Malcolm MacPherson Brownlee Civil War diary and transcription

Access and use

Location of collection:
Washington and Lee University, Leyburn Library
Special Collections and Archives
James G. Leyburn Library
Washington and Lee University
204 W. Washington Street
Lexington, VA 24450
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Tom Camden
Phone: (540) 458-8649
Phone: (540) 463-8109
Fax: (540) 463-8964
Restrictions:

This collection is open for research use.

Terms of access:

The materials from Washington and Lee University Special Collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used should be fully credited with the source.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Malcolm MacPherson Brownlee Civil War Diary and Transcription (WLU Coll. 0284), Special Collections and Archives, James G. Leyburn Library, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.03 Linear Feet 3 folders
Creator:
Brownlee, Malcolm, Brownlee, Malcolm MacPherson, 1840-1863, and Novak, M. F.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Malcolm MacPherson Brownlee Civil War Diary and Transcription (WLU Coll. 0284), Special Collections and Archives, James G. Leyburn Library, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection includes the Civil War diary of Malcolm MacPherson Brownlee written between August 1862 and his death in April 1863. Brownlee begins his diary on August 18, 1862 documenting that he was sworn in that day having enlisted the previous Saturday. The diary details his experience as a soldier, camp life, family, the Confederacy, and eventually his sickness.

The collection also includes a transcription of the diary done by M. F. Novak.

Biographical / historical:

Malcolm MacPherson Brownlee was born in Pennsylvania in 1840. He served in the 15th Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry during the American Civil War. He died of disease while in Murfreesboro, TN on April 16, 1863.

Acquisition information:
Donated by Malcolm Brownlee, great-great nephew, in 2025
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard