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23 February 1861
Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892
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
Gibson, Tobias, fl. 1861-1865
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
to his brother John McKinley Gibson
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
9 November 1856
Gibson, Louisiana Hart, fl. 1836
[to her father Tobias Gibson]
Author inferred through content. Both Sarah and Claude intend to write him by the same mail. A land deal between Mr. Scott and Mr. Taylor has gone bad. Mr. Taylor claims that the land falls short one-third of the area that he agreed to buy. The...
GLC04501.040
9 September 1843
Gibson, J.Y., fl. 1843
to Tobias Gibson
He discusses crops and a dispute between Mr. C.M. Clay and Mr. Brown.
GLC04501.041
12 August 1844
Hibler, J.A., fl. 1844
[Bill of sale for Isaam]
A bill of sale for Isaam, an enslaved man purchased by Tobias Gibson from T. A. Hibler for $550.
GLC04501.042
15 March 1845
Humphreys, Joseph, fl. 1845
Composition
A composition entitled, "Love, what is it." An amusing essay detailing the effects of love and judging the emotion to be "evil".
GLC04501.043
19 March 1845
[to Sarah Gibson]
A touching letter in which Tobias declares he will always have a special place for his oldest child, Sarah. The letter also contains Gibson family genealogy since before the revolution.
GLC04501.044
24 May 1845
Humphreys, Mary, fl. 1845
to her brother Joseph Humphreys
This is the first opportunity she has had to write since she left home. Her school allows letters to be written only on Saturday. She writes about her classes, instructors, and classmates. A. E. (possibly Mary's teacher) writes a message on the...
GLC04501.045
22 July 1845
Caffrey, R.E., fl. 1845
[to Joseph Humphreys]
Caffrey is ill. He discusses friends who have joined the Mexican War and voices his displeasure with the conflict. He hopes to travel to Spain someday.
GLC04501.046
16 August 1845
Humpreys, Mary, fl. 1845
to Joseph Humphreys
It is Saturday and she is finding it hard to concentrate on her studies. She hopes he will visit soon.
GLC04501.047
25 November 1845
Humphreys, D.C., fl. 1845
Recipient inferred from content. He encourages his son to get the best education possible. He speculates on all the different occupations he could have had.
GLC04501.048
January 30, 1846
Gibson, Gibson, fl. 1846-1850
Gibson has gone to Louisiana to try to build his fortune. The letter discusses parenting and education at great length.
GLC04501.049
2 February 1846
He wants Sarah to spend a year in Philadelphia and another in New York to finish her education. By the time she finishes school, the new house in Lexington and the plantation in Louisiana should be completed. Continued 2/8/1846.
GLC04501.050
7 March 1846
Shelby, Virginia, fl. 1846
to her brother Tobias Gibson
She describes her trip from New Orleans. Also discusses news of family and friends.
GLC04501.051
22 March [1846]
Valentine, Martha, fl. 1846-1875
A somber letter in which Martha describes her family's recent destitution. Their entire estate, houses, slaves, crops, etc., have been confiscated by the bank and Dr. Nebett. The property will be auctioned off the first of April.
GLC04501.052
13 July 1846
Extends an invitation for Tobias to visit. Writes news of family and friends. She adds the rather intriguing remark: "Mrs. Fishback I think has forgotten her fathers [sic] land, her Lincoln kin."
GLC04501.053
26 May 1846
Gibson, W.W., fl. 1846
to his brother Tobias Gibson
He was unable to make the arrangements Tobias asked for because Mrs. F. Gibson was on her death bed. He discusses payment of money, crops and plans to settle near Lake Providence.
GLC04501.054
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