L. S. Durham Letter, 1863

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Dr.
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 26041-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Restrictions:

The collection is open to research.

Terms of access:

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.

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Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], L. S. Durham Letter, Ms1988-070, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Durham, L. S. (Company B, 34th Regiment, Virginia Infantry)
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
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.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], L. S. Durham Letter, Ms1988-070, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

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. ...")

Biographical / historical:

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.

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

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

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard