DATE: 1861-1865
CREATOR: Robbins, Edward (Ned) C. (1841-1923), Saint Louis, Missouri resident and Confederate soldier.
SCOPE: The collection spans the years 1861 to 1940. The letters were written by Edward, other family members and friends. They express family concerns of everyday life in St. Louis southern society, which was under Federal military control; father Samuel's banishment; and troop movements and battles.
Leroy K. Robbins did extensive research for a book about St. Louis and the American Revolution. His papers include copious notes, handwritten copies of primary source letters, correspondence, illustrations, newspapers clippings, and handwritten or typescript manuscripts.
EXTENT: 1 box of 85 letters written during the American Civil War, 1861-1865;
10 letters by Harry Hance during the blockade of Mobile, Alabama;
2 boxes with 36 notebooks of handwritten historical research;
1 bound volume, no author or title, which deals with the history of St. Louis militia and the formation of the National Guard, 1765-1886. Typescript with handwritten annotations and newspaper clippings. 151pp.;
1 pamphlet, Robbins, Leroy K., St. Louis in the War for American Independence. St. Louis: 1940. 10pp.
HISTORY & PROVENANCE: Robbins of St. Louis, Missouri, 1841-1923, joined the Confederate Army of the West under General Price's command in Arkansas as part of the Landis Battery. In the final two years of the Civil War he served with Johnston and Hood's Brigade. After the war he founded and became president of St. Louis Well Machine and Tool Co. in 1879. The collection was donated by a family member in the 1980s.
ACCESS: A brief guide to Special Collection M-081 is available on site.
This collection is available for on-site use only in the Rare Book and Manuscripts Reading Room. Some of the material in Special Collection M-081 may be photocopied, digitally scanned or photographed, subject to condition. For collections marked limited access, researchers are advised to contact the library at least three business days in advance of their visit to submit a request to view the physical material.
Researchers are advised to call ahead concerning changes in hours due to University intersessions and holidays. The St. Louis Mercantile Library is located on levels one and two of the Thomas Jefferson Library building.
In observance of security procedures, certain services may not be available shortly before the daily closing time.
Preferred Citation: When citing the material from this collection, the preferred citation is: From the Special Collections of the St. Louis Mercantile Library at the University of Missouri – St. Louis.
