Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to research.

Use Restrictions

Permission to publish material from the Nelson Preston Letter must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Nelson Preston Letter, Ms2008-075 - Special Collections, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va.

Acquisition Information

The Nelson Preston Letter was purchased by Special Collections in 1993.

Processing Information

The processing and description of the Nelson Preston Letter occurred in September, 2008.

Historical Information

English settlers originally organized a militia in Virginia during the early seventeenth century to defend the nascent colony from the Powhatan Federation. Later, in 1776, the Virginia Assembly issued the Virginia Declaration of Rights (the Virginia Constitution) which defined a militia and stated its superiority to dangerous standing armies. According to the Constitution, militia officers were to be appointed by the governor with the advice of county courts or the Privy Council.

During the Civil War, militia regiments were utilized by the Confederate forces. The 94th militia regiment would be called into service by General Marshall from March to May, 1862.

Scope and Content

The Nelson Preston Letter is a handwritten note from Lieutenant Colonel Nelson Preston to Captain Robinet concerning the 94th militia regiment from Lee County, Virginia. The note discusses regimental training and a muster held at the Lee County courthouse.