William Gildersleeve Vardell Letters

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for 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 Gildersleeve Vardell Letters, 1862-1863, 1882, Ms1995-016, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.2 Cubic Feet 1 box
Creator:
Vardell, William G. (William Gildersleeve), 1829-1897
Abstract:
William Gildersleeve Vardell (1829-1897) of South Carolina was a Major in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. This collection contains photocopies of 48 wartime letters from Vardell to his wife and 1 letter from 1882 to Mrs. J. Jackson.
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 Gildersleeve Vardell Letters, 1862-1863, 1882, Ms1995-016, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The William Gildersleeve Vardell Letters consist of photocopies of 48 letters from Vardell to his wife Jennie, written between August 1862 and August 1863, while he was encamped in Montgomery, Alabama, and Jackson, Mississippi, during the American Civil War. He writes long and eloquent letters about news and effects of the war and battles, items he would like sent from home, and the strength of his Christian faith, among other topics. One letter is to Mrs. J. Jackson written in October 1882.

Biographical / historical:

William Gildersleeve Vardell (1829-1897) of South Carolina was a Major in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. He served in the Quartermaster's Department attached to the Holcomb Legion and the 17th, 18th, 22nd, and 23rd South Carolina regiments. Vardell married Jane "Jennie" Dickson Bell in 1857 and had eight children with her. Vardell became a Presbyterian minister in 1885 and served as the pastor of Johns Island Presbyterian Church from 1885 to 1897.

External Source:

"William Gildersleeve Vardell" family tree, Ancestry.com, https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/family-tree/person/tree/89329983/person/77006437231/facts, accessed December 2023.

Acquisition information:
The collection was donated to Special Collections and University Archives prior to 2002.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the William Gildersleeve Vardell Letters was completed in December 2023.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard