George M. Edgar letters, 1864-1885. MS 0094. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.
George Mathews Edgar was born in 1837 in Monroe County, West Virginia. He graduated VMI in 1856 and went on to become a Lieutenant Colonel in the Confederate States of America. After the Civil War, Edgar was an educator. He died in 1913 in Paris, Kentucky.
The George M. Edgar letters collection consists of two letters. The first letter (dated May 17, 1864) is from C. A. De Russy to Edgar. The letter commends Edgar for the assistance rendered by his battalion at the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864.
The second letter (dated June 1, 1885) is from Edgar to James E. Blankenship's (VMI Class of 1852). In this letter, Edgar replies to Blankenship's application for a job.
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Written from near Harrisonburg, Virginia. The letter commends Edgar for the assistance rendered by his battalion at the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864.
Head Quarters Wharton's Brigade
Near Harrisonburg May 17th 64
Lt. Col. Edgar
Com. [Commander] of Battalion
Col.
I am directed by Brigadier General Wharton to offer you his sincere thanks for the prompt and efficient assistance, which you rendered his Brigade, on the 15th inst.[Battle of New Market] He further requests you to tender his heartfelt thanks to your heroic officers and gallant men for their courageous conduct and spirited bearing on the same occasion.
I am, Col., Very Respectfully,
Your Obt. Svt. [Obedient Servant]
C. A. De Russy
Written from Fayetteville, Arkansas. The letter replies to James E. Blankenship's application for a job.
Col. Geo. M. Edgar
President
Arkansas Industrial University
President's Office
Fayetteville, Ark. June 1st, 1885
Prof. J. E. Blankenship,
Dear Sir,
You letter of the 28th ult. was rec'd yesterday. Since writing to you I have been informed that the Board of Trustees will meet on the 4th. They will necessarily by in session, however, until the 11th and may be detained longer. Therefore, you still have time to forward any papers which you may desire to place before them for their consideration, and which I shall take great pleasure in presenting.
I cannot foresee what changes will be made or what persons chosen from the many applicants, but whatever the decision with regard to yourself I shall over take great interest in your work and wish you abundant success in it.
With hearty thanks for your expressions of kindly and personal interest in me during this critical period of the history of this University, I am
Very Truly
Geo. M. Edgar