James R. Dobbyn letter

Access and use

Location of collection:
College of William and Mary
Special Collections Research Center
Earl Gregg Swem Library
College of William and Mary
400 Landrum Drive
PO 8795
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (757) 221-3090
Fax: (757) 221-5440
Restrictions:

Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.

Terms of access:

Before publishing quotations or excerpts from any materials, permission must be obtained from the Curator of Manuscripts and Rare Books, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.

Preferred citation:

James R. Dobbyn letter, Special Collections Research Center, William & Mary Libraries.

Summary

Extent:
.1 Linear Feet 1 legal size folder
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

James R. Dobbyn letter, Special Collections Research Center, William & Mary Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains 1 letter written and signed by James R Dobbyn to his brother in 1864. The letter was written while Dobbyn was serving in the 2nd US Colored Cavalry of the Union Army during the US Civil War. The collection also contains a typed transcription of the letter.

Biographical / historical:

James R. Dobbyn (1836-1912) was a carpenter in Washington, D.C. He enlisted in the 1st District of Columbia Cavalry in June 1863. His regiment was formed for the defense of the Federal Capital, but was transfered to the Department of Virgina and North Carolina in 1864. In March of 1864 Dobbyn's letter indicates he was in Great Bridge, VA.

The letter mentions a skirmish between an all-Black cavalry regiment, thought to be the 2nd United States Colored Cavalry, and Confederate forces near Suffolk, VA. The letter also lists prices for eggs and sweet potatoes.

Acquisition information:
Purchased with the Lilia S. H. Swem Fund.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard