Scope and Content Note
The papers of Douglas Southall Freeman (1886-1953) span the years 1900-1979, with the bulk of the material dating between 1934 and 1954. The papers relate to nearly all of Freeman's activities other than his work as newspaper editor. The greater portion of the papers relates to his speeches, articles, lectures, and particularly to his books. There are manuscripts of many of his speeches and articles and nearly complete manuscripts and working papers for his major writings, including his biographies of Robert E. Lee and George Washington. His correspondence also reveals his interest in social and political affairs in Richmond, in Virginia, and across the nation. The papers are organized into nine series: Diaries, Journals, and Related Material; General Correspondence; Special Correspondence and Biographical File; Material Relating to the Death of Freeman; Speech, Article, and Book File; Research File; Miscellany; Additions, and Oversize.
Significant in the collection are transcripts, photostats, maps, and source material that Freeman used in the writing of his books. Notes and bibliographies are also included. Newspaper clippings, photographs, printed matter, programs, and other memorabilia complete the collection.
The papers reveal an extensive correspondence between Freeman and prominent historians, literary figures, politicians, educators, and military leaders including Frederic William Boatwright, Harry Flood Byrd, Colgate W. Darden, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ellen Glasgow, Dumas Malone, George C. Marshall, Allan Nevins, A. Willis Robertson, and Harry S. Truman. In addition there is business, professional, and social correspondence.