Valley of the Shadow
The War Years
Spring 1861–Spring 1865

Letters & Diaries

letters

Dunlap Family (1861)

The Dunlap family lived in Augusta County, Virginia. Before the Civil War, William H. Dunlap served as a miller’s apprentice and Samuel A. Dunlap worked as a day laborer. During the war, William enlisted in the Confederate military. He survived the war and remained in Augusta where he set up his own household and worked as a blacksmith. Samuel also enlisted in the military, as a substitute for George M. Eggleston in the 14th Virginia Cavalry. During the war, he suffered several injuries, but survived the surrender and was paroled after the war. After the war, Samuel lived on a farm with Margaret, probably his mother.


The following links provide access to the most likely matches in the Valley of the Shadow databases:

William H. Dunlap Household

Samuel A. Dunlap Household

Other Dunlaps


William H. Dunlap writes to his sister, Elizabeth Rife, to tell her that his company will march to Harpers Ferry on Tuesday and that he may not see her again. He also tells of other soldiers visits home and watch duty.