The Gettysburg College–Gilder Lehrman MA in American History: Apply now and join us for Fall 2024 courses
1861-1865
Pickens, Francis Wilkinson, 1805-1869
[Letter fragment]
"...Why these appointments should cause such excitement amongst the junior officers in Fort Sumter I am at loss to understand."
GLC09206.02
20-29 December 1861
to Christopher G. Memminger
Criticizes General Ripley's failure to report troops sent from South Carolina and requesting arms. "[Ripley's] proper place is in Fort Sumter & Moultrie & to command the batteries - and he is suited to nothing else...when I had Beauregard there...
GLC09207
circa October - November 1862
Davis, Jefferson, 1808-1889
[Confederate Goverment document]
Document containing clerical copies of correspondence over conscription in South Carolina written by Jefferson Davis; Governor Francis W. Pickens and the Executive Council; James Chestnut, Jr.; and G. W. Randolph. "Four Regiments to be accepted for...
GLC09208
9 March 1863
Boham, Milledge L., 1813-1890
to General Pierre G. T. Beauregard
Defends his decision to suspend an earlier state militia reserve call-up, saying that the untrained militia are inefficient and would be more valuable planting crops at home. Supports his opinion with extracts from telegrams sent to General...
GLC09209
12 March 1863
Beauregard, G.T. (Gustave Toutant), 1818-1893
to Governor Milledge L. Bonham
Replies to Bonham's defense of 9 March 1863. "I was fully alive to the sacrifices and hardships which a call on your militia must entail, ...but at the same time, I have regarded the alternative consequences that might be involved without the...
GLC09210
3 January 1863
Bragg, Thomas, 1810-1872
Requests specific information on troops in South Carolina state militia service who are "subject to military duty under the Conscripts Acts," to counter assertions of preferential treatment published in other states' newspapers. With newspaper...
GLC09211
9 January 1863
to Thomas Bragg
Replies to Bragg's "interrogatories." "With the view to counteract the unfounded assumption that this State has hitherto failed to furnish to the common service her full quota of troops, I beg to add that it appears...this State had contributed to...
GLC09212
5 June 1863
Echols, William H., fl. 1863
to Major D. B. Harris
Unfulfilled requisitions to the South Carolina government for slaves "leaves the Capt almost entirely without laborers and consequently without the means of carrying on satisfactorily the work expected to be done" for coastal defense. With autograph...
GLC09213
28 April 1863
Harris, D.B., fl. 1863
Responds to complaints that the impressed slaves are idle. "Requisitions have from time to time been made upon the State authorities for slave labor, not for the purpose of harassing the planters or interfering in their business, but, for the...
GLC09214
Explains "the seven or eight negroes he [Senator Mazyck] speaks of were idle a few days, they were detailed for contingencies in the city,...and variously employed on small jobs." With autograph endorsement signed by Harris.
GLC09215.01
29 April 1863
to Governor Bonham
About complaints that the impressed slaves are idle. "Nothing is known of this matter at these Hd Quarters."
GLC09215.02
24 April 1863
Replies to Beauregard's forwarded report by William Echols of 20 April 1863. "I have directed Col. Shannon to call on two Divisions...for the month of May, which I hope will enable the Engineer to complete the works, as the cultivation of the...
GLC09216
20 April 1863
Details the lack of slave laborers supplied during March and April. General Beauregard forwards the report to Governor Bonham with comment. "It is probable that sooner or later a still more determined attack on Charleston will be made & it is of...
GLC09217
3 April 1863
Arthur, B.F., fl. 1860-1863
To General Johnson Hagood
Bonham's secretary asks General Hagood to investigate "a lad of 14 years of age...having run away from his mother, and joined Co. 'G' Nelson's Battalion" and to refuse the boy's enlistment if he is that young.
GLC09218
27 August 1863
[Emergency proclamation]
Emergency proclamation empowering agents to seize slaves for military labor. "I must rely on my Countrymen...in the speedy discharge of this duty. Planters may be assured, that the true way to serve their own interests is to do what they can to...
GLC09219
18 August 1863
Forwards clerical copy of Major William Echols's report of 16 April 1863 to Major D.B. Haris, "List of Negroes received month Jul 1863."
GLC09220
10 August 1863
Hayne, J.W., fl. 1863
Summarizes the history of the policy resolutions to defend Charleston. "...at any cost of life or property...they would prefer a repulse of the enemy, with the entire city in ruins, to an evacuation or surrender on any terms whatever." Quotes...
GLC09221
26 July 1863
Answers another compaint about idle "negores," he requests Governor Bonhma to "require all reports and rumours officially communicated to you, should be made in writing, in order that you may refer the communication to me when of sufficient...
GLC09222
16 October 1863
Seddon, James
Responds to resolutions passed by the South Carolina General Assembly, which feels burdened by the Confederate government's taxation and impressment of slaves for military labor. "[I]t has been the studious effort of the Department to temper its...
GLC09223
5 October 1863
to James Seddon
Copying an urgent telegram from General Beauregard. "If two thousand (2000) or three thousand (3000) small arms called for by my Chief of Ordnance from Col. Gorgas be not furnished I must disband several six months regiments lately called out."...
GLC09224
6 October 1864
Melton, James, fl. 1864
List of General and Field Officers in the Provisional Army from the State of South Carolina who have died whilst in Service.
Compiled through June 1864. Forwarded by Melton to the adjutant and inspector general of South Carolina. Among those listed are brigadier generals Bernard Bee, who gave "Stonewall" Jackson his nickname; Maxcy Gregg; and Micah Jenkins. Autograph...
GLC09225
7 January 1778
Washington, George, 1732-1799
Instructions for visiting the hospital
Headquarters, Valley Forge. "The Commander in Chief being informed that many disorders and irregularities have taken place at the Hospitals and in some the sick are not tended with due care thinks it necessary that each Hospital should be visited by...
GLC09246
1867
Fillmore, Millard, 1800-1874
50th Annual Report of the American Colonization Society
Fillmore's copy of the 50th Annual Report of the American Colonization Society, Washington. The Society supported returning former slaves to the newly established colony of Monrovia in Liberia.
GLC09287
circa 1862-1865
Gordon, George Washington, 1836-1911
[Prisoner of war autograph book]
Prisoner of war autograph book of Capt. George Washington Gordon of the 48th Tennessee Regt. of Volunteers, from Union prison at Johnson's Island, in Sandusky Bay, Lake Erie. Over 650 autographs of Confederate soldiers and sailors, most listing their...
GLC09309
4 March 1864
Sayles, Nelson, fl. 1861-1865
to Isora Skinkle
Writes to his cousin. Informs her that his regiment is on picket duty. Reports that his colonel is the acting Brigade General and believes that if he tries hard enough, he will receive a star. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner...
GLC03523.32.32
28 April 1864
to his cousin
Reports that he has not heard from Sumner (likely his cousin Sumner Sayles) since he was in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Notes that his regiment received orders to go on a scout this Saturday. Comments that scouting is the fun part about soldiering....
GLC03523.32.33
19 May 1864
Reports that they just returned from a scout where they were looking for "old forest" (General Nathan Bedford Forrest). Comments that they were close but he ran like a "white rabbit." Describes following General Nathan Forrest for 80 miles down...
GLC03523.32.34
14 June 1864
Sayles, Sumner, fl. 1862-1868
Writes to his sister. Reports on the casualties they received during a recent battle. Discusses the various men that were either killed or wounded, including their colonel. Describes his colonel as being one of the best and that "some of the boys...
GLC03523.32.35
4 July 1864
Writes to his sister. Mentions that the men are feeling rowdy for this Fourth of July. Comments that they want to have a good time while they have a chance to. Discusses how bad he felt when heard about Oney's (possible family friend) wife killing...
GLC03523.32.36
12 July 1864
Writes to his sister. Inquires after the folks back home. Reports that his and another regiment might be put on provo duty. Comments that if they are put on provo duty they will be staying in place for a while. Speaks of friends and family.
GLC03523.32.37
31 August 1864
Writes to his sister from camp. Mentions a lady, Mill, from back home being sour and pities the man who marries her. Inquires after the farm. Wants to know if his father will have a hard time working the farm this year. Letter has an image and...
GLC03523.32.38
17 September 1864
Writes to his sister from camp. Informs her that he received the stamps that she sent him. Mentions seeing her husband's cousin and that he sends his best. Reports that they are preparing for another expedition. Writes that he and the boys in...
GLC03523.32.39
2 December 1864
Writes to his sister from camp. Mentions that he sent $50 home. Writes that they are building breastworks in case General John Hood attacks them. Comments that the general will receive a warm reception if he attacks for they have a large force of...
GLC03523.32.40
November 1865
Skinkle, Esbon, fl. 1864-1891
to unknown
Writes to his brother. Informs him that he has married and expects many happy days. Discusses the farm and the upcoming spring work. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner.
GLC03523.32.41
7 July 1867
Braithwaite, Ann, fl. 1862-1865
Writes of a lady named Emma getting married. Discusses the importance of always remaining holy. Writes, "do not let your earthly lover draw your heart from the heavenly." Wishes her and her new family well. The letter has a watermark on the top...
GLC03523.32.42
27 January 1867
Braithwaite, Mary, fl. 1860-1867
Informs her of Emma's wedding. Discusses the wedding and all the festivities around the wedding. Describes her ordeal with typhoid fever. Writes that she was bed ridden for the first three years and so sick that every day everyone expected her to...
GLC03523.32.43
14 June 1868
Informs her that he is working by the month earning $18 a month for eight months. Reports that they are having fine weather and that the crops are looking well. City is listed as Otsego, but no state is noted. Could be Minnesota or Michigan.
GLC03523.32.44
23 November 1870
Carpenter, Abby, fl. 1868
Writes to her cousin. Informs her that they now have another baby. Reports on the rest of the family and friends. Request that she keeps her informed about all the happenings in Richmond, Illinois. City is listed as Otsego, but no state is noted...
GLC03523.32.45
2 June 1862
Belden, Josephine S., fl. 1862-1864
to Libby Kessler
Reminisces of their childhood in the schoolroom. Discusses her school and teacher. Letter has an embossed seal in the upper corner.
GLC03523.52.01
8 August 1862
Informs her she did not receive her letter in time to meet her. Inquires if she will be attending the excursion next week. Mentions she would like to room together if they attend school. Letter has an embossed seal in the upper corner.
GLC03523.52.02
16 July 1864
Longstreet, James, 1821-1904
General James Longstreet, wounded in a friendly fire incident at the Battle of the Wilderness, mourns the death of Brigadier General Micah Genkins, killed by the same volley. "He has left to the youth of your state a noble legacy in his dauntless...
GLC09226
22 August 1864
Arthur, B.F.
to Colonel R.B. Johnson
Governor Bonham's secretary asks the state agent to turn over for prosectuion "the names of the Sheriffs who have made default in executing the law in relation to procuring Slave Labor - together wiht the names of witnesses &c.... in all such cases...
GLC09227
31 July 1861
Cash, Ellerbee Boggan, 1823-1888
to Brigadier General M.L. Bonham
Account of the victory at First Bull Run by a colonel in the 8th South Carolina Infantry. "The enemy now fled in the utmost confusion throwing away everything which at all impeded his flight...my Sergant Major...took as a prisoner Mr. Ely a member...
GLC09228
1863 ca.
Training Negro troops
Mounted albumen print of the members of the Louisiana Native Guard learning to read at Port Hudson, Louisiana, at a school set up for the soldiers and freedmen. The guard was one of the first all-black units in the Civil War, formed by Benjamin...
GLC09229
10 December 1863
Dana, Napoleon Jackson Tecumseh, 1822-1905
to L. Pierce Jr.
Retained copy of letter to the U.S. Consul at Matamoras, declining to intervene in the ongoing Civil War in Mexico. "The federal government of Mexico is on terms of intimate friendship with ours... if your danger is iminent you should remove herer...
GLC09230
2-4 March 1863
to his sister
Unidentified soldier of the 16th New Hampshire Volunteers in Mansfield, Louisiana, describes a prayer meeting at a black church, visits to New Orleans, and army life. "We are thinking that the Conscription Act will go rather hard with some of the...
GLC09231
1835
The Anti-Slavery Record, Vol. 1
Six issues of The Anti-Slavery Record published by the American Anti-Slavery Society, each bearing a dramatic woodcut illustrating the horrors visited upon slaves. 12 pages each. Includes: No. 6 - June, No. 7 - July, No. 9 - September (2nd edition)...
GLC09232
1853
The Great Orations and Senatorial Speech of Daniel Webster
Collection of 16 antebellum pamphlets, including several scarce and rare items, touching on the major political topics in post-Jacksonian politics, mainly the future of slavery. Partial contents: "The Great Orations and Senatorial Speech of Daniel...
GLC09233
1849-1854
Baxter, Thompson, fl. 1849-1854
[California Gold Rush archive][Decimalized .01- .25]
Documents the activities of Thompson Baxter of Quincey, Massachusetts, and his store in Stockton, California. Includes letters to and from his wife, printed cartoon panel ("This is a true Picture of Callifornia I have seen it And experienced it...
GLC09234
July 1858
Spooner, Lysander, fl. 1865
A Plan for the Abolition of Slavery
"A Plan for the Abolition of Slavery," imploring non-slaveholding whites in the South to combine with slaves to overthrow plantation owners. "Your numbers, combined with those of the Slaves, will give you all power. You have but to use it, and the...
GLC09235
Showing results 78251 - 78300