Skip to main content

L. S. Durham Letter

 Collection
Identifier: Ms-1988-070

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. ...")

Dates

  • 1863

Creator

Language of Materials

The materials in the collection are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open to research.

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.

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.

Extent

0.1 Cubic Feet (1 folder)

Abstract

Letter from L. S. Durham, private in Company B, 34th Virginia Infantry, during the American Civil War. Written to Durham's wife from Camp Randolph, Virginia.

Source of Acquisition

The L. S. Durham Letter was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1988.

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/).

Processing Information

The processing and description of the L. S. Durham Letter commenced and was completed in April, 2021.

Title
L. S. Durham Letter, 1863
Status
Completed
Author
John M. Jackson
Date
2021 (CC0 1.0)
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Revision Statements

  • 2020-08-24: Finding aid notes updated to new department standards. juliags
  • 2021-03-29: LM Rozema added missing notes for an unprocessed collection, added FA title, added FA date from EAD, and added component with instances previously attached to collection level.

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech Repository

Contact:
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg Virginia 24061 US
540-231-6308