Collections : [University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.]

University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.

Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 400110
170 McCormick Rd
Charlottesville, Virginia 22904-4110
Primary Collecting Areas:
American literature, antiquarian and contemporary, American history (Southeastern United States), Virginiana, British literature, Sporting books and manuscripts, World War I, Bibliography, the book arts, history of the book and typography
Fine press and artist’s books, Pop-up books, Victorian publishers bindings, Typography, Archives of the University of Virginia
Description:

The Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library administers over 13 million manuscripts, 3.6 million items in the University archives, and 325,000 rare books, as well as approximately 5,000 maps, over 4,000 broadsides; more than 250,000 photographs and small prints; over 8,000 reels of microfilm; and substantial holdings of audio recordings, motion picture films, and ephemera.

The major emphasis of the Department’s collections are American history and literature, with additional substantive collections in Virginiana, British literature, African-American history, book arts, the history of sporting and World War I, among others. In addition, the library serves as the University Archives, holding records of historic significance to UVA.

POC: Special Collections Public Services & Reference Staff
Phone: (434) 243-1776
Fax: (434) 924-4968
Start Over Repository University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept. Date range 1857

Robert Mercer Taliaferro Hunter (1809-1887) to George Washington Lewis, 2 letters, 1846/1862 1 folder(s) Box 1, Folder 25

Expresses his concern that Lewis had not received his second letter containing the papers which he returned since nothing more could be done with them at his office and he was afraid he would misplace them (April 6, 1846). Hunter plans on sending a letter to Confederate President Jefferson Davis with the valuable information that Lewis has sent. The Virginia generals expect the enemy to send troops from Fredericksburg to General George McClellan but will not know it until they receive the news through Lewis. He believes that McClellan is probably preparing for another effort but where he will re-organize his forces was a matter of doubt when Hunter left Richmond (July 8, 1862).

  1. University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.
  2. George Washington Lewis papers, 1805/1966
  3. Correspondence

Robert Wormeley Carter II (1792-1861), "Sabine Hall," to George Washington Lewis, 3 letters, 1846/1858 1 folder(s) Box 1, Folder 11

Carter, while declining to be a candidate for political office, expresses grave concern over the recent action by the United States, termed by him the "rapid acquisition of foreign territory by the proclamation of our royal masters pro-consuls? What has become of the Constitution, and those who were so zealous in its defense?" in his letter of December 10, 1846.

  1. University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.
  2. George Washington Lewis papers, 1805/1966
  3. Correspondence

Rockbridge Alum Springs, Virginia copper printing plate, 1850/1882 .03 Cubic Feet 1 folder (letter)

This collection contains a copper plate engraved with a scene from Rockbridge Alum Springs. The resort name is diplayed in script at the top of the plate. It shows the main pavilion of the Alum Spring resort, built to supply spring water and various visitors to the springs, including horse-drawn carriages, ladies with parasols, and men loading crates of "Alum water" onto wagons.

  1. University of Virginia, Special Collections Dept.

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