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Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.

Preferred Citation:

Mary Elizabeth Latane Waring Poulson Poetry Book, 1854- 1866, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.

Content Description

Black bound poetry journal kept by Mary Elizabeth Latane Waring Poulson, referred to as Bettie throughout the book. Contents are autographs, sketches, and poetic verses from friends and her future husband, Thomas H.G. Poulson from Accomack County, Virginia, who served in the 46th Regiment of the Virginia Infantry of the Confederate Army. Bettie and Thomas married in 1865 but their marriage was short lived as she died later that same year. Thomas continues writing romantic and loving verses in the book dedicated to her. He never remarried and ultimately ended up at the Robert E. Lee Confederate Soldier's Home for the poor where he died.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Accomack County (Va.)--History
• Confederate States of America. Army. North Carolina Infantry Regiment, 46th
• Marriage--United States--History--19th century
• Tidewater Genealogical Society
• United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865