Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction . Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication . Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research.

Preferred Citation

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], John W. Fairfax Letters, Ms2009-025, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Source of Acquisition

The John W. Fairfax Letters were purchased for the American Civil War Collection by Special Collections in 1993.

Biographical Note

John W. Fairfax was a New Orleans stock broker. In 1891, he served as Chairman of the Louisiana League of Savings Institutions. He also briefly owned the newspaper, The New Orleans Item .

Scope and Content

The collection consists of two letters from John W. Fairfax to Confederate General James Longstreet. The first letter, dated May 20, 1898, is a request for a recommendation for Lawson L. Davis, a Confederate veteran applying for a Pay-Mastership in the Army. The second letter, dated May 14, 1902, discusses financial matters regarding the "reorganization scheme of the Northeastern, " as well as some of Fairfax's personal business ventures. Fairfax also expresses his sympathy for Longstreet's impaired vision. The letter also discusses a possible visit to General Longstreet by Mrs. Fairfax and mentions his recent marriage to Helen Dortch.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged chronologically.

Subjects and Indexing Terms

• Civil War
• United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865

Rights Statement for Archival Description

The guide to the John W. Fairfax Letters by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 ( https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/public-domain/cc0/ ).