James E. Edmonds, was the son of Major and Mrs. J.E. Edmonds of Rosedale, Mississippi. Major Edmonds was a 1854 graduate of the University of Mississippi. James E. Edmonds also attended the University, and a significant number of letters in the collection were written during his tenure as a student between 1896 and 1900. (Note: Currently, only materials dated through 1900 are available online.)
Edmonds first entered the University in the fall of 1896, at the age of 16. Although Edmonds attended the University for four years, neither the Alumni Directory nor the Historical Catalogue list him as a graduate. During his years as a student, Edmonds was affiliated with the Hermaean Society and the Blackstone Society. He studied law, and played on both the baseball and football teams. Perhaps his greatest distinction as a student is his work as the illustrator on the first Ole Miss Yearbook, printed in 1897. Edmonds was a talented artist, as the sketches he included in his letters will attest.
Edmonds was also a very informative and interesting correspondent. The letters he wrote while at the University cover a wide array of topics. He discusses University affairs: professors, students, fraternities, athletics, course work and, of course, production of the yearbooks. He also chronicles local events of interest, such as an outbreak of typhoid fever at Union Female College. National and international issues also did not escape his interest. He writes of the 1896 election and local reaction to the defeat of William Jennings Bryan, whom he supported, and he writes passionately of the oncoming of the Spanish-American War.
Image from this collection: "James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J.E. Edmonds (19 September 1896)"
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (April 1897)
James E. Edmonds
Announces plans to return home and take exams the following year due to the high water at home; discusses law department society and fraternity life; his thoughts on returning home and its affect on his academic and campus life; his new suit and acknowledges receipt of $25.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (December 1897)
James E. Edmonds
Discusses fraternity happenings surrounding Mr. Lemuel; announces he was elected editor from the class of 1900 for the school paper, The University Record; discusses newspaper happenings; discusses wardrobe and room furnishings; asks about life at home; discusses roommate; expresses doubts about being able to attend commencement; discusses work options after school. Mentions landlady.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (November 1897)
James E. Edmonds
Discusses encounter with the Chancellor regarding his 26-hour course load; housing, landlady, and life with his roommates; romantic interest that knows Cousin Annie; asks his parents to return home for dinner with Cousin Cerce.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (October 1896)
James E. Edmonds
Describes his busy Sunday, in which he woke early to read and study, attended church, then dined out with a club-mate and went to the Y.M.C.A., among other activities. Mentions monetary gift from one of his cousins and that one of his club-mates, Donald Ross, is the nephew of L.Q.C. Lamar.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major J. E. Edmonds (10 April 1900)
James E. Edmonds
Details heavy expenses; recent illness; an encounter with one of his father's club-mates; asks for his father's input on the duties of a toast-master.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major J. E. Edmonds (16 June 1900)
James E. Edmonds
Announces the end of Vicksburg trip; took 2nd place at the speaking engagement; discusses class and social encounters; expresses concern for his mother over Uncle Perry's death.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (11 February 1900)
James E. Edmonds
Written on DKE stationery. Describes a quiet Sunday afternoon; an encounter with the Library Society in which they announced intentions to try him for unpaid dues; lectures and books.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (25 March 1900)
James E. Edmonds
Describes reaction to his parents' last letter that he read to his platonic friend; describes new-found habits in his correspondence, including contact with pre-college friends; discusses upcoming ball and banquet, which will feature alumni from Vanderbilt, Tulane and the University of Alabama; discusses classes and studying; requests $15 for book money.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (26 February 1900)
James E. Edmonds
Remarks on the end of second semester exams; describes law work and remarks on its ease; describes a party with classmates that ended badly for a friend; expresses desire to take lessons; outlines expenses.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (2 April 1900)
James E. Edmonds
Discusses schedule change; weekend happenings, church and social life; club elections, including his appointment as toast-master for an upcoming 50th anniversary occasion; asks about home affairs, particularly the river; announces plans to possible go to Kosciusko to represent the school in an event.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (6 May 1900)
James E. Edmonds
Written on Ole Miss stationery. Discusses baseball victory over Tulane; events in and around Oxford; trip to Vicksburg; law classes and readings; the impending publication of the annual; the upcoming marriage of a family friend as well as a double wedding at graduation.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (February 1900)
James E. Edmonds
Written on Hickey Hotel stationery; discusses Sunday allowance and letter; explains why he is writing from a Hotel (due to an event at the Opera house); describes event; sends good wishes home.
-
James E. Edmonds to Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (22 May 1900)
James E. Edmonds
Expresses concern over his mother's lack of correspondence after Uncle Perry's death; discusses the death of Uncle Percy and his mother's response; mentions fraternity banquet and announces date for his return home.
-
Unknown to "My dearest Aunt" (3 April 1900)
Author Unknown
Written on New York Life Insurance Company stationery. Expresses gratitude for chickens; discusses home affairs and neighbors; discusses farm life.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (10 April 1898)
James E. Edmonds
Discusses academics; includes table of classes and grades on page 2; expresses concern that they cannot find common ground regarding his grades; turns attention to other topics: Cuba, studies, his beloved, clothing and laundry.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (14 February 1898)
James E. Edmonds
Describes campus reaction to the 'fever' and the plans to close down immediately if it does break out; acknowledges receipt of note and pay from the paper; explains newspaper happenings; mentions seeing Percy again; asks for more information on home affairs; discusses recent reading.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (15 March 1898)
James E. Edmonds
Describes preparation for examinations; campus response to conflict with Spain [Spanish-American War]; describes involvement of students in the National Guard.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (16 May 1898)
James E. Edmonds
Revisits his position on enlisting; asks for the buggy to be fixed and fishing in Bolivar.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (23 April 1898)
James E. Edmonds
Discusses the Spanish-American War, the call for volunteers and related campus involvement. Describes happenings around Oxford; church life; inquires about rumors that a company of soldiers is in Rosedale; mentions that he doesn't want to stay behind while the soldiers fight; doesn't think his parents can object to his participation in the war.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (24 January 1898)
James E. Edmonds
Written on DKE stationery; announces the end of exams; explains testing schedule and his absences; his weekend schedule, including church; discusses social life; a college-wide meeting; asks about home, specifically construction of the levees.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (25 February 1898)
James E. Edmonds
Describes illustrating for the annual; his social life, namely calling on his friend, Kate, along with several of his classmates; addresses his parents' concern regarding his social life; outlines expenses.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (25 May 1898)
James E. Edmonds
Remarks on the close of the semester, finals, and classes; remarks on Spanish-American War coverage in the news; comments on the war and politics; remarks on his social life.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (27 March 1898)
James E. Edmonds
Announces the end of final examinations; outlines grades, grading procedure, class schedule; lists a syllogism given during exams; asks about home affairs; acknowledges receipt of $25; describes committee involvement; sends messages to various family members; announces he intends to get a job working for a Cuban newspaper war-correspondents staff; expresses hope to see combat.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (2 May 1898)
James E. Edmonds
Announces that minors must have parental consent to enter the Spanish-American War, and his parents have refused it. Describes his thoughts on the War, his place in it, and its potential effects; describes Commander Dewey; jubilation on campus; describes sporting events.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (30 January 1898)
James E. Edmonds
Discusses exam results; explains grading system; discusses recent fraternity changes.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (3 April 1898)
James E. Edmonds
Explains recently returned grades & announces new policy of announcing grades in class (by special permission); discusses sporting events; his new friends from the Delta; asks about his parents' travels and home affairs, particularly the river; asks how the Cuban news is affecting them.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (6 February 1898)
James E. Edmonds
Discusses political boom on campus; interactions with various people during the excitement, fraternity involvement; sophomore vote for class captain; lists yearly average and class standing.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (6 March 1898)
James E. Edmonds
Outlines grades and demerits; describes progress illustrating for the annual; describes church attendance.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (6 May 1898)
James E. Edmonds
Describes desire to enlist in the Spanish-American War without his parents' consent; describes the Shakespearean Debate event in which he took third place; announces plans to have roommate visit and asks for his parents' assistance; discusses wardrobe and outlines needed supplies.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (12 December 1897)
James E. Edmonds
Discusses on-going conference on campus; describes invitation to dine with Dr. James and his response; addresses his parents' concern about his love life, insisting that he will have no Oxford girl; discusses upcoming speech in April; hopes his parents will return to Rosedale for Christmas; discusses social life; misses outdoors; asks about happenings in Bolivar; discusses his friend, Kate.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (12 January 1897)
James E. Edmonds
Announces his safe return to Oxford, assures his parents that he is attending all classes and mentions that the two-week exam period, when he will be too busy to write. Discusses his new roommate, John, that he recruited to offset the rent increase Mrs. Rascoe set forth. Discusses train ride and a request for drawing by Miss Alma Jones.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (13 March 1897)
James E. Edmonds
Expresses hope that his parents have received his report card; inventories expenses; explains the place of his illustrations in the book [probably The Ole Miss]; apologizes for upsetting his parents by asking for money from home. Remarks that everyone is at church and the Little Dormitory is as still as a mouse. Asks about home affairs and includes endnote to Cousin Lily.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (15 September 1897)
James E. Edmonds
Postcard. Announces arrival in town before the start of school and his intent to write once in Oxford.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (16 February 1897)
James E. Edmonds
Elaborates on his busy week that has once again hindered correspondence. Explains the need for new books. Discusses grades that have been returned from examinations and his plan to graduate in three years so that he can enter law school and embark on his career. Expresses hope to have school friends visit him the following summer.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (16 May 1897)
James E. Edmonds
Discusses the close of freshman year; asks his parents' opinion on fraternities and inquires about relatives in fraternities; asks for clothes to be sent to him; remarks on the use of his time socializing versus studying; remarks that he missed the Freshman medal by one vote; discusses the vote and what his classmate believes cost him the medal; concludes by announcing he has fallen in love.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (1897)
James E. Edmonds
Acknowledges receipt of box and details the destruction of it and its content, namely the cake. Asks for his mother to make another pair of curtains for his south windows.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (18 January 1897)
James E. Edmonds
Discusses studying and eating cake
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (20 December 1897)
James E. Edmonds
Acknowledges receipt of curtains and smoking jacket for his birthday; discusses upcoming Christmas break; mentions roommate; academic affairs, namely the absence of monthly reports; grades and classes; Chancellor's input regarding his hours; discusses readings; mentions disliking the Reveille arrangement.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (21 February 1897)
James E. Edmonds
Addresses his parents' concern over their perceived slacking church attendance. Complains about the high price and low quality of food at the boarding house; the scarcity of good meals and the overabundance of rice. Remarks on his heavy workload, particularly drawing.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (21 March 1897)
James E. Edmonds
Acknowledges receipt of parents' letter. Asks for them to send his camera as a local man is willing to load and develop the film; asks if they have received his request that his comic drawings be sent to him for his portfolio; discusses fraternity happenings.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (22 April 1897)
James E. Edmonds
Discusses the exodus of families from Rosedale following rising water levels; discusses Oxford and the campus; mentions Fulton Chapel and the library; mentions Miss Isom and performances. Concerned that parents have not received recent letters, acknowledges receipt of $50 and asks about family and home life in Rosedale.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (24 January 1897)
James E. Edmonds
Remarks on the news of the death of his Uncle Will and that he did not attend church that day due to examinations. Remarks on his busy schedule: four hundred pages of reading before midnight that night. Describes a feast held among his friends. Asks his parents to search his desk for a manuscript of a story about the man floating in the ice on the river that he sent to the Harpers Young People.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (27 December 1897)
James E. Edmonds
Discusses his first Christmas away from home; a college paper; details the R.H.R procession; mentions Union Female College.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (28 March 1897)
James E. Edmonds
Comments on a social gathering at a house with a few of his friends and three girls, remarks, Oh! You know not what you miss by not living in a college town, where everyone is involved in the other's business. Acknowledges receipt of his parents' letter and a box containing cake, candy and socks. Expands on the short life of the cake and candy but expresses hope that his socks will last until June. Inquires about home and discusses his current wardrobe and the need for new clothes and tailoring.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (2 May 1897)
James E. Edmonds
Discusses water problem back home; national and local papers and magazines; discusses baseball game; performance by University Orchestra; expresses frustration that the river rising has interfered with his social life; discusses holiday trip and its cost; mentions public-speaking engagement to freshman class. Acknowledges receipt of letter containing money
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (30 May 1897)
James E. Edmonds
Discusses functions he has attended, namely fraternity and sorority gatherings; describes interaction with sorority and fraternity members, including his friend Percy; qualifies P.S. of last letter by adding that he is not in love by any means. Acknowledges receipt of letter, $25 money order, and clothes; discusses Cousin Lillie and her family.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (3 March 1897)
James E. Edmonds
Describes conversation with a man who went to school here before the war, who graduated in the Class of 1854 and was a charter member of Delta Kappa Epsilon. Acknowledges his mistake in thinking that his old friends had left him he received an influx of letters from friends, including a girl that he met on the train back to Oxford after Christmas, who is a senior and Editor-in-chief of her college paper.
-
James E. Edmonds to Major & Mrs. J. E. Edmonds (6 March 1897)
James E. Edmonds
Discusses the annual and various clubs that have been organized: Stag Club, Turkey Club, Half a Dayers as well as fraternity life; his impending grade report; warns his parents about absences and possible demerits; asks for cake and other treats for a feast. Remarks that the Sutherland family has not yet arrived.