A Guide to Select Virginiana , 1828-1909 #11143

Special Collections Department, University of Virginia Library

Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library
University of Virginia
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Processed by: Special Collections Department

Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Use Restrictions

See the University of Virginia Library’s use policy.

Preferred Citation

Virginiana, Accession # 11143, Special Collections Dept., University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Va.

Acquisition Information

Purchased from Jerry N. Showalter, Ivy, VA 22945, on March 24, 1994.

Scope and Content Information

The collection contains two letters, 1861, from Walter Creigh Preston, University of Virginia, to Uncle John M. Preston, Sr. discussing the atmosphere of the University just prior to the Civil War, and mentioning the Southern Guard, Sons of Liberty,and a company raised by Albert Taylor Bledsoe.

In addition, an 1862 letter from W.L. Lewison, written from the Charlottesville jail, requesting financial assistance and clothing; and an 1828 letter to Edward L. Watson, Charlottesville, to Ambrose L. White, Tennessee, discusses the convention of 1828 to consider internal improvements and asks about western prospects.

In addition there is a receipt, 1867 December 20, from John R. Woods to Walter C. Preston, for $200 paid for the benefit of Davidella Preston.

In addition there is a carte-de-visite, ca. 1867, of Henry A. Wise, a photograph, ca. 1890, of the West End Railway Station, Falls Church, Va., and a photograph, 1909, of the Richmond Howitzer's Alexandria Homecoming.

Contents List

LETTERS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA AND CHARLOTTESVILLE

Oversize Box P-17
Edward L. Watson, Charlottesville, to Ambrose L. White, Randolph, Lipton County, W. Tennessee 1828 July 27

ALS

Discusses the "Convention of Delegates from the different Counties in the State, for the purpose of devising some certain plan, for the internal improvement of our State," and mentioning several prominent men involved; asking for "a true account of the prospects of a young man in the west"; and, writing of sickness, poor crops, and life in general in the eastern part of America.
Walter C[reigh] Preston, University of Virginia, to "Dear Uncle [John N. Preston, Sr.] 1861 January 20

Takes pride in having public spirit and expressing interest in national affairs; heated arguments among students with conflicting views; news of West Virginia feelings on secession; and, feeling "that there is no security in such a confederacy of states which have broken faith with each other."
Walter C[reigh] Preston, University of Virginia, to John N. Preston, Sr. 1861 April 29

Writes that the University is becoming little more than a military school; the departure of the two old companies, the Southern Guard and the Sons of Liberty; the formation of another company by Dr. [Albert Taylor] Bledsoe (1809-1877) and its drilling routine on the Lawn in front of the Rotunda; the flag raised above the Rotunda with one side showing the "seal of our noble old state...with a ground of blue" and the other "the columns of the Confederate states--the stars arranged in a circle with Virginia's in the centre;" and pride in Virginia's fighting men.
W.L. Lewison, Sharlotsville [sic], to his parents 1862 November 18

Requests financial assistance and clothing.

PHOTOGRAPHS

Carte-de-Viste of Henry Wise, standing ca. 1867

By C.R. Rees and Company, Richmond, Virginia
Oversize box P-17
Photograph of West End Railway Station, Falls Church, Virginia ca. 1890
Photograph of Richmond Howitzers, Alexandria Home Coming 1909 April 30

By Barr-Farnham, P.P.C. Company, Washington, D.C.