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Virginia Military Institute Archives
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John E. Roller Papers, mss 00171, Virginia Military Institute Archives, Lexington, Virginia.
A significant number of items in the Roller Papers are available in full text format on the VMI Archives website at http://www.vmi.edu/archives/manuscripts/0171main.html
John Edwin Roller was born in Rockingham Co., Virginia on October 5, 1844, the son of Peter Samuel Roller and Frances Allebach. In the summer of 1861, although underage for service, he briefly served with Company I of the First Virginia Cavalry. On December 31, 1861, he entered the Virginia Military Institute as a second classman (equivalent to Junior), and was graduated in July 1863. He subsequently taught mathematics at VMI for a few months, and then was appointed 2d Lieutenant, Company G, 2d Confederate States Engineers in October 1863. He served as an Engineer officer in the Army of Northern Virginia to the end of the war, and was paroled at Appomattox. After the war, he studied law at the University of Virginia and practiced law in Harrisonburg (Rockingham County), Virginia. He also served in the Virginia state legislature and was a Brig. General in the state militia; he was widely known in the Harrisonburg community as "General Roller." He died in Harrisonburg on August 10, 1918.
The John E. Roller Papers consist of personal incoming and outgoing correspondence, 1862-1870, including Civil War era letters from cadet friends concerning life at VMI; Civil War dispatches and telegrams (1864), dating from his service with the Confederate States Engineers, including one document signed by General Robert E. Lee; scrapbook, ca. 1910, containing clippings about Civil War battles, veterans, unit reunions, monument dedications, and related information.; 2 photographs, of Confederate soldier Lt. Col. Samuel T. Walker (10th Virginia Infantry Regiment) and of the Virginia Legislature Centennial Committee (1871); holograph text of a cadet literary-debating society speech delivered by Cadet Norwood B. Randolph in 1870; and misc. other items.
The Roller Papers are arranged in chronological order.
Incoming and outgoing letters
Letters written and received while Roller was a VMI Cadet.
Cadet Roller to his parents, written shortly after he entered VMI. Mentions clothing needed; studying; upcoming inauguration of Jefferson Davis.
Mentions his inability to supply Gen. Smith (Superintendent of VMI) with hired or slave labor; discussion of when son should join army.
Cadet Roller submits a report concerning the theft of Commandant's records
Congratulating Roller on his army commission.
Royster discusses examinations; mutual friends at VMI.
Royster is discouraged about the results of his examinations and is considering leaving VMI.
Royster discusses his academic problems; uncertainty about staying at VMI; mentions several recent graduates and cadets.
Overton discusses rumors about deployment of cadets; cadets who have left VMI.
Royster discusses academics; changes on faculty; hardships caused by cold weather; Gen. Rosser presents captured flag to Corps; cadets don't get enough to eat.
Written from Camp Stephens, Richmond VA. Prince recently resigned from a teaching job at VMI to join the army, but is disappointed in his army position.
Reports news of fighting in the Shenandoah Valley between forces of Gen. Breckinridge and Sigel; Battle of New Market.
VMI temporarily closed after Hunter's Raid; his mother a refugee after Union troops destroyed her property.
The Corps is in Richmond, camped on the Intermediate Line; In a few days they plan to move into VMI's temporary headquarters at the Alms House.
Miscellaneous business correspondence, 10 items. Correspondents include Richard L. Gray, Nannie Lewis, G. W. Berlin, C. L. Hammond.
Includes dispatches, telegrams.
From Lt. Col. A. L. Rives, C. S. Engineer Bureau, concerning receipt of recommendations.
Certifies Thomas Hubbard born Caswell Co. NC
Gen. Robert F. Hoke to Gen. Braxton Bragg, reporting on enemy strength.
Request for officer to be assigned at Weldon.
From C. S. Flagship "Virginia" near Drewry's Bluff, re: enemy naval forces
To J. W. Williams in regard to a meeting.
"I have telegraphed Hampton to return to Richmond. Send for him. Young's brigade under Col. Wright cannot be far in advance of Richmond. Get your Cavalry together, aid it with the Infantry, and drive back enemy."
Lt. Col. Briscoe G. Baldwin (VMI Class of 1848), to J. Willcox Brown.
Walter H. Taylor, A.A.G., to Gen. Lee at Chaffin's Bluff. Scouting report.
Regarding transportation for officer.
Gen. G. T. Beauregard to Capt. Chisholm, re: matter pending before War Dept.
Lt. Col. Briscoe Baldwin to Col. J. Gorgas, re: personnel request.
From Lt. Col. Briscoe G. Baldwin, near Petersburg. Request for ammunition.
Lt. Col. Briscoe G. Baldwin to Lt. Col. W. Brown; send forge to Dunlops Crossing
Gen. Wade Hampton to HQ, requesting map of Dinwiddie
To Medical Dept. "Send down all amputating sets on hand."
W. H. Taylor to Gen. George E. Pickett.
"If you should receive an unintelligible signal
dispatch from Gen. Beauregard tonight or in morning
take no notice of it- it is sent for a purpose."
W. H. Taylor to Court Martial, Goldsboro. Col. Mayo too sick to attend court.
From HQ, Engineers, ANV to Col. W. P. Smith at Chaffin's Bluff; conveying instructions and reprimand.
To Gen. Braxton Bragg, re: troop movements (Hoke, Kemper)
Send five dollar notes.
Containing clippings about Civil War battles, veterans, unit reunions, monument dedications, and related information.
Walker served with the 10th Virginia Infantry Regiment and was killed in action at the Battle of Chancellorsville in May 1863.