Charles Minor Blackford

Charles Minor Blackford
Born	Template:Birth date Virginia, U.S.
Died	March 10, 1903(1903-03-10) (aged 69)
Occupation(s)	Attorney, writer, bank president
Known for	Narratives and letters about the American Civil War

Charles Minor Blackford (born October 17, 1833 – died March 10, 1903) was a Virginia-based attorney and writer known for his narratives about the American Civil War. His letters sent to his wife during the conflict, published after his death, offer significant perspectives on life within the Confederate forces. Blackford’s military involvement included participation in major engagements ranging from Manassas through Gettysburg to Appomattox.

Biography

At the outbreak of the war, Blackford joined the 2nd Virginia Cavalry and later, in 1863, became part of Longstreet's Corps within the Army of Northern Virginia. His service was primarily concentrated in northern Virginia, including areas near the Rappahannock and Rapidan Rivers, the Shenandoah Valley, and at Gettysburg. In 1864, he accompanied Longstreet’s troops to Chattanooga and subsequently returned with them until the war’s end.

Following the conflict, Blackford resumed his legal career and rose to become president of the People's National Bank of Lynchburg. He was a founding member and served as president (1894–1895) of The Virginia Bar Association. Additionally, he held roles as director and legal counsel for the Virginia Midland Railroad, which later merged into the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. In 1881, he produced a legal history detailing the Virginia Midland Railroad.

In 1894, Blackford and his spouse Susan Leigh Blackford privately issued Memoirs of Life in and Out of the Army in Virginia During the War Between the States, noted for its comprehensive depiction of Appomattox.

A condensed edition of Blackford’s wartime correspondence, entitled Letters from Lee's Army, was publicly released in 1947 and received acclaim for its engaging stories and historical significance. This edition saw a reprint in 1998.