AUGUSTA COUNTY, SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA CIVIL WAR RECONSTRUCTION ORIGINAL BOUND COPY BOOK, featuring a bound volume with cloth-covered front and back boards with a leather spine having gilt-printed "LETTERS", comprising 896-pages of parchment-copied correspondence from the Echols, Bell & Catlett Law Firm of Staunton, VA beginning in October 1865 to 1867, including assorted topics such as land sales, mineral speculation, and payment collection. Much of the conveyances occurring between individuals in the Mid-Atlantic and New England states including one letter enticing the receiver to "induce some of your New England capitalists to invest in" a particularly lucrative land tract. 1865-1867. 12" x 10". 
Catalogue Note: Founded by Confederate officers General John Echols (1823-1896), Major Henderson Moffett Bell (1826-1899), and Captain Richard Catlett (1828-1898), the firm was officially formed in 1865. Quickly becoming a success, the firm practiced in the State and Federal Courts at Staunton, and in the Circuit and County Courts of Rockbridge, Rockingham, and Alleghany Counties, amongst other endeavors. According to his obituary, Catlett oversaw the development of mineral resources in Virginia and West Virginia, eventually overseeing the real estate branch of the firm. Echols became heavily involved in the railroad, eventually serving in a managerial position for the Chesapeake, Ohio & Southwestern Railroad. He also served as president of the National Valley Bank of Staunton. In addition to the law practice, Bell also served as a representative from Augusta County in the State legislature. 

Very good condition, first parchment page torn but remaining having only some folds, chipping to edges, and/or fading.