circa 1861-1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Writes that during the holidays he was very busy and had a lot of work to do around the farm. He has received a book from his class and an album with a photograph in it came to him in a "mysterious" way. He has also received several smaller presents from some children and is very grateful that they think so highly of him. He discusses some of the politics going on in Washington, D.C. and in Congress. Thinks that it was "naughty" not to have a letter of recommendation written for his friend. Writes of the good qualities his friend has and why she should be recommended.

GLC07460.122

9 November 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law, and sister

Written near Chattahoochee Bridge in Georgia. He has recently received his family's letter of 30 October and is glad to hear that everyone at home is doing well. Writes that the army is going to leave their camp tomorrow morning. He reports that as recently as two hours ago there was some cannon fire from Atlanta, Georgia. At first the troops did not know why there was firing. They thought that the cannon fire was in celebration of the election, however, it turns out that the Confederate General Joseph Wheeler has been making raids on Atlanta. He has not received any details as to the…

GLC07460.107

15 July 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother-in-law, parents and sister

Written at the Camp of the 105th Illinois regiment near the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. A friend of the family - a colonel in the Union Army- will be visiting his family soon if he has not called on them already. He has sent his watch home with the colonel because the crystal is broken and he would like to have it repaired. Writes that they are improving their camp daily since they arrived on 6 July. They are sending out pickets towards the river bank because the rebels are on the other side of the river. Reports that there is not much firing but a good deal of trading between Union and…

GLC07460.086

January 19, 1845

Stanton, Edwin M. (Edwin McMasters), 1814-1869

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Brinkeroff

"I cannot refrain from explaining the satisfaction with which I have read your speech on the Texas question. It would have delighted me to have been able to hear you deliver it, but the effect will tell upon the public mind as "A wood in season.' There is too much inclination among Northern men to submit to the insolent demands of the South, and one of the chief duties that will devolve upon us, as citizens of free and independent states, will be to curb the spirit of domination that has too long been suffered to prevail..." To Congressman Jacob Brinkeroff, Texas annexation opponent.

GLC09152

14 September 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law and sister

Written near the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. He has not received any mail dated before 12 September for ten days as the rebel attacks have disrupted the mail service. He thinks that a rebel named Wheeler is to blame for all of the attacks. He wonders if there is any relation between him and the rebel. It has been over two years and he thought the rebellion would have been stopped by now but the fight continues on. Writes that if the North had a unified front and had there been no copperheads the war would be over. He hopes that the Republican Party will get Abraham Lincoln elected again.…

GLC07460.100

16 October 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, brother-in-law and sister

Written near the Chattahoochee River in Georgia. The line of communication have once again been opened. The mail came in all last night and he received three letters from Martha. He is sorry to hear that Johnny Burst [?] is not doing any better. He wishes he could help Johnny to feel better even though he knows he cannot. Asks for a good pair of boots and some shoe nails. He does not need his shirts from home as the clothing he left at the previous camp has arrived. Thinks that the regiment might stay at camp for a while as there have been reports that General William T. Sherman has been "…

GLC07460.103

18 September 1874

Wills, David, fl. 1874

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William M. Sherry

Lincoln's Gettysburg host writes Hon. William M. Sherry. "I have heard Republicans & Democrats here discussing the probabilities of your election in this Congressional District if you were an independent candidate for Congress and received the support of the Republican party of the district. It seems to be conceded by many knowing ones that you would be elected."

GLC09170

15 September 1862

Burnett, Henry C., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jefferson Davis

" You will pleasure me for again calling your attention to the fact that General Breckinridge has not been ordered to Kenty. His presence at this particular juncture in any state, I regard of the highest importance; our friends in that state have in him the utmost confidence, he is known for his moderation and prudence and in the organization of a State Govt and taking such other steps as may be necessary to place the State actively and permanently on our side...

GLC09172

February 24, 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife of the bad weather they have had recently. Thinks that many of the men would stay here but it does not feel like home to him. One of the regiment's captains has resigned and gone home. States that he will not use any of his political connection to gain a promotion. Expresses his desire to move to Oregon because the weather is warmer and there is land available. Thinks there is a chance that California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada and New Mexico might create a new Confederacy. Writes of his determination to move to Oregon.

GLC03523.13.082

17 October 1863

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Writes that he arrived at New Berne this morning. Reports that an expedition went to Elizabeth City and but didn't accomplish much there. Also reports that deserters are coming in daily at a great number. Hopes to hear good news regarding the election of Governor Curtin (Governor Andrew Gregg Curtin of Pennsylvania).

GLC02016.042

14 October 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Describes the surroundings of Chaffin's Farm and writes that some of the Union men have been trading newspapers with neighboring rebels. Discusses the election of 1864. Wishes the canal would be completed so that they can drive the rebels into Richmond.

GLC02016.063

7 June 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother-in-law, parents and sister

Written at Camp of the 105th Illinois regiment. Explains that the mail has not gone out for a while because of the Battle of Resaca. He is glad to hear everyone at home is doing well. Writes that he hopes that when the fighting is done the war is over for good. He does not like the idea of all the political connections in the North as there are "so many candidates" for the 1864 elections. Expresses his continued support for Abraham Lincoln. He hopes that the North will unite in order to stop the rebellion and the war. He writes that the regiment is still marching around on the left wing…

GLC07460.080

27 July 1872

Wilson, Henry, 1812-1875

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John W. Frughs

Writes shortly after being nominated as Grant's Vice President. "I find your note and the Platform of 'The Young Men's Continental League' ...I have long hoped and believed that the people inhabiting the North American Continent will be united under one Government in one nation. I have faith in our Republican Government, in our free Institutions, in our Christian Civilization, and in our people, and I believe that peace, Law; order and Human brotherhood will be promoted by the unity of the people with their free consent in one nation. Time is needed to bring about this grand result, and I…

GLC09142

29 October 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to colonel

Updates him on the recent "disastrous battle" fought; the battle of Chaffin's Farm. Writes that he has received the electoral tickets and found that some were not correct. Is wary of fake electoral tickets and will make sure that the soldiers are not deceived. Hopes that Lincoln wins in Pennsylvania. The building of the canal is progressing, though it will take approximately another six weeks to complete. Writes that the rebel line captured at Chaffin's Farm could not be held. Reports that deserters continue to come in.

GLC02016.066

5 April 1777

Dundas, David, Sir, Bart, 1749-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Dundas

Complains about his profession as a doctor and compares it to being a "galley slave." Describes a man abroad named William Roberts as unambitious. Mentions, and discounts, the prospect of war in India and comments on related political and military matters, discussing a man named Mr. Erskine and the "Directors & Proprietors" of the East India Company. A Mr. Floger is mentioned in connection to a position in "the Government of Bombay." Discusses the disagreement between Lord Pigot, the governor and commander-in-chief of Madras, and his council (concerning the restoration of the Rajah of…

GLC02549.04

18 December 1779

Dundas, David, Sir, Bart, 1749-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Dundas [fragment]

Describes a trip to Portsmouth. Also discusses visiting the House of Commons, where he heard a debate in which Charles Fox and Lord North spoke. North closed his speech by hoping "that the Eyes of Europe would soon be opened, & see the necessity of supporting that Ballance of power in defence of which G. Britain has spilt so much blood & spent so much treasure." Fox criticised the "Ministry & their measures - & such a torrent of oratory I had no conception of..." Notes that the evening laid the "foundation of Mr Adams Duel."

GLC02549.09

February 5, 1862

Moore, John, 1826-1907

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Kelly

He hopes that with all the hard work in his regiment, that Jim will receive a promotion. The present condition of the roads prevents movement near Louisville, with no active operations for at least two more months. He mentions a congressional discussion of Sherman's retrenchment bill. Notes that "Bright was expelled yesterday from the Senate. Served him right." (Sen. Jesse Bright of Indiana was thrown out of Congress for supporting the rebellion and acknowledging Jefferson Davis as president of the Confederate States.)

GLC04195.01

29 June 1863

Newspaper

Title: The black hawk chronicle. [Vol. 1, no. 4 (June 29, 1863)]

News on the siege of Vicksburg from the Union Mississippi Squadron blockading the city. Article humorously attacks the Arkansas Democrat.

GLC06107.22.02

10 May 1861

Douglas, Stephen Arnold, 1813-1861

Letter signed

Title: to Virgil Hickox

Douglas, serving as a Democratic United States Senator from Illinois, responds to a letter from Hickox, Chairman of the Democratic State Committee (refer to GLC05621.01). States " ... war is being waged against the United States with the avowed purpose of producing a permanent disruption of the Union and a total destruction of its government ... All hope of compromise with the Cotton States was abandoned when they assumed the position that the separation of the Union was complete and final ..." Discusses the first Civil War battle at Fort Sumter, South Carolina, 12-13 April 1861. Cites…

GLC05621.02

21 May 1861

Hickox, Virgil, 1806-1881

Letter signed

Title: to Stephen Arnold Douglas

Hickox, Chairman of the Democratic State Committee, replies to a letter from Douglas, a Democratic United States Senator from Illinois (refer to GLC05621.02). Discusses the publication of Douglas' letter, which described political proceedings and Douglas' stance on patriotism at the beginning of the Civil War. Labeled as a copy.

GLC05621.03

14 April 1863

Cutts, Madison, fl. 1863

Letter signed

Title: to Stephen Arnold Douglas

Cutts transmits copies of correspondence (not included) written by Douglas, a Democratic United States Senator from Illinois, regarding the political proceedings at the beginning of the Civil War. Cutts (possibly responsible for publishing the correspondence in a newspaper) transmits a newspaper extract (not included) with the letters.

GLC05621.04

4 May 1867

Chase, Salmon P. (Salmon Portland), 1808-1873

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jehu Glancy Jones

Chase, Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, replies to a letter from Jones, a judge and former United States Representative from Pennsylvania. States that his own acquaintances in Philadelphia are nearly completely social. Expresses interest in the political climate in the county where Jones resides (possibly Berks County, Pennsylvania).

GLC05677.01

17 May 1867

Chase, Salmon P. (Salmon Portland), 1808-1873

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jehu Glancy Jones

Chase, Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, briefly discusses decisions made in recent court cases, suffrage, and the politics of reconstruction with Jones, a judge and former United States Representative from Pennsylvania.

GLC05677.02

26 April 1868

Chase, Salmon P. (Salmon Portland), 1808-1873

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jehu Glancy Jones

Chase, Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, responds to a letter from Jones, a judge and former United States Representative from Pennsylvania. Discussing the civic role of politicians, states "In my public life hitherto I have never had but one controlling rule of action; ascertain as truly as possible the duty of the present hour & then do it fearlessly ... "

GLC05677.03

11 July 1868

Chase, Salmon P. (Salmon Portland), 1808-1873

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jehu Glancy Jones

Chase, Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, discusses party politics with Jones, a judge and former United States Representative from Pennsylvania. Refers to the conflict between serving in a judicial position and taking an active part in political nominations. States that his own political interest is "altogether personal. It depends entirely on the probabilities of life and health." Discusses his preference for remaining independent of party politics. Labeled as private.

GLC05677.04