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Special Collections Research Center
William & Mary Special Collections Research CenterPeg Poeschl
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Rouzie Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.
Gift
Processed by Peg Poeschl in 1983.
Papers, 1858-1864, of the Rouzie family of Essex County, Virginia. Mostly letters, of Richard Rouzie and William Waller Rouzie written to their sister Susan M. Rouzie while they were attending Ellington Academy, Hanover County, Virginia, . and Aberdeen Academy, King and Queen County, Virginia. and while serving from Essex County in the 55th Virginia Infantry Regiment, Confederate States Army.
72 items.
Asks after the family; comments on the hot dry weather and outbreak of typhoid fever. ALS. 1p.
Attended Mr. Taylor's funeral; wants his father to order Roryn[?] and Robinson [slaves] to have his horse fat, as they won't do it on their own. ALS. 1p.
Scope and Contents Informs her of the clothing he needs at school, including pantaloons, cravats, everyday shoes, and stocks; specifies the style of stocks that "are the go" up there; needs money; requests that his horse be fattened and "no knife be put to his tail." ALS. 2pp.
Discusses lack of food and tobacco at school; needs money; Mr. Thomas is taking over the school after Christmas; asks his father to have his "colt fat by all means don't a negro put his leg across his back." ALS. 1p.
Arrived at the Academy safely, having taken the mail train up; was accompanied by Robinson and Roryn[?] [slaves], the latter who has stayed with him. ALS. 1p.
Brother Richard wrote that Betsy died, and now they must take Henry and Skidmore [slaves]; Richard also wrote about Miss Sue Wright and said it was perfectly natural for boys to be [?]athing the young ladies some time. ALS. 1p.
Scope and Contents Discusses "Cousin Henry" writing to him about "Cousin Sue", noting that he doesn't believe Henry can cut him out [from cousin Sue's affections]; he has parted his hair differently and looks like "a real dandy"; sent some valentines; feels the new horse will match "Pitter" better than his colt. ALS. 2pp. Including ALS from William Waller Rouzie, [Ellington Academy, Hanover County, Virginia] to "Bob," 23 Feb. 1859, advising that Betsy's death ought to be a warning and he should take God more seriously. 1p.
Scope and Contents Doesn't think he can get home for Easter, and probably not even until August; wants summer clothes sent and something good to eat as he is "practically starved"; wants tobacco, too. ALS. 2pp.
Really wants to come home at Easter if they will only send for him; asks that [food] and tobacco be sent. ALS. 1p.
Sorry to hear that cousin Sue Wright is sick, but hopes to see her at Easter; wishes that family would write, as well as Robinson [a slave]; truly wishes to come home at Easter. ALS. 1p.
The roads are better; wishes someone would write; went to Ashland and heard Mr. Goggin speak; also seven or eight other "Politicians, Rats & Pigs." ALS. 1p.
Glad father is sending for him; he will be at Milford Depot Saturday after Good Friday; "Give my love to all at home white and black." ALS. 1p.
Relating how a Mr. Springfellow, his wife, his daughter, and a Mrs. Nelson were injured when their carriage was struck by a Central Cars train. ALS. 1p.
Scope and Contents Would be glad to have "Papa" bring his clothes; he will be careful crossing the railroad, as many people have been killed; asks that she try to keep Henry from courting Cousin Sue. ALS. 2pp.
Asks that she send clothes, and shoes, and writes; went out visiting. ALS. 2pp.
Hopes that he can go with her and Cousin Sue Wright to the spa this Summer; mentions difficulty in competing [with Cousin Henry for Cousin Sue]; has been reading, going to races, and circuses. ALS. 2pp.
Scope and Contents Is glad Pa arrived home safe; comments on courting and the fickleness of women; gives advice on selling horses. ALS. 2pp. Including ALS from William Waller Rouzie, Ellington Academy, Hanover County, Virginia, to (Susan M. Rouzie, Lloyds, Essex County, Virginia), June 15 1859, sending his respects to Cousin Sue. ALS. 1p.
Scope and Contents Discusses need and cost of having his teeth "plugged"; sends greetings to the family and asks her to tell Robinson [a slave] he will write soon. ALS. 2pp.
Hopes Jerry is not a worthless dog; wants him to learn to run opossum; discusses his lessons. ALS. 2pp.
Likes school well here; message to Mat to hurry [and get to school] or he may get shut out; could room with him, Butter and Bird. ALS. 1p.
Scope and Contents Discusses time it takes to receive mail; likes the school and instructors; is reading Cicero's Orations, and is in the first mathematical class; will try to "acquire manly principles"; needs clothing and shoes; is "heels over head" in debt. ALS. 3pp.
Scope and Contents Went to Braington and saw many lovely ladies; mentions John Gordon being a smart fellow; will go to St. Paul's next Sabbath since Dr. Wright is preaching; asks if Jerry's dog has learned how to kill "koons". ALS. 2pp.
John has been studying Latin, French, Algebra, Geometry, and Composition; is having most trouble with Algebra, but his standing is creditable and his deportment and health are good. ALS. 1p.
Cousin Sue wrote; inquires about Jerry and the horses. ALS. 1p.
Clay, Matt, and himself are going to Shelba to meet Cousin Sue and Miss Till there; dyptheria going around; Capt. O.R. Fleet's little boy shot his right arm below the elbow; expects to be at war soon, as there is fighting in South Carolina. ALS. 2pp.
Scope and Contents Cousins Juliet, Satan, and N. Ware have told him [Cousin Sue] is as "mad with me as possible"; has written her to find out why; Matt and he went to Shelba and St. Paul's; the dyptheria has passed. ALS. 2pp.
Scope and Contents Has been troubled "in spirits" due to a recent difficulty; wishes she and cousin Sue would hurry their visit. ALS. 2pp.
Requests Arnold's Latin prose composition book; is studying Cicero, Vergil, and Bourdon's Algebra; Matt is sick with a sore throat.
Discusses the anarchy and confusion of the times, the need for the South to stand for her rights and feels that [George] Washington would agree; discusses Valentines she received. ALS. 4pp.
Would have liked permission to go to the theatre in Tappahannock; he and friend Berkley reprimanded three times in church at Braington because they had supposedly disgraced themselves, but Council has cleared them. ALS. 2pp.
There are 27,000 Union troops at Washington [D.C.] expected to attack Alexandria, [Va.] where there are two companies from Carolina. ALS. 1p.
Scope and Contents Expresses desire to become a doctor; may visit on Saturday; inquires about the dogs and horses. ALS. 1p. Including AMS by William Waller Rouzie, , n.d., being a copy of a poem. 1p.
Furlough begins on Sunday; requests that his horse be sent by one of the negroes; expects to go to Middlesex with his Colonel. ALS. 1p.
Receipts for clothing goods, knife, pepper, and general merchandise. 1p. ADS.
William and Davy have just arrived; has applied to Col. Mallory for the post of ordinance Sergeant of the [55th Va.] regiment, and will wait to apply for furlough until hearing from him; am sending 35 dollars home with Doug. 1p. ALS.
Expects to be ordered to go somewhere between Port Royale and Fredericksburg; requests that she check on his horse and sends money and a colored shirt. 1p. ALS.
Scope and Contents Started a long march to join Jackson at Gordonsville [Orange County, Virginia?]; supposes they wil swing on to Washington. 1p. ALS.
Scope and Contents Has just been through a battle [Cedar Mountain?]; "Bro" Dick is sick at hospital in Lovingston, 30 miles above Charlottesville, but is doing fairly well. 1p. ALS.
Scope and Contents Is near Washington and Baltimore; doesn't know where Stonewall will jump "just like a Negro, you never know [where] he is about until he walks in the backdoor with his hat off"; has been in battles of Cedar River, Coon's Ford, Manassas, and Bull Run, but not injured; Dick Dunn and John Clarkson were killed; A.J. Deraeux and Albert Moore wounded. 1p. ALS.
Scope and Contents Since the 28th of July have not pitched a tent or had more than a 24 hours rest; have been in four pitched battles; describes and comments on 2nd Battle of Bull Run, August 30th; [the "Yankees"] seem to be rolling their forces around Washington and Alexandria; under the most unmerciful shelling on the 24th; Clarkson and Dick Dunn were killed, Arthur Dereaux wounded; recently have had several skirmishes and one pitched battle. 3pp. ALS.
Scope and Contents Has been in Maryland twice lately and expects to go in a week; "Bro" Dick is now on his way to the Regiment; took 13,500 men at Harper's Ferry last Monday morning. 1p. ALS.
Scope and Contents Is safe but has been in every "fight, skirmish, and shelling" since Richmond; marched 223 miles in 8 days and fought 6 pitched battles; praises Jackson; took 13,500 prisoners and eighty pieces of cannon at Harper's Ferry; "Bro" Dick is now well. 2pp. ALS.
Scope and Contents "Bro" Dick well; expresses desire to come home; mention of Mr. Saunders and his "courting". 2pp. ALS.
Scope and Contents Is near Martinsburg; next week will be in Maryland or Richmond; "Bro" Dick and himself are both well. 1p. ALS.
Scope and Contents Himself, "Bro" Dick, Cousin John, Dick McDonald, and Leonard Mundis are all well; had been in a skirmish. 1p. ALS.
Has been promoted to the Second Sergeant of th company for good conduct in the battles in Northern Virginia and Maryland; hopefully the 55th will winter in Essex. 2pp. ALS.
Haven't received letters for a long time; have now finished Western Virginia and burned the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad; expects to be in Essex in less than a month; asks that mother have a suit of cloth woven by the time he gets home. 1p. ALS.
Scope and Contents Talk that the regiment might winter in Essex; in need of socks, shirts, drawers and neckties; himself not lacking clothes because he has helped himself to socks, shirts and drawers at Shepard'stown and Harper's Ferry; he was afraid to take pants or a coat for fear of getting shot as a Yankee; "Bro" Dick and he hope to get a furlough. 4pp. ALS.
Scope and Contents Now under marching orders, but doesn't know destination; the "Yankees" are holding Fredericksburg, [Va.] again, and expresses fear for Essex Co.; however, is confident [Gen. Robert E.] Lee has a plan; inquires about family, cousin Sue, and the Negroes, stating that he will bring them all presents; Col. Murray told him he would try to get him a furlough this winter; send flanner shirts to "Bro Dick". 1p. ALS.
Patrick McGee has been Court Martialed for substituting for a man in the fortieth Virginia Volunteer, deserting and trying to substitute for another man in the forty-seventh; is being executed today; heard 7,000 Confederate soldiers under General T.H. Holmes in Arkansas made an unconditional surrender; camp rumors about a fight up here soon; asks that papa have some boots made, as shoes are very scarce. ALS 2pp.
Arrived safely, escaping the guardhouse; asks for anything to eat, as edibles are scarce. ALS. 1p.
Doesn't understand why she didn't send lard and fruit with Fred Powers' wagon; asks that she please send them as that all they have to eat is mess pork, flour, and salts.
Scope and Contents Arrived safely, and tells that his excuse was sufficient to prevent a court martial; enemy is parolling many of our men, who are then receiving thirty day furloughs; these include Arthur Allen, R.H. Banks, Dr. Bougham, and Benell Berkley from Essex Co.; mention of Adjutant Williams and rumors of his "playing games with equal zeal" in regard to Cousin Sue; message to tell Sue to write the secret she wanted him to know; some think the 9th Cavalry "have the country by the nose" [are getting all the social attention], but knows all are very kind to the infantry also. ALS. 4pp.
Scope and Contents "Bro" Dick and himself are well; take the 3 dollars lent by her and the 18 dollars Pa lent him out of the 35 dollars Dick is sending, as he has loaned him the money now; has heard General Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry was captured; there is heavy firing over the river today. ALS. 1p.
Scope and Contents Tell Ma and Pa that they must pay themselves 18 dollars out of the 35 sent by "Bro" Dick. ALS. 1p.
Was sorry to hear that the yanks gave Pa a hard time on the way home, but at least he wasn't captured; the firing heard on Friday was a salutation in honor of U.S. Grant's arrival to take command of the Army of the Potomac, and states that he will never take Richmond; will soon have a grand tournament in Wilcox's Division with 500 competitors in the ring and even a clown from the 7th Tennessee Regiment; tell the girls in Essex they are welcome but the 9th Cavalry is not; Rev. Ino Clinanbery[?] is to preach to the brigade; thinks the Adjatunt Williams has given up on Cousin Sue. ALS. 2pp.
Scope and Contents "Aolaide" is going to court Cousin Sue; send breeches with Coleman; "Bro" Dick has been appointed Commissary Sergeant. ALS. 1p.
Scope and Contents Discusses need for shoes, especially on picket duty, and his desire to save one pair for after the war; wishes he had seen Cousin Sue and fears Mr. Bowie will cut him out; Lucie's colt must be named Banner; "Bro" Dick is now Commisary Sergeant. ALS. 3pp.
Is sorry Mr. Bowie is making such headway [with Cousin Sue]; has been appointed Sergeant Major of the Regiment so himself and his brother are now both out of Co. F; needs a coat and pants. ALS. 1p.
Scope and Contents Has been in a state of excitement for eight to ten days sue to the advance of the Yankees but all are safe; General Lee has left with the first of and second corps of the Army of Northern Virginia; gives description of the Battle of Culpper [sic]; many feel "our little Adjutant" [Williams] is smitten with someone, and that he is a gallant little fellow; Davy [slave] is well and suits me. ALS. 2pp.
Scope and Contents Gives an account of the Battle of Gettysburg; fell back Saturday morning thinking they had been severely whipped, but learned the Yankees had fallen back 12 hours earlier; still is certain "our boys" have been checked for the first time; brigade acted gallantly, taking several flags; our brave little Adjutant took one; Thomas Powers was taken prisoner; Dr. Jno. T. Boughan had right arm amputated; George Smither was killed; is pleased to get her letters, but right now "news of fish fries and teaparties make us have hard thoughts". ALS. 3pp.
William owes 24 dollars and has 36 due him; has talked to Adjutant Williams who said to go to Richmond to collect his [WWR] pay; only the parent or guardian of a deceased soldier can do so. ALS. 1p.
Send me something to eat, as we are on short rations; send me the news; hopes Davy [slave] returns soon, as cooking in the sun is disagreeable. ALS. 1p.
A lot of letters received from and sent to home recently; hopes the authorities are thinking about peace if it can be made on honorable terms; is glad Davy [slave] got home safe; Miss Duck's marriage does not trouble him; feels he is still handsomer than Mr. Farland; believes Thomas Powers will be exchanged soon. ALS. 2pp.
Scope and Contents Lee and Meade are on either side of the Rupidan and all is quiet; perhaps all are tired of "blood and carnage"; It is rumored without foundation that Hill's Corps is to be sent to Tennessee; it could be that as authorities trust Ewell more, and will leave him to protect Richmond; Robert Rouzie says cavalry fighting is nothing compared to infantry; many feel bitter about conscripts on safe duty at home. ALS. 3pp.
Sending an obituary of their brother, [William Waller Rouzie] who died at Chancellorsville; hopes he was ready to meet his maker. Including NCL, n.d., being an obituary of Sergeant Major William Waller Rowzie [sic]. 1p. ALS 1p.
Sends the descriptive list requested; shortly after Davy [slave] arrived marched to Mt. Jackson and guarded New Market Gap for 10 days; General Rosser and the Thomas' Brigade raided into Hardee [sic] County, [West Virginia], capturing wagons, prisoners, livestock and stores. 1p. ALS.
Discharge papers/death certificate for William Waller Rouzie, Sergeant Major of the 55th Virginia Infantry Regiment, killed May 2 1863 at Chancelorsville. Including MS, n.d., being a roll call of the 55th Virginia Infantry Regiment. 1p. 2pp. DS.
Scope and Contents Health is good; has had ten or twelve inches of snow and is glad, as it prevents military operations and will probably speed the granting of furloughs; is whiling away the monotony of camplife reading the "Raid and Romance of Morgan and his men"; The Adjutant [Williams] feels he has no chance [with Cousin Sue] when competing against men of the 9th Cavalry; states that he is not engaged to Evelyn. 2pp. ALS.
Would like advice as to whether he should exchange his position as Ordnance Sergeant for a lietenancy in the line. 1p. ALS.