General John C. Breckinridge Note (Distilling)

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], General John C. Breckinridge Note (Distilling), Ms2010-082, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Pitts, W. H.
Abstract:
The collection consists of a note to General John C. Breckinridge for permission to distill rye whiskey for medicinal and pharmaceutical purposes.
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], General John C. Breckinridge Note (Distilling), Ms2010-082, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of a note to General John C. Breckinridge from W.H. Pitts for permission to distill 16 gallons of rye whiskey for medicinal and pharmaceutical purposes, as it was nearly impossible to purchase it.

Biographical / historical:

Major General John C. Breckinridge (1821-1875) began his political career as U. S. Representative from Kentucky, and eventually served as the 14th Vice President of the United States under the Presidency of James Buchanan. After his failed presidential bid in 1860, he was appointed US Senator from Kentucky. With the outbreak of the Civil War, Breckinridge was kicked out of the Senate and joined the Confederate army. He was appointed General of the 1st Kentucky Brigade. In 1864, General Breckinridge assumed command of Confederate forces in the Shenandoah Valley. He finally became the Confederate States Secretary of War in 1865. After the war, Breckinridge fled the country, fearing a trial for treason. He was granted amnesty in late 1868 and in 1869 returned to Kentucky, where he died in 1875.

Acquisition information:
The General John C. Breckinridge Note (Distilling) was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 2009.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the General John C. Breckinridge Note (Distilling) was completed in November 2010.