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Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)Emily Cook, Student Assistant
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.
The collection is open for research.
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Nelson Preston Letter, Ms2008-075, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
The Nelson Preston Letter was purchased by Special Collections in 1993.
The processing and description of the Nelson Preston Letter commenced and was completed in September 2008.
English settlers originally organized a militia in Virginia during the early seventeenth century to defend the nascent colony from the Powhatan Federation. Later, in 1776, the Virginia Assembly issued the Virginia Declaration of Rights (the Virginia Constitution) which defined a militia and stated its superiority to dangerous standing armies. According to the Constitution, militia officers were to be appointed by the governor with the advice of county courts or the Privy Council.
During the American Civil War, militia regiments were utilized by the Confederate forces. The 94th militia regiment would be called into service by General Marshall from March to May 1862.
The Nelson Preston Letter is a handwritten note from Lieutenant Colonel Nelson Preston to Captain Robinet concerning the 94th militia regiment from Lee County, Virginia. The note discusses regimental training and a muster held at the Lee County courthouse.
The guide to the Nelson Preston Letter by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).