Collections

Papers and correspondence of three generations of Samuel Barrons, all of whom were involved in naval affairs. Papers, 1793-1809, of Samuel Barron (1765-1810), commander of one of the Mediterranean squadrons sent to defeat Tripoli. Papers concern naval business and the War with Tripoli. Includes correspondence with his brother James Barron, Stephen Decatur, William Eaton (concerning his controversy with Tobias Lear over the Tripolitan peace settlement), Tobias Lear, Edward Preble, John Rodgers, Robert Smith (Secretary of the Navy), and Thomas Truxton. Includes letters written by Preble and Rodgers on board the USS Constitution and letters concerning the capture of William Bainbridge and the seamen of the USS Philadelphia.

This collection contains material relevant to the Battle of Williamsburg, also known as the Battle of Fort Magruder, which took place on May 5, 1862 during the Civil War. Articles describing the events, photographs and sketches, as well as maps, are represented here.

Five prints from various publications depicting the Battles of Williamsburg and surrounding areas including Yorktown and Big Bethel during the Peninsula Campaign conducted by the Union Army and lead by General George B. McClellan in 1862. The prints are drawings showing Union and Confederate soldiers at battle, using barns as hospitals, and marching as they advance toward Richmond.

Papers (including correspondence) of Eva V. Beard, Nannie S. Beard, and John Link Beard of Augusta County, Virginia. Includes letter, 1843, of J. E. Carnes describing a trip by land and river boat from Augusta County, Virginiaa. to Licking County, Ohio (describing Virginia, West Virginia, and Ohio, particularly Cincinnati); a portion of John L. Beard's account book, 1834-1865, listing coffins made; and an order for exchange of Civil War prisoners at Richmond.