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John T. L. Preston papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS-0240
Miscellaneous personal papers of John T. L. Preston including a farm account book (1834-1887), bills, deeds, memoranda, receipts, and correspondence. The majority of the papers relate to Preston's personal financial and property (land) transactions and do not involve his work at VMI.

Noteable items found in the the papers include a letter (1863 April 24) to Gen. Stonewall Jackson (to whom he was related by marriage) in which Preston discusses religious and financial matters; a typescript "brief historical sketch" of the Virginia Military Institute written as a speech for the Institute's semi-centennial celebration in 1889 (the typescript contains handwritten corrections in ink; Preston's son delivered the address on behalf of his father); Preston's U.S. passport, May 1851; Franklin Society membership certificate, 1851.

The papers also includes a photocopy and transcription of Preston's Civil War journal ("Jottings"), which dates from his military service at Craney Island, VA from late July-October 1861. The original journal is held by the Library of Congress.

Dates

  • 1806 - 1889

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions
Conditions Governing Access 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

0..69 cubic feet (One 2.5" legal document box; one 5" legal document box.)

Biographical / Historical

John T. L. Preston (1811-1890), was one of the founders of the Virginia Military Institute. He served at VMI as a member of the first Board of Visitors (1839) and as a Professor of Modern Languages from 1839-1875. During the Civil War he was on the staff of Gen. Stonewall Jackson.

Physical Location

Manuscripts Stacks

Repository Details

Part of the Virginia Military Institute Archives Repository

Contact:
VMI Archives
Preston Library
Lexington VA 24450
540-464-7516