William G. Williamson papers

Collection

Identifier: MS-0205

Staff Only

The collection consists of an original manuscript Civil War notebook, including reports (September 1862-May 1863) submitted to the Chief Engineer's Office, Army of Northern Virginia, in which Williamson discusses destroying bridges at Harper's Ferry, and reconnaissance and mapping trips in the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont; poetry, notes about architecture and engineering, and Williamson family genealogy. The papers also include miscellaneous correspondence and documents (1868-1898) and Williamson's obituary.

In addition, the collection contains a digital version only of an additional notebook (original owned by a descendant). This notebook dates from ca. 1857-1861 and contains class notes (Chemistry, French) and sketches (including drawing of "Major Jackson" - Stonewall Jackson while Professor at VMI.) It likely dates in part from the period in which Williamson was a student at Washington College (now Washington and Lee University).

Also, book owned by Williamson. Volume III, 1860 edition of Scott's Infantry Tactics.

Reports Summary: 1862 Oct. 14 (activities for month of Sept. 1862).Williamson assigned to Gen. Stonewall Jackson; blows up railroad bridge at Harper's Ferry. 1862 Nov 15 (activities for month of Oct. 1862). Reconnaissance in Shendandoah Valley; mapmaking 1862 Dec 4 (activities for month of Nov. 1862). Reconnaissance in Shenandoah Valley & Piedmont 1863 Jan 7 (activities for month of Dec. 1862). Reconnaissance in Piedmont 1863 Feb. 20 (activities for month of Jan. 1863). Williamson assigned to temporary duty with General D. H. Hill. Works on Hill's batteries. 1863 March 31 (activities for month of Feb & March 1863). Rifle pits on Rappahannock.

Dates

1857 - 1898

Creator

Williamson, William G. (William Garnett), 1840-1898 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Manuscript collections in the VMI Archives are made available for educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.

Extent

.10 cubic feet (stored in 1/2 document box)

Additional Description

Biographical / Historical

William Garnett Williamson b. 1840 Norfolk, Va; student at Washington College, Lexington, VA ca. 1858-1859; received military training at VMI in 1861 (VMI Class of 1864MS); 1st Regiment Engineers, CSA; civil engineer; d. 1898, Pensacola, FL while constructing coastal defenses during the Spanish-American War. He was the brother of Thomas Hoomes Williamson, who was a longtime member of the VMI Faculty.