Category Archives: Jefferson Davis

1862: William Lowndes Yancey to Jefferson Davis

November 22, 2025 Griff Leave a comment

William Lowndes Yancey (1814–1863) was a prominent American politician in the Antebellum South and a “Fire-Eater” who vigorously defended slavery and advocated for Southern secession in light of Northern antislavery movements. Initially critical of John C. Calhoun during the Nullification Crisis, he later became a staunch supporter of Calhoun’s views, opposing the Compromise of 1850. Known as the “Orator of Secession,” he played a key role in dividing the Democratic Party at the 1860 Convention. During the Civil War, he was appointed by Jefferson Davis to seek European recognition of the Confederacy but met with frustration. Yancey subsequently served in the Confederate Senate, where he often criticized the Davis Administration. He was bludgeoned with a glass inkstand on the floor of the Senate during a heated argument with Benjamin Hill of Georgia over differences in a bill intended to create a Confederate Supreme Court, and he passed away in July 1863 at age 48, never fully recovering from his injuries.

In this personal letter to President Jefferson Davis, Yancey offers some advice on the means of obtaining arms from Europe. Yancey’s letter refers to Capt. Caleb Huse, the agent sent by Jefferson Davis to go to Europe for the purpose of purchasing arms. Huse was an 1861 West Point graduate. His decision to serve the Confederacy rather than to remain in the US Army is extensively explored in an excellent article by Ron Maness appearing in Military Images Magazine, March 2024.

Davis responded to the letter by annotating a short message to his Secretary of War on the reverse side, and signing with his initials.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Richmond [Virginia]
6th April 1862

Sir,

I have had occasion very recently to examine with some care the instructions of the War Department to Capt. Huse and the letter of that officer to the Secretary of War. Having a full personal knowledge of the views of Capt. Huse and of his operations in Europe, and of the capacities of European manufacturers to supply arms, I beg leave to submit for your considerations the following.

The finished military education of Capt. Huse naturally incline him to contract for and buy none but the most superior rifled arms. The instructions of the Government strengthen him in that inclination. The markets of Europe, at this time, can afford but few rifled muskets. Many very fair smooth bore muskets may yet be bot in Europe if pains is taken to find them.

The appointment of at least two additional officers to make different sections of the continent of Europe the sphere of their operations would facilitate the acquisition of such arms. Instructions to each to confine his operations to the section allotted to him, would prevent conflict in securing purchase & consequent rise in prices.

The manufacturers of the riffled, as well as other muskets & carbines, are now pretty much open to be monopolized by our contractor. But to this end, a large amount of cash in hand is absolutely necessary as forfeit money is required to be deposited at time of contracting. Cash also is absolutely necessary to be paid at time of delivery under contracts which is monthly.

I notice in Mr. Memminger’s statement of amounts of money sent to the agents of the War Depatment that in the most critical period of our contacts in England, that between 25th September and 19th January— near 4 months—he only sent $1,031.00. The consequence was that he—Capt. Huse—had to beg an advance from S. Isaac Campbell & Co. to amount of half a million dollars. Had this house not have generously aided us, we should have lost every contract and with them some 50,000 muskets delivered in that period & since.

The funds sent up to 7th March will only pay for deliveries under old contracts which do not, I believe, amount to over 10,000 muskets a month. If we are to arm 200,000 additional men—or rather obtain 2 or 300,000 more muskets by fall, not only will you be compelled to send additional officers imbrued fully with your ideas but a million of dollars a month in advance.

Pardon me for these suggestions. They are dictated by a solemn sense of duty. I address them to you because I believe that from the immense pressure upon you of every interest, you cannot comprehend all unless with the aid of some plain spoken friends. I have spoken of which I know and submit it for what it is worth to your consideration.

Respectfully, your obedient servant, — W. L. Yancey

[To] His excellency Jefferson Davis, President

[annotated on reverse in another hand]

Offers suggestions as to the means of obtaining arms from Europe. See President’s endorsement on other side.

[in Jefferson’s hand]

Secretary of War. For attention and conference with Secretary of Treasury with a view to consultation, &c. — J. D

87th Pennsylvania Infantry, Grand Review of 6th Corps, Jefferson Davis

1865: William D. Chamberlin to Margaret A. Carpenter

May 30, 2025 Griff Leave a comment

The following letter was written by William D. Chamberlin (1842-1881), the son of John Chamberlin (1818-1883) and Martha J. Biggs (1819-1883) of Cashtown, Adams county, Pennsylvania. He wrote the letter to Margaret (“Maggie”) A. Carpenter (1845-1880) with whom he married in October 1869. Co. K, 87th Pennsylvania Volunteers. His grave markers gives his surname as Chamberlin though he was carried on the muster rolls of the regiment as Chamberlain.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

*William’s letter was written on stationery printed with poem, “Old Jeff as Miss Dixie” by R. B. Nicol.*

Camp near Bailey’s Cross Roads, Virginia
June 9th 1865

Good evening Maggie,

I am reasonably well, thank you. How are you prospering? Your favor of the 23rd ult. came to hand a few days ago, and met a welcome reception. I was very busy today. I am now engaged as clerk at Regimental Headquarters and have a considerable amount of work on hand just now. But as it is now 9 o’clock, I have taken the liberty to put the other papers to a side and devote a few moments to the agreeable task of answering your letter. I received the note you sent me just about the time we wrestled starting on the march from Richmond to this place. I knew you would certainly receive my letter—hence I didn’t answer the note. I am inclined to think you were not in a very good humor when you wrote it. Well, I can’t censure you for it after having waited so long for an answer, but I presume you have already forgiven me. You know full well that it is almost impossible for a soldier to be punctual with his correspondents at all times—especially it he has a goodly number. He has a great many other duties to perform and they demand his attention first.

Your thoughts concerning the “Locust trees” are very good. It calls to my mind scenes around my home that I often looked upon with delight about this time of the year.

*William’s letter included a cdv of Jeff Davis in ladies clothes being taken captive by Union Cavalry. Two black infantrymen look on in the background.* *There were numerous variations on this theme but this is the only one I have seen of this view.*

I should like to hear your sermon on the flight of Jeff Davis. I have been thinking you would probably make an appointment in the neighborhood for that purpose. Hence I have selected a piece of music with appropriate lines for an occasion of that kind which i will place at your disposal. What do you think of it? Pretty good, eh?

I understand you had quite an assemblage of people at the meeting in the grove on the 1st of June. It would have been very gratifying to me to have met with the rest of you. Such, however, could not be the case.

Well the Grand Review of the 6th Corps is over. No doubt the idle curiosity of a great many people has been gratified, but it cost the lives of quite a number of good soldiers—some no doubt who have served faithfully for three years. There was scarcely any air stirring in the streets of Washington and som of the streets were clouded with dust. The day was very warm and there was hundreds to be seen through the city on the sidewalks who were overcome with the heat and had fallen—some to rise no more. I was along but had no gun or accoutrements to carry. Sometimes I thought I would fall too. Our Corps, I noticed, receives great praise in the papers. ¹

This evening when our regiment was on “Dress Parade,” the Colonel complimented the boys for their good behavior and fine marching in the City yesterday. Our camp is about fives miles from Washington on the Virginia side of the Potomac. The troops are being sent home as rapidly as possible. As yet, there has been no orders to muster out troops who entered the army last spring but I presume there will be such orders issued as soon as they get those mustered out who come under the first order from the fact that they are mustering out all of our sick men.

I will not get angry at you for threatening to box my ears. Talk about it as much as you have a mind to, but I would like to see you carry it into execution. If you would attempt it, I’ll bet I would have a k–s. Oh! I almost forgot myself. Well, as you say, you often think on paper so I will come in with that idea too. If you would or could see me now, you would see as much of a dash on my face as there is between those two letters up there. After all, I can’t see any harm in the expression, “Worse half.”

You say “A candid confession as good for the soul.” Now tell me why you were angry when you came to that part of my letter when I said, “Who will have me?” You ask why I don’t correct faults that I may notice in you. The fact is I have not noticed any of which to accuse you or correct in you. Will that do? As you are getting weary of this scribbling. I will close and go to my bed such as it is on the ground. Let me hear from you soon again. I have the honor to remain very respectfully your friend, — Wm. D. C., Co. K, 87th P. V., 1st Brig., 3d Division, 6th Corps, Washington D. C.

P. S. Please remember me to all of your folks, — Wm. D. C.

¹ There was a separate review of the 6th Corps on 8 June 1865. THE CLOSING PAGEANT OF THE WAR.; Grand Review of the Sixth Corps by the President and Gen. Meade. The War-Worn Veterans Make a Splendid Appearance. They are Greeted Everywhere with the Greatest Enthusiasm. Reconstruction in Alabama A Rather Startling Demand. Military Re-union of the 14th and 20th Corps. Speeches by Gens. Howard. Slocum and Others. REVIEW OF THE SIXTH CORPS.
WASHINGTON, Thursday, June 8.
Published: June 9, 1865
The dusty veterans of the Sixth have a proud record. The colors are for too small for the inscription of the names of all their battles, and there are hundreds of officers and men who have been under fire a round hundred times. The corps was first brought into existence by MCCLELLAN, at Cumberland Landing, on the Pamunky River, in May, 1862, when it was styled the Sixth Provisional Army Corps, and Maj.-Gen, W.B. FRANKLIN assigned to the command. The corps has graduated some splendid soldiers, foremost among whom stand the lamented SEDGWICK, the indomitable HANCOCK, who was present today, and again looked upon the fragments of the brigade that he so vigorously disciplined at Camp Griffin, in the Winter of 1861-2; “Baldy” SMITH, whose features were once so inseparable with the corps, and DAVIDSON, whose Trans-Mississippi cavalry campaigns have been so successful; and BROOKS, now out of the service, but once a pet of the Vermonters and a gallant officer: young VINTON, badly wounded at Fredericksburg; BURNHAM, the valiant son of Maine, who fell at Fort Harrison; RUSSELL, killed in the very hour of victory, at Cedar Creek, in the valley; BIDWELL, giving up his life just after receiving his hard-earned star; and many others gone, now forever, whose memory is renewed most vividly as the veterans of the Sixth pass by. The term “SHERIDAN’S heavy cavalry” was applied to the Sixth Corps by some one who had a singularly correct idea of its significance, for the must brilliant victories of the valley were those in which the “heavy cavalry” came vigorously to the support of the “light cavalry,” and which, on the 19th of October, under the inspiring presence of SHERIDAN himself, wrested victory from the very jaws of defeat, and which again, in the final rout of LEE, overhauled, defeated and captured the rear guard of EWELL, and sent to the rear ten thousand prisoners, innumerable flags and cannon, and half a score of Major-Generals. So, if the Sixth Corps marched to-day with a vigorous step and proud spirit, they were entitled to do so by all that goes to make valiant and victorious soldiers. http://www.nytimes.com/1865/06/09/n…sident-gen-meade-war-worn.html?pagewanted=all

Jefferson Davis, John Wilkes Booth

1865: Harriet Ruth Crandall to Edwin R. Adams

February 20, 2025 Griff Leave a comment

This letter was written by Harriet (“Hattie”) Ruth Crandall (1843-1913), the daughter of John Crandall (1808-1895) and Mary Ann Ackerman (1814-1898) of Watertown, Jefferson county, New York. Hattie wrote the letter to Edwin R. Adams (1841-1926) whom she would marry in 1866.

Edwin was born in Dexter, New York, the son of Henry Adams (1806-1895) and Emily Dickinson Ackerman (1811-1908) of Pillar Point, New York, a ninth generation descendant of the Henry Adams Family of Braintree, Massachusetts, which included U. S. presidents John Adams and President John Quincy Adams. He married Hattie Crandall (1843-1913) of Watertown, New York, in 1866, and together they had three children. Adams was appointed a second lieutenant in the 36th Regiment, 16th Brigade, and 4th Division of the National Guard of the State of New York on April 6, 1865, effective from February 16, 1865. After the war, Adams pursued a career as a farmer, and he later served as overseer of highways in Brownville, Jefferson County, New York. His sister Jane Adams (1839-1921) married Alfred Ackerman (d.1913), and together they built the first hotel in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, in the late 1870s, under the name Twin Lake Summer Resort.

This letter was once in a large collection of letters to and from his fiancée, Hattie Crandall. Two letters from Hattie to Edwin refer to major war-related events in 1865. In a letter dated April 23, 1865, Hattie laments the tragic death of President Lincoln: “the just God takes those who can be least spared and so at this final hour he permitted the hand of the assassin to strike down our President when he was so much needed and leave the country to mourn and well might the confederacy dress in mourning for they have lost their best friend, as well as the North.” In a June 18, 1865 letter to Adams, Hattie expressed joy at the capture of John Wilkes Booth in April and of Jefferson Davis in May. “I suppose the boys in the army will be coming home before many days at least they are looking for them around here. We can not complain of the good news in relation to the capture of ‘Jeff,’ it seems as if his capture and that of Booth and others would partially cancel the Death of our President.”

Transcription

*Addressed to Mr. E. R. Adams, Pillar Point, New York*

Watertown [New York]
June 1865

Dear E.,

I have finally taken my seat to write you again although several weeks have passed since I intended to have written. The night after you left here we got the sad news of Rinda’s death which affected us all deeply & so it is the house of joy is turned to one of mourning in a few short hours. It would have been a great consolation to have been with her through her sickness although it would have been hard to have seen her suffer so much. Her disease finally terminated in Dropsy on the brain, but she is now at rest and I know they say it is for the best that it is so but it seems as if I never could be reconciled to have it so in this world.

We are all usually well but Mother. Her eyes are quite bad and have been most of the time since she got back. She was very tired and has not got fairly rested yet, but one thing favors us and that is our milk goes to the factory, as the old saying is no great loss but some small gain. If the factory at Rodman have lost Parker’s milk, we get ours drawn by them to the Hill factory.

It is very lonely and still here today. All the noise made is the birds singing and the scratching of my poor old pen. All the rest have gone to church and I stay at home tonight and watch the bees. What a warm, sultry day it is. I think a good shower could be appreciated by every one now, suppose you start out again and see if it would bring rain. Mr. Graves gave us quite a surprise last night by coming in our house, although we expected him some time in the course of the summer. He is agent for a mowing machine in this county and he will spend some time around here. He left the rest of the family well. Irving’s family were also in good health but were all very lonely and surely how lonely it must be without no Rinda there.

I suppose the boys in the army will be coming home before many days—at least they are looking for them around here. We can not complain of the good news in relation to the capture of “Jeff.” It seems as if his capture and that of Booth and others would partially cancel the death of our President.

How does Gert prosper? I should like to see her much and should be happy to see you be up here. It is about time they come home from church so I shall have to be about the eating arrangement and will bid goodbye for the present. The same as ever, your Hattie

Jefferson Davis, John Wilkes Booth, Lincoln Assassination

1865: Wisconsin Homefront letters to Henry Nolop, 4th Wisconsin Cavalry

December 26, 2024 Griff Leave a comment

The following letters were written by Elizabeth (Gard) Nolop (1834-1909), a native of England, who married Henry Nacey Nolop (1834-1916) in 1854. At the time of her letter, the Nolop’s had five children—Fannie (b. 1855), Carrie (b. 1857), George (b. 1859), Harriet (b. 1861), and Alma (b. 1863).

Also writing was Henry’s father, George Nolop (1804-1886), a native of Germany, who lived for a time in Canada and then came to Hixton, Jackson county, Wisconsin, about 1861. The letters were written to Henry Nolop near the end of his term of service in the 4th Wisconsin Cavalry Co. I. He mustered out in August 1865. After the Civil War, he returned home and was a farmer and a blacksmith.

Henry and his brother Daniel George Nolop (1844-1925) both served in the 4th Wisconsin Cavalry. Another son, “John” George Nolop, Jr. (1838-1922) served in Co. I, 14th Wisconsin Infantry from January 4, 1865 to October 9, 1865.

To read Henry Nolop’s Civil War letters, go to—1864-65: Henry Nacey Nolop to Elizabeth (Gard) Nolop.

Letter 1

Hixton, [Wisconsin]
April 23, 1865

My dear Henry,

It is with pleasure that I can sit down to write a few lines to let you know that we are all well at home and I hope these few lines will find you the same. I got a letter from you last night and I was glad to hear that you was so well. [It was] the letter that you put the candy in and the children was all so pleased to get it. There was none for the baby [but] they parted it. I was sorry to hear that you was so near the fighting and [though] you told me in your letter that I must not fret so much, but I can’t help it. I fret more now that you have gone where you are but I hope the Lord will speed the time when you can come home again. There was so many that went from here that got killed and wounded and I don’t know when I shall hear the news myself. William Curran was wounded in his hip and had to have his leg cut off.

Abraham Lincoln is dead. He was shot.

I have got my cow from Mr. Curran. I had to pay 25 dollars for her. I got the clothes. Your father got the things and looked them all over. There was two or three little things in the pockets. I got the vile. You wanted me to tell you all that I got. I got four blankets. This makes nine that I have now, and two shirts, one pair of pants…

You wanted to know how your father and mother get along. I don’t know much about them, Your father has got the wagon and the chain and the grind stone and your boot is lost. We shan’t get no more fish again. I have got your spear yet and I got the three hooks. Your mother is tolerably afraid that she won’t get what you owe her. Cate is well and she is the best one to me. She comes here and talks to me. Tonight I have got my garden plowed. I gave [ ] five bushels of [ ]. The Jordans are mowing the [ ]. We all send our kind love to Daniel. We have got enough to eat. Things is getting a little cheaper. Fanny wants you to send her a little ring when you can. This is Sunday night and I must close my letter. Goodbye dear and may God bless you. So goodbye. From your dear wife, — Elizabeth Nolop

Letter 2

Hixton, Jackson county, Wisconsin
April 23, 1865

Dear Henry,

I hope these few lines will find you and Dan in good health. Your family is all well. We have news that the war is over. Mobile gave up. So far so good. But the news of the murder of Abe Lincoln is not so good.

*William Curran, Co. G, 5th Wisconsin Infantry. Had a leg amputated from wound received at the Battle of Sailor’s Creek on 6 April 1865*

Poor William Curran has lost his leg at Richmond. Old Mr. [John H.] Curran is going down to him tomorrow. When he gets the bad news that his Mother died, he will feel bad enough. ¹

We have the worst of weather here this spring. We done nothing yet on the land, On the 21st it began to snow and now we have plenty of snow on the ground. I have heard from Gerry Martin. He is in St. Louis, Mo. Maybe he will be sent to the plains to keep the Injens quiet. Enlisting and drafting is stopped altogether.

I wish you would let me know how the soldiers felt when they heard that the President was killed. Wonder what they would do if they had that fellow that fired the pistol. I don’t think that the leading Rebels will fare so well with Andy Johnson as they would with Old Abe. But we shall find out.

We had a good laugh about Dan not finding bottom in the camp at Carrollton. I hope he has got dry footing now and is in good spirits. I think you all will be home soon. Tell Dan that Mother is going to save lots of eggs and butter for him against he comes home. Dr. Negus sends his best love to you both. He is at Mrs. Martin’s for a day or two. The fact is, he is weather bound. The road is too bad to travel. He is bound for Sparta.

Mr. Coles’ son got clear but they took him again and now they have him in Milwaukee. It will go pretty hard with him.

Mother and me send our love to you and Dan. Write soon—that is, when you get a chance. And tell Dan to write. So no more at present. From your father, — G. Nolop

To Mr. Henry Nolop, 4th Cavalry, Co. I, Wisconsin Volunteers, Baton Rouge, La.

¹ John “William” Curran (1840-1915) served in Co. G, 5th Wisconsin Infantry. He was badly wounded on 6 April 1865 at the Battle of Sailor’s Creek and had to have his left thigh amputated. William was the son of Rev. John H. Curran (1805-1881)—a blacksmith and local Methodist minister—and Elizabeth McKinney (1808-1865). Elizabeth died on 14 April 1865, just a few days after her son was wounded.

Letter 3

Hixton, Jackson county, [Wisconsin]
May 1, 1865

Dear Henry,

I sit down and pen a few lines hoping that they will find you and Dan, and I hope John, in good health. I see by the papers that Mobile is gone the way of Charleston and Richmond. There must be something else going on for they have last week sent all the soldiers from Wisconsin to the front. If you know where that is for I don’t, for the Rebs run so that we can’t find out where the front is.

We have news that the assassin that shot the President is shot too and in the same place in the head that Old Abe was shot. It was too good for him. His flesh ought to be whittled off his bones with a jackknife.

I suppose you have seen John by this time and I wouldn’t wonder if we was to have war with Mexico yet before it is done.

There is hardly any sowing done here yet—the land is so wet. I had a letter from Gerry Martin. He was then in Missouri. Where he is now, I don’t know for they marched from there. His wife had news from Fond-du-lac that her father was very sick so she went with her children adn Mrs. Perry Clark yesterday to Sparta and today she will be in Fond-du-lac so we are all alone now. Your family are all well and so are all the neighbors. Your mother sends her love to you and Dan and John. If you see him, tell him that I got one letter from him and sent two. Your mother says that when you and Dan come home, we will have the big pudding—if it can be got anyhow.

Kate she is now at Mr. Curran’s stopping with Mary since the Old Woman died. I wish that you and Dan was home about harvest time to help me off with the harvest for you know I am all alone now that Gerry is gone. That was a long letter you sent, I hope the next will be as big. I am glad that you and Dan at last found a place that suits you. There is more such places on the seacoast. John Ashton is coming home but I have not see him yet.

This is about all. Tell Dan to keep up his courage yet. Look out for Jeff Davis. He is running somewhere with the money that he stole. I hope someone gets it. I think that the new President Andy Johnson will give the leaders of the Rebellion just what they deserve. It seems that Lincoln’s mission was fulfilled and now Johnson steps in and finishes it. The hand of Providence is in it for Lincoln was too good-hearted for the leaders.

No more at present. From your Father. Good night.

to Mr. Henry Nolop, 4th Cavalry Co. I, Wisconsin Vols. New Orleans, La.

15th Army Corps, Jefferson Davis

1865: Richard Welling Burt to Mahola (Evans) Burt

November 29, 2024 Griff Leave a comment

The following letter was written in mid-June 1865 by Richard Welling Burt (1823-1911) of Peoria, Illinois. He was the son of Foght Burt (1799-1886) and Eliabeth Welling (1803-1877). He wrote the letter to his first wife, Mahola Evans (1826-1873) while serving as Captain of Co. H, 76th Ohio Infantry.

“The following biographical sketch came from a county history: Richard W. Burt, United States storekeeper, resides 816 Sanford street, was born in Warwick, Orange county, N. Y., in 1823. His parents, Foght and Elizabeth Burt, were natives of same county. In 1834 they removed to Coshocton county, Ohio. When the war with Mexico began, Mr. Burt enlisted in Co. B, 3rd Ohio, June 4, 1846, and remained in the service a year. He married Malona Evans, a native of Ohio, in January, 1848, and settled in Coshocton county. In 1853, he established the Progressive Age, a weekly Republican newspaper; was one of the first to advocate the principles embraced by the party, and was one of its founders. At the end of three years Burt sold the paper and embarked in the coal trade at Newark, Ohio, continuing till he went into the army, in December, 1861, as a member of Co. G, 76th Infantry, which he helped to recruit, and went out as its 2d Lieutenant. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant of Co. I, after the Battle of Arkansas Post, and when the regiment veteranized in April, 1864, became Captain of Co. H. At the Battle of Resaca, Ga., he received a gunshot wound in the mouth, losing most of his teeth; participated in thirty battles and skirmishes, and traveled with the regiment 10,000 miles. He was the weekly correspondent of the Newark North American during the war. Soon after his discharge, in July, 1865, was breveted Major for gallant conduct. He came to Peoria in 1865; engaged nine years in the grocery and feed business; was appointed to present position over four years ago. Mrs. Burt, by whom he had four children, three living, died in January, 1873. Mr. Burt married Betsey M. Cotton nee Barnum, a native of New York, in 1876. He is a member of A. F. & A. M., G. A. R., and Mexican War Veteran Association, and he and wife are members of M. E. Church.”

Transcription

Louisville, Kentucky
June 13, 1865

Dear Wife,

I have just returned from the Paymaster, and before I left I put $1000 in the Express Office directed to Mrs. Capt. Richard W. Burt, Peoria, Illinois, which I wish to deposit with you for a few months for safe keeping. I don’t know but you had as well invest it in 7.30 bonds if you can do so to advantage. Advise with Isaac on the subject. It would be as well perhaps to keep it yourself about how much money you have for various reasons that I need not mention here.

There is some talk now that we are going to St. Louis before long, that Gen. Sherman will have his Headquarters there and take the 15th Corps with him. If we go there, it will be but a short trip for me to come and see you, or you and the children to come and see me, so I hope we may come there.

I got a new tent last night and will soon be a little better fixed than I have been since we came here. I got more pay than I expected as officers get higher pay since the 1st of March. It is about $150 per month now which is more than I could be making at home perhaps. The camp is full of all kinds of peddlers this afternoon, and of course the boys are distributing their money pretty freely buying pies and cakes, pocketbooks, suspenders, photographs, and every kind of invention to get money.

On this letter sheet and envelope you will see our 15th Corps Badge. I weat just such a looking one on my hat, made of silver. As soon as I can get a box, I will express those things home that I spoke of in my last letter.

The weather is very warm and sultry and it makes me sweat to write. Excuse me for not writing a full sheet this time. Enclosed I send you a picture of Jeff in petticoats. I have composed a new song on the subject which I think of getting printed. ¹

Your affectionate husband, — R. W. Burt

¹ Capt. Richard Welling Burt published his songs in 1906 under the title of “War Songs, Poems, and Odes” which he dedicated to his comrades of the Mexican and Civil War. The song he composed just prior to the date of this letter appears in the book on page 19 which he called, “Jeff Davis in Petticoats.” (see Below)

104th Ohio Infantry, 184th Ohio Infantry, Jefferson Davis

1865: Mary Elizabeth Taylor to brothers Bub & Will Taylor

June 20, 2023 Griff Leave a comment

I can’t be 100% certain of the identity of these correspondents though I feel confident they were members of the household of Levi Kirk Taylor (1811-1901) and Emily Rosseter (1814-1896) of Randolph, Portage county, Ohio. I suspect that the unsigned letter was actually penned by Mary Elizabeth Taylor (1844-1874) who would have been 21 years old and unmarried at the time this letter was written in May 1865. She died young at the age of 30 and seems to have been an invalid. Alternatively it would have been written by her older sister, Louisa Jane Taylor (1841-1914) who was already married to Isaiah Samuel France (1842-1894) who served earlier in the war in Co. I, 104th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI).

The letter was addressed to “Will” and “Bub” who were the author’s brothers. Clearly Will was Corp. William Kirk Taylor (1839-1905) who served in Co. I, 104th OVI and seems to have been transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps in 1863. I can’t be certain who “Bub” was and can’t even conjecture based on census records.

Transcription

Randolph [Portage county, Ohio]
Monday eve. May 15th 1864 [should be 1865]

My esteemed brothers, Bub & Will,

Your letter of the 9th inst. is just received. Was glad to hear that Erastus ¹ is getting better but sorry to hear he would not be able to start home for so long but we are still living in hopes. Will, I am sorry that “Old Father Time” should deal out to so you so scrimped a portion of time that you could only write one half a small sheet of letter paper. You don’t write half particulars enough. What are the names of the inmates of the house in which brother Bub is? Has the regiment left yet?

We’ve got Old Jeff Davis. He was found in his wife’s petticoat—Oh ho! He is coming up to Washington. Wonder if Johnson will make him Vice President, eh? Father says Old Jeff turned into a wizard after all, &c. &c. &c. ²

*Northern cartoonists mercilessly depicted Jefferson in full women’s clothes after his capture. Library of Congress*

Prent[ice] ³ & Wilber has just come. They are taking a couple of loads of household goods to Mecca for Ben Mason & are going to put up at Taylor House tonight.

Our folks attended Myron Collins’ funeral yesterday which was largely attended. ⁴ Poor Mrs. Collins feels dreadful bad so they say. She fainted at the graveyard.

The neighbors are making up a collection to get Mrs. Beans (widow of Henry Beans) a dress and other things which she needs. She is in reduced circumstances. Has a family of six little boys and one small girl. Mr. Bean’s funeral sermon is to be preached at Randolph one week from next Sunday. I wanted to have gone to the funeral but was not able. ⁵

Bub, you and I will have to be put in the “Invalid Corps.” I am getting better slowly and I hope I will be well enough to walk to the dinner table without crutches when you get here if we have that chicken pie. I have got tired enough of sitting still but there is one consolation and that is if you come home, I will have nothing to do but visit. I wanted to practice some on the melodian before you got home but tis little I can do towards it. Hence I have a good excuse for not playing for you, ain’t I?

Rosella was to have begun our school today but they are going to move the school house about ten feet further south. Elma ⁶ and Dode went out to school this morning but was disappointed & came back home. Father has been to Ravenna today. Took up load of oats. You must hurry up, Bub & Will, or the regiment will get home first & that won’t answer at all. We would have begun to look for you & Erastus home about next week had it not been for your last letter. You will not have time to stay at home long if you don’t start before two weeks. Perhaps you could bring Erastus up to Nelson’s if he was unable to come alone. Some of our folks would meet him there. Mother says for you not to start too soon with Erastus & not let him come alone, &c. &c. Write all particulars, &c. Goodbye.

Respected forwarded by Wm. H. France, 1st Sergt. Co. H is all O.K. Not gone yet.

¹ Erastus Roseter Taylor (1845-1915) was the son of Levi Kirk Taylor (1811-1901) and Emily Rosseter (1814-1896) of Randolph, Portage county, Ohio. Erastus enlisted as a private on 2 February 1865 in Co. H, 184th Ohio Infantry. He was mustered out of the service on 18 May 1865 at Bridgeport, Alabama.

² “The story of Jefferson Davis’s capture in a dress took on a life of its own, as one Northern cartoonist after another used his imagination to depict the event. Printmakers published more than 20 different lithographs of merciless caricatures depicting Davis in a frilly bonnet and voluminous skirt, clutching a knife and bags of gold as he fled Union troopers. These cartoons were accompanied with mocking captions, many of them delighting in sexual puns and innuendoes, and many putting shameful words in Davis’s mouth. Over the generations, fact and myth have comingled concerning the details of Davis’s final capture. Had he borrowed his wife’s dress to evade the Union cavalry? How much of the unflattering post capture cartoons, news reports, and song lyrics sprang from the deep bitterness Northerners held for the man who symbolized the Confederacy?” [American Heritage, “Was Jefferson Davis Captured in a Dress?“]

³ Prentice A. Taylor (1838-1920) was the son of Levi Kirk Taylor (1811-1901) and Emily Rosseter (1814-1896) of Randolph, Portage county, Ohio. He served 3 months in Co. H, 162nd Ohio (National Guard) Infantry and mustered out on 4 September 1864 at Camp Chase.

⁴ Sgt. Myron Collins served in Co. H, 184th OVI. He died at Nashville, Tennessee on 25 April 1865. He was buried at the Nashville National Cemetery. In the 1860 US Census, Myron was the son of Austin Collins (1804-1880) and Delight Merriman (1807-1881) of Randolph, Portage county, Ohio. He was married to Lydia B. Berling (1832-1913) in November 1858. They had a little two year-old girl named Sadie at the time of his death. Lydia later remarried a second time to Henry Madison Woodruff (1828-1898).

⁵ Henry Beans (1829-1865) served as a private in Co. H, 184th OVI for seven and a half months before he died of chronic diarrhea on 24 April 1865 in General Hospital No. 15 at Nashville, Tennessee. Henry left a wife, Achsah (Abbott) Beans (1832-1908) and seven children, the oldest born in 1852. She received $8 per month as a pension for the loss of her husband.

⁶ Elma Livira Taylor (1855-1890) was the daughter of Levi Kirk Taylor (1811-1901) and Emily Rosseter (1814-1896) of Randolph, Portage county, Ohio.