Peyton B. Gravely Letters,
Scope and Content
The collection includes two letters by Peyton B. Gravely: one to a sister and another to a friend, written during 1863. The first part of the letter to his sister is devoted to a vehement attack on the Reynolds family. The letter suggests the family instigated a rumor about Gravely (the nature of which is never shared). In addition to a brief paragraph on news about family and friends, Gravely also writes about a recent review of General Ewell's troops by Jefferson Davis, in which he intends to wear the Yankee sword he captured at Chancellorsville. The letter to "Joe" details war news, news from home, and Gravely's desire to join the navy.
Dates
- 1863 - 1863
Creator
- Gravely, Peyton B., 1835-1928 (Person)
Access Restrictions
Collection is open for research.
Use Restrictions
Permission to publish material from Peyton B. Gravely Letters must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.
Biographical Note
Peyton B. Gravely was born in Henry County, Virginia, in 1935. In 1860, he was living with his parents and at least 8 siblings, including Marshall F. Gravely enlisted in April 1861 and served through the end of the war with Price's Company, Virginia Light Artillery (Danville Artillery) and the 42nd Regiment, Virginia Infantry. He was promoted five times, the last leading to his being a captain of Company F from January 1863. Gravely was wounded three times at the battles of Gettysburg, Wilderness, and Fisher's Hill.
By 1880, he was a tobacco manufacturer in Danville. He was married to Mary Walter and had at least five children: Kate W., Peyton, James G., Mary, and Nannie Daisy. Gravely died in Virginia in 1928.
Sources:
http://genforum.genealogy.com/walters/messages/4724.html
See 42nd Virginia Infantry by John Chapla for notes on P B. Gravely's extensive service.
Extent
0.1 Cubic Feet (1 folder)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
The collection includes two letters by Peyton B. Gravely: one to a sister and another to a friend, written during 1863. Gravely served with the 42nd Regiment, Virginia Infantry. The letters includes details of a regimental review by Jefferson Davis, recent war news, comments on the latest from home, and his desire to join the navy.
Acquisition Information
The collection was purchased by Special Collection in February 2012. An additional letter was purchased in September 2012.
Processing Information
The processing, arrangement, and description of the Peyton B. Gravely Letter was completed in February 2012. Additional description was completed in October 2014.
- Title
- A Guide to the Peyton B. Gravely Letters, 1863
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Kira A. Dietz, Archivist
- Date
- © 2012 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. All rights reserved.
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech Repository
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg Virginia 24061 US
540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu