A Guide to the Henry Thweatt Owen Papers, 1822-1929 Owen, Henry Thweatt, Papers of, 1822-1929 28154

A Guide to the Henry Thweatt Owen Papers, 1822-1929

A Collection in
the Library of Virginia
Accession Number 28154

Library of Virginia

The Library of Virginia
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Richmond, Virginia 23219-8000
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Funding: Web version of the finding aid funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Processed by: Description Services Branch Staff

Repository

Library of Virginia

Accession number

28154

Title

Henry Thweatt Owen Papers, 1822-1929

Physical Characteristics

0.45 cubic feet.

Physical Location

Personal Papers Collection, Acc. 28154.

Language

English

Note

Emerson G. Whiteside lent this collection for copying over a period of years. These photocopies were filed as Accessions 21918, 22000, and 26092. The original material was gradually given to the library (Accessions 26091, 27683, 27774, and 28154). With the receipt of Accession 28154, the photocopies was given to the Virginia Historical Society. The various accessions comprising the Henry Thweatt Owen Papers (Accessions 26091, 27683, 27774, and 28154) are interfiled with Accession 28154. Also interfiled are the Owen Papers (Accession 23838) given to the Library by Constance Watson.

Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

Henry Thweatt Owen Papers, 1822-1929. Accession 28154, Personal papers collection, The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.

Acquisition Information

Gifts of Constance Watson and Emerson G. Whitside, Richmond, Virginia, July 1952-December 1973.

Biographical/Historical Information

Born 28 July 1831, Henry Thweatt Owen entered the Confederate Army as a Captain of Company C, 18th Virginia Infantry Regiment on 23 April 1861 in Burkeville, Virginia. He was arrested on 5 June 1861, but by order of court martial was restored to command on 1 July 1861. He was again placed under arrest, this time for disobeying orders in regard to some sick men in his company, on 11 September 1861, by order of Colonel R. E. Withers, his commanding officer, and was cashiered on 22 November 1861. However, his order of cashier was vacated, and he was elected Captain by his company on 26 April 1862. He was reported absent from the lines in Chesterfield County, Virginia, on 28 December 1864, by reason of his being under arrest and imprisoned in Castle Thunder. The reasons for Owen's frequent arrests remain a mystery, except for the arrest of 11 September 1861, and even in this case the matter is only partially explained in a letter of 29 March 1902 from Owen to Colonel R. E. Withers. Owen's war letters mention his arrests, but give no reasons.

Following the war, he served as a clerk in the Second Auditor's Office in Richmond and devoted his spare time to investigating the Land Office records for genealogical information, and compiled preliminary maps showing plats of land grants in Prince Edward County. His wife was named Harriet, who bore him twelve children: Elizabeth Mildred (1852-1867), Henry Clay (1853-1883), Michael Melancthon (1856-1949), Harriet Louisa (b. 1860), Jacqueline Rosa (b. 1865), William Temple (1867-1879), Herman S. (b. 1868), Benjamin Hilton (1868-1896), Sallie Marshall (b. 1871), Helen Mercer (b. 1873), Mary Eliza (Mamie) (b. 1875), and Charles Archer (1877-1879). Owen died in Richmond on 8 October 1921.

Scope and Content Information

Papers, 1822-1929, including a will (29 April 1822) and estate inventory (28 November 1825) of Ann Owen of Prince Edward County, letters, land records, military papers, lists of casualties and units at Gettysburg, a diary kept during the Civil War from 10 February to 10 July 1863, reminiscences of service during the Civil War, drafts of articles concerning the Civil War, poetry, a newspaper (Charlottesville Gazette, 15 May 1884), photographs of Henry Thweatt Owen, the papers of James Whiteside, maps, broadsides, and lists of coupons issued under Acts of 1871, 1879, and 1892 and paid into the Second Auditor's Office.

The letters, 1856-1924, comprise the bulk of the collection and concern Owen's military service, his desire for historical accuracy regarding the role of Pickett's Division in the Gettysburg campaign, postwar Virginia politics, and his career in the Second Auditor's Office. Correspondents includes James Lawson Kemper, James Longstreet, Philip W. McKinney, William Mahone, Charles Marshall, Roger A. Pryor, and Frank G. Ruffin.

The military papers, 6 November 1862 - 8 August 1864, include letters, orders, and receipts of a military nature, especially concerning Union prisoners assembled for exchange at City Point. Lists of casualties and units at Gettysburg, n.d., include estimates of Union strength, company rosters, and lists of officers killed and wounded in Pickett's Charge. Diary, 10 February - 10 July 1863, traces the movements of the 18th Virginia Infantry Regiment from Petersburg through the retreat from Gettysburg.

Reminiscences are of Owen's service during the Civil War, Pickett's division, the Battle of South Mountain, and Pickett's Charge. James Whiteside papers, 1863-1893, include a discharge from the 46th Pennsylvania Militia Regiment, survey and plat of land in Charlotte County, receipts, and accounts.

The maps include a railroad map of the United States with an emphasis on distances between San Francisco and Richmond (before 1889); a plat of Old Point Comfort (1891); plats, surveys, and notes concerning early settlers in Prince Edward County (ca. 1728 - ca. 1783, n.d.); plats and maps of property in and near the town of Virso, Prince Edward and Lunenburg Counties (ca. 1920 - ca. 1924); and a map of the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg (1876). These maps are located in Map cabinet 22, drawer 1. The lists of coupons issued under Acts of 1871, 1879, 1892 and paid into the Second Auditor's Office are printed forms, filled in. The broadside and lists of coupon are located in Map cabinet 22, drawer 1.

The broadsides consist of: "To the Survivors of Pickett's Division," 15 December 1887, and "Garnett's Brigade," n.d. are currently unavailable.

Organization

Organized into the following sixteen series: I. Ann Owen Papers, 1822, 1825. II. Letters, 1856-1924. III. Land Records, 1894-1928. IV. Military Papers, 1862-1864. V. Lists of Casualties and Units at Gettysburg. VI. Diary, 10 February-10 July 1863. VII. Reminiscences. VIII. Draft of Articles. IX. Poetry. X. Newspaper. XI. Photographs. XII. James Whiteside Papers, 1863-1893. XIII. Plat Books. XIV. Maps. XV. Broadsides. XVI. Second Auditor's Office.

Contents List

Series I: Ann Owen Papers, 1822, 1825

Folder 1
Will, 29 April 1822

8 p.
Of Ann Owen, Prince Edward County, Virginia. Proved 21 November 1825.
Folder 1
Inventory and appraisement of estate, 28 November 1825

7 p.
Of Ann Owen, Prince Edward County, Virginia.

Series II: Letters, 1856-1924

Folder 2
5 July 1856

3 p.
Henry T. Owen, Blacksburg, Virginia, to his wife [Harriet Owen], concerning his trip, the view from Peaks of Otter, and the quality of the land and crops in the area.
Folder 2
28 August 1861

4 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Camp near Centreville" [Fairfax County], Virginia, to his wife [Harriet Owen], on his own recent illness, the myth of rampant sickness in the army, his objections to married men in service, financial matters, and education.
Folder 2
9 October 1861

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Fairfax Court House, Virginia, to his wife [Harriet Owen], sending a bag of chestnuts, discussing financial affairs, commenting on the possibilities of a battle, and mentioning that his case (not described) has not yet been brought before a court martial.
Folder 2
7-8 November 1861

4 p.
Henry T. Owen, Centreville, Virginia, to his wife [Harriet Owen], concerning family financial affairs, and describing the departure of his former lawyer and the postponement of his trial.
Folder 2
12 March 1862

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Camp Wise, Richmond, Virginia, to Harriet Owen, reporting rumors of retreat from Manassas.
Folder 2
14 March 1864

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Camp Wise, Richmond, Virginia, to Harriet Owen [Nottoway County, Virginia], reporting on life in camp and asking her to assist the men getting more recruits for his company.
Folder 2
18 March 1862

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Gordonsville, Virginia, to Harriet Owen [Nottoway County, Virginia], describing move to Gordonsville from Richmond and rumors of his regiment's retreat toward Richmond.
Folder 2
10 April 1862

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Louisa County, Virginia, to Harriet Owen [Nottoway County, Virginia], concerning the army's marches and counter marches between Louisa Court House and Fredericksburg, and Harriet Owen's health.
Folder 2
Letter, 11 April 1862

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Louisa Court House, Virginia, to Harriet Owen [Nottoway County, Virginia], regarding the army's proposed march to Richmond, and suggesting means by which she could travel there to see him.
Folder 2
Letter, 20 April 1862

4 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Camp near Yortown," Virginia, to Harriet Owen [Nottoway County, Virginia], bemoaning the lack of mail and the fact that they were unable to meet in Richmond, and describing life in the woods.
Folder 2
24 April 1862

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Camp near Yorktown," Virginia, to Harriet Owen [Nottoway County, Virginia], on their children and her health.
Folder 2
27 April 1862

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Camp near Yorktown," Virginia, to Harriet Owen {Nottoway County, Virginia], reporting his election as captain of the company.
Folder 2
6 May 1862

4 p.
Henry T. Owen, "On march from Williamsburg," Virginia, to Harriet Owen [Nottoway County, Virginia], describing his first battle as captain and listing the dead and wounded.
Folder 2
11 May 1862

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, [Chickahominy River] Virginia, to Harriet Owen [Nottoway County, Virginia], describing the recovery of some of the soldiers wounded in the recent battle, and on family matters.
Folder 2
21 May 1862

4 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Laurel Hill Church below Richmond," to Harriet Owen [Nottoway County, Virginia], concerning her proposed move to Prince Edward County and the weak patriotism of some of her neighbors, providing further news on the recovery of the wounded, and commenting on her news.
Folder 2
1 June 1862

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, "York River Rail Road 6 miles Below Richmond," Virginia, to his wife [Harriet Owen], describing the battle he was in that day, listing the killed and wounded, and reassuring her that he was safe.
Folder 2
12 June 1862

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Camp near Richmond," Virginia, to Harriet Owen, giving war news and encouraging her to send their son Clay to visit him in camp.
Folder 2
16 June 1862

4 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Wmsbg Road Below Richmond," Virginia, to Harriet Owen, describing an opportunity for a visit home which duty compelled him to pass up in favor of one of his Lieutenants, and his sadness over the depleted ranks of his company.
Folder 2
21 June 1862

2 p.
Henry T. Owen to his wife [Harriet Owen], relating a story of the capture and punishment of a deserter.
Folder 2
28 June 1862

2 p.
Henry T. Owen to his wife [Harriet Owen], listing wounded in "battles of the last two days"; he himself had been ill and stayed in camp.
Folder 2
30 June 1862

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, "On Wmsburg Road," Virginia, to Harriet Owen, discussing his recovery and the battles of the past few days, and expressing the hope that McClellan will soon be surrounded and forced to surrender
Folder 2
16 July 1862

4 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Camp below Richmond, Darby Town Road," to Harriet Owen, on the subject of his farm and crops, and a deserter.
Folder 2
27 July 1862

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, "In Camp [Richmond, Virginia]," to Harriet Owen, sending her some of his clothing and blankets, and some newspapers, and discussing family matters.
Folder 2
31 August 1862

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Manassas Plains [Prince William County, Virginia]," to Harriet Owen, describing Second Battle of Manassas and listing the killed and wounded in his regiment.
Folder 2
7 November 1862

4 p., fragment.
Henry T. Owen, "Camp near Culpeper Court House," Virginia, to Harriet Owen, describing his snug lean-to, the cold, snowy weather, and waxing literary on "the far off, dull, sullen muttering of the deep mouthed cannon."
Folder 2
14 December 1862

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Camp near Fredericksburg," Virginia, to Harriet Owen, on the battles around Fredericksburg in which his unit has not been engaged.
Folder 2
14 March 1863

4 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Pitt Co., N.C.," to Harriet Owen, describing the march through North Carolina, a swamp near the camp, and his brigade's regret at being detached temporarily from General Pickett's command.
Folder 2
6 April 1863

4 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Camp before Washington, N.C.," to his daughter, "Miss E. Millie Owen," asking for a letter from her, describing his hardships, and telling the story of a little boy who had never seen hardtack before.
Folder 2
13 June 1863

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Culpeper Court House, Virginia, to his wife [Harriet Owen], speculating about where the army might go, recommending study and discipline for his children, and hoping his son might come to visit him.
Folder 2
16 June 1863

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Rappahannock Co., Virginia, to Harriet Owen, regarding the uncertainty of their destination or route of march, and his religious conversion to Presbyterianism.
Folder 2
21 June 1863

4 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Bivouac near Berryville, Clarke Co., Va.," to Harriet Owen, describing their march by the Shenandoah River, mentioning people they both know, speculating on his chances for promotion now that the sentence of cashier (no reason given) has been removed by the Secretary of War, and discussing religion and family matters.
Folder 2
18 July 1863

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Bunker Hill, Berkeley County, Virginia, to Harriet Owen, concerning the prisoners taken by his unit at Gettysburg and telling a long story about one of them, Captain Frank R. Josselyn of Massachusetts.
Folder 2
22 July 1863

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Near Front Royale," Virginia, to Harriet Owen, about his leading the remaining sixty-three men of his regiment against enemy cavalry at Chester Gap, and news of friends.
Folder 2
24 July 1863

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Culpeper Court House, Virginia, to Harriet Owen, concerning his sadness at so many of his men and comrades no longer being with him, and giving news of some local soldiers.
Folder 2
7 September 1863

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Orange County, Virginia, to his son, Henry Clay Owen, on family friends and matters.
Folder 2
27 September 1863

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Petersburg, Virginia, to his wife [Harriet Owen], regarding his possible posting to City Point and his desire to have his sons Michael and Clay sent to join him in camp.
Folder 2
21 December 1863

8 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to his wife [Harriet Owen], giving a long pious discourse on God's blessings on them after his wife had lost her trunk and its contents.
Folder 2
8 February 1864

4 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to Harriet Owen, on family matters and friends.
Folder 2
18 April 1864

4 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to his son [Henry Clay Owen], on his studies and family matters.
Folder 2
16 May 1864

4 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to his wife [Harriet Owen], describing enemy movements in Powhatan and Amelia Counties, and the battles between Richmond and Petersburg.
Folder 2
20 May 1864

4 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to Harriet Owen, concerning the mail and the battle near Richmond.
Folder 2
28 July 1864

4 p.
W. H. H. Ewing to "Dear Uncle," Henry T. Owen, Moore's Ordinary, Virginia, with war news and family talk.
Folder 2
22 August 1864

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Chester Station, Virginia, to his wife [Harriet Owen], concerning family financial matters, war news, and the health of soldiers from home.
Folder 2
1 October 1864

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Chester Station, Virginia, to his wife [Harriet Owen], regarding soldiers from home, fighting near Richmond, and his feeling that Grant would probably capture Richmond and Petersburg within a month.
Folder 2
9 October 1864

4 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Trenches near Chester, Va.," to his wife [Harriet Owen], concerning his brother's possible death or capture, and some war news.
Folder 2
3 November 1864

4 p.
Henry T. Owen, "Near Chester Station, Va.," to his wife [Harriet Owen], regarding food sent from home, his relief over hearing his brother was safe, and family matters.
Folder 2
22 November 1864

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Castle Thunder [Richmond, Virginia], to his wife [Harriet Owen], concerning his imprisonment (charges not mentioned).
Folder 2
1 December 1864

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Castle Thunder [Richmond, Virginia], to his wife [Harriet Owen], requesting food, clothing, and books, and speculating on his trial date.
Folder 2
[Saturday morning, 1864]

1 p.
Henry T. Owen to his wife [Harriet Owen], saying that he is sick and will meet her and her father at the depot on Monday.
Folder 2
[1864]

2 p.
Henry T. Owen to his wife [Harriet Owen], concerning money, crops, and war news.
Folder 3
10 September 1869

1 p.
Henry T. Owen, appointment as Commissioner in Chancery for the Circuit Court of Prince Edward County, Virginia.
Folder 3
16 May 1876

1 p.
Roger A. Pryor, New York, New York, to Colonel Henry T. Owen, informing him that he is returning Owen's manuscript, and regrets that he could not find a publisher.
Folder 3
27 January 1878

2 p., fragment.
[Henry T. Owen], Green Bay P. O., Prince Edward County, Virginia, to Colonel Charles Marshall, Baltimore, Maryland, taking issue with Longstreet's recently published letter concerning Lee's actions after Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg, and relating his encounter with Marshall after the charge.
Folder 3
28 January 1878

6 p.
Charles Marshall, Baltimore, Maryland, to Captain H. S. Owen [sic], Green Bay [Prince Edward County, Virginia], concerning Lee's actions and statements after Pickett's Charge, and the orders directing Pickett to move his troops from Chambersburg to Gettysburg.
Folder 3
1 February 1878

2 p.
J. L. Kemper, Madison, Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, stating that he did not know what orders passed between Longstreet and Pickett regarding the latter's march from Chambersburg to Gettysburg.
Folder 3
15 February 1878

1 p.
William Smith, Warrenton, Virginia, to Henry T. Owen, regretting he could not locate the wherabouts of Leonidas Smith, and mentioning a service he did for Owen but had forgotten about.
Folder 3
23 February 1878

1 p.
Charles Pickett, Norfolk, Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, estimating the size of Major General George E. Pickett's command at Gettysburg at 4,800 men.
Folder 3
4 March 1878

1 p.
J. L. Kemper, Madison, Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, regarding the position of Pickett's dividion and Kemper's brigade.
Folder 3
15 March 1878

2 p.
Z. A Blanton , Farmville, Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, responding to questions regarding the units under Pickett's command at Gettysburg.
Folder 3
24 March 1878

6 p.
James Longstreet, Gainsville [sic], Georgia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, Green Bay [Prince Edward County], Virginia, concerning the aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg, Lee's words and actions, the literature on the battle, and Owen's planned writings on the subject.
Folder 3
28 March 1878

2 p.
Z. A. Blanton, Farmville, Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, concerning Blanton's part in the Battle of Gettysburg and Pickett's charge.
Folder 3
30 March 1878

3 p.
Charles Pickett, Norfolk, Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, Green Bay {Prince Edward County], Virginia, concerning the march of Major General George E. Pickett's troops to Gettysburg and their position prior to the charge of 3 July 1863.
Folder 3
7 April 1878

2 p.
George C. Cabell, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C., to Captain Henry T. Owen, regarding the activities of his unit around Manassas Gap, Virginia, after the Battle of Gettysburg.
Folder 3
8 April 1878

4 p.
W. J. Morrissett, Bristol, Tennessee, to Captain Henry T. Owen, stating that he has tried to forget the war and look to the future, but attempting to describe the march of Pickett's troops to Gettysburg.
Folder 3
8 April 1878

2 p.
John S. Hayes, Afton [Nelson County], Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, Green Bay [Prince Edward County], Virginia, concerning Hayes' recent illness and loss of sight in one eye, his closeness to General Lee during the Gettysburg campaign, and the activities of Pickett's division at Gettysburg.
Folder 3
14 April 1878

2 p.
James A. Holland, Glade Hill, Franklin County, Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, regarding the extra duties of Pickett's division while in Chambersburg, their arrival at Gettysburg, and estimates of the losses suffered in Pickett's Charge.
Folder 3
15 April 1878

5 p.
John S. Hayes, Afton [Nelson County], Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, Green Bay [Prince Edward County], Virginia, giving detailed accounts of conversations between Generals Lee and Longstreet during the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg, and expressing interest in looking at any manuscript Owen may have written about the war.
Folder 3
15 April 1878

2 p.
Roger A. Pryor, New York, New York, to Colonel [Henry T.] Owen, reporting that Owen's manuscript had been received by him, and expressing little hope that it could be published.
Folder 3
21 April 1878

1 p.
James Longstreet, Gainesville, Georgia, to Major Henry T. Owen, Virginia, concerning the debate over Pickett's time of arrival at Gettysburg from Chambersburg.
Folder 3
5 May 1878

1 p.
James Longstreet, Gainesville, Georgia, to [Henry T. Owen], thanking him for his letter and admitting that both Lee and himself were mistaken as to the time of Pickett's arrival at Gettysburg.
Folder 3
9 July 1878

1 p.
Edmund R. Cocke, Oakland, Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, Green Bay [Prince Edward County], Virginia, in regard to Pickett's time of arrival at Gettysburg from Chambersburg.
Folder 3
18 August 1878

4 p.
Edward R. Baird, Occupacia, Essex County, Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, concerning the Pickett controversy, stating that Pickett had reported personally to Longstreet, who had then ordered the division into camp for the night.
Folder 3
6 September 1878

2 p.
James Longstreet, Gainesville, Georgia, to Major Henry T. Owen, Green Bay [Prince Edward County], Virginia, concerning Pickett's arrival at Gettysburg and the conversations between himself and Lee as reported by Hayes (see the letter of 15 April 1878 above).
Folder 3
11 November 1878

5 p.
[Henry T. Owen], Green Bay, Prince Edward County, Virginia, to Richard Irby, correcting errors in Irby's bok, particularly an account of part of the First Battle of Manassas.
Folder 3
25 November 1878

2 p.
Richard Irby, Ashland [Hanover County], Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, Meherrin, Virginia, stating that his errors were unintentional and that he would be glad to give credit where it is due in an expanded version of his book.
Folder 3
11 December 1878

2 p.
Abner Anderson, Danville, Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, agreeing with his version of the events at Manassas and Yorktown, as opposed to that published by Irby.
Folder 3
14 December 1878

2 p
Affidavit by E. B. Coleman, in handwriting of Henry T. Owen, agreeing with Owen's version of the affair at First Manassas when the Federal cannon were turned against them by Owen and others.
Folder 3
21 December 1878

2 p.
James A. Holland, "Franklin Co. near Glade Hill," Virginia, to Captain [Henry T. Owen], agreeing with Owen's accounts of First Manassas and Gettysburg.
Folder 3
30 December 1878

2 p.
William Mahone, Petersburg, Virginia, to [H. H. Dyson], Richmond, Virginia, offering suggestions as to how to proceed with purging the old staff and making new appointments when Dyson assumes the office of Second Auditor, and commenting on the political scene. Includes envelope.
Folder 3
30 April 1880

1 p.
James L, Kemper, Madison, Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, giving an account of his service in the Mexican War.
Folder 3
24 May 1880

3 p.
W. F. Clark, Keysville, Virginia, to Captain Owen, concerning the composition of Pickett's Division in the Battle of Gettysburg and of his own regiment, 56th.
Folder 3
17 September 1880

1 p.
Edmund R. Cocke, Oakland, Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, with regard to the casualties in his company at the Battle of Gettysburg.
Folder 3
8 October 1880

1 p.
"Friends," Richmond, Virginia, to Captain Owen, complimenting him on his "defence of Manhood" and remitting his fine of twenty dollars.
Folder 3
2 February 1881

3 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to his daughter "Mamee" Owen, discussing her letter to him and sending his regards to his family.
Folder 3
17 March 1881

1 p.
The Times, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, accepting his Gettysburg manuscript for publication and returning "the other."
Folder 3
20 July 1881

Printed broadsude, 1 p.
H. H. Dyson, Richmond, Virginia, "To the Republicans of Virginia," urging their support of the Readjuster party in Virginis.
Folder 3
4 October 1881

5 p.
Charles Pickett, Norfolk, Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, giving his account of the attack by Pickett's division at Malvern Hill.
Folder 3
20 November 1881

6 p.
George H. Southall, Lynchburg, Virginia, to H. H. Dyson, glorying in the Readjuster victory at the polls (even with poetry) and asking for a job.
Folder 3
17 December 1881

4 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to his wife [Harriet Owen], discussing his heavy workload in the Second Auditor's Office and prospective changes among the staff.
Folder 3
1881

3 p.
[Henry T. Owen?], Richmond, Virginia, to "Dear Sir," supporting the Readjuster program and urging the election of John E. Massey as Governor.
Folder 3
21 February 1882

3 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to "C. H. Bliss, N. H. Champlin, A. W. Harris, and others," declining appointment to the post of First Clerk in the Second Auditor's Office and giving his reasons in detail. Draft copy.
Folder 3
23 February 1882

3 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to "C. H. Bliss, N. H. Champlin, A. W. Harris, and others," declining appointment to the post of First Clerk in the Second Auditor's Office and giving his reasons in detail. Sent copy[?].
Folder 3
3 September 1882

1 p.
C. Linkenhoker, Richmond, Virginia, to Captain [Henry T. Owen], regretting that Owen will not be returning to Richmond "but, such is politics."
Folder 3
16 November 1882

5 p.
[Henry T. Owen], Green Bay, Prince Edward County, Virginia, to Honorable John E. Massey, offering his encouragement upon hearing of Massey's decision to contest the election of his opponent to his seat in Congress, and giving a detailed account of an election fraud in his precinct.
Folder 3
22 November 1882

2 p.
C. Linkenhoker, Richmond, Virginia, to Captain [Henry T. Owen], commenting upon John S. Wise's election as Governor.
Folder 3
22 November 1882

4 p.
F. G. Morrison, Henrico County, Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, Green Bay, Prince Edward County, Virginia, commenting on the election, discussing the clerks in the Second Auditor's Office, and giving personal news.
Folder 3
25 November 1882

4 p.
[Henry T. Owen], Green Bay [Prince Edward County], Virginia, to Colonel Frank G. Ruffin, expressing his disappointment that his private letter to John E. Massey (letter dated 16 November 1882 above) was published in the newspaper, outlining the difficulties it put him in, and commenting on politics generally.
Folder 3
12 November 1883

1 p.
Corbin M. Reynolds, Carolina P. O., Botetourt County, Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, Green Bay [Prince Edward County], Virginia, seeking a government job for Colonel Frank G. Ruffin, and commenting on Mahone's defeat.
Folder 3
22 November 1883

6 p.
Henry T. Owen, Green Bay, Prince Edward County, Virginia, to Judge F. N. Watkins, asking him to use his influence to procure a post for Colonel Frank G. Ruffin, outlining Ruffin's accomplishments, and in a humorous postscript complaining about Ruffin's "abominable" handwriting.
Folder 3
26 November 1883

4 p.
Franks G. Ruffin, Richmond, Virginia, to "My friend" [Henry T. Owen?], thanking him for his efforts in his behalf, discussing political fortunes, and alluding to his handwriting.
Folder 3
14 December 1883

2 p.
[Henry T. Owen], Green Bay [Prince Edward County], Virginia, to Colonel [Frank G.] Ruffin, regarding the possible support of Senator Williams for Owen for a clerk's position, and his desire to remain free of obligation to Williams, considering his former treachery.
Folder 3
29 December 1883

1 p.
Frank G. Ruffin, Danville, Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, Green Bay, Prince Edward County, Virginia, with regard to Ruffin's assumption of the office of Auditor after the first of the year.
Folder 4
11 January 1884

4 p.
William Smith, Hot Springs, Arkansas, to Captain Henry T. Owen, concerning Virginia politics and the high prices in Hot Springs.
Folder 4
4 March 1884

3 p.
[Henry T. Owen?], Richmond, Virginia, to "Editor of the State," concerning race relations and the desire of the former slaves to repeal the law against mixed marriages
Folder 4
17 October 1884

2 p.
Stephen Stanley, Attleboro Falls, Massachusetts, to Henry T. Owen, concerning his efforts to locate Captain Frank R. Josselyn of the 11th Massachusetts Regiment, whom Owen had befriended after the Battle of Gettysburg (see letter dated 18 July 1863 above).
Folder 4
2 January 1885

1 p.
Stephen Stanley, Attleboro Falls, Massachusetts, to Henry T. Owen, concerning Josselyn and enclosing a letter.
Folder 4
Enclosure, n.d.

3 p.
George T. Bosson to Stephen Stanley, thanking him for the information about his late brother-in-law, Captain Frank R. Josselyn, who died of illness contracted while a prisoner.
Folder 4
20 January 1885

3 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to George C. Cabell, recommending W. Chase Morton for the position of Revenue Collector for the Second District of Virginia.
Folder 4
28 February 1885

3 p.
[Henry T. Owen], Richmond, Virginia, to "Mrs. Weiss," correcting two errors in her newspaper article on the battle between the Merrimac and the Monitor.
Folder 4
14 May 1885

2 p.
P. W. McKinney, Farmville, Virginia, to Captain [Henry T. Owen], regarding his efforts to get Mrs. Owen appointed postmistress at Green Bay.
Folder 4
7 December 1885

1 p.
Appointment of Harriet A. Owen as Postmaster at Green Bay, Prince Edward County, Virginia.
Folder 4
6 May 1886

3 p.
George T. Bosson, Boston, Massachusetts, to Henry T. Owen, concerning Owen's kindness toward his late brother-in-law, Captain Frank R. Josselyn, and the plan of Bosson and his wife to travel to Richmond to meet him.
Folder 4
21 May 1886

1 p.
J. C. Ropes, Boston, Massachusetts, to Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, in regard to an article on the war.
Folder 4
25 May 1886

6 p.
L. Jeannette Bosson (wife of George T. Bosson), Boston, Massachusetts, to Captain [Henry T.] Owen, thanking him for his hospitality and inviting him to visit them.
Folder 4
3 June 1886

2 p.
B. W. Currier, Boston, Massachusetts, to Captain Henry T. Owen, explaining that Frank Josselyn was his closest friend and inviting Owen to come to Boston.
Folder 4
27 June 1886

4 p.
Mrs. George T. Bosson, Allston, Massachusetts, to Captain [Henry T.] Owen, thanking him for his letter and reminiscing abut her visit to Richmond.
Folder 4
14 July 1886

4 p.
B. F. Williams, Gilberton, Pennsylvania, to Captain Henry T. Owen, asking his help in preventing some land in Lunenburg County from being sold for delinquent taxes.
Folder 4
30 July 1886

4 p.
Mrs. George T. Bosson, Boston, Massachusetts, to Captain [Henry T.] Owen, forwarding photographs of her children and commenting on a meeting with William Mahone.
Folder 4
5 August 1886

8 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to Mrs. [George T.] Bosson, thanking her for the photographs of her three children, discussing politics, and expressing his admiration for New England.
Folder 4
1 April 1887

5 p.
Maggie J. Baker, Berkeley County, West Virginia, to Mr. [Henry T.] Owen, informing him, in response to his letter addressed to the postmaster, that hers was the house in which he had breakfast with his prisoner, Frank R. Josselyn.
Folder 4
24 June 1887

Fragment, 2 p.
[Henry T. Owen], Richmond, Virginia, to Captain J. C. Griffin, concerning the use of dogs in pursuing runaway slaves, and beginning a long story about a slave chasing dog named Boston who lived near Burkeville before the war.
Folder 4
20 July 1887

4 p.
Robert A. Bright, Williamsburg, Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, regarding Pickett's Division at Gettysburg and his role as a message bearer for Pickett.
Folder 4
Circular letter, 25 November 1887

2 p.
Jonas Kelly, Richmond, Virginia, to Members of the General Assembly, Richmond, Virginia, announcing his candidacy for the office of Superintendent of the State Prison, and describing errors in the current Superintendent's report.
Folder 4
25 February 1888

1 p.
B. Hilton Owen, Clover Depot, Virginia, to "Pa" [Henry T. Owen], describing his work, a debate he engaged in, and the fight that followed.
Folder 4
9 January 1890

2 p.
B. F. Williams, Mahanox City, Pennsylvania, to Captain Henry T. Owen, informing him that a Pennsylvania investor may visit Owen to be shown some land owned by Williams and Owen for possible purchase for its mineral content.
Folder 4
14 November 1890

1 p.
B. T. Medley to "Cousin Henry" T. Owen, sending him an undated note, written on the same sheet (Henry T. Owen to D. F. Medley) during a class when they were both in grammer school, on family matters.
Folder 4
24 March 1896

1 p.
James Mann, Nottoway Court House, Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, informing him that he has been elected an honorary member of the Pickett-Stuart Camp of Confederate Veterans, and must prepare a eulogy on some member of the regiment to be delivered at the April meeting of the Camp.
Folder 4
27 March 1896

1 p.
James Mann, Nottoway Court House, Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, explaining the purpose of the eulogy and refusing to excuse him from the task.
Folder 4
11 February 1897

1 p.
John R. Taylor, Hanover Court House, Virginia, to Henry T. Owen, describing the Hanover County record books in his possession and saying that he did not find the Owen family name in the index.
Folder 4
28 March 1897

1 p.
Stith Bolling, Petersburg, Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, concerning subscriptions to a history of the 9th Virginia Regiment, and noting that the roll of Company G may contain errors.
Folder 4
11 August 1897

1 p.
Moses D. Hoge, Richmond, Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, concerning Owen's efforts to obtain information on Judah P. Benjamin for a friend's memoir.
Folder 4
7 January 1898

2 p.
P. W. McKinney, Farmville, Virginia, to Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, asking him to investigate the Mutual Guarantee Building and Loan Association of Richmond to find if McKinney's investment in five or six shares of its stock is a safe one.
Folder 4
October 1898

2 p.
Lyon G. Gardiner, [Williamsburg, Virginia], to [Henry T. Owen], a printed advertisement for the William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine, with a tearsheet of the contents of volume seven, number two, and a handwritten note asking Owen to subscribe.
Folder 4
20 December 1898

1 p.
W. G. Stanard, Richmond, Virginia, to Captain Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, informing him of his election as a member of the Virginia Historical Society.
Folder 4
21 March 1900

3 p.
B. T. Medley, Meherrin, Virginia, to "Cousin Henry" [T. Owen], Richmond, Virginia, asking him to keep the old family Bible, and discussing family matters. Page two is missing. Includes envelope.
Folder 4
16 July 1901

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to Kenneth C. Johnson (Owen's grandson), Bruceville, Virginia, on family matters and describing a kitten given to Mrs. Owen.
Folder 4
29 March 1902

5 p.
[Henry T. Owen], Richmond, Virginia, to Colonel R. E. Withers, Wytheville, Virginia, concerning the events leading up to his court martial in September 1861, apparently for insubordination with regard to his failing to obey orders concerning some sickness in his company. This letter is incomplete.
Folder 4
7 July 1902

1 p.
N. R. Bowman, Lynchburg, Virginia, to "Cousin" Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, thanking him for sending genealogical information concerning his family.
Folder 4
22 Septembr 1908

2 p.
Edward R. Baird, Occupacia, Virginia, to [Henry T. Owen], concerning a meeting of former officers held in 1894 to vindicate the conduct of General Pickett at Gettysburg and in regard to a newspaper article on the subject.
Folder 4
12 November 1913

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to "My dear daughter," concerning his alleged resemblance to General Grant, the cold weather, and family matters.
Folder 4
12 March 1918

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to "Mamie" (his daughter), thanking her for the letters and candy, and describing his present sickness.
Folder 4
29 January 1919

2 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to "Mamie" (his daughter), regarding another box of candy, Mr. Styll's narrow escape from a bridge accident, and Owen's enthusiasm for Billy Sunday.
Folder 4
23 June 1920

12 p.
Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to "Mich" (his son), discussing current events foretold by the prophets of the Bible, and commenting on the admirable life of Queen Victoria.
Folder 4
Envelope, 8 March 1924
H. C. Stuart, Elk Garden, Virginia, to Mrs. Constance T. Watson, Richmond, Virginia.

Series III: Land Records, 1894-1928

Folder 5
Letter, 16 March 1894

2 p.
Executive Committee, Newport News, Hampton, and Old Point Development Company, Richmond, Virginia, to Mr. E. O. Whiteside, informing him that he has been assigned a lot in exchange for his stock, pursuant to a resolution adopted by the stockholders for closing up the Company. On the reverse is a handwritten note, dated 6 September 1900, from L. T. Christian describing the dissolution of the Company.
Folder 5
Joseph Thompson, abstract of title to 200 acres of land in Prince Edward County, Virginia, belonging to G. C. Womack. 21 April 1909

4 p.
Folder 5
Deed - recorded, 24 July 1909

2 p.
George C. Womack and Martin Womack, his wife, of Prince Edward County, Virginia, to E. O. Whiteside and Henry Whiteside of Charlotte County, Virginia, for 131 acres in Prince Edward County.
Folder 5
Deed - recorded, 25 August 1914
Purcell Cox, of Prince Edward County, Virginia, to Julius Lash of Meherrin, Virginia, for one acre in Prince Edward County.
Folder 5
Deed - unrecorded, 18 June 1917

2 p.
Virso Investment Corporation of Virginia, to Mary G. Whiteside, for one lot in Virso, Virginia.
Folder 5
Deed - recorded, 18 June 1917

4 p.
Purcell Cox, Lee Cox, and his wife Annie Cox, to E. O. Whiteside, for one third acre in Prince Edward County, Virginia.
Folder 5
Deed - recorded, 26 November 1917

1 p.
Purcell Cox to E. O. Whiteside, his interest in the estate of his father, Mat Cox, being two parcels of land in Prince Edward County, Virginia.
Folder 5
Deed of trust - recorded, 30 November 1920
D. J. Thompson, of Prince Edward County, Virginia, to E. O. Whiteside, of Lunenburg County, Virginia, for 90 acres in Prince Edward County.
Folder 5
Deed - recorded, 8 April 1921

4 p.
Julius Lash and Susan A. Lash, his wife, to E. O. Whiteside, for four-tenths of an acre in Prince Edward County, Virginia.
Folder 5
Deed - recorded, 15 February 1921

3 p.
Robert K. Brock to E. O. Whiteside, for seven and a half acres in Prince Edward County, Virginia, and receipt for clerk's fees.
Folder 5
W. J. Lyle, Keysville, Virginia, copy of advertisement of sale by auction of 90 acres in Prince Edward County, Virginia, to be held 17 October 1928.

1 p.
Folder 5
W. J. Lyle to F. L. Blanton, Farmville, Virginia, 14 December 1928

1 p.
Settlement of his trustee's account.
Folder 5
Deed - recorded, 14 March 1929

3 p.
W. J. Lyle, Charlotte County, Virginia, to Henry Whiteside, for 90 acres in Prince Edward County.

Series IV: Military Papers, 6 November 1862-8 August 1864

Folder 6

83 items

Includes letters, orders, and receipts of a military nature, especially concerning Union prisoners assembled for exchange at City Point.

Series V: Lists of Casualties and Units at Gettysburg n.d.

Folder 7

21 items

Includes estimates of Union strength, company rosters, and lists of officers killed and wounded in Pickett's Charge.

Series VI: Diary, 10 February-10 July 1863

Folder 8

12 p.

This diary, written by Henry T. Owen, is titled "Notes from a Diary kept during the war of the Rebellion" and traces his regiment's movements from Petersburg through the retreat from Gettysburg.

Series VII: Reminiscences

Folder 9
"Reminiscences of the War," by Captain Henry T. Owen, n.d.

7 p.
Folder 9
"Pickett's Division" [Gettysburg Campaign], n.d.

17 p.
Folder 9
"Battle of South Mountain," n.d.

16 p.
Folder 9
Letter, 27 January 1878

8 p.
Henry T. Owen, Green Bay, Virginia, to Colonel H. A. Carrington, giving a marvelously detailed account of his participation in Pickett's Charge and the aftermath.

Series VIII: Drafts of Articles

Folder 10
"The Battle of Dranesville," by Henry T. Owen with cover letter, Henry T. Owen, Richmond, Virginia, to Editor of Times, submitting the article, 25 August 1885

50 p.
Folder 10
"Pickett's Division," n.d.

7 p.
By Henry T. Owen, written for the South-Side Sentinel
Folder 10
Notes for the "Battle of Dranesville," n.d.

7 p.
Folder 10
Description of parade of 18th Virginia Regiment in Richmond, Virginia, on 26 May 1861, n.d.

1 p.
Folder 10
Description of sermon of Dr. D. L. Moody, n.d.

1 p.
Folder 10
Draft of article on the role of Pickett's Division in the Battle of Gettysburg, n.d.

12 p.
Folder 10
Drafts of biographical sketch of Chatham Roberdeau Wheat, n.d.

14 p.
Folder 10
Account of a sermon preached by the Second Adventist William T. Thurman in 1875, n.d.

7 p.
Folder 10
"Rambling around Richmond," n.d.

8 p.
Concerning changes in the city. Includes several drafts.
Folder 10
Fragment of article asserting that the Southern politicians who stirred up the rebellion were demogogues who abandoned the soldier to his fate once the action got hot, n.d.

5 p.
Folder 10
Notes on the Battle of Seven Pines, n.d

10 p.
Folder 10
Macaulay's opinion of the U. S. Government (fragment), 1857

2 p.
Folder 10
Speeches of Honorable John F. Shafroth, House of Representatives, 1 and 7 February 1900

16 p.

Series IX: Poetry

Folder 11
"The Captain strode from fore to aft," n.d.

1 p.
Folder 11
"At the ford of the river we held the foe back," n.d.

1 p.
Folder 11
"As on they rushed into the strife," n.d.

1 p.
Folder 11
"Was there no friend on whom depend," n.d.

1 p.

Series X: Newspaper - The Charlotte Gazette, 15 May 1884

Folder 12

4 p.

Series XI: Photographs

Folder 13
Captain H. T. Owen (New York Art Gallery, Richmond, Virginia), ca. 1861

Tinted albumen print, 6-1/2 x 4-1/4 in.
Folder 13
H. T. Owen (Richmond Photo Company, Richmond, Virginia), n.d.

Albumen print, 7-1/2 x 5 in.
Folder 13
H. T. Owen (New York Art Gallery, Richmond, Virginia), n.d.

Albumen print, 6-1/2 x 4-1/4 in.
Folder 13
H. T. Owen, "nearly ninety," ca. 1920

Silver print, 5 x 3-1/2 in.

Series XII: James Whiteside Papers, 1863-1893

Folder 14
James Whiteside, discharge from 46th Regiment of Pennsylvania Militia, 18 August 1863

2 p.
Folder 14
John C. Hamlett, Sr., Charlotte County, Virginia, survey and plat of 924 acres in Charlotte County, Virginia, 16 December 1870

4 p.
Folder 14
Receipt 9 January 1871

2 p.
John C. Hamlett, Sr., to Henry Whiteside, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, receipt for first installment on land sold by Hamlett to Whiteside.
Folder 14
Receipt for taxes, 1873

1 p.
Andrew B. Paris (per Cauthorn) to Henry Whiteside
Folder 14
James Whiteside, Insurance Policy, Virginia Fire and Marine Insurance Company, Richmond, 14 November 1884

2 p.
Folder 14
James Whiteside, in account with Jeffress and Company, Keysville, Virginia, 9 January 1893

4 p.

Series XIII: Plat Books, 1728-1783 and ca. 1880-ca. 1900

Physical Location: Located in oversize.

2 volumes

Henry T. Owen's compilation of surveys and plats of patents and grants issued for Prince Edward County, Virginia. First volume, 1728-1783, is indexed with finished plats and surveys; second volume, ca. 1800-ca. 1900, contains rough drafts of plats and notes about land purchases by people with various surnames, including Owen.

Series XIV: Maps

Railroad map of United States with emphasis on distances between San Francisco and Richmond, before 1889
Physical Location: Located in Map Cabinets.
Colored, 17 x 44-1/2 in.
Newport News, Hampton, and Old Point Development Company, Braxton, Chandler, and Marye, Civil Engineers, 1891
Physical Location: Located in Map Cabinets.
28 x 24-1/2 in.
Plats, surveys, and notes concerning early settlers in Prince Edward County, Virginia,
Physical Location: Located in Map Cabinets.
Colored, sizes vary, 58 items.
Plats and maps of property in and near the town of Virso, Prince Edward and Lunenburg Counties, Virginia, ca. 1902-ca. 1924
Physical Location: Located in Map Cabinets.
Sizes vary, 76 items.
Map of the Battle Field of Gettysburg, First Day's Battle, Office of the Chief of Engineers, United States Army, 1876
Physical Location: Located in Map Cabinets.
Colored, 39 x 31 in.

Series XV: Broadsides (currently unavailable)

"To the Survivors of Pickett's Division," 15 December 1887
Physical Location: Located in Map Cabinets.
11 x 8-1/2 in.
"Garnett's Brigade," n.d.
Physical Location: Located in Map Cabinets.
30 x 16 in.

Series XVI: Second Auditor's Office

Physical Location: Located in Map Cabinets.

5 items

Lists of coupon issued under Acts of 1871, 1879, and 1892, paid into the Second Auditor's Office by warrant on the Treasurers.