This collection is open for research.
The materials from Washington and Lee University Special Collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used should be fully credited with the source.
Donated by Lewis Leigh, Jr. (WLU Law Class of 1963) in circa 1962.
This item was removed from a miscellaneous collection (formerly Coll. 112) and given its own finding aid due to its having a known provenance.
Henry Ruffner Letter to Colonel Thomas Aspinwall (WLU RG 64), Special Collections and Archives, James G. Leyburn Library, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA
This collection consists of a letter handwritten by Washington College President, Henry Ruffner, to Colonel Thomas Aspinwall. At the time, Aspinwall was the American Consul in London. Written shortly after Ruffner was appointed President, the letter thanks Aspinwall for is assistance in obtaining "A Catalogue of 7,385 Stars" for the Washington College Library.
Henry Ruffner served as the President of Washington College from 1836-1848. He was also a professor, minister, and author.
Thomas Aspinwall served during the War of 1812, achieving the rank of Colonel. He was appointed consul to London by President James Madison. He served as a literary agent and liaison and procured books for Americans.