Letters/Correspondence

    Entries drawn from collection & document descriptions

Letter from William Wagenseller to Andrew Curtin and Eli Slifer
July 28, 1862

William Wagenseller writes Pennsylvania Governor Andrew Curtin and Secretary of the Commonwealth Eli Slifer regarding Dr, H. P. Hattenstein, who is up for approval before the Medical Board of Examination. Wagenseller encourages Curtin or Slifer to put in a good word for the doctor. Transcript...

Location: MC 2003.4, B10, F22

Subject: Health and Medicine, Politics and Government

Format: Letters/Correspondence

Time Period: 1860-1879

Letters from William Wagenseller to Eli Slifer
1862-1865

William F. Wagenseller writes fourteen letters to Eli Slifer, Secretary of the Commonwealth during the Civil War, in which he updates him on the movement of Capt. Ryan's regiment and other companies, appointing Dr. B. F. Wagenseller as a surgeon, discusses charges against second lieutenant...

Location: MC 2003.4, B10, F22

Subject: Legal Affairs, Military Affairs and Conflict, Politics and Government

Format: Letters/Correspondence

Time Period: 1860-1879

Letter from M. Chamberlin to Eli Slifer
August 11, 1862

M. Chamberlin writes Eli Slifer, the Secretary of the Commonwealth, to recommend the Hon. F. Gearhart as a chaplain for the Union army. While "many of the Chaplains have been Wofully deficient in the Religious influences they Exert," Chamberlin explains that "I have the fullest Confidence in [...

Location: MC 2003.4, B2, F15

Subject: Military Affairs and Conflict, Religion and Spirituality

Format: Letters/Correspondence

Time Period: 1860-1879

Letter from Henry Maxwell to Alexander McClure
September 2, 1862

Henry D. Maxwell writes a letter to Colonel Alexander K. McClure informing him of a possible spelling error in the name of a military officer, whom he praises. "I see the name of A. L. Seem MD of Martin’s Creek printed in todays paper as A. K Green," as Maxwell notes. Transcript included. 

Location: MC 2003.4, B7, F7

Subject: Military Affairs and Conflict

Format: Letters/Correspondence

Time Period: 1860-1879

Letter from William Wagenseller and P. R. Wagenseller to Eli Slifer
September 15, 1862

William Wagenseller and P. R. Wagenseller write Eli Slifer, Secretary of the Commonwealth during the Civil War, to request that Dr. B. F. Wagenseller be promoted from Assistant Surgeon to the rank of Surgeon just like Dr. H. P. Hattenstein. Transcript included. 

Location: MC 2003.4, B10, F22

Subject: Military Affairs and Conflict, Politics and Government

Format: Letters/Correspondence

Time Period: 1860-1879

Letters from Thomas Dick (Sept. - Oct. 1862)
September - October 1862

Thomas William Dick writes two letters to his family describing his experience as a soldier of the Union Army during the Civil War. Dick talks about the battles he has witnessed, religious life in the military camp, and shares his thoughts on the future of the conflict. "I don't know what this...

Letters from James Buchanan to Jessie Magaw
1862-1866

Two letters from former President James Buchanan to Jessie Magaw regarding his health, Jessie's education, and news regarding their extended family. "Your Cousin Harriet [Lane] was married to Henry E. Johnston" and they are "happily married," as Buchanan notes. Transcripts included.

Location: MC 1998.10

Subject: Education, Personal and Family Life

Format: Letters/Correspondence

Time Period: 1860-1879

Letter from James Buchanan to Joseph Baker
December 17, 1862

Former President James Buchanan writes Joseph B. Baker to criticize Kentucky Senator Garrett Davis' resolution. "It is infamous as well as false," as Buchanan explains. Transcript included.

Location: MC 1998.10, B4, F6

Subject: Politics and Government

Format: Letters/Correspondence

Time Period: 1860-1879

Letters from John Cuddy (Jan. - Feb. 1863)
January - February 1863

John Taylor Cuddy writes four letters to his friends and family describing his experience as a soldier for the Union Army during the Civil War. Cuddy mentions the places that his unit travels to as well as the battles that he is involved in. Cuddy also expresses exhaustion over the war, and a...

Letters from Thomas Dick (Jan. - Feb. 1863)
January - February 1863

Thomas William Dick writes a five letters to his family describing his experience as a soldier of the Union Army during the Civil War. He describes in detail the battles he has fought in, and discusses the relative strengths of army leaders. "But we did not accomplish anything and never have...

Letter from Roger B. Taney to James M. Campbell
January 9, 1863

Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger B. Taney writes to James M. Campbell regarding the whiskey that Campbell sent. Chief Justice Taney also reports on his health ("unable to go to court yesterday or today") as well as that of Elizabeth, Ellen, Sophia, and Roger.

Location: I-SpahrB-1963-5

Subject: Health and Medicine, Personal and Family Life

Format: Letters/Correspondence

Time Period: 1860-1879

Letter from Harriet Lane to Lily Macalester
January 10, 1863

Harriet Lane writes to her friend Lily Macalester on the birth of Lily's child. Lane also notes that her uncle, former President James Buchanan, "would no doubt have some messages of love and congratulation if he knew I was writing."

Location: I-Friends-2007-1

Subject: Personal and Family Life

Format: Letters/Correspondence

Time Period: 1860-1879

Letters from Israel Gutelius to Eli Slifer (Jan. - Aug. 1863)
January - August 1863

Israel Gutelius writes seventeen letters to Eli Slifer, the Secretary of the Commonwealth during the Civil War, in which he discusses compensation for his printing services, logistics of the military draft, and his opinion on candidates for senatorial delegates. Gutelius also comments on several...

Letters from Thomas Dick (Feb. - Mar. 1863)
February - March 1863

Thomas William Dick writes four letters to his brother and sister describing his experience as a soldier in the Union Army during the Civil War. Dick mentions having some leisure time due to being off duty for George Washington's birthday, the status of fellow soldiers, and the conditions in his...

Letters from John Cuddy (March 1863)
March 1863

John Taylor Cuddy writes six letters to his friends and family describing life as a soldier for the Union Army during the Civil War. Cuddy's letters express disillusionment with the war and a desire to be home with his family in Carlisle. "We are not fighting for what we [were when] we started...

Letter from Roger B. Taney to Samuel Nelson
March 9, 1863

Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger B. Taney writes to Associate Supreme Court Justice Samuel Nelson regarding the composition of a dissenting opinion in the Prize Cases of 1863. Taney suggests a paragraph to add that "more distinctly asserts the principle that Congress cannot delegate or...

Location: I-SpahrB-1958-16

Subject: Legal Affairs, Military Affairs and Conflict, Politics and Government

Format: Letters/Correspondence

Time Period: 1860-1879

Letter from William Wagenseller to Abraham Lincoln
March 9, 1863

William Wagenseller writes President Abraham Lincoln to recommend Samuel Alleman Esq. for the position of Provost Marshal for the 14th Congressional district of Pennsylvania. Transcript included. 

Location: MC 2003.4, B10, F22

Subject: Legal Affairs, Politics and Government

Format: Letters/Correspondence

Time Period: 1860-1879

Letter from Roger B. Taney to D. Adams
March 23, 1863

Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Brooke Taney (Class of 1795) replies to Mr. D. Adams' request for Taney's autograph.

Location: I-Purchase-1954-28

Subject: Politics and Government

Format: Letters/Correspondence

Time Period: 1860-1879

Letters from Alexander McClure to Eli Slifer, 1863-66
1863-1866

Alexander McClure writes fourteen letters to Eli Slifer, the Secretary of the Commonwealth under Governor Andrew Gregg Curtin, in which he discusses various Pennsylvania political issues, the potential Confederate invasion of Pennsylvania, possible military strategies during the Civil War,...

Letters from John Cuddy (April 1863)
April 1863

John Taylor Cuddy writes three letters to his friends and family describing life as a soldier for the Union Army during the Civil War. Cuddy also comments on the places he has visited, the weather conditions, his unit's future orders, and reflects on his relationship with a girl named Anna....

Letter from Isaac Toucey to Nahum Capen
April 4, 1863

Former Secretary of the Navy Isaac Toucey writes Nahum Capen to defend a speech that he gave during a rally held in Hartford, Connecticut. "The only remedy for the evils which have fallen upon the country is in the legitimate action of our institution, which will soon transfer political power...

Location: I-SpahrB-1966-16

Subject: Personal and Family Life, Politics and Government

Format: Letters/Correspondence

Time Period: 1860-1879

Letter from William Lloyd Garrison to Andrew Paton
April 10, 1863

Moncure D. Conway carries a letter for abolitionist William L. Garrison, who writes from Boston to his friend, Andrew Paton in Glasgow, Scotland, and introduces Conway in terms of highest commendation. Garrison also explains that Conway is on "an anti-slavery mission to England." Garrison hopes...

Letters from George Miller to Eli Slifer
1863-1865

George Miller writes nine letters to Eli Slifer, Secretary of the Commonwealth, in which he suggests candidates for Notary Public, requests information on Governor Curtin's doctor, discusses military appointments, inquires about free passes issued by railroad companies to members of Congress....

Location: MC 2003.4, B8, F4

Subject: Politics and Government

Format: Letters/Correspondence

Time Period: 1860-1879

Letters from John Cuddy (May – Jun. 1863)
May - June 1863

John Taylor Cuddy writes eight letters to his friends and family describing his experience as a soldier of the Union Army during the Civil War. "Our army has taken Richmond but we do not [know whether] they can hold it [or] not... [General Joseph] Hooker has crossed the river again I think he...

Location: MC 2001.9, B1, F8

Subject: Military Affairs and Conflict, Personal and Family Life

Format: Letters/Correspondence

Time Period: 1860-1879

Letter from James Buchanan to Henry Slicer
May 16, 1863

Former President James Buchanan discusses his administration's policies, his health, and other personal matters in a letter to Reverend Henry Slicer. "I would not, if I could, change any portion of the policy I pursued in view of the then approaching troubles," as Buchanan explains. Buchanan,...

Location: MC 1998.10, B4, F7

Subject: Personal and Family Life, Politics and Government

Format: Letters/Correspondence

Time Period: 1860-1879

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