A Confederate Woman's Civil War Journal, 1860/1866

Access and use

Location of collection:
University of Richmond
Rare Books and Special Collections
Boatwright Library
University of Richmond
28 Westhampton Way
Richmond, VA 23173
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Lynda Kachurek
Phone: (804) 289-8458
Fax: (804) 287-1840
Restrictions:

There are no restrictions on accessing material in this collection.

Terms of access:

Copyright restrictions may apply. Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.

Preferred citation:

[page, volume] SC-12, Confederate Woman's Civil War Journal. Book Arts, Archives, & Rare Books, Boatwright Memorial Library, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia.

Summary

Extent:
3 Volumes and .5 Linear Feet
Abstract:
This journal contains 3 volumes written by an unknown Confederate woman between the years of 1860 to 1866. Although it mostly focuses on her introspective religious musings and daily activities, some entries contain information on family, friends, battles, and troops during the war.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[page, volume] SC-12, Confederate Woman's Civil War Journal. Book Arts, Archives, & Rare Books, Boatwright Memorial Library, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia.

Background

Scope and content:

Volume 1 begins on January 1, 1860, and ends on January 1, 1861, with some gaps in daily entries. Most entries are introspective and religious in focus. Occasional details are included in the entries along with lyrics, hymns, and lines from poetry.

Volume 2 begins on January 1, 1861, and ends on December 31, 1862, with some gaps in daily entries. As with the first volume, most entries are focused on religious sentiments, but this volume does contain additional details in some entries about troop movements, battles, and occasional references to friends and family.

Volume 3 begins on January 1, 1863, and ends on October 11, 1866, though there are significant gaps in daily entries, especially as the journal ends. As with earlier volumes, the entries are focused on religious thinking but some information about troops, friends, and family are woven in throughout. It should be noted the middle section of this volume is written in very light ink.

Biographical / historical:

An undated note penciled in the front of the first journal volume states the following information: "Per the 1860 Alexandria Census the writer appears to be Alice Atkins." No further information about the author is currently available.

Acquisition information:
Anonymous donation prior to 2012.
Arrangement:

The three volumes are arranged in the slipcase in chronological order.

Physical / technical requirements:

Three bound volumes (7.5" x 6" x .5") housed in custom slipcase; some loose pages/bindings; handwritten primarily in ink in neat cursive with some entries in the third volume in very light ink.