James C. Anderson letters, 1850-1858

Summary

Creator:

Miller, John G.

Abstract:

This collection contains 7 letters that James C. Anderson wrote to James G. Miller, a friend, after moving from Winchester, Virginia, to Washington, Louisiana, in the 1850s. Anderson discussed his journey from Winchester to Washington, and life in Louisiana.

Extent:

7 items

Language:

English

Authors:

Collection processed and finding aid created by Sally Vermaaten, June 2002, and Meg Hixon, November 2011

Background

Scope and Content:

This collection contains 7 letters that James C. Anderson wrote to James G. Miller, a friend, after moving from Winchester, Virginia, to Washington, Louisiana, in the 1850s. His first letter, dated January 20, 1850, recounts his journey to Louisiana via Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, taken primarily by steamboat. Anderson's remaining correspondence focuses on his life in and near Washington. He enjoyed life in the South, though he frequently reported missing friends from Virginia and often commented on the hazardous health conditions of a tropical climate. He wrote about women in Winchester and Washington, reminisced, and described the emotional impact of a recent yellow fever epidemic (October 5, 1853). Anderson's later letters focus on domestic life following his marriage in 1855, as well as on his planting ambitions for the year 1858.

Biographical / Historical:

James C. Anderson of Winchester, Virginia, moved to Louisiana in January 1850. He married in 1855 and lived with his wife and two children on Winchester Plantation, near Washington, Louisiana.

Acquisition Information:

1990. M-2567b .

Processing information:

Cataloging funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC). This collection has been processed according to minimal processing procedures and may be revised, expanded, or updated in the future.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged chronologically.

Rules or Conventions:

Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Subjects

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Subjects:

Agriculture--Louisiana.
Steamboats.
Yellow fever.

Formats:

Letters (correspondence)

Names:

Anderson, James C.

Places:

Louisiana--History--1803-1865.
United States--Description and travel.
Washington (La.)