Use Restrictions

Permission to publish material from Marshall F. Gravely Letter must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.

Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Marshall F. Gravely Letter Ms2012-003, Special Collections, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va.

Acquisition Information

This collections was purchased by Special Collections in February 2012.

Processing Information

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Marshall F. Gravely Letter was completed in February 2012.

Biographical note

The signature on the letter is difficult to read, but a likely candidate is Marshall F. Gravely, who served with the 18th Regiment, Virginia Infantry. Prior to the Civil War, Gravely lived with his parents and at least 8 siblings in Henry County, Virginia, including an older brother, Peyton B. He enlisted in with Company B in April 1861. He was absent from his unit, sick, from August 1962 until his death in February 1863.

Scope and content

The collection consists of a single letter, possibly written by Marshall F. Gravely, to his sister. Written from a camp near Centreville, Virginia, the letter includes information about army conditions and the author's thoughts on service: he does not plan to reenlist before his first term is up, but he would glad continue on if drafted. A majority of the letter concerns issues of class. While Gravely is willing to serve, he is frustrated by wealthier men who aren't fighting. He spends nearly two pages talking about the Morrison family and their social conflict with him:

"I have always tried to keep them in a good humor with me...had it not been for them [the Gravely family] their Parlor would have been adorned with such interesting...characters as the Lawrences and Gilberts, and other mountain-tackies..."

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Civil War
• United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865