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Anthony K. Simmons Letter

 Collection
Identifier: Ms-2009-011

Scope and Content

This collection consists of a letter written by Anthony K. Simmons, a resident of Botetourt County, Virginia during the Americna Civil War. Writing from Manchester, Virginia to his son William, Simmons describes the health of his younger son, Ed, a private in Company A, 28th Virginia Infantry, recently wounded at the Battle of Gaines' Mill. Simmons also mentions by name several other members of Company A and is complimentary of "Mrs. Harris," who owns the house in which he is boarding while he visits his son in the hospital. Simmons writes of the 28th Virginia's current position and relays a rumor about the number of Union prisoners on Belle Isle.

Dates

  • 1862

Creator

Language of Materials

The materials in the collection are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for 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

Anthony K. Simmons was born on March 11, 1810 in Virginia. He married Sophia Bower (1811-1885) in Botetourt County in January 1835; the couple lived in the western district of Botetourt County and had nine children, including William and Edmund. A farmer, Simmons also served as a justice of the peace. He died October 2, 1886. Simmons' surname appears in some records as "Simmon" and his letter of July 17, 1862 is signed in this manner.

William Bower Simmons was born in Botetourt County on August 29, 1838. A Roanoke College student at the outbreak of the American Civil War, he enlisted in Company A, 28th Virginia Infantry on May 15, 1861. Simmons was shot in the back at Howlett's House on June 18, 1864 and recovered in a Richmond hospital. Following the war, he served as a Botetourt County supervisor and judge for many years. William Simmons died on November 30, 1917.

Edmund O. Simmons, younger brother of William B., was born in Botetourt County, Virginia, on July 14, 1843. He enlisted as a private in Company A, 28th Virginia Infantry on August 5, 1861. He was was wounded in the Battle of Gaines' Mill on June 27, 1862 and died in a Richmond hospital on August 5.

Extent

0.1 Cubic Feet (1 folder)

Abstract

The collection contains a letter from Anthony K. Simmons describing the health of son Ed, a private in Company A, 28th Virginia Infantry recently wounded in the Battle of Gaines' Mill, and relating Americna Civil War news from Manchester, Virginia.

Source of Acquisition

The Anthony K. Simmons Letter was donated to Special Collections in 2008.

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the Anthony K. Simmons 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 Anthony K. Simmons Letter commenced and was completed in January 2009.

Title
Anthony K. Simmons Letter, 1862
Status
Completed
Author
John M. Jackson, Archivist
Date
2009 (CC0 1.0)
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

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