Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
Business Number: 540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu
URL: http://spec.lib.vt.edu
John M. Jackson
Administrative Information
Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use
The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.
Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction . Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication . Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open to research.
Preferred Citation
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], L. S. Durham Letter, Ms1988-070, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
Source of Acquisition
The L. S. Durham Letter was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1988.
Processing Information
The processing and description of the L. S. Durham Letter commenced and was completed in April, 2021.
Biographical Note
L. S. Durham, son of Labon S. and Lucy Durham, was born in Halifax County, Virginia, ca. 1829. (His first name is given on various documents as Labourn, Labon, Luben, and Laban.) He married Rebecca Slagle in Halifax County in 1857. The 1860 census lists miller L. S. Durham, 30, among the residents of Mecklenburg County, Virginia, living with wife Susan, 28, and two young Durham children, Ella and Laura. L. S. Durham enlisted in Mecklenburg County as a private in Company B, 34th Virginia Infantry, on March 8, 1862. He remained with the regiment until detached as a carpenter on January 10, 1864, then as a nurse on May 20, 1864. He was reported sick on October 24, 1864. On March 29, 1865, Durham was captured at Hatcher's Run and was held as a prisoner at Point Lookout until June 24. By 1870, the Durhams were living in Campbell County, Virginia, with three children. Labon S. Durham died in Bedford County, Virginia, on October 10, 1896.
Scope and Content
This collection consists of a single letter written by L. S. Durham, 34th Virginia Infantry, to his wife. Writing from Camp Randolph, [Virginia], on September 7, 1863, Durham discusses family matters and his mill. He continues by mentioning his prospects for obtaining a furlough and the possibility of his being detailed to repair Goodes Mill. He notes that "the religious excitement still continues among the soldiers" then writes at length on the prospects of peace ("I see no end to it as long as the South can raise & support an army. the [sic] enemy seem determined to conquer us should it it [sic] take them ten years. ...")
Subjects and Indexing Terms
- Civil War
- Local/Regional History and Appalachian South
- United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865
Rights Statement for Archival Description
The guide to the L. S. Durham Letter by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).
Significant Persons Associated With the Collection
- Durham, L. S. (Company B, 34th Regiment, Virginia Infantry)