Conditions Governing Use

The materials from Washington and Lee University Special Collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used should be fully credited with the source. Permission for publication of this material, in part or in full, must be secured with the Head of Special Collections.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], James McDowell Regimental Books, WLU Coll 0078, Special Collections and Archives, James G. Leyburn Library, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA

In some cases the citation format may vary. Please contact Special Collections' staff to verify the appropriate format.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Mrs. Charles S. Carrington in 1899

Biographical Note

James McDowell was born in Virginia on April 29, 1760. He served in the Continental Army and fought at the Battle of Yorktown. He moved to Kentucky in 1783. McDowell served as a Colonel in the War of 1812 and commanded the 5th Regiment of Virginia Militia. In addition, he served as sheriff of Rockbridge County and was a member of the Washington Collee Board of Trustees (1796-1835). His son, James McDowell, Sr., served as the Governor of Virginia from 1843-1846. McDowell died in Kentucky on December 31, 1843.

Scope and Contents

This collection contains James McDowell's regimental manuscript books. The books were kept from August-November 1814 while McDowell served as a Lt. Colonel in the War of 1812. The volumes document various orders related to military appointments, court martials, drills, furloughs, inspections, etc. The first volume includes a roster of officers of the 5th Regiment of Virginia Militia. Most of the pages in this volume are blank.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Carrington, Charles S., Mrs.
• Military orders
• Militia
• Registers
• Virginia
• Virginia. Militia