Robert C. Towles Papers

Access and use

Location of collection:
College of William and Mary
Special Collections Research Center
Earl Gregg Swem Library
College of William and Mary
400 Landrum Drive
PO 8795
Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (757) 221-3090
Fax: (757) 221-5440
Restrictions:

Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.

Terms of access:

Before reproducing or quoting from any materials, in whole or in part, permission must be obtained from the Special Collections Research Center, and the holder of the copyright, if not Swem Library.

Preferred citation:

Robert C. Towles Diary, Manuscripts and Rare Books Department, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.

Summary

Extent:
1.00 Linear Feet
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Robert C. Towles Diary, Manuscripts and Rare Books Department, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.

Background

Scope and content:

Collection consists of a typescript of the diary of Sgt. Robert C. Towles, Company A, 4th Virginia Cavalry, Confederate Army, from August 5, 1863-June 20, 1864. It was kept while Towles was a prisoner of the Union Army in Warrenton, Virginia and Washington, D.C. The diary also details his escape from Carroll Prision, an annex to the Old Capitol Prison, in Washington D.C.

The collection also includes a typed copy of his furlough, dated November 14, 1863, which was signed by Confederate General J. E. B. Stuart. There is also undated correspondence from Towles' father John and mother Sophronia that inform Towles of the deaths of his brothers John H. Towles (d. May 9, 1864) and John Vivian Towles. John Vivian Towles' eulogy, written by a "Comrade" for a "Richmond paper," is also included. Robert C. Towles' wounding and death is described in correspondence to "Mrs. Towles" from Sallie Y. Conner dated 13 June 1864, and Mrs. Towles' nephew "Jno Wm" dated 16 June 16, 1864. The three Towles brothers were interred at Oakland Cemetery in Louisa County, Virginia.

Biographical / historical:

Robert C. Towles was born September 6, 1843. He enlisted in Co. A, 4th Cavalry and was detached as a scout for Confederate General J. E. B. Stuart from May to June 1863. He was captured August 3, 1863, but escaped from Old Capitol Prison. He was mortally wounded at Louisa Courthouse around June 13, 1864.

Processing information:

Description enchancement by Robert Browne, SCRC volunteer, November 13, 2019

Physical description:
46 p.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard