15th Virginia Infantry History

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], 15th Virginia Infantry History, Ms2009-111, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Lain, Claybrook Y., c. 1864
Abstract:
The collection contains a history of the 15th Virginia Infantry, covering its formation in April 1861 to the spring of 1862, written by enlisted soldier Claybrook Y. Lain. Includes copies of Confederate company records concerning Lain's enlistment, payment, death, and beneficiaries.
Language:
The material in the collection is in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], 15th Virginia Infantry History, Ms2009-111, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The 15th Virginia Infantry History is a handwritten account by enlisted soldier Claybrook Y. Lain regarding the formation and activities of a Confederate regiment from 1861 to 1862 during the American Civil War. Lain, writing as an omniscient narrator, only infrequently refers to himself within the text.

Significant topics within the history include: the creation of the "15th Virginia Regiment," the background of individual companies and the merit of their commanders, the Battle at Bethel Church, the dearth of supplies, the use of alcohol, the movement of soldiers, and the management of the camp by a colonel from the Virginia Military Institute. Lain writes of a particularly interesting incident in which the students from the Virginia Military Institute, aiding in camp management, attempt to trick a soldier out of his musket only to find that the soldier retained a six shooter and could forcibly recover his firearm. Several military commanders are mentioned specifically, and include: Colonel Harvie, Colonel Thomas P. August, Colonel Gilharn, and Colonel Stuart among others. Some considerable Virginia locations (cities, camps, and forts) mentioned within the history are Richmond, Williamsburg, Hampton, Yorktown, Newport News, Young's Mill, Camp Adams, and Fort Powhatan. The history ends in 1862; therefore, Lain's history omits the final years of the Civil War and the eventual results of the conflict.

Also included with the 15th Virginia Infantry History are reproductions of Lain's military service records from 1861 to 1864, including specifically records of his enlistment, pay, death, and final beneficiaries.

Biographical / historical:

Claybrook Y. Lain (variously spelled Lane and Layne) was born in Albemarle, Virginia, to Elizabeth Lain in the 1830s. During the American Civil War, in Richmond, on April 23, 1861, Lain joined the 15th Virginia Infantry. In 1862, Lain was promoted to first sergeant and between August and October of 1863, he became the regimental commissary sergeant. Lain died during the Battle of Drewry's Bluff, on May 16, 1864, and left behind his mother as sole beneficiary--Lain was unmarried. He is buried in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond.

External source: "SGT Claybrook Y Lain", Findagrave.com, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/73849931/claybrook-y-lain, accessed April 17, 2023.

The 15th Virginia Infantry, initially called the 3rd Virginia Regiment, of the Confederate Army was originally formed from ten companies taken from Richmond and its surrounding area--some companies even predated the southern states' succession from the Union, beginning the American Civil War. The original company names were: Henrico Grays, Virginia Life Guards, Patrick Henry's Rifles, Henrico Guard, Ashland Grays, Emmett Guard, Henrico Southern Guard, Young Guard, Hanover Grays, and Marion Rifles. These companies later held alphabetical designations. (A relatively diverse "regiment," the Emmett Guard was composed largely of Irish citizens while the Marion Rifles included German citizens.) The 15th Virginia Infantry was involved in significant battles at Bethel Church, Savage Station, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, and Sharpsburg.

Acquisition information:
The 15th Virginia Infantry History was purchased by Special Collections in 2004.
Processing information:

The processing and description of the 15th Virginia Infantry History commenced in July 2009 and was completed in October 2009.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard