as to prevent her from doing this although he was almost unanimously elected to Congress a short time since. I received a letter from cousin Robt last week in which he stated that his family were all well. He says that he expects after this year to teach school as there is not much to be made by shoemaking in Marysville. He thinks he can get at least thirty scholars. \nGive my love to mother etc. \nIn haste your devoted son \n[signed]Chas. A. Derby","VM Institute \nMay 9th 1846","Dear Father \nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,  \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby","Dear Father \nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was. \nMy love to all. \nYour affectionate son, \n[signed] Chas A Derby","Va Military Institute \nJany 19th 1847","Dear Father, \nAs you are perhaps anxious to learn the result of our last examination I take the present opportunity to write to you. The examination commenced on Monday the 4th last and continued until Saturday evening. I still stand second in my class and am also as I expect you have before this seen in my circular a file higher in mathematics, than I was at the examination in July. I will also state that the maximum in Mathematics in the second class is 300 from which you will perceive that considerably more importance is attached to that part of the mathematical course which is studied by the second class than to that which is studied by the third class. I could have easily stood higher in Latin than I did by studying it as much as some members of my class did, but I preferred devoting my time mostly to the principal study. In fact I believe it better to have a tolerable standing in each department, than to stand very high in some, and very low in others; and it is upon this principle that I have acted ever since I have been at this place. The young man who stands first in Latin, having already a good knowledge of Mathematics devoted most of his time to that study with which he was least acquainted; on the other hand I depended upon the little knowledge of Latin which I had already acquired and studied Mathematics. I saw in some of the papers last week, that Mr. Bryan was first Lieutenant of the second company, which had been raised in Petersburg. Please inform me in your next, whether there were any Other members of that company with whom you were acquainted.  You perhaps wish to know what kind of a Christmas we had.  At the Institute Christmas is kept only one day, and that day is never forgotten inasmuch as it is the only one on which we are blessed with turkeys and minced pies. With the exception of the eatings my enjoyments were no greater than usual. Since I wrote to you last, there has been another severe snowstorm in Rockbridge. The weather last week was extremely cold, but it has moderated considerably. Write me word whether you have hired any servants and if you have who they are. Also whether my sisters have made much progress in the study of music. I would indeed be very much pleased to learn that they have.  Give my love to them and to mother. I remain as ever - your devoted son, \n[signed] Chas A. Derby","P.S. My old school mate Samuel Garland stands second in the third class.  Please inform me whether Samuel Hardy succeeded in obtaining the situation at Winfield Academy.  We were not examined in French and consequently no standing was determined upon it. [signed] CAD","Virginia Military Institute \nFeb 26th 1847","Dear Father, \nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney. \nGive my love to all. \nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby","Virginia Military Institute \nDec 27th 1847","Dear Father \nI received yesterday morning the letter in which you had enclosed the other half of the twenty dollar note which I am to place in the hands of the treasurer. I was considerably surprised on learning the circumstances which attended the death of Capt Ferguson. Your advice in regard to perseverance I have all along endeavored to follow.  If I fail at the next examination it will not be my fault but the fault of nature. One cannot expect to have a talent for every department. One cannot be responsible for the deficiencies of nature; yet it is his duty to improve that with which the Lord has blessed him, however little it  may be. It is an admitted fact that application can never create a talent; yet it cannot be denied that by application talents are directed into their proper channels. It is for this reason that a person should while young ascertain that for which he is best fitted in order that he may not in after life be trifling with that for which he has no turn. There are many in my class who are smarter than myself; yet by application I have succeeded in accomplishing more than they have. Indolence is often an attendant of talents; for gifted men frequently trust too much to their talents. It is not always the most talented men who are first at the Bar; it is not always the most talented who have the greatest political fame; it is not always the most talented who are first in the scientific world. The greatest men of whom the world has every boasted have generally been those who with moderate abilities, by their industry made up for their deficiencies, and won the confidence and esteem of all.  The lawyer who has the greatest natural ability will if he is careless get but little practice. He may be able to deliver a startling speech; he may be the originator of striking ideas; yet none can place their confidence in him. It is on this account that I never despair. Whenever I do not succeed, I try again. It seems to me that h this year I am peculiarly unfortunate. Of Chemistry I do not profess to know much; yet I do not believe that in this department I have received justice. The opinion which you hand me express in regard to our professor of Natural Sciences has undergone but little change. I have not done well, comparatively speaking in Engineering; yet I by no means find fault with our professor in that department. I believe him to be a perfect gentlemen. The principle reason why I have not done well on these two studies is that a knowledge of them depends upon the memory; and you yourself know that my memory is very poor. Those studies which depend exclusively upon the reasoning faculties I find but little difficulty in mastering. Since I wrote to you last there has been another snow storm in this county.  During this Christmas there have been several private entertainments given by Cadets who have lately received boxes of eatables from their homes. This evening I have been enjoying a fine supper of oysters which are the first that I have eaten for more than two years. \nI continue to enjoy my usual share of health. Give my love to all. \nYour son as ever. \n[signed] Chas A Derby","St. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala. \nApril 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next. \nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell. \nYours Affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettsville, N.C.","Benton, Ala. May 27th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all. \nYours affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettesville, N. C.","Camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield. \nJuly 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write. \nAddress \nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby \n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade \nHuger's Division \nRichmond, VA"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCharles A. Derby papers, 1839-1891. MS 0030. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers, 1839-1891. MS 0030. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCertified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwo announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAn acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOne page of cadet uniform drawings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncluded is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFrancis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBlank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAn unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDevotional poem written to \"my mother.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwo place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePoem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInvitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eComposition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHenry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBook chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026amp; Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFuneral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePlace card with the name Wm. Hughlett.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown.\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","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.","The papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.","Written by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.","Written from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.","Written from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.","Written from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.","Certified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.","Two announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.","Written from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.","Written from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.","Written from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.","A translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.","An acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"","Twelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.","One page of cadet uniform drawings.","Written from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.","Written from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.","Written from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.","Written from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.","Included is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.","Francis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.","Written from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.","Written from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.","Blank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.","An unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.","Devotional poem written to \"my mother.\"","Two place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.","Written from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.","Poem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"","Wedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.","Wedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.","Wedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.","Wedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.","Invitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.","Wedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.","Wedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.","Composition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"","Pressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.","Henry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.","Eight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.","Book chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.","Fragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026 Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"","Funeral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.","Place card with the name Wm. Hughlett.","A transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown."],"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 \nnot 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 \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_a99018bbaf530d0adbfbbb07d3e700f4\"\u003eManuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 1\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 1"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"famname_ssim":["Derby Family","Stancell Family"],"persname_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    "],"total_component_count_is":90,"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_600_c01"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Charles A. Derby papers","creator":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThe bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_600.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00015.xml","title_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"title_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1839-1891"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1839-1891"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600"],"text":["MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600","Charles A. Derby papers","Confederate States of America. Army—Alabama Infantry Regiment, 44th","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Military education—Georgia—History","Education—Georgia—History","Military education—Alabama—History","Education—Alabama—History","Presbyterian Church in the U.S.—Presbytery of Lexington","Episcopal Church—Alabama—History","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence","There are no restrictions","Charles A. Derby's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available  online .","Derby's 1862 letters are avaliable  online .","Charles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.","Following his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n Private tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia Head of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy Head of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama Professor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia Principal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama \nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.","Derby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).","A year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.","William F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","VM Institute \nApril 4th 1846","Dear Father, \nYours of the 15th ult. was duly received. The fifteen dollars which were enclosed I handed to Col Smith as you desired. This will certainly be sufficient to cover all my expenses between now and July. In regard to my health, I think you need not be at all uneasy for it never was better than it has been since I have been here. At this time I know of no case of sickness in Lexington. For the last three weeks, the weather has been very pleasant and if it continues to be so, the corps will in a few days put on white pantaloons. Enclosed you will find a list of the standing of the third class at our January examination. I copied it from a semi-annual report. I did intend to send you a report; but there are I believe only two at the Institute. Col. Smith had this year, only a few published for the legislature. You may perhaps obtain one from Dr. Thompson. I am getting on remarkably well with all my studies except Drawing and this I must confess. I think will prevent me from retaining my present standing. When I first commenced it I had but little talent for it, and thought I have made a considerable improvement in it. My marks have hitherto been so low, that I fear I will not be able to make up for them. I shall endeavor to do my best at it. In French and Mathematics I still stand among the first. You have perhaps, before this received a circular from Col. Smith. I have I believe one demerit, but if I get no more than five between now and July, they will all be taken off. You will recollect that I had a few previous to our examination, but as they did not exceed five, they were taken off. I see in The Petersburg Republican that Dr. Thompson and Capt Sydnor are the candidates for the Legislature in Dinwiddie. I would be glad if you would inform me whether there is any chance for a Whig to be elected and also whether Mr. Lyme has any opposition. I do not believe that the candidates in Rockbridge have been nominated, but she will certainly elect two Whigs. Gov. McDorrel's influence is not so great as to prevent her from doing this although he was almost unanimously elected to Congress a short time since. I received a letter from cousin Robt last week in which he stated that his family were all well. He says that he expects after this year to teach school as there is not much to be made by shoemaking in Marysville. He thinks he can get at least thirty scholars. \nGive my love to mother etc. \nIn haste your devoted son \n[signed]Chas. A. Derby","VM Institute \nMay 9th 1846","Dear Father \nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,  \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby","Dear Father \nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was. \nMy love to all. \nYour affectionate son, \n[signed] Chas A Derby","Va Military Institute \nJany 19th 1847","Dear Father, \nAs you are perhaps anxious to learn the result of our last examination I take the present opportunity to write to you. The examination commenced on Monday the 4th last and continued until Saturday evening. I still stand second in my class and am also as I expect you have before this seen in my circular a file higher in mathematics, than I was at the examination in July. I will also state that the maximum in Mathematics in the second class is 300 from which you will perceive that considerably more importance is attached to that part of the mathematical course which is studied by the second class than to that which is studied by the third class. I could have easily stood higher in Latin than I did by studying it as much as some members of my class did, but I preferred devoting my time mostly to the principal study. In fact I believe it better to have a tolerable standing in each department, than to stand very high in some, and very low in others; and it is upon this principle that I have acted ever since I have been at this place. The young man who stands first in Latin, having already a good knowledge of Mathematics devoted most of his time to that study with which he was least acquainted; on the other hand I depended upon the little knowledge of Latin which I had already acquired and studied Mathematics. I saw in some of the papers last week, that Mr. Bryan was first Lieutenant of the second company, which had been raised in Petersburg. Please inform me in your next, whether there were any Other members of that company with whom you were acquainted.  You perhaps wish to know what kind of a Christmas we had.  At the Institute Christmas is kept only one day, and that day is never forgotten inasmuch as it is the only one on which we are blessed with turkeys and minced pies. With the exception of the eatings my enjoyments were no greater than usual. Since I wrote to you last, there has been another severe snowstorm in Rockbridge. The weather last week was extremely cold, but it has moderated considerably. Write me word whether you have hired any servants and if you have who they are. Also whether my sisters have made much progress in the study of music. I would indeed be very much pleased to learn that they have.  Give my love to them and to mother. I remain as ever - your devoted son, \n[signed] Chas A. Derby","P.S. My old school mate Samuel Garland stands second in the third class.  Please inform me whether Samuel Hardy succeeded in obtaining the situation at Winfield Academy.  We were not examined in French and consequently no standing was determined upon it. [signed] CAD","Virginia Military Institute \nFeb 26th 1847","Dear Father, \nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney. \nGive my love to all. \nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby","Virginia Military Institute \nDec 27th 1847","Dear Father \nI received yesterday morning the letter in which you had enclosed the other half of the twenty dollar note which I am to place in the hands of the treasurer. I was considerably surprised on learning the circumstances which attended the death of Capt Ferguson. Your advice in regard to perseverance I have all along endeavored to follow.  If I fail at the next examination it will not be my fault but the fault of nature. One cannot expect to have a talent for every department. One cannot be responsible for the deficiencies of nature; yet it is his duty to improve that with which the Lord has blessed him, however little it  may be. It is an admitted fact that application can never create a talent; yet it cannot be denied that by application talents are directed into their proper channels. It is for this reason that a person should while young ascertain that for which he is best fitted in order that he may not in after life be trifling with that for which he has no turn. There are many in my class who are smarter than myself; yet by application I have succeeded in accomplishing more than they have. Indolence is often an attendant of talents; for gifted men frequently trust too much to their talents. It is not always the most talented men who are first at the Bar; it is not always the most talented who have the greatest political fame; it is not always the most talented who are first in the scientific world. The greatest men of whom the world has every boasted have generally been those who with moderate abilities, by their industry made up for their deficiencies, and won the confidence and esteem of all.  The lawyer who has the greatest natural ability will if he is careless get but little practice. He may be able to deliver a startling speech; he may be the originator of striking ideas; yet none can place their confidence in him. It is on this account that I never despair. Whenever I do not succeed, I try again. It seems to me that h this year I am peculiarly unfortunate. Of Chemistry I do not profess to know much; yet I do not believe that in this department I have received justice. The opinion which you hand me express in regard to our professor of Natural Sciences has undergone but little change. I have not done well, comparatively speaking in Engineering; yet I by no means find fault with our professor in that department. I believe him to be a perfect gentlemen. The principle reason why I have not done well on these two studies is that a knowledge of them depends upon the memory; and you yourself know that my memory is very poor. Those studies which depend exclusively upon the reasoning faculties I find but little difficulty in mastering. Since I wrote to you last there has been another snow storm in this county.  During this Christmas there have been several private entertainments given by Cadets who have lately received boxes of eatables from their homes. This evening I have been enjoying a fine supper of oysters which are the first that I have eaten for more than two years. \nI continue to enjoy my usual share of health. Give my love to all. \nYour son as ever. \n[signed] Chas A Derby","St. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala. \nApril 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next. \nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell. \nYours Affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettsville, N.C.","Benton, Ala. May 27th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all. \nYours affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettesville, N. C.","Camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield. \nJuly 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write. \nAddress \nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby \n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade \nHuger's Division \nRichmond, VA","The bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.","The papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.","Written by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.","Written from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.","Written from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.","Written from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.","Certified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.","Two announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.","Written from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.","Written from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.","Written from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.","A translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.","An acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"","Twelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.","One page of cadet uniform drawings.","Written from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.","Written from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.","Written from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.","Written from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.","Included is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.","Francis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.","Written from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.","Written from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.","Blank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.","An unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.","Devotional poem written to \"my mother.\"","Two place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.","Written from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.","Poem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"","Wedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.","Wedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.","Wedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.","Wedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.","Invitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.","Wedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.","Wedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.","Composition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"","Pressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.","Henry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.","Eight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.","Book chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.","Fragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026 Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"","Funeral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.","Place card with the name Wm. Hughlett.","A transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown.","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 \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 1","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"collection_ssim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"creator_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"creators_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"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 \nnot 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—Alabama Infantry Regiment, 44th","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Military education—Georgia—History","Education—Georgia—History","Military education—Alabama—History","Education—Alabama—History","Presbyterian Church in the U.S.—Presbytery of Lexington","Episcopal Church—Alabama—History","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. Army—Alabama Infantry Regiment, 44th","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Military education—Georgia—History","Education—Georgia—History","Military education—Alabama—History","Education—Alabama—History","Presbyterian Church in the U.S.—Presbytery of Lexington","Episcopal Church—Alabama—History","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["0.25 cubic feet Approximately 80 items in 1 box"],"extent_tesim":["0.25 cubic feet Approximately 80 items in 1 box"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891],"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\u003eCharles A. Derby's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1205\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDerby's 1862 letters are avaliable \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/search/collection/p15821coll11/searchterm/MS%200030/order/manusa\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["Charles A. Derby's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available  online .","Derby's 1862 letters are avaliable  online ."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCharles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFollowing his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrivate tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHead of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHead of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProfessor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrincipal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDerby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWilliam F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePublished by the American Tract Society, New York.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePublished by the American Tract Society, New York.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Charles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.","Following his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n Private tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia Head of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy Head of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama Professor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia Principal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama \nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.","Derby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).","A year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.","William F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eVM Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 4th 1846\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 15th ult. was duly received. The fifteen dollars which were enclosed I handed to Col Smith as you desired. This will certainly be sufficient to cover all my expenses between now and July. In regard to my health, I think you need not be at all uneasy for it never was better than it has been since I have been here. At this time I know of no case of sickness in Lexington. For the last three weeks, the weather has been very pleasant and if it continues to be so, the corps will in a few days put on white pantaloons. Enclosed you will find a list of the standing of the third class at our January examination. I copied it from a semi-annual report. I did intend to send you a report; but there are I believe only two at the Institute. Col. Smith had this year, only a few published for the legislature. You may perhaps obtain one from Dr. Thompson. I am getting on remarkably well with all my studies except Drawing and this I must confess. I think will prevent me from retaining my present standing. When I first commenced it I had but little talent for it, and thought I have made a considerable improvement in it. My marks have hitherto been so low, that I fear I will not be able to make up for them. I shall endeavor to do my best at it. In French and Mathematics I still stand among the first. You have perhaps, before this received a circular from Col. Smith. I have I believe one demerit, but if I get no more than five between now and July, they will all be taken off. You will recollect that I had a few previous to our examination, but as they did not exceed five, they were taken off. I see in The Petersburg Republican that Dr. Thompson and Capt Sydnor are the candidates for the Legislature in Dinwiddie. I would be glad if you would inform me whether there is any chance for a Whig to be elected and also whether Mr. Lyme has any opposition. I do not believe that the candidates in Rockbridge have been nominated, but she will certainly elect two Whigs. Gov. McDorrel's influence is not so great as to prevent her from doing this although he was almost unanimously elected to Congress a short time since. I received a letter from cousin Robt last week in which he stated that his family were all well. He says that he expects after this year to teach school as there is not much to be made by shoemaking in Marysville. He thinks he can get at least thirty scholars.\u003cbr\u003e\nGive my love to mother etc.\u003cbr\u003e\nIn haste your devoted son\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed]Chas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVM Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 9th 1846\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,\u003cbr\u003e \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was.\u003cbr\u003e\nMy love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate son,\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed] Chas A Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nJany 19th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nAs you are perhaps anxious to learn the result of our last examination I take the present opportunity to write to you. The examination commenced on Monday the 4th last and continued until Saturday evening. I still stand second in my class and am also as I expect you have before this seen in my circular a file higher in mathematics, than I was at the examination in July. I will also state that the maximum in Mathematics in the second class is 300 from which you will perceive that considerably more importance is attached to that part of the mathematical course which is studied by the second class than to that which is studied by the third class. I could have easily stood higher in Latin than I did by studying it as much as some members of my class did, but I preferred devoting my time mostly to the principal study. In fact I believe it better to have a tolerable standing in each department, than to stand very high in some, and very low in others; and it is upon this principle that I have acted ever since I have been at this place. The young man who stands first in Latin, having already a good knowledge of Mathematics devoted most of his time to that study with which he was least acquainted; on the other hand I depended upon the little knowledge of Latin which I had already acquired and studied Mathematics. I saw in some of the papers last week, that Mr. Bryan was first Lieutenant of the second company, which had been raised in Petersburg. Please inform me in your next, whether there were any Other members of that company with whom you were acquainted.  You perhaps wish to know what kind of a Christmas we had.  At the Institute Christmas is kept only one day, and that day is never forgotten inasmuch as it is the only one on which we are blessed with turkeys and minced pies. With the exception of the eatings my enjoyments were no greater than usual. Since I wrote to you last, there has been another severe snowstorm in Rockbridge. The weather last week was extremely cold, but it has moderated considerably. Write me word whether you have hired any servants and if you have who they are. Also whether my sisters have made much progress in the study of music. I would indeed be very much pleased to learn that they have.  Give my love to them and to mother. I remain as ever - your devoted son,\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed] Chas A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eP.S. My old school mate Samuel Garland stands second in the third class.  Please inform me whether Samuel Hardy succeeded in obtaining the situation at Winfield Academy.  We were not examined in French and consequently no standing was determined upon it. [signed] CAD\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb 26th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney.\u003cbr\u003e\nGive my love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nDec 27th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nI received yesterday morning the letter in which you had enclosed the other half of the twenty dollar note which I am to place in the hands of the treasurer. I was considerably surprised on learning the circumstances which attended the death of Capt Ferguson. Your advice in regard to perseverance I have all along endeavored to follow.  If I fail at the next examination it will not be my fault but the fault of nature. One cannot expect to have a talent for every department. One cannot be responsible for the deficiencies of nature; yet it is his duty to improve that with which the Lord has blessed him, however little it  may be. It is an admitted fact that application can never create a talent; yet it cannot be denied that by application talents are directed into their proper channels. It is for this reason that a person should while young ascertain that for which he is best fitted in order that he may not in after life be trifling with that for which he has no turn. There are many in my class who are smarter than myself; yet by application I have succeeded in accomplishing more than they have. Indolence is often an attendant of talents; for gifted men frequently trust too much to their talents. It is not always the most talented men who are first at the Bar; it is not always the most talented who have the greatest political fame; it is not always the most talented who are first in the scientific world. The greatest men of whom the world has every boasted have generally been those who with moderate abilities, by their industry made up for their deficiencies, and won the confidence and esteem of all.  The lawyer who has the greatest natural ability will if he is careless get but little practice. He may be able to deliver a startling speech; he may be the originator of striking ideas; yet none can place their confidence in him. It is on this account that I never despair. Whenever I do not succeed, I try again. It seems to me that h this year I am peculiarly unfortunate. Of Chemistry I do not profess to know much; yet I do not believe that in this department I have received justice. The opinion which you hand me express in regard to our professor of Natural Sciences has undergone but little change. I have not done well, comparatively speaking in Engineering; yet I by no means find fault with our professor in that department. I believe him to be a perfect gentlemen. The principle reason why I have not done well on these two studies is that a knowledge of them depends upon the memory; and you yourself know that my memory is very poor. Those studies which depend exclusively upon the reasoning faculties I find but little difficulty in mastering. Since I wrote to you last there has been another snow storm in this county.  During this Christmas there have been several private entertainments given by Cadets who have lately received boxes of eatables from their homes. This evening I have been enjoying a fine supper of oysters which are the first that I have eaten for more than two years.\u003cbr\u003e\nI continue to enjoy my usual share of health. Give my love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour son as ever.\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed] Chas A Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSt. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala.\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 15th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next.\u003cbr\u003e\nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours Affectionately,\u003cbr\u003e\nChas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMrs. Mary E. Stancell\u003cbr\u003e\nMargarettsville, N.C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBenton, Ala. May 27th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours affectionately,\u003cbr\u003e\nChas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMrs. Mary E. Stancell\u003cbr\u003e\nMargarettesville, N. C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield.\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 15th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write.\u003cbr\u003e\nAddress\u003cbr\u003e\nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby\u003cbr\u003e\n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade\u003cbr\u003e\nHuger's Division\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, VA\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["VM Institute \nApril 4th 1846","Dear Father, \nYours of the 15th ult. was duly received. The fifteen dollars which were enclosed I handed to Col Smith as you desired. This will certainly be sufficient to cover all my expenses between now and July. In regard to my health, I think you need not be at all uneasy for it never was better than it has been since I have been here. At this time I know of no case of sickness in Lexington. For the last three weeks, the weather has been very pleasant and if it continues to be so, the corps will in a few days put on white pantaloons. Enclosed you will find a list of the standing of the third class at our January examination. I copied it from a semi-annual report. I did intend to send you a report; but there are I believe only two at the Institute. Col. Smith had this year, only a few published for the legislature. You may perhaps obtain one from Dr. Thompson. I am getting on remarkably well with all my studies except Drawing and this I must confess. I think will prevent me from retaining my present standing. When I first commenced it I had but little talent for it, and thought I have made a considerable improvement in it. My marks have hitherto been so low, that I fear I will not be able to make up for them. I shall endeavor to do my best at it. In French and Mathematics I still stand among the first. You have perhaps, before this received a circular from Col. Smith. I have I believe one demerit, but if I get no more than five between now and July, they will all be taken off. You will recollect that I had a few previous to our examination, but as they did not exceed five, they were taken off. I see in The Petersburg Republican that Dr. Thompson and Capt Sydnor are the candidates for the Legislature in Dinwiddie. I would be glad if you would inform me whether there is any chance for a Whig to be elected and also whether Mr. Lyme has any opposition. I do not believe that the candidates in Rockbridge have been nominated, but she will certainly elect two Whigs. Gov. McDorrel's influence is not so great as to prevent her from doing this although he was almost unanimously elected to Congress a short time since. I received a letter from cousin Robt last week in which he stated that his family were all well. He says that he expects after this year to teach school as there is not much to be made by shoemaking in Marysville. He thinks he can get at least thirty scholars. \nGive my love to mother etc. \nIn haste your devoted son \n[signed]Chas. A. Derby","VM Institute \nMay 9th 1846","Dear Father \nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,  \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby","Dear Father \nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was. \nMy love to all. \nYour affectionate son, \n[signed] Chas A Derby","Va Military Institute \nJany 19th 1847","Dear Father, \nAs you are perhaps anxious to learn the result of our last examination I take the present opportunity to write to you. The examination commenced on Monday the 4th last and continued until Saturday evening. I still stand second in my class and am also as I expect you have before this seen in my circular a file higher in mathematics, than I was at the examination in July. I will also state that the maximum in Mathematics in the second class is 300 from which you will perceive that considerably more importance is attached to that part of the mathematical course which is studied by the second class than to that which is studied by the third class. I could have easily stood higher in Latin than I did by studying it as much as some members of my class did, but I preferred devoting my time mostly to the principal study. In fact I believe it better to have a tolerable standing in each department, than to stand very high in some, and very low in others; and it is upon this principle that I have acted ever since I have been at this place. The young man who stands first in Latin, having already a good knowledge of Mathematics devoted most of his time to that study with which he was least acquainted; on the other hand I depended upon the little knowledge of Latin which I had already acquired and studied Mathematics. I saw in some of the papers last week, that Mr. Bryan was first Lieutenant of the second company, which had been raised in Petersburg. Please inform me in your next, whether there were any Other members of that company with whom you were acquainted.  You perhaps wish to know what kind of a Christmas we had.  At the Institute Christmas is kept only one day, and that day is never forgotten inasmuch as it is the only one on which we are blessed with turkeys and minced pies. With the exception of the eatings my enjoyments were no greater than usual. Since I wrote to you last, there has been another severe snowstorm in Rockbridge. The weather last week was extremely cold, but it has moderated considerably. Write me word whether you have hired any servants and if you have who they are. Also whether my sisters have made much progress in the study of music. I would indeed be very much pleased to learn that they have.  Give my love to them and to mother. I remain as ever - your devoted son, \n[signed] Chas A. Derby","P.S. My old school mate Samuel Garland stands second in the third class.  Please inform me whether Samuel Hardy succeeded in obtaining the situation at Winfield Academy.  We were not examined in French and consequently no standing was determined upon it. [signed] CAD","Virginia Military Institute \nFeb 26th 1847","Dear Father, \nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney. \nGive my love to all. \nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby","Virginia Military Institute \nDec 27th 1847","Dear Father \nI received yesterday morning the letter in which you had enclosed the other half of the twenty dollar note which I am to place in the hands of the treasurer. I was considerably surprised on learning the circumstances which attended the death of Capt Ferguson. Your advice in regard to perseverance I have all along endeavored to follow.  If I fail at the next examination it will not be my fault but the fault of nature. One cannot expect to have a talent for every department. One cannot be responsible for the deficiencies of nature; yet it is his duty to improve that with which the Lord has blessed him, however little it  may be. It is an admitted fact that application can never create a talent; yet it cannot be denied that by application talents are directed into their proper channels. It is for this reason that a person should while young ascertain that for which he is best fitted in order that he may not in after life be trifling with that for which he has no turn. There are many in my class who are smarter than myself; yet by application I have succeeded in accomplishing more than they have. Indolence is often an attendant of talents; for gifted men frequently trust too much to their talents. It is not always the most talented men who are first at the Bar; it is not always the most talented who have the greatest political fame; it is not always the most talented who are first in the scientific world. The greatest men of whom the world has every boasted have generally been those who with moderate abilities, by their industry made up for their deficiencies, and won the confidence and esteem of all.  The lawyer who has the greatest natural ability will if he is careless get but little practice. He may be able to deliver a startling speech; he may be the originator of striking ideas; yet none can place their confidence in him. It is on this account that I never despair. Whenever I do not succeed, I try again. It seems to me that h this year I am peculiarly unfortunate. Of Chemistry I do not profess to know much; yet I do not believe that in this department I have received justice. The opinion which you hand me express in regard to our professor of Natural Sciences has undergone but little change. I have not done well, comparatively speaking in Engineering; yet I by no means find fault with our professor in that department. I believe him to be a perfect gentlemen. The principle reason why I have not done well on these two studies is that a knowledge of them depends upon the memory; and you yourself know that my memory is very poor. Those studies which depend exclusively upon the reasoning faculties I find but little difficulty in mastering. Since I wrote to you last there has been another snow storm in this county.  During this Christmas there have been several private entertainments given by Cadets who have lately received boxes of eatables from their homes. This evening I have been enjoying a fine supper of oysters which are the first that I have eaten for more than two years. \nI continue to enjoy my usual share of health. Give my love to all. \nYour son as ever. \n[signed] Chas A Derby","St. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala. \nApril 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next. \nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell. \nYours Affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettsville, N.C.","Benton, Ala. May 27th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all. \nYours affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettesville, N. C.","Camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield. \nJuly 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write. \nAddress \nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby \n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade \nHuger's Division \nRichmond, VA"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCharles A. Derby papers, 1839-1891. MS 0030. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers, 1839-1891. MS 0030. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCertified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwo announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAn acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOne page of cadet uniform drawings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncluded is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFrancis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBlank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAn unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDevotional poem written to \"my mother.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwo place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePoem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInvitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eComposition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHenry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBook chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026amp; Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFuneral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePlace card with the name Wm. Hughlett.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown.\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","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.","The papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.","Written by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.","Written from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.","Written from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.","Written from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.","Certified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.","Two announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.","Written from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.","Written from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.","Written from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.","A translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.","An acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"","Twelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.","One page of cadet uniform drawings.","Written from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.","Written from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.","Written from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.","Written from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.","Included is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.","Francis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.","Written from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.","Written from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.","Blank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.","An unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.","Devotional poem written to \"my mother.\"","Two place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.","Written from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.","Poem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"","Wedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.","Wedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.","Wedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.","Wedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.","Invitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.","Wedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.","Wedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.","Composition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"","Pressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.","Henry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.","Eight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.","Book chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.","Fragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026 Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"","Funeral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.","Place card with the name Wm. Hughlett.","A transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown."],"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 \nnot 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 \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_a99018bbaf530d0adbfbbb07d3e700f4\"\u003eManuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 1\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 1"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"famname_ssim":["Derby Family","Stancell Family"],"persname_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    "],"total_component_count_is":90,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:09:06.300Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_600.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00015.xml","title_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"title_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1839-1891"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1839-1891"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600"],"text":["MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600","Charles A. Derby papers","Confederate States of America. Army—Alabama Infantry Regiment, 44th","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Military education—Georgia—History","Education—Georgia—History","Military education—Alabama—History","Education—Alabama—History","Presbyterian Church in the U.S.—Presbytery of Lexington","Episcopal Church—Alabama—History","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence","There are no restrictions","Charles A. Derby's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available  online .","Derby's 1862 letters are avaliable  online .","Charles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.","Following his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n Private tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia Head of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy Head of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama Professor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia Principal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama \nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.","Derby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).","A year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.","William F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","VM Institute \nApril 4th 1846","Dear Father, \nYours of the 15th ult. was duly received. The fifteen dollars which were enclosed I handed to Col Smith as you desired. This will certainly be sufficient to cover all my expenses between now and July. In regard to my health, I think you need not be at all uneasy for it never was better than it has been since I have been here. At this time I know of no case of sickness in Lexington. For the last three weeks, the weather has been very pleasant and if it continues to be so, the corps will in a few days put on white pantaloons. Enclosed you will find a list of the standing of the third class at our January examination. I copied it from a semi-annual report. I did intend to send you a report; but there are I believe only two at the Institute. Col. Smith had this year, only a few published for the legislature. You may perhaps obtain one from Dr. Thompson. I am getting on remarkably well with all my studies except Drawing and this I must confess. I think will prevent me from retaining my present standing. When I first commenced it I had but little talent for it, and thought I have made a considerable improvement in it. My marks have hitherto been so low, that I fear I will not be able to make up for them. I shall endeavor to do my best at it. In French and Mathematics I still stand among the first. You have perhaps, before this received a circular from Col. Smith. I have I believe one demerit, but if I get no more than five between now and July, they will all be taken off. You will recollect that I had a few previous to our examination, but as they did not exceed five, they were taken off. I see in The Petersburg Republican that Dr. Thompson and Capt Sydnor are the candidates for the Legislature in Dinwiddie. I would be glad if you would inform me whether there is any chance for a Whig to be elected and also whether Mr. Lyme has any opposition. I do not believe that the candidates in Rockbridge have been nominated, but she will certainly elect two Whigs. Gov. McDorrel's influence is not so great as to prevent her from doing this although he was almost unanimously elected to Congress a short time since. I received a letter from cousin Robt last week in which he stated that his family were all well. He says that he expects after this year to teach school as there is not much to be made by shoemaking in Marysville. He thinks he can get at least thirty scholars. \nGive my love to mother etc. \nIn haste your devoted son \n[signed]Chas. A. Derby","VM Institute \nMay 9th 1846","Dear Father \nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,  \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby","Dear Father \nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was. \nMy love to all. \nYour affectionate son, \n[signed] Chas A Derby","Va Military Institute \nJany 19th 1847","Dear Father, \nAs you are perhaps anxious to learn the result of our last examination I take the present opportunity to write to you. The examination commenced on Monday the 4th last and continued until Saturday evening. I still stand second in my class and am also as I expect you have before this seen in my circular a file higher in mathematics, than I was at the examination in July. I will also state that the maximum in Mathematics in the second class is 300 from which you will perceive that considerably more importance is attached to that part of the mathematical course which is studied by the second class than to that which is studied by the third class. I could have easily stood higher in Latin than I did by studying it as much as some members of my class did, but I preferred devoting my time mostly to the principal study. In fact I believe it better to have a tolerable standing in each department, than to stand very high in some, and very low in others; and it is upon this principle that I have acted ever since I have been at this place. The young man who stands first in Latin, having already a good knowledge of Mathematics devoted most of his time to that study with which he was least acquainted; on the other hand I depended upon the little knowledge of Latin which I had already acquired and studied Mathematics. I saw in some of the papers last week, that Mr. Bryan was first Lieutenant of the second company, which had been raised in Petersburg. Please inform me in your next, whether there were any Other members of that company with whom you were acquainted.  You perhaps wish to know what kind of a Christmas we had.  At the Institute Christmas is kept only one day, and that day is never forgotten inasmuch as it is the only one on which we are blessed with turkeys and minced pies. With the exception of the eatings my enjoyments were no greater than usual. Since I wrote to you last, there has been another severe snowstorm in Rockbridge. The weather last week was extremely cold, but it has moderated considerably. Write me word whether you have hired any servants and if you have who they are. Also whether my sisters have made much progress in the study of music. I would indeed be very much pleased to learn that they have.  Give my love to them and to mother. I remain as ever - your devoted son, \n[signed] Chas A. Derby","P.S. My old school mate Samuel Garland stands second in the third class.  Please inform me whether Samuel Hardy succeeded in obtaining the situation at Winfield Academy.  We were not examined in French and consequently no standing was determined upon it. [signed] CAD","Virginia Military Institute \nFeb 26th 1847","Dear Father, \nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney. \nGive my love to all. \nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby","Virginia Military Institute \nDec 27th 1847","Dear Father \nI received yesterday morning the letter in which you had enclosed the other half of the twenty dollar note which I am to place in the hands of the treasurer. I was considerably surprised on learning the circumstances which attended the death of Capt Ferguson. Your advice in regard to perseverance I have all along endeavored to follow.  If I fail at the next examination it will not be my fault but the fault of nature. One cannot expect to have a talent for every department. One cannot be responsible for the deficiencies of nature; yet it is his duty to improve that with which the Lord has blessed him, however little it  may be. It is an admitted fact that application can never create a talent; yet it cannot be denied that by application talents are directed into their proper channels. It is for this reason that a person should while young ascertain that for which he is best fitted in order that he may not in after life be trifling with that for which he has no turn. There are many in my class who are smarter than myself; yet by application I have succeeded in accomplishing more than they have. Indolence is often an attendant of talents; for gifted men frequently trust too much to their talents. It is not always the most talented men who are first at the Bar; it is not always the most talented who have the greatest political fame; it is not always the most talented who are first in the scientific world. The greatest men of whom the world has every boasted have generally been those who with moderate abilities, by their industry made up for their deficiencies, and won the confidence and esteem of all.  The lawyer who has the greatest natural ability will if he is careless get but little practice. He may be able to deliver a startling speech; he may be the originator of striking ideas; yet none can place their confidence in him. It is on this account that I never despair. Whenever I do not succeed, I try again. It seems to me that h this year I am peculiarly unfortunate. Of Chemistry I do not profess to know much; yet I do not believe that in this department I have received justice. The opinion which you hand me express in regard to our professor of Natural Sciences has undergone but little change. I have not done well, comparatively speaking in Engineering; yet I by no means find fault with our professor in that department. I believe him to be a perfect gentlemen. The principle reason why I have not done well on these two studies is that a knowledge of them depends upon the memory; and you yourself know that my memory is very poor. Those studies which depend exclusively upon the reasoning faculties I find but little difficulty in mastering. Since I wrote to you last there has been another snow storm in this county.  During this Christmas there have been several private entertainments given by Cadets who have lately received boxes of eatables from their homes. This evening I have been enjoying a fine supper of oysters which are the first that I have eaten for more than two years. \nI continue to enjoy my usual share of health. Give my love to all. \nYour son as ever. \n[signed] Chas A Derby","St. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala. \nApril 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next. \nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell. \nYours Affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettsville, N.C.","Benton, Ala. May 27th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all. \nYours affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettesville, N. C.","Camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield. \nJuly 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write. \nAddress \nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby \n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade \nHuger's Division \nRichmond, VA","The bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.","The papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.","Written by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.","Written from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.","Written from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.","Written from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.","Certified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.","Two announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.","Written from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.","Written from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.","Written from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.","A translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.","An acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"","Twelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.","One page of cadet uniform drawings.","Written from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.","Written from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.","Written from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.","Written from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.","Included is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.","Francis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.","Written from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.","Written from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.","Blank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.","An unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.","Devotional poem written to \"my mother.\"","Two place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.","Written from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.","Poem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"","Wedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.","Wedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.","Wedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.","Wedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.","Invitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.","Wedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.","Wedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.","Composition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"","Pressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.","Henry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.","Eight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.","Book chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.","Fragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026 Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"","Funeral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.","Place card with the name Wm. Hughlett.","A transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown.","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 \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 1","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"collection_ssim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"creator_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"creators_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"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 \nnot 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—Alabama Infantry Regiment, 44th","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Military education—Georgia—History","Education—Georgia—History","Military education—Alabama—History","Education—Alabama—History","Presbyterian Church in the U.S.—Presbytery of Lexington","Episcopal Church—Alabama—History","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. Army—Alabama Infantry Regiment, 44th","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Military education—Georgia—History","Education—Georgia—History","Military education—Alabama—History","Education—Alabama—History","Presbyterian Church in the U.S.—Presbytery of Lexington","Episcopal Church—Alabama—History","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["0.25 cubic feet Approximately 80 items in 1 box"],"extent_tesim":["0.25 cubic feet Approximately 80 items in 1 box"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891],"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\u003eCharles A. Derby's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1205\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDerby's 1862 letters are avaliable \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/search/collection/p15821coll11/searchterm/MS%200030/order/manusa\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["Charles A. Derby's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available  online .","Derby's 1862 letters are avaliable  online ."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCharles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFollowing his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrivate tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHead of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHead of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProfessor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrincipal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDerby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWilliam F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePublished by the American Tract Society, New York.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePublished by the American Tract Society, New York.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Charles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.","Following his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n Private tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia Head of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy Head of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama Professor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia Principal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama \nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.","Derby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).","A year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.","William F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eVM Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 4th 1846\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 15th ult. was duly received. The fifteen dollars which were enclosed I handed to Col Smith as you desired. This will certainly be sufficient to cover all my expenses between now and July. In regard to my health, I think you need not be at all uneasy for it never was better than it has been since I have been here. At this time I know of no case of sickness in Lexington. For the last three weeks, the weather has been very pleasant and if it continues to be so, the corps will in a few days put on white pantaloons. Enclosed you will find a list of the standing of the third class at our January examination. I copied it from a semi-annual report. I did intend to send you a report; but there are I believe only two at the Institute. Col. Smith had this year, only a few published for the legislature. You may perhaps obtain one from Dr. Thompson. I am getting on remarkably well with all my studies except Drawing and this I must confess. I think will prevent me from retaining my present standing. When I first commenced it I had but little talent for it, and thought I have made a considerable improvement in it. My marks have hitherto been so low, that I fear I will not be able to make up for them. I shall endeavor to do my best at it. In French and Mathematics I still stand among the first. You have perhaps, before this received a circular from Col. Smith. I have I believe one demerit, but if I get no more than five between now and July, they will all be taken off. You will recollect that I had a few previous to our examination, but as they did not exceed five, they were taken off. I see in The Petersburg Republican that Dr. Thompson and Capt Sydnor are the candidates for the Legislature in Dinwiddie. I would be glad if you would inform me whether there is any chance for a Whig to be elected and also whether Mr. Lyme has any opposition. I do not believe that the candidates in Rockbridge have been nominated, but she will certainly elect two Whigs. Gov. McDorrel's influence is not so great as to prevent her from doing this although he was almost unanimously elected to Congress a short time since. I received a letter from cousin Robt last week in which he stated that his family were all well. He says that he expects after this year to teach school as there is not much to be made by shoemaking in Marysville. He thinks he can get at least thirty scholars.\u003cbr\u003e\nGive my love to mother etc.\u003cbr\u003e\nIn haste your devoted son\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed]Chas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVM Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 9th 1846\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,\u003cbr\u003e \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was.\u003cbr\u003e\nMy love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate son,\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed] Chas A Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nJany 19th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nAs you are perhaps anxious to learn the result of our last examination I take the present opportunity to write to you. The examination commenced on Monday the 4th last and continued until Saturday evening. I still stand second in my class and am also as I expect you have before this seen in my circular a file higher in mathematics, than I was at the examination in July. I will also state that the maximum in Mathematics in the second class is 300 from which you will perceive that considerably more importance is attached to that part of the mathematical course which is studied by the second class than to that which is studied by the third class. I could have easily stood higher in Latin than I did by studying it as much as some members of my class did, but I preferred devoting my time mostly to the principal study. In fact I believe it better to have a tolerable standing in each department, than to stand very high in some, and very low in others; and it is upon this principle that I have acted ever since I have been at this place. The young man who stands first in Latin, having already a good knowledge of Mathematics devoted most of his time to that study with which he was least acquainted; on the other hand I depended upon the little knowledge of Latin which I had already acquired and studied Mathematics. I saw in some of the papers last week, that Mr. Bryan was first Lieutenant of the second company, which had been raised in Petersburg. Please inform me in your next, whether there were any Other members of that company with whom you were acquainted.  You perhaps wish to know what kind of a Christmas we had.  At the Institute Christmas is kept only one day, and that day is never forgotten inasmuch as it is the only one on which we are blessed with turkeys and minced pies. With the exception of the eatings my enjoyments were no greater than usual. Since I wrote to you last, there has been another severe snowstorm in Rockbridge. The weather last week was extremely cold, but it has moderated considerably. Write me word whether you have hired any servants and if you have who they are. Also whether my sisters have made much progress in the study of music. I would indeed be very much pleased to learn that they have.  Give my love to them and to mother. I remain as ever - your devoted son,\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed] Chas A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eP.S. My old school mate Samuel Garland stands second in the third class.  Please inform me whether Samuel Hardy succeeded in obtaining the situation at Winfield Academy.  We were not examined in French and consequently no standing was determined upon it. [signed] CAD\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb 26th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney.\u003cbr\u003e\nGive my love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nDec 27th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nI received yesterday morning the letter in which you had enclosed the other half of the twenty dollar note which I am to place in the hands of the treasurer. I was considerably surprised on learning the circumstances which attended the death of Capt Ferguson. Your advice in regard to perseverance I have all along endeavored to follow.  If I fail at the next examination it will not be my fault but the fault of nature. One cannot expect to have a talent for every department. One cannot be responsible for the deficiencies of nature; yet it is his duty to improve that with which the Lord has blessed him, however little it  may be. It is an admitted fact that application can never create a talent; yet it cannot be denied that by application talents are directed into their proper channels. It is for this reason that a person should while young ascertain that for which he is best fitted in order that he may not in after life be trifling with that for which he has no turn. There are many in my class who are smarter than myself; yet by application I have succeeded in accomplishing more than they have. Indolence is often an attendant of talents; for gifted men frequently trust too much to their talents. It is not always the most talented men who are first at the Bar; it is not always the most talented who have the greatest political fame; it is not always the most talented who are first in the scientific world. The greatest men of whom the world has every boasted have generally been those who with moderate abilities, by their industry made up for their deficiencies, and won the confidence and esteem of all.  The lawyer who has the greatest natural ability will if he is careless get but little practice. He may be able to deliver a startling speech; he may be the originator of striking ideas; yet none can place their confidence in him. It is on this account that I never despair. Whenever I do not succeed, I try again. It seems to me that h this year I am peculiarly unfortunate. Of Chemistry I do not profess to know much; yet I do not believe that in this department I have received justice. The opinion which you hand me express in regard to our professor of Natural Sciences has undergone but little change. I have not done well, comparatively speaking in Engineering; yet I by no means find fault with our professor in that department. I believe him to be a perfect gentlemen. The principle reason why I have not done well on these two studies is that a knowledge of them depends upon the memory; and you yourself know that my memory is very poor. Those studies which depend exclusively upon the reasoning faculties I find but little difficulty in mastering. Since I wrote to you last there has been another snow storm in this county.  During this Christmas there have been several private entertainments given by Cadets who have lately received boxes of eatables from their homes. This evening I have been enjoying a fine supper of oysters which are the first that I have eaten for more than two years.\u003cbr\u003e\nI continue to enjoy my usual share of health. Give my love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour son as ever.\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed] Chas A Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSt. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala.\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 15th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next.\u003cbr\u003e\nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours Affectionately,\u003cbr\u003e\nChas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMrs. Mary E. Stancell\u003cbr\u003e\nMargarettsville, N.C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBenton, Ala. May 27th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours affectionately,\u003cbr\u003e\nChas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMrs. Mary E. Stancell\u003cbr\u003e\nMargarettesville, N. C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield.\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 15th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write.\u003cbr\u003e\nAddress\u003cbr\u003e\nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby\u003cbr\u003e\n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade\u003cbr\u003e\nHuger's Division\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, VA\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["VM Institute \nApril 4th 1846","Dear Father, \nYours of the 15th ult. was duly received. The fifteen dollars which were enclosed I handed to Col Smith as you desired. This will certainly be sufficient to cover all my expenses between now and July. In regard to my health, I think you need not be at all uneasy for it never was better than it has been since I have been here. At this time I know of no case of sickness in Lexington. For the last three weeks, the weather has been very pleasant and if it continues to be so, the corps will in a few days put on white pantaloons. Enclosed you will find a list of the standing of the third class at our January examination. I copied it from a semi-annual report. I did intend to send you a report; but there are I believe only two at the Institute. Col. Smith had this year, only a few published for the legislature. You may perhaps obtain one from Dr. Thompson. I am getting on remarkably well with all my studies except Drawing and this I must confess. I think will prevent me from retaining my present standing. When I first commenced it I had but little talent for it, and thought I have made a considerable improvement in it. My marks have hitherto been so low, that I fear I will not be able to make up for them. I shall endeavor to do my best at it. In French and Mathematics I still stand among the first. You have perhaps, before this received a circular from Col. Smith. I have I believe one demerit, but if I get no more than five between now and July, they will all be taken off. You will recollect that I had a few previous to our examination, but as they did not exceed five, they were taken off. I see in The Petersburg Republican that Dr. Thompson and Capt Sydnor are the candidates for the Legislature in Dinwiddie. I would be glad if you would inform me whether there is any chance for a Whig to be elected and also whether Mr. Lyme has any opposition. I do not believe that the candidates in Rockbridge have been nominated, but she will certainly elect two Whigs. Gov. McDorrel's influence is not so great as to prevent her from doing this although he was almost unanimously elected to Congress a short time since. I received a letter from cousin Robt last week in which he stated that his family were all well. He says that he expects after this year to teach school as there is not much to be made by shoemaking in Marysville. He thinks he can get at least thirty scholars. \nGive my love to mother etc. \nIn haste your devoted son \n[signed]Chas. A. Derby","VM Institute \nMay 9th 1846","Dear Father \nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,  \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby","Dear Father \nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was. \nMy love to all. \nYour affectionate son, \n[signed] Chas A Derby","Va Military Institute \nJany 19th 1847","Dear Father, \nAs you are perhaps anxious to learn the result of our last examination I take the present opportunity to write to you. The examination commenced on Monday the 4th last and continued until Saturday evening. I still stand second in my class and am also as I expect you have before this seen in my circular a file higher in mathematics, than I was at the examination in July. I will also state that the maximum in Mathematics in the second class is 300 from which you will perceive that considerably more importance is attached to that part of the mathematical course which is studied by the second class than to that which is studied by the third class. I could have easily stood higher in Latin than I did by studying it as much as some members of my class did, but I preferred devoting my time mostly to the principal study. In fact I believe it better to have a tolerable standing in each department, than to stand very high in some, and very low in others; and it is upon this principle that I have acted ever since I have been at this place. The young man who stands first in Latin, having already a good knowledge of Mathematics devoted most of his time to that study with which he was least acquainted; on the other hand I depended upon the little knowledge of Latin which I had already acquired and studied Mathematics. I saw in some of the papers last week, that Mr. Bryan was first Lieutenant of the second company, which had been raised in Petersburg. Please inform me in your next, whether there were any Other members of that company with whom you were acquainted.  You perhaps wish to know what kind of a Christmas we had.  At the Institute Christmas is kept only one day, and that day is never forgotten inasmuch as it is the only one on which we are blessed with turkeys and minced pies. With the exception of the eatings my enjoyments were no greater than usual. Since I wrote to you last, there has been another severe snowstorm in Rockbridge. The weather last week was extremely cold, but it has moderated considerably. Write me word whether you have hired any servants and if you have who they are. Also whether my sisters have made much progress in the study of music. I would indeed be very much pleased to learn that they have.  Give my love to them and to mother. I remain as ever - your devoted son, \n[signed] Chas A. Derby","P.S. My old school mate Samuel Garland stands second in the third class.  Please inform me whether Samuel Hardy succeeded in obtaining the situation at Winfield Academy.  We were not examined in French and consequently no standing was determined upon it. [signed] CAD","Virginia Military Institute \nFeb 26th 1847","Dear Father, \nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney. \nGive my love to all. \nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby","Virginia Military Institute \nDec 27th 1847","Dear Father \nI received yesterday morning the letter in which you had enclosed the other half of the twenty dollar note which I am to place in the hands of the treasurer. I was considerably surprised on learning the circumstances which attended the death of Capt Ferguson. Your advice in regard to perseverance I have all along endeavored to follow.  If I fail at the next examination it will not be my fault but the fault of nature. One cannot expect to have a talent for every department. One cannot be responsible for the deficiencies of nature; yet it is his duty to improve that with which the Lord has blessed him, however little it  may be. It is an admitted fact that application can never create a talent; yet it cannot be denied that by application talents are directed into their proper channels. It is for this reason that a person should while young ascertain that for which he is best fitted in order that he may not in after life be trifling with that for which he has no turn. There are many in my class who are smarter than myself; yet by application I have succeeded in accomplishing more than they have. Indolence is often an attendant of talents; for gifted men frequently trust too much to their talents. It is not always the most talented men who are first at the Bar; it is not always the most talented who have the greatest political fame; it is not always the most talented who are first in the scientific world. The greatest men of whom the world has every boasted have generally been those who with moderate abilities, by their industry made up for their deficiencies, and won the confidence and esteem of all.  The lawyer who has the greatest natural ability will if he is careless get but little practice. He may be able to deliver a startling speech; he may be the originator of striking ideas; yet none can place their confidence in him. It is on this account that I never despair. Whenever I do not succeed, I try again. It seems to me that h this year I am peculiarly unfortunate. Of Chemistry I do not profess to know much; yet I do not believe that in this department I have received justice. The opinion which you hand me express in regard to our professor of Natural Sciences has undergone but little change. I have not done well, comparatively speaking in Engineering; yet I by no means find fault with our professor in that department. I believe him to be a perfect gentlemen. The principle reason why I have not done well on these two studies is that a knowledge of them depends upon the memory; and you yourself know that my memory is very poor. Those studies which depend exclusively upon the reasoning faculties I find but little difficulty in mastering. Since I wrote to you last there has been another snow storm in this county.  During this Christmas there have been several private entertainments given by Cadets who have lately received boxes of eatables from their homes. This evening I have been enjoying a fine supper of oysters which are the first that I have eaten for more than two years. \nI continue to enjoy my usual share of health. Give my love to all. \nYour son as ever. \n[signed] Chas A Derby","St. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala. \nApril 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next. \nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell. \nYours Affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettsville, N.C.","Benton, Ala. May 27th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all. \nYours affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettesville, N. C.","Camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield. \nJuly 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write. \nAddress \nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby \n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade \nHuger's Division \nRichmond, VA"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCharles A. Derby papers, 1839-1891. MS 0030. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers, 1839-1891. MS 0030. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCertified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwo announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAn acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOne page of cadet uniform drawings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncluded is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFrancis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBlank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAn unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDevotional poem written to \"my mother.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwo place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePoem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInvitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eComposition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHenry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBook chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026amp; Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFuneral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePlace card with the name Wm. Hughlett.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown.\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","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.","The papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.","Written by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.","Written from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.","Written from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.","Written from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.","Certified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.","Two announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.","Written from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.","Written from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.","Written from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.","A translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.","An acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"","Twelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.","One page of cadet uniform drawings.","Written from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.","Written from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.","Written from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.","Written from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.","Included is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.","Francis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.","Written from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.","Written from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.","Blank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.","An unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.","Devotional poem written to \"my mother.\"","Two place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.","Written from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.","Poem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"","Wedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.","Wedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.","Wedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.","Wedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.","Invitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.","Wedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.","Wedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.","Composition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"","Pressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.","Henry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.","Eight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.","Book chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.","Fragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026 Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"","Funeral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.","Place card with the name Wm. Hughlett.","A transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown."],"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 \nnot 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 \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_a99018bbaf530d0adbfbbb07d3e700f4\"\u003eManuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 1\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 1"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"famname_ssim":["Derby Family","Stancell Family"],"persname_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. 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Stuart papers"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["William D. Stuart papers"],"text":["William D. Stuart papers","Correspondence","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Jordan, Gabriel, Jr., 1831-1884","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Stuart, William D. (William Dabney), 1830-1863","English ."],"title_filing_ssi":"Correspondence","title_ssm":["Correspondence"],"title_tesim":["Correspondence"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1850-1863"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1850/1863"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Correspondence"],"component_level_isim":[1],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["William D. 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(John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Jordan, Gabriel, Jr., 1831-1884","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Stuart, William D. (William Dabney), 1830-1863"],"persname_ssim":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Jordan, Gabriel, Jr., 1831-1884","Letcher, John, 1813-1884","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Stuart, William D. (William Dabney), 1830-1863","Stuart, William D. (William Dabney), 1830-1863"],"language_ssim":["English ."],"_nest_path_":"/components#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. (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.    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Derby papers","Charles A. Derby papers"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers","Charles A. Derby papers"],"text":["Charles A. Derby papers","Charles A. Derby papers","Correspondence","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","English ."],"title_filing_ssi":"Correspondence","title_ssm":["Correspondence"],"title_tesim":["Correspondence"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1844-1849"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1844/1849"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Correspondence"],"component_level_isim":[2],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"extent_ssm":["9 items Folder 1"],"extent_tesim":["9 items Folder 1"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":9,"level_ssm":["File"],"level_ssim":["File"],"sort_isi":2,"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 \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"date_range_isim":[1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849],"names_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872"],"persname_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872"],"language_ssim":["English ."],"_nest_path_":"/components#0/components#0","timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:09:06.300Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_600.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00015.xml","title_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"title_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1839-1891"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1839-1891"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600"],"text":["MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600","Charles A. Derby papers","Confederate States of America. Army—Alabama Infantry Regiment, 44th","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Military education—Georgia—History","Education—Georgia—History","Military education—Alabama—History","Education—Alabama—History","Presbyterian Church in the U.S.—Presbytery of Lexington","Episcopal Church—Alabama—History","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence","There are no restrictions","Charles A. Derby's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available  online .","Derby's 1862 letters are avaliable  online .","Charles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.","Following his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n Private tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia Head of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy Head of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama Professor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia Principal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama \nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.","Derby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).","A year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.","William F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","VM Institute \nApril 4th 1846","Dear Father, \nYours of the 15th ult. was duly received. The fifteen dollars which were enclosed I handed to Col Smith as you desired. This will certainly be sufficient to cover all my expenses between now and July. In regard to my health, I think you need not be at all uneasy for it never was better than it has been since I have been here. At this time I know of no case of sickness in Lexington. For the last three weeks, the weather has been very pleasant and if it continues to be so, the corps will in a few days put on white pantaloons. Enclosed you will find a list of the standing of the third class at our January examination. I copied it from a semi-annual report. I did intend to send you a report; but there are I believe only two at the Institute. Col. Smith had this year, only a few published for the legislature. You may perhaps obtain one from Dr. Thompson. I am getting on remarkably well with all my studies except Drawing and this I must confess. I think will prevent me from retaining my present standing. When I first commenced it I had but little talent for it, and thought I have made a considerable improvement in it. My marks have hitherto been so low, that I fear I will not be able to make up for them. I shall endeavor to do my best at it. In French and Mathematics I still stand among the first. You have perhaps, before this received a circular from Col. Smith. I have I believe one demerit, but if I get no more than five between now and July, they will all be taken off. You will recollect that I had a few previous to our examination, but as they did not exceed five, they were taken off. I see in The Petersburg Republican that Dr. Thompson and Capt Sydnor are the candidates for the Legislature in Dinwiddie. I would be glad if you would inform me whether there is any chance for a Whig to be elected and also whether Mr. Lyme has any opposition. I do not believe that the candidates in Rockbridge have been nominated, but she will certainly elect two Whigs. Gov. McDorrel's influence is not so great as to prevent her from doing this although he was almost unanimously elected to Congress a short time since. I received a letter from cousin Robt last week in which he stated that his family were all well. He says that he expects after this year to teach school as there is not much to be made by shoemaking in Marysville. He thinks he can get at least thirty scholars. \nGive my love to mother etc. \nIn haste your devoted son \n[signed]Chas. A. Derby","VM Institute \nMay 9th 1846","Dear Father \nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,  \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby","Dear Father \nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was. \nMy love to all. \nYour affectionate son, \n[signed] Chas A Derby","Va Military Institute \nJany 19th 1847","Dear Father, \nAs you are perhaps anxious to learn the result of our last examination I take the present opportunity to write to you. The examination commenced on Monday the 4th last and continued until Saturday evening. I still stand second in my class and am also as I expect you have before this seen in my circular a file higher in mathematics, than I was at the examination in July. I will also state that the maximum in Mathematics in the second class is 300 from which you will perceive that considerably more importance is attached to that part of the mathematical course which is studied by the second class than to that which is studied by the third class. I could have easily stood higher in Latin than I did by studying it as much as some members of my class did, but I preferred devoting my time mostly to the principal study. In fact I believe it better to have a tolerable standing in each department, than to stand very high in some, and very low in others; and it is upon this principle that I have acted ever since I have been at this place. The young man who stands first in Latin, having already a good knowledge of Mathematics devoted most of his time to that study with which he was least acquainted; on the other hand I depended upon the little knowledge of Latin which I had already acquired and studied Mathematics. I saw in some of the papers last week, that Mr. Bryan was first Lieutenant of the second company, which had been raised in Petersburg. Please inform me in your next, whether there were any Other members of that company with whom you were acquainted.  You perhaps wish to know what kind of a Christmas we had.  At the Institute Christmas is kept only one day, and that day is never forgotten inasmuch as it is the only one on which we are blessed with turkeys and minced pies. With the exception of the eatings my enjoyments were no greater than usual. Since I wrote to you last, there has been another severe snowstorm in Rockbridge. The weather last week was extremely cold, but it has moderated considerably. Write me word whether you have hired any servants and if you have who they are. Also whether my sisters have made much progress in the study of music. I would indeed be very much pleased to learn that they have.  Give my love to them and to mother. I remain as ever - your devoted son, \n[signed] Chas A. Derby","P.S. My old school mate Samuel Garland stands second in the third class.  Please inform me whether Samuel Hardy succeeded in obtaining the situation at Winfield Academy.  We were not examined in French and consequently no standing was determined upon it. [signed] CAD","Virginia Military Institute \nFeb 26th 1847","Dear Father, \nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney. \nGive my love to all. \nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby","Virginia Military Institute \nDec 27th 1847","Dear Father \nI received yesterday morning the letter in which you had enclosed the other half of the twenty dollar note which I am to place in the hands of the treasurer. I was considerably surprised on learning the circumstances which attended the death of Capt Ferguson. Your advice in regard to perseverance I have all along endeavored to follow.  If I fail at the next examination it will not be my fault but the fault of nature. One cannot expect to have a talent for every department. One cannot be responsible for the deficiencies of nature; yet it is his duty to improve that with which the Lord has blessed him, however little it  may be. It is an admitted fact that application can never create a talent; yet it cannot be denied that by application talents are directed into their proper channels. It is for this reason that a person should while young ascertain that for which he is best fitted in order that he may not in after life be trifling with that for which he has no turn. There are many in my class who are smarter than myself; yet by application I have succeeded in accomplishing more than they have. Indolence is often an attendant of talents; for gifted men frequently trust too much to their talents. It is not always the most talented men who are first at the Bar; it is not always the most talented who have the greatest political fame; it is not always the most talented who are first in the scientific world. The greatest men of whom the world has every boasted have generally been those who with moderate abilities, by their industry made up for their deficiencies, and won the confidence and esteem of all.  The lawyer who has the greatest natural ability will if he is careless get but little practice. He may be able to deliver a startling speech; he may be the originator of striking ideas; yet none can place their confidence in him. It is on this account that I never despair. Whenever I do not succeed, I try again. It seems to me that h this year I am peculiarly unfortunate. Of Chemistry I do not profess to know much; yet I do not believe that in this department I have received justice. The opinion which you hand me express in regard to our professor of Natural Sciences has undergone but little change. I have not done well, comparatively speaking in Engineering; yet I by no means find fault with our professor in that department. I believe him to be a perfect gentlemen. The principle reason why I have not done well on these two studies is that a knowledge of them depends upon the memory; and you yourself know that my memory is very poor. Those studies which depend exclusively upon the reasoning faculties I find but little difficulty in mastering. Since I wrote to you last there has been another snow storm in this county.  During this Christmas there have been several private entertainments given by Cadets who have lately received boxes of eatables from their homes. This evening I have been enjoying a fine supper of oysters which are the first that I have eaten for more than two years. \nI continue to enjoy my usual share of health. Give my love to all. \nYour son as ever. \n[signed] Chas A Derby","St. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala. \nApril 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next. \nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell. \nYours Affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettsville, N.C.","Benton, Ala. May 27th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all. \nYours affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettesville, N. C.","Camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield. \nJuly 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write. \nAddress \nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby \n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade \nHuger's Division \nRichmond, VA","The bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.","The papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.","Written by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.","Written from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.","Written from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.","Written from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.","Certified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.","Two announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.","Written from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.","Written from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.","Written from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.","A translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.","An acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"","Twelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.","One page of cadet uniform drawings.","Written from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.","Written from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.","Written from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.","Written from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.","Included is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.","Francis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.","Written from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.","Written from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.","Blank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.","An unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.","Devotional poem written to \"my mother.\"","Two place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.","Written from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.","Poem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"","Wedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.","Wedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.","Wedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.","Wedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.","Invitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.","Wedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.","Wedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.","Composition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"","Pressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.","Henry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.","Eight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.","Book chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.","Fragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026 Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"","Funeral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.","Place card with the name Wm. Hughlett.","A transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown.","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 \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 1","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"collection_ssim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"creator_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"creators_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"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 \nnot 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—Alabama Infantry Regiment, 44th","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Military education—Georgia—History","Education—Georgia—History","Military education—Alabama—History","Education—Alabama—History","Presbyterian Church in the U.S.—Presbytery of Lexington","Episcopal Church—Alabama—History","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. Army—Alabama Infantry Regiment, 44th","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Military education—Georgia—History","Education—Georgia—History","Military education—Alabama—History","Education—Alabama—History","Presbyterian Church in the U.S.—Presbytery of Lexington","Episcopal Church—Alabama—History","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["0.25 cubic feet Approximately 80 items in 1 box"],"extent_tesim":["0.25 cubic feet Approximately 80 items in 1 box"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891],"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\u003eCharles A. Derby's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1205\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDerby's 1862 letters are avaliable \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/search/collection/p15821coll11/searchterm/MS%200030/order/manusa\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["Charles A. Derby's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available  online .","Derby's 1862 letters are avaliable  online ."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCharles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFollowing his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrivate tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHead of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHead of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProfessor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrincipal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDerby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWilliam F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePublished by the American Tract Society, New York.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePublished by the American Tract Society, New York.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Charles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.","Following his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n Private tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia Head of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy Head of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama Professor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia Principal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama \nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.","Derby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).","A year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.","William F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eVM Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 4th 1846\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 15th ult. was duly received. The fifteen dollars which were enclosed I handed to Col Smith as you desired. This will certainly be sufficient to cover all my expenses between now and July. In regard to my health, I think you need not be at all uneasy for it never was better than it has been since I have been here. At this time I know of no case of sickness in Lexington. For the last three weeks, the weather has been very pleasant and if it continues to be so, the corps will in a few days put on white pantaloons. Enclosed you will find a list of the standing of the third class at our January examination. I copied it from a semi-annual report. I did intend to send you a report; but there are I believe only two at the Institute. Col. Smith had this year, only a few published for the legislature. You may perhaps obtain one from Dr. Thompson. I am getting on remarkably well with all my studies except Drawing and this I must confess. I think will prevent me from retaining my present standing. When I first commenced it I had but little talent for it, and thought I have made a considerable improvement in it. My marks have hitherto been so low, that I fear I will not be able to make up for them. I shall endeavor to do my best at it. In French and Mathematics I still stand among the first. You have perhaps, before this received a circular from Col. Smith. I have I believe one demerit, but if I get no more than five between now and July, they will all be taken off. You will recollect that I had a few previous to our examination, but as they did not exceed five, they were taken off. I see in The Petersburg Republican that Dr. Thompson and Capt Sydnor are the candidates for the Legislature in Dinwiddie. I would be glad if you would inform me whether there is any chance for a Whig to be elected and also whether Mr. Lyme has any opposition. I do not believe that the candidates in Rockbridge have been nominated, but she will certainly elect two Whigs. Gov. McDorrel's influence is not so great as to prevent her from doing this although he was almost unanimously elected to Congress a short time since. I received a letter from cousin Robt last week in which he stated that his family were all well. He says that he expects after this year to teach school as there is not much to be made by shoemaking in Marysville. He thinks he can get at least thirty scholars.\u003cbr\u003e\nGive my love to mother etc.\u003cbr\u003e\nIn haste your devoted son\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed]Chas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVM Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 9th 1846\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,\u003cbr\u003e \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was.\u003cbr\u003e\nMy love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate son,\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed] Chas A Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nJany 19th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nAs you are perhaps anxious to learn the result of our last examination I take the present opportunity to write to you. The examination commenced on Monday the 4th last and continued until Saturday evening. I still stand second in my class and am also as I expect you have before this seen in my circular a file higher in mathematics, than I was at the examination in July. I will also state that the maximum in Mathematics in the second class is 300 from which you will perceive that considerably more importance is attached to that part of the mathematical course which is studied by the second class than to that which is studied by the third class. I could have easily stood higher in Latin than I did by studying it as much as some members of my class did, but I preferred devoting my time mostly to the principal study. In fact I believe it better to have a tolerable standing in each department, than to stand very high in some, and very low in others; and it is upon this principle that I have acted ever since I have been at this place. The young man who stands first in Latin, having already a good knowledge of Mathematics devoted most of his time to that study with which he was least acquainted; on the other hand I depended upon the little knowledge of Latin which I had already acquired and studied Mathematics. I saw in some of the papers last week, that Mr. Bryan was first Lieutenant of the second company, which had been raised in Petersburg. Please inform me in your next, whether there were any Other members of that company with whom you were acquainted.  You perhaps wish to know what kind of a Christmas we had.  At the Institute Christmas is kept only one day, and that day is never forgotten inasmuch as it is the only one on which we are blessed with turkeys and minced pies. With the exception of the eatings my enjoyments were no greater than usual. Since I wrote to you last, there has been another severe snowstorm in Rockbridge. The weather last week was extremely cold, but it has moderated considerably. Write me word whether you have hired any servants and if you have who they are. Also whether my sisters have made much progress in the study of music. I would indeed be very much pleased to learn that they have.  Give my love to them and to mother. I remain as ever - your devoted son,\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed] Chas A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eP.S. My old school mate Samuel Garland stands second in the third class.  Please inform me whether Samuel Hardy succeeded in obtaining the situation at Winfield Academy.  We were not examined in French and consequently no standing was determined upon it. [signed] CAD\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb 26th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney.\u003cbr\u003e\nGive my love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nDec 27th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nI received yesterday morning the letter in which you had enclosed the other half of the twenty dollar note which I am to place in the hands of the treasurer. I was considerably surprised on learning the circumstances which attended the death of Capt Ferguson. Your advice in regard to perseverance I have all along endeavored to follow.  If I fail at the next examination it will not be my fault but the fault of nature. One cannot expect to have a talent for every department. One cannot be responsible for the deficiencies of nature; yet it is his duty to improve that with which the Lord has blessed him, however little it  may be. It is an admitted fact that application can never create a talent; yet it cannot be denied that by application talents are directed into their proper channels. It is for this reason that a person should while young ascertain that for which he is best fitted in order that he may not in after life be trifling with that for which he has no turn. There are many in my class who are smarter than myself; yet by application I have succeeded in accomplishing more than they have. Indolence is often an attendant of talents; for gifted men frequently trust too much to their talents. It is not always the most talented men who are first at the Bar; it is not always the most talented who have the greatest political fame; it is not always the most talented who are first in the scientific world. The greatest men of whom the world has every boasted have generally been those who with moderate abilities, by their industry made up for their deficiencies, and won the confidence and esteem of all.  The lawyer who has the greatest natural ability will if he is careless get but little practice. He may be able to deliver a startling speech; he may be the originator of striking ideas; yet none can place their confidence in him. It is on this account that I never despair. Whenever I do not succeed, I try again. It seems to me that h this year I am peculiarly unfortunate. Of Chemistry I do not profess to know much; yet I do not believe that in this department I have received justice. The opinion which you hand me express in regard to our professor of Natural Sciences has undergone but little change. I have not done well, comparatively speaking in Engineering; yet I by no means find fault with our professor in that department. I believe him to be a perfect gentlemen. The principle reason why I have not done well on these two studies is that a knowledge of them depends upon the memory; and you yourself know that my memory is very poor. Those studies which depend exclusively upon the reasoning faculties I find but little difficulty in mastering. Since I wrote to you last there has been another snow storm in this county.  During this Christmas there have been several private entertainments given by Cadets who have lately received boxes of eatables from their homes. This evening I have been enjoying a fine supper of oysters which are the first that I have eaten for more than two years.\u003cbr\u003e\nI continue to enjoy my usual share of health. Give my love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour son as ever.\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed] Chas A Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSt. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala.\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 15th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next.\u003cbr\u003e\nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours Affectionately,\u003cbr\u003e\nChas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMrs. Mary E. Stancell\u003cbr\u003e\nMargarettsville, N.C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBenton, Ala. May 27th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours affectionately,\u003cbr\u003e\nChas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMrs. Mary E. Stancell\u003cbr\u003e\nMargarettesville, N. C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield.\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 15th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write.\u003cbr\u003e\nAddress\u003cbr\u003e\nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby\u003cbr\u003e\n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade\u003cbr\u003e\nHuger's Division\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, VA\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["VM Institute \nApril 4th 1846","Dear Father, \nYours of the 15th ult. was duly received. The fifteen dollars which were enclosed I handed to Col Smith as you desired. This will certainly be sufficient to cover all my expenses between now and July. In regard to my health, I think you need not be at all uneasy for it never was better than it has been since I have been here. At this time I know of no case of sickness in Lexington. For the last three weeks, the weather has been very pleasant and if it continues to be so, the corps will in a few days put on white pantaloons. Enclosed you will find a list of the standing of the third class at our January examination. I copied it from a semi-annual report. I did intend to send you a report; but there are I believe only two at the Institute. Col. Smith had this year, only a few published for the legislature. You may perhaps obtain one from Dr. Thompson. I am getting on remarkably well with all my studies except Drawing and this I must confess. I think will prevent me from retaining my present standing. When I first commenced it I had but little talent for it, and thought I have made a considerable improvement in it. My marks have hitherto been so low, that I fear I will not be able to make up for them. I shall endeavor to do my best at it. In French and Mathematics I still stand among the first. You have perhaps, before this received a circular from Col. Smith. I have I believe one demerit, but if I get no more than five between now and July, they will all be taken off. You will recollect that I had a few previous to our examination, but as they did not exceed five, they were taken off. I see in The Petersburg Republican that Dr. Thompson and Capt Sydnor are the candidates for the Legislature in Dinwiddie. I would be glad if you would inform me whether there is any chance for a Whig to be elected and also whether Mr. Lyme has any opposition. I do not believe that the candidates in Rockbridge have been nominated, but she will certainly elect two Whigs. Gov. McDorrel's influence is not so great as to prevent her from doing this although he was almost unanimously elected to Congress a short time since. I received a letter from cousin Robt last week in which he stated that his family were all well. He says that he expects after this year to teach school as there is not much to be made by shoemaking in Marysville. He thinks he can get at least thirty scholars. \nGive my love to mother etc. \nIn haste your devoted son \n[signed]Chas. A. Derby","VM Institute \nMay 9th 1846","Dear Father \nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,  \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby","Dear Father \nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was. \nMy love to all. \nYour affectionate son, \n[signed] Chas A Derby","Va Military Institute \nJany 19th 1847","Dear Father, \nAs you are perhaps anxious to learn the result of our last examination I take the present opportunity to write to you. The examination commenced on Monday the 4th last and continued until Saturday evening. I still stand second in my class and am also as I expect you have before this seen in my circular a file higher in mathematics, than I was at the examination in July. I will also state that the maximum in Mathematics in the second class is 300 from which you will perceive that considerably more importance is attached to that part of the mathematical course which is studied by the second class than to that which is studied by the third class. I could have easily stood higher in Latin than I did by studying it as much as some members of my class did, but I preferred devoting my time mostly to the principal study. In fact I believe it better to have a tolerable standing in each department, than to stand very high in some, and very low in others; and it is upon this principle that I have acted ever since I have been at this place. The young man who stands first in Latin, having already a good knowledge of Mathematics devoted most of his time to that study with which he was least acquainted; on the other hand I depended upon the little knowledge of Latin which I had already acquired and studied Mathematics. I saw in some of the papers last week, that Mr. Bryan was first Lieutenant of the second company, which had been raised in Petersburg. Please inform me in your next, whether there were any Other members of that company with whom you were acquainted.  You perhaps wish to know what kind of a Christmas we had.  At the Institute Christmas is kept only one day, and that day is never forgotten inasmuch as it is the only one on which we are blessed with turkeys and minced pies. With the exception of the eatings my enjoyments were no greater than usual. Since I wrote to you last, there has been another severe snowstorm in Rockbridge. The weather last week was extremely cold, but it has moderated considerably. Write me word whether you have hired any servants and if you have who they are. Also whether my sisters have made much progress in the study of music. I would indeed be very much pleased to learn that they have.  Give my love to them and to mother. I remain as ever - your devoted son, \n[signed] Chas A. Derby","P.S. My old school mate Samuel Garland stands second in the third class.  Please inform me whether Samuel Hardy succeeded in obtaining the situation at Winfield Academy.  We were not examined in French and consequently no standing was determined upon it. [signed] CAD","Virginia Military Institute \nFeb 26th 1847","Dear Father, \nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney. \nGive my love to all. \nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby","Virginia Military Institute \nDec 27th 1847","Dear Father \nI received yesterday morning the letter in which you had enclosed the other half of the twenty dollar note which I am to place in the hands of the treasurer. I was considerably surprised on learning the circumstances which attended the death of Capt Ferguson. Your advice in regard to perseverance I have all along endeavored to follow.  If I fail at the next examination it will not be my fault but the fault of nature. One cannot expect to have a talent for every department. One cannot be responsible for the deficiencies of nature; yet it is his duty to improve that with which the Lord has blessed him, however little it  may be. It is an admitted fact that application can never create a talent; yet it cannot be denied that by application talents are directed into their proper channels. It is for this reason that a person should while young ascertain that for which he is best fitted in order that he may not in after life be trifling with that for which he has no turn. There are many in my class who are smarter than myself; yet by application I have succeeded in accomplishing more than they have. Indolence is often an attendant of talents; for gifted men frequently trust too much to their talents. It is not always the most talented men who are first at the Bar; it is not always the most talented who have the greatest political fame; it is not always the most talented who are first in the scientific world. The greatest men of whom the world has every boasted have generally been those who with moderate abilities, by their industry made up for their deficiencies, and won the confidence and esteem of all.  The lawyer who has the greatest natural ability will if he is careless get but little practice. He may be able to deliver a startling speech; he may be the originator of striking ideas; yet none can place their confidence in him. It is on this account that I never despair. Whenever I do not succeed, I try again. It seems to me that h this year I am peculiarly unfortunate. Of Chemistry I do not profess to know much; yet I do not believe that in this department I have received justice. The opinion which you hand me express in regard to our professor of Natural Sciences has undergone but little change. I have not done well, comparatively speaking in Engineering; yet I by no means find fault with our professor in that department. I believe him to be a perfect gentlemen. The principle reason why I have not done well on these two studies is that a knowledge of them depends upon the memory; and you yourself know that my memory is very poor. Those studies which depend exclusively upon the reasoning faculties I find but little difficulty in mastering. Since I wrote to you last there has been another snow storm in this county.  During this Christmas there have been several private entertainments given by Cadets who have lately received boxes of eatables from their homes. This evening I have been enjoying a fine supper of oysters which are the first that I have eaten for more than two years. \nI continue to enjoy my usual share of health. Give my love to all. \nYour son as ever. \n[signed] Chas A Derby","St. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala. \nApril 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next. \nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell. \nYours Affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettsville, N.C.","Benton, Ala. May 27th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all. \nYours affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettesville, N. C.","Camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield. \nJuly 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write. \nAddress \nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby \n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade \nHuger's Division \nRichmond, VA"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCharles A. Derby papers, 1839-1891. MS 0030. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers, 1839-1891. MS 0030. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCertified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwo announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAn acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOne page of cadet uniform drawings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncluded is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFrancis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBlank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAn unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDevotional poem written to \"my mother.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwo place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePoem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInvitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eComposition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHenry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBook chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026amp; Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFuneral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePlace card with the name Wm. Hughlett.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown.\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","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.","The papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.","Written by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.","Written from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.","Written from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.","Written from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.","Certified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.","Two announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.","Written from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.","Written from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.","Written from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.","A translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.","An acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"","Twelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.","One page of cadet uniform drawings.","Written from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.","Written from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.","Written from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.","Written from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.","Included is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.","Francis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.","Written from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.","Written from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.","Blank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.","An unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.","Devotional poem written to \"my mother.\"","Two place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.","Written from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.","Poem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"","Wedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.","Wedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.","Wedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.","Wedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.","Invitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.","Wedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.","Wedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.","Composition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"","Pressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.","Henry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.","Eight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.","Book chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.","Fragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026 Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"","Funeral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.","Place card with the name Wm. Hughlett.","A transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown."],"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 \nnot 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 \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_a99018bbaf530d0adbfbbb07d3e700f4\"\u003eManuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 1\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 1"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"famname_ssim":["Derby Family","Stancell Family"],"persname_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    "],"total_component_count_is":90,"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_600_c01_c01"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_397_c01","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Diary","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_397_c01#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eJohn F. Hanna's diary contains a colorful account of life at VMI and in Lexington, Virginia during the Spring of 1864. Entries begin April 17, 1864 and end May 9, 1864. \u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_397_c01#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_397_c01","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_397_c01"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_397_c01","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_397","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_397","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_397","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_397","parent_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_397"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_397"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["John F. Hanna diary"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["John F. Hanna diary"],"text":["John F. Hanna diary","Diary","Davis, Thomas D. (Thomas Dixon), 1843-1925","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Shriver, Samuel S. (Samuel Sprigg), 1843-1881","Smith, Edward H. (Edward Harvie), 1845-1912","Hanna, John F. (John Francis), 1843-1885","Knight, Septimus","Davis, Thomas D. (Thomas Dixon), 1843-1925","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Shriver, Samuel S. (Samuel Sprigg), 1843-1881","Smith, Edward H. (Edward Harvie), 1845-1912","Culpeper County (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Lexington (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Lexington (Va.) -- Social life and customs","New Market Cadets","United States -- Army -- Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment, 15th (1862-1865)","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864","Virginia Military Institute—Curricula","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—Anecdotes","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Diaries","English","John F. Hanna's diary contains a colorful account of life at VMI and in Lexington, Virginia during the Spring of 1864. Entries begin April 17, 1864 and end May 9, 1864. ","The diary was used by Septimus Knight of 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry from August 1862 (apparently copied from an earlier diary or notes) through June 1868. Most entries relate the movements and activities of the 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry. "],"title_filing_ssi":"Diary","title_ssm":["Diary"],"title_tesim":["Diary"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1862-1868"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1862/1868"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Diary"],"component_level_isim":[1],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["John F. Hanna diary"],"creator_ssim":["Hanna, John F. (John Francis), 1843-1885","Knight, Septimus"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"sort_isi":1,"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. 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Hanna's diary contains a colorful account of life at VMI and in Lexington, Virginia during the Spring of 1864. Entries begin April 17, 1864 and end May 9, 1864. \u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe diary was used by Septimus Knight of 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry from August 1862 (apparently copied from an earlier diary or notes) through June 1868. Most entries relate the movements and activities of the 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry. \u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["John F. Hanna's diary contains a colorful account of life at VMI and in Lexington, Virginia during the Spring of 1864. Entries begin April 17, 1864 and end May 9, 1864. ","The diary was used by Septimus Knight of 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry from August 1862 (apparently copied from an earlier diary or notes) through June 1868. Most entries relate the movements and activities of the 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry. "],"_nest_path_":"/components#0","timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:11:07.355Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_397","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_397","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_397","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_397","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_397.xml","title_ssm":["John F. Hanna diary"],"title_tesim":["John F. Hanna diary"],"unitdate_ssm":["1864-1868"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1864-1868"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0317","/repositories/3/resources/397"],"text":["MS.0317","/repositories/3/resources/397","John F. Hanna diary","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864","United States -- Army -- Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment, 15th (1862-1865)","Virginia Military Institute—Curricula","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—Anecdotes","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","New Market Cadets","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives","Culpeper County (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Lexington (Va.) -- Social life and customs","Lexington (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Diaries","There are no restrictions","View the diary and transcription","John Francis Hanna was born at the home of his grandparents in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 20, 1843. Before matriculating at VMI, he attended Gonzaga College and Georgetown University. He entered VMI from Manassas, Virginia, on January 22, 1862 as a member of the Class of 1864. He was a cadet First Lieutenant, Company D., at the Battle of New Market. Fourteen members of the class, all New Market Cadets, were graduated on June 17, 1864, approximately a month after the battle. ","After the Civil War Hanna studied law at Columbian (now George Washington) University and practiced in Washington, D.C. He was injured in a riding accident on October 25, 1885 and died at his home in Mt. Vernon, Virginia, on October 31.","This volume is the final one in an eight volume diary begun by John F. Hanna in 1861. It is the only volume owned by VMI. References in the text to \"other books\" refer to previous volumes, which Hanna sent home to his sister for safekeeping.","John F. Hanna's diary contains a colorful account of life at VMI and in Lexington, Virginia during the Spring of 1864. Entries begin April 17, 1864 and end May 9, 1864. On May 10, the cadets were called to active duty at the request of General John C. Breckinridge and on May 15 participated in the Battle of New Market, Virginia. The entries contain comments about VMI activities and people, Lexington social life, and discussion of personal concerns.","This volume was picked up by a Union soldier, probably when Union forces occupied Lexington in June 1864. It was ultimately fell into the hands of Septimus Knight of the 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry. The notebook was used by Knight as a diary; entries date from August 1862 (apparently copied from an earlier diary or notes) through June 1868. Most entries relate the movements and activities of the 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Knight's section of the volume has not been transcribed. Researchers who are interested the 15th Pennsylvania should contact the Archives to request photocopies.","John F. Hanna's diary contains a colorful account of life at VMI and in Lexington, Virginia during the Spring of 1864. Entries begin April 17, 1864 and end May 9, 1864. ","The diary was used by Septimus Knight of 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry from August 1862 (apparently copied from an earlier diary or notes) through June 1868. Most entries relate the movements and activities of the 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry. ","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","Hanna, John F. (John Francis), 1843-1885","Davis, Thomas D. (Thomas Dixon), 1843-1925","Smith, Edward H. (Edward Harvie), 1845-1912","Shriver, Samuel S. 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Before matriculating at VMI, he attended Gonzaga College and Georgetown University. He entered VMI from Manassas, Virginia, on January 22, 1862 as a member of the Class of 1864. He was a cadet First Lieutenant, Company D., at the Battle of New Market. Fourteen members of the class, all New Market Cadets, were graduated on June 17, 1864, approximately a month after the battle. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAfter the Civil War Hanna studied law at Columbian (now George Washington) University and practiced in Washington, D.C. He was injured in a riding accident on October 25, 1885 and died at his home in Mt. Vernon, Virginia, on October 31.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["John Francis Hanna was born at the home of his grandparents in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 20, 1843. Before matriculating at VMI, he attended Gonzaga College and Georgetown University. 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It was ultimately fell into the hands of Septimus Knight of the 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry. The notebook was used by Knight as a diary; entries date from August 1862 (apparently copied from an earlier diary or notes) through June 1868. Most entries relate the movements and activities of the 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Knight's section of the volume has not been transcribed. Researchers who are interested the 15th Pennsylvania should contact the Archives to request photocopies.","John F. Hanna's diary contains a colorful account of life at VMI and in Lexington, Virginia during the Spring of 1864. Entries begin April 17, 1864 and end May 9, 1864. ","The diary was used by Septimus Knight of 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry from August 1862 (apparently copied from an earlier diary or notes) through June 1868. Most entries relate the movements and activities of the 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry. "],"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. 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This file only relates to a few specific positions. 1839-1860; 1884.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38_c04_c02#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38_c04_c02","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38_c04_c02"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38_c04_c02","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38_c04","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38_c04","parent_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38","vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38_c04"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38","vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38_c04"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889","Superintendent, Subject Files, 1839-1884 (Francis H. Smith)"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889","Superintendent, Subject Files, 1839-1884 (Francis H. Smith)"],"text":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889","Superintendent, Subject Files, 1839-1884 (Francis H. Smith)","Faculty applications, 19th century","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","English","Faculty applications, historical. Letters of application and supporting letters of recommendation submitted for several faculty and staff positions.  Includes positions of Professor of Modern Languages, Physical Sciences, Steward, Quartermaster.  This file only relates to a few specific positions. 1839-1860; 1884."],"title_filing_ssi":"Faculty applications, 19th century","title_ssm":["Faculty applications, 19th century"],"title_tesim":["Faculty applications, 19th century"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1839-1860; 1884"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1839/1884"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Faculty applications, 19th century"],"component_level_isim":[2],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. 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Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"date_range_isim":[1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884],"names_ssim":["Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Gilham, William, 1818-1872"],"persname_ssim":["Gilham, William, 1818-1872"],"language_ssim":["English"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFaculty applications, historical. Letters of application and supporting letters of recommendation submitted for several faculty and staff positions.  Includes positions of Professor of Modern Languages, Physical Sciences, Steward, Quartermaster.  This file only relates to a few specific positions. 1839-1860; 1884.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Faculty applications, historical. Letters of application and supporting letters of recommendation submitted for several faculty and staff positions.  Includes positions of Professor of Modern Languages, Physical Sciences, Steward, Quartermaster.  This file only relates to a few specific positions. 1839-1860; 1884."],"_nest_path_":"/components#3/components#1","timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:11:19.316Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_38.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00084.xml","title_ssm":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889"],"title_tesim":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889"],"unitdate_ssm":["1839-1889"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1839-1889"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Subgroup","Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["RG.02.01-SmithFH","/repositories/3/resources/38"],"text":["RG.02.01-SmithFH","/repositories/3/resources/38","Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Military education -- Virginia -- History -- 19th century","Military schools -- Southern States","Correspondence","There are no restrictions","Some items from the Smith papers are available online.","Some annual reports from the Smith administration are available online","An annotated full text transcription is available online","This item is available online","Francis H. Smith served for fifty years (1839-1889) as VMI's first Superintendent. Smith was born in 1812, graduated from West Point in 1833, and came to Lexington, Virginia in 1839 to lead the newly established Virginia Military Institute. He died in March 1890, a few months after his retirement as Superintendent. He was known as the builder and --after the Civil War-- rebuilder of VMI. His official correspondence spans the period 1839-1889, with few gaps. The Civil War era and earlier letters survived Gen. David Hunter's destruction of many Institute buildings in June 1864. Smith corresponded with the notable military, educational, and political leaders of his time, making the correspondence a rich resource for scholars.","In 1858, after nearly twenty years as Superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute, Francis H. Smith needed some time off. Consequently, he was granted a leave of absence by the VMI Board of Visitors to travel to Europe to visit military, scientific, and agricultural institutions and to write a report on his findings upon his return.","Smith and several young alumni departed on the 9th of June and returned at the end of December 1858 having visited Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Italy. Each night, he wrote a letter home to his wife Sara describing what he had seen and experienced that day. These letters, possibly Smith's only personal correspondence that has survived, were transcribed into three small letter books on his return. ","Over the years, the three volumes passed down through the Smith family, but sadly one was lost. Col. Edwin Dooley, a historian who has done extensive research on Smith, transcribed and annotated the two surviving letter books covering Smith's travels through the United Kingdom and France. ","The original letter books were transcribed and annotated by Edwin L. Dooley, Jr.","Annual and Special Reports of the Superintendent","Report on Scientific Education in Europe","These files constitute the major record series generated by the office of Francis H. Smith, VMI's first Superintendent. He served from 1839-1889. The records, (ca. 30 linear feet) consist of incoming and outgoing correspondence, order books, speeches and publications, annual reports, personal file, and subject files.","Incoming correspondence of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith, for the period 1839-1870.  The original 19th century  filing order has been retained.  Each incoming letter was assigned a number by Smith's secretary; these letters were then filed numerically by letter number within each year.  Some years were further broken down into alphabetical sections (A-K; L-Z etc.) and thus have more multiple numerical sequences within an individual year.  It is therefore the case that some years have more than one letter number 1, 2 etc.  Some letters for the year 1870 are missing; occasional other missing letters are identifed on the index; however the series is largely complete.\n \nThese letters are indexed by name of sender.  \nOutgoing letters for the period are located in bound letter books, which are arranged chronologically.","Francis H. Smith incoming correspondence, 1885-1889.  These letters are no longer filed in the numbered sequence that was used for the period 1839-1870;  they are filed alphabetically within each year.   Corresponding outgoing letters are located in separate  letter books for the period.  Incoming correspondence for the period 1871-1884, except for a few miscellaneous items, is not extant.  This was noted by William Couper in the 1930's, and it is not know at what point or under what circumstances the incoming letters for this period were lost.  Outgoing letters for 1871-1884 are extant.","The outgoing letterbooks (bound volumes) of VMI's first Superintendent Francis H. Smith, who served from 1839-1889. There are no outgoing letters from 1864 August 9-1865 October 30.","Virginia Military Institute printed circular, signed in ink by Superintendent Francis H. Smith, petitioning alumni for donations of \"Curiousities, both literary and natural\" to help establish a Museum at VMI. This examples is dated February 27, 1845, and addressed to William S. Beale, a member of the Class of 1843.","Also mentions addition to Barracks, new Gun House, Society of Cadets Hall, and Library.","Subject Files maintained by the office of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith","Applications and letters of recommendations for students applying to VMI, 1839-1864 (gaps).  Includes successful and unsuccessful applicants and some who were accepted but never matriculated.  5 boxes","Faculty applications, historical. Letters of application and supporting letters of recommendation submitted for several faculty and staff positions.  Includes positions of Professor of Modern Languages, Physical Sciences, Steward, Quartermaster.  This file only relates to a few specific positions. 1839-1860; 1884.","Washington College (now Washington and Lee University). Several items, 1845, concerning a complaint lodged by Washington College  against VMI, which ultimately led to a severance of academic ties between the two institutions.   Prof. George Dodd Armstrong represented the College on this issue.  For a full account, see the book 100 Years at VMI (William Couper), vol. 1, pps. 139-147.\nThe file also includes one unrelated  document from 1860.","Includes letter from Francis H. Smith to Dr. Galt inviting him to the statue dedication;  original manuscript of remarks made at the Washington Statue dedication on July 3, 1856 by William B. Taliaferro, Revd. John H. Bowcock,  Francis H. Smith. Information (photocopies, 1864-1866) concerning the confiscation of the statue by Gen. Hunter's troops and its return from West Virginia in 1866, including copies of letters from David H. Strother of Gen. Hunter's staff.","Misc. Later documents (post-Smith era) re: Statue","19th century legal documents.  Records of VMI attorneys Letcher, Maury and Letcher relating to collection of cadet debts after Civil War, 1871-1873","A chronological file, 1843-1848; 1865-1899, containing examples of academic department annual reports from the 19th century. These reports from the various academic departments were submitted to the Superintendent and help to document the early academic history of the Institute.  This file includes early reports by John T. L. Preston (Languages), and Thomas H. Williamson (Engineering), as well as reports by other early faculty members.  The series has many gaps; for example, none from the 1850's. The reports reflect some subjects that are no longer taught, e.g., Latin, drawing, mineralogy. 1 box","Three page memorandum of agreement (July 13, 1870) between sculptor Frederick Volck and VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith.  Volck was to complete a bronze equestrian statue of Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, but the project was never finished.  (See the book \"One Hundred Years at VMI\" by William Couper,  vol 3, p. 212, for an account of Volck's relationship with VMI).","Biographical material and miscellaneous Smith and Smith family personal papers.","Francis H. Smith individual biographical file, compiled over decades.  Contains biographical and genealogical information, clippings, articles and other general information relating to Francis H. Smith and his family.","Unpublished typescript by Francis H. Smith III.  This is the only full length biography of Francis H. Smith and is a useful source for information not found elsewhere.","Miscellaneous Francis H. Smith and Smith family personal records. Includes 2 volumes of personal letters written while on his trip to Europe in 1858, along with a scrapbook containing engravings of places visited; misc. personal correspondence, including one letter from Scott Shipp thanking Smith for his condolences upon the death of Shipp's wife.","The United States Military Academy diploma awarded to Francis H. Smith in 1833.  The ink is badly faded.  Bears the signature of President Andrew Jackson.","Oversized case 9","U. S. Army commission document signed in 1834; commission as Second Lieutenant to date from November 1833.","Edwin L. Dooley, Jr., former Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Secretary to the Board of Visitors, is also a historian who has studied Francis H. Smith in depth.  This material comprises some of his research notes.  It relates to Smith's biography and tenure as Superintendent/official records.","A chronological file containing originals and copies of Smith's published addresses, speeches, discourses.  These were published in pamphlet form.  VMI owns originals for many; for those not found in the VMI Archives, the staff obtained photocopies from the Library of Virginia.","There are no restrictions; fragile and oversized items may have copying or scanning limitations.","Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial 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.","Archives stacks, Record Group 02, Superintendent","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent.","Virginia Military Institute. Museum","Virginia Military Institute. Alumni Association","Virginia Military Institute. Library","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Beale, William S. (William Steenbergen)","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Armstrong, George D. (George Dodd), 1813-1899","Bowcock, John, Rev.","Taliaferro, John B.","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Volck, Frederick.","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Walker, James A. (James Alexander)","Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845","Smith, Francis H., Jr. (Francis Henney), 1849-1917","Dooley, Edwin L., 1942-","English"],"unitid_tesim":["RG.02.01-SmithFH","/repositories/3/resources/38"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889"],"collection_title_tesim":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889"],"collection_ssim":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent."],"creator_ssim":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent."],"creator_persname_ssim":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent."],"creators_ssim":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent."],"access_terms_ssm":["There are no restrictions; fragile and oversized items may have copying or scanning limitations.","Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial 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—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Military education -- Virginia -- History -- 19th century","Military schools -- Southern States","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Military education -- Virginia -- History -- 19th century","Military schools -- Southern States","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["30 Linear Feet"],"extent_tesim":["30 Linear Feet"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889],"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\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/landingpage/collection/p15821coll14\"\u003eSome items from the Smith papers are available online.\u003c/a\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll21/id/1680\"\u003eSome annual reports from the Smith administration are available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://cdm15821.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/search/collection/p15821coll14/searchterm/european/field/title/mode/all/conn/and/order/date\"\u003eAn annotated full text transcription is available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll21/id/1680\"\u003eThis item is available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access","Online Access","Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["Some items from the Smith papers are available online.","Some annual reports from the Smith administration are available online","An annotated full text transcription is available online","This item is available online"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFrancis H. Smith served for fifty years (1839-1889) as VMI's first Superintendent. Smith was born in 1812, graduated from West Point in 1833, and came to Lexington, Virginia in 1839 to lead the newly established Virginia Military Institute. He died in March 1890, a few months after his retirement as Superintendent. He was known as the builder and --after the Civil War-- rebuilder of VMI. His official correspondence spans the period 1839-1889, with few gaps. The Civil War era and earlier letters survived Gen. David Hunter's destruction of many Institute buildings in June 1864. Smith corresponded with the notable military, educational, and political leaders of his time, making the correspondence a rich resource for scholars.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn 1858, after nearly twenty years as Superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute, Francis H. Smith needed some time off. Consequently, he was granted a leave of absence by the VMI Board of Visitors to travel to Europe to visit military, scientific, and agricultural institutions and to write a report on his findings upon his return.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSmith and several young alumni departed on the 9th of June and returned at the end of December 1858 having visited Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Italy. Each night, he wrote a letter home to his wife Sara describing what he had seen and experienced that day. These letters, possibly Smith's only personal correspondence that has survived, were transcribed into three small letter books on his return. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOver the years, the three volumes passed down through the Smith family, but sadly one was lost. Col. Edwin Dooley, a historian who has done extensive research on Smith, transcribed and annotated the two surviving letter books covering Smith's travels through the United Kingdom and France. \u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Francis H. Smith served for fifty years (1839-1889) as VMI's first Superintendent. Smith was born in 1812, graduated from West Point in 1833, and came to Lexington, Virginia in 1839 to lead the newly established Virginia Military Institute. He died in March 1890, a few months after his retirement as Superintendent. He was known as the builder and --after the Civil War-- rebuilder of VMI. His official correspondence spans the period 1839-1889, with few gaps. The Civil War era and earlier letters survived Gen. David Hunter's destruction of many Institute buildings in June 1864. Smith corresponded with the notable military, educational, and political leaders of his time, making the correspondence a rich resource for scholars.","In 1858, after nearly twenty years as Superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute, Francis H. Smith needed some time off. Consequently, he was granted a leave of absence by the VMI Board of Visitors to travel to Europe to visit military, scientific, and agricultural institutions and to write a report on his findings upon his return.","Smith and several young alumni departed on the 9th of June and returned at the end of December 1858 having visited Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Italy. Each night, he wrote a letter home to his wife Sara describing what he had seen and experienced that day. These letters, possibly Smith's only personal correspondence that has survived, were transcribed into three small letter books on his return. ","Over the years, the three volumes passed down through the Smith family, but sadly one was lost. Col. Edwin Dooley, a historian who has done extensive research on Smith, transcribed and annotated the two surviving letter books covering Smith's travels through the United Kingdom and France. "],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe original letter books were transcribed and annotated by Edwin L. Dooley, Jr.\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["General"],"odd_tesim":["The original letter books were transcribed and annotated by Edwin L. Dooley, Jr."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRecords of the Superintendent.  Francis H. Smith Administration. [specific series/item/date]\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Records of the Superintendent.  Francis H. Smith Administration. [specific series/item/date]"],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://archivesspace.vmi.edu/repositories/3/resources/795\"\u003eAnnual and Special Reports of the Superintendent\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://archivesspace.vmi.edu/repositories/3/digital_objects/3\"\u003eReport on Scientific Education in Europe\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials","Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Annual and Special Reports of the Superintendent","Report on Scientific Education in Europe"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThese files constitute the major record series generated by the office of Francis H. Smith, VMI's first Superintendent. He served from 1839-1889. The records, (ca. 30 linear feet) consist of incoming and outgoing correspondence, order books, speeches and publications, annual reports, personal file, and subject files.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncoming correspondence of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith, for the period 1839-1870.  The original 19th century  filing order has been retained.  Each incoming letter was assigned a number by Smith's secretary; these letters were then filed numerically by letter number within each year.  Some years were further broken down into alphabetical sections (A-K; L-Z etc.) and thus have more multiple numerical sequences within an individual year.  It is therefore the case that some years have more than one letter number 1, 2 etc.  Some letters for the year 1870 are missing; occasional other missing letters are identifed on the index; however the series is largely complete.\n \nThese letters are indexed by name of sender.  \nOutgoing letters for the period are located in bound letter books, which are arranged chronologically.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFrancis H. Smith incoming correspondence, 1885-1889.  These letters are no longer filed in the numbered sequence that was used for the period 1839-1870;  they are filed alphabetically within each year.   Corresponding outgoing letters are located in separate  letter books for the period.  Incoming correspondence for the period 1871-1884, except for a few miscellaneous items, is not extant.  This was noted by William Couper in the 1930's, and it is not know at what point or under what circumstances the incoming letters for this period were lost.  Outgoing letters for 1871-1884 are extant.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe outgoing letterbooks (bound volumes) of VMI's first Superintendent Francis H. Smith, who served from 1839-1889. There are no outgoing letters from 1864 August 9-1865 October 30.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute printed circular, signed in ink by Superintendent Francis H. Smith, petitioning alumni for donations of \"Curiousities, both literary and natural\" to help establish a Museum at VMI. This examples is dated February 27, 1845, and addressed to William S. Beale, a member of the Class of 1843.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAlso mentions addition to Barracks, new Gun House, Society of Cadets Hall, and Library.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSubject Files maintained by the office of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eApplications and letters of recommendations for students applying to VMI, 1839-1864 (gaps).  Includes successful and unsuccessful applicants and some who were accepted but never matriculated.  5 boxes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFaculty applications, historical. Letters of application and supporting letters of recommendation submitted for several faculty and staff positions.  Includes positions of Professor of Modern Languages, Physical Sciences, Steward, Quartermaster.  This file only relates to a few specific positions. 1839-1860; 1884.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWashington College (now Washington and Lee University). Several items, 1845, concerning a complaint lodged by Washington College  against VMI, which ultimately led to a severance of academic ties between the two institutions.   Prof. George Dodd Armstrong represented the College on this issue.  For a full account, see the book 100 Years at VMI (William Couper), vol. 1, pps. 139-147.\nThe file also includes one unrelated  document from 1860.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes letter from Francis H. Smith to Dr. Galt inviting him to the statue dedication;  original manuscript of remarks made at the Washington Statue dedication on July 3, 1856 by William B. Taliaferro, Revd. John H. Bowcock,  Francis H. Smith. Information (photocopies, 1864-1866) concerning the confiscation of the statue by Gen. Hunter's troops and its return from West Virginia in 1866, including copies of letters from David H. Strother of Gen. Hunter's staff.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMisc. Later documents (post-Smith era) re: Statue\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e19th century legal documents.  Records of VMI attorneys Letcher, Maury and Letcher relating to collection of cadet debts after Civil War, 1871-1873\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA chronological file, 1843-1848; 1865-1899, containing examples of academic department annual reports from the 19th century. These reports from the various academic departments were submitted to the Superintendent and help to document the early academic history of the Institute.  This file includes early reports by John T. L. Preston (Languages), and Thomas H. Williamson (Engineering), as well as reports by other early faculty members.  The series has many gaps; for example, none from the 1850's. The reports reflect some subjects that are no longer taught, e.g., Latin, drawing, mineralogy. 1 box\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThree page memorandum of agreement (July 13, 1870) between sculptor Frederick Volck and VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith.  Volck was to complete a bronze equestrian statue of Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, but the project was never finished.  (See the book \"One Hundred Years at VMI\" by William Couper,  vol 3, p. 212, for an account of Volck's relationship with VMI).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBiographical material and miscellaneous Smith and Smith family personal papers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFrancis H. Smith individual biographical file, compiled over decades.  Contains biographical and genealogical information, clippings, articles and other general information relating to Francis H. Smith and his family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUnpublished typescript by Francis H. Smith III.  This is the only full length biography of Francis H. Smith and is a useful source for information not found elsewhere.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMiscellaneous Francis H. Smith and Smith family personal records. Includes 2 volumes of personal letters written while on his trip to Europe in 1858, along with a scrapbook containing engravings of places visited; misc. personal correspondence, including one letter from Scott Shipp thanking Smith for his condolences upon the death of Shipp's wife.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe United States Military Academy diploma awarded to Francis H. Smith in 1833.  The ink is badly faded.  Bears the signature of President Andrew Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOversized case 9\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eU. S. Army commission document signed in 1834; commission as Second Lieutenant to date from November 1833.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEdwin L. Dooley, Jr., former Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Secretary to the Board of Visitors, is also a historian who has studied Francis H. Smith in depth.  This material comprises some of his research notes.  It relates to Smith's biography and tenure as Superintendent/official records.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA chronological file containing originals and copies of Smith's published addresses, speeches, discourses.  These were published in pamphlet form.  VMI owns originals for many; for those not found in the VMI Archives, the staff obtained photocopies from the Library of Virginia.\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"],"scopecontent_tesim":["These files constitute the major record series generated by the office of Francis H. Smith, VMI's first Superintendent. He served from 1839-1889. The records, (ca. 30 linear feet) consist of incoming and outgoing correspondence, order books, speeches and publications, annual reports, personal file, and subject files.","Incoming correspondence of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith, for the period 1839-1870.  The original 19th century  filing order has been retained.  Each incoming letter was assigned a number by Smith's secretary; these letters were then filed numerically by letter number within each year.  Some years were further broken down into alphabetical sections (A-K; L-Z etc.) and thus have more multiple numerical sequences within an individual year.  It is therefore the case that some years have more than one letter number 1, 2 etc.  Some letters for the year 1870 are missing; occasional other missing letters are identifed on the index; however the series is largely complete.\n \nThese letters are indexed by name of sender.  \nOutgoing letters for the period are located in bound letter books, which are arranged chronologically.","Francis H. Smith incoming correspondence, 1885-1889.  These letters are no longer filed in the numbered sequence that was used for the period 1839-1870;  they are filed alphabetically within each year.   Corresponding outgoing letters are located in separate  letter books for the period.  Incoming correspondence for the period 1871-1884, except for a few miscellaneous items, is not extant.  This was noted by William Couper in the 1930's, and it is not know at what point or under what circumstances the incoming letters for this period were lost.  Outgoing letters for 1871-1884 are extant.","The outgoing letterbooks (bound volumes) of VMI's first Superintendent Francis H. Smith, who served from 1839-1889. There are no outgoing letters from 1864 August 9-1865 October 30.","Virginia Military Institute printed circular, signed in ink by Superintendent Francis H. Smith, petitioning alumni for donations of \"Curiousities, both literary and natural\" to help establish a Museum at VMI. This examples is dated February 27, 1845, and addressed to William S. Beale, a member of the Class of 1843.","Also mentions addition to Barracks, new Gun House, Society of Cadets Hall, and Library.","Subject Files maintained by the office of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith","Applications and letters of recommendations for students applying to VMI, 1839-1864 (gaps).  Includes successful and unsuccessful applicants and some who were accepted but never matriculated.  5 boxes","Faculty applications, historical. Letters of application and supporting letters of recommendation submitted for several faculty and staff positions.  Includes positions of Professor of Modern Languages, Physical Sciences, Steward, Quartermaster.  This file only relates to a few specific positions. 1839-1860; 1884.","Washington College (now Washington and Lee University). Several items, 1845, concerning a complaint lodged by Washington College  against VMI, which ultimately led to a severance of academic ties between the two institutions.   Prof. George Dodd Armstrong represented the College on this issue.  For a full account, see the book 100 Years at VMI (William Couper), vol. 1, pps. 139-147.\nThe file also includes one unrelated  document from 1860.","Includes letter from Francis H. Smith to Dr. Galt inviting him to the statue dedication;  original manuscript of remarks made at the Washington Statue dedication on July 3, 1856 by William B. Taliaferro, Revd. John H. Bowcock,  Francis H. Smith. Information (photocopies, 1864-1866) concerning the confiscation of the statue by Gen. Hunter's troops and its return from West Virginia in 1866, including copies of letters from David H. Strother of Gen. Hunter's staff.","Misc. Later documents (post-Smith era) re: Statue","19th century legal documents.  Records of VMI attorneys Letcher, Maury and Letcher relating to collection of cadet debts after Civil War, 1871-1873","A chronological file, 1843-1848; 1865-1899, containing examples of academic department annual reports from the 19th century. These reports from the various academic departments were submitted to the Superintendent and help to document the early academic history of the Institute.  This file includes early reports by John T. L. Preston (Languages), and Thomas H. Williamson (Engineering), as well as reports by other early faculty members.  The series has many gaps; for example, none from the 1850's. The reports reflect some subjects that are no longer taught, e.g., Latin, drawing, mineralogy. 1 box","Three page memorandum of agreement (July 13, 1870) between sculptor Frederick Volck and VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith.  Volck was to complete a bronze equestrian statue of Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, but the project was never finished.  (See the book \"One Hundred Years at VMI\" by William Couper,  vol 3, p. 212, for an account of Volck's relationship with VMI).","Biographical material and miscellaneous Smith and Smith family personal papers.","Francis H. Smith individual biographical file, compiled over decades.  Contains biographical and genealogical information, clippings, articles and other general information relating to Francis H. Smith and his family.","Unpublished typescript by Francis H. Smith III.  This is the only full length biography of Francis H. Smith and is a useful source for information not found elsewhere.","Miscellaneous Francis H. Smith and Smith family personal records. Includes 2 volumes of personal letters written while on his trip to Europe in 1858, along with a scrapbook containing engravings of places visited; misc. personal correspondence, including one letter from Scott Shipp thanking Smith for his condolences upon the death of Shipp's wife.","The United States Military Academy diploma awarded to Francis H. Smith in 1833.  The ink is badly faded.  Bears the signature of President Andrew Jackson.","Oversized case 9","U. S. Army commission document signed in 1834; commission as Second Lieutenant to date from November 1833.","Edwin L. Dooley, Jr., former Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Secretary to the Board of Visitors, is also a historian who has studied Francis H. Smith in depth.  This material comprises some of his research notes.  It relates to Smith's biography and tenure as Superintendent/official records.","A chronological file containing originals and copies of Smith's published addresses, speeches, discourses.  These were published in pamphlet form.  VMI owns originals for many; for those not found in the VMI Archives, the staff obtained photocopies from the Library of Virginia."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions; fragile and oversized items may have copying or scanning limitations.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCollections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial 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":["There are no restrictions; fragile and oversized items may have copying or scanning limitations.","Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial 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_38737c95f56a20b673a6f5327e0c023e\"\u003eArchives stacks, Record Group 02, Superintendent\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Archives stacks, Record Group 02, Superintendent"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Virginia Military Institute. 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Hanna diary","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1864","United States -- Army -- Pennsylvania Cavalry Regiment, 15th (1862-1865)","Virginia Military Institute—Curricula","Virginia Military Institute—Faculty—Anecdotes","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","New Market Cadets","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives","Culpeper County (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Lexington (Va.) -- Social life and customs","Lexington (Va.)—History—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1860-1869","Diaries","There are no restrictions","View the diary and transcription","John Francis Hanna was born at the home of his grandparents in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 20, 1843. Before matriculating at VMI, he attended Gonzaga College and Georgetown University. He entered VMI from Manassas, Virginia, on January 22, 1862 as a member of the Class of 1864. He was a cadet First Lieutenant, Company D., at the Battle of New Market. 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References in the text to \"other books\" refer to previous volumes, which Hanna sent home to his sister for safekeeping.\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["This volume is the final one in an eight volume diary begun by John F. Hanna in 1861. It is the only volume owned by VMI. References in the text to \"other books\" refer to previous volumes, which Hanna sent home to his sister for safekeeping."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eJohn F. Hanna's diary contains a colorful account of life at VMI and in Lexington, Virginia during the Spring of 1864. Entries begin April 17, 1864 and end May 9, 1864. On May 10, the cadets were called to active duty at the request of General John C. Breckinridge and on May 15 participated in the Battle of New Market, Virginia. The entries contain comments about VMI activities and people, Lexington social life, and discussion of personal concerns.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThis volume was picked up by a Union soldier, probably when Union forces occupied Lexington in June 1864. It was ultimately fell into the hands of Septimus Knight of the 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry. The notebook was used by Knight as a diary; entries date from August 1862 (apparently copied from an earlier diary or notes) through June 1868. Most entries relate the movements and activities of the 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Knight's section of the volume has not been transcribed. Researchers who are interested the 15th Pennsylvania should contact the Archives to request photocopies.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eJohn F. Hanna's diary contains a colorful account of life at VMI and in Lexington, Virginia during the Spring of 1864. Entries begin April 17, 1864 and end May 9, 1864. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe diary was used by Septimus Knight of 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry from August 1862 (apparently copied from an earlier diary or notes) through June 1868. Most entries relate the movements and activities of the 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry. \u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["John F. Hanna's diary contains a colorful account of life at VMI and in Lexington, Virginia during the Spring of 1864. Entries begin April 17, 1864 and end May 9, 1864. On May 10, the cadets were called to active duty at the request of General John C. Breckinridge and on May 15 participated in the Battle of New Market, Virginia. The entries contain comments about VMI activities and people, Lexington social life, and discussion of personal concerns.","This volume was picked up by a Union soldier, probably when Union forces occupied Lexington in June 1864. It was ultimately fell into the hands of Septimus Knight of the 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry. The notebook was used by Knight as a diary; entries date from August 1862 (apparently copied from an earlier diary or notes) through June 1868. Most entries relate the movements and activities of the 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Knight's section of the volume has not been transcribed. Researchers who are interested the 15th Pennsylvania should contact the Archives to request photocopies.","John F. Hanna's diary contains a colorful account of life at VMI and in Lexington, Virginia during the Spring of 1864. Entries begin April 17, 1864 and end May 9, 1864. ","The diary was used by Septimus Knight of 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry from August 1862 (apparently copied from an earlier diary or notes) through June 1868. Most entries relate the movements and activities of the 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry. "],"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_a4baf2ed46b9d2f2a6bea91b2adc204b\"\u003eManuscripts stacks\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Hanna, John F. (John Francis), 1843-1885","Davis, Thomas D. (Thomas Dixon), 1843-1925","Smith, Edward H. (Edward Harvie), 1845-1912","Shriver, Samuel S. (Samuel Sprigg), 1843-1881","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Knight, Septimus"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Davis, Thomas D. (Thomas Dixon), 1843-1925","Smith, Edward H. (Edward Harvie), 1845-1912","Shriver, Samuel S. (Samuel Sprigg), 1843-1881","Gilham, William, 1818-1872"],"persname_ssim":["Hanna, John F. (John Francis), 1843-1885","Davis, Thomas D. (Thomas Dixon), 1843-1925","Smith, Edward H. (Edward Harvie), 1845-1912","Shriver, Samuel S. (Samuel Sprigg), 1843-1881","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Knight, Septimus"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":1,"online_item_count_is":0,"component_level_isim":[0],"sort_isi":0,"timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:11:07.355Z"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_397"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588_c01_c08","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Letter from William Gilham to Colonel","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588_c01_c08#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\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","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588_c01_c08#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588_c01_c08","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588_c01_c08"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588_c01_c08","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588_c01","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588_c01","parent_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588","vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588_c01"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588","vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588_c01"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["William D. Stuart papers","Correspondence"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["William D. Stuart papers","Correspondence"],"text":["William D. Stuart papers","Correspondence","Letter from William Gilham to Colonel","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Correspondence","English .","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","Written from the Camp of Instruction, Richmond. Letter to an unidentified colonel regards the placement of William D. Stuart and other officers."],"title_filing_ssi":"Letter from William Gilham to Colonel","title_ssm":["Letter from William Gilham to Colonel"],"title_tesim":["Letter from William Gilham to Colonel"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1861 May 23"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1861"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Letter from William Gilham to Colonel"],"component_level_isim":[2],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["William D. Stuart papers"],"creator_ssim":["Gilham, William, 1818-1872"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"child_component_count_isi":0,"level_ssm":["Item"],"level_ssim":["Item"],"sort_isi":9,"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":["Gilham, William, 1818-1872"],"persname_ssim":["Gilham, William, 1818-1872"],"access_subjects_ssim":["United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Correspondence"],"language_ssim":["English ."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eUnofficial\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp of Instruction\u003cbr/\u003e\nMay 23rd\u003c/p\u003e","\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","\u003cp\u003eYours sincerely\u003cbr/\u003e\nW. Gilham\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["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"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\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"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Written from the Camp of Instruction, Richmond. Letter to an unidentified colonel regards the placement of William D. Stuart and other officers."],"_nest_path_":"/components#0/components#7","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. (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"}]}},"label":"Breadcrumbs"}}},"links":{"self":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_588_c01_c08"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01_c05","type":"Item","attributes":{"title":"Letter to Perry L. Derby","abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01_c05#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01_c05#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"ref_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01_c05","ref_ssm":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01_c05"],"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01_c05","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01","parent_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01","parent_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01","vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01"],"parent_ids_ssim":["vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01","vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600_c01_c01"],"parent_unittitles_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers","Charles A. Derby papers","Correspondence"],"parent_unittitles_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers","Charles A. Derby papers","Correspondence"],"text":["Charles A. Derby papers","Charles A. Derby papers","Correspondence","Letter to Perry L. Derby","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Correspondence","English .","Dear Father \nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was. \nMy love to all. \nYour affectionate son, \n[signed] Chas A Derby","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health."],"title_filing_ssi":"Letter to Perry L. Derby","title_ssm":["Letter to Perry L. Derby"],"title_tesim":["Letter to Perry L. Derby"],"unitdate_other_ssim":["1846 October 24"],"normalized_date_ssm":["1846"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Letter to Perry L. Derby"],"component_level_isim":[3],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"collection_ssim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"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 \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"date_range_isim":[1846],"names_ssim":["Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Gilham, William, 1818-1872"],"persname_ssim":["Gilham, William, 1818-1872"],"access_subjects_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Correspondence"],"language_ssim":["English ."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr/\u003e\nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was.\u003cbr/\u003e\nMy love to all.\u003cbr/\u003e\nYour affectionate son,\u003cbr/\u003e\n[signed] Chas A Derby\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["Dear Father \nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was. \nMy love to all. \nYour affectionate son, \n[signed] Chas A Derby"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.\u003c/p\u003e"],"scopecontent_heading_ssm":["Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health."],"_nest_path_":"/components#0/components#0/components#4","timestamp":"2026-05-21T00:09:06.300Z","collection":{"numFound":1,"start":0,"numFoundExact":true,"docs":[{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_600","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_600.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00015.xml","title_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"title_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"unitdate_ssm":["1839-1891"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1839-1891"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600"],"text":["MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600","Charles A. Derby papers","Confederate States of America. Army—Alabama Infantry Regiment, 44th","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Military education—Georgia—History","Education—Georgia—History","Military education—Alabama—History","Education—Alabama—History","Presbyterian Church in the U.S.—Presbytery of Lexington","Episcopal Church—Alabama—History","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence","There are no restrictions","Charles A. Derby's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available  online .","Derby's 1862 letters are avaliable  online .","Charles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.","Following his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n Private tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia Head of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy Head of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama Professor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia Principal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama \nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.","Derby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).","A year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.","William F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","VM Institute \nApril 4th 1846","Dear Father, \nYours of the 15th ult. was duly received. The fifteen dollars which were enclosed I handed to Col Smith as you desired. This will certainly be sufficient to cover all my expenses between now and July. In regard to my health, I think you need not be at all uneasy for it never was better than it has been since I have been here. At this time I know of no case of sickness in Lexington. For the last three weeks, the weather has been very pleasant and if it continues to be so, the corps will in a few days put on white pantaloons. Enclosed you will find a list of the standing of the third class at our January examination. I copied it from a semi-annual report. I did intend to send you a report; but there are I believe only two at the Institute. Col. Smith had this year, only a few published for the legislature. You may perhaps obtain one from Dr. Thompson. I am getting on remarkably well with all my studies except Drawing and this I must confess. I think will prevent me from retaining my present standing. When I first commenced it I had but little talent for it, and thought I have made a considerable improvement in it. My marks have hitherto been so low, that I fear I will not be able to make up for them. I shall endeavor to do my best at it. In French and Mathematics I still stand among the first. You have perhaps, before this received a circular from Col. Smith. I have I believe one demerit, but if I get no more than five between now and July, they will all be taken off. You will recollect that I had a few previous to our examination, but as they did not exceed five, they were taken off. I see in The Petersburg Republican that Dr. Thompson and Capt Sydnor are the candidates for the Legislature in Dinwiddie. I would be glad if you would inform me whether there is any chance for a Whig to be elected and also whether Mr. Lyme has any opposition. I do not believe that the candidates in Rockbridge have been nominated, but she will certainly elect two Whigs. Gov. McDorrel's influence is not so great as to prevent her from doing this although he was almost unanimously elected to Congress a short time since. I received a letter from cousin Robt last week in which he stated that his family were all well. He says that he expects after this year to teach school as there is not much to be made by shoemaking in Marysville. He thinks he can get at least thirty scholars. \nGive my love to mother etc. \nIn haste your devoted son \n[signed]Chas. A. Derby","VM Institute \nMay 9th 1846","Dear Father \nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,  \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby","Dear Father \nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was. \nMy love to all. \nYour affectionate son, \n[signed] Chas A Derby","Va Military Institute \nJany 19th 1847","Dear Father, \nAs you are perhaps anxious to learn the result of our last examination I take the present opportunity to write to you. The examination commenced on Monday the 4th last and continued until Saturday evening. I still stand second in my class and am also as I expect you have before this seen in my circular a file higher in mathematics, than I was at the examination in July. I will also state that the maximum in Mathematics in the second class is 300 from which you will perceive that considerably more importance is attached to that part of the mathematical course which is studied by the second class than to that which is studied by the third class. I could have easily stood higher in Latin than I did by studying it as much as some members of my class did, but I preferred devoting my time mostly to the principal study. In fact I believe it better to have a tolerable standing in each department, than to stand very high in some, and very low in others; and it is upon this principle that I have acted ever since I have been at this place. The young man who stands first in Latin, having already a good knowledge of Mathematics devoted most of his time to that study with which he was least acquainted; on the other hand I depended upon the little knowledge of Latin which I had already acquired and studied Mathematics. I saw in some of the papers last week, that Mr. Bryan was first Lieutenant of the second company, which had been raised in Petersburg. Please inform me in your next, whether there were any Other members of that company with whom you were acquainted.  You perhaps wish to know what kind of a Christmas we had.  At the Institute Christmas is kept only one day, and that day is never forgotten inasmuch as it is the only one on which we are blessed with turkeys and minced pies. With the exception of the eatings my enjoyments were no greater than usual. Since I wrote to you last, there has been another severe snowstorm in Rockbridge. The weather last week was extremely cold, but it has moderated considerably. Write me word whether you have hired any servants and if you have who they are. Also whether my sisters have made much progress in the study of music. I would indeed be very much pleased to learn that they have.  Give my love to them and to mother. I remain as ever - your devoted son, \n[signed] Chas A. Derby","P.S. My old school mate Samuel Garland stands second in the third class.  Please inform me whether Samuel Hardy succeeded in obtaining the situation at Winfield Academy.  We were not examined in French and consequently no standing was determined upon it. [signed] CAD","Virginia Military Institute \nFeb 26th 1847","Dear Father, \nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney. \nGive my love to all. \nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby","Virginia Military Institute \nDec 27th 1847","Dear Father \nI received yesterday morning the letter in which you had enclosed the other half of the twenty dollar note which I am to place in the hands of the treasurer. I was considerably surprised on learning the circumstances which attended the death of Capt Ferguson. Your advice in regard to perseverance I have all along endeavored to follow.  If I fail at the next examination it will not be my fault but the fault of nature. One cannot expect to have a talent for every department. One cannot be responsible for the deficiencies of nature; yet it is his duty to improve that with which the Lord has blessed him, however little it  may be. It is an admitted fact that application can never create a talent; yet it cannot be denied that by application talents are directed into their proper channels. It is for this reason that a person should while young ascertain that for which he is best fitted in order that he may not in after life be trifling with that for which he has no turn. There are many in my class who are smarter than myself; yet by application I have succeeded in accomplishing more than they have. Indolence is often an attendant of talents; for gifted men frequently trust too much to their talents. It is not always the most talented men who are first at the Bar; it is not always the most talented who have the greatest political fame; it is not always the most talented who are first in the scientific world. The greatest men of whom the world has every boasted have generally been those who with moderate abilities, by their industry made up for their deficiencies, and won the confidence and esteem of all.  The lawyer who has the greatest natural ability will if he is careless get but little practice. He may be able to deliver a startling speech; he may be the originator of striking ideas; yet none can place their confidence in him. It is on this account that I never despair. Whenever I do not succeed, I try again. It seems to me that h this year I am peculiarly unfortunate. Of Chemistry I do not profess to know much; yet I do not believe that in this department I have received justice. The opinion which you hand me express in regard to our professor of Natural Sciences has undergone but little change. I have not done well, comparatively speaking in Engineering; yet I by no means find fault with our professor in that department. I believe him to be a perfect gentlemen. The principle reason why I have not done well on these two studies is that a knowledge of them depends upon the memory; and you yourself know that my memory is very poor. Those studies which depend exclusively upon the reasoning faculties I find but little difficulty in mastering. Since I wrote to you last there has been another snow storm in this county.  During this Christmas there have been several private entertainments given by Cadets who have lately received boxes of eatables from their homes. This evening I have been enjoying a fine supper of oysters which are the first that I have eaten for more than two years. \nI continue to enjoy my usual share of health. Give my love to all. \nYour son as ever. \n[signed] Chas A Derby","St. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala. \nApril 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next. \nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell. \nYours Affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettsville, N.C.","Benton, Ala. May 27th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all. \nYours affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettesville, N. C.","Camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield. \nJuly 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write. \nAddress \nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby \n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade \nHuger's Division \nRichmond, VA","The bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.","The papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.","Written by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.","Written from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.","Written from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.","Written from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.","Certified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.","Two announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.","Written from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.","Written from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.","Written from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.","A translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.","An acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"","Twelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.","One page of cadet uniform drawings.","Written from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.","Written from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.","Written from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.","Written from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.","Included is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.","Francis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.","Written from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.","Written from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.","Blank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.","An unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.","Devotional poem written to \"my mother.\"","Two place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.","Written from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.","Poem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"","Wedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.","Wedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.","Wedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.","Wedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.","Invitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.","Wedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.","Wedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.","Composition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"","Pressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.","Henry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.","Eight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.","Book chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.","Fragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026 Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"","Funeral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.","Place card with the name Wm. Hughlett.","A transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown.","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 \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.","Manuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 1","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","English \n.    "],"unitid_tesim":["MS.0030","/repositories/3/resources/600"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"collection_title_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"collection_ssim":["Charles A. Derby papers"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"creator_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"creator_persname_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"creators_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"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 \nnot 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—Alabama Infantry Regiment, 44th","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Military education—Georgia—History","Education—Georgia—History","Military education—Alabama—History","Education—Alabama—History","Presbyterian Church in the U.S.—Presbytery of Lexington","Episcopal Church—Alabama—History","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Confederate States of America. Army—Alabama Infantry Regiment, 44th","Virginia Military Institute—Cadet life—1840-1849","Military education—Georgia—History","Education—Georgia—History","Military education—Alabama—History","Education—Alabama—History","Presbyterian Church in the U.S.—Presbytery of Lexington","Episcopal Church—Alabama—History","United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate","Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1848","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["0.25 cubic feet Approximately 80 items in 1 box"],"extent_tesim":["0.25 cubic feet Approximately 80 items in 1 box"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889,1890,1891],"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\u003eCharles A. Derby's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll11/id/1205\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDerby's 1862 letters are avaliable \u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/search/collection/p15821coll11/searchterm/MS%200030/order/manusa\"\u003eonline\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["Charles A. Derby's cadet letters (dated 1846-1847) are available  online .","Derby's 1862 letters are avaliable  online ."],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCharles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eFollowing his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrivate tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHead of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHead of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProfessor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrincipal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDerby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eA year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWilliam F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePublished by the American Tract Society, New York.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePublished by the American Tract Society, New York.\u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Charles A. Derby was born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on September 12, 1828 to Perry L. Derby and Martha Jones. His early years were spent on his father's plantation and as a student at Winfield Academy in Dinwiddie County. He entered VMI on August 8, 1845 and graduated on July 4, 1848, standing 5th in a class of 24.","Following his graduation from VMI, Derby began a teaching career that continued through the late 1850s. His various positions included:\n Private tutor for a family in Northumberland County, Virginia Head of the Fairfax (Virginia) Academy Head of an academy in Sumterville, Alabama Professor of mathematics at military schools in Kentucky and Georgia Principal of a private academy in Eutaw, Alabama \nIn 1856-1857, Derby began the study of theology and was ordained in the Episcopal ministry. He was named deacon at St. Stephens's Church in Eutaw, while also continuing his private school there. He subsequently gave up teaching as his primary interest and served at a church in Camden, Alabama, and then at St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama.","Derby married twice during the 1850s. His first wife, Clara J. Hunt of Marietta, Georgia, died within a year of their marriage. On December 28, 1859, he married Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama and the couple had two daughters, Martha (October 1860-?) and Harriet (April 1862-February 1927).","A year after the outbreak of the Civil War, Derby joined the Confederate Army. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry Regiment on May 16, 1862 and entered service at Selma, Alabama circa June 5, 1862. He was killed in action at the Battle of Antietam (Maryland) on September 17, 1862 and his body was not recovered.","William F. Perry was the commander of Charles A. Derby's regiment.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York.","Published by the American Tract Society, New York."],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eVM Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 4th 1846\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 15th ult. was duly received. The fifteen dollars which were enclosed I handed to Col Smith as you desired. This will certainly be sufficient to cover all my expenses between now and July. In regard to my health, I think you need not be at all uneasy for it never was better than it has been since I have been here. At this time I know of no case of sickness in Lexington. For the last three weeks, the weather has been very pleasant and if it continues to be so, the corps will in a few days put on white pantaloons. Enclosed you will find a list of the standing of the third class at our January examination. I copied it from a semi-annual report. I did intend to send you a report; but there are I believe only two at the Institute. Col. Smith had this year, only a few published for the legislature. You may perhaps obtain one from Dr. Thompson. I am getting on remarkably well with all my studies except Drawing and this I must confess. I think will prevent me from retaining my present standing. When I first commenced it I had but little talent for it, and thought I have made a considerable improvement in it. My marks have hitherto been so low, that I fear I will not be able to make up for them. I shall endeavor to do my best at it. In French and Mathematics I still stand among the first. You have perhaps, before this received a circular from Col. Smith. I have I believe one demerit, but if I get no more than five between now and July, they will all be taken off. You will recollect that I had a few previous to our examination, but as they did not exceed five, they were taken off. I see in The Petersburg Republican that Dr. Thompson and Capt Sydnor are the candidates for the Legislature in Dinwiddie. I would be glad if you would inform me whether there is any chance for a Whig to be elected and also whether Mr. Lyme has any opposition. I do not believe that the candidates in Rockbridge have been nominated, but she will certainly elect two Whigs. Gov. McDorrel's influence is not so great as to prevent her from doing this although he was almost unanimously elected to Congress a short time since. I received a letter from cousin Robt last week in which he stated that his family were all well. He says that he expects after this year to teach school as there is not much to be made by shoemaking in Marysville. He thinks he can get at least thirty scholars.\u003cbr\u003e\nGive my love to mother etc.\u003cbr\u003e\nIn haste your devoted son\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed]Chas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVM Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nMay 9th 1846\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,\u003cbr\u003e \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was.\u003cbr\u003e\nMy love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate son,\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed] Chas A Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVa Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nJany 19th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nAs you are perhaps anxious to learn the result of our last examination I take the present opportunity to write to you. The examination commenced on Monday the 4th last and continued until Saturday evening. I still stand second in my class and am also as I expect you have before this seen in my circular a file higher in mathematics, than I was at the examination in July. I will also state that the maximum in Mathematics in the second class is 300 from which you will perceive that considerably more importance is attached to that part of the mathematical course which is studied by the second class than to that which is studied by the third class. I could have easily stood higher in Latin than I did by studying it as much as some members of my class did, but I preferred devoting my time mostly to the principal study. In fact I believe it better to have a tolerable standing in each department, than to stand very high in some, and very low in others; and it is upon this principle that I have acted ever since I have been at this place. The young man who stands first in Latin, having already a good knowledge of Mathematics devoted most of his time to that study with which he was least acquainted; on the other hand I depended upon the little knowledge of Latin which I had already acquired and studied Mathematics. I saw in some of the papers last week, that Mr. Bryan was first Lieutenant of the second company, which had been raised in Petersburg. Please inform me in your next, whether there were any Other members of that company with whom you were acquainted.  You perhaps wish to know what kind of a Christmas we had.  At the Institute Christmas is kept only one day, and that day is never forgotten inasmuch as it is the only one on which we are blessed with turkeys and minced pies. With the exception of the eatings my enjoyments were no greater than usual. Since I wrote to you last, there has been another severe snowstorm in Rockbridge. The weather last week was extremely cold, but it has moderated considerably. Write me word whether you have hired any servants and if you have who they are. Also whether my sisters have made much progress in the study of music. I would indeed be very much pleased to learn that they have.  Give my love to them and to mother. I remain as ever - your devoted son,\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed] Chas A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eP.S. My old school mate Samuel Garland stands second in the third class.  Please inform me whether Samuel Hardy succeeded in obtaining the situation at Winfield Academy.  We were not examined in French and consequently no standing was determined upon it. [signed] CAD\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nFeb 26th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father,\u003cbr\u003e\nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney.\u003cbr\u003e\nGive my love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute\u003cbr\u003e\nDec 27th 1847\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Father\u003cbr\u003e\nI received yesterday morning the letter in which you had enclosed the other half of the twenty dollar note which I am to place in the hands of the treasurer. I was considerably surprised on learning the circumstances which attended the death of Capt Ferguson. Your advice in regard to perseverance I have all along endeavored to follow.  If I fail at the next examination it will not be my fault but the fault of nature. One cannot expect to have a talent for every department. One cannot be responsible for the deficiencies of nature; yet it is his duty to improve that with which the Lord has blessed him, however little it  may be. It is an admitted fact that application can never create a talent; yet it cannot be denied that by application talents are directed into their proper channels. It is for this reason that a person should while young ascertain that for which he is best fitted in order that he may not in after life be trifling with that for which he has no turn. There are many in my class who are smarter than myself; yet by application I have succeeded in accomplishing more than they have. Indolence is often an attendant of talents; for gifted men frequently trust too much to their talents. It is not always the most talented men who are first at the Bar; it is not always the most talented who have the greatest political fame; it is not always the most talented who are first in the scientific world. The greatest men of whom the world has every boasted have generally been those who with moderate abilities, by their industry made up for their deficiencies, and won the confidence and esteem of all.  The lawyer who has the greatest natural ability will if he is careless get but little practice. He may be able to deliver a startling speech; he may be the originator of striking ideas; yet none can place their confidence in him. It is on this account that I never despair. Whenever I do not succeed, I try again. It seems to me that h this year I am peculiarly unfortunate. Of Chemistry I do not profess to know much; yet I do not believe that in this department I have received justice. The opinion which you hand me express in regard to our professor of Natural Sciences has undergone but little change. I have not done well, comparatively speaking in Engineering; yet I by no means find fault with our professor in that department. I believe him to be a perfect gentlemen. The principle reason why I have not done well on these two studies is that a knowledge of them depends upon the memory; and you yourself know that my memory is very poor. Those studies which depend exclusively upon the reasoning faculties I find but little difficulty in mastering. Since I wrote to you last there has been another snow storm in this county.  During this Christmas there have been several private entertainments given by Cadets who have lately received boxes of eatables from their homes. This evening I have been enjoying a fine supper of oysters which are the first that I have eaten for more than two years.\u003cbr\u003e\nI continue to enjoy my usual share of health. Give my love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYour son as ever.\u003cbr\u003e\n[signed] Chas A Derby\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSt. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala.\u003cbr\u003e\nApril 15th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next.\u003cbr\u003e\nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours Affectionately,\u003cbr\u003e\nChas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMrs. Mary E. Stancell\u003cbr\u003e\nMargarettsville, N.C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBenton, Ala. May 27th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all.\u003cbr\u003e\nYours affectionately,\u003cbr\u003e\nChas. A. Derby\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMrs. Mary E. Stancell\u003cbr\u003e\nMargarettesville, N. C.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCamp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield.\u003cbr\u003e\nJuly 15th, 1862\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eDear Sister:\u003cbr\u003e\nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write.\u003cbr\u003e\nAddress\u003cbr\u003e\nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby\u003cbr\u003e\n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade\u003cbr\u003e\nHuger's Division\u003cbr\u003e\nRichmond, VA\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription","Transcription"],"odd_tesim":["VM Institute \nApril 4th 1846","Dear Father, \nYours of the 15th ult. was duly received. The fifteen dollars which were enclosed I handed to Col Smith as you desired. This will certainly be sufficient to cover all my expenses between now and July. In regard to my health, I think you need not be at all uneasy for it never was better than it has been since I have been here. At this time I know of no case of sickness in Lexington. For the last three weeks, the weather has been very pleasant and if it continues to be so, the corps will in a few days put on white pantaloons. Enclosed you will find a list of the standing of the third class at our January examination. I copied it from a semi-annual report. I did intend to send you a report; but there are I believe only two at the Institute. Col. Smith had this year, only a few published for the legislature. You may perhaps obtain one from Dr. Thompson. I am getting on remarkably well with all my studies except Drawing and this I must confess. I think will prevent me from retaining my present standing. When I first commenced it I had but little talent for it, and thought I have made a considerable improvement in it. My marks have hitherto been so low, that I fear I will not be able to make up for them. I shall endeavor to do my best at it. In French and Mathematics I still stand among the first. You have perhaps, before this received a circular from Col. Smith. I have I believe one demerit, but if I get no more than five between now and July, they will all be taken off. You will recollect that I had a few previous to our examination, but as they did not exceed five, they were taken off. I see in The Petersburg Republican that Dr. Thompson and Capt Sydnor are the candidates for the Legislature in Dinwiddie. I would be glad if you would inform me whether there is any chance for a Whig to be elected and also whether Mr. Lyme has any opposition. I do not believe that the candidates in Rockbridge have been nominated, but she will certainly elect two Whigs. Gov. McDorrel's influence is not so great as to prevent her from doing this although he was almost unanimously elected to Congress a short time since. I received a letter from cousin Robt last week in which he stated that his family were all well. He says that he expects after this year to teach school as there is not much to be made by shoemaking in Marysville. He thinks he can get at least thirty scholars. \nGive my love to mother etc. \nIn haste your devoted son \n[signed]Chas. A. Derby","VM Institute \nMay 9th 1846","Dear Father \nYours of the 26th ult was duly received. Your advice in regard to perseverance I shall follow as well as I can, though, I think it will be of little avail to me, since I have to contend with many who had taken lessons in drawing before they entered the Institute. I went this morning to the surgeon's office, for the purpose of having one of my teeth extracted. Dr. Estill pulled six times as it and succeeded in getting it all out except a part of the root.  He immediately sent for a dentist who pulled at it twice, but could not get it out. He advised me to wait about a fortnight, in which time he thought the room would rise above the gum, and enable him to get a hold on it. It was I believe the largest tooth in my head. You will recollect that you wished me to have it extracted when Mr. Murrill was at your house about four years ago. It did not ache, but I knew that it was an injury to my other teeth. Last night a little disturbance was caused by some of the Cadets. About eleven o'clock they commenced throwing missiles in barracks, when the Officer of the Day came to our room, and told one of my roommates, who was Corporal of the Guard at the time, to post the first relief, if the noise did not cease; but it was quelled in a short time. I would write more but I feel so badly, that I must postpone it until some other time. In haste your affectionate son,  \n[signed] Chas. A. Derby","Dear Father \nYour letter of the 15th inst was duly received. In compliance with your request I asked Jackson if he paid extra carriage for the box of books which he brought me. He said that it was so small no pay was required of him. Listed Mary wrote me word a short time since that six pairs of socks were sent to me. I received only five pairs. These as well as my shoes and collars fit very well. Several members of the Board held a meeting in the Capitol in Richmond some time during the last week at which time they considered the application of Jackson and decided that he should not be again admitted into the Institute. I think that as others whose conduct was much worse than his, have since the Institute has been in operation, been admitted after being dismissed it would have been but justice if they had extended to him the same kindness. Major Gilham has arrived at the Institute and has entered upon the discharge of his duties. My health is at this time unusually good. Excuse me for my short letter. I am now more busily engaged than I ever was. \nMy love to all. \nYour affectionate son, \n[signed] Chas A Derby","Va Military Institute \nJany 19th 1847","Dear Father, \nAs you are perhaps anxious to learn the result of our last examination I take the present opportunity to write to you. The examination commenced on Monday the 4th last and continued until Saturday evening. I still stand second in my class and am also as I expect you have before this seen in my circular a file higher in mathematics, than I was at the examination in July. I will also state that the maximum in Mathematics in the second class is 300 from which you will perceive that considerably more importance is attached to that part of the mathematical course which is studied by the second class than to that which is studied by the third class. I could have easily stood higher in Latin than I did by studying it as much as some members of my class did, but I preferred devoting my time mostly to the principal study. In fact I believe it better to have a tolerable standing in each department, than to stand very high in some, and very low in others; and it is upon this principle that I have acted ever since I have been at this place. The young man who stands first in Latin, having already a good knowledge of Mathematics devoted most of his time to that study with which he was least acquainted; on the other hand I depended upon the little knowledge of Latin which I had already acquired and studied Mathematics. I saw in some of the papers last week, that Mr. Bryan was first Lieutenant of the second company, which had been raised in Petersburg. Please inform me in your next, whether there were any Other members of that company with whom you were acquainted.  You perhaps wish to know what kind of a Christmas we had.  At the Institute Christmas is kept only one day, and that day is never forgotten inasmuch as it is the only one on which we are blessed with turkeys and minced pies. With the exception of the eatings my enjoyments were no greater than usual. Since I wrote to you last, there has been another severe snowstorm in Rockbridge. The weather last week was extremely cold, but it has moderated considerably. Write me word whether you have hired any servants and if you have who they are. Also whether my sisters have made much progress in the study of music. I would indeed be very much pleased to learn that they have.  Give my love to them and to mother. I remain as ever - your devoted son, \n[signed] Chas A. Derby","P.S. My old school mate Samuel Garland stands second in the third class.  Please inform me whether Samuel Hardy succeeded in obtaining the situation at Winfield Academy.  We were not examined in French and consequently no standing was determined upon it. [signed] CAD","Virginia Military Institute \nFeb 26th 1847","Dear Father, \nI received in due time your of the Inst in which was enclosed the half of a twenty dollar note. Of course all your advice I believe to be salutary. The most of it I have endeavored to follow from my infancy. Whatever may have been my misfortunes, I profess to be old enough to be able to preserve a moderate share of spirits. I have endeavored to banish all childish folly. For the present I will forebear writing in that metaphysical strain which has characterized the letters which I have written for the last three months. Please tell sister Mary that I received her letter; also tell sister Martha Ann that I received hers and that I inadvertently omitted to mention it in my last letter. Col. Smith has placed my name on the list of applicants as teachers. It is probably that ??????? Mr. Pendleton or myself will obtain a situation in Charles City County near the residence of Mr. Hill Carter. The salary which is offered is five hundred dollars. This it is true is a small salary; but it is much better than six hundred dollars in a town. However it is possible that I may have a chance of getting a situation better than this.  Col. Smith did not mention anything in regard to the gentleman in Charles City who wishes to obtain a teacher nor do I even know as yet, his name. I shall endeavor to gather as much information on this point as possible. One serious objection which i have to living in that country is that it thought by some to be rent-wealthy. Considerable excitement has been produced in Lexington for the last month by the Skinner case of which you have probably heard. Dr. Skinner the recent pastor of the Presbyterian Church at this place, is now undergoing a trial before the Lexington Presbytery. Of all the ingenious men I ever saw I think that he is the most ingenious. It is said that he was expelled from Scotland on account of some disturbance in the church which he raised in that country.  But for the disturbance which has occurred here he would in all probability been the next president of Washington College, as Dr. Ruffner will resign in the course of a few months. It is certainly astonishing to hear the debates which occur in the Presbytery. In that religious body there is sometimes created almost as much confusion as there is usually created by those sinners in Congress.  This affair has several times called off Maj. Preston from his collegiate duties. I have been teaching Latin in the Institute for the last three or four weeks. The first class have elected the Speakers who are to represent them at the time of graduation as well as a speaker to represent them upon the reception of their diplomas from The Society of Cadets.  Mr. B. G. Baldwin will deliver the Salutatory addresses.  Messrs J. B. Jones, and Finney, orations,  Mr. Councill, the Valedictory addresses and the address to the Society will be delivered by myself. The Day of the Twenty Second was exceedingly inclement and on that account but for persons attended the addresses which were delivered in behalf of the Three Societies. The Washington Society was represented by Mr. Barton, the Graham Society by Mr. Crockett, and the Society of Cadets by Mr. Finney. \nGive my love to all. \nYour affectionate son, [signed] Chas A. Derby","Virginia Military Institute \nDec 27th 1847","Dear Father \nI received yesterday morning the letter in which you had enclosed the other half of the twenty dollar note which I am to place in the hands of the treasurer. I was considerably surprised on learning the circumstances which attended the death of Capt Ferguson. Your advice in regard to perseverance I have all along endeavored to follow.  If I fail at the next examination it will not be my fault but the fault of nature. One cannot expect to have a talent for every department. One cannot be responsible for the deficiencies of nature; yet it is his duty to improve that with which the Lord has blessed him, however little it  may be. It is an admitted fact that application can never create a talent; yet it cannot be denied that by application talents are directed into their proper channels. It is for this reason that a person should while young ascertain that for which he is best fitted in order that he may not in after life be trifling with that for which he has no turn. There are many in my class who are smarter than myself; yet by application I have succeeded in accomplishing more than they have. Indolence is often an attendant of talents; for gifted men frequently trust too much to their talents. It is not always the most talented men who are first at the Bar; it is not always the most talented who have the greatest political fame; it is not always the most talented who are first in the scientific world. The greatest men of whom the world has every boasted have generally been those who with moderate abilities, by their industry made up for their deficiencies, and won the confidence and esteem of all.  The lawyer who has the greatest natural ability will if he is careless get but little practice. He may be able to deliver a startling speech; he may be the originator of striking ideas; yet none can place their confidence in him. It is on this account that I never despair. Whenever I do not succeed, I try again. It seems to me that h this year I am peculiarly unfortunate. Of Chemistry I do not profess to know much; yet I do not believe that in this department I have received justice. The opinion which you hand me express in regard to our professor of Natural Sciences has undergone but little change. I have not done well, comparatively speaking in Engineering; yet I by no means find fault with our professor in that department. I believe him to be a perfect gentlemen. The principle reason why I have not done well on these two studies is that a knowledge of them depends upon the memory; and you yourself know that my memory is very poor. Those studies which depend exclusively upon the reasoning faculties I find but little difficulty in mastering. Since I wrote to you last there has been another snow storm in this county.  During this Christmas there have been several private entertainments given by Cadets who have lately received boxes of eatables from their homes. This evening I have been enjoying a fine supper of oysters which are the first that I have eaten for more than two years. \nI continue to enjoy my usual share of health. Give my love to all. \nYour son as ever. \n[signed] Chas A Derby","St. Peter's Ch. Lowndes, Ala. \nApril 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI have but little news worth communicating, such is the monotony and want of variety in our region. We are all well except my wife, who has been complaining for some time. Our congregations are very small of course, as all congregations in the Confederacy are compared with what they were before the war. We have had a great quantity of rain this Spring. The washing, driving rains of March beat down the earth so hard that many of my neighbors ploughed up their corn and planted a grain. Our planters are not turning their attention this year to cotton, which is cultivated in little patches only for family use. Our neighbors are very kind to us, and I am pleased with them more and more. A call was recently made upon Lowndes composed of two regiments, for 250 men to serve 90 days.  One regiment had furnished 135 men, and the other was about to furnish the remaining 115 when the Governor countermanded the call. In four hours I would have been Captain of a company ready to set out for Mobile. I had made all my arrangements to go, when the countermand was received. I hope that Captain Stancell has recovered before this and returned to his post. Henry must have been near the scene of naval conflict in the James. He must have heard the guns, if he did not witness the engagement. I am going on with my little school of three boys, teaching whenever it suits my convenience to teach. But few Confederate soldiers are left in Ala to protect her.  She is consequently dependent upon her militia for her defence. Contrary to my expectation and very much to my surprise, I was recently elected \"Captain of the Militia of Benton Beat.\" Although the militia was not to my taste, yet I did not feel at liberty to decline the office which I was so pressingly urged to accept. Accordingly I am regularly engaged with drilling my men. In these troublous time, we must labor in even uninviting fields for the public good. For a whole year or more I have been trying to learn where  Mr. King is, but nobody writes me a word about him. Please give me the desired information in your next. \nMy best regards to Capt. Stancell. \nYours Affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettsville, N.C.","Benton, Ala. May 27th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nI find myself very busy preparing for the war and have but two days to make the preparation. On the 16th inst. I was elected Lieut. Colonel of Kent's Regiment. I was on duty las week. I expected to be a home at least a week, but learn that we are ordered to Corinth immediately.  Our regiment is at Selma. We have another daughter. She was born on the 26th ult. and is a very fine looking child. I have hardly a moment to write more. Be so kind as to give the above information to the rest of the family. I must today make some provision for my family. I will write more when disengaged. I hear that Capt. Stancell is wounded. How is he? Write me soon. My love to all. \nYours affectionately, \nChas. A. Derby","Mrs. Mary E. Stancell \nMargarettesville, N. C.","Camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield. \nJuly 15th, 1862","Dear Sister: \nWe are now about seven miles from Richmond on the turnpike leading from that place to Petersburg. I preceded the Col. By nearly two weeks. He is now with me and relieves me of a heavy responsibility. We reached Richmond at the very commencement of the series of battles. We then drew our arms.  We have been in no engagement. We are gradually becoming well drilled. I have seen Mr. Graves twice since my arrival. More than a week ago I met him accidentally.  Yesterday I sought him and found him. His camp is about three hundred yards from ours. Until last week my health had been excellent. I became slightly indisposed. On recovering fromt this indisposition I had a rising on my thumb; and now I have a dreadful cold. I met Pa and Henry in Richmond nearly two weeks ago. Henry had a furlough and was on his way home. The war seems to be dormant precisely at this time. How long it will be before it rouses from its lethargy I have no idea. My intimate friends and neighbors have suffered dreadfully. Many of them have been killed and many are dangerously wounded. It makes my heart sick to think of it. I am glad that Capt. Stancell is nearly well. The poor fellow's face must have been horribly mutila-[mutilated]\n[based on end of sentence above, a page appears to be missing]\nOur Regiment have now a little breathing time. I have been thinking much of my poor wife and children. I have not heard from them since I left them. It is probable that we will remain here for some time. We now have our tents and this itself is an indication of permanency. In Richmond I met two of the immortal Pierces, who were particularly obsequious and polite. I cared nothing for their sycophancy. If I could hear from my family, I would be satisfied. My love to your family. With my afflicted hand and other ailments I find it difficult to write. \nAddress \nLieut. Col. Chas. A. Derby \n44th Reg. Ala. 3d Brigade \nHuger's Division \nRichmond, VA"],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eCharles A. Derby papers, 1839-1891. MS 0030. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Charles A. Derby papers, 1839-1891. MS 0030. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia."],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eThe papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eCertified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwo announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAn acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOne page of cadet uniform drawings.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncluded is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFrancis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBlank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eAn unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eDevotional poem written to \"my mother.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eTwo place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWritten from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePoem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eInvitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eComposition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eHenry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBook chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026amp; Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFuneral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003ePlace card with the name Wm. Hughlett.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown.\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","Scope and Contents"],"scopecontent_tesim":["The bulk of the Charles A. Derby papers consists of Derby family correspondence. Approximately twenty-eight letters were written by Charles A. Derby (dated 1844-1862) and cover the period from late boyhood up to his death in battle in 1862. Included are letters (dated 1846-1847) written while he was a cadet at VMI, as well as correspondence dating from his careers as a teacher and Episcopal clergyman. Two items were written during his brief service in the Confederate Army.","The papers also include fourteen letters written by other members of the Derby family, primarily Mary Derby Stancell (\"Mollie\") and her husband, Samuel. Other items in the papers are clippings, wedding announcements, poetry, and other family documents.","Written from Petersburg, Virginia. Letter discusses Charles A. Derby's health, finances, and family matters.","Written by Charles A. Derby's teacher to his father. Letter regards Derby's chances for an appointment at VMI and obtaining letters of recommendation.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses good health, academics, and candidates for Virginia legislature.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the difficult extraction of a tooth and a disturbance in VMI barracks in which cadets threw \"missiles.\"","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards the arrival of new faculty member William Gilham, disciplinary action against cadets, and health.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards results of mid-year examinations, a cadet Christmas celebration, and a severe snowstorm.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter regards future teaching positions and graduation class speakers. Letter also discusses a controversy in the Lexington Presbyterian Church as the pastor, Dr. Skinner, is \"on trial\" before the presbytery.","Written from VMI, Lexington, Virginia. Letter discusses perseverance and value of hard work, problems with chemistry and sciences, and cadet Christmas celebrations.","Written from Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles A. Derby is a private instructor in the home of Mr. Harding, a wealthy landowner. The letter regards a family Christmas celebration, the contrast between the people of Dinwiddie and Northumberland, and personal matters.","Written from Sumterville, Alabama. Letter regards new boarding accommodations, a trip to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, finances, becoming a Mason, and Cyrus Harding's appointment at VMI.","Written from Georgia Military Institute, Georgia. Regards acceptance of Charles A. Derby's resignation.","Certified extracts from correspondence between Charles A. Derby and Willis Crenshaw regarding business arrangements for the Eutaw Academy, Alabama.","Two announcements for the opening of the Eutaw Institute, Alabama.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards the death of his wife, Clara J. Hunt (\"Jeanie\"). Letter also describes a betrayal by Board of Trustees of Eutaw Institute and how Charles A. Derby had to open a private school on his own.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter discusses the success of Charles A. Derby's new school, life in Eutaw, and finances.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards ordainment in the Protestant Episcopal Church, responsibility of St. Stephen's Church in Eutaw, deaconship, and the busy school year.","Written from Dinwiddie, Virginia. Letter regards travel to Philadelphia and Boston, preaching at Christ Church in Norfolk, and family news.","Written from Eutaw, Alabama. Letter regards growth of St. Stephen's congregation, life in Eutaw, and Charles A. Derby's school.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset and general news.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards marriage to Charlotte Basset of Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards the success of Charles A. Derby's new church, his teaching career, and family matters.","Written from Camden, Alabama. Letter regards a recent visit to Cahaba, Alabama.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards family matters, including housekeeping and Charles A. Derby's eight-week old child.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards the murder of their cousin Edward Cousins.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Derby family members joining the Confederate Army and Charles A. Derby's frustrations about not being able to join.","Written from St. Peter's Church, Lowndes County, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Captain of the Militia of Benton.","Written from Benton, Alabama. Letter regards Charles A. Derby's election as Lieutenant Colonel of the 44th Alabama Infantry.","Written from \"camp near Falling Creek, Chesterfield,\" Virginia. Letter regards family matters and a discussion of wartime devastation.","A translation by Charles A. Derby of Aeneid, Book 1 by Virgil.","An acrostic poem written by Charles A. Derby titled \"A Humble Acrostic.\"","Twelve pages of geometry exercise drawings for Francis H. Smith's course.","One page of cadet uniform drawings.","Written from Randolph-Macon College, Virginia. Letter is written on an invitation to a commencement party.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards problems on his [family's?] plantation, illness among slaves, contract for railroad sills (Raleigh and Gaston Railroad), and family matters.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards family news and their marriage date.","Written from Northampton County, North Carolina. Letter regards Mary Stancell's (Derby) health and plans for their March 31st wedding.","Written from Lawrenceville, Arkansas. Letter regards Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Marlbrook, Hemstead County, Arkansas. Letter regards general news about Samuel Stancell's business trip.","Written from Margarettsville, North Carolina. In the letter, Samuel Stancell asks his wife Mary \"Mollie\" Derby to come home soon from her visit with her family.","Written from Jackson, North Carolina. Letter regards business and Mary Stancell's (Derby) health.","Written from Darvills (Dinwiddie County), Virginia. Letter regards family news.","Written from Marietta, Georgia. Letter regards general news about life in Marietta.","Included is the original letter, a contemporary copy, and a transcription. Written from \"camp near Fredericksburg,\" Virginia. The letter offers condolences for Charles A. Derby's death.","Francis H. Smith was Superintendent of VMI from 1839-1889.  This letter is in reply to Perry L. Derby's notification that Charles A. Derby has died in battle.","Written from Cahaba, Alabama. Letter regards general news and family news.","Written from Southampton County, Virginia. Letter regards Anna's [surname unknown] personal news.","Blank envelope includes one note dated April 13, 1889 from Marianna Ewell, three newspaper clippings regarding family deaths, and \"A Child's Faith\" poem booklet.","An unsigned letter that describes the concept of chivalry.","Devotional poem written to \"my mother.\"","Two place cards. One card is for Miss Willie J. Mitchell and the other card is for Mr. and Mrs. Henry N. Harrison.","Written from Berkley, Virginia. Letter regards family and personal matters.","Poem titled \"Shall we meet again, Mary?.\"","Wedding invitation for Marion Macintosh and the Right Reverend G. W. Peterkin.","Wedding invitation for Nannie L. Whitehurst and Samuel E. Long.","Wedding invitation for May Hundley and Louis Bowly.","Wedding invitation for Kate Gordon and Reverend J. E. Poindexter.","Invitation for an event at the home of V. A. Thornton and name card for Willetta F. Thornton.","Wedding invitation for Fannie Towles and Daniel M. Harman.","Wedding invitation for Dr. J. E. Brown and Marion A. Sullivan.","Composition titled \"The Powers of Custom.\"","Pressed flower and plant album featuring the English and Latin names of each specimen.","Henry L. Derby's notebook he kept while at the Theological Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia. The notebook contains course lists and schedules, finances, and other writings. A loose piece of sheet music for \"Prince of Peace\" and a map of \"Paul's Third Journey\" are tucked into the back of the notebook.","Eight newspaper clippings. Four clippings are related to Charles A. Derby's career at Western Military Institute, Kentucky. One clipping is related to Derby's career at Eutaw Male Academy, Alabama. Two clippings are related to the death of his wife Clara J. Derby (Hunt). One clipping is Derby's obituary.","Book chiefly written by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) and Ann Taylor (1782-1866). Signature of Charlotte Derby (Bassett) written in pencil on the inside front cover.","Fragment (up to page 53) of the \"French \u0026 Son's Handbook and Directory for Worthing.\"","Funeral address and obituary notices for Nichoas Hamner Cobbs, D. D., who was the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in the diocese of Alabama.","Place card with the name Wm. Hughlett.","A transcription of the poem \"Nearer Home.\" The transcriber is unknown."],"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 \nnot 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 \nnot be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information."],"physloc_html_tesm":["\u003cphysloc id=\"aspace_a99018bbaf530d0adbfbbb07d3e700f4\"\u003eManuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 1\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Manuscripts stacks and Oversized Case 1"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"names_coll_ssim":["Derby Family","Stancell Family","Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862"],"famname_ssim":["Derby Family","Stancell Family"],"persname_ssim":["Derby, Charles A., 1828-1862","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Collier, Henry W., Governor, 1801-1855","Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866","Harding, Cyrus, 1834-1893","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"language_ssim":["English \n.    "],"total_component_count_is":90,"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_600_c01_c01_c05"}},{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38","type":"collection","attributes":{"title":"Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889","creator":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38#creator","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","label":"Creator"}},"abstract_or_scope":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38#abstract_or_scope","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":"\u003cp\u003eThese files constitute the major record series generated by the office of Francis H. Smith, VMI's first Superintendent. He served from 1839-1889. The records, (ca. 30 linear feet) consist of incoming and outgoing correspondence, order books, speeches and publications, annual reports, personal file, and subject files.\u003c/p\u003e","label":"Abstract Or Scope"}},"breadcrumbs":{"id":"https://arvasarchive.org/catalog/vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38#breadcrumbs","type":"document_value","attributes":{"value":{"id":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_38.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00084.xml","title_ssm":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889"],"title_tesim":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889"],"unitdate_ssm":["1839-1889"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1839-1889"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Subgroup","Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["RG.02.01-SmithFH","/repositories/3/resources/38"],"text":["RG.02.01-SmithFH","/repositories/3/resources/38","Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Military education -- Virginia -- History -- 19th century","Military schools -- Southern States","Correspondence","There are no restrictions","Some items from the Smith papers are available online.","Some annual reports from the Smith administration are available online","An annotated full text transcription is available online","This item is available online","Francis H. Smith served for fifty years (1839-1889) as VMI's first Superintendent. Smith was born in 1812, graduated from West Point in 1833, and came to Lexington, Virginia in 1839 to lead the newly established Virginia Military Institute. He died in March 1890, a few months after his retirement as Superintendent. He was known as the builder and --after the Civil War-- rebuilder of VMI. His official correspondence spans the period 1839-1889, with few gaps. The Civil War era and earlier letters survived Gen. David Hunter's destruction of many Institute buildings in June 1864. Smith corresponded with the notable military, educational, and political leaders of his time, making the correspondence a rich resource for scholars.","In 1858, after nearly twenty years as Superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute, Francis H. Smith needed some time off. Consequently, he was granted a leave of absence by the VMI Board of Visitors to travel to Europe to visit military, scientific, and agricultural institutions and to write a report on his findings upon his return.","Smith and several young alumni departed on the 9th of June and returned at the end of December 1858 having visited Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Italy. Each night, he wrote a letter home to his wife Sara describing what he had seen and experienced that day. These letters, possibly Smith's only personal correspondence that has survived, were transcribed into three small letter books on his return. ","Over the years, the three volumes passed down through the Smith family, but sadly one was lost. Col. Edwin Dooley, a historian who has done extensive research on Smith, transcribed and annotated the two surviving letter books covering Smith's travels through the United Kingdom and France. ","The original letter books were transcribed and annotated by Edwin L. Dooley, Jr.","Annual and Special Reports of the Superintendent","Report on Scientific Education in Europe","These files constitute the major record series generated by the office of Francis H. Smith, VMI's first Superintendent. He served from 1839-1889. The records, (ca. 30 linear feet) consist of incoming and outgoing correspondence, order books, speeches and publications, annual reports, personal file, and subject files.","Incoming correspondence of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith, for the period 1839-1870.  The original 19th century  filing order has been retained.  Each incoming letter was assigned a number by Smith's secretary; these letters were then filed numerically by letter number within each year.  Some years were further broken down into alphabetical sections (A-K; L-Z etc.) and thus have more multiple numerical sequences within an individual year.  It is therefore the case that some years have more than one letter number 1, 2 etc.  Some letters for the year 1870 are missing; occasional other missing letters are identifed on the index; however the series is largely complete.\n \nThese letters are indexed by name of sender.  \nOutgoing letters for the period are located in bound letter books, which are arranged chronologically.","Francis H. Smith incoming correspondence, 1885-1889.  These letters are no longer filed in the numbered sequence that was used for the period 1839-1870;  they are filed alphabetically within each year.   Corresponding outgoing letters are located in separate  letter books for the period.  Incoming correspondence for the period 1871-1884, except for a few miscellaneous items, is not extant.  This was noted by William Couper in the 1930's, and it is not know at what point or under what circumstances the incoming letters for this period were lost.  Outgoing letters for 1871-1884 are extant.","The outgoing letterbooks (bound volumes) of VMI's first Superintendent Francis H. Smith, who served from 1839-1889. There are no outgoing letters from 1864 August 9-1865 October 30.","Virginia Military Institute printed circular, signed in ink by Superintendent Francis H. Smith, petitioning alumni for donations of \"Curiousities, both literary and natural\" to help establish a Museum at VMI. This examples is dated February 27, 1845, and addressed to William S. Beale, a member of the Class of 1843.","Also mentions addition to Barracks, new Gun House, Society of Cadets Hall, and Library.","Subject Files maintained by the office of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith","Applications and letters of recommendations for students applying to VMI, 1839-1864 (gaps).  Includes successful and unsuccessful applicants and some who were accepted but never matriculated.  5 boxes","Faculty applications, historical. Letters of application and supporting letters of recommendation submitted for several faculty and staff positions.  Includes positions of Professor of Modern Languages, Physical Sciences, Steward, Quartermaster.  This file only relates to a few specific positions. 1839-1860; 1884.","Washington College (now Washington and Lee University). Several items, 1845, concerning a complaint lodged by Washington College  against VMI, which ultimately led to a severance of academic ties between the two institutions.   Prof. George Dodd Armstrong represented the College on this issue.  For a full account, see the book 100 Years at VMI (William Couper), vol. 1, pps. 139-147.\nThe file also includes one unrelated  document from 1860.","Includes letter from Francis H. Smith to Dr. Galt inviting him to the statue dedication;  original manuscript of remarks made at the Washington Statue dedication on July 3, 1856 by William B. Taliaferro, Revd. John H. Bowcock,  Francis H. Smith. Information (photocopies, 1864-1866) concerning the confiscation of the statue by Gen. Hunter's troops and its return from West Virginia in 1866, including copies of letters from David H. Strother of Gen. Hunter's staff.","Misc. Later documents (post-Smith era) re: Statue","19th century legal documents.  Records of VMI attorneys Letcher, Maury and Letcher relating to collection of cadet debts after Civil War, 1871-1873","A chronological file, 1843-1848; 1865-1899, containing examples of academic department annual reports from the 19th century. These reports from the various academic departments were submitted to the Superintendent and help to document the early academic history of the Institute.  This file includes early reports by John T. L. Preston (Languages), and Thomas H. Williamson (Engineering), as well as reports by other early faculty members.  The series has many gaps; for example, none from the 1850's. The reports reflect some subjects that are no longer taught, e.g., Latin, drawing, mineralogy. 1 box","Three page memorandum of agreement (July 13, 1870) between sculptor Frederick Volck and VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith.  Volck was to complete a bronze equestrian statue of Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, but the project was never finished.  (See the book \"One Hundred Years at VMI\" by William Couper,  vol 3, p. 212, for an account of Volck's relationship with VMI).","Biographical material and miscellaneous Smith and Smith family personal papers.","Francis H. Smith individual biographical file, compiled over decades.  Contains biographical and genealogical information, clippings, articles and other general information relating to Francis H. Smith and his family.","Unpublished typescript by Francis H. Smith III.  This is the only full length biography of Francis H. Smith and is a useful source for information not found elsewhere.","Miscellaneous Francis H. Smith and Smith family personal records. Includes 2 volumes of personal letters written while on his trip to Europe in 1858, along with a scrapbook containing engravings of places visited; misc. personal correspondence, including one letter from Scott Shipp thanking Smith for his condolences upon the death of Shipp's wife.","The United States Military Academy diploma awarded to Francis H. Smith in 1833.  The ink is badly faded.  Bears the signature of President Andrew Jackson.","Oversized case 9","U. S. Army commission document signed in 1834; commission as Second Lieutenant to date from November 1833.","Edwin L. Dooley, Jr., former Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Secretary to the Board of Visitors, is also a historian who has studied Francis H. Smith in depth.  This material comprises some of his research notes.  It relates to Smith's biography and tenure as Superintendent/official records.","A chronological file containing originals and copies of Smith's published addresses, speeches, discourses.  These were published in pamphlet form.  VMI owns originals for many; for those not found in the VMI Archives, the staff obtained photocopies from the Library of Virginia.","There are no restrictions; fragile and oversized items may have copying or scanning limitations.","Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial 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.","Archives stacks, Record Group 02, Superintendent","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent.","Virginia Military Institute. Museum","Virginia Military Institute. Alumni Association","Virginia Military Institute. Library","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Beale, William S. (William Steenbergen)","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Armstrong, George D. (George Dodd), 1813-1899","Bowcock, John, Rev.","Taliaferro, John B.","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Volck, Frederick.","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Walker, James A. (James Alexander)","Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845","Smith, Francis H., Jr. (Francis Henney), 1849-1917","Dooley, Edwin L., 1942-","English"],"unitid_tesim":["RG.02.01-SmithFH","/repositories/3/resources/38"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889"],"collection_title_tesim":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889"],"collection_ssim":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent."],"creator_ssim":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent."],"creator_persname_ssim":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent."],"creators_ssim":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent."],"access_terms_ssm":["There are no restrictions; fragile and oversized items may have copying or scanning limitations.","Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial 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—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Military education -- Virginia -- History -- 19th century","Military schools -- Southern States","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Military education -- Virginia -- History -- 19th century","Military schools -- Southern States","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["30 Linear Feet"],"extent_tesim":["30 Linear Feet"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889],"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\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/landingpage/collection/p15821coll14\"\u003eSome items from the Smith papers are available online.\u003c/a\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll21/id/1680\"\u003eSome annual reports from the Smith administration are available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://cdm15821.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/search/collection/p15821coll14/searchterm/european/field/title/mode/all/conn/and/order/date\"\u003eAn annotated full text transcription is available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll21/id/1680\"\u003eThis item is available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access","Online Access","Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["Some items from the Smith papers are available online.","Some annual reports from the Smith administration are available online","An annotated full text transcription is available online","This item is available online"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFrancis H. Smith served for fifty years (1839-1889) as VMI's first Superintendent. Smith was born in 1812, graduated from West Point in 1833, and came to Lexington, Virginia in 1839 to lead the newly established Virginia Military Institute. He died in March 1890, a few months after his retirement as Superintendent. He was known as the builder and --after the Civil War-- rebuilder of VMI. His official correspondence spans the period 1839-1889, with few gaps. The Civil War era and earlier letters survived Gen. David Hunter's destruction of many Institute buildings in June 1864. Smith corresponded with the notable military, educational, and political leaders of his time, making the correspondence a rich resource for scholars.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn 1858, after nearly twenty years as Superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute, Francis H. Smith needed some time off. Consequently, he was granted a leave of absence by the VMI Board of Visitors to travel to Europe to visit military, scientific, and agricultural institutions and to write a report on his findings upon his return.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSmith and several young alumni departed on the 9th of June and returned at the end of December 1858 having visited Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Italy. Each night, he wrote a letter home to his wife Sara describing what he had seen and experienced that day. These letters, possibly Smith's only personal correspondence that has survived, were transcribed into three small letter books on his return. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOver the years, the three volumes passed down through the Smith family, but sadly one was lost. Col. Edwin Dooley, a historian who has done extensive research on Smith, transcribed and annotated the two surviving letter books covering Smith's travels through the United Kingdom and France. \u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Francis H. Smith served for fifty years (1839-1889) as VMI's first Superintendent. Smith was born in 1812, graduated from West Point in 1833, and came to Lexington, Virginia in 1839 to lead the newly established Virginia Military Institute. He died in March 1890, a few months after his retirement as Superintendent. He was known as the builder and --after the Civil War-- rebuilder of VMI. His official correspondence spans the period 1839-1889, with few gaps. The Civil War era and earlier letters survived Gen. David Hunter's destruction of many Institute buildings in June 1864. Smith corresponded with the notable military, educational, and political leaders of his time, making the correspondence a rich resource for scholars.","In 1858, after nearly twenty years as Superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute, Francis H. Smith needed some time off. Consequently, he was granted a leave of absence by the VMI Board of Visitors to travel to Europe to visit military, scientific, and agricultural institutions and to write a report on his findings upon his return.","Smith and several young alumni departed on the 9th of June and returned at the end of December 1858 having visited Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Italy. Each night, he wrote a letter home to his wife Sara describing what he had seen and experienced that day. These letters, possibly Smith's only personal correspondence that has survived, were transcribed into three small letter books on his return. ","Over the years, the three volumes passed down through the Smith family, but sadly one was lost. Col. Edwin Dooley, a historian who has done extensive research on Smith, transcribed and annotated the two surviving letter books covering Smith's travels through the United Kingdom and France. "],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe original letter books were transcribed and annotated by Edwin L. Dooley, Jr.\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["General"],"odd_tesim":["The original letter books were transcribed and annotated by Edwin L. Dooley, Jr."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRecords of the Superintendent.  Francis H. Smith Administration. [specific series/item/date]\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Records of the Superintendent.  Francis H. Smith Administration. [specific series/item/date]"],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://archivesspace.vmi.edu/repositories/3/resources/795\"\u003eAnnual and Special Reports of the Superintendent\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://archivesspace.vmi.edu/repositories/3/digital_objects/3\"\u003eReport on Scientific Education in Europe\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials","Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Annual and Special Reports of the Superintendent","Report on Scientific Education in Europe"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThese files constitute the major record series generated by the office of Francis H. Smith, VMI's first Superintendent. He served from 1839-1889. The records, (ca. 30 linear feet) consist of incoming and outgoing correspondence, order books, speeches and publications, annual reports, personal file, and subject files.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncoming correspondence of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith, for the period 1839-1870.  The original 19th century  filing order has been retained.  Each incoming letter was assigned a number by Smith's secretary; these letters were then filed numerically by letter number within each year.  Some years were further broken down into alphabetical sections (A-K; L-Z etc.) and thus have more multiple numerical sequences within an individual year.  It is therefore the case that some years have more than one letter number 1, 2 etc.  Some letters for the year 1870 are missing; occasional other missing letters are identifed on the index; however the series is largely complete.\n \nThese letters are indexed by name of sender.  \nOutgoing letters for the period are located in bound letter books, which are arranged chronologically.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFrancis H. Smith incoming correspondence, 1885-1889.  These letters are no longer filed in the numbered sequence that was used for the period 1839-1870;  they are filed alphabetically within each year.   Corresponding outgoing letters are located in separate  letter books for the period.  Incoming correspondence for the period 1871-1884, except for a few miscellaneous items, is not extant.  This was noted by William Couper in the 1930's, and it is not know at what point or under what circumstances the incoming letters for this period were lost.  Outgoing letters for 1871-1884 are extant.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe outgoing letterbooks (bound volumes) of VMI's first Superintendent Francis H. Smith, who served from 1839-1889. There are no outgoing letters from 1864 August 9-1865 October 30.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute printed circular, signed in ink by Superintendent Francis H. Smith, petitioning alumni for donations of \"Curiousities, both literary and natural\" to help establish a Museum at VMI. This examples is dated February 27, 1845, and addressed to William S. Beale, a member of the Class of 1843.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAlso mentions addition to Barracks, new Gun House, Society of Cadets Hall, and Library.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSubject Files maintained by the office of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eApplications and letters of recommendations for students applying to VMI, 1839-1864 (gaps).  Includes successful and unsuccessful applicants and some who were accepted but never matriculated.  5 boxes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFaculty applications, historical. Letters of application and supporting letters of recommendation submitted for several faculty and staff positions.  Includes positions of Professor of Modern Languages, Physical Sciences, Steward, Quartermaster.  This file only relates to a few specific positions. 1839-1860; 1884.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWashington College (now Washington and Lee University). Several items, 1845, concerning a complaint lodged by Washington College  against VMI, which ultimately led to a severance of academic ties between the two institutions.   Prof. George Dodd Armstrong represented the College on this issue.  For a full account, see the book 100 Years at VMI (William Couper), vol. 1, pps. 139-147.\nThe file also includes one unrelated  document from 1860.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes letter from Francis H. Smith to Dr. Galt inviting him to the statue dedication;  original manuscript of remarks made at the Washington Statue dedication on July 3, 1856 by William B. Taliaferro, Revd. John H. Bowcock,  Francis H. Smith. Information (photocopies, 1864-1866) concerning the confiscation of the statue by Gen. Hunter's troops and its return from West Virginia in 1866, including copies of letters from David H. Strother of Gen. Hunter's staff.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMisc. Later documents (post-Smith era) re: Statue\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e19th century legal documents.  Records of VMI attorneys Letcher, Maury and Letcher relating to collection of cadet debts after Civil War, 1871-1873\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA chronological file, 1843-1848; 1865-1899, containing examples of academic department annual reports from the 19th century. These reports from the various academic departments were submitted to the Superintendent and help to document the early academic history of the Institute.  This file includes early reports by John T. L. Preston (Languages), and Thomas H. Williamson (Engineering), as well as reports by other early faculty members.  The series has many gaps; for example, none from the 1850's. The reports reflect some subjects that are no longer taught, e.g., Latin, drawing, mineralogy. 1 box\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThree page memorandum of agreement (July 13, 1870) between sculptor Frederick Volck and VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith.  Volck was to complete a bronze equestrian statue of Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, but the project was never finished.  (See the book \"One Hundred Years at VMI\" by William Couper,  vol 3, p. 212, for an account of Volck's relationship with VMI).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBiographical material and miscellaneous Smith and Smith family personal papers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFrancis H. Smith individual biographical file, compiled over decades.  Contains biographical and genealogical information, clippings, articles and other general information relating to Francis H. Smith and his family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUnpublished typescript by Francis H. Smith III.  This is the only full length biography of Francis H. Smith and is a useful source for information not found elsewhere.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMiscellaneous Francis H. Smith and Smith family personal records. Includes 2 volumes of personal letters written while on his trip to Europe in 1858, along with a scrapbook containing engravings of places visited; misc. personal correspondence, including one letter from Scott Shipp thanking Smith for his condolences upon the death of Shipp's wife.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe United States Military Academy diploma awarded to Francis H. Smith in 1833.  The ink is badly faded.  Bears the signature of President Andrew Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOversized case 9\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eU. S. Army commission document signed in 1834; commission as Second Lieutenant to date from November 1833.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEdwin L. Dooley, Jr., former Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Secretary to the Board of Visitors, is also a historian who has studied Francis H. Smith in depth.  This material comprises some of his research notes.  It relates to Smith's biography and tenure as Superintendent/official records.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA chronological file containing originals and copies of Smith's published addresses, speeches, discourses.  These were published in pamphlet form.  VMI owns originals for many; for those not found in the VMI Archives, the staff obtained photocopies from the Library of Virginia.\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"],"scopecontent_tesim":["These files constitute the major record series generated by the office of Francis H. Smith, VMI's first Superintendent. He served from 1839-1889. The records, (ca. 30 linear feet) consist of incoming and outgoing correspondence, order books, speeches and publications, annual reports, personal file, and subject files.","Incoming correspondence of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith, for the period 1839-1870.  The original 19th century  filing order has been retained.  Each incoming letter was assigned a number by Smith's secretary; these letters were then filed numerically by letter number within each year.  Some years were further broken down into alphabetical sections (A-K; L-Z etc.) and thus have more multiple numerical sequences within an individual year.  It is therefore the case that some years have more than one letter number 1, 2 etc.  Some letters for the year 1870 are missing; occasional other missing letters are identifed on the index; however the series is largely complete.\n \nThese letters are indexed by name of sender.  \nOutgoing letters for the period are located in bound letter books, which are arranged chronologically.","Francis H. Smith incoming correspondence, 1885-1889.  These letters are no longer filed in the numbered sequence that was used for the period 1839-1870;  they are filed alphabetically within each year.   Corresponding outgoing letters are located in separate  letter books for the period.  Incoming correspondence for the period 1871-1884, except for a few miscellaneous items, is not extant.  This was noted by William Couper in the 1930's, and it is not know at what point or under what circumstances the incoming letters for this period were lost.  Outgoing letters for 1871-1884 are extant.","The outgoing letterbooks (bound volumes) of VMI's first Superintendent Francis H. Smith, who served from 1839-1889. There are no outgoing letters from 1864 August 9-1865 October 30.","Virginia Military Institute printed circular, signed in ink by Superintendent Francis H. Smith, petitioning alumni for donations of \"Curiousities, both literary and natural\" to help establish a Museum at VMI. This examples is dated February 27, 1845, and addressed to William S. Beale, a member of the Class of 1843.","Also mentions addition to Barracks, new Gun House, Society of Cadets Hall, and Library.","Subject Files maintained by the office of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith","Applications and letters of recommendations for students applying to VMI, 1839-1864 (gaps).  Includes successful and unsuccessful applicants and some who were accepted but never matriculated.  5 boxes","Faculty applications, historical. Letters of application and supporting letters of recommendation submitted for several faculty and staff positions.  Includes positions of Professor of Modern Languages, Physical Sciences, Steward, Quartermaster.  This file only relates to a few specific positions. 1839-1860; 1884.","Washington College (now Washington and Lee University). Several items, 1845, concerning a complaint lodged by Washington College  against VMI, which ultimately led to a severance of academic ties between the two institutions.   Prof. George Dodd Armstrong represented the College on this issue.  For a full account, see the book 100 Years at VMI (William Couper), vol. 1, pps. 139-147.\nThe file also includes one unrelated  document from 1860.","Includes letter from Francis H. Smith to Dr. Galt inviting him to the statue dedication;  original manuscript of remarks made at the Washington Statue dedication on July 3, 1856 by William B. Taliaferro, Revd. John H. Bowcock,  Francis H. Smith. Information (photocopies, 1864-1866) concerning the confiscation of the statue by Gen. Hunter's troops and its return from West Virginia in 1866, including copies of letters from David H. Strother of Gen. Hunter's staff.","Misc. Later documents (post-Smith era) re: Statue","19th century legal documents.  Records of VMI attorneys Letcher, Maury and Letcher relating to collection of cadet debts after Civil War, 1871-1873","A chronological file, 1843-1848; 1865-1899, containing examples of academic department annual reports from the 19th century. These reports from the various academic departments were submitted to the Superintendent and help to document the early academic history of the Institute.  This file includes early reports by John T. L. Preston (Languages), and Thomas H. Williamson (Engineering), as well as reports by other early faculty members.  The series has many gaps; for example, none from the 1850's. The reports reflect some subjects that are no longer taught, e.g., Latin, drawing, mineralogy. 1 box","Three page memorandum of agreement (July 13, 1870) between sculptor Frederick Volck and VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith.  Volck was to complete a bronze equestrian statue of Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, but the project was never finished.  (See the book \"One Hundred Years at VMI\" by William Couper,  vol 3, p. 212, for an account of Volck's relationship with VMI).","Biographical material and miscellaneous Smith and Smith family personal papers.","Francis H. Smith individual biographical file, compiled over decades.  Contains biographical and genealogical information, clippings, articles and other general information relating to Francis H. Smith and his family.","Unpublished typescript by Francis H. Smith III.  This is the only full length biography of Francis H. Smith and is a useful source for information not found elsewhere.","Miscellaneous Francis H. Smith and Smith family personal records. Includes 2 volumes of personal letters written while on his trip to Europe in 1858, along with a scrapbook containing engravings of places visited; misc. personal correspondence, including one letter from Scott Shipp thanking Smith for his condolences upon the death of Shipp's wife.","The United States Military Academy diploma awarded to Francis H. Smith in 1833.  The ink is badly faded.  Bears the signature of President Andrew Jackson.","Oversized case 9","U. S. Army commission document signed in 1834; commission as Second Lieutenant to date from November 1833.","Edwin L. Dooley, Jr., former Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Secretary to the Board of Visitors, is also a historian who has studied Francis H. Smith in depth.  This material comprises some of his research notes.  It relates to Smith's biography and tenure as Superintendent/official records.","A chronological file containing originals and copies of Smith's published addresses, speeches, discourses.  These were published in pamphlet form.  VMI owns originals for many; for those not found in the VMI Archives, the staff obtained photocopies from the Library of Virginia."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions; fragile and oversized items may have copying or scanning limitations.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCollections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial 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":["There are no restrictions; fragile and oversized items may have copying or scanning limitations.","Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial 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_38737c95f56a20b673a6f5327e0c023e\"\u003eArchives stacks, Record Group 02, Superintendent\u003c/physloc\u003e"],"physloc_tesim":["Archives stacks, Record Group 02, Superintendent"],"names_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent.","Virginia Military Institute. Museum","Virginia Military Institute. Alumni Association","Virginia Military Institute. Library","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Beale, William S. (William Steenbergen)","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Armstrong, George D. (George Dodd), 1813-1899","Bowcock, John, Rev.","Taliaferro, John B.","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Volck, Frederick.","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Walker, James A. (James Alexander)","Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845","Smith, Francis H., Jr. (Francis Henney), 1849-1917","Dooley, Edwin L., 1942-"],"corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives","Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent.","Virginia Military Institute. Museum","Virginia Military Institute. Alumni Association","Virginia Military Institute. Library"],"persname_ssim":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Beale, William S. (William Steenbergen)","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Armstrong, George D. (George Dodd), 1813-1899","Bowcock, John, Rev.","Taliaferro, John B.","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Volck, Frederick.","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Walker, James A. (James Alexander)","Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845","Smith, Francis H., Jr. (Francis Henney), 1849-1917","Dooley, Edwin L., 1942-"],"language_ssim":["English"],"total_component_count_is":40,"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_38","ead_ssi":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38","_root_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38","_nest_parent_":"vilxv_repositories_3_resources_38","ead_source_url_ssi":"data/oai/VMI/repositories_3_resources_38.xml","aspace_url_ssi":"http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaxtf/view?docId=vmi/vilxv00084.xml","title_ssm":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889"],"title_tesim":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889"],"unitdate_ssm":["1839-1889"],"unitdate_inclusive_ssm":["1839-1889"],"level_ssm":["collection"],"level_ssim":["Subgroup","Collection"],"unitid_ssm":["RG.02.01-SmithFH","/repositories/3/resources/38"],"text":["RG.02.01-SmithFH","/repositories/3/resources/38","Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889","Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Military education -- Virginia -- History -- 19th century","Military schools -- Southern States","Correspondence","There are no restrictions","Some items from the Smith papers are available online.","Some annual reports from the Smith administration are available online","An annotated full text transcription is available online","This item is available online","Francis H. Smith served for fifty years (1839-1889) as VMI's first Superintendent. Smith was born in 1812, graduated from West Point in 1833, and came to Lexington, Virginia in 1839 to lead the newly established Virginia Military Institute. He died in March 1890, a few months after his retirement as Superintendent. He was known as the builder and --after the Civil War-- rebuilder of VMI. His official correspondence spans the period 1839-1889, with few gaps. The Civil War era and earlier letters survived Gen. David Hunter's destruction of many Institute buildings in June 1864. Smith corresponded with the notable military, educational, and political leaders of his time, making the correspondence a rich resource for scholars.","In 1858, after nearly twenty years as Superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute, Francis H. Smith needed some time off. Consequently, he was granted a leave of absence by the VMI Board of Visitors to travel to Europe to visit military, scientific, and agricultural institutions and to write a report on his findings upon his return.","Smith and several young alumni departed on the 9th of June and returned at the end of December 1858 having visited Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Italy. Each night, he wrote a letter home to his wife Sara describing what he had seen and experienced that day. These letters, possibly Smith's only personal correspondence that has survived, were transcribed into three small letter books on his return. ","Over the years, the three volumes passed down through the Smith family, but sadly one was lost. Col. Edwin Dooley, a historian who has done extensive research on Smith, transcribed and annotated the two surviving letter books covering Smith's travels through the United Kingdom and France. ","The original letter books were transcribed and annotated by Edwin L. Dooley, Jr.","Annual and Special Reports of the Superintendent","Report on Scientific Education in Europe","These files constitute the major record series generated by the office of Francis H. Smith, VMI's first Superintendent. He served from 1839-1889. The records, (ca. 30 linear feet) consist of incoming and outgoing correspondence, order books, speeches and publications, annual reports, personal file, and subject files.","Incoming correspondence of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith, for the period 1839-1870.  The original 19th century  filing order has been retained.  Each incoming letter was assigned a number by Smith's secretary; these letters were then filed numerically by letter number within each year.  Some years were further broken down into alphabetical sections (A-K; L-Z etc.) and thus have more multiple numerical sequences within an individual year.  It is therefore the case that some years have more than one letter number 1, 2 etc.  Some letters for the year 1870 are missing; occasional other missing letters are identifed on the index; however the series is largely complete.\n \nThese letters are indexed by name of sender.  \nOutgoing letters for the period are located in bound letter books, which are arranged chronologically.","Francis H. Smith incoming correspondence, 1885-1889.  These letters are no longer filed in the numbered sequence that was used for the period 1839-1870;  they are filed alphabetically within each year.   Corresponding outgoing letters are located in separate  letter books for the period.  Incoming correspondence for the period 1871-1884, except for a few miscellaneous items, is not extant.  This was noted by William Couper in the 1930's, and it is not know at what point or under what circumstances the incoming letters for this period were lost.  Outgoing letters for 1871-1884 are extant.","The outgoing letterbooks (bound volumes) of VMI's first Superintendent Francis H. Smith, who served from 1839-1889. There are no outgoing letters from 1864 August 9-1865 October 30.","Virginia Military Institute printed circular, signed in ink by Superintendent Francis H. Smith, petitioning alumni for donations of \"Curiousities, both literary and natural\" to help establish a Museum at VMI. This examples is dated February 27, 1845, and addressed to William S. Beale, a member of the Class of 1843.","Also mentions addition to Barracks, new Gun House, Society of Cadets Hall, and Library.","Subject Files maintained by the office of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith","Applications and letters of recommendations for students applying to VMI, 1839-1864 (gaps).  Includes successful and unsuccessful applicants and some who were accepted but never matriculated.  5 boxes","Faculty applications, historical. Letters of application and supporting letters of recommendation submitted for several faculty and staff positions.  Includes positions of Professor of Modern Languages, Physical Sciences, Steward, Quartermaster.  This file only relates to a few specific positions. 1839-1860; 1884.","Washington College (now Washington and Lee University). Several items, 1845, concerning a complaint lodged by Washington College  against VMI, which ultimately led to a severance of academic ties between the two institutions.   Prof. George Dodd Armstrong represented the College on this issue.  For a full account, see the book 100 Years at VMI (William Couper), vol. 1, pps. 139-147.\nThe file also includes one unrelated  document from 1860.","Includes letter from Francis H. Smith to Dr. Galt inviting him to the statue dedication;  original manuscript of remarks made at the Washington Statue dedication on July 3, 1856 by William B. Taliaferro, Revd. John H. Bowcock,  Francis H. Smith. Information (photocopies, 1864-1866) concerning the confiscation of the statue by Gen. Hunter's troops and its return from West Virginia in 1866, including copies of letters from David H. Strother of Gen. Hunter's staff.","Misc. Later documents (post-Smith era) re: Statue","19th century legal documents.  Records of VMI attorneys Letcher, Maury and Letcher relating to collection of cadet debts after Civil War, 1871-1873","A chronological file, 1843-1848; 1865-1899, containing examples of academic department annual reports from the 19th century. These reports from the various academic departments were submitted to the Superintendent and help to document the early academic history of the Institute.  This file includes early reports by John T. L. Preston (Languages), and Thomas H. Williamson (Engineering), as well as reports by other early faculty members.  The series has many gaps; for example, none from the 1850's. The reports reflect some subjects that are no longer taught, e.g., Latin, drawing, mineralogy. 1 box","Three page memorandum of agreement (July 13, 1870) between sculptor Frederick Volck and VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith.  Volck was to complete a bronze equestrian statue of Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, but the project was never finished.  (See the book \"One Hundred Years at VMI\" by William Couper,  vol 3, p. 212, for an account of Volck's relationship with VMI).","Biographical material and miscellaneous Smith and Smith family personal papers.","Francis H. Smith individual biographical file, compiled over decades.  Contains biographical and genealogical information, clippings, articles and other general information relating to Francis H. Smith and his family.","Unpublished typescript by Francis H. Smith III.  This is the only full length biography of Francis H. Smith and is a useful source for information not found elsewhere.","Miscellaneous Francis H. Smith and Smith family personal records. Includes 2 volumes of personal letters written while on his trip to Europe in 1858, along with a scrapbook containing engravings of places visited; misc. personal correspondence, including one letter from Scott Shipp thanking Smith for his condolences upon the death of Shipp's wife.","The United States Military Academy diploma awarded to Francis H. Smith in 1833.  The ink is badly faded.  Bears the signature of President Andrew Jackson.","Oversized case 9","U. S. Army commission document signed in 1834; commission as Second Lieutenant to date from November 1833.","Edwin L. Dooley, Jr., former Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Secretary to the Board of Visitors, is also a historian who has studied Francis H. Smith in depth.  This material comprises some of his research notes.  It relates to Smith's biography and tenure as Superintendent/official records.","A chronological file containing originals and copies of Smith's published addresses, speeches, discourses.  These were published in pamphlet form.  VMI owns originals for many; for those not found in the VMI Archives, the staff obtained photocopies from the Library of Virginia.","There are no restrictions; fragile and oversized items may have copying or scanning limitations.","Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial 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.","Archives stacks, Record Group 02, Superintendent","Virginia Military Institute Archives","Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent.","Virginia Military Institute. Museum","Virginia Military Institute. Alumni Association","Virginia Military Institute. Library","Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Beale, William S. (William Steenbergen)","Gilham, William, 1818-1872","Armstrong, George D. (George Dodd), 1813-1899","Bowcock, John, Rev.","Taliaferro, John B.","Williamson, Thomas H. (Thomas Hoomes), 1813-1888","Preston, John T. L. (John Thomas Lewis), 1811-1890","Volck, Frederick.","Jackson, Stonewall, 1824-1863","Walker, James A. (James Alexander)","Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845","Smith, Francis H., Jr. (Francis Henney), 1849-1917","Dooley, Edwin L., 1942-","English"],"unitid_tesim":["RG.02.01-SmithFH","/repositories/3/resources/38"],"normalized_title_ssm":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889"],"collection_title_tesim":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889"],"collection_ssim":["Records of Superintendent Francis H. Smith, 1839-1889"],"repository_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"repository_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute Archives"],"creator_ssm":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent."],"creator_ssim":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent."],"creator_persname_ssim":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890"],"creator_corpname_ssim":["Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent."],"creators_ssim":["Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890","Virginia Military Institute. Office of the Superintendent."],"access_terms_ssm":["There are no restrictions; fragile and oversized items may have copying or scanning limitations.","Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial 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—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Military education -- Virginia -- History -- 19th century","Military schools -- Southern States","Correspondence"],"access_subjects_ssm":["Virginia Military Institute—Civil War, 1861-1865","Virginia Military Institute—History—19th century","Military education -- Virginia -- History -- 19th century","Military schools -- Southern States","Correspondence"],"has_online_content_ssim":["false"],"extent_ssm":["30 Linear Feet"],"extent_tesim":["30 Linear Feet"],"genreform_ssim":["Correspondence"],"date_range_isim":[1839,1840,1841,1842,1843,1844,1845,1846,1847,1848,1849,1850,1851,1852,1853,1854,1855,1856,1857,1858,1859,1860,1861,1862,1863,1864,1865,1866,1867,1868,1869,1870,1871,1872,1873,1874,1875,1876,1877,1878,1879,1880,1881,1882,1883,1884,1885,1886,1887,1888,1889],"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\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/landingpage/collection/p15821coll14\"\u003eSome items from the Smith papers are available online.\u003c/a\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll21/id/1680\"\u003eSome annual reports from the Smith administration are available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://cdm15821.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/search/collection/p15821coll14/searchterm/european/field/title/mode/all/conn/and/order/date\"\u003eAn annotated full text transcription is available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://digitalcollections.vmi.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15821coll21/id/1680\"\u003eThis item is available online\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"altformavail_heading_ssm":["Online Access","Online Access","Online Access"],"altformavail_tesim":["Some items from the Smith papers are available online.","Some annual reports from the Smith administration are available online","An annotated full text transcription is available online","This item is available online"],"bioghist_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eFrancis H. Smith served for fifty years (1839-1889) as VMI's first Superintendent. Smith was born in 1812, graduated from West Point in 1833, and came to Lexington, Virginia in 1839 to lead the newly established Virginia Military Institute. He died in March 1890, a few months after his retirement as Superintendent. He was known as the builder and --after the Civil War-- rebuilder of VMI. His official correspondence spans the period 1839-1889, with few gaps. The Civil War era and earlier letters survived Gen. David Hunter's destruction of many Institute buildings in June 1864. Smith corresponded with the notable military, educational, and political leaders of his time, making the correspondence a rich resource for scholars.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIn 1858, after nearly twenty years as Superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute, Francis H. Smith needed some time off. Consequently, he was granted a leave of absence by the VMI Board of Visitors to travel to Europe to visit military, scientific, and agricultural institutions and to write a report on his findings upon his return.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eSmith and several young alumni departed on the 9th of June and returned at the end of December 1858 having visited Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Italy. Each night, he wrote a letter home to his wife Sara describing what he had seen and experienced that day. These letters, possibly Smith's only personal correspondence that has survived, were transcribed into three small letter books on his return. \u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eOver the years, the three volumes passed down through the Smith family, but sadly one was lost. Col. Edwin Dooley, a historian who has done extensive research on Smith, transcribed and annotated the two surviving letter books covering Smith's travels through the United Kingdom and France. \u003c/p\u003e"],"bioghist_heading_ssm":["Biographical / Historical","Biographical / Historical"],"bioghist_tesim":["Francis H. Smith served for fifty years (1839-1889) as VMI's first Superintendent. Smith was born in 1812, graduated from West Point in 1833, and came to Lexington, Virginia in 1839 to lead the newly established Virginia Military Institute. He died in March 1890, a few months after his retirement as Superintendent. He was known as the builder and --after the Civil War-- rebuilder of VMI. His official correspondence spans the period 1839-1889, with few gaps. The Civil War era and earlier letters survived Gen. David Hunter's destruction of many Institute buildings in June 1864. Smith corresponded with the notable military, educational, and political leaders of his time, making the correspondence a rich resource for scholars.","In 1858, after nearly twenty years as Superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute, Francis H. Smith needed some time off. Consequently, he was granted a leave of absence by the VMI Board of Visitors to travel to Europe to visit military, scientific, and agricultural institutions and to write a report on his findings upon his return.","Smith and several young alumni departed on the 9th of June and returned at the end of December 1858 having visited Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Italy. Each night, he wrote a letter home to his wife Sara describing what he had seen and experienced that day. These letters, possibly Smith's only personal correspondence that has survived, were transcribed into three small letter books on his return. ","Over the years, the three volumes passed down through the Smith family, but sadly one was lost. Col. Edwin Dooley, a historian who has done extensive research on Smith, transcribed and annotated the two surviving letter books covering Smith's travels through the United Kingdom and France. "],"odd_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThe original letter books were transcribed and annotated by Edwin L. Dooley, Jr.\u003c/p\u003e"],"odd_heading_ssm":["General"],"odd_tesim":["The original letter books were transcribed and annotated by Edwin L. Dooley, Jr."],"prefercite_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eRecords of the Superintendent.  Francis H. Smith Administration. [specific series/item/date]\u003c/p\u003e"],"prefercite_tesim":["Records of the Superintendent.  Francis H. Smith Administration. [specific series/item/date]"],"relatedmaterial_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://archivesspace.vmi.edu/repositories/3/resources/795\"\u003eAnnual and Special Reports of the Superintendent\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"http://archivesspace.vmi.edu/repositories/3/digital_objects/3\"\u003eReport on Scientific Education in Europe\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"],"relatedmaterial_heading_ssm":["Related Materials","Related Materials"],"relatedmaterial_tesim":["Annual and Special Reports of the Superintendent","Report on Scientific Education in Europe"],"scopecontent_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThese files constitute the major record series generated by the office of Francis H. Smith, VMI's first Superintendent. He served from 1839-1889. The records, (ca. 30 linear feet) consist of incoming and outgoing correspondence, order books, speeches and publications, annual reports, personal file, and subject files.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncoming correspondence of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith, for the period 1839-1870.  The original 19th century  filing order has been retained.  Each incoming letter was assigned a number by Smith's secretary; these letters were then filed numerically by letter number within each year.  Some years were further broken down into alphabetical sections (A-K; L-Z etc.) and thus have more multiple numerical sequences within an individual year.  It is therefore the case that some years have more than one letter number 1, 2 etc.  Some letters for the year 1870 are missing; occasional other missing letters are identifed on the index; however the series is largely complete.\n \nThese letters are indexed by name of sender.  \nOutgoing letters for the period are located in bound letter books, which are arranged chronologically.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFrancis H. Smith incoming correspondence, 1885-1889.  These letters are no longer filed in the numbered sequence that was used for the period 1839-1870;  they are filed alphabetically within each year.   Corresponding outgoing letters are located in separate  letter books for the period.  Incoming correspondence for the period 1871-1884, except for a few miscellaneous items, is not extant.  This was noted by William Couper in the 1930's, and it is not know at what point or under what circumstances the incoming letters for this period were lost.  Outgoing letters for 1871-1884 are extant.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe outgoing letterbooks (bound volumes) of VMI's first Superintendent Francis H. Smith, who served from 1839-1889. There are no outgoing letters from 1864 August 9-1865 October 30.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eVirginia Military Institute printed circular, signed in ink by Superintendent Francis H. Smith, petitioning alumni for donations of \"Curiousities, both literary and natural\" to help establish a Museum at VMI. This examples is dated February 27, 1845, and addressed to William S. Beale, a member of the Class of 1843.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eAlso mentions addition to Barracks, new Gun House, Society of Cadets Hall, and Library.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eSubject Files maintained by the office of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eApplications and letters of recommendations for students applying to VMI, 1839-1864 (gaps).  Includes successful and unsuccessful applicants and some who were accepted but never matriculated.  5 boxes\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFaculty applications, historical. Letters of application and supporting letters of recommendation submitted for several faculty and staff positions.  Includes positions of Professor of Modern Languages, Physical Sciences, Steward, Quartermaster.  This file only relates to a few specific positions. 1839-1860; 1884.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eWashington College (now Washington and Lee University). Several items, 1845, concerning a complaint lodged by Washington College  against VMI, which ultimately led to a severance of academic ties between the two institutions.   Prof. George Dodd Armstrong represented the College on this issue.  For a full account, see the book 100 Years at VMI (William Couper), vol. 1, pps. 139-147.\nThe file also includes one unrelated  document from 1860.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eIncludes letter from Francis H. Smith to Dr. Galt inviting him to the statue dedication;  original manuscript of remarks made at the Washington Statue dedication on July 3, 1856 by William B. Taliaferro, Revd. John H. Bowcock,  Francis H. Smith. Information (photocopies, 1864-1866) concerning the confiscation of the statue by Gen. Hunter's troops and its return from West Virginia in 1866, including copies of letters from David H. Strother of Gen. Hunter's staff.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eMisc. Later documents (post-Smith era) re: Statue\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003e19th century legal documents.  Records of VMI attorneys Letcher, Maury and Letcher relating to collection of cadet debts after Civil War, 1871-1873\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA chronological file, 1843-1848; 1865-1899, containing examples of academic department annual reports from the 19th century. These reports from the various academic departments were submitted to the Superintendent and help to document the early academic history of the Institute.  This file includes early reports by John T. L. Preston (Languages), and Thomas H. Williamson (Engineering), as well as reports by other early faculty members.  The series has many gaps; for example, none from the 1850's. The reports reflect some subjects that are no longer taught, e.g., Latin, drawing, mineralogy. 1 box\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThree page memorandum of agreement (July 13, 1870) between sculptor Frederick Volck and VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith.  Volck was to complete a bronze equestrian statue of Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, but the project was never finished.  (See the book \"One Hundred Years at VMI\" by William Couper,  vol 3, p. 212, for an account of Volck's relationship with VMI).\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eBiographical material and miscellaneous Smith and Smith family personal papers.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eFrancis H. Smith individual biographical file, compiled over decades.  Contains biographical and genealogical information, clippings, articles and other general information relating to Francis H. Smith and his family.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eUnpublished typescript by Francis H. Smith III.  This is the only full length biography of Francis H. Smith and is a useful source for information not found elsewhere.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eMiscellaneous Francis H. Smith and Smith family personal records. Includes 2 volumes of personal letters written while on his trip to Europe in 1858, along with a scrapbook containing engravings of places visited; misc. personal correspondence, including one letter from Scott Shipp thanking Smith for his condolences upon the death of Shipp's wife.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eThe United States Military Academy diploma awarded to Francis H. Smith in 1833.  The ink is badly faded.  Bears the signature of President Andrew Jackson.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eOversized case 9\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eU. S. Army commission document signed in 1834; commission as Second Lieutenant to date from November 1833.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eEdwin L. Dooley, Jr., former Executive Assistant to the Superintendent and Secretary to the Board of Visitors, is also a historian who has studied Francis H. Smith in depth.  This material comprises some of his research notes.  It relates to Smith's biography and tenure as Superintendent/official records.\u003c/p\u003e","\u003cp\u003eA chronological file containing originals and copies of Smith's published addresses, speeches, discourses.  These were published in pamphlet form.  VMI owns originals for many; for those not found in the VMI Archives, the staff obtained photocopies from the Library of Virginia.\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"],"scopecontent_tesim":["These files constitute the major record series generated by the office of Francis H. Smith, VMI's first Superintendent. He served from 1839-1889. The records, (ca. 30 linear feet) consist of incoming and outgoing correspondence, order books, speeches and publications, annual reports, personal file, and subject files.","Incoming correspondence of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith, for the period 1839-1870.  The original 19th century  filing order has been retained.  Each incoming letter was assigned a number by Smith's secretary; these letters were then filed numerically by letter number within each year.  Some years were further broken down into alphabetical sections (A-K; L-Z etc.) and thus have more multiple numerical sequences within an individual year.  It is therefore the case that some years have more than one letter number 1, 2 etc.  Some letters for the year 1870 are missing; occasional other missing letters are identifed on the index; however the series is largely complete.\n \nThese letters are indexed by name of sender.  \nOutgoing letters for the period are located in bound letter books, which are arranged chronologically.","Francis H. Smith incoming correspondence, 1885-1889.  These letters are no longer filed in the numbered sequence that was used for the period 1839-1870;  they are filed alphabetically within each year.   Corresponding outgoing letters are located in separate  letter books for the period.  Incoming correspondence for the period 1871-1884, except for a few miscellaneous items, is not extant.  This was noted by William Couper in the 1930's, and it is not know at what point or under what circumstances the incoming letters for this period were lost.  Outgoing letters for 1871-1884 are extant.","The outgoing letterbooks (bound volumes) of VMI's first Superintendent Francis H. Smith, who served from 1839-1889. There are no outgoing letters from 1864 August 9-1865 October 30.","Virginia Military Institute printed circular, signed in ink by Superintendent Francis H. Smith, petitioning alumni for donations of \"Curiousities, both literary and natural\" to help establish a Museum at VMI. This examples is dated February 27, 1845, and addressed to William S. Beale, a member of the Class of 1843.","Also mentions addition to Barracks, new Gun House, Society of Cadets Hall, and Library.","Subject Files maintained by the office of VMI's first Superintendent, Francis H. Smith","Applications and letters of recommendations for students applying to VMI, 1839-1864 (gaps).  Includes successful and unsuccessful applicants and some who were accepted but never matriculated.  5 boxes","Faculty applications, historical. Letters of application and supporting letters of recommendation submitted for several faculty and staff positions.  Includes positions of Professor of Modern Languages, Physical Sciences, Steward, Quartermaster.  This file only relates to a few specific positions. 1839-1860; 1884.","Washington College (now Washington and Lee University). Several items, 1845, concerning a complaint lodged by Washington College  against VMI, which ultimately led to a severance of academic ties between the two institutions.   Prof. George Dodd Armstrong represented the College on this issue.  For a full account, see the book 100 Years at VMI (William Couper), vol. 1, pps. 139-147.\nThe file also includes one unrelated  document from 1860.","Includes letter from Francis H. Smith to Dr. Galt inviting him to the statue dedication;  original manuscript of remarks made at the Washington Statue dedication on July 3, 1856 by William B. Taliaferro, Revd. John H. Bowcock,  Francis H. Smith. Information (photocopies, 1864-1866) concerning the confiscation of the statue by Gen. Hunter's troops and its return from West Virginia in 1866, including copies of letters from David H. Strother of Gen. Hunter's staff.","Misc. Later documents (post-Smith era) re: Statue","19th century legal documents.  Records of VMI attorneys Letcher, Maury and Letcher relating to collection of cadet debts after Civil War, 1871-1873","A chronological file, 1843-1848; 1865-1899, containing examples of academic department annual reports from the 19th century. These reports from the various academic departments were submitted to the Superintendent and help to document the early academic history of the Institute.  This file includes early reports by John T. L. Preston (Languages), and Thomas H. Williamson (Engineering), as well as reports by other early faculty members.  The series has many gaps; for example, none from the 1850's. The reports reflect some subjects that are no longer taught, e.g., Latin, drawing, mineralogy. 1 box","Three page memorandum of agreement (July 13, 1870) between sculptor Frederick Volck and VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith.  Volck was to complete a bronze equestrian statue of Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, but the project was never finished.  (See the book \"One Hundred Years at VMI\" by William Couper,  vol 3, p. 212, for an account of Volck's relationship with VMI).","Biographical material and miscellaneous Smith and Smith family personal papers.","Francis H. Smith individual biographical file, compiled over decades.  Contains biographical and genealogical information, clippings, articles and other general information relating to Francis H. Smith and his family.","Unpublished typescript by Francis H. Smith III.  This is the only full length biography of Francis H. Smith and is a useful source for information not found elsewhere.","Miscellaneous Francis H. 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It relates to Smith's biography and tenure as Superintendent/official records.","A chronological file containing originals and copies of Smith's published addresses, speeches, discourses.  These were published in pamphlet form.  VMI owns originals for many; for those not found in the VMI Archives, the staff obtained photocopies from the Library of Virginia."],"userestrict_html_tesm":["\u003cp\u003eThere are no restrictions; fragile and oversized items may have copying or scanning limitations.\u003c/p\u003e\n","\u003cp\u003eCollections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial 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. 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