Additional Papers of Thomas Lafayette Rosser

Access and use

Location of collection:
University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.
Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 400110
160 McCormick Rd
Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4110
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Brenda Gunn
Phone: (434) 924-1037
Phone: (434) 243-1776
Fax: (434) 924-4968
Restrictions:

There are no restrictions.

Terms of access:

See the University of Virginia Library’s use policy.

Preferred citation:

Additional Papers of Thomas Lafayette Rosser, Accession #1171-d, -e, -f, Special Collections Dept., University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Va.

Summary

Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Additional Papers of Thomas Lafayette Rosser, Accession #1171-d, -e, -f, Special Collections Dept., University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of ca. 138 items (2 Hollinger boxes) of correspondence, photographs, stereoscopic views, bound volumes, and printed materials relating to Thomas L. Rosser (1836-1910), the assistant chief of construction for the Northern Pacific Railroad and a former Confederate general. Most of the correspondence is comprised of letters from Rosser to his sons, Thomas, Jr., and William, while both were attending school in Virginia. Also included is a letter from General Joseph E. Johnston to Robert E. Lee, 1862, concerning the evacuation of Norfolk, Virginia.

Of great interest are two of Rosser's diaries for the years 1872 and 1873 in which he recorded his activities in the Dakota Territory and on business trips to Chicago, New York, and Washington. Several entries concern his invention of a combination canal-railroad canal lock. In the diary for 1873, General Philip Sheridan is briefly mentioned as is George Armstrong Custer, who had the assignment of protecting expeditions venturing into Indian territories. In this same diary Rosser recounts his difficulties resulting from the Panic of 1873, which was caused by unrestrainted speculation in railroad construction and wil investment schemes, and was touched off by the failure of Jay Cooke and Company, financier of the Northern Pacific. Rosser had to sell the company's equipment at auction and find other work during this period while taking care of his family. He eventually found employment as chief engineer for the Canadian Pacific Railroad, a post he held until his retirement in 1885.

Rosser's letterbook, 1871-1872, complements the diaries and contains receipts, business correspondence, a payroll, salary vouchers, memoranda on unfinished work in each section, and notes on his survey of the Dakota Territory. Ira Spaulding, Samuel B. Holabird, and Winfield S. Hitchcock are correspondents.

Fifty-two stereoscopic views and seven photographs show scenes of Minnesota and Ontario at the time Rosser lived and traveled there while employed by the Northern Pacific and, subsequently, the Canadian Pacific railroads. Some views of other places around the world are included. Other photographs in this collection chiefly pertain to the Rosser and related families.

Acquisition information:
These additions to the Rosser papers were a gift to the Library from Miss Barbara Rosser of Charlottesville, Virginia, on September 25 and October 9, 1980, and on January 26, 1981.
Physical description:
This collection consists of ca. 138 items.