Campbell and Varner family papers

A collection (1845-1928; bulk dated 1860-1865) of correspondence, photographs, and miscellaneous documents of R. Henry Campbell and members of the Varner family of Lexington, Rockbridge County, Virginia. Includes Civil War letters of soldiers R. Henry Campbell (1861 April-July) and Charles V. Varner (1864, 1865). The letters were written while they were serving with the Rockbridge Rifles (part of the 4th, 5th, and 27th Virginia Infantry regiments at various dates during the war). Significant topics in the Campbell letters include the unit's stay at Harper's Ferry and Martinsburg, and the 1st Battle of Manassas (1st Bull Run).

Additional correspondence of R. Henry Campbell (1864-1865), written after he accepted a position in the Treasurer's-Quartermaster's office at VMI, include a note written on May 13 before the Battle of New Market; letter written on June 14 after Hunter's Raid from the cadet camp at Rope Ferry; and letters describing life at VMI's temporary headquarters at the Alms House in Richmond and life in wartime Richmond, including mention of the use of black troops.

Other items in the collection are two notebooks (ca. 1861-62 and 1864), containing an early roster of Rockbridge rifles and list of killed and wounded; family photographs; broadside (July 1865) concerning occupation of Lexington by Union troops; miscellaneous family documents, including "Rules for the Lexington Classical School", 1845. The families were related through the marriage of R. Henry's sister, Augusta, to Charles V. Varner.