A Guide to the Morgan Family Papers, 1862-1864
A Collection in
Virginia Military Institute Archives
Collection Number mss 00356
Virginia Military Institute Archives
Virginia Military Institute ArchivesPreston Library
Virginia Military Institute
Lexington, Virginia 24450-0304
USA
Phone: (540) 464-7566
Fax: (540) 464-7279
Email: archives@vmi.edu
URL: http://www.vmi.edu/archives
© 2002 Virginia Military Institute
Funding: Web version of the finding aid funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Processed by: Virginia Military Institute Archives Staff
Administrative Information
Access
There are no restrictions.
Use Restrictions
There are no restrictions.
Preferred Citation
Morgan Family Papers, mss 00356, Virginia Military Institute Archives, Lexington, Virginia.
Alternative Form
A portion of the Morgan Family Papers are available in full-text format on the VMI Archives website at: http://www.vmi.edu/archives/manuscripts/ms0356.html
Biographical/Historical Information
During the Civil War, the family of Joseph B. and Annie Lamb Morgan resided in Currituck County, North Carolina. One of the Morgan sons, Patrick Henry (b. 1844 d. 1917), was a cadet at the Virginia Military Institute from 1862-1864. During his cadetship, he took part in the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864. After the war, Patrick studied law, but did not practice. He then engaged in business and was a state senator in the North Carolina legislature. He was subsequently a district supervisor of the United States Life Saving Service (now the U. S. Coast Guard). Patrick Henry Morgan died in Shawboro, NC on August 27, 1917.
Scope and Content Information
The collection consists of twelve items. Included are letters (8 items), 1862-1864, addressed to Cadet Patrick H. Morgan. Those from his father (James B. Morgan of Currituck, Co. NC) contain news of Civil War civilian & home life Currituck Co., North Carolina, 1863-1864. Specific topics include enemy raids for food and supplies, diptheria, an uncle's death in battle, and the hardships of war. Other letters are from family friends and cousin John B. Wiginton. Also included are Cadet Morgan's written excuses (4 items) to the VMI Commandant for various infractions, April - May 1863.
Arrangement
The items are arranged chronologically.
Contents List
- James Morgan Letters 1863-1864
James Morgan to his son Patrick, describing wartime life at home in North Carolina.
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Letter, 1863 January 28
Wartime civilian life in Currituck Co; death of uncle in battle at Fredericksburg; enemy raids; diphtheria very prevalent.
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Letter, 1863 February 13
Enemy treatment of civilians; family news.
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Letter, 1864 January 3
A detailed account of the journey of a committee of citizens to appeal to Union Gen. Butler to "secure their property from destruction;" selling horse and sending money from sale; family news.
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Letter, 1864 May 16
Discusses rumors of a major Confederate victory--"should these things be true, this fanatical war must be drawing rapidly to a close. May God speed the happy day." Also family news.
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Letter, 1864 October 31
Family news; cautions son against neglecting his "religious duties."
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- Family Letters, other 1862-18643 items