May 2013 Documents of the Month

Here are three documents associated with the death of Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson following the Battle of Chancellorsville. Click on any of the images to view a PDF of the document in greater detail.

Gen. Thomas J. Jackson's Map of the Shenandoah Valley from Harper's Ferry to Front Royal, Virginia

The manuscript map is hand drawn and colored on tracing paper; the map has been mounted.  The map shows major roads, railroads, rivers, creeks, mountains, and towns from Strasburg and Front Royal north to Shepherdstown, Berryville, and Harper's Ferry. This map and a little book, Maxims of Napoleon, were taken out of Jackson's haversack on the day he was wounded at Chancellorsville.

James P. Smith to Mrs. Elizabeth H. Brown, May 10, 1863

Physical Appearance: May 10, 1863 The Southern Telegraph Companies - Telegram from James Power Smith a Guinea's Depot, Virginia, to Mrs. Elizabeth H. Brown, Corner Main & 5th Streets, Richmond, Virginia - Informs her of the General's Thomas J. Jackson death at 3:15 that afternoon.  Advises that Mrs. Anna Jackson will arrive at her house tomorrow evening.  (Signed) Jas. P. Smith.
 

Rosser Saunders Rock to "My dear Sister," May 17, 1863

Physical Appearance: Rosser Saunders Rock wrote this letter, May 17, 1863 to his sister.  He wrote from Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia., where he was a cadet.  In this incomplete letter, he described the funeral procession for Lt. Gen. Thomas J. Jackson from the packet boat at the landing.  

Read a transcription of the letter here.
 

Watch the new video on the death and legacy of "Stonewall" Jackson, which features two of the documents above, over on our Wilkinson Video Series page.

If you are interested in learning more about these documents or other items in our collection, please visit our Archives page to learn about contacting our Archivist.

Please also visit our Artifact of the Month page.

Document of the Month Archives

Click on the images or links below to learn more about past Documents of the Month.

April 2013	March 2013
February 2013	January 2013	December 2012
Jackson Letter   Transcription	Livingston Letter   Transcription	Booker 1862 Booker 1863 Letter Descriptions
November 2012	October 2012	September 2012
August 2012	July 2012	June 2012
Document   Explanation/Transcription
May 2012	April 2012	March 2012