Elizabeth Osborne Carter Diary 1860-1872

Access and use

Location of collection:
Thomas Balch Library
Thomas Balch Library
208 West Market Street
Leesburg, Virginia 20176
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Alexandra S. Gressitt
Phone: (703) 737-7195
Fax: (703) 737-7195

Summary

Creator:
Elizabeth Osborne Carter
Abstract:
The Elizabeth Osborne Carter Diary records various happenings at Oatlands Plantation throughout and after the Civil War.
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

The Elizabeth Osborne Carter Diary records various happenings at Oatlands Plantation throughout and after the Civil War. It is in overall good condition, but is subject to restrictions concerning photocopying-all copies must be obtained from Oatlands Plantation.

The diary begins with Carter's death notice, which praises her generosity during life and describes the circumstances surrounding her death. The first entries date from July 1860, and are particularly concerned with weather and wind direction, livestock sales and purchases, visitors, and trips to Leesburg and Upperville. The diary frequently mentions Carter's son, George Carter, Jr. (n.d.), Dr. Eliason (n.d.), and various members of both the Grayson and Carter families. The Civil War is first mentioned on April 14, 1861. In succeeding entries, she records names of friends and family who have joined the Company of Arlington Heights, making calico shirts for Confederate volunteers, bringing back runaway slaves, and the ransacking of Oatlands by "insolent Yankees." Also mentioned are the Battle of Balls Bluff (1861) and the Battle of Seven Pines (1862). Entries after the war are brief, mainly noting financial transactions and illnesses of family members. The last recorded entry is on October 31, 1872.

The diary is the only item in this collection.

Biographical / historical:

Elizabeth Osborne Carter (1796-1885) ran Oatlands Plantation during and the turbulent years of the Civil War. She first married Joseph Lewis (d. 1834), who had served as a Representative in Congress of the Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William Counties district. After his death, she married George Carter, great-grandson of wealthy Virginia planter Robert "King" Carter and founder Oatlands. When George Carter, Sr. (1777-1846) passed away, she continued live on the plantation with her two sons during the 1850s and 60s.

Throughout the Civil War, Carter noted movements of troops, nearby battles, and the encampment of Confederate troops on Oatland's grounds in her diary. She continued to live in Loudoun County until her death in 1885.

Acquisition information:
Oatlands Plantation, Leesburg, VA
Physical description:
1 item, 247 loose pages