Funding:
Web version of the finding aid funded in part by a
grant from the National Endowment for the
Humanities.
Processed by:
Description Services Branch Staff
Repository
Library of Virginia
Accession number
28154
Title
Henry Thweatt Owen Papers,
1822-1929
Physical Characteristics
0.45 cubic
feet.
Physical Location
Personal Papers Collection,
Acc. 28154.
Language
English
Note
Emerson G. Whiteside lent this collection for copying
over a period of years. These photocopies were filed as
Accessions 21918, 22000, and 26092. The original material
was gradually given to the library (Accessions 26091,
27683, 27774, and 28154). With the receipt of Accession
28154, the photocopies was given to the Virginia Historical
Society. The various accessions comprising the Henry
Thweatt Owen Papers (Accessions 26091, 27683, 27774, and
28154) are interfiled with Accession 28154. Also interfiled
are the Owen Papers (Accession 23838) given to the Library
by Constance Watson.
Born 28 July 1831, Henry Thweatt Owen entered the
Confederate Army as a Captain of Company C, 18th Virginia
Infantry Regiment on 23 April 1861 in Burkeville, Virginia. He
was arrested on 5 June 1861, but by order of court martial was
restored to command on 1 July 1861. He was again placed under
arrest, this time for disobeying orders in regard to some sick
men in his company, on 11 September 1861, by order of Colonel
R. E. Withers, his commanding officer, and was cashiered on 22
November 1861. However, his order of cashier was vacated, and
he was elected Captain by his company on 26 April 1862. He was
reported absent from the lines in Chesterfield County,
Virginia, on 28 December 1864, by reason of his being under
arrest and imprisoned in Castle Thunder. The reasons for
Owen's frequent arrests remain a mystery, except for the
arrest of 11 September 1861, and even in this case the matter
is only partially explained in a letter of 29 March 1902 from
Owen to Colonel R. E. Withers. Owen's war letters mention his
arrests, but give no reasons.
Following the war, he served as a clerk in the Second
Auditor's Office in Richmond and devoted his spare time to
investigating the Land Office records for genealogical
information, and compiled preliminary maps showing plats of
land grants in Prince Edward County. His wife was named
Harriet, who bore him twelve children: Elizabeth Mildred
(1852-1867), Henry Clay (1853-1883), Michael Melancthon
(1856-1949), Harriet Louisa (b. 1860), Jacqueline Rosa (b.
1865), William Temple (1867-1879), Herman S. (b. 1868),
Benjamin Hilton (1868-1896), Sallie Marshall (b. 1871), Helen
Mercer (b. 1873), Mary Eliza (Mamie) (b. 1875), and Charles
Archer (1877-1879). Owen died in Richmond on 8 October
1921.
Papers, 1822-1929, including a will (29 April 1822) and
estate inventory (28 November 1825) of Ann Owen of Prince
Edward County, letters, land records, military papers, lists
of casualties and units at Gettysburg, a diary kept during the
Civil War from 10 February to 10 July 1863, reminiscences of
service during the Civil War, drafts of articles concerning
the Civil War, poetry, a newspaper (Charlottesville Gazette,
15 May 1884), photographs of Henry Thweatt Owen, the papers of
James Whiteside, maps, broadsides, and lists of coupons issued
under Acts of 1871, 1879, and 1892 and paid into the Second
Auditor's Office.
The letters, 1856-1924, comprise the bulk of the collection
and concern Owen's military service, his desire for historical
accuracy regarding the role of Pickett's Division in the
Gettysburg campaign, postwar Virginia politics, and his career
in the Second Auditor's Office. Correspondents includes James
Lawson Kemper, James Longstreet, Philip W. McKinney, William
Mahone, Charles Marshall, Roger A. Pryor, and Frank G.
Ruffin.
The military papers, 6 November 1862 - 8 August 1864,
include letters, orders, and receipts of a military nature,
especially concerning Union prisoners assembled for exchange
at City Point. Lists of casualties and units at Gettysburg,
n.d., include estimates of Union strength, company rosters,
and lists of officers killed and wounded in Pickett's Charge.
Diary, 10 February - 10 July 1863, traces the movements of the
18th Virginia Infantry Regiment from Petersburg through the
retreat from Gettysburg.
Reminiscences are of Owen's service during the Civil War,
Pickett's division, the Battle of South Mountain, and
Pickett's Charge. James Whiteside papers, 1863-1893, include a
discharge from the 46th Pennsylvania Militia Regiment, survey
and plat of land in Charlotte County, receipts, and
accounts.
The maps include a railroad map of the United States with
an emphasis on distances between San Francisco and Richmond
(before 1889); a plat of Old Point Comfort (1891); plats,
surveys, and notes concerning early settlers in Prince Edward
County (ca. 1728 - ca. 1783, n.d.); plats and maps of property
in and near the town of Virso, Prince Edward and Lunenburg
Counties (ca. 1920 - ca. 1924); and a map of the first day of
the Battle of Gettysburg (1876). These maps are located in Map
cabinet 22, drawer 1. The lists of coupons issued under
Acts of 1871, 1879, 1892 and paid into the Second Auditor's
Office are printed forms, filled in. The broadside and lists
of coupon are located in Map cabinet 22, drawer 1.
The broadsides consist of: "To the
Survivors of Pickett's Division," 15 December 1887, and
"Garnett's Brigade," n.d. are currently unavailable.
Organized into the following sixteen series: I. Ann Owen
Papers, 1822, 1825. II. Letters, 1856-1924. III. Land Records,
1894-1928. IV. Military Papers, 1862-1864. V. Lists of
Casualties and Units at Gettysburg. VI. Diary, 10 February-10
July 1863. VII. Reminiscences. VIII. Draft of Articles. IX.
Poetry. X. Newspaper. XI. Photographs. XII. James Whiteside
Papers, 1863-1893. XIII. Plat Books. XIV. Maps. XV.
Broadsides. XVI. Second Auditor's Office.
Henry T. Owen, Blacksburg, Virginia, to his
wife [Harriet Owen], concerning his trip, the view
from Peaks of Otter, and the quality of the land and
crops in the area.
Folder 2
28 August 1861
4 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Camp near Centreville"
[Fairfax County], Virginia, to his wife [Harriet
Owen], on his own recent illness, the myth of rampant
sickness in the army, his objections to married men
in service, financial matters, and
education.
Folder 2
9 October 1861
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Fairfax Court House,
Virginia, to his wife [Harriet Owen], sending a bag
of chestnuts, discussing financial affairs,
commenting on the possibilities of a battle, and
mentioning that his case (not described) has not yet
been brought before a court martial.
Folder 2
7-8 November 1861
4 p.
Henry T. Owen, Centreville, Virginia, to
his wife [Harriet Owen], concerning family financial
affairs, and describing the departure of his former
lawyer and the postponement of his trial.
Folder 2
12 March 1862
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Camp Wise, Richmond,
Virginia, to Harriet Owen, reporting rumors of
retreat from Manassas.
Folder 2
14 March 1864
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Camp Wise, Richmond,
Virginia, to Harriet Owen [Nottoway County,
Virginia], reporting on life in camp and asking her
to assist the men getting more recruits for his
company.
Folder 2
18 March 1862
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Gordonsville, Virginia, to
Harriet Owen [Nottoway County, Virginia], describing
move to Gordonsville from Richmond and rumors of his
regiment's retreat toward Richmond.
Folder 2
10 April 1862
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Louisa County, Virginia, to
Harriet Owen [Nottoway County, Virginia], concerning
the army's marches and counter marches between Louisa
Court House and Fredericksburg, and Harriet Owen's
health.
Folder 2
Letter,
11 April 1862
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Louisa Court House,
Virginia, to Harriet Owen [Nottoway County,
Virginia], regarding the army's proposed march to
Richmond, and suggesting means by which she could
travel there to see him.
Folder 2
Letter,
20 April 1862
4 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Camp near Yortown,"
Virginia, to Harriet Owen [Nottoway County,
Virginia], bemoaning the lack of mail and the fact
that they were unable to meet in Richmond, and
describing life in the woods.
Folder 2
24 April 1862
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Camp near Yorktown,"
Virginia, to Harriet Owen [Nottoway County,
Virginia], on their children and her
health.
Folder 2
27 April 1862
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Camp near Yorktown,"
Virginia, to Harriet Owen {Nottoway County,
Virginia], reporting his election as captain of the
company.
Folder 2
6 May 1862
4 p.
Henry T. Owen, "On march from
Williamsburg," Virginia, to Harriet Owen [Nottoway
County, Virginia], describing his first battle as
captain and listing the dead and wounded.
Folder 2
11 May 1862
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, [Chickahominy River]
Virginia, to Harriet Owen [Nottoway County,
Virginia], describing the recovery of some of the
soldiers wounded in the recent battle, and on family
matters.
Folder 2
21 May 1862
4 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Laurel Hill Church below
Richmond," to Harriet Owen [Nottoway County,
Virginia], concerning her proposed move to Prince
Edward County and the weak patriotism of some of her
neighbors, providing further news on the recovery of
the wounded, and commenting on her news.
Folder 2
1 June 1862
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, "York River Rail Road 6
miles Below Richmond," Virginia, to his wife [Harriet
Owen], describing the battle he was in that day,
listing the killed and wounded, and reassuring her
that he was safe.
Folder 2
12 June 1862
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Camp near Richmond,"
Virginia, to Harriet Owen, giving war news and
encouraging her to send their son Clay to visit him
in camp.
Folder 2
16 June 1862
4 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Wmsbg Road Below Richmond,"
Virginia, to Harriet Owen, describing an opportunity
for a visit home which duty compelled him to pass up
in favor of one of his Lieutenants, and his sadness
over the depleted ranks of his company.
Folder 2
21 June 1862
2 p.
Henry T. Owen to his wife [Harriet Owen],
relating a story of the capture and punishment of a
deserter.
Folder 2
28 June 1862
2 p.
Henry T. Owen to his wife [Harriet Owen],
listing wounded in "battles of the last two days"; he
himself had been ill and stayed in camp.
Folder 2
30 June 1862
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, "On Wmsburg Road," Virginia,
to Harriet Owen, discussing his recovery and the
battles of the past few days, and expressing the hope
that McClellan will soon be surrounded and forced to
surrender
Folder 2
16 July 1862
4 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Camp below Richmond, Darby
Town Road," to Harriet Owen, on the subject of his
farm and crops, and a deserter.
Folder 2
27 July 1862
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, "In Camp [Richmond,
Virginia]," to Harriet Owen, sending her some of his
clothing and blankets, and some newspapers, and
discussing family matters.
Folder 2
31 August 1862
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Manassas Plains [Prince
William County, Virginia]," to Harriet Owen,
describing Second Battle of Manassas and listing the
killed and wounded in his regiment.
Folder 2
7 November 1862
4 p., fragment.
Henry T. Owen, "Camp near Culpeper Court
House," Virginia, to Harriet Owen, describing his
snug lean-to, the cold, snowy weather, and waxing
literary on "the far off, dull, sullen muttering of
the deep mouthed cannon."
Folder 2
14 December 1862
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Camp near Fredericksburg,"
Virginia, to Harriet Owen, on the battles around
Fredericksburg in which his unit has not been
engaged.
Folder 2
14 March 1863
4 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Pitt Co., N.C.," to Harriet
Owen, describing the march through North Carolina, a
swamp near the camp, and his brigade's regret at
being detached temporarily from General Pickett's
command.
Folder 2
6 April 1863
4 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Camp before Washington,
N.C.," to his daughter, "Miss E. Millie Owen," asking
for a letter from her, describing his hardships, and
telling the story of a little boy who had never seen
hardtack before.
Folder 2
13 June 1863
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Culpeper Court House,
Virginia, to his wife [Harriet Owen], speculating
about where the army might go, recommending study and
discipline for his children, and hoping his son might
come to visit him.
Folder 2
16 June 1863
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Rappahannock Co., Virginia,
to Harriet Owen, regarding the uncertainty of their
destination or route of march, and his religious
conversion to Presbyterianism.
Folder 2
21 June 1863
4 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Bivouac near Berryville,
Clarke Co., Va.," to Harriet Owen, describing their
march by the Shenandoah River, mentioning people they
both know, speculating on his chances for promotion
now that the sentence of cashier (no reason given)
has been removed by the Secretary of War, and
discussing religion and family matters.
Folder 2
18 July 1863
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Bunker Hill, Berkeley
County, Virginia, to Harriet Owen, concerning the
prisoners taken by his unit at Gettysburg and telling
a long story about one of them, Captain Frank R.
Josselyn of Massachusetts.
Folder 2
22 July 1863
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Near Front Royale,"
Virginia, to Harriet Owen, about his leading the
remaining sixty-three men of his regiment against
enemy cavalry at Chester Gap, and news of
friends.
Folder 2
24 July 1863
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Culpeper Court House,
Virginia, to Harriet Owen, concerning his sadness at
so many of his men and comrades no longer being with
him, and giving news of some local
soldiers.
Folder 2
7 September 1863
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Orange County, Virginia, to
his son, Henry Clay Owen, on family friends and
matters.
Folder 2
27 September 1863
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Petersburg, Virginia, to his
wife [Harriet Owen], regarding his possible posting
to City Point and his desire to have his sons Michael
and Clay sent to join him in camp.
Folder 2
21 December 1863
8 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to his
wife [Harriet Owen], giving a long pious discourse on
God's blessings on them after his wife had lost her
trunk and its contents.
Folder 2
8 February 1864
4 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to
Harriet Owen, on family matters and
friends.
Folder 2
18 April 1864
4 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to his
son [Henry Clay Owen], on his studies and family
matters.
Folder 2
16 May 1864
4 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to his
wife [Harriet Owen], describing enemy movements in
Powhatan and Amelia Counties, and the battles between
Richmond and Petersburg.
Folder 2
20 May 1864
4 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to
Harriet Owen, concerning the mail and the battle near
Richmond.
Folder 2
28 July 1864
4 p.
W. H. H. Ewing to "Dear Uncle," Henry T.
Owen, Moore's Ordinary, Virginia, with war news and
family talk.
Folder 2
22 August 1864
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Chester Station, Virginia,
to his wife [Harriet Owen], concerning family
financial matters, war news, and the health of
soldiers from home.
Folder 2
1 October 1864
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Chester Station, Virginia,
to his wife [Harriet Owen], regarding soldiers from
home, fighting near Richmond, and his feeling that
Grant would probably capture Richmond and Petersburg
within a month.
Folder 2
9 October 1864
4 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Trenches near Chester,
Va.," to his wife [Harriet Owen], concerning his
brother's possible death or capture, and some war
news.
Folder 2
3 November 1864
4 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Near Chester Station, Va.,"
to his wife [Harriet Owen], regarding food sent from
home, his relief over hearing his brother was safe,
and family matters.
Folder 2
22 November 1864
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Castle Thunder [Richmond,
Virginia], to his wife [Harriet Owen], concerning his
imprisonment (charges not mentioned).
Folder 2
1 December 1864
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Castle Thunder [Richmond,
Virginia], to his wife [Harriet Owen], requesting
food, clothing, and books, and speculating on his
trial date.
Folder 2
[Saturday morning, 1864]
1 p.
Henry T. Owen to his wife [Harriet Owen],
saying that he is sick and will meet her and her
father at the depot on Monday.
Folder 2
[1864]
2 p.
Henry T. Owen to his wife [Harriet Owen],
concerning money, crops, and war news.
Folder 3
10 September 1869
1 p.
Henry T. Owen, appointment as Commissioner
in Chancery for the Circuit Court of Prince Edward
County, Virginia.
Folder 3
16 May 1876
1 p.
Roger A. Pryor, New York, New York, to
Colonel Henry T. Owen, informing him that he is
returning Owen's manuscript, and regrets that he
could not find a publisher.
Folder 3
27 January 1878
2 p., fragment.
[Henry T. Owen], Green Bay P. O., Prince
Edward County, Virginia, to Colonel Charles Marshall,
Baltimore, Maryland, taking issue with Longstreet's
recently published letter concerning Lee's actions
after Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg, and relating
his encounter with Marshall after the
charge.
Folder 3
28 January 1878
6 p.
Charles Marshall, Baltimore, Maryland, to
Captain H. S. Owen [sic], Green Bay [Prince Edward
County, Virginia], concerning Lee's actions and
statements after Pickett's Charge, and the orders
directing Pickett to move his troops from
Chambersburg to Gettysburg.
Folder 3
1 February 1878
2 p.
J. L. Kemper, Madison, Virginia, to Captain
Henry T. Owen, stating that he did not know what
orders passed between Longstreet and Pickett
regarding the latter's march from Chambersburg to
Gettysburg.
Folder 3
15 February 1878
1 p.
William Smith, Warrenton, Virginia, to
Henry T. Owen, regretting he could not locate the
wherabouts of Leonidas Smith, and mentioning a
service he did for Owen but had forgotten
about.
Folder 3
23 February 1878
1 p.
Charles Pickett, Norfolk, Virginia, to
Captain Henry T. Owen, estimating the size of Major
General George E. Pickett's command at Gettysburg at
4,800 men.
Folder 3
4 March 1878
1 p.
J. L. Kemper, Madison, Virginia, to Captain
Henry T. Owen, regarding the position of Pickett's
dividion and Kemper's brigade.
Folder 3
15 March 1878
2 p.
Z. A Blanton , Farmville, Virginia, to
Captain Henry T. Owen, responding to questions
regarding the units under Pickett's command at
Gettysburg.
Folder 3
24 March 1878
6 p.
James Longstreet, Gainsville [sic],
Georgia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, Green Bay [Prince
Edward County], Virginia, concerning the aftermath of
the Battle of Gettysburg, Lee's words and actions,
the literature on the battle, and Owen's planned
writings on the subject.
Folder 3
28 March 1878
2 p.
Z. A. Blanton, Farmville, Virginia, to
Captain Henry T. Owen, concerning Blanton's part in
the Battle of Gettysburg and Pickett's
charge.
Folder 3
30 March 1878
3 p.
Charles Pickett, Norfolk, Virginia, to
Captain Henry T. Owen, Green Bay {Prince Edward
County], Virginia, concerning the march of Major
General George E. Pickett's troops to Gettysburg and
their position prior to the charge of 3 July
1863.
Folder 3
7 April 1878
2 p.
George C. Cabell, House of Representatives,
Washington, D. C., to Captain Henry T. Owen,
regarding the activities of his unit around Manassas
Gap, Virginia, after the Battle of
Gettysburg.
Folder 3
8 April 1878
4 p.
W. J. Morrissett, Bristol, Tennessee, to
Captain Henry T. Owen, stating that he has tried to
forget the war and look to the future, but attempting
to describe the march of Pickett's troops to
Gettysburg.
Folder 3
8 April 1878
2 p.
John S. Hayes, Afton [Nelson County],
Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, Green Bay [Prince
Edward County], Virginia, concerning Hayes' recent
illness and loss of sight in one eye, his closeness
to General Lee during the Gettysburg campaign, and
the activities of Pickett's division at
Gettysburg.
Folder 3
14 April 1878
2 p.
James A. Holland, Glade Hill, Franklin
County, Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, regarding
the extra duties of Pickett's division while in
Chambersburg, their arrival at Gettysburg, and
estimates of the losses suffered in Pickett's
Charge.
Folder 3
15 April 1878
5 p.
John S. Hayes, Afton [Nelson County],
Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, Green Bay [Prince
Edward County], Virginia, giving detailed accounts of
conversations between Generals Lee and Longstreet
during the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg, and
expressing interest in looking at any manuscript Owen
may have written about the war.
Folder 3
15 April 1878
2 p.
Roger A. Pryor, New York, New York, to
Colonel [Henry T.] Owen, reporting that Owen's
manuscript had been received by him, and expressing
little hope that it could be published.
Folder 3
21 April 1878
1 p.
James Longstreet, Gainesville, Georgia, to
Major Henry T. Owen, Virginia, concerning the debate
over Pickett's time of arrival at Gettysburg from
Chambersburg.
Folder 3
5 May 1878
1 p.
James Longstreet, Gainesville, Georgia, to
[Henry T. Owen], thanking him for his letter and
admitting that both Lee and himself were mistaken as
to the time of Pickett's arrival at
Gettysburg.
Folder 3
9 July 1878
1 p.
Edmund R. Cocke, Oakland, Virginia, to
Captain Henry T. Owen, Green Bay [Prince Edward
County], Virginia, in regard to Pickett's time of
arrival at Gettysburg from Chambersburg.
Folder 3
18 August 1878
4 p.
Edward R. Baird, Occupacia, Essex County,
Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, concerning the
Pickett controversy, stating that Pickett had
reported personally to Longstreet, who had then
ordered the division into camp for the
night.
Folder 3
6 September 1878
2 p.
James Longstreet, Gainesville, Georgia, to
Major Henry T. Owen, Green Bay [Prince Edward
County], Virginia, concerning Pickett's arrival at
Gettysburg and the conversations between himself and
Lee as reported by Hayes (see the letter of 15 April
1878 above).
Folder 3
11 November 1878
5 p.
[Henry T. Owen], Green Bay, Prince Edward
County, Virginia, to Richard Irby, correcting errors
in Irby's bok, particularly an account of part of the
First Battle of Manassas.
Folder 3
25 November 1878
2 p.
Richard Irby, Ashland [Hanover County],
Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, Meherrin,
Virginia, stating that his errors were unintentional
and that he would be glad to give credit where it is
due in an expanded version of his book.
Folder 3
11 December 1878
2 p.
Abner Anderson, Danville, Virginia, to
Captain Henry T. Owen, agreeing with his version of
the events at Manassas and Yorktown, as opposed to
that published by Irby.
Folder 3
14 December 1878
2 p
Affidavit by E. B. Coleman, in handwriting
of Henry T. Owen, agreeing with Owen's version of the
affair at First Manassas when the Federal cannon were
turned against them by Owen and others.
Folder 3
21 December 1878
2 p.
James A. Holland, "Franklin Co. near Glade
Hill," Virginia, to Captain [Henry T. Owen], agreeing
with Owen's accounts of First Manassas and
Gettysburg.
Folder 3
30 December 1878
2 p.
William Mahone, Petersburg, Virginia, to
[H. H. Dyson], Richmond, Virginia, offering
suggestions as to how to proceed with purging the old
staff and making new appointments when Dyson assumes
the office of Second Auditor, and commenting on the
political scene. Includes envelope.
Folder 3
30 April 1880
1 p.
James L, Kemper, Madison, Virginia, to
Captain Henry T. Owen, giving an account of his
service in the Mexican War.
Folder 3
24 May 1880
3 p.
W. F. Clark, Keysville, Virginia, to
Captain Owen, concerning the composition of Pickett's
Division in the Battle of Gettysburg and of his own
regiment, 56th.
Folder 3
17 September 1880
1 p.
Edmund R. Cocke, Oakland, Virginia, to
Captain Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, with
regard to the casualties in his company at the Battle
of Gettysburg.
Folder 3
8 October 1880
1 p.
"Friends," Richmond, Virginia, to Captain
Owen, complimenting him on his "defence of Manhood"
and remitting his fine of twenty dollars.
Folder 3
2 February 1881
3 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to his
daughter "Mamee" Owen, discussing her letter to him
and sending his regards to his family.
Folder 3
17 March 1881
1 p.
The
Times, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Henry T.
Owen, Richmond, Virginia, accepting his Gettysburg
manuscript for publication and returning "the
other."
Folder 3
20 July 1881
Printed broadsude,
1 p.
H. H. Dyson, Richmond, Virginia, "To the
Republicans of Virginia," urging their support of the
Readjuster party in Virginis.
Folder 3
4 October 1881
5 p.
Charles Pickett, Norfolk, Virginia, to
Captain Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, giving his
account of the attack by Pickett's division at
Malvern Hill.
Folder 3
20 November 1881
6 p.
George H. Southall, Lynchburg, Virginia, to
H. H. Dyson, glorying in the Readjuster victory at
the polls (even with poetry) and asking for a
job.
Folder 3
17 December 1881
4 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to his
wife [Harriet Owen], discussing his heavy workload in
the Second Auditor's Office and prospective changes
among the staff.
Folder 3
1881
3 p.
[Henry T. Owen?], Richmond, Virginia, to
"Dear Sir," supporting the Readjuster program and
urging the election of John E. Massey as
Governor.
Folder 3
21 February 1882
3 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to "C.
H. Bliss, N. H. Champlin, A. W. Harris, and others,"
declining appointment to the post of First Clerk in
the Second Auditor's Office and giving his reasons in
detail. Draft copy.
Folder 3
23 February 1882
3 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to "C.
H. Bliss, N. H. Champlin, A. W. Harris, and others,"
declining appointment to the post of First Clerk in
the Second Auditor's Office and giving his reasons in
detail. Sent copy[?].
Folder 3
3 September 1882
1 p.
C. Linkenhoker, Richmond, Virginia, to
Captain [Henry T. Owen], regretting that Owen will
not be returning to Richmond "but, such is
politics."
Folder 3
16 November 1882
5 p.
[Henry T. Owen], Green Bay, Prince Edward
County, Virginia, to Honorable John E. Massey,
offering his encouragement upon hearing of Massey's
decision to contest the election of his opponent to
his seat in Congress, and giving a detailed account
of an election fraud in his precinct.
Folder 3
22 November 1882
2 p.
C. Linkenhoker, Richmond, Virginia, to
Captain [Henry T. Owen], commenting upon John S.
Wise's election as Governor.
Folder 3
22 November 1882
4 p.
F. G. Morrison, Henrico County, Virginia,
to Captain Henry T. Owen, Green Bay, Prince Edward
County, Virginia, commenting on the election,
discussing the clerks in the Second Auditor's Office,
and giving personal news.
Folder 3
25 November 1882
4 p.
[Henry T. Owen], Green Bay [Prince Edward
County], Virginia, to Colonel Frank G. Ruffin,
expressing his disappointment that his private letter
to John E. Massey (letter dated 16 November 1882
above) was published in the newspaper, outlining the
difficulties it put him in, and commenting on
politics generally.
Folder 3
12 November 1883
1 p.
Corbin M. Reynolds, Carolina P. O.,
Botetourt County, Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen,
Green Bay [Prince Edward County], Virginia, seeking a
government job for Colonel Frank G. Ruffin, and
commenting on Mahone's defeat.
Folder 3
22 November 1883
6 p.
Henry T. Owen, Green Bay, Prince Edward
County, Virginia, to Judge F. N. Watkins, asking him
to use his influence to procure a post for Colonel
Frank G. Ruffin, outlining Ruffin's accomplishments,
and in a humorous postscript complaining about
Ruffin's "abominable" handwriting.
Folder 3
26 November 1883
4 p.
Franks G. Ruffin, Richmond, Virginia, to
"My friend" [Henry T. Owen?], thanking him for his
efforts in his behalf, discussing political fortunes,
and alluding to his handwriting.
Folder 3
14 December 1883
2 p.
[Henry T. Owen], Green Bay [Prince Edward
County], Virginia, to Colonel [Frank G.] Ruffin,
regarding the possible support of Senator Williams
for Owen for a clerk's position, and his desire to
remain free of obligation to Williams, considering
his former treachery.
Folder 3
29 December 1883
1 p.
Frank G. Ruffin, Danville, Virginia, to
Captain Henry T. Owen, Green Bay, Prince Edward
County, Virginia, with regard to Ruffin's assumption
of the office of Auditor after the first of the
year.
Folder 4
11 January 1884
4 p.
William Smith, Hot Springs, Arkansas, to
Captain Henry T. Owen, concerning Virginia politics
and the high prices in Hot Springs.
Folder 4
4 March 1884
3 p.
[Henry T. Owen?], Richmond, Virginia, to
"Editor of the
State," concerning race
relations and the desire of the former slaves to
repeal the law against mixed marriages
Folder 4
17 October 1884
2 p.
Stephen Stanley, Attleboro Falls,
Massachusetts, to Henry T. Owen, concerning his
efforts to locate Captain Frank R. Josselyn of the
11th Massachusetts Regiment, whom Owen had befriended
after the Battle of Gettysburg (see letter dated 18
July 1863 above).
Folder 4
2 January 1885
1 p.
Stephen Stanley, Attleboro Falls,
Massachusetts, to Henry T. Owen, concerning Josselyn
and enclosing a letter.
Folder 4
Enclosure,
n.d.
3 p.
George T. Bosson to Stephen Stanley,
thanking him for the information about his late
brother-in-law, Captain Frank R. Josselyn, who died
of illness contracted while a prisoner.
Folder 4
20 January 1885
3 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to
George C. Cabell, recommending W. Chase Morton for
the position of Revenue Collector for the Second
District of Virginia.
Folder 4
28 February 1885
3 p.
[Henry T. Owen], Richmond, Virginia, to
"Mrs. Weiss," correcting two errors in her newspaper
article on the battle between the
Merrimac and the
Monitor.
Folder 4
14 May 1885
2 p.
P. W. McKinney, Farmville, Virginia, to
Captain [Henry T. Owen], regarding his efforts to get
Mrs. Owen appointed postmistress at Green
Bay.
Folder 4
7 December 1885
1 p.
Appointment of Harriet A. Owen as
Postmaster at Green Bay, Prince Edward County,
Virginia.
Folder 4
6 May 1886
3 p.
George T. Bosson, Boston, Massachusetts, to
Henry T. Owen, concerning Owen's kindness toward his
late brother-in-law, Captain Frank R. Josselyn, and
the plan of Bosson and his wife to travel to Richmond
to meet him.
Folder 4
21 May 1886
1 p.
J. C. Ropes, Boston, Massachusetts, to
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, in regard to an
article on the war.
Folder 4
25 May 1886
6 p.
L. Jeannette Bosson (wife of George T.
Bosson), Boston, Massachusetts, to Captain [Henry T.]
Owen, thanking him for his hospitality and inviting
him to visit them.
Folder 4
3 June 1886
2 p.
B. W. Currier, Boston, Massachusetts, to
Captain Henry T. Owen, explaining that Frank Josselyn
was his closest friend and inviting Owen to come to
Boston.
Folder 4
27 June 1886
4 p.
Mrs. George T. Bosson, Allston,
Massachusetts, to Captain [Henry T.] Owen, thanking
him for his letter and reminiscing abut her visit to
Richmond.
Folder 4
14 July 1886
4 p.
B. F. Williams, Gilberton, Pennsylvania, to
Captain Henry T. Owen, asking his help in preventing
some land in Lunenburg County from being sold for
delinquent taxes.
Folder 4
30 July 1886
4 p.
Mrs. George T. Bosson, Boston,
Massachusetts, to Captain [Henry T.] Owen, forwarding
photographs of her children and commenting on a
meeting with William Mahone.
Folder 4
5 August 1886
8 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to Mrs.
[George T.] Bosson, thanking her for the photographs
of her three children, discussing politics, and
expressing his admiration for New England.
Folder 4
1 April 1887
5 p.
Maggie J. Baker, Berkeley County, West
Virginia, to Mr. [Henry T.] Owen, informing him, in
response to his letter addressed to the postmaster,
that hers was the house in which he had breakfast
with his prisoner, Frank R. Josselyn.
Folder 4
24 June 1887
Fragment,
2 p.
[Henry T. Owen], Richmond, Virginia, to
Captain J. C. Griffin, concerning the use of dogs in
pursuing runaway slaves, and beginning a long story
about a slave chasing dog named Boston who lived near
Burkeville before the war.
Folder 4
20 July 1887
4 p.
Robert A. Bright, Williamsburg, Virginia,
to Captain Henry T. Owen, regarding Pickett's
Division at Gettysburg and his role as a message
bearer for Pickett.
Folder 4
Circular letter,
25 November 1887
2 p.
Jonas Kelly, Richmond, Virginia, to Members
of the General Assembly, Richmond, Virginia,
announcing his candidacy for the office of
Superintendent of the State Prison, and describing
errors in the current Superintendent's
report.
Folder 4
25 February 1888
1 p.
B. Hilton Owen, Clover Depot, Virginia, to
"Pa" [Henry T. Owen], describing his work, a debate
he engaged in, and the fight that
followed.
Folder 4
9 January 1890
2 p.
B. F. Williams, Mahanox City, Pennsylvania,
to Captain Henry T. Owen, informing him that a
Pennsylvania investor may visit Owen to be shown some
land owned by Williams and Owen for possible purchase
for its mineral content.
Folder 4
14 November 1890
1 p.
B. T. Medley to "Cousin Henry" T. Owen,
sending him an undated note, written on the same
sheet (Henry T. Owen to D. F. Medley) during a class
when they were both in grammer school, on family
matters.
Folder 4
24 March 1896
1 p.
James Mann, Nottoway Court House, Virginia,
to Captain Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia,
informing him that he has been elected an honorary
member of the Pickett-Stuart Camp of Confederate
Veterans, and must prepare a eulogy on some member of
the regiment to be delivered at the April meeting of
the Camp.
Folder 4
27 March 1896
1 p.
James Mann, Nottoway Court House, Virginia,
to Captain Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia,
explaining the purpose of the eulogy and refusing to
excuse him from the task.
Folder 4
11 February 1897
1 p.
John R. Taylor, Hanover Court House,
Virginia, to Henry T. Owen, describing the Hanover
County record books in his possession and saying that
he did not find the Owen family name in the
index.
Folder 4
28 March 1897
1 p.
Stith Bolling, Petersburg, Virginia, to
Captain Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, concerning
subscriptions to a history of the 9th Virginia
Regiment, and noting that the roll of Company G may
contain errors.
Folder 4
11 August 1897
1 p.
Moses D. Hoge, Richmond, Virginia, to
Captain Henry T. Owen, concerning Owen's efforts to
obtain information on Judah P. Benjamin for a
friend's memoir.
Folder 4
7 January 1898
2 p.
P. W. McKinney, Farmville, Virginia, to
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, asking him to
investigate the Mutual Guarantee Building and Loan
Association of Richmond to find if McKinney's
investment in five or six shares of its stock is a
safe one.
Folder 4
October 1898
2 p.
Lyon G. Gardiner, [Williamsburg, Virginia],
to [Henry T. Owen], a printed advertisement for the
William and Mary College
Quarterly Historical Magazine, with a
tearsheet of the contents of volume seven, number
two, and a handwritten note asking Owen to
subscribe.
Folder 4
20 December 1898
1 p.
W. G. Stanard, Richmond, Virginia, to
Captain Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, informing
him of his election as a member of the Virginia
Historical Society.
Folder 4
21 March 1900
3 p.
B. T. Medley, Meherrin, Virginia, to
"Cousin Henry" [T. Owen], Richmond, Virginia, asking
him to keep the old family Bible, and discussing
family matters. Page two is missing. Includes
envelope.
Folder 4
16 July 1901
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to
Kenneth C. Johnson (Owen's grandson), Bruceville,
Virginia, on family matters and describing a kitten
given to Mrs. Owen.
Folder 4
29 March 1902
5 p.
[Henry T. Owen], Richmond, Virginia, to
Colonel R. E. Withers, Wytheville, Virginia,
concerning the events leading up to his court martial
in September 1861, apparently for insubordination
with regard to his failing to obey orders concerning
some sickness in his company. This letter is
incomplete.
Folder 4
7 July 1902
1 p.
N. R. Bowman, Lynchburg, Virginia, to
"Cousin" Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, thanking
him for sending genealogical information concerning
his family.
Folder 4
22 Septembr 1908
2 p.
Edward R. Baird, Occupacia, Virginia, to
[Henry T. Owen], concerning a meeting of former
officers held in 1894 to vindicate the conduct of
General Pickett at Gettysburg and in regard to a
newspaper article on the subject.
Folder 4
12 November 1913
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to "My
dear daughter," concerning his alleged resemblance to
General Grant, the cold weather, and family
matters.
Folder 4
12 March 1918
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to
"Mamie" (his daughter), thanking her for the letters
and candy, and describing his present
sickness.
Folder 4
29 January 1919
2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to
"Mamie" (his daughter), regarding another box of
candy, Mr. Styll's narrow escape from a bridge
accident, and Owen's enthusiasm for Billy
Sunday.
Folder 4
23 June 1920
12 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to
"Mich" (his son), discussing current events foretold
by the prophets of the Bible, and commenting on the
admirable life of Queen Victoria.
Folder 4
Envelope,
8 March 1924
H. C. Stuart, Elk Garden, Virginia, to Mrs.
Constance T. Watson, Richmond, Virginia.
Executive Committee, Newport News, Hampton,
and Old Point Development Company, Richmond,
Virginia, to Mr. E. O. Whiteside, informing him that
he has been assigned a lot in exchange for his stock,
pursuant to a resolution adopted by the stockholders
for closing up the Company. On the reverse is a
handwritten note, dated 6 September 1900, from L. T.
Christian describing the dissolution of the
Company.
Folder 5
Joseph Thompson, abstract of title to 200
acres of land in Prince Edward County, Virginia,
belonging to G. C. Womack.
21 April 1909
4 p.
Folder 5
Deed - recorded,
24 July 1909
2 p.
George C. Womack and Martin Womack, his
wife, of Prince Edward County, Virginia, to E. O.
Whiteside and Henry Whiteside of Charlotte County,
Virginia, for 131 acres in Prince Edward
County.
Folder 5
Deed - recorded,
25 August 1914
Purcell Cox, of Prince Edward County,
Virginia, to Julius Lash of Meherrin, Virginia, for
one acre in Prince Edward County.
Folder 5
Deed - unrecorded,
18 June 1917
2 p.
Virso Investment Corporation of Virginia,
to Mary G. Whiteside, for one lot in Virso,
Virginia.
Folder 5
Deed - recorded,
18 June 1917
4 p.
Purcell Cox, Lee Cox, and his wife Annie
Cox, to E. O. Whiteside, for one third acre in Prince
Edward County, Virginia.
Folder 5
Deed - recorded,
26 November 1917
1 p.
Purcell Cox to E. O. Whiteside, his
interest in the estate of his father, Mat Cox, being
two parcels of land in Prince Edward County,
Virginia.
Folder 5
Deed of trust - recorded,
30 November 1920
D. J. Thompson, of Prince Edward County,
Virginia, to E. O. Whiteside, of Lunenburg County,
Virginia, for 90 acres in Prince Edward
County.
Folder 5
Deed - recorded,
8 April 1921
4 p.
Julius Lash and Susan A. Lash, his wife, to
E. O. Whiteside, for four-tenths of an acre in Prince
Edward County, Virginia.
Folder 5
Deed - recorded,
15 February 1921
3 p.
Robert K. Brock to E. O. Whiteside, for
seven and a half acres in Prince Edward County,
Virginia, and receipt for clerk's fees.
Folder 5
W. J. Lyle, Keysville, Virginia, copy of
advertisement of sale by auction of 90 acres in
Prince Edward County, Virginia, to be held 17 October
1928.
1 p.
Folder 5
W. J. Lyle to F. L. Blanton, Farmville,
Virginia,
14 December 1928
1 p.
Settlement of his trustee's
account.
Folder 5
Deed - recorded,
14 March 1929
3 p.
W. J. Lyle, Charlotte County, Virginia, to
Henry Whiteside, for 90 acres in Prince Edward
County.
This diary, written by Henry T. Owen, is titled
"Notes from a Diary kept during the war of the
Rebellion" and traces his regiment's movements from
Petersburg through the retreat from Gettysburg.
"Reminiscences of the War," by Captain
Henry T. Owen,
n.d.
7 p.
Folder 9
"Pickett's Division" [Gettysburg
Campaign],
n.d.
17 p.
Folder 9
"Battle of South Mountain,"
n.d.
16 p.
Folder 9
Letter,
27 January 1878
8 p.
Henry T. Owen, Green Bay, Virginia, to
Colonel H. A. Carrington, giving a marvelously
detailed account of his participation in Pickett's
Charge and the aftermath.
"The Battle of Dranesville," by Henry T.
Owen with cover letter, Henry T. Owen, Richmond,
Virginia, to Editor of
Times, submitting the
article,
25 August 1885
50 p.
Folder
10
"Pickett's Division,"
n.d.
7 p.
By Henry T. Owen, written for the
South-Side
Sentinel
Folder
10
Notes for the "Battle of Dranesville,"
n.d.
7 p.
Folder
10
Description of parade of 18th Virginia
Regiment in Richmond, Virginia, on 26 May 1861,
n.d.
1 p.
Folder
10
Description of sermon of Dr. D. L. Moody,
n.d.
1 p.
Folder
10
Draft of article on the role of Pickett's
Division in the Battle of Gettysburg,
n.d.
12 p.
Folder
10
Drafts of biographical sketch of Chatham
Roberdeau Wheat,
n.d.
14 p.
Folder
10
Account of a sermon preached by the Second
Adventist William T. Thurman in 1875,
n.d.
7 p.
Folder
10
"Rambling around Richmond,"
n.d.
8 p.
Concerning changes in the city. Includes
several drafts.
Folder
10
Fragment of article asserting that the
Southern politicians who stirred up the rebellion
were demogogues who abandoned the soldier to his fate
once the action got hot,
n.d.
5 p.
Folder
10
Notes on the Battle of Seven Pines,
n.d
10 p.
Folder
10
Macaulay's opinion of the U. S. Government
(fragment),
1857
2 p.
Folder
10
Speeches of Honorable John F. Shafroth,
House of Representatives,
1 and 7 February
1900
Series XIII: Plat Books,
1728-1783 and ca. 1880-ca.
1900
Physical Location: Located in oversize.
2 volumes
Henry T. Owen's compilation of surveys and plats of
patents and grants issued for Prince Edward County,
Virginia. First volume, 1728-1783, is indexed with
finished plats and surveys; second volume, ca. 1800-ca.
1900, contains rough drafts of plats and notes about land purchases by people with various surnames, including Owen.
![[logo]](http://ead.lib.virginia.edu/vivaead/logos/lva.jpg)