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"Bloody Colfax"

Distributed during the hotly contested Louisiana gubernatorial election of 1876, "The Colored Chiefs testify. . .The Hellish plot by which, through the slaughter of the negroes, the Kellogg usurpation secured Northern sympathy. . ."

GLC08396

Slavery contract

Contract between James Reed and "Providence, a negro man aged about twenty-eight years," binding Providence to Reed for ninety years. Reed planned on emigrating to Texas, then a provice of Mexico, where slavery was not legal.

GLC08397

To Joseph M. Maitland

Tells his son that "my prayer is daily that you all may be prepared that if the Master calleth you may be received to that Land where there is no more death, no more bloodshed." Informs him that General George Meade was "not quite swift enough to...

GLC03523.10.080

to Joseph M. Maitland

Asks his son not to "neglect your daily devotions and cast off your Confidence in God: for he is your only shield, and defense in the day of trouble." Continues on to report that he has heard that General Ambrose Burnside's old Corps has returned to...

GLC03523.10.091

to Joseph M. Maitland

Discusses a church sermon about religion and the war, during which the preacher stated, "any man be he Whig, Democrat, Republican, abolitionist or even Negro that would help to put down the Rebellion he would take them by they hand." States "I think...

GLC03523.10.095

to Joseph M. Maitland

Writes to "cousin," possibly Joseph M. Maitland, based on content. Writes, "I made a Union Speech which was well received by all except Vallandighammers of whom I will notice before I close... I am all over for Brough the union Candidate for Gov. & I...

GLC03523.10.099

to Joseph M. Maitland

Writes to his son, "I have been frequently asked by your old friends whether it is so that you have turned abolitionist: I have upon all occasions told them that I did not think it could be possible. and, it has even been thrown up in a taunting...

GLC03523.10.100

to Joseph M. Maitland

Informs his son, "We... have noticed by the papers that Rosencrans [sic] is pushing after the [Rebl] army and has possession of Chattanooga and that Burnside with his army has taken Cumberlan [sic] Gap with 2,000 Prisoners and 19 guns, and had also...

GLC03523.10.103

to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from a hospital in Mound City, Illinois. Reports he has been sick with fever for six weeks. Says the hospital is three stories high and capable of treating 6000 patients. Comments that war "...tries men's souls."...

GLC03523.31.10

to Andrew H. Foote

Written by Lavallette as Commander in Chief of the African Squadron to Lieutenant Foote. Forwards a letter he found in his papers (not included). Hopes Foote had a short passage and a pleasant meeting with his family and friends. Document has been...

GLC03479.19

to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from camp on the Mississippi River. Mentions the levee was cut and submerged the whole country around it, sweeping away many homes and forcing people to flee to higher ground. Reports visits from Union Generals Lorenzo...

GLC03523.31.22

[Order of picket guard]

Document titled, "Order of Piquet Guard." Lists 15 rules such as, "3. Contraband Negroes not allowed inside lines. 4. Wagons must not go beyond Stations for wood." The document is unsigned, however on the back there is a note written in pencil by...

GLC03523.10.074

to Elhanan M. Mast

Comments on a 4 July celebration at Urbana, Ohio: "the Orator of the day was Hon. West of Belfontaine. I heard part of the Oration, when a shower of rain coming up dispersed the assemblage for awhile. he was amplifying on the negro and beginning to...

GLC03523.10.079

to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Camp Tremont outside St. Louis. Mentions cooking for the soldiers when he has nothing else to do even though there are five cooks for each company. Says they just received their uniforms and bayonets. Explains in...

GLC03523.31.08

to his parents, brother, and sister

Writes that musicians have it the easiest in the regiment because they can always stay in camp and out of the weather. Mentions to Darius, his brother-in-law, that the musicians speak highly of him all the time. Writes that he is glad his mother...

GLC07460.040

to Joseph M. Maitland

Reports to son about the death of a family friend, Ben Morgan. Writes that "I asked him of his hope of Heaven. He said it was strong, strong enough to bear him over the Jordon of waters." Instructs his son to make himself acquainted with his officers...

GLC03523.10.061

to [James M. Maitland]

Tells his brother that he has been happily working at the Rolling Mill, where he has made 900 dollars. He is also in good health. Reports on farm activities and comments that their uncle, James Maitland died two years ago. States, "Conflict has come...

GLC03523.10.062

to Maria Damuth

Writes that the men are waiting to fight. A battle is going to take place at Pleasant Hill, thirty-five miles from their campsite. Tells a story about some men out on picket the day before who were captured by a plantation owner who "mad his negros...

GLC03523.14.52

to Maria Damuth

Describes being put on emergency picket outside town two days before. Damuth enjoys standing guard and complains only of the lack of blankets during the night. Tells of his fears during the night, wondering "which one of us had got to fall this...

GLC03523.14.55

to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister. The men are busy preparing for an inspection, because "they say that the Regt that passes the best inspection will do Provost Guard duty in the city this winter." Damuth has received a pair of suspenders from his family by...

GLC03523.14.77

to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister. Damuth has visited a friend from home stationed nearby. The friend is married to a girl who cooks for the army. Of the visit, Damuth writes, "that day was the first time I had sat down to a table with a woman since I ate...

GLC03523.14.78

to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister. The morning paper has brought news of "a peace movement…you cant think how the word peace sounds to us we at once begin to build castles in the air." Writes that Jefferson Davis probably "sees no hopes of ever getting his...

GLC03523.14.80

to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from camp outside St. Louis. Describes in great detail his trip down the Mississippi River aboard a government steamer "City of Alton." Mentions being applauded by Union people as they went down the river. Comments...

GLC03523.31.07

to Bell Wharton

Letter is not signed, but based on content it is likely written by Joseph Maitland. Expresses great pleasure at receiving her letter. Reports on the food in camp: coffee, sour bread, strong pork, rice and beans once in awhile. "We have an old nigger...

GLC03523.10.133

True Sons of Freedom

True Sons of Freedom broadside by Charles Gustrine, Chicago, Illinois. Depicts a regiment of African American soldiers gallantly assaulting a line of Germans with the spirit of Abraham Lincoln looking on approvingly.

GLC09121