This series contains 9 folders in box 1 and 27 folders in box 2.

S4-1-109: Junior Ball, March 15, 1969

S4-1-110: Junior Ball, March 14, 1970

S4-1-111: Junior Ball, March 27, 1971

S4-1-112: Junior Ball, February 26, 1977

S4-1-113: Junior Banquet- Class of 1907, February 21, 1906

S4-1-114: Junior Banquet- Class of 1908, February 21, 1907

S4-1-115: Junior Banquet- Class of 1909, February 21, 1908

S4-1-116: Junior Banquet- Class of 1911, February 21, 1910

S4-1-117: Junior Banquet- Class of 1912, February 21, 1911

S4-2-01: Junior Banquet- Class of 1914, February 21, 1913

S4-2-02: Junior Banquet- Class of 1915, March 7, 1914

S4-2-03: Junior Banquet- Class of 1916, March 12, 1915

S4-2-04: Junior Banquet- Class of 1917, March 3, 1916

S4-2-05: Junior Banquet- Class of 1921, March 23, 1920

S4-2-06: Junior Banquet- Class of 1922, March 5, 1921

S4-2-07: Junior Banquet- Class of 1923, April 17, 1922

S4-2-08: Junior Banquet- Class of 1924, April 13, 1923

S4-2-09: Junior Banquet- Class of 1926, May 29, 1925

S4-2-10: Junior Banquet- Class of 1927, May 28, 1926

S4-2-11: Junior Banquet- Class of 1929, June 1, 1928

S4-2-12: Junior Banquet- Class of 1933, June 2, 1932

S4-2-13: Junior Banquet- Class of 1935, May 31, 1934

S4-2-14: Junior Banquet- Class of 1940, June 1, 1939

S4-2-15: Junior Banquet- Class of 1944, January 21, 1943

S4-2-16: Junior Banquet - Class of 1948, May 3, 1946

S4-2-17: Junior Banquet- Class of 1968, March 18, 1967

S4-2-18: Junior Class Dance, November 30, 1912

S4-2-19: Junior Class Dance, March 3, 1917

S4-2-20: Junior Prom, April 15, 1914

S4-2-21: Junior Prom, May 29, 1930

S4-2-22: Junior Prom, June 2, 1932

S4-2-23: Junior Prom, June 1, 1933

S4-2-24: Junior Prom, May 31, 1934

S4-2-25: Junior Prom, June 1, 1939

S4-2-26: Junior Prom, January 21, 1943

S4-2-27: Junior Prom, May 3, 1946

This series contains 13 folders in box 2.

S5-2-28: Sophomore Ball, April 8, 1949

S5-2-29: Sophomore Ball, April 19, 1958

S5-2-30: Sophomore Ball, February 18, 1967

S5-2-31: Sophomore Ball, February 17, 1968

S5-2-32: Sophomore Ball, February 15, 1969

S5-2-33: Sophomore Ball, February 14, 1970

S5-2-34: Sophomore Ball, February 6, 1971

S5-2-35: Sophomore Ball, February 10, 1973

S5-2-36: Sophomore Ball, February 1, 1975

S5-2-37: Sophomore Ball, February 10, 1979

S5-2-38: Sophomore Hop, April 21, 1915

S5-2-39: Sweetheart Revue, April 26, 1946

S5-2-40: Sweetheart Revue, May 4, 1948

This series consists of the following 3 folders in Box 3:

S3-3/18: Introductions to Gregg Press editions of Philip K. Dick's Counter-Clock World, Time Out of Joint, Vulcan's Hammer, and The World Jones Made. 1979 (photocopies)

S3-3/19: L.A. Weekly 12 (49) (November 9-15, 1990), with a story on Philip K. Dick (photocopy)

S3-3/20: Video Watchdog 20 (November/December 1993), with a story on Blade Runner (photocopy)

This collection consists mainly of correspondence (1858-1888) in which Brigadier General William Wallace Burns, of the United States Army, gives detailed accounts of Civil War battles fought during the Peninsular Campaign (March-August 1862), particularly the Seven Days Battles (June 25 - July 1, 1862 ), including Peach Orchard, Allen's Farm, Savage Station, Glendale, Nelson's Farm, and Malvern Hill. Burns discusses topics such as military strategy, troop movements, military surgeons, weather conditions during battles, building pontoon bridges, building defense works and, and capturing Confederate works. One letter is present from the Mexican-American War (1846-1848).

Also included is personal correspondence with high-ranking officials such as President Abraham Lincoln, U. S. Secretary of War Charles Stanton, General Henry W. Halleck, General Winfield Scott Hancock, General George McClellan, General William Starke Rosecrans, and Major General Edwin Vose Sumner, as well as Emil Schalk who was a war journalist. The latter correspondence concerns political viewpoints on the causes of the war, primarily slavery, as well as the conduct and outcome of the war.

Some correspondence (1888-1904) was written just before and after Burns' death among family members, notably his grandchildren Lloyd Burns Magruder, who was a cadet at the United States Military Academy, and Pauline Magruder, as well as William Wallace Burns' sister Mabelle Burns, usually called "Mab." A substantial group of letters to Mabelle Burns is from her suitor for marriage, B. L. Prince. A few of the family letters from Pauline Magruder to her Aunt Mabelle Burns are written in French from Paris, France.

Also present is a substantial group of copies of military orders and official reports focused on Burns' thwarted ambitions to become Major General, and lead a Division in the Army of the Cumberland under the command of General Rosecrans. Apparently Burns believed political maneuverings of high governmental officials obstructed his promotion to Major General and precipitated his resignation as Brigadier General in 1863.

A few financial records and documents from legal proceedings are included concerning disputed rights to the "Sibley Tent," an invention whose patent royalties were eventually shared by Burns with Henry Hastings Sibley. Also present are a few documents concerning Texas real estate transactions.

S2-1/6
A - Letter to Burns from an unknown person. Exceedingly difficult to read letter written to Burns from someone who appears to have worked with him…or will soon work with him in the subsistence department. There are hints of problems in the operations. Handwritten. 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 4 pages, circa 1858.

B - Letter from Burns to an unknown individual. This letter discusses the political issues of the time with someone who must be in a leadership position. Handwritten. 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 4 pages, 22 May 1861.

C - Letter to Burns from a W. D Bickham. The letter discusses the political climate as well as extends many compliments to Burns. Handwritten. 2 sheets, 4 leaves, 8 pages, 9 July 1862.

D - Letter from Burns to an unknown woman, possibly a writer. This letter is written in defense of McClellan and appears to be written in response to an editorial. Handwritten. 1 leaf, 1 page, 18 November 1862.

E - Letter from Thomas J. Blakeney. Letter concerning Burns' resignation and written by someone who was possibly a fellow officer. 13 March 1863.

F - Letter from James S. Griffiths to Burns. This letter is from a soldier who was apparently under Burns' command at the time he was relieved. The letter expresses affection and admiration for Burns. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 3 pages, 29 March 1863.

G - Letter from Emil Schalk to Burns. This letter is from a war journalist to Burns and expresses disappointment in Burns' resignation from his position as Brigadier General. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 4 pages, 1 April 1863.

H - Letter from Emil Schalk to Burns. The letter apparently responds to one from Burns and discusses other Union generals as well as personal observation. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 3 pages, 5 October 1863.

I - Letter from Burns to an unnamed General. Letter presumably accompanied an "extract of service" in which Burns offers to embellish this general's "succinct, concise, terse and nervous style." Handwritten, 1 leaf, 1 page, 24 February 1864.

J - Letter from a publisher to Burns. The letter requests a "short sketch of your life" for an upcoming book on the history of Ohio's participation in the War of the Rebellion. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 1 page, 20 February 1865.

K - Letter from an illegible name. The letter discusses a change in command and is on stationery from Headquarters Second Military District, Charleston, S. C. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 2 pages, 19 February 1868.

L - Letter to Burns from W. B. Franklin. The letter discusses apparently a mutual friend, "Baldy" who is going to Egypt and Europe. The letter also discusses briefly concerns about the economy and President Grant. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 2 pages. 23 October 1873.

M - Letter from J. A. Garfield to Burns. The letter responds to a letter written by Burns and casually discusses the financial market at the time. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 2 pages, 27 October 1875.

N - Letter to U. S. Grant from Burns. The letter expresses that he felt Grant lacked confidence in him but that he would support Grant in his rise to the top. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 1 August 1876.

O - Letter from W. B. Franklin to Burns. The letter discusses the political situation within the Service. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 2 pages, 24 June 1878.

P - Letter from Mary [N?] Banning to "Mab." Letter acknowledges receipt of a package and goes on to describe the family Christmas holidays. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 3 pages, 28 December 1878.

Q - Letter from M. [N?] Banning to "Mab." Letter discusses travel plans and is chiefly social commentary. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 3 pages, 5 May 1879.

R - Letter from M. [N?] Banning to "Mab." Letter discusses household issues such as trouble with servants and children. Handwritten, 2 sheets, 3 leaves, 5 pages, 14 July 1879.

S - Letter from Burns to Dr. Henry [Coppee?] from Burns. Letter appears to be a copy and is a strong editorial concerning the goings on at West Point. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 3 pages, 188?.

T - Letter to an unnamed General from Burns. Letter appears to be a draft and outlines good faith effort on the part of Burns to build the reputation of the unnamed person being addressed in this letter and gives reassurance of friendship-possibly to McClellan? Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 2 pages, 9 June 1880.

U - Letter from Burns to "Mr. Elect," J. A. Garfield. Letter is an editorial concerning the idea of centralization of government. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 3 pages, 15 November 1880.

V - Letter from Burns to "Mr. President." Letter describes his misfortunate non-appointment to Major General. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 1 page, circa 1881.

W - Letter from Burns to "Mr. President." Letter appears to be a draft similar in content to 3/22 of this series. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 1 page, circa 1881.

X - Letter from [Hancock?] to Burns. Letter is extremely difficult to read but discusses a friendship with Burns and offers encouragement. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 2 pages, 15 July 1881.

Y - Letter from Burns to "Corbin" (Garfield). This letter is a frank political discussion. In (someone else's?) pencil handwriting, there appears to be a guest list for a dinner party. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 3 pages, 13 August 81.

Z - Letter from [McCartery?] to Burns. This letter is written on watermarked and engraved "City of Charleston" stationery in apparent response to Burns' complaint about a news article; the letter is bitingly frank about the political situation. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 2 pages, 8 December 1882.

AA - Note from Hancock to Burns. Appears to have been a cover note with an attachment (not present). Handwritten, 1 leaf, 1 page, 12 November 1884.

BB - Letter to Burns from "Editor" of The Century Magazine. This appears to be a note acknowledging an inaccuracy of a name and its correction in an article. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 1 leaves, 4 pages, 6 June 1885.

CC - Letter to McClellan from Burns. This letter discusses and article that McClellan wrote in Century concerning a battle fought on June 29, 1862 (23 years after) and how it was "too general" in its content. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 1 page, 18 June 1883.

DD - Letter from W. B. Franklin to Burns. This letter is a request that Burns clarify, in an editorial he was getting published in The Century Magazine, that Franklin ordered certain troops during the Savage Station fight. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 1 page, 15 May 1885.

EE - Letter to Burns from [RPS?]. This letter is from someone in Texas and is a detailed description of goings on in the area-implies that Burns might have been interested in buying land there. 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 4 pages, 20 May 1885.

FF - Letter to Burns from [Muckle?]. This is a note that appears to have accompanied a set of newspapers (The Public Ledger, Philadelphia) containing an article that Burns wrote. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 2 pages, 4 November 1885.

GG - Letter from C. A. Whittier to Burns. Letter is an apparent response to a letter from Burns from an apparent close acquaintance. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 2 pages, 1 May 1886.

HH - Letter from Burns to Mrs. Geo. B. McClellan. This is an expression of admiration for McClellan and undying defense of his record-posthumous? 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 2 pages, 25 December 1886.

II - Letter from H. M. Black to Burns. This appears to be a letter from a former classmate at the U. S. Military Academy (1847?) and seems to be some sort of clarification concerning his rank in the war. 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 3 pages, 24 January 1887.

JJ - Letter from W. B. Franklin to Burns. This letter is very specific in clarifying certain events from the war and discusses Senate testimony. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 2 pages, 22 February 1887.

KK - Letter from Burns to H. V. Buckley. Response to an announcement of a formation of an association of the Philadelphia Brigade. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 1 page, 26 February 1887.

LL - Letter from William Prior, Secretary to Burns. Note of explanation that apparently accompanied an obituary of a soldier who had possibly served with Burns. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 2 pages, 7 March 1888.

MM - Letter to Burns from jeweler Bailey, Banks, and Biddle. Letter accompanied a proof set of buttons for West Point to be approved by Burns. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 1 page, 29 October 1888.

NN - Letter from [M.?] to Burns. Signature line is illegible but letter is on letterhead from "Society of the Army of the Cumberland - Office of the Corresponding Secretary" and discusses General Rosecrans and injustices. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 1 page, 31 January 1889.

OO - Letter from James Quinlan to Burns. Letter announces that he has received the Congressional Medal of Honor and credits Burns for making it possible. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 1 page, 13 March 1891.

PP - Letter from William S. Stockton to Burns. Letter requests Burns' contribution to a History of the California Regiment written on letterhead from the Association of Survivors 71st Penna. Vols. (California Regiment). Handwritten, 3 sheets, 6 leaves, 3 pages, 18 August 1891.

QQ - Letter from J. B. Alvord to Burns. A very informative letter describing memories of the battlefield and conveying the kinship these men apparently shared. Handwritten, 2 sheets, 4 leaves, 4 pages, 24 November 1891.

RR - Letter from James J. Quinlan to Burns. This is a response to a letter from Burns, apparently, and discusses how Burns was responsible for the ultimate victory by McClellan at Savage Station. Letterhead: Meagher's Irish Brigade Association Headquarters, 69th Regiment Armory. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 1 page, 29 December 1891.

SS - Letter from H.M Holmes to Burns. This is a rather confrontational letter from an attorney in Mason, Texas to Burns concerning a dispute over some land rights in Texas. Handwritten, 2 sheets, 4 leaves, 2 pages, 11 May 1892.

TT - Letter from J. B. Allen to Mrs. Burns. Letter refers to "your late husband, Genl W. W. Burns" and expresses appreciation to her having sent copies of his papers to be read at a meeting of the Brigade Association. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 2 pages, 15 May 1893.

UU - Letter (very difficult to read) with an illegible signature to [Sen?]. This letter seems to refer to an election. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 2 pages, 1 November [year?].

VV - Notes by Burns. Handwriting indicates that this may have been written when he was quite elderly/feeble. It describes "Mexican Pensions" and makes several comments that indicate that he thought U. S. Military Academy graduates had been bypassed or discriminated against. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 1 page, Undated.

WW - Notes by Burns. Although this is unsigned, it is most likely written by Burns. It is an apparent draft of a note to an editor asking why an article had not been published and implies bias against McClellan. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 1 page, Undated.

XX - Notes by Burns. It is unclear what this is but it is in Burns' handwriting. It may be a transcription of something he saw but it regards a Broadway playwright named E. A. Sothern and a Chicago lawyer who wrote him a letter. It is in verse. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 3 pages, Undated.

YY - Letter from Burns to "Messrs Editors." This letter adamantly asserts certain historical inaccuracies in a news article and attempts to provide information. Handwritten, 2 sheets, 3 leaves, 3 pages, Undated.

This collection contains the scrapbook from Seaman First Class Guthrie Fitzhugh Layne, Jr during World War II, including a detailed finding guide.

This collection was compiled to preserve the sentiments of people in many walks of life across Texas A&M University and the surrounding area of Bryan-College Station.

Letters from George Armstrong to Nell Steel Armstrong, Jan. 1913-1920, and undated.

Letters from George Armstrong to Nell Steel Armstrong, Jan. 1913-1920, and undated.

Letters from George Armstrong to Nell Steel Armstrong, Jan. 1913-1920, and undated.

Letters from George Armstrong to Nell Steel Armstrong, Jan. 1913-1920, and undated.

Letters from George Armstrong to Nell Steel Armstrong, Jan. 1913-1920, and undated.

Letters from George Armstrong to Nell Steel Armstrong, Jan. 1913-1920, and undated.

Letters from George Armstrong to Nell Steel Armstrong, Jan. 1913-1920, and undated.

Letters from George Armstrong to Nell Steel Armstrong, Jan. 1913-1920, and undated.

Letters from George Armstrong to Nell Steel Armstrong, Jan. 1913-1920, and undated.

Letters from George Armstrong to Nell Steel Armstrong, Jan. 1913-1920, and undated.

Letters from George Armstrong to Nell Steel Armstrong, Jan. 1913-1920, and undated.

Letters from George Armstrong to Nell Steel Armstrong, Jan. 1913-1920, and undated.

Letters from George Armstrong to Nell Steel Armstrong, Jan. 1913-1920, and undated.

Letters from George Armstrong to Nell Steel Armstrong, Jan. 1913-1920, and undated.

Letters from George Armstrong to Nell Steel Armstrong, Jan. 1913-1920, and undated.

Letters from Nell Steel Armstrong to her mother or sister, official correspondence for Nell Steel Armstrong'snursing service and George Armstrong'smilitary service. Family correspondence to the married couple, George Armstrong's diary for 1914, an American Civil War letter (1862) by William Steel to his brother James G. Steel (Nell's father), with two poems (1863) collected by William Steel, photographs of George and Nell Steel Armstrong, either separately, together, or in goups, newspaper clippings, a few programs and Christmas cards.

Letters from Nell Steel Armstrong to her sister, Mrs. James D. (Ethel) Withgott.

Letters from Nell Steel Armstrong to her sister, Jane Steel.

George Armstrong Official Correspondence and Documents, 1918-1919; includes military papers.

Misc. Personal Letters, to George and Nell Floss Steel from friends and family, 1912-1916

Misc. Personal Letters, to George Armstrong from friends and family, 1917

Misc. Personal Letters, to George Armstrong from friends and family, 1917

Diploma, George Armstrong, Corporal in 13th Recruit Co., General Service Infantry, 1 Jan 1909
Diploma, George Armstrong, Corporal in 10th Recruit Co., General Service Infantry 17 April 1909
Diploma, George Armstrong, Sergeant in 10th Recruit Co., General Service Infantry 1 June 1909
Diploma, George Armstrong, Sergeant in 10th Recruit Co., General Service Infantry 13 Dec. 1911
Diploma, George Armstrong, Corporal in Co. F of 27th Regiment, Infantry 15 Jan. 1914
Diploma, George Armstrong, Corporal in 10th Recruit Co., General Service Infantry 26 Sept. 1914
Diploma, George Armstrong, Sergeant in 10th Recruit Co., General Service Infantry 21 March 1916
Diploma, Nell Floss Steel, Protestant Hopsital Assoc. Training School for Nurses 25 Dec. 1908

• Six notebooks or exercise tablets, each measuring 26 x 21 cm.
• Five of the exercise tablets have red cloth taped binding at the tops, with white machine ruled pages and white paper covers, illustrated with a design which includes the United States flag with 44 gold stars and thirteen stripes on it, aloft against a pale blue sky, with "THE STARS AND STRIPES" in gold letters outlined in red at the top.
• Since these tablets couldn't have been produced at least until after 1890 when Wyoming became the forty-fourth state in the Union, this copy of the diary had to have been copied out twenty-five years or more after the original entries were made in 1862-1865.
• The sixth exercise tablet is similar in size, but with green tape binding at the top, a buff-colored cover, and a design incorporating a leaf and vine design in which the words "A COLUMBUS EXERCISE TABLET, PRICE 5 CTS" is divided in the center by a round seal of a sun rising over a tree-surrounded field of harvested wheat sheaves labeled "THE SEAL OF OHIO LINE". Below is an underlined space labeled "Name" and beside it another underlined space labeled "Teacher".
• All six notebooks have been rubber-stamped in black ink on covers and all pages, probably by a later owner in the twentieth century, with a three-line label: "Civil War Diary of, John Henry Bliler, 1862-1863-1864-1865".
• Front covers of the notebooks are also inscribed in ink as well, apparently in John Henry Bliler's hand, with a numbering sequence as follows:
  • "no 2 of 7 AND No. 1 of 7"
  • "No 3 OF 7, From November 11, 1863, To May 16 [carat] inclusive 1864"
  • "NO 4 OF 7, From May 17, 1864, To [unclear] 3rd [ditto i.e. 1864] inclusive"
  • "NO 5 OF 7, From October 4, 1864, to November 30 inclusive 1864"
  • "From November 30, 1865 to April 12, 1863 [Note: part of this in pencil to replace information from a torn area on cover], No 6 OF 7"
  • "No 7 OF 7"
• Pages of the diary are numbered continuously in the lower right corner of each notebook in pencil: 1-9 [i.e. 8], 9, 11-25 [notebook "No 2"]; 26-44 [notebook "No 3"]; 45-64 [notebook "No 4"]; 65-83 [notebook "No 5"]; 84-106 [notebook "No 6"]; 107-123 [notebook "No 7"].
• The penciled page numbers and a few other notes were probably made by a later owner of the diary, to construct the index which accompanies the photostatic copy of the original pages and the typewritten transcript held in a blue three-ring binder, described in Series 2. The text of the black-inked three-line rubber stamped label on the notebooks' covers and pages match exactly that of the typed label affixed to the front cover of this blue three-ring binder.
• Each of the first five exercise books is also stamped in blue ink on the cardboard back cover with a three-line label: "From STEIGLER BROS., 520 Central Avenue, HOT SPRINGS, - ARK." Steigler Brothers is a bookstore and may have been the original purveyor of the blank exercise books.
• Entries written by Bliler are in pencil and black or blue ink. All pages have come apart from the top bindings of the exercise tablets. Some water damage obscures a few entries, and a very few pages have torn edges by which portions of entries have been lost irretrievably, but the handwriting is overall very legible.

• Photocopy made by the repository in February 2003 on archival paper to use as a surrogate, or for reproduction purposes of all materials in the notebook, as well as the condensation of the diary.