Washington and Lee University, University Library Special Collections and Archives
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This collection is open for research.
Henry Ruffner Letter to Colonel Thomas Aspinwall (WLU RG 64), Special Collections and Archives, James G. Leyburn Library, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA
Donated by Lewis Leigh, Jr. (WLU Law Class of 1963) in circa 1962.
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.
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.
This item was removed from a miscellaneous collection (formerly Coll. 112) and given its own finding aid due to its having a known provenance.