Thomas L. Preston 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], Thomas L. Preston Letter, Ms2008-041, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Preston, Thomas L. (Thomas Lewis), 1812-1903
Abstract:
The collection consists of a letter from Campbell County, Virginia resident Thomas L. Preston to John M. Preston of Smyth County, Virginia. The letter discusses personal matters and health, ending with a note about the political climate and the possibility of impending war between the North and South.
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], Thomas L. Preston Letter, Ms2008-041, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains a letter from Thomas L. Preston, of Campbell County, Virginia to John M. Preston, of Smyth County, Virginia. Dated from Yellow Branch P. O., the letter relates to personal matters and family health before ending with a brief discussion of the national political climate and the possibility of impending armed conflict. "Perhaps the direct consequences of the separation of political relations, war, may be near our hearthstone," Preston writes. "I do not know what to anticipate but I will ever be loyal to Virginia & follow my fight if necessary under her flag."

Biographical / historical:

(Note: The precise identity of the Thomas L. Preston who wrote this letter could not be confirmed. The information that follows is for a Thomas L. Preston who may have been the letter's author.)

Thomas Lewis Preston, son of Francis and Sarah Buchanan Campbell Preston, was born in Abingdon, Virginia on November 20, 1812. He attended Washington College before graduating with a degree in law from the University of Virginia in 1833. In 1842 he settled in Smyth County, Virginia, where he eventually operated the family salt works, served as a director of Abingdon's branch of the Exchange Bank of Virginia, and represented Smyth County in the Virginia General Assembly. He also served on the governing boards of Emory and Henry College, Mary Washington College and Virginia Military Institute. Commissioned a Confederate Army captain at the outbreak of the American Civil War, he served as assistant adjutant general under General Joseph E. Johnston. When his commission was revoked by the War Department, he declined a new commission as major. Moving to Albemarle County in 1863, Preston served as rector of the University of Virginia from 1864 to 1865. He married twice, first to Elizabeth Breckinridge Watts (ca.1822-1843) and later to Anna Maria Saunders (1825-1911). He died March 20, 1903 in Albemarle County.

Acquisition information:
The Thomas L. Preston Letter was purchased by Special Collections in 2008.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement and description of the Thomas L. Preston Letter commenced and was completed in July 2008.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard