The collection is open for research.
Permission to publish material from M. Sydenstricker Letter must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: M. Sydenstricker Letter, Ms2018-006, Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
The M. Sydenstricker Letter was purchased by Special Collections in October 2013.
The processing, arrangement, and description of the M. Sydenstricker Letter was completed in September, 2018.
Letter written by M. Sydenstricker from White Sulphur Springs, Greenbrier County, Virginia (West Virginia) to Mrs I [?] Dwier and G[?] Davis, January 10th, 1865.Letter includes details about Confederate deserters, price and scarcity of food and clothing, and the internal cotton trade. Also included is war news and assessments of opinions about the decline of the Confederacy. First page of the letter describes conditions in the White Sulphur Springs area during the winter. "We have had one of the hardes winters so say the old settlers that we have had for some thirty years." Describes the cost of food and discusses the price of gold. Shares opinions of county that the Confederacy is almost over. Scarcity of rations and clothing among the citizens. Related a visit to occupied territory and mentioned over 100 Confederate deserters from Rockbridge, Augusta, and Botetourt Counties in the area. Desirous to buy cotton cloth and yarn.