Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to research.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

William Thomas Warren Taliaferro. Letters, 1820-1827. Accession 41466. Personal papers collection. The Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.

Acquisition Information

These items came in a transfer of court papers from Caroline County.

Historical Information

The correspondence between William Thomas Warren Taliaferro and Doctor John Taliaferro were used as evidence in the chancery cases, William T.W. Taliaferro and others versus the Administrator of Dr. John Taliaferro and others, William T.W. Taliaferro versus same, Jane E. Taliaferro and others versus same, and Administrator of Jane Taliaferro and others versus same. They were heard in the Circuit Superior Court of Law and Chancery of Caroline County.

Scope and Content

Correspondence, 1820-1827, written by William Thomas Warren Taliaferro to his uncle Doctor John Taliaferro when William was a cadet at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York and a medical student at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

In four letters, 1820-1821, William describes the harsh winter at West Point, gives an account of a typical day in the life of a cadet, and provides a geographic description of West Point. William also gives advice to his brother Norborne Taliaferro concerning when he should begin to attend West Point and what classes he should take before he is admitted.

In five letters, 1826-1827, William shares his life in medical school, summaries of lectures delivered by professors, his thesis work, and his feelings of anxiety before examinations.