January 5th 1861
Gentlemen...
It has come to my attention that a supply ship named "Star of the West" has left from New York City this morning supposedly enroute to re-supply this Major Anderson and his motley band of squatters at Fort Sumpter. This will most undoubtably be seen as an aggressive act by the good people of Charleston. My "Official" sources tell me that the cargo is strictly of food and other items of an unoffensive type quality, however, I have heard from more reliable friends who say they witnessed rifle boxes as well as ordinance being loaded as well. While this mission of "Peace" will be heralded by the Black Republicans as completely humanitarian in nature. The facts show that this means that the illegitimate holders of South Carolina property mean to resist their eviction. If blood is shed, then it will most definately mean WAR.
2nd Lt. Eric R. Reeder
United States Army
Corps of Topographic Engineers
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Our Laws Must Be Upheld
Faithful correspondents,
A most outrageous example of lawlessness and hooliganism in Florida!
Ruffians professing to be the troops of Florida, as if Florida were a sovereign state, burglarized the Apalachicola Arsenal and purloined a quantity of ARMS belonging to the UNITED STATES.
President Buchanan has proven himself incapable of dealing with this outbreak of lawlessness in our Southern states, will Mr. Lincoln establish some sanity in this intolerable situtation? Time will tell.
I remain,
Yr. Most Obedient, etc.
Bob Firth
Late of the 25th Mass
January 9th, 1861
My Dear Friend,
The telegraph wires are a buzz with the news that Mississippi has joined South Carolina in voting to succeed from the Union of States. This occurs on a day when all along the coast messengers are out along the Eastern Coast in search of the "Star of the West". Secretary of War Holt recieved information from the holder of Fort Sumter (I had up until now been miss-spelling this Fort as "Sumpter") a Major Robert Anderson, Whom you may remember from our duty in the Mexican War. He's always struck me as a sensible man and not prone to undue spontanious action. I can only conclude that he was following orders to move his command to Sumter. Secretary Holt has been attempting to stop the "Star of the West" due to Anderson's assurances that his garrison is well supplied for the moment and well. He also noted the construction of coastal batteries being fortified in the harbour by the South Carolinians. Great Jehova deliver us from such ill-concieved snap decisions from our Federal Government such as sending this unarmed vessel into obvious harms way.
"Hawks and Eagles fly like Doves"
2nd Lt Eric R. Reeder
United States Army
Corps of Topographic Engineers
2nd Lt Eric R. Reeder United States Army Corps of Topographic Engineers "Hawks and Eagles fly like Doves"
January 10th 1861
My Dearest Friend,
Well my worst fears have apparently been realized. Shots fired in anger have occurred yesterday in South Carolina. As I mentioned in my last dispatch the "Star of the West" was proceeding to re-supply Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbour. Apparently Secretary Holt's attempt at stopping the mission had failed, and their ill conceived plan has indeed backfired. Cadets from the Citadel, responding to the provocative act of resupplying the illegally confiscated Fort fired two shots across the bow of the steamer. The Captain of the "Star of the West" wisely retreated and refrained from attempting it's illegal action. In my view the Cadets had little choice but to fire. Given the actions of the Federal Government in this situation. As I am finding myself in the unethical situation of serving in an Army of a Government that acts in such a Manner I am going to Tender my Resignation from the Topographic Engineers if this situation gets much worse. I could not bring myself to raise my sword against my fellow Southrons. I pray that this crisis will abate but I fear that things have now gone too far.
As for others in the Southland, the actions of the Federal Government have cause Florida to vote to Join with South Carolina and Missisippi in leaving the Union. I wish them well.
With Warm regards I remain your most trusted friend,
2nd Lt Eric R. Reeder
United States Army
Corps of Topographic Engineers
"Hawks and Eagles fly like Doves"
2nd Lt Eric R. Reeder United States Army Corps of Topographic Engineers "Hawks and Eagles fly like Doves"
The Western Dispatch – Extra
The Western Dispatch – Extra
Independence, MO
Startling News!
Our Borders in Danger!!
Missouri to be Invaded!
We have authority which will not admit of doubt, for stating that Lane, with 3000 lawless abolitionists and 10 pieces of artillery, is about to march into Missouri and sack the border towns of Lexington, Independence, Westport and New Santa Fe. This is no idle rumor; and there can be no doubt of it. These desperadoes swear they will carry everything before them and spare nothing.
Our authority for giving the facts goes beyond the letter we publish, but fro motives of prudence, cannot be given except to know friends.
TO THE CITIZENS OF MISSOURI
Mr. Thomas Trewitt has just arrived from New Mexico; he had charge of Mrs. S. L. McKinneys train from this place. His train was taken from him at Palmyra, by the abolitionists under Lane. Bent’s and Campbells’ trains were just behind and he thinks they were also taken.
They say they are determined to destroy New Santa Fe, Westport, and Independence, between this time and Saturday night.
Send us help and let them be here as soon as possible. We want you tomorrow. This place will probably be attacked to-morrow night.
WM. M Bent
Upton Hays
Thos. Johnson
James B. Yager
O. Anderson
W.R. Bernard
A.G. Boone
J.G. Hamilton
James Findley
P.S. The wagons were taken yesterday morning at 11 o’clock.
The statements contained in the above letter which is endorsed by some of the best men of our country, are sufficient to startle the most confident. The whole course of Lane’s party, since their advent into the Territory, should convince all that those threats are not idle. The same fell spirit which would prompt them to murder rob and burn there, would actuate them to do deeds of equal, if not more heinous criminality here. It is well known that these men are almost entirely out of provisions, having lived for more than a week past upon scanty and meagre allowance. Starvation, aside from any other causes, will soon bring them down upon our border settlements like a pack of famished wolves, for here alone can they find provisions. It is the sincere and honest believe of every man who is conversant with the facts, that our border will certainly be invaded. The crisis has come and we must meet it. Will Missourians, who have so much as stake, lie supinely on their backs while their dearest interests are thus jeopardized – interests before which, those merely pecuinary, pale into insignificance viz he lives and honor of their families? Who, then is so base and cowardly, as to with-hold his aid now? We must have action. Old men – young men – aid us with your means, your counsels, and your strong arms! The danger is imminent! CHIVALRIC SONS OF MISSOURI, TO ARM!
The families of several gentlemen at New Santa Fe and Westport are being removed out of danger. Shall we be driven from our homes?
Owning to the urgent necessity of immediate action, we issue this sheet at 1 o-clock A.M. in order that our friends may be advised at the earliest moment. Come to our aid without a moment’s delay.
And now, from the Kansas side
To Messrs. Blood, Hutchinson, & others composing the “State Central Committee
William Seward
January 10, 1861
Dear Friend,
I got word today that William Seward accepted President-elect Abraham Lincoln's invitation to become Secretary of State. I believe that Mr Seward will became one of the most important members of the cabinet.
Mr Seward is a native of New York. He taught school in the South before returning to New York and entering politics. When Mr Seward became governor in 1838, He began to articulate strong anti-slavery views. Mr Seward entered the U.S. Senate in 1849 and burst onto the national scene during the debates surrounding the Compromise of 1850. He boldly proclaimed that slavery was doomed by a "higher law than the Constitution, the law of God." This will became a cheer for our cause which is abolition.
Your Obedint Servant,
CA Young
Pvt/Lt Craig Young
3rd Maine, Company A
29th Georgia/7th Maine
Lambh Deargh Erin Abu!
Most importantly we are free. Free in thought, body, and soul.
It is no longer the blood, but the spirit that makes us what we are.
We are Celts!
Abolition
Mr Young,
Kindly do not infer that all those who support the Union are aligned with the scaly abolitionists, as it is not the case. The institution of slavery, as repugnant as it may be, is too firmly ensconced in the economic background of the south to simply remove it. In the same way a cancer must be endured and treated, so must slavery. To attempt to "cut it out" will most certainly kill the host.
Have you considered the well being of the poor Negro's in your ardor for abolition? They are the lowest class of citizen and shall remain so whether free or slave. A plantation owner forced to free his slaves loses thousands of dollars worth of property and then must pay out more money to hire workers. He surely would not be able to afford to pay ALL of his "former" slaves. What's to become of those who are now free but unemployable? I'll tell you. They shall starve, homeless in the streets, dressed in scant rags. Under slavery they may not have freedom but they are provided food, clothing and shelter. I assure you nearly all are treated better than the picture painted by that inflammatory drivel by that woman, Harriet Beecher-Stowe (I refer to her as a "woman" because she certainly is no "lady" to perpetrate such vicious lies). I will not deny that sometimes a family must be broken up due to hardship on the part of the plantation owner, but what is worse? To have your child sold to a neighboring plantation to grow to adulthood and have a life, or to watch your child slowly wither and die from starvation in front of you, helpless to do anything? As a doctor I have seen the effects of starvation and they are far from pleasant. Inquire of our mutual friend Seamus of the horrors of starvation in Ireland during the late famine. THAT is what your "abolition" will inflict on the poor, innocent negro.
Having said that, I must say I do not condone the idea that any part can secede from the whole any more than my left foot can secede from the rest of my body. This rebellion MUST be put down at once! Again like a cancer, if untreated it will continue to grow and poison the whole system. It must be handled swiftly and firmly before it is too far gone. I wish I knew the proper treatment for the ills plaguing the country. If I did I suppose I'd run for president...
God save our Union!!
SD Scroggins
Henry County Alabama, Jan. 12, 1861
Since the Firing on the fort in charleston, the word has come down that my adopted State, in my adopted country, has chosen the road to succession, there is much jubilation in the streets over this, as they do not fully grasp what they do...I have been much employed in the printing of handbills and notices, for the spreading of the news to areas not possesing a telegraph and printing the handbills of recruitment for local militia companies, the Pioneers are still beseeching me to join in the fray, but as I have said before having seen the face of war in the crimean, I am loth to go and face the banshee howl of the ordinace, the young men of the town are practically dancing in the streets, nowing not what lies ahead, there are a few families that do not wish for this sucession to happen and I have seen one older man weeping when the news was read from the telegraph office, when they took the union standard down he retrieved it and took it home, word is he is moving north to Minnasota for he has family there and taking all his kin except for one son, who like the other youths of the town are pledgeing to kill a yankee.my wife who hails from Georgia has told me not to be concerned with her and the child, but if it comes that I must join the fray to protect our homes than I must go, as I do Have the experience of war I may help to make sure some boys who wouldnt have come back under the leadership of some of these militia peacocks, might survive...
To all my friends in the north,, I pray this is indeed a short war.
Your Obediant Servant,
Seamus Kilkenny
"it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifing......nothing"
MacBeth
The Insanity Continues
Dear Brother,
Claiborne F. Jackson, the newly elected Governor of Missouri, gave his inaugural speech last week. The mail is still slow to reach some of us along the border due to the constant raids by Jayhawkers, but I finally received a copy just yesterday.
In it he says: "The destiny of the slave-holding States of the Union is one and the same...
Hope...
My Dear SD Scroggins,
We have done well with the newly settled Bog Irish who are as plentiful as rocks in my fields. So, I am sure that we can also do the same for the Negros when they gain their well deserved freedom.
Your Obedint Servant,
CA Young
Pvt/Lt Craig Young
3rd Maine, Company A
29th Georgia/7th Maine
Lambh Deargh Erin Abu!
Most importantly we are free. Free in thought, body, and soul.
It is no longer the blood, but the spirit that makes us what we are.
We are Celts!
Dear Friend...
Dear friend SD Scroggins,
If it comes to a war between the States, all of us will volunteered to fight for the Union. It is true that some will came mainly because they may be bored at home. Many others will think that this war will look like it might be fun. Some will came to this war because they will be ashamed not to do their duty. But, I believe that many of us will came because it is the right thing to do. It is time to correct those things which were left undone by our constitution. It is time for us to fulfill God’s will that all men are his children and that all men are our brothers.
This war will be for something new... something that will be worthy of our nation’s most noble blood. We will become an army seeking to set other men free. All of America shall be free ground. Our county must not be forever divided by a line drawn by Mr. Charles Mason and Mr. Jeremiah Dixon between slave states and free states. A line that our southern brothers want drawn all the way from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.
No man in our country shall be made to bow to another man. No man here is born to royalty. Here we judge each other by what you do in life, not by who your father was. Here all men can be something. Here is the place for all men to build their home.
This war between the States will not be about the land. There is always more land in the west. It will not be about taxes as we are all taxed by ourselves for the good of the nation. It will be fought because of an idea that each one of us has value. In the end, we will fight for the individual rights and liberties of each other. If one man can become a slave from generation to generation, can there truly be a free man? Dear friend, I am sorry that I may have preach to you.
Your Obedient Servant,
CA Young
Pvt/Lt Craig Young
3rd Maine, Company A
29th Georgia/7th Maine
Lambh Deargh Erin Abu!
Most importantly we are free. Free in thought, body, and soul.
It is no longer the blood, but the spirit that makes us what we are.
We are Celts!
Dear Anne, How is my dear
Gainesville, TX
January 13, 1861
Dear Anne,
How is my dear sister? It is a matter of claim whether this letter will reach you in Maine. Since Mr. Lincoln's election, correspondence to the North has been especially hard. With the secession of Texas all but certain, I do not know how any more letters may get through. I have received word from father who is visiting Austin that all but a few counties here in the Lone Star State have voted for secession. I am most ashamed, however, that our own Cooke County voted against leaving the union! Yet, no free land is without its tories and traitors. Word from the Gainesville Democrat is that several delegates are now on their way to Montgomery Alabama to decide the course of Texas and her sister states.
How I wish you were here to breath with me the joyful air of freedom! No longer are the sons of the Alamo a pawn of the U.S. government. Though the votes for secession are still being counted in the pan handle, it will not be too long before the lone star will be plucked from the flag of the union and placed rightfully into the heavens, lone and sovereign as Crockett and Bowie intended just twenty-five years ago. Our state's blessed reaction to a tyrant's election shall prove that our grandfather's sacrifice at San Jacinto was not in vain.
Your last letter, enlosing news of some northerners views toward Negros is sadly interesting. Here in Texas, as you remember, most of us, white and black live side by side declaring the same loyalties to God and state. It cooled the heart while reading your letter retelling of the black ghettos and shanties in Boston. What a surprise would tell on a New England puritan's face if he were to see that secession is as popular with our black brethren in the South as it is with the whites!
More word from Austin is that our governor, Sam Houston, in an act of betrayal against the principals he once stood for, is speaking against the withdraw of our state from the union. So is this day when heroes become cowards and cowards may become heroes.
Please sister, with all manner of speed, abandon your endeavors in Maine before any hostility may occur. Being as ardent a secessionist as I, you may become targeted by Lincoln's goons. In fact I just received news that a boat bringing guns and supplies to Fort Sumter off the South Carolina coast was fired upon by Southern patriots. Though it may take force to drive the foreigners from our forts and land, I do not foresee any reasons for future conflict. Texas and her sister states practicing their constitutional right to secede from the union shouldn't provoke a lawless war.
However, my neighbor, Alstair Coleman, a free Negro who moved here with his wife and two young ones from New Orleans reflects the general mood of most Texans. He believes that the Northerners deserve to be taught a lesson on how to mind their own business. Alstair and half of our other neighbors have all but shouldered their old flintlocks to wait for the Northerners on the banks of the Red River! I pray that their enthusiasm is all in vain.
But, feelings and tensions may be hot for a while, so please make whatever preparations necessary to come home.
Our brothers, Jack and Stewart are awaiting conformation of secession from their new post in Fort Quitman. There is talk that General Twiggs may surrender the fort and all other military installations in Texas. This brings good news, for we may be saved from the kind of hostilities that are happening in South Carolina.
Stay safe, dearest sister, and make all haste back home.
I remain your affectionate and loving brother,
Hank Loveland
Sad how friends become divided.............
My dear Mr Brents,
I regret That I will not be able to take that excursion to you place in Missouri, for the hunting of game, The shop has been busy of late and I have had little time for the pleasentries of life,
The coming strife Has enveloped us all, it is all but certain this will erupt in a bloody war like that has not yet been seen on gods green earth. Our mutual Friends Mr Young and mr Scroggins have written to me and it seems our dear friend craig is an ardent abolitionist, whilst Mr Scroggins is sympethitic to the cause of the south, but I imagine that the links to kith ,kin and his home soil will keep him loyal to the union. It is sad to think that Four friends that have seen so much in the past togeather will now become tools of death on two sides of this war, as war it will become.
I have tried to tend to the shop and try to stay out of service, but my blood stirs when I hear the martial aires of the drums, my wifes family back in Savannah are orginizing Irish into a regiment and my wife has beseeched me to seek a commision with them, but I have told her that I will fight with my neighbors if i must fight, The offer of Captain of a company has ben given and the ways of the wild geese dont change much and I feel compelled to take it.
May god have mercy on my soul....
Always in Friendship,
Seamus Kilkenny
"it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifing......nothing"
MacBeth
Jan. 13, 1861
Dearest Friends,
I seldom have the time to write due to my toils with preparing for the State Succession Convention which will begin in three days.
Milledgeville has been lively these past few days and visitors are now arriving in small numbers which is expected will increase three-folds by the 16th.
With four sister states leaving the Union, it is a popular view that Georgia will follow the example and declare itself independent of the Federal Government.
Radicals in the North have did little but aid and guide our state to this point. There is much talk of a coming War to keep us in the Union. This will prove the very point of the extent of Northern States violating the very Constitution they claim to cherish and holds us together, for no state may raise an Army to subdue or bring acts of aggression to another state. This was an vital point and issue going back to 1776 when the union was formed to resist British rule.
From Kansas to New England the abolitionist lunatics following the example of John Brown, and have been urging for a war to subdue the southern states. This has only exacerbated our call for secession. Once out of the union, we will never be won back.
I must close here as my duties are required elsewhere today. May we pray that God almighty guides us rightously through our paths, that his will be done.
Sincerely,
Will Cotton
Ideals
Ahhh Mr Young, You're a lovely man...
But the problem with such lofty ideals is when they come back down to Earth they have a long ways to fall and land quite severely. The Irish may be doing alright here in Maine, and our mutual friend Seamus seems to have made a go of it in Alabama, I'll grant you. But they are the exception. Have you ever been to New York City? I've seen the poverty these people know on a daily basis. A dozen people living in one squalid room. CHILDREN who work 18 hours a day for a factory boss who throws their youth onto a filthy factory floor. The whole lot of them barely making enough to keep a roof over their heads and stale bread on their table. I spent a short time abroad in London while studying medicine. One of the areas I attended to was Whitechapel. It's an area populated by many young women who sell themselves for a few pennies to have a place to sleep or to buy meager food to keep starvation at bay. They are all "free", but still "slaves" to a wage system that keeps them down.
As to your desire to "fulfill God's will", I must point out that slavery is CONDONED in the bible. Noah, in God's stead, says "Cursed be Canaan;" "a servant of servants shall he be to his brethren" "Blessed be the lord God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant" "God shall enlarge Japheth and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant."--Gen ix:25,26,27. I suggest you read a pamphlet entitled "A scriptural view of slavery by Thornton Stringfellow", published a few years ago in 1856.
Every major war known to man has been fought because each side felt they were in the right and God was on their side. One should not try to "work God's will" unless one is completely sure exactly what God's will is.
While I agree with you that slavery is an abomination, I disagree that it must be ended abruptly. It must be gradually ended to avoid catastrophic consequences to our Southern brethren, and in turn, to the Union as a whole. To end it immediately will benefit no one. Remember, the Irish have been a civilized culture for scores of generations and are still having a hard time of it. The Negro is only 3 or 4 generations from the savagery of the jungle.
I still hold out hope that common sense will re-assert itself and cooler heads will prevail. Unfortunately it sounds as if our Southern brethren's blood is up and they are spoiling for a fight. It seems even our good friend Seamus is going to take up arms against the Union. I am very much saddened at this news and pray God may keep him and all our other errant friends safe.
God Save the Union!!
Your friend,
SD Scroggins
You have been Warned!
Mr. Brents,
You have been warned!
Your son is a wanted man and YOU will pay for his sins unless he is delivered to us.
On December 10, your son was a participant in an ambush that killed three good and decent Kansas Men:
Charles Ball,
Chalkey Lipsey, and
Edwin Morrison
They were on a mission to liberate the slaves held by Morgan Walker of Blue Springs. Upon arriving at Walker’s farm, they were AMBUSHED and MURDERED by your friend and cowardly traitor, murderer and horse thief, Wm. Quantrill. He kidnaps negroes and horses from our state and sells them in Missouri. He is a scoundrel of the lowest order and will be hanged when caught.
Two men escaped the trap to tell the tale and they have named your son, along with fellow Missouri Pukes, John Tatum, Lee Koger, and D. Williams as conspirators.
We came to your house on Christmas Day to inquire of your son’s whereabouts and to demand his surrender, but found instead that you have fled with him to Oak Grove to lend aid and comfort to murderers and traitors.
Therefore, we confiscated your livestock and property to pay for the needs of the suffering widows and orphans’ your son was instrumental in creating. Your home was burned as a warning to you and any Missouri Traitors who dares to hold men in slavery and murder those who attempt to free them. They were doing God’s Will sir, and your son has dishonored His Name and Our Country by committing murder and treason, and you have shown your true colors by lending succor to these slave owners and kidnappers.
You have one chance to escape the noose. Turn in your son and let him face Justice. You have until January 29th when Kansas becomes the 34th star on the flag of this great union. After then, having failed to give us your son, your own life will also be forfeit.
You have been warned. Do not fail to heed this warning!
Charles R. Jennison
Captain, Mound City Guards
New Wine Skins...
Dear SD Scroggins
Remember friend, that as Christians, we are new wine skins made whole by the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the new testament that we should look for guidance in this matter. I suggest that you reflect upon 1 Timothy 1:09-10.
"We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine."
Your Obedient Servant,
CA Young
Pvt/Lt Craig Young
3rd Maine, Company A
29th Georgia/7th Maine
Lambh Deargh Erin Abu!
Most importantly we are free. Free in thought, body, and soul.
It is no longer the blood, but the spirit that makes us what we are.
We are Celts!
Come to Alabama for your Safety.........
My Dear Mr Brents,
Your situation in Missouri is becoming tenious at best, I fear for your and families safety. Come down to Alabama where the the Border War of you home will not touch you, though I fear that safety will be short lived as the sucession fever sweeps through the south. Having recieved letters from our friends in the north, I can tell you that we will not be allowed to leave the union peacefully, I fear that before too long the northern armies will move to retake those properties that are contested and then move to subdue the rebellion. we all have walked too close to that bloody precipice and the ground is crumbling beneth our feet. its been some years now that ive killed and the nightmares of that time come fewer but I will defend my home and the homes of my neighbors even with my life. You may be a healer but the time will come where even you will be compelled to take up the sword......
Come south before its too late.
Your Eternal Friend,
Seamus Kilkenny
"it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifing......nothing"
MacBeth
Distant family parted
My dear cousin craig,
It Has been some time since I have recieved word from you and yours, It is raining today and my old wound in my sholder is aching. remember that day I fell? how the shot screamed overhead, and the pipes skirling? It is sad indeed that I fear we will meet on opposite sides of the field this time, but I wish you and your kith and kin no hatred, as I know sometimes honor leaves us all without reason.....
I pray cooler heads prevail lest we are to bloody each other.
Seamus Kilkenny
"it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifing......nothing"
MacBeth
I have just returned from a visit.
I have just returned from Charleston where my wife is from and I can assure you that war will soon be at hand. I left my wife in the care of her family there as I return to my beloved Georgia to prepare myself for service.
My parents in Maine do not understand why I would fight against my own family who will most definitly sign up to fight the for the Union cause. I've tried to explain it but they can never understand that Georgia is my home now and I must defend her.
I just pray that I never have to cross swords with my family.
January 15th, 1861
My dear Mother...
Do not fret after your "Little Man" He is doing quite well and will survive whatever dangers that may come. You must remember that I survived the Mexican war quite well, spent the last five years mapping the Northwest amongst throngs of wild savage Indian, and have yet to even sport the slightest scar to prove anything to say I have even been close to combat. My main concern is for you. Please make sure that Otis keeps up with the roof repairs and give Mammy Nunn a hug from me, as I am SURE she is cooking up the best victuals to serve your palate. I truly understand your fears living in Harpers Ferry so close to the Arsenal. I can only tell you to continue placing your trust in God and believe that he will provide in his benevolent mercy. Personally I highly doubt that anyone would want to cause much of a ruckus there, seeing as it's destruction would deprive the Army of one of it's most efficient manufacturers. The drums of war may truely be sounding, but it may be so much posturing. I understand that Mr. Lincoln's Cabinet is actually arguing over the merits of charging Senator Toombs and Wigfall with High Treason! If that occurs then the proof of this government's imbecillity
With all my love,
2nd Lt Eric R. Reeder
United States Army
Corps of Topographic Engineers
2nd Lt Eric R. Reeder United States Army Corps of Topographic Engineers "Hawks and Eagles fly like Doves"
Obituary for Hank Ballard
Obituary for Hank Ballard Loveland
born
August 10th, 1840
died January 15th, 1861
Hank Ballard Loveland, son of Craford A Loveland died on the morning of the 15th during a prearranged duel with Ray Barry of Hartford, Connecticut. Hank Loveland was instantly killed by pistol shot at west California Street.
A Funural is arranged for the 17th at the Polk St. Methodist Church
To My dearest, My
To My dearest,
My business in Montgomery has lasted longer than expected, has Sullivan arrived from Dothan yet? I know that Cedric can run the shop but it would be a comfort to me to know you had more protection around than just him. How is the wee one? I know she was not in the least bit happy that her Da had to go on Business away. Have things calmed down in Abbeville? I saw Doctor Jenkins in the street today, he will be on his way back home to Shorterville but will be by to drop off some medicine for you. I am hoping to get a contract to print the various papers a new government will need but I fear that the Printers in Montgomery will out bid me...If it isnt already determined in the drawing rooms of the local hotels...the distance from our shop to the Capitol will be a hinderance, I have also worked to get an audiance with one of the many officials to seek a commision in the army that will be needed, I know this will also be difficult as many more wealthier and more influential types are already at the heels of the powers that be...I should have my endevors concluded by the end of the next week and be back home before too long after...
Your loving husband,
Seamus
"it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifing......nothing"
MacBeth
Ice, is nice
16th January 1961
Dear cousin Seamus,
These last few days, My family has been busy ice harvesting. In the cold of winter, we must prepare for the safe storage of our summer’s supply of meat and fish. I often wonder how you accomplish this in the South.
We get our ice from Bear pond which is in front of the farm. The pond has to be kept clean from snow because if we let snow stay on the ice, it will make the ice soft. The ice has to be at least a foot to fifteen or eighteen inches thick before it could be harvested. A group of men from our church join together to form the Bear Pond Ice Harvesters and we provide ice for our families and sell or trade any extra ice. My job is to used a board to make a straight line down the center of the pond and then I use my special sharp tool, that I made, to make grooves in the ice. Inorder to get the blocks of ice, I had to create something that tipped over to make a guide mark to the next groove. My brother SW Young heads the crew that cuts the ice. He has an ice saw with teeth that were about a foot long. The gang is then able to use a bar on the grooves and to get blocks of ice that were even and uniform in size. The blocks are 22 inches wide and 44 inches long. The weight of the blocks is between 250 to 300 pounds, depending upon the thickness of the ice.
As the ice is cut, Asa Knight pulls it out of the pond with his horse. There is a rope on a wheel that was something like a clothesline pulley. The rope is attached to the horse and went to a hook that was on the ice. The horse, Captain Tom, walks along the edge of the pond and drew the ice into our Ice House where it was stored. The Ice House, which I manage, has a space between the walls of the ice house and the ice. The ice is stacked up and covered with sawdust. The sawdust will kept the ice from melting all through the summer. We get the sawdust from my brother’s saw mill. Not only are we harvesting ice but also we are cutting trees on Bear Mountain for the mill. We are as busy in the winter as we are in the summer. It took two days to harvest the ice from the pond. During a really cold year, ice will be harvested at lest three times and there might even be a fourth.
Cousin Seamus, I enjoy cutting ice because it gives me something different to think about instead of the possibility of war. I am very happy to write to you about something of my life here in the North. I do hope that a better day is coming for us all.
Your Cousin,
CA Young
Pvt/Lt Craig Young
3rd Maine, Company A
29th Georgia/7th Maine
Lambh Deargh Erin Abu!
Most importantly we are free. Free in thought, body, and soul.
It is no longer the blood, but the spirit that makes us what we are.
We are Celts!
January 17, 1861
January 17, 1861
Huntsville, Alabama
Dear Lieutenant Eric R. Reeder,
How goes it my friend? It has been quite some time since your last visit to Huntsville. Our plantation, Liberty Lot, is fairing well. Our last crop brought in a substantial profit this past year and we were able to purchase twenty new acres of fine Alabama soil.
I understand these are troubling times for a soldier but if your duties ever pass you through Madison County, do not hesitate to pay us a call. My two nephews, Jacob and Ambrose eagerly anticipate a Mexican war story or two. I admit, as well, I would be quite fond to hear one myself.
You have no doubt been following the current events that are unfolding throughout this land. Hurrah to the cadets in South Carolina for shelling that enemy steamer off the coast! South Carolina will not stand the foreign occupation of any of our land including our defenses. May the fate of any invador on our soil be death!
I am happy that in my life time I am able to breath the sweet fragrance of freedom. Alabama is at last free from a hostile government and guerilla tyrant. Three cheers for the sons and daughers of Alabama for declaring themselves independent of the yoke of Union!
It is my reverent prayer that peace shall lead this new destiny into the future of our children. May God smile over Alabama as she reigns free and blessed among nations.
Thomas Watts, a friend of Father's paid us a call earlier this month and expressed that Alabama and the South may go to war against the Union to secure their freedoms. Father and I did our best to remove these troubling predictions from Thomas' heart. Thomas continued to express his doubts of peace and left after breakfast the next morning, bound for Montgomery as one of the signers of the Ordnance of secession.
It is for your sake and the sake of every citizen that I wish there to be no war. Surely Alabama and her sisters provoke no desire of war by our northern neighbors while practicing our constitutional rights.
I pray that this letter may find you well and at peace wherever your duties assign you. Do write back if your soldierly routines permit you a moment to do so. Father and Arthur send their best. Take care of yourself, old friend and do come to Alabama if time may allow. With Alabama being free at last, it is a good time in her history for you to visit.
Affectionately, your friend,
John Calhoun Blair
my Friend the other doctor.....
My dear Mr Scroggins,
It has been a while since I have written to you, I have heard from my Cousin and our Mutual Friend Mr Young this past week, an interesting Tale of the Ice harvest....I thank you for your advice on the medicine for my wife, as Was was concerned that the local Doctor, who not only being a drunk was also more or less a old fashioned practicer of Leechcraft more than that of modern medicine. I hve Found a doctor who has a traveling practice, named of Jenkins who will get me As much Laudnum as needed to treat my wifes Ailment.
there is much going on as Alabama has Declared itself a republic but most think the southern states will have to band togeather, as the great American scholar Mr Franklin said, we must all hang togeather or asuredely we will all hang seperatly...I am writing this from Montgomery as business has taken me from my Shop in Abbeville and yes my dear Doctor I am refraining from attending the Burlyque or frequenting the bawdyhouses, though a Saloon or two has indeed fallen in my path. Arent you also in the domestic way? how fares the doctor now?
I must go, the night draws in and I must be up in the morrow to try and increase my lot in this life....
Your Friend,
Seamus Kilkenny
"it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifing......nothing"
MacBeth
Mr. John C. Blair,
Johnny,
Has it been five years since I was able to enjoy the hospitality of your family? I hear that the Mining operations down in Montevallo have been progressing well. I was glad to be able to observe the mapping of the site, on my way out west. I believe that underground mining will be all the rage given the success there. I dare say that young Jacob and Ambrose given my most recent expedition would enjoy tales of my confrontations with the bloodthirsty savages out West who would pick your bones clean faster than a rattlesnake could strike!
I will however save such tall tales for some evening around a fire.
It is indeed a sad thing occurring now in the country. As you know my family is from Harpers Ferry and I grew up knowing people killed by that murderous John Brown. Now they Lionize his bloody rampage through the streets next to my childhood home as some sort of benign Holy Cause! I see the tensions building amongst those in the Officer Corps growing on a daily basis. I have noticed that Southrons and Notrthrons are now tending to group amonst their respective regional selves. Those of Southern decent are seemingly being left in a sort of limbo as to what we are told and our prospects for future duty. I assume they are waiting upon whether the compromise being bandied about by Mr. Crittendon will quell the rising demands for blood. I wish nothing but health and prosperity for you and your family. I hope I can again visit and enjoy the company of your fine family.
Your obedient servant,
2nd Lt Eric R. Reeder
United States Army
Corps of Topographic Engineers
"Hawks and Eagles fly like Doves"
2nd Lt Eric R. Reeder United States Army Corps of Topographic Engineers "Hawks and Eagles fly like Doves"
Seizure of Forts at the South
from the Harper’s Weekly, January 19, 1861
SEIZURE OF FORTS AT THE SOUTH.
The Baton Rouge arsenal, Louisiana, was taken possession of by the State troops on 11th. All the fortifications are now in possession of the Louisiana troops. The United States arsenal at Baton Rouge, in command of Major Haskins and two companies, refused to surrender. The arsenal was surrounded by six hundred State troops, and a parley was held between Governor Moore and Major Haskins, which finally resulted in the surrender of the garrison. There was no opposition in taking the other forts.
The State of Georgia has seized Fort Pulaski, in the Savannah River.
A private dispatch to the Courier says that the Federal troops have abandoned all the forts in Pensacola harbor, except Fort Pickens, where they are concentrated, and that three hundred men have left Mobile to surprise Fort Pickens.
A telegram, dated Wilmington, North Carolina, January 10, says: Forts Johnson and Caswell were taken possession of on the night of the 8th by the Smithville Guard.
January 19th, 1861
January 19th, 1861
Huntsville, Alabama
Dearest Uncle Kelvin Blair,
I received your package dated December 29,1860. Thank you for sending us a frame enclosed with an edition of the San Antonio Alamo Express newspaper printing of the South Carolina Ordinance of Secession. Father and I agree that it was the best Christmas present to ever grace the white walls of our home.
We are confident that Alabama's recent secession was reason for holiday with you and Uncle Abel.
We've received news that Texans are now sending the results of each county's vote for or against secession to Austin to be counted. We have also heard that those counties who sent in their results have all but a few cast their lot with the South. Though all the votes have yet to be counted, I am confident that the good people of Texas will strip their Lone Star from the old flag of the Union and place it among the highest heavens to be free forevermore. Hurrah for Texas! Soon you and your family and all the citizens of Texas will share the same happy day of freedom right along side Alabama, just as God intended for Southerners.
A client of Father's, from up north, shared with us a newspaper from a place called Bowdoin, Maine. In it was very hopeful news for us in the South. However, the Bowdoin paper proclaimed it as "the duties of Satan's servants of treason." It reported that the Baton Rouge Arsenal in Louisiana was claimed by the state. The same also of Fort Pulaski in Georgia. It is my hope that all Southern lands will be surrendered by the Federals who are by rights and law, a foreign trespasser having no rights to claim the sovereign establishments of these sovereign states. However, news does not look good in South Carolina no matter which paper you may read. I pray more for this than any prayer for myself, that Fort Sumter's inhabitants will surrender to the lawful owners of that piece of South Carolina land. If it must come to violence to secure the place, I fear that many will call for war with haste rather than common sense. War is the stage of evil, no matter how virtuous the actors upon that stage may be.
How is your wife and your four young ones? What glad news you have sent to us that your dear wife, Carmen, is expecting a fifth child. I pray for you all. Send Abel, his wife, and their child my love, also.
Take care of yourself, dear uncle. Father and Arthur send their love. Do send us news of the continuing birth of a free Texas.
I remain your loving, and affectionate nephew,
John Calhoun Blair.
Georgia secedes
Dear Friend,
Dade County has shown good judgement when it secedes from Georgia as Georgia secedes from the Union, the vote is 346 to 42 against secession from the Union. The Union may have lost a few states where anarchist rule by terror but there are still many loyal citizens in the South that need our assistance. Hold Firm to the Union!
Your Obedient Servant,
CA Young
Pvt/Lt Craig Young
3rd Maine, Company A
29th Georgia/7th Maine
Lambh Deargh Erin Abu!
Most importantly we are free. Free in thought, body, and soul.
It is no longer the blood, but the spirit that makes us what we are.
We are Celts!
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