James D. Davidson papers, 1829-1884, bulk 1836-1859

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Summary

Creator:
Davidson, James D. (James Dorman), 1808-1882
Abstract:
James D. Davidson (1808-1882) was a white lawyer, college trustee, and Confederate commissary agent of Lexington, Virginia. The bulk of this collection dates from 1836-1859 and consists of James D. Davidson's professional correspondence regarding collection of debts and financial judgements, real estate transactions, and other legal matters. Items directly related to slavery include a letter (August 14, 1857) discussing Dr. Frederick Cousins, a free Black physician seeking payment for the treatment of an enslaved man named Henry. The collection also includes some personal papers, including a few letters pertaining to local sentiments and supply issues during the Civil War.
Extent:
.5 Linear Feet (1 box)
Language:
Materials in English.
Collection ID:
RL.13121

Background

Scope and content:

This collection is composed mainly of James D. Davidson's professional correspondence, the bulk of which dates from 1836 to 1859. Letters include inquiries from clients and other attorneys regarding the status of legal matters such as collection of debts and financial judgements, real estate transactions, estate administration, depositions, and subpoenas. Correspondents include Alexander H. H. Stuart and William W. Boyd. Items directly related to slavery include a letter negotiating the hire of enslaved men for public works, dated January 8, 1854; and a letter from R.E. Mausen (Lynchburg, Virginia) to Davidson dated August 14, 1857, discussing Dr. Frederick Cousins, a free Black physician seeking payment from the estate of Mr. Salling(?) for the treatment of an enslaved man named Henry.

Davidson's personal papers include invoices and receipts for household goods and scattered letters from friends and relatives. Correspondence topics include Whig politics, the 1848 U.S. presidential election, and family updates. There are only a few letters pertaining to the Civil War; these were written between 1861-1862 and document local anxieties over Confederate military setbacks. Supply issues are also mentioned, including a request from a quartermaster for assistance in obtaining horseshoes. In a February 1862 letter, Davidson describes his son Greenlee's efforts to establish an artillery company, including personal financial outlays, obtaining cannons, and recruitment of volunteers.

Biographical / historical:

James D. Davidson was a white lawyer, college trustee, and Confederate commissary agent of Lexington, Virginia. He was born on November 7, 1808, in Rockbridge County to parents Andrew Baker Davidson and Susanna (Dorman) Davidson. Davidson graduated from Washington College in 1828 and was admitted to the Virginia Bar in 1831. He practiced law in Lexington, initially with his uncle Charles P. Dorman. In 1836, Davidson married Hannah Greenlee, with whom he would have seven children, including Greenlee Davidson (1834-1863). Greenlee went on to study law and join his father's practice. James Davidson also served as a trustee of Washington College (later Washington and Lee University) from 1858-1882.

Davidson was active in politics and was a supporter of the Whig Party, and, after its dissolution, the Democratic Party. During the Civil War, Davidson organized the Confederate Home Guard for Rockbridge County and served as a commissary agent for Virginia. He also gave financial assistance for Greenlee Davidson to established the Letcher Artillery. Greenlee and two other sons died during the war.

Davidson died in Lexington on October 14, 1882.

Sources:

Finding aid for the James D. Davidson Letters, Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin, accessed 2025 June 16.

Acquisition information:
The James D. Davidson papers were received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library in 1957.
Processing information:

Processed and cataloged by library staff in approximately 1957

Collection rehoused and collection guide created with reparative description by Mary Mellon, June 2025.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged chronologically.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

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Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the Rubenstein Library's Citations, Permissions, and Copyright guide.

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Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], James D. Davidson papers, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.

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