Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

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.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Eliza Duncan Letters, 1861, Ms2025-030, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The Eliza Duncan Letters were purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in December 2022.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Eliza Duncan Letters was completed in May 2025.

Biographical Note

Eliza M. Duncan was born 1813 in Charlotte County, Virginia. She was married to Jacob A. Duncan and had six children, the oldest being John Willam Duncan.

External source:

Eliza A Duncan in the 1850 United States Federal Census. Ancestory Library. https://www.ancestrylibrary.com/search/collections/8054/records/14950811. Accessed May 22, 2025.

Scope and Content

The collection includes two letters written by Eliza Duncan. The first letter was written on March 5, 1861, a month before the American Civil War, to her son John William Duncan. The letter contains information about the institution of slavery in Virginia and her concerns with the family's finances. The second letter was written July 16, 1861, asking a Mr. Peterson about her son, if he has been called to fight, due to his lack of response to her last letter. Transcriptions are included.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Civil War
• United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the Eliza Duncan Letters by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).