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21 April 1864
Smith, Edward, fl. 1863
to Tobias Gibson
Dated at "Cotton Press No. 4." Smith, a member of the 2nd LA Cavalry, Co. G, informs Gibson of his being wounded, captured and imprisoned. He requests $200-$300 in city funds.
GLC04501.096
20 February 1871
Gibson, Tobias, fl. 1861-1865
to Sarah [Gibson] Humphreys
A melancholy letter discussing the difficulty of running a profitable plantation. Tobias worries over his children and his failings. He mentions the death of his wife, 20 years ago to the day. He writes of another woman he fell in love with after...
GLC04501.100
1861-1865
[to Sarah Gibson]
Writes to her niece that she is feeling better and sends news of other family members.
GLC04501.102
Writes to her niece about family news, particularly concerning a cousin who just married and Nathaniel, who is very ill.
GLC04501.103
[to Sarah Gibson Humphreys]
He discusses social activities in Lexington. He also instructs Sarah to forward his letters if she and Mr. Humphreys cannot come to Lexington.
GLC04501.104
Humphreys, Marian, ?
to Sallie
News concerning family members. Contents suggest these are probably Sarah Gibson Humphreys' children. The letter is partly cross-written.
GLC04501.105
24 November 1862
Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917
to his parents and sister
Writes that he and Darius have received money by way of Mrs. Warner, their captain's wife. He reports that General Dumont is issuing a notice in the papers identifying men who have deserted and offering a reward for their return. In response, the...
GLC07460.006
2 April 1863
to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister
He thanks his family for the letters and food they've sent. Complains that Uncle Sam owes him eighty dollars but thinks that he will get paid some of the amount tomorrow. Mentions to his family that they should set out an orchard on which they...
GLC07460.023
17 April 1863
to his sister Martha
Writes that he would like to hire Welly (his nephew Wellington Spohn) at five cents a day to help with the harvest. Reports that rebels are camped nearby and that he is anxious toget rid of them. Discusses the feeling of brotherhood amongst the...
GLC07460.024
25 April 1863
to his sister Martha [Spohn]
Hopes that more men will be drafted to fill the regiments. Writes that he would like to see the North "whip" the South entirely with volunteers. He describes a reported rebel attack on a Union picket that forced the picket to retreat. Wheeler also...
GLC07460.025
15 March 1866
McSherry, Anna, 1833-?
to Henry F. McSherry [incomplete]
Written by Anna to her brother Henry. Says she is sorry she sent her last letter, which reported that Henry's resignation was accepted and that another surgeon was being sent to replace him. Says it is not true. Says Admirals Lee and De Clymer both...
GLC03523.21.52
28 March 1866
McSherry, Richard M., 1792-?
to Henry F. McSherry
Written by Richard to his son Henry. Makes reference to Henry's sister Anna returning from Washington where bureaucratic infighting involving Henry's resignation was taking place. Says reports of intemperance were stated against him. Says "Do my dear...
GLC03523.21.54
15 July 1864
Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892
to his brother John McKinley Gibson
A camp rumor states that Sherman gave up his campaign against Atlanta and is fortifying along the Chatahoochee. "But this is mere conjecture." Gibson goes on to offer offensive diversions to draw Sherman from Atlanta, such as massing Confederate...
GLC04501.023
27 February 1866
Written by Anna to her brother Henry. Makes reference to the resignation and their father's disapproval again. Says she left Baltimore yesterday and has been ill since January and is taking cod liver oil. Mentions that the price of corn is 60 cents...
GLC03523.21.51
27 March 1866
Written by Anna to her brother Henry. Relates the story of the bureaucratic infighting involving his resignation. A man named Horowitz wanted to take Henry's place, but Admiral Lee intervened to keep the resignation open. There were accusations of...
GLC03523.21.53
23 February 1861
to his father Tobias Gibson
Requests a blank book and white army gloves. Discusses the amount of sugar and molasses being sold by the plantation.
GLC04501.004
18 September 1861
[List of sick attended to this day of the thirteenth regiment Louisiana infantry]
Lists the names of sick soldiers by company, their ailments, and indicates if they are in the hospital. Among the maladies listed are fever, dysentery, rheumatism, bronchitis, gonorrhea, congestion of the brain and leg ulcers. A doctor's name...
GLC04501.005
11 September 1861 to 31 October 1861
Destez, St. L., fl. 1861
Muster roll of Captain B. Avegno
Muster information for the company, with remarks written in French. Includes the name "Elisabeth Laporte", possibly a relative of Alexander Laporte, a soldier in company D Louisiana Volunteers.
GLC04501.006
5 October 1861
Devereux, John G., fl. 1861
to Randall Lee Gibson
Lt. Devereux writes that Captain J. A. Fremaux has been granted leave until October 8th 1861.
GLC04501.007
10 November 1861
to unknown
Col. Gibson recommends officers (as surgeon, assistant surgeon, quartermaster and commissary) for the 13th Reg. La. Volunteers and inquires whether a civilian can be appointed as quartermaster. Written at Camp Chlamette.
GLC04501.008
21 November 1861
Writes that his regiment has been ordered to Kentucky. "I am in the midst of departure for Ky. Bustle, Bustle on every hand and all alive with excitement - we go prepared for immediate action - and to sustain a sharp conflict. I believe my regiment...
GLC04501.009
23 November 1861
Informs his father that his unit has just left New Orleans. They are the first regiment to receive orders to leave the state. Discusses local benefits given to raise money for his regiment, and the health of his brother Claude, who also commands a...
GLC04501.010
24 November 1861
Writes that he is on the way to Columbus, Kentucky. He also stopped in Memphis to visit relatives. Discusses his sister Louly's health.
GLC04501.011
2 December 1861
He arrived in Columbus, Kentucky in the midst of a winter storm. He is not impressed by the discipline of the Confederate troops. He has gained 15 pounds in 2 months and visited relatives in Vicksburg.
In part: "Well you see we are at last in...
GLC04501.012
9 December 1861
Randall describes a prisoner exchange between Grant and Cheatham. He comments that Grant "had somewhat the appearance of a gentlemen but the rest seemed to me impudent upstarts--some made confidence in the 'on to New Orleans' intention and all of...
GLC04501.013
19 December 1861
Gibson has been given the command of the 3rd Brigade of General Pillow's 1st Division, which consists of the 13th La., 3rd Miss., and Williams' Light Battery. He is now acting Brigadier General and expects a full promotion. Gibson analyzes their...
GLC04501.014
1 January 1862
General Pillow has resigned, and Gibson analyzes his abilities. The citizens of St. Louis help provide for the troops. His soldiers expect to be ordered to New Orleans as soon as the weather clears up.
"....we have accustomed ourselves to reports...
GLC04501.015
7 January [1862]
Explains that though he is acting brigadier general of the newly formed brigade, he has not actually received a promotion from. General Polk. He believes the regiment may be ordered back to Louisiana by General Lovell. Gibson also suggests trying to...
GLC04501.016
16 January 1862
He has just learned that a large Federal force is moving against their position and writes his father that they soon may be surrounded. Gibson signs using his full name.
In part: "I have just returned from a meeting of the General Officers at Head...
GLC04501.017
20 January [1862]
Smith, C.M., fl. 1862
Resigning his position as a Surgeon in Gibson's regiment due to poor health. Smith notes that his fellow surgeon [Charles] Langenbacker is already "casting a wistful eye" upon Smith's post. He also discusses the parish crop, noting that some planters...
GLC04501.018
31 October 1862
Gibson describes a march ending at Chattanooga and estimates the sizes of John Buford's and Jonathan Hunt Morgan's respective cavalry units. He laments the failed campaign into Kentucky and vividly describes the Battle of Perryville (10/8/1862)...
GLC04501.019
29 December 1861
The letter provides news about the plantation crop and Randall's friends in New Orleans. Tobias Gibson believes Seward will "comply with the British demand."[Refers to the Trent Affair. Britain demanded the release of Southern Commissioners, James...
GLC04501.020
15 January 1862
Gibson, William P., fl. 1862-1863
William complains about the boredom of "Backwoods plantation." He announces a good cotton yield of 14,000 pounds, a tremendous corn yield, and his intention to plant wheat next year "so that in another year or less flour will be as cheap as the...
GLC04501.021
30 April 1864
[to his sister Louisiana Gibson]
Randall writes to his sister once a week, hoping that one of his letters will break the blockade and make its way across the Atlantic. He also hopes that John Slidell will be able to secure the recognition of the French government. He includes...
GLC04501.022
25 July 1864
to his sister Louisiana Gibson
Confidently predicts a Confederate victory against Sherman's army, which "will be driven back to the borders of the Ohio." His troops are stationed on Peach Tree Road, near the Atlanta railroad. The civilians have evacuated the town. "Louly" is...
GLC04501.024
27 July 1864
Asks about Kin's (John McKinley Gibson) health and discusses romantic relationships. He also appoints Kin as his aide de camp with military rank and pay. Includes an incomplete letter on a separate sheet labeled as GLC04501.25B, measuring 20 x 12.5...
GLC04501.025
20 September 1864
He is unable to send the money requested because he has no means of getting cash. The campaign in Georgia is turning in their favor. The army is between La Grange and the enemy. Written near Palmetto, Georgia.
GLC04501.026
25 September 1864
Discusses financial matters, and Kin's loan. "I do not see how you can require more than $100 or $150 -- making $1800 or $2700 in Confederate Money." Also discusses rounding up stragglers, a forthcoming pay, and the state of the Army of Tennessee:...
GLC04501.027
26 September 1864
The letter jokingly reprimands Kin *John McKinley Gibson) for his forgetfulness. "You send Thorton all the way to the army to carry your pay accounts & then neglect to give him your pay accounts . . . ."
GLC04501.028
9 November 1864
Cooper, James, fl. 1864
Special field orders no. 144
Signed by Captain James Cooper. Details Lieutenant John McKinley Gibson to the 13th La Vols. for 60 days. Written on a printed form with titled Head Quarters Army of Tennessee, Special Orders form. Docket on reverse signed by Assistant Adjutant...
GLC04501.029
17 November 1864
His troops are moving out in the morning. He has not received any mail for quite a while. He will apply to have Kin's detail extended for 60 days.
GLC04501.030
19 November 1864
A request for sugar and tea. "I prefer good English tea to coffee."
GLC04501.031
27 November 1864
Kin (John McKinley Gibson) is unwell. Randall assigned him duty in Mississippi, where he would be out of the winter weather and the line of battle.
GLC04501.032
14 January 1865
to his sister Louisiana Hart Gibson
Addressed to "Louly" Louisiana Gibson's nickname. He tells her to send her letters through John Slidell. [Louly is studying in Europe.] He was pleased to hear her account of the bazaar in Liverpool. He expects his command to be sent to Louisiana...
GLC04501.033
17 January 1865
Cooper, Joseph, fl. 1864
Special orders no.12
Extends Lieutenant J.M. Gibson detail to the 13th La Vols. for an additional 60 days. 3/16/65 note on verso further extends John McKinley's detail. Written on a printed Head Quartes Army of Tennessee, Special Orders form.
GLC04501.034
21 March 1865
Bekner, P.E., fl. 1865
To the hands employed or expect to be employed on Mr. Gibson's plantations
Letter from the office of the Provost Marshall orders the hands on the three plantations to go to work whether or not they have an agreement. Accompanied by a U.S. Military telegraph envelope addressed to Tobias Gibson with a docket date of October...
GLC04501.035
18 November 1867
[to his sister Sarah Gibson]
Recipient inferred from content. He and Hart are going to the city to try to earn money, so the family must keep their hopes up and economize. Father cannot take Loula at the present time. He asks Sarah to send several of his old photographs to...
GLC04501.036
28 December 1867
[to his sister Sarah Gibson Humphreys]
He is going to Live Oak plantation and make plans with Tobias for next year. He hopes things will be better and plans to go to New York in January. Randall Gibson married Mary Montgomery in New York on 1/25/1868. Written on "Gibson & Austin...
GLC04501.037
3 December 1868
Discusses sending an old man and his daughter to work at Live Oak plantation. Mentions purchasing articles for his wife. The family's poor financial circumstances continue. A heart felt letter in which Randall discusses family quarrels and...
GLC04501.038
14 [July] 1869
He has managed to pay an additional $290.25 on their debt, which should be paid off next year. Written on "Gibson & Austin, Attorneys at Law" letterhead from Randall Lee Gibson's law office.
GLC04501.039
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