Papers, 1852-1902 (bulk 1864).

ArchivalResource

Smedley, Joseph Valentine. Papers, 1852-1902 (bulk 1864).

Papers, 1852-1902 (bulk 1864).

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/38929671

Collection is divided into series of correspondence, miscellany, and printed material. Letters that Smedley wrote to his wife and children while he was on business trips to the Confederate States (1864) form the bulk of the collection. The miscellany includes a narrative describing his successful attempt to find Lee's headquarters at the time he was engaged in the Petersburg Campaing. Also included is a fragment of Smedley's notes for a speech on secession. Printed materials include military passes, a Manassas Club membership card, and a Spotswood Hotel (Richmond, Va.) menu. Smedley wrote of methods used to conduct his business such as living under an assumed name, and a mission requiring an act of Congress, although it is not clear just what business this was. His work in the Southern States included selling arms to both N.C. and S.C. and his letters reflect meetings with Governors Vance and Bonham. Letters mention the possibility of running a blockade to sell locomotives to the Confederacy and reflect connections with officials such as Judah P. Benjamin, Secretary of State, Gen. William Whiting, and Gen. John C. Breckinridge. Smedley sometimes speaks critically of business associates in England and tells his wife whom they can and cannot trust. His concern for family finances is obvious and he discusses buying Confederate bonds for security. At times, Smedley sent multiple copies of letters to his wife, apparently due to the mail's unreliaibility. It is also obvious that he was being discreet about what to include in the letters for fear that Union agents could intercept them. He describes a perilous journey from Kentucky back to Richmond. One letter describes St. Mary's College in Raleigh, N.C. in detail and Smedley includes a sketch. Apparently his wife went to school there, and Smedley was able to meet the founder, Aldert Smedes. Letters from Wilmington, N.C. and Charleston, S.C. give a good description of life there during the war. Smedley always held great confidence that the South would win the war.

54 items.

Duke University Libraries, Duke University Library; Perkins Library