Research Catalog

Details

Description

1. .3 linear foot (1 box).

Summary

1. Collection consists of correspondence, Van Lew's personal narrative, notes, photographs, artifacts, and clippings. Correspondence, 1862-1901, contains letters to and from Van Lew as well as letters relating to her activities. Bulk of the collection is her personal narrative of the war in Richmond. Also, notes on her ancestry and spying; photographs; artifacts, such as rings and studs carved by federal prisoners and given to her in gratitude for her services in their behalf; the cipher she used to send messages to Union commanders; and newsclippings concerning her death.

Subject

1. Van Lew, Elizabeth L., 1818-1900. - [Browse in index]
2. Van Lew family. - [Browse in index]
3. Espionage. - [Browse in index]
4. Richmond (Va.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865. - [Browse in index]
5. United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives. - [Browse in index]
6. United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Secret service. - [Browse in index]
7. United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Prisoners and prisons. - [Browse in index]

Genre/Form

1. Photographic prints.

Call number

1. MssCol 3135

Language

1. English

Access (note)

1. Restricted access;
2. Microfilm must be used in lieu of originals.
3. Access to artifacts requires advance permission of the Curator of Manuscripts.

Additional formats (note)

1. available on microfilm;

Biography (note)

1. Elizabeth L. Van Lew (1818-1900) was an American abolitionist and federal agent during the U.S. Civil War. She aided the Union cause by providing intelligence reports from Richmond, Virginia, where she lived. She helped Union prisoners escape from their captors and also was involved in the "underground railroad". After the war, President Grant appointed her Postmaster of Richmond; then in 1877 she went to Washington, D.C. to work in the U.S. Post Office Department. She returned to Richmond during the Cleveland administration and spent her remaining years working for women's rights.

Processing action (note)

1. Cataloged

Restricted access

1. Restricted access; Manuscripts and Archives Division; Permit must be requested at the division indicated.

Additional formats

1. Entire collection available on microfilm; New York Public Library; *ZL-323

Finding aids

1. Collection guide available in repository and on internet.

Connect to:

1. NYPL Digital Collections
2. Finding Aid

Occupation

1. Abolitionists.
2. Spies.