A Guide to the Original Letters Collection

Access and use

Location of collection:
Roanoke Public Libraries
Virginia Room
Roanoke Public Libraries
706 South Jefferson Street
Roanoke, VA 24016
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Dyron Knick
Phone: (540) 853-2073

Summary

Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of 1 drop-front storage box containing 18 folders. In addition to loose correspondence, a scrapbook of 10 letters and a deeds for Roanoke County properties are included. Description for this small collection is at item level.

Biographical / historical:

The collection contains various correspondences from numerous authors at different dates. The letters that pertain to Roanoke are those of John Randolph, who resided here in the 1800s. The majority of letters date from the late 1820s and are written to Randolph’s cousin, Maria. The remaining letters range in date and cover a variety of topics. The oldest correspondence comes from the shipping company of Champe, Ward and Hunter to John Backhouse, an English shipping magnate, regarding debts owed. A large portion of the letters appear to be legal in nature, discussing court dates and suits filed. The last folders in the collection contain land deeds for property in Roanoke County.

Acquisition information:
Donated by Mrs. J.W. Gaut
Arrangement:

Documents are arranged by document type.

Physical description:
1 drop-front storage box