William B. Gallaher Papers, 1861

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Dr.
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 26041-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Restrictions:

The collection is open to research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], William B. Gallaher Papers, Ms1991-062, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Gallaher, William B.
Abstract:
Two letters written by William B. Gallaher, serving in in Company E, 1st Virginia Cavalry, during the American Civil War (including a letter written on the eve of the First Battle of Bull Run), accompanied by a document certifying Gallaher's promotion from private to first lieutenant.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], William B. Gallaher Papers, Ms1991-062, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains papers of William B. Gallaher, who served in Company E, 1st Virginia Cavalry during the American Civil War. Included are two letters written by Gallaher to his parents. Writing to his father while on picket duty near Harpers Ferry, (West) Virginia, on May 27, 1861, Gallaher notes that a local resident has generously provisioned them with food and milk. ("We are enjoying ourselves very much," he writes.) Gallaher writes at length about his personal business affairs, then relays word of the killing of Elmer E. Ellsworth at Alexandria, and other war news, before mentioning some recent purchases of firearms, including a Sharps rifle and a Colt revolving rifle. In the second letter, addressed to his mother from Manassas Junction, Virginia, on July 20, 1861 (the eve of the First Battle of Bull Run), Gallaher writes of the uncertainty of his future movements, the ready availability of food, the scarcity of water, and briefly describes a recent battle, probably the Battle of Blackburn's Ford. The collection also includes a document, dated August 6, 1861, certifying Gallaher's promotion from private to lieutenant.

Biographical / historical:

William Bowen Gallaher, son of Hugh and Elizabeth Catherine Bowen Gallaher, was born in Shepherdstown, (West) Virginia on February 10, 1840. He attended Georgetown College and Waynesboro Academy before graduating from Virginia Military Institute in 1860. On April 19, 1861, Gallaher enlisted in Company E, 1st Virginia Cavalry at Waynesboro, Virginia. He was promoted to lieutenant on July 4, and was placed on detached duty to serve on the staff of General Joseph E. Johnston. Gallaher tendered his resignation on August 11, reportedly due to ill health, and returned home to assume charge of a tannery producing leather for the Confederacy. Gallaher married Amelia Frances Briscoe (1845-1911) in Jefferson County, West Virginia, on August 8, 1864. Following the war, the Gallahers moved to "Springdale," an estate near Waynesboro, Virginia, where their six children were born, and later moved into Waynesboro. William B. Gallaher died February 19, 1911, and was buried in Riverview Cemetery, Waynesboro.

Acquisition information:
The William B. Gallaher Papers were purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1991.
Processing information:

The processing and description of the William B. Gallaher Papers commenced and was completed in October, 2022.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard