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This collection consists of correspondence from Carlton B. Shafer (VMI Class of 1864) to his family dated 1860 to 1865. Shafter details cadet life during this period and includes discussion of an impending Civil War and when the cadets were called to service in the Confederate States of America. The letters also discuss skirmishes happening around Leesburg, Virginia.

The Thomas A. Stevenson papers consist of the papers (five items) Stevenson, including:

• Three letters (1860) from Stevenson (known as Andrew) to his sister Maria Stevenson in which he discusses the possibility of war, the celebration of Washington's birthday, and war preparation activities at VMI following the announcement of Virginia's secession
• One Confederate War Department visitor's pass (dated November 11, 1861) that allows Maria Stevenson to travel to Norfolk, Virginia
• One letter (dated March 27, 1862) that introduces Stevenson to Major Taylor and recommends him for drillmaster duties

The Francis M. Boykin Civil War papers include:

• Two commission documents
• Extracts from military orders
• One letter from Governor John Letcher that orders Boykin to proceed to Grafton, West Virginia and communicate with Colonel Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall)
• One letter bearing the signature of General Robert E. Lee

This collection of manuscripts (nine items) principally autograph letters of Civil War notables dating from 1858 to 1906, including a dispatch (dated April 28, 1862) from Stonewall Jackson to General Richard S. Ewell, requesting Ewell's presence. Other signed documents are in the hand of:

• Henry "Light horse Harry" Lee (1794)
• Robert E. Lee (1858)
• James Longstreet (1893)
• Jeb Stuart (1863)
• Mrs. Jeb Stuart (1886)
• Wade Hampton (1889)
• John Mosby (undated)

This collection consists of seven documents related to John C. Breckinridge. Items include one military dispatch (October 1862), financial receipts, and a list of names with addresses. Receipts are labeled "contents of J. C. Breckinridge's purse."

This collection consists of the Civil War papers of John Garibaldi. The bulk of the collection consists of 38 letters (dated 1861-1864) written by Garibaldi to his wife Sarah Garibaldi (Poor) during his service in the Confederate Army (27th Virginia Infantry Regiment). Primary topics include:

• Camp life
• The hardships of war for both soldiers and civilians
• Battles and skirmishes, including Chancellorsville (Virginia) and Gettysburg (Pennsylvania)
• Other members of the 27th Virginia Infantry Regiment
• Family news

This collection consists of one letter (dated June 18, 1861) from Confederate soldier John Hamilton Ervine of Bridgewater, Rockingham County, Virginia, to his wife Ellen J. Ervine. The letter was written from camp in Berkeley County, West Virginia. Primary topics are troop movements, value of horses, camp life, helpfulness of civilians in providing food and water, and family news.

This collection consists of the Civil War papers of Union soldier Joseph R. Lunbeck, including a regimental roster, documents pertaining to his appointment as hospital steward, and requisitions.

This collection consists of correspondence of Confederate soldier Henry H. Dedrick, a Private in the 52nd Virginia Infantry Regiment. A bulk of the correspondence consists of letters to and from his wife, Mary E. A. Dedrick (Balsley) ("Lissa" or "Lizza"). Subjects include camp life, regimental activities, family and personal news, and hardships endured by civilians. The letter dated May 10-11, 1863 mentions the wounding and death of General Stonewall Jackson.

This collection consists of correspondence, photographs, and documents of R. Henry Campbell and members of the Varner Family of Lexington, Virginia. The families are related through the marriage of Campbell's sister, Augusta, to Varner.