Willam H. Yeaman Papers

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 H. Yeaman Papers, Ms2010-034, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Yeaman, William H., d.1863
Abstract:
The collection contains fifteen American Civil War letters from William H. Yeaman, a Confederate soldier in Company A, 38th Virginia Infantry, Armistead's Brigade, Pickett's Division, Army of Northern Virginia, to his father and brother at home. Primarily contains battle description, depictions of soldier life, and inquiries of home life.
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], William H. Yeaman Papers, Ms2010-034, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains fifteen American Civil War letters from William H. Yeaman, a Confederate soldier in Company A, 38th Virginia Infantry, Armistead's Brigade, Pickett's Division, Army of Northern Virginia, to his father and brother at home. Primarily contains battle description, depictions of soldier life, and inquiries of home life.

A majority of the letters are accompanied by the original envelope. Letters contain battle description and depictions of soldier life.

May 30, 1863: Thanks his brother for sending him a fish hook for both practicality and to pass the boredom of camp life.

Yeaman mentions "Cousin Jim" several times in letters, who is apparently in camp with him.

The collection also includes four photographs: one of Pearl Yeaman; two of T.B. Yeaman [likely the brother] of Keysville, VA, with one "after he shaved off long beard" and one "before he cut his beard"; and one of E.T Yeaman "before he married." The pictures are not dated.

Biographical / historical:

During the American Civil War, William H. Yeaman was a Confederate private in Company A led by Captain David Townes, 38th Virginia Infantry led by Colonel Isaac Carrington of Pittsylvania Court House, Armistead's Brigade, Pickett's Division, Army of Northern Virginia. He was wounded at Seven Pines and died at Gettysburg in 1863.

His brother was Thomas B. Yeaman of Ringgold, Pittsylvania County, Virginia; his father was John Yeaman of the same town.

See page 43-52 of War Recollections of the Confederate Veterans of Pittsylvania County, Virginia, 1861-1865 (E605 .U5 1965 Spec Civil War) in the Rare Book Collection for an account of the experience of Yeaman's peers during the battle in which he died.

Acquisition information:
The William H. Yeaman Papers were purchased by Special Collections in March 2010.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the William H. Yeaman Papers commenced and was completed in June 2010.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged chronologically.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard