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
Ashley Wellens, Student Volunteer, and Kira A. Dietz, Archivist
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 for research.
Preferred Citation
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], William Smith Hanger Baylor Correspondence, Ms1985-002, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
Source of Acquisition
The William Smith Hanger Baylor Correspondence was acquired by Special Collection prior to 1985.
Processing Information
The processing, arrangement, and description of the William Smith Hanger Baylor Correspondence was completed in 1985. Additional description was completed in April 2011.
Biographical Note
Born in 1831, William Smith Hanger Baylor was a resident of Augusta County, Virginia. In the American Civil War Civil War, Baylor was colonel of Augusta County Volunteer companies, and then was appointed to command the 5th Virginia Regiment. In August 1862, he was made commander of the Stonewall Brigade, and was killed soon thereafter at the Battle of Second Manassas. His widow was Mary Hawes Johnson Baylor, later Ryland, and Baylor is buried in Hebron Cemetery, Hebron, Augusta County, Virginia.
Sources:
"Col William Smith Hanger Baylor" entry, Findagrave.com, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/24442339/william-smith_hanger-baylor , accessed Dec. 6, 2022.
"Mary Hawes Johnson Baylor Ryland" entry, Findagrave.com, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/6018288/mary-hawes-ryland , accessed Dec. 6, 2022.
Scope and Content
The William Smith Hanger Baylor Correspondence contains three letters written during the American Civil War: two letters from Baylor to his wife (April 22 and August 18, 1862) and a letter from Edward P. Walton to Mrs. Baylor written after Baylor's death (October 1, 1862). Baylor's letters speak of the destruction caused by the war, his promotion to "Colonelcy" and to Brigade Commander, his health, and General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson. Walton's letter expresses sympathy to Baylor's widow, and comments on Baylor's religious conviction and General Jackson's regard for him.
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 William Smith Hanger Baylor Correspondence 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
- Baylor, William Smith Hanger, 1831-1862