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

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

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

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

January 17, 1854

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: To Ann Maitland

Addresses letter to "My Dear Companion" from the House of Representatives, Columbus Ohio. Confides in his wife that he misses her and their children greatly and that he is sorry to hear of the death of so many of their acquaintances. Reports "There is a great amount of wickedness perpertrated in this City and in all Cities. There are many tempations the unwary are often caught and drawn into...I have enjoyed myself in a religious point tolerably well the seductions of satan have no charms for me." Small letter dated 18 January on the last page, noting that he is going to try and take a train…

GLC03523.10.007

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

10 September 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Informs his son that his mother is not well. Comments on the recent Democratic Party meeting, saying "I do not believe that any good results from such gatherings... One thing is very evident that the intolerant spirit manifested by the Republican Party is making many who had made up their minds to remain neutral fall into their old Party. They denounce a man who will not support [John] Brough as much of a Traitor as those who support [Clement] Vallandingham" [sic]. Notes, "There is quite and [sic] activity along the road of the Broad Gauge Rail Road. They have the Ports for the Telegraph line…

GLC03523.10.102

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

18 October 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Writes to his son informing him that his mother is still sick, and speculates it is because she is worried about him. Mentions that Elhanan (possibly Elhanan Mass who is Jamies Maitland's brother-in-law) and many others were killed on "the Field of Chickamauga" (possible referring to the Battle of Chickamauga fought between 19 September 1863. Mentions the election took place and John Brough won with a "rousing majority." Remarks, "I think the friends of [Clement] Vallandingham ought to be satisfied now of the impractability of nominating such a man for Governor, it forever outs him at rest…

GLC03523.10.106

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

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

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

10 May 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Provides his son with details about various friends and family members. Admits he previously published one of Joseph's letters without his permission and asks if he can continue doing so. Writes to him, "The recent News of the taking of Richmond has cheered the hearts of those who are anxious for the Suppression of the Rebellion and the dawn of Peace." There are two small holes on the left side of the letter, causing text loss.

GLC03523.10.066

21 May 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Writes, "There is considerable excitement in the Political atmosphere. The Republicans have nominated rather a strong ticket headed by John Brough for Governor and Charlie Anderson of Texas notoriety for Lieut Gov." Recently read a speech by Brough, noting that there were "two ideas advanced which I cannot concur in. That is [inserted: in] regard to arbitrary arrests by the Military, and trying them before a Military Tribunal instead of the civil according to the provisions of the Constitution. And the other idea was that the present war could never be stopped until slavery was entirely…

GLC03523.10.067

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