Typescript of the Papers of Wilbur Fisk Davis (UVA MSS 7396), 1839-1890

Access and use

Location of collection:
Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society
Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society
200 Second Street, NE
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (434) 296-1492

Background

Scope and content:

From UVA MSS 7396 description:

Memoirs of Wilbur Fisk Davis recount his childhood and education primarily in Richmond and Fredericksburg, Va., his family's move to Charlottesville during the Civil War, the raising of volunteer companies, his service as member of home guard checking on African Americans and anti-secessionists.

They also recount his service with the Charlottesville Artillery, with a list of officers and some company members, the wounded from 1st Bull Run at the University of Virginia, the battle of Cross Keys (1862), generals Stonewall Jackson and Jubal Early, the battle of Malvern Hill, detailed description of his slave, Thornton, at the front and Thornton's friend Jim, the battle of Chancellorsville, the battle of Second Winchester, and the Gettysburg campaign and battle.

The memoirs also include a description of a Virginia family living in Gettysburg, a description of the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House and Davis' capture at the "Bloody Angle," with a sketch of the company's gun emplacements there, and his subsequent march to and imprisonment at Fort Delaware.

There is also a diary, 1861-1864, of his father, Joseph H. Davis, concerning Methodist Church affairs, life in Charlottesville, family news, and weather observations.

NOTES: This is a typescript of original material in the University of Virginia Special Collections, MSS 7396.

Acquisition information:
Gift of J. Harvey Bailey, January 1991
Physical location:
Archive Room File Cabinet
Physical description:
.