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John McCauley Letters

 Collection
Identifier: Ms-2009-075

Scope and Content

This collection consists of a letter from John McCauley, a resident of Salem, Virginia during the American Civil War. Writing from Salem to "Edward" (most likely Edward A. McCauley) McCauley describes his recent trip and arrival at home. He advises Edward against accompanying his fellow soldiers when they steal from the local populace at night. ("You are stationary. There are few of you, and once suspected, the innocent among you will suffer in character with the guilty," he warns.) McCauley also relays news of an upcoming benefit exhibition being staged for soldiers in the area, to include "dialogues, music, tableau and a supper." McCauley predicts that the event will draw "a big crowd of spectators... if the small pox does not so spread as to prevent it."

The collection also includes a letter to "Susan," detailing excitement around the regiment's experiences in First Bull Run, written from Wytheville, July 1861.

Dates

  • 1861, 1864

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

John McCauley was a resident of Salem, Virginia during the American Civil War. He was most likely the same John McCauley (1795-1864) who played a prominent role in the formation of Roanoke County and represented the county in the Virginia General Assembly for approximately 17 years. With his second wife, Susan Dingledine McCauley, he fathered eight children: William, Calpernia, Isabella J., Virginia V., Edward A. (born ca. 1844), Charles A., Mary M., and Antoinette ("Nettie"). Another four children had been born to an earlier marriage.

Extent

0.1 Cubic Feet (1 folder)

Abstract

The collection contains a letter from John McCauley of Salem, Virginia to "Edward," describing arrival at home, advising Edward not to accompany fellow soldiers who steal from the local populace, and relaying news of an upcoming benefit exhibition for the soldiers in the area. Also includes a letter to "Susan," detailing excitement around the regiment's experiences in First Bull Run (1861).

Source of Acquisition

The first of the John McCauley Letters was purchased by Special Collections in 1994. The second letter was purchased in 2014.

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the John McCauley Letters 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 John McCauley Letters commenced and was completed in May 2009. Additional processing was completed in July 2017.

Title
John McCauley Letters, 1861, 1864
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