5 July 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 get into the merits of the sable race. I did not go back to hear the remainder reason why did not think it would pay." Notes that his son, Joseph, stationed near Vicksburg, recently moved to Black River. From the papers, learned that General Peter [Osterhaus] had been attacked by Confederate General Joseph Johnston's troops. Also read a report that…

GLC03523.10.079

17 July 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 Capture [General Robert E.] Lee and his Army after the Battle of Gettysburg. I think that if the Rebel Army of the Potomac could have been bagged with the taking of Vicksburg and Port Hudson there would seem to be some prospect of Conquering the Rebs. Our state was thrown into a great excitement by the entry of the Rebel Gen Morgan with about 5,000…

GLC03523.10.080

19 July 1863

S., Mattie, fl. 1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elhanan M. Mast

A vibrant letter written to "brother Mast." Writes, "Good morning brother Mast! What are you doing this delightful sabbath sunday! The bells are ringing the birds are singing and every thing and every body seems to say 'God and gratitude' and you Mr. Mast, you too should feel free from responsibility and sadness." Discusses soldiering, remarking how it has a "tendency to make you look sober." Comments on recent Union victories at Gettysburg, Vicksburg, and Port Hudson: "Vicksburg and Port Hudson have [certainly] fallen Charleston must capitulate. Rosecrans has been doing admirably, and Lees…

GLC03523.10.081

19 July 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Reports that the draft will begin in Kingston the following week. Discusses Morgan's Raid, noting "At last accounts Morgan and his men were still pursuing his course without much interruption." Complains that [Lieutenant Colonel] Benjamin P. Runkle was appointed by the Ohio Governor, David Tod, to stop Morgan with a militia force of three or four thousand, but so far Runkle has failed. Writes, "I cannot understand it why some men are permitted to enjoy ease and emolument while others have to suffer and endure so much hardship." Mentions the "3 days fighting at Gettysburg." Continues on about…

GLC03523.10.082

21 July 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elhanan M. Mast

Informs his brother-in-law, Lieutenant Colonel Mast, that he received a letter from his son, Joseph. Joseph was not at Vicksburg when the surrender took place because he moved with Sherman's corps to a location near Black River to monitor the movements of Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston. Reports that Colonel Benjamin P. Runkle is in pursuit of Confederate General John H. Morgan through Ohio. Writes, "Our community on last monday week was thrown into great commotion on the receipt of the news of the entry of Morgan into the State of Ohio. The Independent Companies of Militia were…

GLC03523.10.083

22 July 1863

Van Cleve, Horatio P., 1809-1891

Manuscript document

Title: [Van Cleve's General Orders No. 54]

Court martial document requiring Lieutenant Colonel Elhanan M. Mast to appear in court. Notes that the summons has been commanded by Major General Van Cleve and that the trial is for Colonel William C. Williams, 44th Indiana Volunteers. Signed by Ephraim A. Otis, Assistant Adjutant General to Van Cleve.

GLC03523.10.084

28 July 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elhanan M. Mast

Tells his brother-in-law, Lieutenant Colonel Mast, that he recently received letters from his son, Joseph Maitland, dated 6 and 12 July. Joseph reported that he was near Jackson, Mississippi, where there were ongoing skirmishes (as part of Sherman's corps, he had followed Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston's from Black River to Jackson). Describes Joseph's experience at Jackson, including a lack of water and standing for hours in the heat. Of news closer to home, writes, "John Morgan has been captured at last he was captured on Sunday near New Lisbon, Columbiana County, with all his staff…

GLC03523.10.086

31 July 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Discusses life on the farm. Notes that the draft is not in place in his county, but hopes it will be implemented soon. Discusses Morgan's Raid, writing, "John Morgan with 28 of his Officers are confined in the Ohio Penitentiary. The authorities intend keeping them as Hostages against those of our men who were taken in North Carolina." Argues that Morgan's Raid proved that all Northern Democrats are not traitors, since even citizens in the area of the notorious Peace Democrat/ Copperhead Clement Vallandigham remained loyal to the Union and supported Morgan's capture. Ohio authorities intend to…

GLC03523.10.087

2 August 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Writes to his son, informing him of their daily life. Discusses church in great detail, noting their Sabbath School is doing quite well. Also mentions Republican Party nominations for county offices.

GLC03523.10.088

5 August 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elhanan M. Mast

Reports to his brother-in-law, Lieutenant Colonel Mast, that he received word from his son Joseph near in Jackson, Mississippi. Joseph informed him that Confederate General Joseph Johnston evacuated Jackson 17 July. Writes, "I see it stated in the papers that Grant was a going to grant [struck: parole] [inserted: furlough] to one fifth of his army, if such be the case, perhaps Joseph will have a chance to come home awhile." Notes that Benjamin P. Runkle purchased a home in Urbana, commenting that Runkle did not "gain many Laurels" in the pursuit of Confederate General John Morgan during…

GLC03523.10.089

9 August 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Tells his son that his uncle, Elhanan Mast, is planning on running for "Representative or Clerk of the Court it is not determined which it is the intention of nominating a full Democratic ticket in the County of the War Democrats..." Praises Mast's capabilities for political office, noting that he enlisted in the service the day after the April 1861 attack on Fort Sumter that signalled the beginning og the Civil War. Reports that a local man, Joseph Pullens, "was ran out of Urbana by some half a dozen and stoned for halloeing for Vallandigham." Also notes that the Purtlebaugh home was broken…

GLC03523.10.090

16 August 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 Cincinnati and crossed over to Covington, Ohio. Hopes that Joseph will be sent from Black River, his current location, to somewhere closer to home. Recently went to a gathering where he enjoyed himself, despite the fact that the "crowd was so strongly abolition." Discusses local matters extensively, including local elections. Mention John Brough,…

GLC03523.10.091

17 August 1863

Maitland, Joseph M., 1836-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Grier Maitland

Writes to his brother from Camp Bear Creek. Tells him, "I am now seated in the Capt's Tent with no one to disturb me, and as I sit here my mind wanders back to the old Homestead, in my imagination I see you all as you ply your Evening Care, Mother busied washing dishes, &c Pap & your self eagerly reading the Contents of the 'Daily'... I can't help getting the 'Blues' a little, but then I think my Country needs my service... I believe it is my duty and I must not complain." Asks if Grier attended the "Grand Union Rally" at Urbana. Written in pencil.

GLC03523.10.092

19 August 1863

Maitland, Grier, fl. 1837-1920

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Writes to his brother from home, possibly Kingston, Ohio, detailing that they recently hosted a "Political meeting" at their house. Tells him that "Old Chaplain Shaffer made a slang and Bullyragging speech denounced every one in bitter terms did not exactly agree with and stirred up the people to anger so that they came near taking out some Democrats and if the crowd had done so there would have been a big fuss... "

GLC03523.10.093

21 August 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Provides details regarding Captain Warmock's recent good health. Reports that he has not heard positive things about Lieutenant Colwell. Informs his son, "I learned to day of another outbreak on Political Matters. The Union Party so called held a meeting somewhere in the vicinity of [struck: St. Paris] Carysville [Ohio] and on their return home they came in collision with some Democrats and one of the Union men struck a Democrat with his cane and he resented by stoning, when Jim McFarlan drew a revolver and shot the man in the breast... one of the Republicans was shot... This comes from the…

GLC03523.10.094

23 August 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 the Rebellion is on its hind Legs, and if our forces succeed in taking Charlestown [South Carolina], Savannah [Georgia], and Mobile [Alabama], which they are certain ultimately to do, and then concentrate all their forces against [General Robert E.] Lee's Army. They can't stand it much longer unless those new Conscripts which they are pressing…

GLC03523.10.095

25 August 1863

Maitland, William G., 1846-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Grier writes to his brother informing him that "Normal School" has closed and that they had a Camp Meeting recently, which not many people attended. The last page of letter is written 26 August by James M. Maitland to his son, giving him updates on the activities of the Democratic and Republican parties. Also writes, "The news from Charlestown is the most flattering kind in regard to our final success, I trust and Pray that it will fall without the shedding of much blood." Likely written from Kingston, Ohio.

GLC03523.10.096

24 August 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph note signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Writes very short note to his son informing him that he saw Joseph's friend Simeon. Also notes that their family friend, John Petty, is at Camp Chase.

GLC03523.10.097

29 August 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Criticizes Clement Vallandigham. Predicts that there will not be a draft in Ohio, as the quota of troops Ohio has to meet can be filled with volunteers. Reports that his old chaplain died. Recently heard news of "unnecessary destruction of Property by soldiers as they passed through Louisiana and Mississippi," calling such actions a "relic of Barbarism." Notes that when Confederate generals went into Pennsylvania, they forbade the destruction of civilian property. Relates that John Martin, possibly a family member, has been appointed Brigade Quartermaster and that Elhanan Mast, his brother-in…

GLC03523.10.098

30 August 1863

Coleman, George W., fl. 1857-1886

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 am of the opinion that all Union men are. [Clement] Vallandigham is a more infamous traitor than Jeff Davis [Jefferson Davis] & Peugh is not one whit behind Val he is stumping the state for Val. & himself for Lieut. Gov. & all his cry is that Negroes wont fight & cries out in bitter language against the arrest of Val. [Clement…

GLC03523.10.099

24 July 1861

Blanchard, Ira, 1835-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 great detail several expeditions and marches. Remarks the rebels were hiding in swamps and fleeing. Comments the local women visit their camp and many had never seen the "stars and stripes." States the local women are very pretty, but doesn't know if "...it goes more than skin deep or not." Discusses the friendliness of the "darkies" and their…

GLC03523.31.08

22 August 1861

Blanchard, Ira, 1835-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Camp Tremont outside St. Louis. Thanks her for the magazine she sent him. Reports Confederate General Gideon J. Pillow has a strong army in the state. Says St. Louis is under martial law and a very dangerous place. Informs they are expecting an attack at any time. Letter is faded and the bottom portion of all four pages is missing.

GLC03523.31.09

10 November 1861

Blanchard, Ira, 1835-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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." States his regiment marched from Cape Girardeau to Frederick, Missouri where a "colored" woman told them the rebels were 6000 strong and waiting to ambush them just outside the town. Describes the battle in detail. Reports on the battle at Columbus, Kentucky which he considers to be "...one of the greatest battles of the present war..." Explains the…

GLC03523.31.10

25 December 1861

Blanchard, Ira, 1835-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Camp Lyon in Illinois. Apologizes for using the word "love" in his letters to her. Responds to her inquiry about the hospital in Cairo, Illinois. Expresses doubt that the rumors of poor treatment for the soldiers are true, even though he has never been there. Says he is sending her a box of products from the south. Mentions that most of the officers have their ladies with them. Letter is very faded and illegible in sections.

GLC03523.31.11

February 5, 1862

Blanchard, Ira, 1835-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Fort Henry, Tennessee. Mentions Union General Halbert E. Paine leaving with the sick soldiers and supplies. Reports on his trip to Cairo, Illinois by steamer on the Ohio River. Says the boat was so crowded they had to stand for two days and two nights during constant rain with no shelter. Informs they moved onto Paducah, Kentucky where a large addition was made to their fleet. States Union General Ulysses S. Grant issued orders for the entire fleet to advance. Writes about killing a group of rebel spies with a well-directed shell. Letter is faded in…

GLC03523.31.12