The Gilmer family of Russell County was a very prosperous family that provided at least 14 Confederate soldiers. The Gilmer Family Papers, available on microfilm from the University of Virginia, is a collection of 148 items dating from 1856-1865. They include letters from John E. Gilmer while he was at college at Emory and Henry and during the Civil War. Civil War letters from his brothers Charles H., William R., and Cummings Gilmer are also included. I will be transcribing only a handful of the more important letters.

Letter 1 - written September 10, 1862 from William and Jane Gilmer to their son James, who was serving in the 37th Virginia Infantry.

Letter 2 - written July 16, 1863 from William R. Gilmer to his sister Martha. William was also serving in the 37th Virginia Infantry.

Letter 3 - written August 25, 1864 from Martha J. Gilmer to her brothers Charles Hayes and Cummings Gilmer, who were serving in the 29th Virginia Infantry.

Letter 4 - written September 3, 1864 from William R. Gilmer to his sister Martha from Fort Delaware prison camp.

Letter 5 - written September 19, 1864 from William R. Gilmer to his sister Martha from Fort Delaware, includes a note from A.S Brubeck of Augusta County, Va who found the letter and mailed it.

Letter 6 - written January 15, 1865 from Martha J. Gilmer to her brothers Charles Hayes and Cummings Gilmer.

Letter 7 - written June 19, 1861 from John E. Gilmer to his parents.

Letter 8 - written July 31, 1861 from John E. Gilmer to his parents.

Letter 9 - written July 17, 1861 from William Gilmer Sr. to his nephew John E. Gilmer.

Letter 10 - written May 16, 1863 from William R. Gilmer to his parents.