William Burgess Letter

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for 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.

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.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], William Burgess Letter, Ms1989-050, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Burgess, William
Abstract:
Letter from William Burgess, formerly a lieutenant in Company D, 6th Pennsylvania Reserves Regiment (aka 35th Pennsylvania Infantry), written on August 24, 1886, to General William D. Dixon discussing details of the Battle of Dranesville (Virginia) and the actions of General Edward Ord in that engagement.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], William Burgess Letter, Ms1989-050, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of a single, two-page letter written by William Burgess, formerly a lieutenant in Company D, 6th Pennsylvania Reserves Regiment (aka 35th Pennsylvania Infantry). Written on Cumberland Valley Railroad stationery, the letter is dated Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, August 24, 1886. Addressed to General William D. Dixon, the letter discussses details of the Battle of Dranesville, focusing on whether or not General Edward Ord dismounted to train the guns of Hezekiah Easton's artillery battery and Ord's orders to the 6th to "take that Battery (Rebel Battery) at the point of the bayonet ..."

Biographical / historical:

William Burgess was born in Fort Loudon (Franklin County), Pennsylvania on November 27, 1830. He married Margaret Ann Newman Burgess (1839-1930), and the couple would have five children. The 1860 federal census shows the family living in Franklin County, with William Burgess employed as a railroad agent. During the American Civil War, Burgess served as a lieutenant in Company D, 6th Pennsylvania Reserve Regiment (aka 35th Pennsylvania Infantry). (Later in life, Burgess was commonly known as "Captain Burgess," but the rank of captain seems to have been an honorific.) Following the war, Burgess returned to Franklin County and was elected to the Pennsylvania legislature for 1877/1878. In 1881, he was hired as a freight agent for the Cumberland Valley Railroad at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and he remained in this position until his death in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania on July 18, 1887. He was buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Chambersburg.

Acquisition information:
The William Burgess Letter was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1989.
Processing information:

The processing and description of the William Burgess Letter commenced and was completed in February 2022.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard