1 September 1864

Morey, Charles C., fl. 1830-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mother

Discusses the nomination of George McClellan. Denounces the Copperheads and comments on the peace platform.

GLC03523.18.25

January 13, 1863

Edwards, Oliver, 1835-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eunice Lombard Edwards

Writes to his mother from head quarters, 37th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Location inferred from content. States, "You see I am back at last and that without seeing my mother that was too bad. I had a splendid time in Cleveland but it made me mad to see how lukewarm many people are in the good Cause so many that are ready to compromise with Traitors in Arms. I have but little patience to listen to them. and claim that the term abolitionist is the proudest name one can bear." Instructs his mother to direct his mail to Colonel Edwards, Brandy Station, via Washington. Asks that she…

GLC02163.06

circa 1863

Broadside

Title: Black Republican Prayer

Copperhead Black Republican Prayer. About the emancipation of slaves and Lincoln's prosecution of the war. "May the blessings of Emancipation extend throughout our unhappy land--and the illustrious, sweet scented Sambo nestle in the bosom of every Abolition woman, that she may be quickened by the pure blood of Majestic African--and the spirit of Amalgamation shine forth in all its splendor and glory--that we may become a regenerated nation of half breeds and mongrels, and the distinction of color be forever consigned to oblivion..."

GLC09116

8 July 1864

Benham, Tower S., fl. 1841-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sarah Ogden

Writes from camp near Petersburg. Comments on General Ulysses S. Grant, writing "Gen Grant is not the man to rest untill [sic] he acomplishes what he started to do and that I suppose was to take Richmond and Mrs Ogden we are going to take it within two months from Date..." Also says that he no longer supports [General George] McClellan, whom he now believes to be a "Copper Head of the Darkest [Die]..." Includes an embossed seal in the upper left hand corner.

GLC06559.003

5 August 1863

Blackman, James A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Blackman

Writes to his mother about feeling sick but does not believe it is enough to get him discharged. Asks about his brother Francis. Discusses his view of the war. "I hope this war will soon be over and I think it would if the North made as great an effort as the south does I want to see peace but not a peace on eney [enemy] tearms. I had rather stay here ten years than to have our government distroyed. The coperheads are to come out here and talk peace on eney [enemy] tearms to the wounded Soldiers and see how they would make it. I hope that thare is none of my relation them sort of Trators."…

GLC02159.10

December 21, 1863

Blackman, James A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Blackman

Writes to his mother that his living situation is good at present as they are quartered in a tavern. Asks "...have you any coperheads there if you have you can consider them worse than the rebels for they are seting fear in the Soldiers rear."

GLC02159.12

October 18, 1863

Gorsuch, Joseph B., 1834-1908

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Curtis and his wife

Gorsuch, Captain and Provost Marshal of the 13th Army Corps, writes to his aunt and uncle in Hamilton, Ohio. He states that his corps will soon embark on the Texas Expedition. He discusses details regarding recruitment of Union soldiers in the South. Administered the Oath of Allegiance to the United States in French to many Louisiana French-speakers. Due to his own ability to speak French, Gorsuch has become popular among the Louisiana soldiers. He discusses the possibility of raising a brigade in Louisiana, and the likelihood that this would advance him in the military and politics much…

GLC00653.09.14

20 February 1863

Hanleiter & Adair (publishers), fl. 1861-1865

Newspaper

Title: Southern Confederacy. [Vol. 3, no. 8 (February 20, 1863)]

This newspaper is from the Southern Confederacy and includes main articles on "General Beauregard Urges Charlestonians to Evacuate", "Great Speech of Honorable C.L. Vallandigham entitled 'Upon the War'", and "Forrest Drives the Yankees from Franklin". This newspaper is badly ripped all across and in several pieces.

GLC05959.09.142

22 March1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Describes the lack of religion in camp; his regiment has not had a chaplain since the battle of Fair Oaks (which took place 31 May and 1 June 1862). Comments on the Copperhead attempts to divide the North and its impact on the soldiers. There are several intelligent men in his company, though the majority have a common school education and a few are uneducated.

GLC03523.23.12

30 May 1863

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Has heard rumors of success but has not seen anything. Doubts Hooker's ability to lead. Expresses concern about the Copperheads and lack of war support. Written from the camp of the 61st Regiment.

GLC03523.23.16

26 November 1864

Benedict, Nehemiah W., 1817-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Newton Benedict

Writes to his brother, praising the election of Reuben E. Fenton as Governor New York over the incumbent, Horatio Seymour. Explains that "We have had a glorious election and not withstanding a traitorous governor had, through the aid of his 'friends', secured more than thirty thousand 'marrow fat' & other bogus notes for his personal benefit. He is overthrown by the spontaneous uprising of an indignant and patriotic people." Making clear that he (and the new governor) supports the Union cause in the Civil War, he writes: "How much better shall we feel that the executive head of the…

GLC08936

1865

Chester, John, 1832-1910

Pamphlet

Title: The lesson of the hour : justice as well as mercy, a discourse preached on the Sabbath following the assassination of the President, in the Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, Washington, D.C. by John Chester

Published by Washington Chronicle Print. Blames Lincoln's assassination on the rebel Southern states, slavery, and those from the North that have aided and sympathized with the rebels. States that the "duty of the hour" is to make sure that the heaviest punishment is given to rebel leaders and instigators by the hands of the government.

GLC02913.06

25 March 1863

Damuth, Dolphus, fl. 1839-1913

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Maria Damuth

Describes springtime in Arkansas. The Wisconsin soldiers are nervous about the summer weather. Writes that Helena has been attacked "but it is all news to us we dident know any thing about it." Prisoners have been brought into the camp. Tells his sister that the government is "going to arm negros to send north to whip the Copper heads." Confesses that the men usually rest when they are supposed to be at drill.

GLC03523.14.18

1 October 1863

Damuth, Dolphus, fl. 1839-1913

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Maria Damuth

The soldiers have been setting up camp in Berwick, tearing down old buildings and establishing their own quarters. It rains all the time and the men are woken in the night with their tents flooded, but they make the best of it. Damuth writes that he is only homesick when the weather is beautiful. He has been asked to name one of the children born into his family during his absence and suggests "if you want to name him after as great & good a man as ever lived call him Old Abe if after the meanest one call him after any Copper head." Of the next orders for the regiment, Damuth writes…

GLC03523.14.36

6 November 1863

Damuth, Dolphus, fl. 1839-1913

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John and Joan Damuth

Describes a battle in which the Union men chased the Rebel cavalry to Opelousas. After the battle, the Union forces camped in Barron's Landing, Louisiana, for eight days. The men believe that any expedition to Texas has been forgotten. They returned to Opelousas and then moved on to a camp in Buzzard's Prairie, where they once again engaged with Rebel forces. The second fight took place on Election day, and Damuth expresses pride at "fighting the Copperheads of the north at the Balot box and in the afternoon the Copperhead of the South on the field."

GLC03523.14.41

1 September 1864

Damuth, Dolphus, fl. 1839-1913

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Maria Damuth

Writes that the men have marching orders, possibly to go to Grand Gulph. Damuth may have the opportunity to become a lieutenant. Writes about Lincoln's reelection and the "copperheads and disappointed politicians" who are against him. Damuth writes that although he complains about men in his company, he "should hate to part with them."

GLC03523.14.67

8 October 1864

Damuth, Dolphus, fl. 1839-1913

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Writes about an election held by the 21st Iowa Regiment. The votes are overwhelmingly in favor of Lincoln, and they are "for fun, or to show the Peace Sneaks, and Copperheads how men of sense vote." The 47th Indiana Regiment has also held a mock election with Lincoln as the winner. Damuth is convinced that if the war does not end with complete defeat of the South, "no soldier could go north and hold up his head."

GLC03523.14.71

1861-1865

Damuth, Dolphus, fl. 1839-1913

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mr. Curtis

Writes to Curtis. Damuth is reading the paper, which is full of good news for the Union forces. Reminds Curtis to vote. Knows the soldiers will vote for Lincoln, because "you cant Stuff Copperheadism down the Soldiers." Writes about the punishments he gives to men in favor of McClellan. Writes about more mock elections held in the "Guardhouse."

GLC03523.14.72

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

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

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

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