J. C. Morriss 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 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. 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], J. C. Morriss Letter, Ms1992-013, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Morriss, J. C.
Abstract:
Letter from J. C. Morriss, a soldier in Company F, 21st Texas Cavalry during the American Civil War, written to wife Amanda Morriss, mentioning the recent Confederate raid into Missouri and the recent Battle of Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
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], J. C. Morriss Letter, Ms1992-013, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of a single letter written by J. [James] C. Morriss, a Confederate soldier serving in Company F, 21st Texas Cavalry during the American Civil War. Written to Morriss's wife Amanda, the letter is dated "Camp near Lanjer, Ark.," May 10, 1863. Morriss notes his regiment's recent participation in a raid into Missouri and in the Battle of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He mentions the ready availability of food for both the soldiers and horses of his company but the lack of time for eating or feeding.

Biographical / historical:

James Crozier Morriss, son of Rev. Richard W. and Margaret A. Crozier Morrisss, was born near Lebanon (Bedford County), Tennessee on April 29, 1828. In his early adulthood, Morriss moved to Washington County, Texas, where he farmed and operated a general store. In 1857, he married Amanda Winifred Hall (1841-1916); the couple had 11 children. During the American Civil War, Morriss joined the Confederate Army, serving as a private in Company F, 21st Texas Cavalry. James C. Morriss died in Somerville (Burleson County), Texas on March 1, 1915, and was buried in Mount Zion Cemetery, Burton (Washington County), Texas.

Acquisition information:
The J. C. Morriss Letter was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1992.
Processing information:

The processing and description of the J. C. Morriss Letter commenced and was completed in September, 2023.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard