Polk family papers, 1864-1938.

ArchivalResource

Polk family. Polk family papers, 1864-1938.

Polk family papers, 1864-1938.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/25696742

The collection includes letters to Frances Polk Skipwith (1835-1884) of Oxford, Miss., from her mother Frances Devereux Polk (Mrs. Leonidas Polk) in New Orleans, La., Asheville, N.C., Nashville, Tenn., and at Columbia Female Institute, Columbia, Tenn., discussing her struggles as a teacher and other matters; her brothers and sisters at various Southern locations; her husband, Peyton H. Skipwith, at various locations and Washington, D.C., including love letters in the late 1860s; and friends and other relatives. Most letters are about family affairs and local news, reflecting the efforts of Southern families to manage in the midst of the difficulties and privations of the Reconstruction period. The Addition of December 2008 consists of 17 letters to Frances Devereux Polk Skipwith from family friends Winchester and Ruth Hall. Winchester Hall commanded the 26th Louisiana Infantry Regiment and published a book detailing the Regiment's history, role in the Siege of Vicksburg, and ultimate disbandment after the Civil War. Most of the letters date between 1863 and 1866. The letters cover a variety of topics including Ruth Hall's experiences during the Union invasion of Louisiana in 1863, including mention of a slave uprising after a Confederate retreat; the death of Skipwith's father, Leonidas Polk; Winchester Hall's thoughts on the future of the South; and other routine topics.

About 700 items (1.0 linear ft.).

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill