The collection is open to research.
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Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], J. C. Morriss Letter, Ms1992-013, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
The J. C. Morriss Letter was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in 1992.
The processing and description of the J. C. Morriss Letter commenced and was completed in September, 2023.
James Crozier Morriss, son of Rev. Richard W. and Margaret A. Crozier Morrisss, was born near Lebanon (Bedford County), Tennessee on April 29, 1828. In his early adulthood, Morriss moved to Washington County, Texas, where he farmed and operated a general store. In 1857, he married Amanda Winifred Hall (1841-1916); the couple had 11 children. During the American Civil War, Morriss joined the Confederate Army, serving as a private in Company F, 21st Texas Cavalry. James C. Morriss died in Somerville (Burleson County), Texas on March 1, 1915, and was buried in Mount Zion Cemetery, Burton (Washington County), Texas.
This collection consists of a single letter written by J. [James] C. Morriss, a Confederate soldier serving in Company F, 21st Texas Cavalry during the American Civil War. Written to Morriss's wife Amanda, the letter is dated "Camp near Lanjer, Ark.," May 10, 1863. Morriss notes his regiment's recent participation in a raid into Missouri and in the Battle of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He mentions the ready availability of food for both the soldiers and horses of his company but the lack of time for eating or feeding.
The guide to the J. C. Morriss Letter by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/).
This item had been purchased, accessioned, and originally cataloged as the "J. C. Morris Letter." Closer examination of the signature and background research revealed the writer's name to have been J. C. Morriss.