William Cowper Nelson Collection<br /> MUM00688<br />

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William Cowper Nelson Collection

MUM00688

Summary Information
Biographical Note
Scope and Content Note
Arrangement
Administrative Information
Related Materials
Controlled Access Headings
PURL
Collection Inventory: Original Collection; Accretion

PURL

http://purl.oclc.org/umarchives/MUM00688/

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Summary Information

Repository: University of Mississippi Libraries
Creator: Mrs. Susan “Sudy” Waller Seals and Family
Title: William Cowper Nelson Collection
ID: MUM00688
Date [inclusive]: 1843-1949
General Physical Description note: 11 boxes (4.7 linear feet)

Abstract:: Correspondence between members of the Nelson Family of Holly Springs, MS, primarily William C. Nelson, Confederate Soldier
and University of Mississippi Alumnus.

Prefered Citation

William Cowper Nelson Collection, Archives and Special Collections, J.D. Williams Library, The University of Mississippi

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Biographical Note

William Cowper Nelson was present at many of the most famous battles fought by the Army of Northern Virginia: the Maryland
Campaign in 1862; the Battle of Sharpsburg (17 September 1862); the Battle of Fredericksburg (11-13 December 1862); Chancellorsville
(1-4 May 1863); Battle of Gettysburg (1-3 July 1863); Bristoe Station and Mine Run Campaigns; the Wilderness; and several
others. Will survived the war only to return to Holly Springs to find his father had been murdered by marauding soldiers.
The close-knit family never was the same after 1865.

In 1867, he married Miss Mary Lou Armistead in Richmond, VA and together they had several children. The children surviving
until adulthood were Margaret Nelson Waller; Robert Nelson, Louise Nelson; Virginia Nelson Parmer; and Wilbur Nelson. The
family moved several times due primarily to Mr. Nelson’s career as an inspector of insurance underwriters. They lived in Nashville;
New Orleans; Atlanta; and Louisville, Kentucky. Mr. Nelson passed away on 3 July 1904

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Scope and Content Note

The original collection (boxes 1-2) contains approximately 106 letters written primarily during the years 1857-1865 by a former
University of Mississippi student, William Cowper Nelson. The collection covers the time period from life as a student at
the University of Mississippi to life as a soldier in the 9th Mississippi Infantry Regiment, to the 17th Mississippi Infantry
Regiment, to life as a staff officer in the Army of Northern Virginia.

The bulk of the 2002 accretion correspondence is from William C. Nelson to his wife and children when they were apart, especially
during the summer months when the family vacationed in Monteagle, TN and Mr. Nelson remained to work in the city.

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Arrangement

This collection is arranged in 2 series and chronologically within each series. Boxes 1-2 comprise the originally donated
materials. Boxes 3-11 comprise the 2002 Accretion, processed and arranged independently from the original collection.

Series I. Original Collection
Series II. Accretion

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Administrative Information

Publication Information

University of Mississippi Libraries

Access Restrictions

The William Cowper Nelson Collection is open for research.

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.

Additions

No further additions are expected to this collection.

Acquisition Information

Donated by Mrs. Susan Waller Seals and family.

Processing Information

Collection processed by Jennifer Ford, 2007. Finding aid encoded by Jason Kovari, 30 November 2009.

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Related Materials

Resources at the University of Mississippi

For more archival collections related to the Civil War, see our
Civil War subject guide.

Separated Material

Photographs have been removed to cold storage for preservation.

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Controlled Access Headings

Corporate Name(s)

Confederate States of America. Army of Northern Virginia
University of Mississippi — History
University of Mississippi — Students

Format(s)

correspondence
legal documents
maps
photographs
printed ephemera
promissory notes
wills

Geographic Name(s)

Holly Springs (Miss.) — History
Mississippi — History
United States — History — Civil War, 1861-1865

Personal Name(s)

Nelson family
Nelson, William Cowper, 1841-1904

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Collection Inventory

Original Collection

1.1 Unidentified 19th century materials, Undated

Scope and Contents note

Fragments of song lyrics, and unidentified letter, etc.

1.2 ALS. J.H. Nelson to “My Dear Wife” [Maria C. Nelson]. Holly Springs, Mississippi, 1 July 1857 (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

Mr. Nelson relates family and community news since Mrs. Nelson is away from home

1.3 ALS. W.F. [William Forbes] Stearns to “My Dear Boy” [William Cowper Nelson]. University of Mississippi, Oxford., 7 August 1857 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Outlines the advantages for William to go to the University of Mississippi instead of Yale. Forbes mentions sectional differences

1.4 ALS. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Mother” [Maria C. Goodrich Nelson]. University of Mississippi, 31 January 1860 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Home matters back in Holly Springs, Will’s grades; getting a letter from Mr. Nelson, assuring her that he is taking good personal
care of his health; recitations at University; disappointment with his grades and vows to improve; urges his mother to visit
“sister” in Helena, Arkansas

1.5 ALS. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Mother” [Maria C. Goodrich Nelson]. University of Mississippi, 2 March [1860] (3p.)

Scope and Contents note

Howard [Falconer’s] visit to Holly Springs; description of the boarding conditions; his health; asking for his summer clothes
as the winter is ending; competitive recitations; academic standing in class; mentions Mr. Stearns

1.6 ALS. J.H. [Schuler[Schuler] to “My Dear Uncle” [J.H. Nelson]. Duck Hill, Mississippi, 5 May 1860 (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

discusses business, mutual acquaintances, and family

1.7 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. University of Mississippi. Oxford, 30 May [1860] (4)

Scope and Contents note

Wishes for more letters from home and worries that something is wrong since he had not heard anything lately. Talks about
examinations in his classes and again asks for summer clothing to be sent as the weather is warm; mentions needing more money
for school; talks about receiving a letter from John Goodrich from Grenada, and asks about family

1.8 ALS. John [Schuler] to “My Dear Uncle” [James H. Nelson]. Duck Hill, [Mississippi]., 24 June 1860 (2)

Scope and Contents note

Talks about family connections; thanks Mr. Nelson for all of his help; talking about beginning a mercantile business at Duck
Hill; likes the state a lot and thinks there are several prospects for making a living; family wishes he would return to Virginia
though

1.9 ALS. Will Nelson to “My Dear Mother.” Univ. of Mississippi, 4 November 1860 (4)

Scope and Contents note

Describes going to church to hear Dr. Frederick A.P. Barnard preach and saw several of acquaintances – Mrs. Boynton, Mrs.
Barnard, Mrs. Whitehorne, and Mrs. Stearns. Describes his visiting Mrs. Lamar with the cake his mother sent to her. Describes
the great agitation in the area over the question of union. Talks about a new home going up in Oxford, which would become
Ammadelle, and asks how the building of their new house is getting along. Asks to be remembered to all of his friends

1.10 ALS. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Father” [James H. Nelson]. University of Mississippi, 10 December [1860] (3)

Scope and Contents note

Worried that he had not received an answer to his most recent letter; talks about the awful food at the Hall; asks for more
money to pay off his debts; asks if Col. Charles L. Thomas was killed on the tracks; gives his love to all the family, especially
his little brother Tom

1.11 ALS. J.H. Nelson to “My Dear Son” [William C. Nelson]. Holly Springs, Mississippi., 11 December 1860 (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

Received his most recent letter but is concerned about his coming home so early for the Christmas holidays. Mentions that
Will’s mother arrived at Helena on Wednesday last; describes the terrible accidental shooting of Rev. Joseph Holt Ingraham

1.12 ALS. J.H. Nelson to “My Dear Wife” [Maria C. Nelson]. Holly Springs, Mississippi, 11 December 1860 (4p. with envelope to “Mrs. M.C. Nelson Helena, Arkansas)

Scope and Contents note

Talks about most recent letter from Will and hope that he will stay at school a bit longer before coming home. Most of the
letter is dedicated to the shooting of Reverend Joseph Holt Ingraham and his last moments

1.13 ALS Fragment. “Your Devoted Son” [W.C. Nelson] to [Mrs. Maria C. Nelson]., c. 1861 (2p. with a detailed map of the camp site and surrounding areas of Pensacola on back)

Scope and Contents note

discussion of the stores in Warrington, FL; promises not to drink alcohol; family news; and asks about friends back in Holly
Springs

1.14 ALS. W.C. Nelson to “My Very Dear Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Holly Springs, Miss, 28 January 1861 (3p.)

Scope and Contents note

Still at home in Holly Springs but improving in health; Mother is out of town visiting his sister in Helena, Arkansas

1.15 ALS. William C. Nelson to “My Dear Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Battle House, Mobile, Alabama, 31 March [1861] (6p.)

Scope and Contents note

travel description from Holly Springs to Mobile; description of Mobile; camp life

1.16 ALS. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Mobile, Ala., 3 April 1861 (3p.)

Scope and Contents note

Description of life in Mobile; society; mentions several men from Holly Springs and new arrivals as well; sends word home
to all friends and relatives

1.17 ALS. [Maria C. Nelson and J.H. Nelson] to [William C. Nelson]. Holly Springs, Mississippi, 6 April 1861 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Mother begs Will not to gamble or drink; worries about camp life; father writes about his enjoyment of Will’s letters home;
mentions several friends and family; talks about a young man who ran away to Pensacola against his parent’s wishes

1.18 AL. [William Nelson] to “My Dear Mother”. On board the Kate Dale near Mobile., 7 April [1861] (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

No word from home for a while; life aboard ship (the Kate Dale); Fort Morgan; seeing the sea for the first time

1.19 ALS. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Mother.” “In My Tent, Sunday Evening.”, 14 April 1861 (3p.)

Scope and Contents note

Sending letter by Andrew Govan; excitement in camp as there is a feeling that war is about to commence down in Florida; gathering
of shells to send home; election for field officers held

1.20 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Mother.” Headquarters of the Mississippi Volunteers Camp Davis, near Warrington, Florida, 21 April [1861] (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

Misfortune of Powell family; health concerns; visit to the Marine Hospital; description of Florida; secession of Virginia
and excitement in camp; riots in Baltimore; Star of the West; and camp band; sending shells home.

1.21 ALS. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Tom” [Thomas Nelson]. Warrington, Florida, 2 May 1861 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Thanking him for recent letter; description of camp life for his little brother; and description of Florida

1.22 ALS. William Nelson to “My Dear Father” [James Henry Nelson]., 2 May 1861 (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

Mentions receiving mail from home; duties nursing the sick; where to direct mail; thoughts of an impending attack from Fort
Pickens against the Navy Yard

1.23 ALS. “Uncle Will” [Will Nelson] to “My Dear Foster” [Foster Cage]. Warrington, Florida, 2 May 1861 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Sickness in camp; drills for the company; eagerness for fight to commence; Virginia’s secession; Major McGuirk “getting up”
a company; John Goodrich; general comments on camp life

1.24 ALS. Will Nelson to “My Dear Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Warrington, Florida, 2 May 1861 (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

Religious life in camp; Dr. Barnard; flowers in Florida; missing Holly Springs

1.25 ALS. William C. Nelson to “My Very Dear Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Camp Davis, near Warrington, Florida, 5 May 1861 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Camp life; package received from home; religion

1.26 Funeral notice for Roger Barton Clark, 17 May 1861

1.27 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Adjutants office, Camp Davis, near Warrington, Florida, 21 May 1861 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Receipt of package from home; on fatigue-guard; setting up camp; letter from Sister [Elizabeth Lyman Cage]; his health; asking
about friends at home; asking for his mother to send a servant (presumably a slave) to cook and clean for him; asking about
younger brother Tom

1.28 AL. Fragment of letter from Will Nelson to “Dear Sister” [Elizabeth Lyman Cage]. near Warrington, Florida, 24 May 1861 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Receipt of her letter; worries that she is not “sound on the all-important question” of secession and may have union tendencies;
discussion of slavery; discussion of honor; camp life; believes that foreign aid is probable

1.29 ALS. T.H. Nelson to “My Dear Brother” [Will Nelson]. Holly Springs, Mississippi., 11 June 1861 (3p.)

Scope and Contents note

Receipt of letter; father working in Mr. Vaughan’s storehouse; formation of companies of young boys in Holly Springs

1.30 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Dove Hole, Jeff Davis Rifles, Camp Magnolia, Florida., 14 June 1861 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

His ambrotype; letters from home; friends in camp; status at being a private; drowning of Lieut. Henry of Lafayette Guards;
asking for family daguerreotype

1.31 AL. Fragment of letter from [Will C. Nelson] to “My Darling Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Dove Hole, Camp Magnolia, near
Pensacola, Escambia County, Florida., 21 June 1861 (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

His ambrotype; drilling of companies; guard duty; possible new orders to Fort McRee

1.32 ALS. [Will C. Nelson] to “My Dear Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Camp Magnolia, near Warrington, Florida, 23 June 1861 (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

Receipt of letter from home; Will thanks her for sending a slave named Jim to cook and clean; discussion of slavery; problems
with mosquitoes; sends thoughts to everyone at home

1.33 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. General Walters Marquee, Camp Magnolia, near Warrington, Florida, 25 June 1861 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Sending a letter by Willie Crump; probability of a fight as the federals have been reinforcing Fort Pickens; increased guard
duty; large inspections; requests clothing be sent to him; writing from Col. Walters tent

1.34 ALS. H.W. Walter to Mrs. Nelson. Warrington, Florida, 26 June 1861 (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

Giving an update on Will to Mrs. Nelson

1.35 ALS. Will Nelson to “My Dear Mother” and later “My Dear Father.” Camp Magnolia, near Warrington, Florida, 1&3 July 1861 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Hope for peace but peace “with honor;” increased picket guards; camp life and drilling of companies; foraging; religion in
camp; slave sent to him; their new house; Colonel Falkner; University Greys; prices in town

1.36 ALS. Will Nelson to “My Dear Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Camp Magnolia, near Pensacola., 14 July 1861 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Slaves in camp; pay; debts; standing guard; need of a “camp rug”; seeing a meteor; resignation of Lieut Jones; mentions people
in camp from Holly Springs

1.37 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Camp Magnolia, near Pensacola, Florida, 16 July 1861 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Health of Regiment; some skirmishing by a picket guard on the Perdido; thanks for letter from home

1.38 AL. [Will C. Nelson] to “My Darling Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Camp Magnolia, Florida., 19 July 1861 (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

camp life; picket duty; drilling for prizes; party at Col. Strong’s that evening

1.39 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Camp Magnolia., 2 August 1861 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Looking for a letter from home; Jim ill; camp life and guard duty; Battle of Manassas and list of dead and wounded; asking
about family

1.40 ALS. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Camp Esau near Pensacola, Florida, 4 September 1861 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Expecting a letter from home; absurd rumors of moving camp to Mississippi City or coast of Texas; fleet in harbor; death of
one of their company; burial duty; ate dinner with Col. Chalmers and family; need for winter goods

1.41 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Camp Esau, near Pensacola., 29 September 1861 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Travel to Pensacola from Mobile (must have been on furlough); University of Mississippi; Gus Powell receiving a discharge
from Gen. Alcorn; alarms in the night; letter to sister; little sickness in camp

1.42 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Camp Esau near Pensacola, Florida, 7 October 1861 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Looking for letter from home; camp life; movement into winter quarters soon; increased guard duty; religion; health

1.43 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Darling Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Camp Esau, near Pensacola., 10 October 1861 (8p.)

Scope and Contents note

Battle at Santa Rosa Island

1.44 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Camp Esau, near Pensacola, Florida., 15 October 1861 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Battle of Santa Rosa Island, Florida; regiment moving its quarters to a new encampment nearer the Navy Yard

1.45 ALS. “Uncle Will” [Will C. Nelson] to “My Dear Nephew” [Foster Cage]. In camp, near Pensacola, Florida., 16 October 1861 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Battle of Santa Rosa Island, Florida

1.46 AL. Fragment of letter from [Will C. Nelson] to “My Dear Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Camp Bragg, near Pensacola, Florida, 21 October 1861 (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

Receipt of letter; Battle of Santa Rosa Island; materials sent in letter from Island

1.47 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Father” [James H. Nelson]. Camp Bragg, near Pensacola, Florida., 23 October 1861 (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

New camp; Battle of Santa Rosa Island; light guard duty since fight; Mr. Pegues; commissary supplies low; movement into winter
quarters

1.48 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Camp Bragg, Florida, 29 October 1861 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Firing of guns; Battle of Ball’s Bluff; 17th & 18th Mississippi Infantry Regiments; winter quarters; General Bragg; Kinloch
Falconer

1.49 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dearest Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Camp Bragg, Florida., 14 November 1861 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Arrival of two new Mississippi Regiments without arms; discussion of what it means to be a “veteran”; guard duty at the Hospital;
going sailing with Col. Chalmers and family; deserters from Fort Pickens; day of fasting and prayer

1.50 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Darling Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Camp Bragg, near Pensacola, Florida, 19 November 1861 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Receipt of letter from home; weather in Florida; Battle of Belmont, MO; schooling for Tom; payment; applications for discharge
by some of the men; building of winter quarters

1.51 AL. Fragment. [William C. Nelson] to “My Dearest Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Col. Strong’s Residence, near Fort McRee.
Friday morning., 22 November 1861 (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

allusion to the bombardment on the Confederate naval yard and Fort McRee on November 22 and 23, 1861

1.52 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Camp Bragg, Escambia Co., Florida., 29 November 1861 (3p.)

Scope and Contents note

bombardment; the arrival of a new Mississippi Regiment (the 24th); appeal by General Bragg to reenlist under him for the war

1.53 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Corinth, Mississippi, 26 January 1862 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Reached Corinth safely; saw more than 300 troops present there with new ones coming in all the time; religion and preaching
in camp; news of John Goodrich’s wounding at Fishing Creek; thinking of leaving the 9th and entering a regiment bound for
Virginia

1.54 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Father” [James H. Nelson]. Richmond, Virginia, 9 June 1862 (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

Glad to have received a letter from Holly Springs at last; Worries a great deal about the fate of Holly Springs with the falling
back of Beauregard from Corinth; stating that they are still waiting on McClellan to advance; disease; sickness of Willie
and Jimmy Sims and others; Stonewall Jackson in the Valley District

1.55 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Father” [James H. Nelson]. Camp of the 17th Mississippi, near Richmond., 12 July 1862 (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

Asking family not to feel uneasy if they have not heard from him for a while; hopes to draw pay soon; talks about clothes
and prices of goods; Capt. Sears leaving for Davidson College to recuperate.

1.56 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Camp of the 17th Mississippi Regiment, 4 miles from Richmond,
Virginia, 12 July 1862 (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

Seven Days Battles; McClellan’s wait; possibility of European powers intervening; camp life and supplies; understands a fight
took place near Holly Springs; sending letter by Jimmy Sims whose brother was killed

1.57 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dearest Mother.” Camp of the 17th Mississippi Regiment, near Richmond, Virginia, 20 July 1862 (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

Worries about Holly Springs; religion in camp; resignation of Major Edward W. Upshaw; Captain Claudius Wistar Sears still
in North Carolina; Seven Days Battle

1.58 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Little Brother” [Thomas H. Nelson]. Camp of the 17th Mississippi Regiment, near Richmond,
Virginia, 24 July 1862 (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

recent letter from Tom; description of what it is like to participate in a big battle (Seven Days Battles); not all “crimson
glory and undying fame”; possibility of Lincoln’s calling for 300,000 more men; burial of a friend; camped near Richmond;
girls of Holly Springs

1.59 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Mother” [Maria C. Nelson] and “Dear Father” [James H. Nelson]. Camp of the 17th Mississippi
Regiment, 12 miles from Richmond., 12 August 1862 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

almost constant marching; need for water and long lines; went to visit Gaines Mill; Seven Days Battle; Union General John
Pope; maps of Virginia; worries about home

1.60 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Camp Holly Springs, Virginia, 19 August 1862 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Receipt of her most recent letter; still about 12 miles out of Richmond on the James River Road; scouting for the enemy; McClellan;
Ambrose Everett Burnside; hope for peace soon; the Confederate Congress meeting; religious wording in letter

1.61 ALS. Fragment of a letter from Will C. Nelson to “My Darling Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Camp of the 17th Mississippi
Regiment. 7 miles from Winchester, Virginia, 29 September 1862 (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

receipt of letters from home; lack of reliable news; had to leave Richmond in a hurry without needed supplies; talking about
the fact that they would need to go to winter quarters before long and then the war would stop for a while since “both armies
are too badly crippled to do much, for some time; mentions provisions also

1.62 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Brother” [Thomas H. Nelson]. Camp of the 17th Mississippi Reg’t, near Winchester, Virginia, 6 October 1862 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Difficulty of writing in camp; talks about the battle of Maryland Heights and Antietam both in Maryland; speaks about death
and wounding others; took a haversack full of food from the enemy.

1.63 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Father” [James H. Nelson]. Camp of the 17th Mississippi Reg’t, near Winchester, Virginia, 17 October 1862 (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

Grand Revision Review by Genl. Longstreet; problem with sickness in camp and wounded; still about seven miles from Winchester
on the Harper’s Ferry Road; destroying the rail road leading to Harper’s Ferry. Does not hear of much movement by the Federal
troops and attributes it somewhat to their reading Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation; some reports of small victories by
Stuart and Jackson; description of camp life; received news of the Battle of Corinth, MS

1.64 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dearest Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Camp of the 17th Mississippi Regiment near Winchester,
Virginia, 29 October 1862 (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

Uneasy as he has not heard from home lately; he hears rumors of skirmishing; he is still in camp near Winchester and it is
very quiet, although quite cold, especially without tents; hope to get orders soon to go to Winter Quarters; mentions having
a grand review before General Lee. When the colors of the 17th passed Lee apparently took off his hat in respect to its “tattered
and faded appearance;” Heard of the death of Bettie James Cage; and mentions some slaves leaving the Nelson; talks about slavery
in general

1.65 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Camp of the 17th Mississippi Regiment, near Culpeper Court
House, Virginia, 11 November 1862 (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

Not much happening at that moment- some skirmishing but not much; received some supplies but not much; general lack of provisions;
saw Dr. Todd, Mary Lincoln’s brother who was a Confederate

1.66 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dearest Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Camp of the 17th Mississippi Regiment, near Fredericksburg,
Virginia, 23 November 1862 (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

March to current campsite; Federal demands to surrender Fredericksburg; thinks there is “very little probability” of a general
engagement taking place in this vicinity; heard rumors that the army in Mississippi has fallen back from Holly Springs to
Grenada; Captain Sears; weather

1.67 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dearest Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Frederickburg, Virginia, 15 January 1863 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Ashamed it has taken him so long to write home again; Battle of Frederickburg and its effect upon him; his Christmas day and
meeting several ladies; also mentions his anger at hearing the Federals were destroying Holly Springs but also does not like
Earl Van Dorn; Battle of Murfreesboro, TN; religion

1.68 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dearest Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Head Quarters, Posey’s Brigade. Near Fredericksburg, Virginia, 22 February 1863 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Worried because he has had no news from home since the Federals left; recounts stories he read and heard where the Federals
used churches as stables; worries that all of the houses in Holly Springs were burned and all the slaves left; mentions that
the Army is not moving much at this point but there are plans to move; the weather is difficult; comparison here with Revolutionary
War soldiers; religion; now a part of General Posey’s division

1.69 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Head Quarters, Posey’s Brigade, near Fredericksburg., 12 March [1863] (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Received welcome letter from home; laughed to think of Tom doing the milking now that the slaves have left; glad their home
is still safe; still Adjutant General of General Posey’s Brigade while still Lt. of Ordnance; waiting on General Posey’s two
sons to arrive in camp; glad to hear that Howard Falconer is not dead; ends by asking about several friends

1.70 AL. Fragment of letter from [Will C. Nelson] to “My Dear Father” [James H. Nelson]. Headquarters, Posey’s Brigade, U.S.
Ford, near Fredericksburg, Virginia, April [1863] (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Death in family; prohibition against the granting of furloughs; believes this year will be the pivotal one for the war.

1.71 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dearest Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Head Quarters Posey’s Brigade. United States [Ford]., 1 April 1863 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Delighted with her letter; but was sad to hear of the many hardships she was having to endure; although his pay has increased
it is impossible to save anything; after the war he plans to go into business of some kind to support the family; mother was
worried about Will “losing” his heart but Will reassures her that this is not the case

1.72 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dearest Mother.” Head Quarters Posey’s Brigade, Near Fredericksburg, Virginia, 8 May 1863 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Recounts the Battle of Chancellorsville; mentions dead and wounded also in the letter

1.73 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Father” [James H. Nelson]. Head Quarters Posey’s Brigade, Near Fredericksburg, Virginia, 12 May 1863 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Battle of Chancellorsville; death of Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson; death of Earl Van Dorn; General Lee’s plans; glad
to hear that Roger Barton is not dead and will soon be exchanged from Camp Chase

1.74 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Darling Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Camp near Culpeper Court House., 17 June 1863 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Describes being again on the march; they are hoping to go to Pennsylvania; rumors abound that it is Gen. Lee’s intention to
invade; the Army has been reorganized and instead of two Army corps they now have three; His Division is now a part of A.P.
Hill’s corps; Barksdale’s Brigade and his friends from the 17th Mississippi still remain with Longstreet so he is separated
from them; met Mrs. Gen. A.P. Hill; describes a visit with family in Virginia; notes that he no longer minds marching so much
as he now has a horse

1.75 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Father.” Head Qrs., Posey’s Brigade Culpeper C.H., [July 1863] (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Heard that Jackson, MS had been evacuated; uncertain if letters could get through but would try; mentioned that Vicksburg
had fallen; describes his march into Maryland and Pennsylvania; mentions battle of Gettysburg and the falling back, although
he does not make it seem like a retreat

1.76 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dearest Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Head Quarters Posey’s Brigade. Near Bunker Hill, Virginia, 19 July 1863 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Describes his march into Maryland and Pennsylvania; General Lee’s orders to respect private property were enforced; Battle
of Gettysburg description; list of dead and wounded; uncertain about future but puts his trust in God- especially as Vicksburg
has fallen

1.77 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Darling Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Head Quarters Posey’s Brigade, near Orange C.H., 9 August 1863 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Talks about the retreat to Orange C.H.; attends church with General Lee; provisions taken from Pennsylvania; marriage of one
of his lady friends, Lutie Dickson

1.78 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dearest Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Head Quarters Posey’s Brigade. Near Orange C.H., Virginia, 23 August 1863 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Religion and attending church with General Lee and others; new system of furlough so there is a possibility of his coming
home but it is very slim as he has little money to make the trip; generally misses his family and home in this letter

1.79 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Father” [James H. Nelson]. Head Quarters Posey’s Brigade Near Brady Station, Virginia, 30 October 1863 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Sending a list of clothes needed; discussion of march into Pennsylvania up through the Battle of Gettysburg

1.80 ALS. J.H. Nelson to “My Very Dear Son” [Will C. Nelson]. Holly Springs, MS, 14 November [1863] (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Worried as they had not heard from Will for some time; also heard that General Posey had been wounded; wonders when this cruel
war will end; mentioned that the Federal troops had evacuated the Memphis & Charleston Railroad; talks about James Ronald
Chalmers forces; mentions clothing and goods he would like to send to Will

1.81 ALS. “Your Loving Son” [Will C. Nelson] to “My Dear Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Head Quarters, Posey’s Brigade, Near Orange
C.H., Virginia, 14 November 1863 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Unsure if his letters are reaching home; still looking for his missing trunk; mentions being back at Orange C.H. because of
some troop movement; hopes not to have to march as they have set up a nice winter quarters; asks about several friends; mentions
that General Posey was wounded at Bristoe Station and is not expected to live

1.82 AL. [Will C. Nelson] to “Dear Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Camp near Rapidan Station, Virginia, 22 November 1863 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Telling her the news that General Posey has died from his wounds; attended church in the village of Orange where General Lee
attended also; notes that the Brigade is now commanded by Col. Nathaniel Harrison Harris of Vicksburg who was Colonel of the
19th Mississippi Infantry; glad to hear that J.W.C. Watson was elected a C.S. Senator

1.83 AL. Fragment of letter from [William C. Nelson] to “My Dear Father” [James H. Nelson]. Head Quarters Posey’s (old) Brigade.
Near Orange Court House, Virginia, 23 November 1863 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Worried about not hearing from home; worried also about locating the trunk his parents sent off to him as he needs the provisions
for the winter months; tells of the death of General Posey; mentions that the Brigade is now commanded by Col. N.H. Harris
of Vicksburg; has nice winter quarters; no indication at that time of an advance by General Meade; saw President Davis and
Lee together on Sunday. Mentions that Davis does not look well

1.84 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Darling Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Camp near Orange C.H., Virginia., 18 [December] 1863 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Worries that he has not heard from home for a while; going into winter quarters; the successor for General Posey has not yet
been decided; reading quite a lot now; calling on acquaintances in the vicinity of Orange and has made several lady friends;
rumor that Lee would be sent south to command Bragg’s Army; mentions his Sister and the Cage family; and mentions activities
of William Forbes Stearns

1.85 ALS. Will [C. Nelson] to “My Dear, Dear Mother.” Head Quarters, Posey’s (old) Brigade Near Orange Court House., 19 December 1863 (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

Glad to have received word from home; distraught over the death of Andrew Govan; intention to obtain a “Leave of Absence”
if possible in January so that he could return home for a visit; lists needed clothes and says if he returns home on furlough
he will only take the clothes on his back as he wants to bring as much back with him as possible

1.86 AL. Fragment of letter from unidentified correspondent to “My Dear Mrs. Nelson.” , 20 December 1863 (4p.)

1.87 ALS. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Father.” Head Quarters Posey’s Brigade, Near Orange C.H., Virginia, 24 December 1863 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Glad to hear from home; unable to locate the trunk his parents had sent; sent up an application for a Leave of Absence but
is afraid it won’t be granted just yet; list of needed clothes; missing his family on Christmas eve night

1.88 ALS. W.C. Nelson to “My Darling Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Richmond, Virginia, 9 February 1864 (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

Safe arrival in Richmond; had three photographs taken; sending six photographic cards; saw L.Q.C. Lamar briefly

1.89 ALS. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Mother”. Head Quarters. Posey’s Brigade. Near Orange C.H., Virginia, 17 February 1864 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Describes buying new clothes and equipment; describes his tent accommodations; describes attending the President’s last grand
reception and speaking in detail with Mrs. Davis about the condition of the people in Mississippi; describes a lot of visiting
also

1.90 ALS. Watson S. Dibrell to Miss Mary Lou Armistead. Richmond, Heowitzers 1st Co., 12 March [1864] (3p.)

Scope and Contents note

a soldiers love letter

1.91 ALS. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Father.” Headquarters. Harris Brigade. Near Orange C.H. Virginia, April [1864]. (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Happy to have received letters from home; expect to daily receive marching orders; he notes that Grant has assumed command
of the Army of the Potomac and will probably attack by using two or three different route; says the Army was never in better
spirits

1.92 ALS. W.C. Nelson to “My Dearest Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Head Qr. Harris Brigade. Army No Virginia Near Orange C.H., 4 May 1864 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Notes the movements of General Grant and Ambrose Everett Burnside; feels that another big battle is imminent; had not a chance
to see his friends in the 17th Mississippi as their camp was several miles distant; gives an account of the Grand Tournament
and Party given by the officers of Hill’s Corps; worried about attending parties while the his family back in Mississippi
are suffering; mentions decreasing rations

1.93 ALS. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Father” [James H. Nelson]. In the Field, Spotslvania, Virginia., 17 May 1864 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Discusses the Battle of the Wilderness and the battle at Spotsylvania Courthouse

1.94 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Father” [James H. Nelson]. Near Mechanicsville, Hanover County, Virginia, 29 May 1864 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Army of Northern Virginia back around Richmond; mentions writing to his father of the battles of Spotsylvania’s courthouse
and those in Wilderness; Grant then changed tactics and abandoned his fortifications at Spotsylvania and moved down the confederate
right towards Milford and Bowling Green and so the movements to protect Richmond continue; description of family in Virginia;
mentions acquaintances who had been severely wounded or killed

1.95 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Mother.” Petersburg, Virginia, 5 July 1864 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Worries that he has not heard from home recently; bombardment around the city of Petersburg; discussion of religion and new
acquaintances

1.96 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dearest Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Petersburg, Virginia, 16 July 1864 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Mentions what it was like to life amongst the shelling of Petersburg; mentions Jubal Early’s assault into Maryland; mentions
food shortage; writes about home; encloses a photograph picked up at the Wilderness and a piece of a tree cut down by bullets
at Spotslyvania where Albert Peel was killed.

1.97 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Brother” [Thomas H. Nelson]. Petersburg, Virginia 4pp., 17 October 1864 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Apologizes for not writing sooner; mentions Anthony Whitfield; presidential campaign of 1864; mentions the shelling on Petersburg;
mentions social life; weather very cold; asking Tom to abandon the idea of enlisting in the Army; talks about Tom’s illness;
John Bell Hood; talks about prices of food being very high

1.98 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Father” [James H. Nelson]. Petersburg, Virginia, 25 October 1864 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Tom’s illness and his wanting to enlist in the Army; Virginia Military Institute; food shortages; prices for clothing; Abraham
Lincoln and the election; prospects for peace; possible visit to Petersburg; payment of salary.

2.1 ALS. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Brother” [Thomas H. Nelson]. Petersburg, Virginia, 17 November 1864 (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

Mentions Tom’s recent illness; writes of the upcoming session of the Virginia Military Institute; talks about moving into
winter quarters and social life in Petersburg; possibility of marriage; Kinloch Falconer

2.2 ALS. W.C. Nelson to “My Dearest Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Petersburg, Virginia, 17 November 1864 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Mentions Tom and his illness; possibility of Tom’s going to school; Virginia Military Institute; Abraham Lincoln and election;
prospects for peace; possibility of Will’s marrying; winter quarters and return from the trenches; ladies returning to Petersburg
since shelling has ceased; attending a wedding at St. Paul’s church in Petersburg; Frank Smith and John H. Nelson

2.3 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dear Father” [James H. Nelson]. Petersburg, Virginia, 30 December 1864 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

death; subdued hope for peace; the Consolidation Act; unable to obtain Tom a place in the Virginia Military Institute; values
on goods high

2.4 ALS. W.C.N. [William Cowper Nelson] to “My Dearest Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Petersburg, Virginia, 4 February 1865 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Describes his Christmas in Virginia; wanting to marry quite a bit and hoping to get mother’s permission; possibility of transfer
down to Mississippi; expedition down in southern Virginiaand raiding; L.Q.C. Lamar; religion; having to close due to marching
orders being called

2.5 AL. Fragment. Unknown correspondent to “Dear [Wilbour].” Richmond, Virginia, 2 March 1865 (Fragment page of letter)

Scope and Contents note

Theft of goods, problems with the goods they did have to eat, fatigue of Father

2.6 ALS. Will C. Nelson to “My Dearest Mother” [Maria C. Nelson]. Petersburg, Virginia, 8&10 March 1865 (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

gives up all idea of marriage for the present; his duties are to God, his country, and his immediate family; will stay in
Virginia to fight; J.W.C. Watson; travel down to Richmond; Butler’s famous canal at Dutch Gap; brass band serenaded the President;
news of family

2.7 ALS. H.W. [Purnell] to “My Dear Friend” [Unknown recipient]. Memphis, Tenn., 25 July 1885 (2p.)

2.8
Nashville Banner news clippings on Robert E. Lee, 15 October 1904

2.9
The Times-Dispatch newspaper article on the prison life of Jefferson Davis., 12 February 1905

Return to Table of Contents »

Accretion

General note

The first twelve folders have transcriptions with selected trancscription performed past that point

3.1 Undated 19th-Century Correspondence

ALS. Undated. L. [Lyman] James to “Dear Mother” [Mrs. R. Goodrich]

Scope and Contents note

Regarding letter from Mrs. Maria Nelson’s first husband, Lyman James to her mother Rhoda Goodrich. Discusses the health and
welfare of her daughter and Mr. James’ wife, Maria Goodrich James [later Nelson]. 3pp. Note: Back of letter used as envelope
addressed to, “Mrs. Rhoda Goodrich Davidson County, Ten [illegible word] the polite attention of Mr. Rollins”

ALS. Undated. C. Cotton to “Mrs. Nelson” [Maria Courtney Nelson]. St. Thomas’ Hall. Monday Morn

Scope and Contents note

A letter praising the elocution efforts of Mrs. Nelson’s son [identified on the address as William C. Nelson] and offering
a book as a token of his esteem, even though the school was not offering a “Prize Speaking” that year. Note: back of letter
used as envelope and addressed to, “Mrs. Nelson Master Wm. C. Nelson”

ALS. Undated. R.E. Polk to “Mrs. Nelson” [Maria Courtney Nelson]

Scope and Contents note

Fit of dresses and alterations

ALS. Undated. May Clark to “Mrs. Nelson” [Maria Courtney Nelson]

Scope and Contents note

Having Jane make ginger cakes for Lutie who is having to unexpectedly travel to Alabama with Walt Rutland

AN. Undated. Unsigned letter addressed to [Wm] Nelson

Scope and Contents note

Trading of trunks, possibly written while William Nelson was attending the University of Mississippi

ALS. 23 August. “Your Daughter” [Elizabeth Lyman Cage] to “My Dear Mother” [Maria Courtney Nelson] (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Information about family and friends

3.2 Correspondence, 1843

ALS. 24 August 1843. “E” [Elizabeth Lyman James, later Elizabeth Cage] to “Belov’d Mother” [Maria Courtney Goodrich James
Nelson]

Scope and Contents note

Family and friends from Williamsburg. Elizabeth, the daughter of Lyman James and Maria Goodrich James (later Nelson) apparently
traveled to this area in 1843 to visit her deceased father’s relatives

3.3 Correspondence, 1850

ALS. 11 June 1850. Thos. Fox to “Dear James” [James Henry Nelson]. Re: Family and friends in Virginia (3p.)

General note

Back of third page used as envelope reads, “Mr. James H. Nelson, Holly Springs, Mifsifsippi [sic] Polite attention of Mr Woodson.”

3.4 Correspondence, 1852

ANS. 29 May 1852. Card from Mrs. W. [Y?] Mason to Mrs. Nelson

Scope and Contents note

The inability of Mrs. Mason to accept Mrs. Nelson’s invitation due to the absence of Mr. Mason

ANS. 31 May [1852]. Card from Master C. Mason to [Nelson Family?]

Scope and Contents note

Mr. Mason sending his regrets

3.5 Correspondence, 1859

ALS. 26 May 1859. James H. Nelson to “My Dearest Wife” [Maria Courtney Goodrich Nelson]. Grenada (3p.)

ALS. 18 June 1859. J.H. Nelson to “My Dearest Wife” [Mariah Courtney Goodrich Nelson]. Grenada, [MS] (2p.)

ALS. 5 July 1859. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Mother” [Mariah Courtney Goodrich Nelson]. University of Mississippi

ALS. 17 September 1859. J.H. Nelson to “My Dear Son” [William Cowper Nelson]. Grenada, [MS] (2p.)

ALS. 20 October 1859. J.H. Nelson to “My dearest Wife” [Mariah Courtney Goodrich Nelson]. University of Mifs [sic]. (2p.)

ALS. 12 November 1859. J.H. Nelson to “My Dear Son” [William Cowper Nelson]. Middleton Carroll Co Mifs [sic]. Envelope addressed
to, “Mr W.C. Nelson University of Mifs [sic] Oxford Mifsi [sic].” Note on envelope written in pencil reads, “Introducing M
r. Calhoun.” (2p. + envelope)

3.6 Correspondence, 1860

ALS. 4 March 1860. John [Schuler] to “My Dear Uncle” [James Henry Nelson]. Duck Hill, [MS]. (2p.)

ALS. 13 June 1860. John H. [Schuler] to “My Dear Uncle.” Duck Hill, [MS]. (4p.)

PDS. 11 September 1860. Printed deposit slip for Mr. W.C. Nelson from James M. Howry, Treasurer for the University of Mississippi.

3.7 Correspondence circa 1861-1865

AL. [c. 1861-1865]. Fragment of letter from “Your affectionate Sister M.L.A.” [Mary Lou Armistead] to unknown recipient

3.8 Correspondence, 1861

ALS. 17 March 1861. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Mother” [Maria Goodrich Nelson]. University, [MS] (2p.)

ALS. 29 March 1861. A.F. Brown to Mrs Nelson.

3.9 Correspondence & Documents, 1862

PDS. 7 April 1862. Printed script from the Montgomery Insurance Company for one dollar. Signed by [J.R.] Powell

ALS. 23 October 1862. Mary Louisa [Armistead] to “Dear [Georgia].” Thomasville, N.C. (4p.)

General note

Attached to this letter is ALS. Undated. Aunt Jenn to “Dear Virginia” [Virginia Nelson—the daughter of Will C. Nelson and
Mary Louisa Armistead Nelson] (2p.)

3.10 Correspondence, 1865

ALS. 18 June 1865. T.H. [Thomas H.] Nelson to “My Dear Mother” [Maria Goodrich Nelson]. Helena, Arkansas. Envelope reads,
“Mr James H. Nelson Holly Springs, Mifsifsippi]

General note

This is an unusual date and address since Mr. Nelson was killed in early May of 1865.

3.11 Correspondence circa 1865

ALS. [c. 1865]. Fragment of letter from L.[Lycurgus] Cage to his wife [Elizabeth Lyman Cage] (2p.)

3.12 Correspondence, 1867

ALS. 11 June 1867. Henry [A. Smith] to Mrs. Nelson. Memphis, [Tennessee]

3.12B Document, 1872

ADS. 17 December 1872. Last Will and Testament of Mariah Courtney Nelson. Holly Springs, MS (3p.)

3.13 Correspondence, 1876

ALS. 5 January 1876. E.M. Archibald to W.C. Nelson, Esq. New York.

Scope and Contents note

Inquiry about the bond laws in Tennessee and the state of its legislature. Written on Imperial Fire Insurance Company letterhead.
Envelope addressed to, “W.C. Nelson…agent of the Imperial & Northern Insurance Comp Nashville, Tennee.”

ALS. 29 May 1876. R.A. Armistead to “Dear Lu” [Mary Lou Armistead Nelson]. Richmond, [VA] (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Death of grandchild Willie. Envelope addressed to, “Mrs. William C. Nelson No 21 South Spruce Street Nashville, Tennessee.”

3.14 Correspondence, 1878

ALS. 13 January 1878. W.C. Nelson to “My Darling Wife” [Mary Lou Armistead Nelson]. Selma, Alabama.

General note

Written on Phoenix Insurance Company of Brooklyn. W.C. Nelson, Special Agent, Nashville, Tenn. Letter transcribed.

ALS. 28 September 1878. Mary [Lou Armistead Nelson] to “My Darling Husband” [W.C. Nelson]. Sewanee, Tenn. Sewanee, Tenn. Postmarked
envelope addressed to, “Mr. Wm C. Nelson, Corner Union & Cherry Street, Nashville, Tenn.” (4p.)

ALS. 12 October 1878. Mary [Lou Armistead Nelson] to “My Dearest Pa-pa.”

General note

Written on Office of Lehman, Durr & Co. letterhead. Note: Envelope addressed to, “Mr. Wm C. Nelson, Corner Union & Cherry
St. Nashville, Tenn.”

ALS. 14 October 1878. Mary [Lou Armistead Nelson] to “My dearest Husband” [W.C. Nelson]. Sewanee, Tenn. (4p. but some torn off)

General note

Sewanee, TN postmarked envelope addressed to, “Mr. Wm C. Nelson, Corner Union & Cherry St. Nashville, Tenn.”

ALS. 8 November 1878. Nannie Percy to “My dear Mr. Nelson.” Sewanee, [TN]. (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Return trip to Memphis and tickets and hearing about how his insurance book had been stolen. Note: Sewanee, TN postmarked
envelope addressed to, “W. C. Nelson, Esq. Cor Union & Cherry Street Nashville, Tenn.”

ALS. 20 November 1878. Mary to “My dearest Papa.” Nashville, Tenn. (2p.)

General note

Written on Phenix Insurance Co., of Brooklyn letterhead. Envelope addressed to, “Mr. Wm. C. Nelson, Jackson, Tenn.”

ALS. 23 December 1878. Mary to “My dearest Papa.” Nashville, Tenn. (2p.)

General note

Written on Phenix Insurance Co., of Brooklyn letterhead. Letter transcribed.

3.15 Correspondence, 1879

ALS. 30 March 1879. R. Burch to “Dear Sir” [W.C. Nelson]. Chicago.

General note

Written on Western & Southern Department, Phenix Insurance Co. letterhead

3.16 Documents, 1880

PDS. 25 August 1880. Indenture for the sale of cemetery plots in Mt. Olivet Cemetery (Nashville, TN).

3.17 Documents, 1883

PDS. 5 June 1883. Promissory note from W.C. Nelson to R.W. Turner in the amount of $135.00. Nashville, TN.

3.18 Documents, 1884

PDS. 1 May 1884. Receipt for purchases of Mr. W.[C.] Nelson from E.T. Noel, Flour, Meal and Grain. Nashville, Tenn.

PDS. 21 October 1884. Southern Exposition Ticket, First Class from Louisville, KY to Nashville. Signed by WC Nelson.

3.19 Correspondence, 1885

ALS. 30 June 1885. Ro. A. Armistead to “Dear Lue” [Mary Lou Armistead Nelson]. Richmond, [VA]. (3p.)

ALS. 1 September 1885. Ro. A. Armistead to “”Dear Lue” [Mary Lou Armistead Nelson]. Richmond, [VA]. (4p.)

3.20 Correspondence, 1891

ALS. Dec. 6, 1891. W.C. Nelson to “My Darling Little Daughter” [Virginia Nelson] (3p.)

General note

Written on Hotel Vendome, Knoxville, TN letterhead. Note: Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Miss Virginia G. Nelson, Nashville,
Tennessee, 1512 Broad St.” Letter transcribed.

3.21 Correspondence, 1892

ALS. 28 April 1892. W.C. Nelson to “My Darling Little Daughter” [Virginia Nelson] (2p.)

General note

Written on Office of Board of Underwriters letterhead. Note: Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Miss Virginia G. Nelson, 1512
Broad St. Nashville, Tenn.” Letter transcribed.

3.22 Correspondence, 1893

ALS. 6 February 1893. Mary Duncan to Louise Nelson. Nashville, Tenn. (4p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Miss Louise [Nelson] 1563 St Charles Ave New Orleans, Louisiana.”

ALS. 16 April 1893. Mary [Ivea] to Louise Nelson. Nashville, Tenn. (3p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to “Miss M. Louise [Nelson] 1563 St Charles Ave New Orleans, Louisiana.”

TL. 4 August 1893. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Little Virginia” [Virginia Nelson]. New Orleans, LA. (2p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Miss Virginia Nelson, Care Mr. D.A. DePass, Ocean Springs, Miss.” Letter transcribed.

3.23 Correspondence, 1894

TLS. 5 July 1894. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Louise” [Louise Nelson]. New Orleans, [LA] (4p.)

General note

Written on Underwriters Inspection Bureau, New Orleans letterhead. Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Miss Louise Nelson,
c/o Mrs. W.C. Nelson, Monteagle, Tenn.” Letter transcribed.

TLS. 13 July 1894. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Louise” [Louise Nelson]. New Orleans, [LA] (3p.)

Scope and Contents note

Receipt of letter; study of history and related subjects to “take at better stand in your class at the Sophy Newcomb”; family;
weather in New Orleans. Written on Underwriters Inspection Bureau, New Orleans letterhead. Postmarked envelope addressed to,
“Miss Louise Nelson, Assembly Grounds, Monteagle, Tenn.”

ALS. 22 July 1894. Virginia G. Nelson to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Monteagle, Tenn. (3p.)

Scope and Contents note

News from Monteagle; family news. Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Mr. W.C. Nelson, 136 Gravier St., New Orleans, La.”

ALS. 7 September 1894. Virginia G. Nelson to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Monteagle, Tenn. (3p.)

Scope and Contents note

Wishes for a happy birthday; a candy pull at Monteagle; Mr. Lyons. Note: Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Mr. W.C. Nelson,
136 Gravier St., New Orleans, La.”

TLS. 12 September 1894. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Little Virginia” [Virginia Nelson]. New Orleans, [LA] (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

Thanks for his birthday letter; crop on the farm; the multitude of new electric cars in New Orleans. Written on Underwriters
Inspection Bureau of New Orleans letterhead. Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Miss Virginia Nelson, Assembly Grounds, Monteagle,
Tenn.”

TLS. 12 September 1894. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Louise.” New Orleans, [LA] (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

Receipt of birthday letter; happiness at their upcoming return home; weather; events at the Lake [Ponchartrain]. Written on
Underwriters Inspection Bureau of New Orleans letterhead.Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Miss Louise Nelson, Assembly Grounds,
Monteagle, Tenn.”

3.24 Correspondence, 1895

ALS. 7 May 1895. Susie Burbank to “Dear Mrs. Nelson” [perhaps Mary Lou Armistead Nelson] (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Religion. Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Mrs [R?] Nelson, Octavia near Pitt Sts. City [New Orleans].”

ALS. 5 August 1895. Lanna S. Drake to “Dear Louise” [Louise Nelson]. Monteagle, Tenn. (2p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Miss Mary Louise Nelson, 1320 Octavia St., near, New Orleans.”

ALS. 8 August 1895. Robert Armistead Nelson to “Dear Virginia” [Virginia Nelson]. New Orleans [LA]. (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Sadness at her absence; anxiety for Virginia’s pride; Robert’s anger at Virginia’s not writing; mathematical problems to solve.

ALS. 2 September 1895. “Your Devoted Father” [W.C. Nelson] to “My Darling Little Daughter” [Virginia Nelson]. New Orleans,
LA.

Scope and Contents note

Virginia’s return home; the weather; travel arrangements. Written on Underwriters Inspection Bureau letterhead. Postmarked
envelope addressed to, “Miss Virginia G. Nelson c/o Mr. W.F. Armistead, Richmond, Virginia.”

TLS. 12 September 1895. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Virginia” [Virginia Nelson]. New Orleans, LA. (3p.)

Scope and Contents note

Birthday present; travel plans for Virginia; his new office space; St. John’s Church in Richmond, Virginia. Newspaper clipping
featuring the Hennen Building (the site of the new office) also included. Written on Underwriters Inspection Bureau letterhead.
Letter damaged and fragile. Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Miss Virginia Garber Nelson, c%o Mr. Wilbur G. Armistead, Richmond,
Virginia.”

3.25 Correspondence, 1896

TLS. 29 June 1896. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Little Baby Girl” [Virginia Nelson]. New Orleans, [LA]. (3p.)

Scope and Contents note

Family travel to Monteagle; hot weather in New Orleans.

ALS. 8 July 1896. Virginia [Nelson] to “My dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Monteagle, Tenn. (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Monteagle news and family. Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Col. W.C. Nelson, New Orleans, La 10 Floor, Hennen Building.”

ALS. 15 July 1896. Virginia [Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Monteagle, Tenn. (8p.)

Scope and Contents note

Outing at Monteagle. Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Col. W.C. Nelson, 10 Floor, Hennen Building, New Orleans, La.”

TLS. 29 July 1986. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Virginia” [Virginia Nelson]. New Orleans, [LA]. (4p.)

General note

Written on Underwriters Inspection Bureau letterhead. Re: trip to Pass Christian, Mississippi.

ALS. 31 July 1896. Virginia [Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Monteagle, Tenn. (4p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Col. W.C. Nelson, 10 Floor, Hennen Building, New Orleans, La.”

ALS. 5 August 1896. Virginia [Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Monteagle, Tenn. (3p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Col. W.C. Nelson, 10 Floor Hennen Building, New Orleans, La.”

ALS. 22 August 1896. Virginia [Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Monteagle, Tenn. (3p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Col. W.C. Nelson, 10 Floor Hennen Building, New Orleans, La.”

ALS. 11 November 1896. Robert A. Nelson to “Dear Louise” [Louise Nelson]. St. Albans School. Radford, Va. (4p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Miss Louise Nelson, 1408 Delachaise St., New Orleans, La.”

3.26 Correspondence, May-June 1897

ALS. 19 May 1897. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Virginia” [Virginia Nelson]. Richmond, Virginia. (4p.)

Scope and Contents note

Particulars of Mr. and Mrs. Nelson’s trip; Wilbur traveling. Written on “The Jefferson” letterhead. Postmarked envelope addressed
to, “Miss Virginia G. Nelson, New Orleans, La, 1408 Delachaise St.”

ALS. 20 May 1897. Papa [William C. Nelson] to “My Dear Virginia” [Virginia Nelson]. Fort Monroe, Va. (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

Travels at Old Point Comfort; family; characters he has met at the Hotel. Written on “Hotel Chamberlin” letterhead.

ALS. 24 May 1897. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Virginia” [Virginia Nelson]. Richmond, [VA]. (2p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Miss Virginia G. Nelson, New Orleans, La., 1408 Delachaise St.”

ALS. 30 May 1897. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Virginia” [Virginia Nelson]. Fortress Monroe, Va. (3p.)

Scope and Contents note

Visit to Virginia and visit to St. John’s Church, the Shields family; visit to New York; sights such as the Statue of Liberty,
Cleopatra’s Needle, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Written on “Hygeia Hotel” letterhead. Postmarked envelope addressed
to, “Miss Virginia G. Nelson New Orleans, La., 1408 Delachaise St.”

ALS. 1 June 1897. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Louise” [Louise Nelson]. Richmond, Virginia. (8p.)

Scope and Contents note

Visit to New York and the sights; Wilbur and Mrs. Nelson; visit in Old Point, Virginia; Uncle Wilbur; Confederate Memorial
Day in Richmond; earthquake; and return travel plans. Written on “The Jefferson” letterhead. Letter Transcribed. Note: Postmarked
envelope addressed to, “Miss Louise Nelson, New Orleans, La., 1408 Delachaise St.”

ALS. 19 June 1897. V.G.N [Virginia G. Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Monteagle, Tenn. (8p.)

Scope and Contents note

News from Monteagle.

ALS. 22 June 1897. [Bumgimilia?] [Virginia Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. (3p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to “Col. W.C. Nelson, 10 Floor Hennen Bldg. New Orleans, La.”

ALS. 23 June 1897. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Virginia” [Virginia Nelson]. New Orleans, La. (3p.)

Scope and Contents note

Recent letters from the family; life in 19th century New Orleans; the heat and a funny reference to his bathtub.

ALS. 26 June 1897. [Bumgimilia?] [Virginia Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Monteagle, Tenn. (5p.)

Scope and Contents note

Monteagle news, seeing the Confederate veterans returning from a Nashville, Tenn. Reunion. Note: Postmarked envelope addressed
to, “Col. W.C. Nelson 10 Floor Hennen Bldg New Orleans, La.”

TLS. 29 June 1897. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Louise” [Louise Nelson]. New Orleans, La. (3p.)

General note

Written on Underwriters Inspection Bureau of New Orleans letterhead.

3.27 Correspondence, July 1897

TLS. 2 July 1897. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Bumgimilia” [Virginia Nelson]. New Orleans, La.

Scope and Contents note

Funds; family at Monteagle; weather in New Orleans; difference between a confederate colonel and a “Kentucky” colonel. Note:
Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Miss Virginia Nelson, Assembly Grounds, Monteagle, Tenn.” Letter transcribed.

TLS. 7 July 1897. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Virginia” [Virginia Nelson]. New Orleans, La.

Scope and Contents note

Robert Vickers and Monteagle, Tulane, eating in New Orleans, the Chutes and the West End amusements. Written on Underwriter’s
Inspection Bureau of New Orleans letterhead.

ALS. 3 July 1897. Virginia [Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Monteagle, Tenn. (4p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Col. W.C. Nelson, 10 Floor Hennen Bldg. New Orleans, La.”

ALS. [9] July 1897. Virginia “alias Bumgimilia” [Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Monteagle, Tenn. (4p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Col. W.C. Nelson, 10 Floor Hennen Bldg, New Orleans, La.”

ALS. 13 July 1897. [Virginia Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Monteagle, Tenn. (6p.)

General note

Heavily damaged letter. Postmarked envelope addressed to, “W.C. Nelson, 10 Floor Hennen Bldg, New Orleans, La.”

TLS. 16 July 1897. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Virginia” [Nelson]. New Orleans, [LA] (3p.)

Scope and Contents note

Fete Champetre celebrations in New Orleans, visit to a friend’s fishing club, love, and finances. Written on Underwriters
Inspection Bureau of New Orleans letterhead. Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Miss Virginia G. Nelson Assemble Grounds,
Monteagle, Tenn.”

ALS. 17 July 1898. Virginia [Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Monteagle, Tenn. (4p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Col. W.C. Nelson, 10 Floor Hennen Bldg, New Orleans, La.”

ALS. 24 July 1897. Bumgimilia [Virginia Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Monteagle, Tenn. (4p.)

ALS. 27 July 1897. Virginia [Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Monteagle, Tenn. (4p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Col. W.C. Nelson, 10 Floor Hennen Bldg, New Orleans, La.”

3.28 Correspondence, August-October 1897

General note

During the months of August through late November 1897 New Orleans experienced an outbreak of Yellow Fever. The Nelson Family,
except for W.C. Nelson, was at Monteagle for their summer vacation. They remained there much later than usual due to the fever.

ALS. 2 August 1897. Virginia [Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson ]. Monteagle, Tenn. (4p.)

ALS. 2 August 1897. Phala to “Dear Louise” [Louise Nelson]. [New Orleans, LA]. (4p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Miss Louise Nelson, Assembly Grounds, Monteagle, Tennessee.”

ALS. 7 August 1897. “Bumgimilia” [Virginia Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Monteagle, Tenn. (4p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Col. W.C. Nelson, 10 Floor Hennen Bldg., New Orleans, La.”

ALS. 19 August 1897. Virginia [Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Nashville, Tenn. (4p.)

ALS. [21 August 1897]. Phala to “My Dear Louise” [Louise Nelson]. [New Orleans, LA]. (8p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Miss Louise Nelson, Assembly Grounds, Monteagle, Tenn.”

ALS. 30 August 1897. Virginia [Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Monteagle, Tenn. (6p.)

ALS. 6 September 1897. Virginia [Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Monteagle, Tenn. (4p.)

ALS. 16 September 1897. Virginia [Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Monteagle, Tenn. (5p.)

ALS. 16 September 1897. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Louise” [Nelson]. New Orleans, La. (2p.)

General note

Letter transcribed.

ALS. 22 September 1897. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Virginia” [Nelson]. New Orleans, La. (3p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Miss Virginia Nelson, Assembly Grounds, Monteagle, Tenn.” Letter transcribed.

ALS. 27 September 1897. Phala to “My dear Louise” [Nelson]. New Orleans, La. (8p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Miss Louise Nelson, Assembly Grounds, Monteagle, Tenn.”

ALS. 12 October 1897. Phala to “My dear Louise” [Nelson]. New Orleans, La. (8p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Miss Louise Nelson, Monteagle, Tenn.”

3.29 Correspondence, November 1897

General note

ALS. 9 November 1897. Phala to “My dear Louise” [Nelson]. New Orleans, La. (8p.)

Scope and Contents note

Yellow Fever in New Orleans. Postmarked envelope on mourning stationary addressed to, “Miss Louise Nelson, Assembly Grounds,
Monteagle, Tennessee.”

ALS. 15 November 1897. [Virginia Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Monteagle, Tenn. (4p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Col. W.C. Nelson, 10 Floor Hennen Bldg., New Orleans, La., Via Chattanooga.”

ALS. 16 November 1897. [Virginia Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Monteagle, Tenn. (6p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “[Col. W.C. Nelson], 10 Floor, Hennen Bldg, New Orleans, La., via Chattanooga.”

ALS. 18 November 1897. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Virginia” [Nelson]. New Orleans, [LA]. (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

Yellow Fever in New Orleans.

4.1 Correspondence, May-June 1898

ALS. 5 May 1898. [Virginia Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. New Orleans, La. (8p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Col. W.C. Nelson, No. 1 East [Cary] St. Richmond, Va.”

ALS. 4 June 1898. [Virginia Nelson] and Louise [Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Monteagle, Tenn. (7p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Col. [W.C. Nelson] 10 Floor Hennen Bldg., New Orleans, La.”

TLS. 9 June 1898. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Virginia” [Nelson]. New Orleans, La. (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

trip to Baldwin Lodge in south Mississippi; boyhood novel reading; Col. John D. Young. Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Miss
Virginia Nelson, Monteagle, Tenn.”

ALS. 11 June 1898. [Virginia Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Monteagle, Tenn. (9p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Col. W.C. Nelson, 10 Floor Hennen Bldg., New Orleans, La.”

TLS. 20 June 1898. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Virginia” [Nelson]. New Orleans, La. (2p.)

General note

Written on Underwriters Inspection Bureau of New Orleans letterhead. Heavily damaged.

ALS. 20 June 1898. [Virginia Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. [Monteagle, Tenn] (8p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Col. W. C. Nelson, 10 Floor, Hennen Bldg., New Orleans, La.”

ALS. 24 June 1898. W.C. Nelson to Mr. Geo. D. Dodds. New Orleans, [LA]. New Orleans, La. (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

Account with Dr. Rembert

ALS. 29 June 1898. Virginia [Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Blue Jays Nest [Monteagle, Tenn.] (5p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Col W. C. Nelson, 10 Floor Hennen Bldg., New Orleans, La.”

4.2 Correspondence, July-August 1898

ALS. 2 July 1898. Virginia [Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Blue Jays Nest [Monteagle, Tenn] (5p.)

General note

Postscript written by Mary [Louisa Armistead Nelson]. Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Col. W.C. Nelson, 10 Floor, Hennen
Bldg., New Orleans, La.”

ALS. 7 July 1898. Jin [Virginia Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Blue Jays Nest [Monteagle, Tenn] (6p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Col. W.C. Nelson, 10 Floor, Hennen Bldg. New Orleans, La.”

TLS. 12 July 1898. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Virginia” [Virginia Nelson]. New Orleans, La. (3p.)

General note

Letter transcribed

ALS. 12 July 1898. Jinslop [Virginia Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Blue Jays Nest [Monteagle, Tenn] (6p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Col. W.C. Nelson, 10 Floor Hennen Bldg. New Orleans, La.”

ALS. 17 July 1898. Gen [Jin] [Virginia Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Blue Jays Nest [Monteagle, Tenn] (9p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Col. W.C. Nelson, 10 Floor Hennen Bldg. New Orleans, La.”

ALS. 22 July 1898. Virginia Nelson to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Blue Jays Nest [Monteagle, Tenn] (6p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Col. W.C. Nelson, 10 Floor Hennen Bldg. New Orleans, La.”

ALS. 1 August 1898. Phala to “My dear Louise” [Louise Nelson]. [New Orleans, La.] (4p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Miss Louise Nelson, Assembly Grounds, Monteagle, Tenn.”

ALS. 15 August 1898. Virginia to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Monteagle, Tenn. (4p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Col. W.C. Nelson, 10 Floor Hennen Bldg. New Orleans, La.”

ALS. 26 August 1898. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Virginia” [Nelson]. Gainesville, Ga. (4p.)

General note

Written on “The Arlington” letterhead

ALS. 28 August 1898. Jin [Virginia Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Blue Jays Nest [Monteagle, Tenn] (14p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Col. W.C. Nelson, 10 Floor Hennen Bldg. New Orleans, La.”

4.3 Correspondence, September-December 1898

ALS. 2 September 1898. Jin [Virginia Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Blue Jays Nest [Monteagle, Tenn.] (8p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Col. W.C. Nelson, Aragon Hotel, Atlanta, Ga.”

ALS. 12 September 1898. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Virginia” [Nelson]. Atlanta, Ga.

General note

Written on South-Eastern Tariff Association, Atlanta, Georgia letterhead. Postmarked envelope addressed to “Miss Virginia
G. Nelson, Monteagle, Tenn.” Letter heavily damaged.

ALS. 16 September 1898. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Virginia” [Nelson]. Calhoun, Ga. (3p.)

General note

Written on “Calhoun Hotel” letterhead. Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Miss Virginia [Nelson] Monteagle, Tennessee.”

ALS. 24 September 1898. Jin [Virginia Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Blue Jays Nest [Monteagle, Tennessee] (4p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Col. W.C. Nelson, Box 770, Atlanta, Ga.”

ALS. 24 September 1898. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Virginia” [Nelson]. Atlanta, Georgia (2p.)

General note

Written on South-Eastern Tariff Association letterhead. Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Miss Virginia G. Nelson Monteagle,
Tennessee.”

ALS. 1 October 1898. Virginia [Nelson] to “Dear Papa” [William C. Nelson]. Blue Jays Nest [Monteagle, Tennessee] (4p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Col. W.C. Nelson, Box 770, Atlanta, Ga.”

ALS. 4 October 1898. Phala to “My Dear Louise” [Nelson]. [New Orleans, La.] (4p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Miss Louise Nelson Assembly Grounds, Monteagle, Tenn.”

ALS. 9 December 1898. Phala to “My dearest Louise” [Nelson]. [New Orleans, La.] (9p.)

General note

Postmarked envelope addressed to, “Miss Louise Nelson, Box 770, Atlanta, Georgia.”

4.4 Financial Documents, 1898

4.5 Correspondence, January-July 1899

4.6 Correspondence, September-November 1899

4.7 Correspondence, December 1899

4.8 Undated Correspondence, 20th Century

4.9 Undated Correspondence, 20th Century

4.10 Undated Correspondence, 20th Century

4.11 Correspondence, January-August 1900

ALS. 20 August 1900. W.C. Nelson to [Virginia Nelson]. French Lick Springs, Indiana. (2p.)

Scope and Contents note

Contains a brief reference to Mississippi. W.C. stated, “I send you some little clippings from the “Byhalia Journal” 16 miles
from Holly Springs. Here is Arcadian Simplicity, they have Society, Camp Meeting, Wit, humor, sarcasm, and What Not. ‘But
she the fairest Lilly of them all.’ Why, oh Why? Did I ever leave dear old Mississippi its rolling plains & red hills?”. With
enclosed newspaper clipping.

4.12 Correspondence, September-December 1900

4.13 Financial Documents, 1900

5.1 Correspondence, January-July 1901

Scope and Contents note

Includes: ALS. 16 July 1901. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Virginia” [Nelson]. Louisville, Kentucky (3p.)Deke fraternity and his
Knight’s Templar Uniform. & more letters

5.2 Correspondence, August-October, 1901

Scope and Contents note

ALS. 14 September 1901. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Virginia” [Nelson]. Louisville, Kentucky (2p.). Moving to the Avenue in “Swelldom”
almost as fashionable as when they lived on St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans. & other letters

5.3 Correspondence, November-December 1901

Scope and Contents note

Includes ALS. 4 December 1901. W.C. Nelson to “My Dear Virginia” [Nelson]. Louisville, Kentucky (2p. transcribed) & other
letters

5.4 Financial Documents, 1901

5.5 Correspondence, 1902

5.6 Correspondence, January-July 1903

5.7 Correspondence, August-11 September 1903

5.8 Correspondence, 21 September-December 1903

5.9 Correspondence, January-2 July 1904

General note

Most of the July-December 1904 correspondence concerns the death of William Nelson in Louisville, Kentucky on 3 July 1904.
He would be buried at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Nashville, Tennessee.

5.10 Correspondence, 3-15 July 1904

6.1 Correspondence, 18 July-August 1904

6.2 Correspondence, September-December 1904

6.3 Financial Documents, 1904

6.4 Correspondence, 1905

6.5 Correspondence, 1906

6.6 Financial Documents, 1906

6.7 Correspondence, 1907

6.8 Correspondence, 1908

6.9 Correspondence, 1909

6.10 Correspondence and Financial Documents, 1910

6.12 Correspondence, 1911

6.12 Correspondence, 1912

6.13 Correspondence, 1913

6.14 Correspondence, 1914

6.15 Correspondence, 1915

6.16 Correspondence and Financial Documents, 1916

6.17 Correspondence, January-25 October 1918

6.18 Correspondence, 26 October-18 November 1918

6.19 Correspondence, 22 November-13 December 1918

7.1 Correspondence, 14-29 December 1918

7.2 Correspondence, 1-18 January 1-18, 1919

7.3 Correspondence, 19 January-24 February 24, 1919

7.4 Correspondence, 26 February-20 March 20, 1919

7.5 Correspondence, 20 March-13 May 13, 1919

7.6 Correspondence, 14 May-December 1919

7.7 Correspondence, January -July 1920

7.8 Correspondence, August-December 1920

7.9 Correspondence, 19 January-July 1921

8.1 Correspondence, 21 July-December 1921

8.2 Correspondence, 1922

8.3 Correspondence, 1923

8.4 Correspondence, January-16 May 16, 1924

8.5 Correspondence, 26 May-December 1924

8.6 Correspondence, 1925

8.7 Correspondence, 1926

8.8 Correspondence, 1927

Scope and Contents note

Includes ALS. 1 May 1927. Virginia Nelson to Mrs. William Cowper Nelson concerning Virginia’s work with the Red Cross after
the 1927 Mississippi Flood

8.9 Correspondence and Documents 1928

8.10 Correspondence, 1929

8.11 Correspondence, 1930

8.12 Correspondence, 1931

8.13 Correspondence, 1934

8.14 Correspondence, 1936

8.15 Correspondence, 1937

8.16 Correspondence, 1938

8.17 Correspondence, 1941

8.18 Correspondence, 1942

8.19 Correspondence, 1943-1949

8.20 Correspondence, 1958

Scope and Contents note

Only includes Photocopy TLS. April 29, 1958. Virginia Armistead Nelson to Mrs. Milbrey Holsberry (4p.) concerning William
Cowper Nelson’s life and family and genealogical information

9.1 Miscellaneous newspaper clippings, 20th century

9.2 Miscellaneous—Virginia Nelson WWI Red Cross Service—newspapers

10.1 Miscellaneous 19th and early 20th century paper materials

10.2 Miscellaneous early 20th century paper materials

General note

Contains the calling cards and notes on flower arrangements sent for William C. Nelson’s funeral in 1904

10.3 Miscellaneous periodical articles

10.4 Miscellaneous printed pieces

10.5 Miscellaneous financial documents

10.6 Virginia Nelson’s loose poetry

10.7 Virginia Nelson’s WWI Red Cross Service, Fall 1918-1919. Miscellaneous lists and documents

10.8 Virginia Nelson’s WWI Red Cross Service, Fall1918-1919.Miscellaneous publications

10.9 Virginia Nelson’s WWI Red Cross Service, Fall 1918-1919. Unused postcards

10.10 Virginia Nelson’s WWI Red Cross Service, Fall 1918-1919. Miscellaneous paper items

10.11 Miscellaneous Armistead Family genealogical materials

10.12 Miscellaneous paper items

10.13 Miscellaneous educational materials

10.14Miscellaneous materials

Scope and Contents note

Includes: William Nelson’s copy of
The Koran. 5th edition. Philadelphia: J.W. Moore, 1856. and more items

Photographs

Image of Louise and Virginia Nelson, c. 1890 on board. Atlanta, Ga. (3.5″x5″)

Image of unidentified members, probably of the Nelson family (3″x5″)

Death photograph, most probably of a Nelson child. 9 March 1891 (2.2″x 4.25″)

Drawing mounted on board, caption reads “Pencil picture by James Cowardine in front of Petersburg, Winter of 1864″ (4.5″x9.5″)

Maps

Map #293. “Cartes de France…” c.1916-1919. Color. 33 ½”x 41″. Oversize

Separated Materials

Stored separately in Special Collections Map Case, Drawer 10, Map #293

Map #294. “Subject Nationalities of the German Alliance.” c.1916-1919. 30″x40″ Oversize

Separated Materials

Stored separately in Special Collections Map Case, Drawer 10, Map #294

Map #295. “Environs de Paris.” c.1916-1919. Color. 25 ½” x 19 ¾”. Oversize

Separated Materials

Stored separately in Special Collections Map Case Drawer 10, Map #295

Map #296. Map of France and Surrounding Counties. c.1916-1919. B&W. 6″x8″

Separated Materials

Stored separately in Map Collection, Box 5, Map #296

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University of Mississippi Libraries

William Cowper Nelson Collection MUM00688

Table of Contents

PURL

Summary Information

Prefered Citation

Biographical Note

Scope and Content Note

Arrangement

Administrative Information

Publication Information

Access Restrictions

Copyright Restrictions

Additions

Acquisition Information

Processing Information

Related Materials

Resources at the University of Mississippi

Separated Material

Controlled Access Headings

Corporate Name(s)

Format(s)

Geographic Name(s)

Personal Name(s)

Collection Inventory

Original Collection

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William Cowper Nelson Collection

MUM00688