Diary, volume four, 1861-11-22 through 1862-02-09
Scope and Contents
This collection consiste of Alexander Sterrett Paxton's journals in six volumes (484 p.)during the American Civil War. They cover his service as a member of the 4th Virginia Infantry of the Stonewall Brigade, including his role as a Commissary Sergeant of the regiment. Journal entries explore the war experiences of a Confederate foot soldier and include: his insights into motives for war; observations and descriptions of ranking officers, fellow soldiers, friends and family; detailed accounts of battles and campaigns; and experiences in hospitals and camps, including a few pencil-drawn maps of Stonewall Brigade camps (1861-1862). Volume 6 includes a month-long dream journal that Paxton kept in 1864. The collection also includes correspondence between Paxton's second wife, Mary Frances Tapscott Paxton, and her family; ten pre and post-war photographs of Paxton, his brother, Joseph McClung Paxton and other family members (Tapscott family and Lilley family of Augusta County, Va.); and a ca.1860 fraternity/secret society bylaws document handwritten by Paxton.
Dates
- Creation: 1861-11-22 through 1862-02-09
Creator
- From the Collection: Paxton, Alexander Sterrett (Person)
- From the Collection: Confederate States of America. Army. Stonewall Brigade (Organization)
Extent
From the Collection: .4 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Repository Details
Part of the Washington and Lee University, University Library Special Collections and Archives Repository