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Finding aid for the James E. Edmonds Collection

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MUM00118

Finding Aid for the James E. Edmonds Collection
(MUM00118)

The James E. Edmonds is open for research.

Finding Aid for the James E. Edmonds Collection


Table of Contents
	Descriptive Summary
	Administrative Information
	Subject Terms
	Biographical Note
	Scope and Content Note
	User Information
	Related Material
	Separated Material
	Arrangement
	Container List


Descriptive Summary
PURL:	http://purl.oclc.org/umarchives/MUM00118/
Title:	James E. Edmonds Collection
Dates:	1886-1934
Collector:	Edmonds, James E.
Physical Extent:	3 boxes (1.251 linear feet)
Repository:	University of Mississippi. Department of Archives and Special Collections. University, MS 38677, USA
Identification:	MUM00118
Language of Material:	English
Abstract:	Materials related to James E. Edmonds, University of Mississippi student and illustrator of the first “Ole Miss” in 1897. Includes correspondence throughout much of Edmond’s life as well as that of his son, James E. Edmonds, Jr.

Administrative Information

Acquisition Information

Collection purchased in 1995

Processing Information

Collection processed by Archives & Special Collections staff. Finding aid encoded by Jason Kovari, 2011.

Additions

No further additions are expected to this collection.

Alternative Formats

Materials related to James E. Edmonds’ tenure at the University of Mississippi (1.1 – 2.3) have been digitized, available
: https://clio.lib.olemiss.edu/cdm/landingpage/collection/edmonds.

Subject Terms

Edmonds, James E. — Correspondence

Edmonds, James E. (James Ezekiel), b. 1903 — Correspondence

Edmonds, Rosa Warfield — Correspondence

Edmonds, Rosaleen — Correspondence

University of Mississippi — Students

University of Mississippi — History

University of Mississippi — Social life and customs

University of Mississippi — Students — Yearbooks

University of Mississippi — Students — Societies and clubs

University of Mississippi — Football

Typhoid fever — Mississippi — Oxford

Spanish-American War, 1898 — Social aspects

Journalists — Louisiana — New Orleans

Northwestern Military and Naval Academy (Lake Geneva, Wis.) — Students

Childbirth

Formats

correspondence

printed ephemera

photographs

Biographical Note

James E. Edmonds, was the son of Major and Mrs. J.E. Edmonds of Rosedale, Mississippi. Major Edmonds was a 1854 graduate of
the University of Mississippi. James E. Edmonds also attended the University, and a significant number of letters in the collection
were written during his tenure as a student between 1896 and 1900. Edmonds first entered the University in the fall of 1896,
at the age of 16. Although Edmonds attended the University for four years, neither the Alumni Directory nor the Historical
Catalogue list his as a graduate. During this years at the University, Edmonds was affiliated with the Hermaean Society and
the Blackstone Society. He studied law, and played on both the baseball and football teams. Perhaps his greatest distinction
as a student is his work as the illustrator on the first “Ole Miss” yearbook, printed in 1897. Edmonds was a talented artist,
as the sketches he included in his letters will attest.

After leaving the University in 1900, Edmonds briefly returned to the Delta, but by 1902 he was working as a newspaper correspondent/artist
in New Orleans, Louisiana. During this time he married Rosa Warfield of Natchez, a girl to whom he had been introduced by
one of his college friends.

In 1902, Edmonds and Rosa had their first, and only mentioned, child, James E. Edmonds, Jr. In 1918, James Jr. was enrolled
in the Northwestern Military and Naval Academy in Walworth, Wisconsin. At some point in the late 1910s (1917-1918), James
Edmonds, Sr., became affiliated with the United States Army, for his letters are sent from military bases in Kentucky and
Oklahoma. The capacity in which he was associated with the military, whether as an enlisted man or some other position, is
unclear from the letters. While a student at the University of Mississippi, however, James had looked forward to the possibility
of participating in an American conflict with Spain and was greatly chagrined when his parents refused their consent. One
can assume that perhaps he met the American entry into the first World War with equal ardor and enlisted.

In 1924, James Jr. married a woman named Rosaleen in New York. Almost immediately after the wedding James Jr. and Rosaleen
left for Paris, where James Jr. was employed by the Paris Branch of the Guaranty Trust Company of New York. In 1925, Rosaleen
gave birth to a daughter, whom they named Roseanne.

Scope and Content Note

Edmonds was also a very informative and interesting correspondent. The letters he wrote while at the University cover a wide
array of topics. He discusses University affairs: professors, students, fraternities, athletics, course work and, of course,
production of the yearbooks. He also chronicles local events of interest, such as an outbreak of typhoid fever at Union Female
College. National and international issues also did not escape his interest. He writes of the 1896 election and local reaction
to the defeat of William Jennings Bryan, whom he supported, and he writes passionately of the oncoming of the Spanish-American
War. Some letters are illustrated, which is noted in the description.

James E. Edmonds’ letters from New Orleans are equally interesting, covering topics ranging from squalid conditions in charity
hospitals to the outbreak of Yellow Fever in 1905.

The collection contains a significant number of letters written by James Jr. to his parents during his time at the Northwestern
Military and Naval Academy in Walworth, Wisconsin, circa 1918. Around the same time, J.E. Edmonds’ letters are sent from military
bases in Kentucky and Oklahoma.

Later letters written from James Jr. and Rosaleen to his parents (James E. & Rosa) describe their life in Paris. Rosaleen’s
labor and delivery were complicated and the letters written to James’ parents from the American Hospital in Paris, while not
tremendously detailed, are useful for the information regarding surgery and obstetrical practices in the early twentieth century.

User Information

Prefered Citation

James E. Edmonds Collection, Archives and Special Collections, J.D. Williams Library, The
University of Mississippi

Access Restrictions

The James E. Edmonds is open for research.

Photographs in this collection are stored at an off-site facility. Researchers interested in viewing these images must contact
Archives and Special Collections at least two business days in advance of their planned visit.

Copyright Restrictions

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the
making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under
certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized
to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions
is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other
than private study, scholarship or research.” If a user makes a request for, or
later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use”,
that user may be liable for copyright infringement.

Related Material

Resources at the University of Mississippi

To view digitally available materials from the James E. Edmonds Collection, see: https://clio.lib.olemiss.edu/cdm/landingpage/collection/edmonds.

Separated Material

Photographs have been removed from this collection and placed in Cold Storage for preservation, see Collection Photographs b2f76-78.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged chronologically. Only materials dated through 1900 include scope notes.

Series I. Correspondence 1886-1893

Series II. Correspondence 1896-1900

Series III. Correspondence 1900-1916

Series IV. Correspondence 1917-1924

Series V. Correspondence 1925-1934

Series VI. Undated Correspondence & Miscellaneous

Container List

Correspondence 1886-1893

Note: This series is digitally available: https://clio.lib.olemiss.edu/cdm/landingpage/collection/edmonds.

1.02.1

James E. Edmonds to Alice Weeks (1 June 1886), Bolivar County (Miss.)

Scope: Written by James while still a child. Discusses the hot weather, mentions visit from “Cousin Emilie”, and asks for response.

1.02.2

James E. Edmonds to Alice Weeks (21 October 1887), Bolivar County (Miss.)

Scope: Written by James while still a child. Mentions horse riding and inquires about Alice’s health.

1.02.3

James E. Edmonds to Alice Weeks (17 December 1887)

Scope: Written by James while still a child. Edmonds offers Christmas wishes, mentions newspaper article

1.03.1

James E. Edmonds to Alice Weeks (5 February 1888)

Scope: Written by James while still a child. Mentions recent project building a wood-burning stove, plans to have a party during
Winter, despite being forbidden by his mother.

1.03.2

James E. Edmonds to Alice Weeks (13 May 1889)

Scope: Written by James while still a child. Explains lack of correspondence, attributing it to eyesight problems. Elaborates on
the adjustments he and his family have made in response to his troubles.

1.03.3

James E. Edmonds to Alice Weeks (5 June 1889)

Scope: Written by James while still a child, on a boat from home to Mount Eagle, then to his Uncle’s house, and on.

1.04

Maynard to James E. Edmonds (12 April 1893)

Scope: Discusses history of “Sir James’s” plantation and the town’s history and connection with the Choctaw.

Note: Features illustration on the back titled “Ye Aboriginal Californian”.

Correspondence 1896-1900

Note: This series is digitally available: https://clio.lib.olemiss.edu/cdm/landingpage/collection/edmonds.

1.05.1

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (19 September 1896), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Announces that he is “now a full fledged student of the U. of M,” mentions taking part in a football game that Saturday; discusses
in-class happenings.

Note: Features illustration on first page

1.05.2

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (20 September 1896), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Mentions attending an “oration” by “Mr. Dorman”, encounter with [classmate?] named Percy, courses and activities in and around
the campus.

Note: Features illustration on first page

1.05.3

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (28 September 1896), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Mentions recent football game in which he was “on the tossing side,” describes interaction with female classmate at a sporting
event and attributes the shorter length of the letter to the late time of night (ten o’clock).

1.05.4

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (30 September 1896), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Discusses faculty decision to move work for “next week forward one day and to give next Monday as a holiday” for a trip to
Memphis, TN, which requires parental permission.

1.06.1

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (13 October 1896), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Apology to his parents for inadvertently leading them to think he was avoiding them for withholding their blessing for his
Memphis trip. Also asks for money and mentions his friend Percy. Discusses encounters with fraternity members.

1.06.2

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (15 October 1896), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Thanks his parents for not giving their permission for the Memphis trip as his attendance would have violated the trustees’
purpose for the original holiday (having a political debate). Lists his daily schedules with classes and times. Mentions the
“pretty young ladies” he met at the “opening ball”.

Note: Features an illustration of a man in tuxedo on second page.

1.06.3

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (27 October 1896), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Remarks on neighborhood news relayed to him by his parents and expresses sadness at the death of the some of his neighbors.
Updates his parents on the social life in Oxford, particularly concerning parties and fraternities.

1.06.4

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (October 1896), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Describes his “busy Sunday,” in which he woke early to read and study, attended church, then “dined out with a club-mate”
and went to the Y.M.C.A., among other activities. Mentions monetary gift from one of his cousins and that one of his “club-mates”,
Donald Ross, is the nephew of L.Q.C. Lamar.

1.07.1

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (9 November 1896), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Remarks on his morning at the crowded Methodist Church in Oxford for Sunday morning services, a disagreement with classmate
over politics, classes and professors (Profs. “Pete” Sanders and post-graduate student “Sam” Houston).

1.07.2

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (16 November 1896), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Remarks on the arrest of Dave Bogan and criticizes the withholding of information. Announces his intentions to move to “Mrs.
Rascoe’s” place where he will be among his friends and club-mates; expresses satisfaction with his art lessons; mentions that
he hasn’t “splurged”, including avoidance of evening horseback rides. Discusses receiving a letter from “Cousin Lily” and
that he called on “Mrs. Kritchman” and that the meeting led to his introduction to people from New Orleans.

Note: Features illustration of a man with a pistol on last page.

1.07.3

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (20 November 1896), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Requests permission to travel to Holly Springs for a football game the following Saturday; elaborates on his financial situation;
asks if they think it “would be advisable to go to Mrs. Rascoe’s”; mentions an upcoming ball and that, while invitations aren’t
handed out, the “list of girls” is given only to fraternity members. Asks his parents to tell Cousin Lily that he intends
to write this week.

Note: Features several small illustrations along the first page of his clothing and an illustration on the last page.

1.08.1

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (6 December 1896), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Acknowledges receipt of his parents’ letter and telegram, as well as the money they sent. Explains lack of correspondence
by mentioning that he was ill and busy the rest of the week. Assures his parents that every absence from class or other activities
was caused by a legitimate illness, but that the illness was not life threatening. Says that “there has been a great deal
of sickness in Oxford,” namely typhoid fever, which has killed people he knew. Assures his parents that his dancing and decision
to “go calling” are not indicators of improper behavior, but tells them he will avoid it, anyway. Mentions visiting Percy
before Church.

1.08.2

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (15 December 1896), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Announces plans to visit home; mentions that he does not owe room-and-board because he paid in advance; lists miscellaneous
trip expenses. Discusses the Sutherland family’s move to Oxford and his trip to Holly Springs.

1.09.1

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (12 January 1897), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Announces his safe return to Oxford, assures his parents that he is attending all classes and mentions that the two-week exam
period , when he will be too busy to write. Discusses his new roommate, John, that he recruited to offset the rent increase
Mrs. Rascoe set forth. Discusses train ride and a request for drawing by Miss Alma Jones.

1.09.2

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (24 January 1897), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Remarks on the news of the death of his Uncle Will and that he did not attend church that day due to examinations. Remarks
on his busy schedule: four hundred pages of reading before midnight that night. Describes a “feast” held amongst his friends.
Asks his parents to search his desk for a manuscript of a story about “the man floating in the ice on the river” that he sent
to the Harpers Young People”.

1.10.1

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (18 January 1897), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Discusses studying and eating cake

1.10.2

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (8 February 1897), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Comments on the poor postal service after expressing concern that his parents did not receive his previous letter. Expresses
concern about his Latin grade due to illness during the exam and the difficulty of various exams. Edmonds is “third in the
class” on his paper and English exam. Inquires about Cousin Lily and says that he “ought to be ashamed” of himself for not
writing her. Says that corresponding is much easier at home where he has time to sit and compose his thoughts.

Note: Features illustration entitled “the postmaster”

1.10.3

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (16 February 1897), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Elaborates on his busy week that has once again hindered correspondence. Explains the need for new books. Discusses grades
that have been returned from examinations and his plan to graduate in three years so that he can enter law school and embark
on his career. Expresses hope to have school friends visit him the following summer.

1.10.4

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (21 February 1897), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Addresses his parents’ concern over their perceived slacking church attendance. Complains about the high price and low quality
of food at the boarding house; the scarcity of good meals and the overabundance of rice. Remarks on his heavy workload, particularly
drawing.

1.11.1

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (6 March 1897), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Discusses the annual and “various clubs that have been organized: “Stag Club”, “Turkey Club,” “Half a Dayers” as well as fraternity
life; his impending grade report; warns his parents about absences and possible demerits; asks for cake and other treats for
a “feast”. . Remarks that the Sutherland family has not yet arrived.

1.11.2

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (13 March 1897), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Expresses hope that his parents have received his report card; inventories expenses; explains the place of his illustrations
in “the book” [probably “The Ole Miss”]; apologizes for upsetting his parents by asking for money from home. Remarks that
everyone is at church and the “Little Dormitory” is “as still as a mouse”. Asks about home affairs and includes endnote to
Cousin Lily.

1.11.3

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (21 March 1897), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Acknowledges receipt of parents’ letter. Asks for them to send his camera as a local man is willing to load & develop the
film; asks if they have received his request that his comic drawings be sent to him for his portfolio; discusses fraternity
happenings.

Note: Includes small illustration of man’s profile on the top corner of second page

1.11.4

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (28 March 1897), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Comments on a social gathering at a house with a few of his friends and three girls, remarks, “Oh! You know not what you miss
by not living in a college town,” where everyone is involved in the other’s business. Acknowledges receipt of his parents’
letter and a box containing cake, candy and socks. Expands on the short life of the cake and candy but expresses hope that
his socks will last until June. Inquires about home and discusses his current wardrobe and the need for new clothes and tailoring.

Note: Includes illustration of a sock on first page

1.11.5

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (3 March 1897), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Describes conversation with a man “who went to school here before the war,” who graduated in the Class of 1854 and was a charter
member of Delta Kappa Episilon. Acknowledges his mistake in thinking that his old friends had left him ““ he received an influx
of letters from friends, including a girl that he met on the train back to Oxford after Christmas, who is a senior and Editor-in-chief
of her college paper.

1.12.1

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (22 April 1897), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Discusses the exodus of families from Rosedale following rising water levels; discusses Oxford and the campus; mentions Fulton
Chapel and the library; mentions “Miss Isom” and performances. Concerned that parents’ have not received recent letters, acknowledges
receipt of $50 and asks about family and home life in Rosedale.

1.12.2

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (April 1897), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Announces plans to return home and take exams the following year due to the “high water” at home; discusses law department
society and fraternity life; his thoughts on returning home and its’ affect on his academic and campus life; his new suit
and acknowledges receipt of $25.

Note: Features profile illustration at the top of page one and small illustration on page 2

1.13.1

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (2 May 1897), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Discusses water problem back home; national and local papers and magazines; discusses baseball game; performance by University
Orchestra; expresses frustration that the river rising has interfered with his social life; discusses holiday trip and its’
cost; mentions public-speaking engagement to freshman class. Acknowledges receipt of letter containing money

Note: Features illustration on last page.

1.13.2

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (16 May 1897), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Discusses the close of freshman year; asks his parents’ opinion on fraternities and inquires about relatives in fraternities;
asks for clothes to be sent to him; remarks on the use of his time socializing versus studying; remarks that he “missed the
Freshman medal by one vote”; discusses the vote and what his classmate believes cost him the medal; concludes by announcing
he has fallen in love.

1.13.3

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (30 May 1897), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Discusses functions he has attended, namely fraternity and sorority gatherings; describes interaction with sorority and fraternity
members, including his friend Percy; qualifies P.S. of last letter by adding that he is not in love by any means. Acknowledges
receipt of letter, $25 money order, and clothes; discusses Cousin Lillie and her family.

1.14.1

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (15 September 1897), Holly Springs (Miss.)

Scope: Postcard. Announces arrival in town before the start of school and his intent to write once in Oxford.

1.14.2

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (November 1897), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Discusses encounter with the Chancellor regarding his 26-hour course load; housing, landlady, and life with his roommates;
romantic interest that “knows Cousin Annie”; asks his parents to return home for dinner with Cousin Cerce.

1.15.1

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (12 December 1897), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Discusses on-going conference on campus; describes invitation to dine with Dr. James and his response; addresses his parents’
concern about his love life, insisting that he will “have no Oxford girl”; discusses upcoming speech in April; hopes his parents
will return to Rosedale for Christmas; discusses social life; misses outdoors; asks about happenings in Bolivar; discusses
his friend, Kate.

Note: Features illustrations on pages 2 & 3

1.15.2

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (December 1897), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Discusses fraternity happenings surrounding “Mr. Lemuel”; announces he was elected editor from the class of 1900 for the school
paper, “The University Record”; discusses newspaper happenings; discusses wardrobe and room furnishings; asks about life at
home; discusses roommate; expresses doubts about being able to attend commencement; discusses work options after school. Mentions
landlady.

1.15.3

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (20 December 1897), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Acknowledges receipt of curtains and “˜smoking’ jacket for his birthday; discusses upcoming Christmas break; mentions roommate;
academic affairs, namely the absence of monthly reports; grades and classes; Chancellor’s input regarding his hours; discusses
readings; mentions disliking the Reveille arrangement.

1.15.4

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (27 December 1897), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Discusses his first Christmas away from home; a college paper; details the R.H.R procession; mentions Union Female College.

Note: Features an illustration of a man carrying a torch on page four.

1.16

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (1897), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Acknowledges receipt of box and details the ‘destruction’ of it and its’ content, namely the cake. Asks for his mother to
make another pair of curtains for his south windows.

1.17.1

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (24 January 1898), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Written on DKE stationary; announces the end of exams; explains testing schedule and his absences; his weekend schedule, including
church; discusses social life; a college-wide meeting; asks about home, specifically construction of the levees.

1.17.2

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (30 January 1898), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Discusses exam results; explains grading system; discusses recent fraternity changes.

1.18.1

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (6 February 1898), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Discusses political boom on campus; interactions with various people during the excitement, fraternity involvement; sophomore
vote for class captain; lists yearly average and class standing.

Note: Features illustrations on page 2

1.18.2

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (14 February 1898), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Describes campus reaction to “the ‘fever'” and the plans to close down immediately if it does break out; acknowledges receipt
of note and pay from the paper; explains newspaper happenings; mentions seeing Percy again; asks for more information on home
affairs; discusses recent reading.

1.18.3

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (25 February 1898), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Describes illustrating for the annual; his social life, namely “calling on” his friend, Kate, along with several of his classmates;
addresses his parents’ concern regarding his social life; outlines expenses.

Note: Features illustration on page 2

1.19.1

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (6 March 1898), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Outlines grades and demerits; describes progress illustrating for the annual; describes church attendance.

Note: Features illustration at the bottom of the last page

1.19.2

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (15 March 1898), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Describes preparation for examinations; campus response to conflict with Spain [Spanish-American War]; describes involvement
of students in the National Guard.

1.19.3

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (27 March 1898), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Announces the end of final examinations; outlines grades, grading procedure, class schedule; lists a syllogism given during
exams; asks about home affairs; acknowledges receipt of $25; describes committee involvement; sends messages to various family
members; announces he intends to get a job working for a Cuban newspaper war-correspondents staff; expresses hope to see combat.

1.20.1

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (3 April 1898), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Explains recently returned grades & announces new policy of announcing grades in class (by special permission); discusses
sporting events; his new friends from the Delta; asks about his parents’ travels & home affairs, particularly the river; asks
how the Cuban news is affecting them.

1.20.2

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (10 April 1898), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Discusses academics; includes table of classes and grades on page 2; expresses concern that they cannot find “common ground”
regarding his grades; turns attention to other topics: Cuba, studies, his “beloved”, clothing and laundry.

1.20.3

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (23 April 1898), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Discusses the Spanish-American War, the call for volunteers and related campus involvement. Describes happenings around Oxford;
church life; inquires about rumors that a company of soldiers is in Rosedale; mentions that he doesn’t want to stay behind
while the soldiers fight; doesn’t think his parents can object to his participation in the war.

1.21.1

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (2 May 1898), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Announces that minors must have parental consent to enter the Spanish-American War, and his parents have refused it. Describes
his thoughts on the War, his place in it, and its potential effects; describes Commander Dewey; “jubilation” on campus; describes
sporting events.

1.21.2

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (6 May 1898), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Describes desire to enlist in the Spanish-American War without his parents’ consent; describes the Shakespearean Debate event
in which he took third place; announces plans to have roommate visit and asks for his parents’ assistance; discusses wardrobe
and outlines needed supplies.

1.22.1

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (16 May 1898), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Revisits his position on enlisting; asks for the buggy to be fixed and fishing in Bolivar.

1.22.2

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (25 May 1898), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Remarks on the close of the semester, finals, and classes; remarks on Spanish-American War coverage in the news; comments
on the war and politics; remarks on his social life.

2.01.1

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (11 February 1900), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Written on DKE stationary. Describes a quiet Sunday afternoon; an encounter with the Library Society in which they announced
intentions to try him for unpaid dues; lectures and books.

2.01.2

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (26 February 1900), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Remarks on the end of second semester exams; describes law work and remarks on its ease; describes a party with classmates
that ended badly for a friend; expresses desire to take lessons; outlines expenses.

2.01.3

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (February 1900), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Written on Hickey Hotel stationary; discusses Sunday allowance and letter; explains why he is writing from a Hotel (due to
an event at the Opera house); describes event; sends good wishes home.

2.02.1

James E. Edmonds to Major J.E. Edmonds (10 April 1900), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Details heavy expenses; recent illness; an encounter with one of his father’s club-mates; asks for his father’s input on the
duties of a toast-master.

2.02.2

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (25 March 1900), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Describes reaction to his parents’ last letter that he read to his “platonic friend”; describes new-found habits in his correspondence,
including contact with pre-college friends; discusses upcoming ball and banquet, which will feature alumni from Vanderbilt,
Tulane and the University of Alabama; discusses classes and studying; requests $15 for book money.

2.03.1

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (2 April 1900), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Discusses schedule change; weekend happenings, church and social life; club elections, including his appointment as toast-master
for an upcoming 50th anniversary occasion; asks about home affairs, particularly the river; announces plans to possible go
to Kosciusko to represent the school in an event.

2.03.2

James E. Edmonds to Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (22 May 1900), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Expresses concern over his mother’s lack of correspondence after “Uncle Perry’s” death; discusses the death of Uncle Percy
and his mother’s response; mentions fraternity banquet and announces date for his return home.

2.03.3

James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (6 May 1900), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Written on Ole Miss stationary. Discusses baseball victory over Tulane; events in and around Oxford; trip to Vicksburg; law
classes and readings; the impending publication of the annual; the upcoming marriage of a family friend as well as a double
wedding at graduation.

2.03.4

James E. Edmonds to Major J.E. Edmonds (16 June 1900), Oxford (Miss.)

Scope: Announces the end of Vicksburg trip; took 2nd place at the speaking engagement; discusses class and social encounters; expresses
concern for his mother over Uncle Perry’s death.

2.03.5

Unknown to “My dearest Aunt” (3 April 1900), Rosedale (Miss.)

Scope: Written on New York Life Insurance Company stationary. Expresses gratitude for chickens; discusses home affairs and neighbors;
discusses farm life.


Correspondence 1900-1916
	2.4.1	J.E.E. to “My dearest little woman” (Erwin, Mississippi), [10] July 1901
	2.4.2	J.E.E. to “My dearest little woman” , Undated
	2.4.3	J.E.E. to “Dear little woman” (Greenville, Mississippi) , 18 August 1901
	2.4.4	J.E.E. to “My dearest Rosa” (Erwin, Mississippi), 9 September 1901
	2.4.5	J.E.E. to “My dear little woman” (Erwin, Mississippi), 15 October 1904
	2.4.6	J.E.E. to “Dearest Rosa” (Erwin, Mississippi), 10 November 1901
	2.4.7	J.E.E. to “My dearest little woman” (Erwin, Mississippi), 4 August 1901
	2.4.8	J.E.E. to “My dear little woman” (Erwin, Mississippi), 14 December 1901
	2.5.1	J.E.E. to Rosa (Erwin, Mississippi), [20] April 1902
	2.5.2	J.E.E. to “My dearest little woman” (New Orleans, Louisiana), 29 April 1902
	2.5.3	J.E.E. to Rosa , 20 May 1902
	2.5.4	J.E.E. to [Rosa], 24 May 1902
	2.6.1	J.E.E. to “My dearest little woman” (New Orleans, Louisiana), 4 September 1902
	2.6.2	Waterman to Edmonds (New Orleans, Louisiana), 13 September 1902
	2.7.1	J.E.E. to “Dearest little woman” (New Orleans, Louisiana), 9 August 1904
	2.8.1	J.E.E. to Rosa (New Orleans, Louisiana), 14 September 1904
	2.9.1	J.E.E. to “Dearest little woman” (Allegan, Michigan), 8 April 1905
	2.10.1	J.E.E. to Rosa (New Orleans, Louisiana), 1 August 1905
	2.10.2	J.E.E. to “My dear little refugee” (New Orleans, Louisiana), August 1905
	2.10.3	J.E.E. to Rosa, Undated
	2.11.1	J.E.E. to “Dearest little woman” (New Orleans, Louisiana), 11 August 1905
	2.11.2	J.E.E. to “Dearest little woman” (New Orleans, Louisiana), 13 August 1905
	2.11.3	J.E.E. to “Dearest little woman” (New Orleans, Louisiana), 15 August 1905
	2.12.1	J.E.E. to Rosa, 20 August 1905
	2.12.2	J.E.E. to “Dearest little woman”, 25 August 1905
	2.12.3	J.E.E. to Rosa, 30 August 1905
	2.13.1	J.E.E. to Rosa (Allegan, Michigan), 11 September 1905
	2.13.2	J.E.E. to Rosa (New Orleans, Louisiana), 19 September 1905
	2.13.3	J.E.E. to Rosa (New Orleans, Louisiana), 24 September 1905
	2.13.4	J.E.E. to “Dearest little woman”, 26 September 1905
	2.14.1	J.E.E. to “Dearest little woman” (Baton Rouge, Louisiana), 29 May 1906
	2.15.1	J.E.E. to Rosa (Shreveport, Louisiana), 17 March 1907
	2.15.2	J.E.E. to Rosa (Shreveport, Louisiana), 19 March 1907
	2.15.3	J.E.E. to “Dearest little woman” (Baton Rouge, Louisiana), 11 September 1907
	2.16.1	J.E.E. (New Orleans, Louisiana), 2 August 1908
	2.17.1	J.E.E. to Rosa, 9 September 1909
	2.17.2	J.E.E. to Rosa (Baton Rouge, Louisiana), 23 December 1909
	2.18.1	J.E.E. to “Dearest little woman” (Veracruz), 1911
	2.19.1	J.E.E. to “Dearest”, 7 September 1913
	2.20.1	J.E.E. to “Dearest” (Camp Taylor, New York), 25 March 1914
	2.20.2	J.E.E. to “Dearest” (On board the S.S. City of Grand Rapids), 29 September 1914
	2.21.1	J.E.E., Jr. to “Dear Mother” (New York City, New York), 14 June 1915
	2.21.2	J.E.E. to “Dearest” (Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania), 12 July 1915
	2.22.1	J.E.E., Jr. to “Dear Mother” (New York City, New York), 10 June 1916
	2.22.2	Mary [Cornell] to “My dear children”, 6 July 19[16]


Correspondence 1917-1924
	2.23.1	J.E.E. to “Dearest” (Fort Sill, Oklahoma), 2 January 1917
	2.24.1	J.E.E., Jr. to “Dear Mother” (Chicago, Illinois), 8 January 1917
	2.24.2	J.E.E., Jr. to “Dear Mother” (Walworth, Wisconsin), 10 January 1917
	2.24.3	J.E.E., Jr. to “Dear Mother” (Walworth, Wisconsin), 27 January 1917
	2.25.1	J.E.E. to “Dear little woman” (Fort Sill, Oklahoma), 11 January 1918
	2.25.2	J.E.E., Jr. to “Dear Mother” (Walworth, Wisconsin), 14 January 1918
	2.25.3	J.E.E. to “Dear Laddie” (Fort Sill, Oklahoma), 29 April 1918
	2.26.1	J.E.E., Jr. to “Dear papa” (Walworth, Wisconsin), 27 September 1918
	2.26.2	J.E.E., Jr. to “Dear Mother” (Walworth, Wisconsin), 6 October 1918
	2.26.3	J.E.E., Jr. to “Dear Mother” (Walworth, Wisconsin), Undated
	2.26.4	J.E.E., Jr. to “Dear papa” (Walworth, Wisconsin), 9 October 1918
	2.27.1	J.E.E., Jr. to “Dear Mother” (Walworth, Wisconsin), 13 October 1918
	2.27.2	J.E.E., Jr. to “Dear papa” (Walworth, Wisconsin), 18 October 1918
	2.27.3	J.E.E., Jr. to “Dear Mother” (Walworth, Wisconsin), 20 October 1918
	2.28.1	J.E.E., Jr. to “Dear Mother” (Walworth, Wisconsin), 3 November 1918
	2.28.2	J.E.E., Jr. to “Dear Mother” (Walworth, Wisconsin), 4 November 1918
	2.28.3	J.E.E., Jr. to “Dear papa” (Walworth, Wisconsin), 5 November 1918
	2.28.4	J.E.E., Jr. to “Dear papa” (Walworth, Wisconsin), 8 November 1918
	2.28.5	J.E.E., Jr. to “Dear Mother” (Walworth, Wisconsin), 10 November 1918
	2.29.1	J.E.E., Jr. to “Dear Mother” (Walworth, Wisconsin), 17 November 1918
	2.29.2	J.E.E., Jr. to “Dear Mother” (Walworth, Wisconsin), 18 November 1918
	2.29.3	J.E.E., Jr. to “Dear Mother” (Walworth, Wisconsin), 24 November 1918
	2.30.1	J.E.E. to “Dearest ‘little woman’” (Fort Sill, Oklahoma), 11 January 1919
	2.30.2	J.E.E. to “Dearest little woman” (Camp Taylor, Kentucky), 9 February 1919
	2.30.3	J.E.E. to “Dearest Sweetheart” (Camp Taylor, Kentucky), 9 March 1919
	2.30.4	J.E.E. to “Dearest Sweetheart” (Camp Taylor, Kentucky), 17 March 1919
	2.31.1	J.E.E. to “Dearest Sweetheart” (Camp Taylor, Kentucky), 16 March 1919
	2.31.2	J.E.E. to “Dearest” (Camp Taylor, Kentucky), 18 March 1919
	2.31.3	J.E.E. to “Dearest” (Camp Taylor, Kentucky), 22 March 1919
	2.32.1	J.E.E., Jr. to “Dear Mother” (Walworth, Wisconsin), 12 April 1919
	2.32.2	J.E.E. to “Dear Laddie” (Washington, D.C.), 19 May 1919
	2.32.3	J.E.E. to “Dearest” (Birmingham, Alabama), 23 June 1919
	2.33.1	J.E.E., Jr. to “Dear Mother” (St. Thomas, Virgin Islands), 8 July 1921
	2.33.2	J.E.E., Jr. to “Dear Mother” (Buenos Aires, Argentina), 4 October 1921
	2.33.3	Feely to J.E.E., 3 January
	2.34.1	J.E.E., Jr. (On board the S.S. Veerdan), 24 January 1924


Correspondence 1925-1934
	2.34.2	J.E.E., Jr. to “Dear papa” (New York), 30 January 1925
	2.34.3	J.E.E., Jr. to “Mother Dear” (Paris, France), 16 July 1925
	2.34.4	Rosaleen to “Dear James” (Paris, France), [1] December [1925]
	2.34.5	Edith B. McKenna to “My Dear Mrs. Edmonds” (Paris, France), 6 March [1926]
	3.1.1	J.E.E. to “Dearest little woman” (Camp Taylor, Kentucky), Undated
	3.1.2	J.E.E. to “My dearest little woman”, Undated
	3.1.3	J.E.E. to Rosa, Undated
	3.1.4	J.E.E. to Rosa, Undated
	3.2.1	J.E.E. to “Dear Laddie”, Undated
	3.2.2	J.E.E. to “My Dear Laddie”, Undated
	3.3.1	Rosaleen to “Rosa Dear” (Paris, France), 5 January
	3.3.2	Rosaleen to “James Dear”, Undated
	3.3.3	Rosaleen to “Rosa Dear” (Homestead Farm), N.d
	3.4.1	Rosaleen to “Dear Mother”, Undated
	3.4.2	Rosaleen to “Dear Mother” (Paris, France), Undated
	3.4.3	Rosaleen to Rosa and James (Paris, France), 21 November
	3.5.1	J.E.E. to “Dear Major”, Undated
	3.6.1	J.E.E. to “Dear Mother”, Undated
	3.7.1	J.E.E. to [Rosa] , Undated
	3.7.2	J.E.E. to “Dearest” (New York, New York), Undated
	3.8.1	J.E.E. to [Rosa] , Undated
	3.8.2	J.E.E. to “Dear little woman” (Shreveport, Louisiana) , Undated
	3.8.3	J.E.E. to Rosa Warfield, Undated
	3.8.4	J.E.E. to “Dearest little woman”, Undated
	3.9.1	J.E.E., Jr. to “Dear papa” (Paris, France), 25 September
	3.9.2	J.E.E., Jr. to “Dear papa” , Undated
	3.10.1	J.E.E., Jr. to “Dear Mama” (New York, New York)
	3.11.1	Unsigned [Rosaleen] to “Dear Rosa”, Undated
	3.12.1	[–] Bell to Mrs. N.N. Edmonds, 9 July 1906
	3.13.1	[Mama] to Arthur H. Jones, 26 October 1909
	3.14.1	[–] to Mrs. James Edmonds, 1 September 1911
	3.15.1	[–] to “My Dear Auntie” [Mrs. A.M. Edmonds], 27 August 1913
	3.15.2	[C.N.L.] to “My Dear Auntie” [Mrs. A.M. Edmonds], 17 September 1913
	3.15.3	Coralie to “Dear Auntie” [Mrs. A.M. Edmonds], 10 November 1912
	3.15.4	Helen and Kelly to Mrs. James Edmonds, 31 December 1912
	3.16.1	[R.A.L.] to Mrs. A.M. Edmonds, 19 July 1913
	3.16.2	[C.N.L.] to “My Dearest Auntie” [Mrs. A.M. Edmonds], 3 August 1913
	3.17.1	Amelia to Mrs. James E. Edmonds (Lucerne, Switzerland), 31 July 1914
	3.17.2	Amelia to Master James E. Edmonds (Lucerne, Switzerland), 31 July 1914
	3.17.3	Joe to Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (Rome, Italy), 1914
	3.17.4	Joe Etta to Mr. James Edmonds, Jr. (Rome, Italy), 1914
	3.18.1	J.E.E., Jr. to Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (Lookout Mountain, Tennessee), 31 May 1915
	3.18.2	J.E.E., Jr. to Mrs. J. E. Edmonds , 31 May 1915
	3.18.3	J.E.E. to Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (Chattanooga, Tennessee), 31 May 1915
	3.18.4	J.E.E., Jr. to Mrs. A.M. Edmonds , 31 May 1915
	3.18.5	J.E.E. to Mrs. J. E. Edmonds , 8 June 1915
	3.18.6	J.E.E., Jr. to Mrs. J.E. Edmonds, 10 June 1915
	3.18.7	Edith B. to James Edmonds (Breward, North Carolina), 26 July 1915
	2.18.8	[–] to Mrs. James E. Edmonds (Vancouver, Canada), 8 September 1915
	3.19.1	Bessie Q. Thatcher to Mrs. James E. Edmonds (Savannah, Georgia), 11 May 1915
	3.19.2	J.E.E., Jr. to Mrs. A.M. Edmonds, 3 June 1915
	3.19.3	J.E.E., Jr. to Mrs. J.E. Edmonds, 3 June 1915
	3.19.4	J.E.E. to Mrs. J.E. Edmonds, 9 June 1915
	3.19.5	Mr. and Mrs. Bloomfield (Prouts Neck, Maine), 17 August 1915
	3.19.6	To James Edmonds, 17 August 1915
	3.19.7	“Sis” to Mrs. Rosa Edmonds (Los Angeles, California), 25 August 1915
	3.19.8	L.L. [Swaye] to Mrs. James Edmonds, 11 September 1915
	3.20.1	R.F. Bacon to Mr. Richard Nugent, 16 April 1916
	3.20.2	M.C.W. to “My dear R”, 19 July 1916
	3.21.1	M. to Mrs. J.E. Edmonds, 5 January 1917
	3.22.1	James to Mr. J.E. Edmonds, 30 January 1925
	3.23.1	[Tom] to Mrs. W.H. Sorrels, 24 August 1934
	3.23.2	H. to Mrs. H.W. Sorrells, 9 October 1934


Undated Correspondence & Miscellaneous
	3.24.1	J.E.E., Jr. to Mrs. J.E. Edmonds, 18 June
	3.24.2	To Mrs. James E. Edmonds, 17 August
	3.24.3	[T. Durrells], to Major and Mrs. Edmonds, Undated
	3.24.4	J.E.E., Jr. to Edith Bradley, Undated
	3.24.5	“From H. O. Allison”, Undated
	3.24.6	J.E.E, to Mrs. J. E. Edmonds, Undated
	3.24.7	J.E.E, to Mrs. J. E. Edmonds, Undated
	3.24.8	J.E.E, to Mrs. J. E. Edmonds, Undated
	3.24.9	J.E.E., Jr., to Edith Bradley, Undated
	3.25.1	Blank postcard
	3.26.1	L.S.U. Athletic Association Season Ticket for J. E. Edmonds, Undated
	3.26.2	Pass from Camp McClellan, Anniston, Alabama, for admission of Mrs. James Edmonds, 25 September 1918
	3.26.3	Pass from Camp McClellan, Anniston, Alabama, for permanent admission of James Edmonds, 29 August 1918
	2.26.4	Pass for Members of Crew of Pan-American voyage Munson Steamship Line, April 1922
	3.26.5	Membership pass issued by House of Representatives, to James Edmonds (Washington, D.C.), 17 July 1919
	3.26.6	Tulane University Student Season Athletic Ticket, 1919-1920
	3.27.1	Seaman’s Certificate of American Citizenship or Intention Papers, Department of Commerce, Bureau of Navigation, issued to James E. Edmonds, 2 June 1921
	3.28.1	Miscellaneous business papers
	3.29.1	University of Mississippi commencement, 1900
	3.29.2	Wedding of Rosaleen Brinton and James E. Edmonds, Jr., 17 January 1925
	3.29.3	Delta Kappa Epsilon Club, invitation for guest visit issued to James E. Edmonds, Jr. (New York, New York), 19 April 1922
	3.29.4	Thirtieth Annual Senior Hop, Northwestern Military and Naval Academy (Lake Geneva, Wisconsin), 10 June 1918
	3.29.5	Thirtieth Annual Graduating Exercises of the Northwestern Military and Naval Academy (Lake Geneva, Wisconsin), 7-10 June 1918
	3.30.1	Program from the Pan-American Cabaret, U.S.M.S. Pan America, 13 April 1922
	3.31.1	Certificate from Munson Steamship Lines issued to James E. Edmonds, 1922
	3.32.1	Miscellaneous documents and deeds (Buncombe County, North Carolina), Undated
	3.33.1	Miscellaneous envelopes
	3.34.1	Miscellaneous

Finding Aid for the James E. Edmonds Collection (MUM00118)