This collection consists of two items of correspondence, including a telegram (dated May 16, 1864) sent by Cadet William N. Radford to his father Edmund W. Radford after the Battle of New Market, Virginia. The collection also includes a holograph note (dated May 15, 1864) from Cadet William M. Chalmers to his mother Sarah E. Coleman.
William Norvell Radford was born in 1846 in Lynchburg, Virginia. He graduated from VMI in 1867 and was a New Market cadet. He went on to become a farmer. Radford died in 1872 in Bedford County, Virginia.
William Murray Chalmers was born in 1845 in Halifax County, Virginia. He graduated from VMI in 1867 and was a New Market cadet. He went on to become a teacher. Chalmers died in 1895 in Danville, Virginia.
There are no restrictions
Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.
William N. Radford papers, 1864. MS 0380. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.
The Southern Telegraph Companies.
Lynchburg May 16, 1864. 12 o'clock.
By telegraph from New Market to Wm. W. Norvell
I escaped unhurt n the fight yesterday will probably return to Lexington inday or so W N Radford.
Written from Lynchburg, Virginia. Telegram regards surviving the Battle of New Market, Virginia.
New Market
Shenandoah May 15
Dear [mother]
We had a fight this evening I am unhurt a great many of the Corps killed. We will return to Lex now I expect. Yankees retreating.
Devotedly Wm.
Written from New Market, Virginia. Letter regards surviving the Battle of New Market, Virginia.