13 October 1864

Maitland, Joseph M., 1836-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Bell Wharton

Writes to Bell from the "Rooms of General Court Martial" in Memphis. Claims it's a night for lovers; with dry weather and a shining moon. Informs her there is a "Tin Pan Alley" and shooting gallery in the basement of his building. Reports Union General Ralph P. Buckland won't permit any troops to leave Memphis. Says they expect Confederate General James R. Chalmers to try and take Memphis. States the results of the election were one hundred eighty-nine total votes; one hundred sixty-seven for the Union candidate and twenty-seven for the Democratic. Includes a three cent stamp on the envelope.

GLC03523.10.137

14 November 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Remarks that city folks "live too high" compared to soldiers. Writes that he was given three pounds of butter by another soldier which will last him for a while. He will soon know if the company will stay in Nashville through the winter. Reports that the 13th Illinois will be joining the 105th at the front and will arrive at Stevenson in a few days. Writes that he was satisfied with the election returns and states "they certainly bode no evil for our cause and furnish no consolation for Rebels." Jokingly writes that he won't be snow sleighing this winter but will "slay" some Rebels and…

GLC07460.060

3 Decemeber [1863]

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes that there has been a small pox outbreak in Nashville and a hospital has been set up for Wheeler's company. Reassures his family that he is not at risk because his vaccine is still good. Reports that the major of the 13th [Illinois] and Charlie Pesk of Co. F were killed. Wishes that his brigade was with the main Army. Writes that if his brigade were not a favorite of General Granger, they wouldn't be in Nashville. Discusses cooking in his tent and writes that he purchased a fry pan and copper-bottomed coffee pot for $1.90. Compares current rations to rations in Lavergne and…

GLC07460.063

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

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

13 September 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 possession of Knoxville... I think now if Old Abe and his Cabinet would act with direction there are several States which would lay down their Arms and enter into the Union or in other words would signify their intention of submitting to the Constitution as it is, but I know from certain givings out of the Union Speakers in the State of Ohio that…

GLC03523.10.103

21 September 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Reports that his brother-in-law, Lieutenant Colonel Elhanan Mast, is part of a Union force closing in on [Braxton] Bragg. Comments on a riot at the house of Mike Murphey. Informs him that there was a meeting at the Courthouse concerning the efforts to suppress future riots and bring the offenders to justice. Notes that there was a recent meeting to raise men for the border cavalry of Ohio. Complains that supporters of John Brough, candidate for Governor of Ohio, call their opponents, "... Butternuts, Traitors, and Copperheads if they do not go in with Old Abes radical views." Comments further…

GLC03523.10.104

9 November 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Writes to his son about the news from home, reporting that all is well. Provides details about the war, mentioning that "General [John] Sedgewick and [possibly Major General William] French made an attack jointly on a part of [General Robert E.] Lee's Army [possibly referring to the Battle of Rappahannock Station fought on 7 November 1863] and killed and wounded a number of Rebs and captured near 2,000 prisoners Our loss killed and wounded was 400." Informs him that they expect to have rail tracks from the "Broad G. Rail" line laid shortly. Includes a three cent stamp on the envelope.

GLC03523.10.112

18 August 1862

Blanchard, Ira, 1835-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from camp on the Hatchie River. Mentions the warm weather and his illness. Reports on the imminent arrival of 600,000 more troops. Anticipates the end of the rebellion soon. Comments on the Confiscation Act of 1862 and how it "... will be a severe blow to rebels if properly carried out by our generals." Says they eat peaches and melons which grow in great abundance. Offers his opinion on what to do with the negroes; "...give them a spot of earth where they may dwell by themselves away from the whites, let the white women marry the white man and the black woman…

GLC03523.31.16

6 September 1862

Blanchard, Ira, 1835-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Jackson, Tennessee. Says things look gloomy for the Union, especially in the East. Reports on the victorious battle of Britton's Lane led by Union Colonel Elias S. Dennis. Informs the intense heat caused soldiers to fall exhausted before the battle began. Comments their guns were so warm from excessive use they could barely manage them. States they buried their dead at night. Says upon their return to Jackson, Union Generals John A. Logan and Leonard F. Ross praised their victory as "...the greatest achievement in the history of the world." Compliments her…

GLC03523.31.17

4 October 1862

Blanchard, Ira, 1835-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Jackson, Tennessee. Thanks her for the flowers she enclosed in her letter. Comments, " the flowers which grow here are very beautiful, I think their breath is not poisoned with the sentiment of treason..." Expresses interest in knowing "...who you are waiting for" to marry. Says the rebels are in force at Bethel, Tennessee and have cut off their communication with Corinth, Mississippi. Talks about the vigorous efforts underway to secure the city of Jackson. Asks her what she thinks of the Emancipation Proclamation. States he is happy about it and hopes…

GLC03523.31.18

30 January 1863

Blanchard, Ira, 1835-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from a camp in the suburbs of Memphis, Tennessee. Reports on the lovely weather. Expresses pleasure she is attending school. States Union General Ulysses S. Grant is amassing troops outside Vicksburg, Mississippi and his regiment expects to go there soon. Describes in detail his visit to Elmwood Cemetery, where thousands of Union and Confederate soldiers are buried. Complains the monument of Andrew Jackson in the cemetery had been vandalized at the start of the rebellion. Expresses disgust at Illinois Democrats and their law to "..whip and sell niggers...they…

GLC03523.31.20

28 August 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Wheeler is very pleased with the consistency in which his family writes him and states that he thinks no one else in camp gets as much correspondence from home as he does. Reports that Union forces are in Chattanooga and his entire Brigade in Nashville. Describes the city of Nashville, specifically mentions the Capitol building, James Polk's burial, and Andrew Jackson's home. He wonders if Jackson would be a Union or Rebel if he were still alive. Discusses the orderliness of the large Union hospitals, which Wheeler feels gives him greater assurance that Uncle Sam "is growing more able and…

GLC07460.047

25 July 1863

Blanchard, Ira, 1835-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Vicksburg. Discusses in detail the fall of Vicksburg and the long siege. Claims "...70,000 men had received the death blow and fell into the hands of the invincible troops of U. S. Grant..." Reports the stars and stripes now fly from the spire of the court house. Says he hopes the war will be over and he will be home by the next Fourth of July. Reports many citizens and soldiers are sick. Mentions an abundance of peaches, figs and melons.

GLC03523.31.23

24 August 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Comments that he is pleased that his family has received all of his letters and writes that he is fighting for their rights. Describes his journey to Stevenson, Alabama by train. Reports that during his trip he met an old friend, John Hegeman who fought at Murfreesboro and Perryville. He also writes about riding on the train through the Cumberland Mountain range. Upon arriving at Stevenson his company took up lodging in Rosecrans' headquarters. Writes that Union pickets extend along one side of the Tennessee River and the rebel pickets on the opposite side of the river. Wheeler…

GLC07460.046

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

28 June 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Informs his son that his friend John S. Petty recently left Vicksburg, after being taken by Confederates, then was released and paroled by his commander. Asks whether Joseph will rejoice if his colonel resigns after Vicksburg. Continues writing 29 June 1863.

GLC03523.10.077

29 June 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elhanan M. Mast

Informs his brother that he has heard from his son Joseph, who is on picket and fatigue duty near Vicksburg, Mississippi. Reports that John Petty, a family friend, is sick and is no longer on duty. Mentions that Petty was a Clerk under General John McClernand and fought in the Battle of Champion Hill. A short note enclosed with letter, written 30 June, states: "our advices from Penn yesterday are startling. it appears the Rebels have it pretty much their own way and are occupying Gettysburg and Carlisle and Little York. It is a burning shame the way the Army of the Potomac have managed things…

GLC03523.10.078

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