The collection is open for research.
The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.
Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], John McCauley Letters, Ms2009-075, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
The first of the John McCauley Letters was purchased by Special Collections in 1994. The second letter was purchased in 2014.
The processing and description of the John McCauley Letters commenced and was completed in May 2009. Additional processing was completed in July 2017.
John McCauley was a resident of Salem, Virginia during the American Civil War. He was most likely the same John McCauley (1795-1864) who played a prominent role in the formation of Roanoke County and represented the county in the Virginia General Assembly for approximately 17 years. With his second wife, Susan Dingledine McCauley, he fathered eight children: William, Calpernia, Isabella J., Virginia V., Edward A. (born ca. 1844), Charles A., Mary M., and Antoinette ("Nettie"). Another four children had been born to an earlier marriage.
This collection consists of a letter from John McCauley, a resident of Salem, Virginia during the American Civil War. Writing from Salem to "Edward" (most likely Edward A. McCauley) McCauley describes his recent trip and arrival at home. He advises Edward against accompanying his fellow soldiers when they steal from the local populace at night. ("You are stationary. There are few of you, and once suspected, the innocent among you will suffer in character with the guilty," he warns.) McCauley also relays news of an upcoming benefit exhibition being staged for soldiers in the area, to include "dialogues, music, tableau and a supper." McCauley predicts that the event will draw "a big crowd of spectators... if the small pox does not so spread as to prevent it."
The collection also includes a letter to "Susan," detailing excitement around the regiment's experiences in First Bull Run, written from Wytheville, July 1861.
The guide to the John McCauley Letters by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/).