John Leroy "Lee" Robinson Papers

This collection contains 27 letters written by John Leroy "Lee" Robinson and his brothers, Frank, Rich, and Bart, during the Civil War and Reconstruction Era.

The letters were donated to the University of Southern Mississippi by Mrs. Evelyn Childress Smalling, who was John Leroy Robinson's granddaughter.



The majority of the letters revolve around the day-to-day experiences of the ordinary rank-and-file soldier during the four years of the American Civil War. The letters touch on such topics as major campaigns and characters of the War. Included are a summary of the Battle of Chancellorsville and details describing General Robert E. Lee and Major General Jubal Early. More mundane issues include the lack of rations and clothing supplies (the primary complaint of the soldier) and the problems of continuous ill health. The letters also provide insight into the intrigues of camp life, including the election of officers. In the letter dated April 28, 1862, John Lee Robinson describes in very colorful language his feelings about particular officers in the regiment. He also complains bitterly about the introduction of conscription in the Confederate forces. Other notable items include two letters dated April 29 and September 4, 1864, written by John Lee while in Rock Island Prison in Illinois.

The final six letters in the collection were written by Richmond and Charles Robinson, and deal with events that occurred after the war. Dated between April 1874 and October 1882, most were written from various locations in Texas and concern primarily family and business matters. Four of the letters are addressed "Dear Sister", and the other two were exchanged between Charles and Richmond.

This collection is of note to anyone interested in the American Civil War. The items in the collection contain a wealth of information on the day-to-day activities and innermost thoughts of the ordinary soldier. Also, the collection is of value to those interested in researching the regimental histories and military organizations of the state of Mississippi.