26 May 1864

Damuth, Dolphus, fl. 1839-1913

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Maria Damuth

Has been helping to write out papers, although it is not his job as an orderly. The men have been assigned garrison duty along the river, and Damuth suspects they will end up near New Orleans. Speculates about visiting home. Mentions a friend who is at Vicksburg as "a detective…he wearse good clothes and has an easy time." Writes that "we are waiting anxiously to see if Grant is going to whip out the rebel Lee," and that if this doesn't happen, "old Abe will have to call for more men."

GLC03523.14.57

2 June 1864

Damuth, Dolphus, fl. 1839-1913

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ida

Writes that the whole camp is on picket, except for himself (the orderly) and the cooks. One of Damuth's friends has adopted birds, and it is Damuth's job to care for them. He dislikes them, but his friend "thinks every thing of them and will talk baby talk to them all the time." Mentions that he is glad "they are raising so many 100 day men," but mentions that serving for a hundred days is not long enough to really experience the soldier's life. Speculates on the end of the war and writes "I want to get home and enjoy domestic bliss for the rest of my days."

GLC03523.14.58

6 August 1864

Damuth, Dolphus, fl. 1839-1913

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Maria Damuth

Writes about the soldiers who died in the skirmish on the Atchafalaya. A few days earlier, a "big scare down to Baton Rouge" caused the officers to load all the men into boats; the men fell asleep and woke up the next morning still in port, and since then "have heard nothing of Rebs." Agrees with his sister on her judgment of young men who have avoided the draft, "I had rather a sister of mine would marry a soldiers old shirt." Writes about the draft that he hopes it will be the least, although "things look rather dark and discouraging but my faith in the wisdom and Patriotism of our…

GLC03523.14.65

26 July 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Updates his son with news of Morgan's Raid: "The Morgan Raid has been the absorbing topic for the last two weeks and strong efforts have been made to capture him. Thus far about 3,000 of his men have been captured, and sent to different places for confinement: the news yesterday that he with about 1,000 of his men had made their escape 12 miles below Wheeling. The most of his men were captured on an Island called Buffington's in the Ohio River... among the officers captured was Basil Duke and two of Morgan's Brothers." Notes that he was mistaken in predicting that the draft in Ohio would…

GLC03523.10.085

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

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

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

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

6 September 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 manner. if so say so, and upon what principal the change has taken place. I presume the grounds from which the report came was that you were not a Vallandingham man... The subject of nominating a War Democrat for Governor is being agitated and on the 19th inst there is a County Convention appointed to nominate a Delegate... I am in for the project for…

GLC03523.10.100

25 October 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Tells his son "Since the election has subsided to a considerable extent & the only thing that troubles the people is the coming draft tomorrow..." Mentions the defeat of General William Rosecrans (possibly referring to the Battle of Chickamauga fought on 19-20 September 1863). Writes "if the war is not closed in the coming year it will show those who have the reins of Government in their hands are incompetent to the Task, and if the Democrats make a judicious selection for the Presidency, say for instance General G.[George] B. McClellan and place him on the War Platform it is sure to win."

GLC03523.10.108

15 November 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Discusses a meeting that was held at their house concerning conscription, noting that he hoped to "stir up enough people to volunteer to prevent the draft...Our Township's apportionment is 25 if raised by volunteering but if raised by Draft 38 men. I have no idea that the men will be raised against the 5th of Jany and then there will be a great fluttering among those fighting abolitionists for fear of it striking them..." Remarks, "it has always appeared to me that it was a great injustice to the soldiers in the field not to have force to fill up the decimated Regiments." Notes the railroad…

GLC03523.10.113

24 May 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Shares with his son that his grandmother has died recently. Notes that he does not know whether or not Joseph participated in the 16 May 1863 battle "West of Jackson," (the Battle of Champion Hill, an engagement in the Vicksburg Campaign). Includes a short note at the bottom written the next day discussing the draft. States that previously, drafted men had been able to purchase exemption for $300. Notes that many men are outraged regarding Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton's intention to eliminate the exemption, requiring drafted men to either serve in the war or find a substitute. Likely…

GLC03523.10.068

9 June 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Reports to his son that their family friend has gone deaf and dumb in service and did not receive a discharge from the army. Writes, "I trust by the time this reaches you Vicksburg will have fallen. I do not know whether you are aware that the Legislature passed a new Militia Law which requires every able-bodied white man between the ages of Eighteen and forty five to perform Military duty. The preparatory steps are being taken now by the Trustees of the Township to say who are exempt by Surgeons Certificate... This should have been done two years ago: When the Rebellion commenced; and by…

GLC03523.10.070

18 June 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Reports to his son that "Gen Lee, has stolen a march on our army again and has Outgeneralled [sic] Hooker and has passed him and has gotten into the Shanandoah Valley again & has taken Winchester and Martinsburg and some of his Cavalry has made a sudden dash into Penn. and at last accounts 6,000 men were at Carlisle within 18 miles of Harrisburg it causes great Consternation in the Public mind the President has issued a call for 100,000 men for 6 months 50,000 from Penn 30,000 from Ohio 10,000 from Western Va and 10,000 from Md."

GLC03523.10.072

10 September 1863

Prentice, George Dennison, 1802-1870

Newspaper

Title: Louisville daily journal. [Vol. 33, no. 293 (September 10, 1863)]

Chattanooga Evacuated by Rebels, Our Troops in Possession, REbels Retreating Towards Atlanta - Pursued by Federals, Latest Rebel News from Charleston, Firing on Fort Wagner & Sumter, Quantrell Near Kansas Border, Rebels Evacuation of Morris Island, General Magruder Shot. An account of ex-Governor James F. Robison's return home is detailed and includes the governor's speech. An editorial from the Richmond Whig examines the consequences of the next "Yankee" congress and the war. A reprinted letter from James B. Fry explains draft needs and action. Reports from Germany and Austria fill in…

GLC05959.14.10

12 September 1863

Prentice, George Dennison, 1802-1870

Newspaper

Title: Louisville daily journal. [Vol. 33, no. 295 (September 12, 1863)]

Enemy at Work Vacating Little Rock, Lee Reinforces Beauregard & Bragg, Official Report from General Burnside, Resignation of General Burnside. Correspondence between Lincoln and Fernando Wood is reprinted here. A detailed article describes the siege of Charleston. Minutes from the Board of Aldermen are included, listing allowed claims. An editorial criticizes Lincoln's analysis of the peace problem, lacking the need to promise returning rebels protection. An article as well as ads point to the upcoming state fair. Several ads list fugitive slaves and the sale of slaves.

GLC05959.14.12

7 March 1864

Hale, E.J., 1802-1880

Newspaper

Title: Fayetteville observer. [Vol. 47, no. 2440 (March 7, 1864)]

Governor Vance's Speech, The Yankee Draft, Raiders Near Richmond, Victory in Florida, Address by Col. Dahlgren.

GLC05959.34.28

3 December 1863

Prentice, George Dennison, 1802-1870

Newspaper

Title: Louisville daily journal. [Vol. 34, no. 10 (December 3, 1863)]

Firing at Rappahannock Bridge, Official Dispatch from General Banks, Longstreet Retreating to Virginia. A report of the Battle of Chattanooga includes the "full particulars" and a list of casualties. Editorials about the draft in Maryland and the sanguine temperaments of the rebels are printed in this issue.

GLC05959.14.32

January 23, 1864

Sandoz, Joel H., fl. 1840-1864

Newspaper

Title: Opelousas courier. [Vol. 11, no. 42 (January 23, 1864)]

General Bragg Takes Command of the Trans-Mississippi Department in Place of E. Kirby Smith, Federal Gunboat "Queen of the West" Captured on the Red River, Federal Gunboats are now on the Mississippi at the Mouth of the Red River and Ready to Enter, General Orders to Capture Deserters. The front page is in French and the back page is in English. Among small news items, war updates, and ads, is a song dedicated to the 28th Regiment of Louisiana Volunteers by their Captain. Conscription notices are printed, and ads include notices of fugitive slaves. Opelousas was under Federal occupation at…

GLC05959.15.02

31 December 1862

Holden, William Woods, 1818-1892

Newspaper

Title: Weekly standard. [Vol. 29, no. 1, whole no. 1452 (December 31, 1862)]

The Yankees at Newbern, Legislature of North Carolina. A report of the conflict with the Confederate leadership in Georgia occurs on the front page of this issue. An editorial from the Atlanta Intelligencer discusses the sovereignty of the Confederacy in its conscription. A report on the state of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill discusses needs specific to the war. An editorial defines the Ten Regiment Bill. This issue contains a significantly higher number of ads. A letter from a soldier at Fredericksburg is printed here. A couple of different lists of donations to North…

GLC05959.22.04

19 December 1862

Holden, William Woods, 1818-1892

Newspaper

Title: Semi-weekly standard. [Vol. 12, no. 102 (December 19, 1862)]

The Battle of Kinston, The Battle of Goldsboro, The Fight at Fredericksburg, The Conscription Law. This issue contains a report of the Joint Select Committee concerning the seat of Adjutant General, Attorney General, and Solicitor of the Fourth Judicial Court. Minutes from the North Carolina Legislature are reprinted here. Battles are reported, with lists of casualties. The Conscription Law and the Military Exemption Act include explanations and instructions.

GLC05959.23.10

30 April 1862

Spelman, John, 1821-1899

Newspaper

Title: Weekly state journal. [Vol. 2, no. 25 (April 30, 1862)]

North Carolina State Convention, Burnside's Official Report of the Capture of Newbern, North Carolina. Several editorials attack local papers and their opinions on various topics, including war and the gubernatorial elections. Notes from North Carolina's recent state convention are included, with the state comptroller's report. A notice advertises poisoned cannonballs and the possibility of poisoning water sources. Articles discuss the Conscription Act and implications on volunteers.

GLC05959.25.02

15 April 1863

Reynolds, J. L. (James Lawrence), 1814-1877

Newspaper

Title: Confederate Baptist. [Vol. 1, no. 25 (April 15, 1863)]

Two articles titled "Army Missions" describe several battalions and their ties to religion. "Warlike" compares religions work in the army with ancient battles. Three columns of "Secular News" include an extensive report reprinted form the Mercury, of the attack on the Forts at Charleston Harbor; news of the repeal of a Georgia law prohibiting teaching Negroes to read; news from Washington regarding a Negro draft; and an extensive section on the Batteries of Sullian's Island, amongst other news.

GLC05959.39.20