Edward and Rebecca P. Davis of Warren County, N.C., had four sons to serve the Confederacy during the Civil War. Weldon Davis was captured at Kelly's Ford (Nov. 7, 1863) and died of a wound in Douglas Hospital, Washington, D.C. George Davis was captured during the campaign in the Shenandoah Valley (Sept., 1864) and sent to Elmira Prison. One month later, Tom Davis was killed in those same operations. Burwell Davis was wounded and spent the war in the Peace Institute Hospital in Raleigh, N.C.
The collection consists of correspondence, the major part of which was written by Mrs. Rebecca P. Davis to her sons. Since it is from her viewpoint, most of the information centers around her sons, the crops, the problem of people stealing food, confiscation of food and animals by government agents, severe food shortages, and reports of the progress of the war. Especially interesting are Mrs. Davis' attitudes towards the war and her speculation as to its outcome. Letters from her sons describe camp life, battles (Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and the Wilderness) and clashes in the campaign of Bristoe Station. There is also constant mention of Warrenton people and of a possible discharge for Burwell.
Several pre-war letters (1855-1856) comment on schooling and the employment of young ladies after school is over. Also included are letters (1889) on the acceptance of the unapproved marriage of a daughter in the family.
This collection was microfilmed in the home of the donor in Warren County. As a result, it was not possible to organize the items in proper chronological order prior to filming.
Gift of Miss Lucy Pridgen
Processed by P. Ellis, July 1974
Encoded by Apex Data Services
Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law.