Henry Courtenay Selden Letters

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], Henry Courtenay Selden Letters, Ms2009-015, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Selden, Henry, 1846-1864
Abstract:
The collection contains color photocopies and typed transcripts of letters from Henry Courtenay Selden, a student at Washington College and a private in the 3rd Virginia Cavalry during the American Civil War.
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], Henry Courtenay Selden Letters, Ms2009-015, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains color photocopies and typed transcripts of letters written by Henry Courtenay Selden, a student at Washington College (now Washington & Lee University) during the American Civil War. Writing from Lexington, Virginia to his sister Mollie (probably Mary Byrd Selden Dimmock), Selden discusses his schoolwork, family members, and local acquaintances but also mentions war news and rumors. In his letter of May 18, 1863, Selden briefly describes the funeral of Brigadier General Elisha F. Paxton, then recounts in detail the funeral procession and burial of General Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson. Included among the Washington College letters is a letter from A. L. Nelson, professor of mathematics, recommending Selden for an appointment in the Confederate Navy. The collection also includes a single letter written by Selden after his enlistment in the 3rd Virginia Cavalry. Writing from Brucetown, Virginia on August 30, [1864], Selden briefly mentions the regiment's recent battles at Williamsport and Smithfield.

Biographical / historical:

Henry Courtenay Selden, son of Robert C. and Courtenay Brooke Selden, was born in Virginia on May 3, 1846. A resident of Gloucester County, Virginia, Selden had eight siblings (many of whom are mentioned in his letters): John, Charles, Robert Jr., Elizabeth, Warner, Mary, Charlotte, and Susan. By 1861, Selden was a student at Washington College (now Washington & Lee University), where he remained through spring 1863. He enlisted the 3rd Virginia Cavalry later that year during the American Civil War and died on September 23, 1864.

Acquisition information:
The Henry Courtenay Selden Letters were donated to Special Collections in 2008.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Henry Courtenay Selden Letters commenced and was completed in January 2009.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged chronologically, with the photocopies preceding the transcripts.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard