Conditions Governing Use

Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions

Preferred Citation

Walter H. Taylor collection, 1864-1865. MS 0480. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.

Biographical / Historical

Walter Herron Taylor was born in 1838 and graduated from VMI in 1857. During the Civil War he served as General Robert E. Lee's Adjutant General. After the Civil War he was an auditor, hardware merchant, banker, railroader, and public official. From 1870 to 1879 Taylor served on the VMI Board of Visitors. He died in 1916 in Norfolk, Virginia.

Contents Note

This collection (4 item) consists of documents related to Walter H. Taylor, including: A letter (dated 24 October 24, 1864) from Taylor to "Lucien" (surname not known). In the letter Taylor declines his friend's invitation to his wedding, stating that his service as General Robert E. Lee's Adjutant General prevents him from taking any leave. A military order (dated August 23, 1864) that regards furloughs. A dispatch (February 28, 1865) from Briscoe Baldwin to Taylor that regards an officer's assignment. A contemporary copy of a letter (dated April 5, 1854) from Taylor's father to VMI Superintendent Francis H. Smith. This letter requests a cadetship for his son.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Correspondence
• Dispatches
• Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), -- 1807-1870 -- Friends and associates
• Lee, Robert E. (Robert Edward), 1807-1870
• Orders (military records)
• Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1857