Henry H. Dedrick collection, 1861/1865

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Military Institute Archives
Preston Library
Virginia Military Institute
345 Letcher Ave.
Lexington, VA 24450-0304
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Jeffrey S. Kozak
Phone: (540) 464-7516
Phone: (540) 464-7566
Fax: (540) 464-7089
Restrictions:

There are no restrictions

Terms of access:

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.

Preferred citation:

Henry H. Dedrick collection. MS 0332. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.

Summary

Extent:
0.25 Linear Feet 32 items
Creator:
Dedrick, Henry H., 1836-1921 and Dedrick (Balsley), Mary E. A. (Mary Elizabeth Ann), 1840-1925
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Henry H. Dedrick collection. MS 0332. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of correspondence of Confederate soldier Henry H. Dedrick, a Private in the 52nd Virginia Infantry Regiment. A bulk of the correspondence consists of letters to and from his wife, Mary E. A. Dedrick (Balsley) ("Lissa" or "Lizza"). Subjects include camp life, regimental activities, family and personal news, and hardships endured by civilians. The letter dated May 10-11, 1863 mentions the wounding and death of General Stonewall Jackson.

Biographical / historical:

Henry H. Dedrick, was born on May 17, 1836 in Rockingham County, Virginia, and was a farmer in that county until the beginning of the Civi War. On July 15, 1861 he enlisted in the 52nd Virginia Infantry at Waynesboro, Virginia. The following is a summary of Dedrick's service record:

  • Present November 1861 to April 1862
  • Reenlisted on May 1, 1862
  • Wounded in action at Cross Keys (Virginia) on June 8, 1862 and Gaines Mill (Virginia) on June 27, 1862
  • Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL) from July 18, 1862 to April 19, 1863
  • Fined all pay from July 18, 1862 to August 1, 1863
  • Present from July 3 through 27, 1863
  • AWOL from July 27 through October, 1863
  • Deserted to the enemy at Clarksburg, West Virginia on October 24, 1863
After the war, Dedrick returned to Virginia and was a farmer in Augusta County, Virginia until his death there on November 10, 1921. He is buried in Sherando Methodist Church Cemetery.

Physical location:
Manuscripts stacks