Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, February 24, 1863

The time for the last two weeks has been used up with drill, quinine, and getting ready for the ball last night. It was ahead of anything yet. The partition between "D" and "E" was taken down, and about all day spent in fixing up our hall. The bunks were hidden by the shelter-tents festooned, and scrolls underneath, with the names of the officers on them. The card of the managers was as follows:

GRAND MASQUERADE BALL.

Sir, The pleasure of your company, with ladies, is respectfully solicited at a Grand Bal-Masque, to be given under the auspices of the 44th Regiment Dramatic Association, at the Barracks of Companies D and E,

On Monday Evening, February 23d, 1863.

Floor Managers.
William Howard,		J. B. Rice,			Jr.,Harry T. Reed
"D."		"E."			"E."
Committee of Arrangements.
Sergt.	G. L. Tripp,		Co. D.		Corpl.	C. E. Tucker,	Co E
"	H. A. Homer,		E.			H.	Howard, D.
Corpl.	Z. T. Haines,		D.			J. H. Waterman,	D.
"	J. B. Gardner,		D.			A. H. Bradish,	E.
"	J. W. Cartwright,		E.			C. H. Demeritt,	D.
"	M. E. Boyd,		D.			D. Howard,	D.
	F. A. Sayer,		D.			E. L. Hill,	A.
Tickets, Ten Cents, to be had only of the Managers. _______________ Masic by the New Berne Quadrille Band. Five pieces
ORDER OF DANCES.
1.	March			Lee's Quickstep.
2.	Quadrille			Sullivan's Double Quick.
3.	Lancers			Richardson's March,
4.	Contra			Skittletop Galop.
5.	Redowa			Odiorne's Choice.
6.	Quadrille			Surgeon's Call.
7.	Polka			Mary Lee's Delight.
8.	Contra			Stehbins' Reel.
INTERMISSION.
9.	Quadrille			Ham Fat Man.
10.	Waltz			Pas de Seul.
11.	Quadrille			Dismal Swamp.
12.	Contra			Friends at Home.
13.	Polka			"Long Acre."
14.	Quadrille			Dug-Out Race.
15.	Military Quadrille			Newell's March.

Generals Foster and Wessels, besides other officers of note, were there, and seemed to be much pleased. Some of the costumes were good. Deacon Foster (H. W. Johnson) walked about the barracks as natural as life. Patten, made up as a Howard-street Sport, was so good, that Capt. Richarson did not recognize him. Among others, Chum Ward showed to advantage as a lady, having borrowed a complete outfit for the occasion.

Promenading and flirting wound up the affair about eleven o'clock.

SOURCE: John Jasper Wyeth, Leaves from a Diary Written While Serving in Co. E, 44 Mass. Dep’t of North Carolina from September 1862 to June 1863, pp. 39-40

Joseph Lea, of Hecker, Lea & Co. to Senator Robert M. T. Hunter, February 23, 1857

PHILADELPHIA, [PA.], February 23d, 1857.

ESTEEMED FRIEND: Permit me to remind you, that four years since, at your request, the Senate amended one of the Bills, by which the small amount of duties collected on Flax Machinery, within a specified time, was to be refunded, and such machinery subsequently admitted free for three years. Kentucky, Virginia, Penns[ylvani]a, and Ohio, raise more flax than all the other States together, and we cordially concur in the Free admission of machinery, wh[ic]h will thus assist those States in the more rapid development of their agricultural resources, and add immensely to the national wealth. We have associated with some of the most intelligent merchants of other cities in the first attempts at manufacturing Linens. At great expense have sent Agents and Circulars, thro' the South and West; employed the public journals and spared no pains to direct attention to the best methods now adopted in Europe for the culture of flax. These efforts have not been fruitless, and we believe that Kentucky and Virginia will in a few years largely export flax, of wh[ic]h they are already the chief producers.

The manufacture of Linen goods has encountered at the outset great obstacles; our planters being unable to furnish the staple of proper quality, must gradually acquire the knowledge of preparing it, while the blockade of the Baltic during the late European war, greatly enhanc[e]d the price of foreign supplies, and entailed upon this infant interest, struggling for existence, serious and disheartening trials.

The Tariff which has just passed the House, and ere this may have been placed in y[ou]r hands, admits flax machinery free, hereafter, but we hope it will strike your honorable mind, that simple justice should at least be extend[e]d to those who have pioneered this branch of industry, by a refund of the trifling duties collected on flax machinery since Jan[uar]y 1st, 1850, to those now using the same; thus placing us on equal terms with our subsequent competitors.

I beg leave to assure you, that the refund of those duties, would in the present exigencies of the trade, do more to sustain and encourage the demand for American flax, than the remission of all future duties on flax machinery, while the suspension of this enterprise, and change of those mills to Cotton, must put back the developement of flax cultivation for several years, and long preclude our planters from realizing very profitable returns from their hitherto worthless fibre. The propriety of placing the first spinners of flax on as good terms as the last, we trust will obtain for them and this growing interest, your renewed favor, and if it be improper to give a Retrospective feature to the present Tariff Bill, may we ask you to make such amendment to one of the Appropriation Bills, as will authorize the Sec[retar]y of Treasury to refund to parties now in use thereof, the duties collected on Flax Machinery since Jan[uar]y 1st, 1850, the amount of which might be limited to the sum of $100,000 dollars?

We beg y[ou]r further consideration of the very great importance of having the new act, go into effect on April 1st next, so as to obviate an immense warehousing of goods imported for the fall trade. The postponement of the Act until July 1st, will make the market bare of many articles, now proposed for the Free List, and enhance prices to the detriment of the consumer, whilst its early enforcement will secure more regularity in the business, of the Customs, and occasion the least disturbance to commerce.

The policy of Sec[retar]y Guthrie, of approaching Free Trade by removing the imposts on all raw materials, meets the approval of all intelligent minds, and if now adopted must give the new administration a positive assurance of prosperity and success. To you, in the distinguished and most important position in which we now address you, more than to any other member of the Senate, is the public attention directed, relying on y[ou]r wisdom and experience to dissipate those clouds wh[ic]h now darken the financial affairs of our country.

SOURCE: Charles Henry Ambler, Editor, Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1916, in Two Volumes, Vol. II, Correspondence of Robert M. T. Hunter (1826-1876), pp. 203-5

Lewis E. Harvie to Senator Robert M. T. Hunter, March 11, 1857

DYKELAND, AMELIA CO., [VA.], March 11, 1857.

DEAR HUNTER: Supposing that you will be at Washington during this week I address to you there. Pryor is very busy getting his paper under way and I confidently believe will get a large circulation very speedily. It is important that he start right and honestly. You should write to him or to me as to his course and particularly as to the Land question, about which his mind is considerably "exercised." It is Banquo's ghost to him and especially since the vote of some of our friends on distributing or depositing the surplus in the treasury. He desires conference with you on that subject and it seems to me important that his views and committals should be well digested before he breaks ground. I write to bring this about. Tell me what we are to expect from this administration. If coming events cast their shadows before I augur the worst. I am however for waiting for overt acts and against any such judgments founded upon conjecture or distrust, because of injudicious or distasteful appointments. I was almost led into opposition to Pierce by that and I am getting to be wary and cautious as my head is growing gray. Buchanan had no especial reason to confide in us that I know of and therefore we have no ground to complain that he didn't. At all events we can't make other people think so and there is no use in opposing him in anticipation, when in all human probabillity we shall be fully justified in it by his future conduct. He has been leading a loose life too long to become chaste all of a sudden. Tell me about the Cabinet and other appointments. I don't hear of or dread any opposition to you hereabouts. I got my Delegate to commit himself publicly and take some credit to my tact for it. You ought to write to Mallory. I did and found him true but not advised and I think sore over it.

SOURCE: Charles Henry Ambler, Editor, Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1916, in Two Volumes, Vol. II, Correspondence of Robert M. T. Hunter (1826-1876), p. 205

Francis Mallory to Senator Robert M. T. Hunter, April 21, 1857

NORFOLK, [VA.], April 21, 1857.

DEAR HUNTER: I have just received your letter of the 15[th] and expecting to leave town in the morning I thought I would drop you a line before doing so to keep you advised of the state of things down here. And perhaps advices from this quarter may not be altogether without value being, as it is, one of the strongest outposts of your enemies. Their strength induces less of caution than may be observed elsewhere, and I know as well the condition of things at head quarters as if I were in communication by electro magnetism. Not that names are mentioned but from the tone of remarks indulged in by the initiated. You may prepare for War next winter. It will I fear be fastened on you and a few silly speeches of honest, but imprudent friends, will be the pretext, not the excuse but the justification. I cannot repeat all that I hear because of my peculiar relation to the two parties nor would I make mischief or widen the breach between those who stand towards me in the attitude of personal friendship. I am a well wisher of both and would hate myself could I be guilty of injustice to either. No selfish purpose have I to promote for declining health and energy forbid all aspirations. I aided somewhat in putting you in the way of going to the Senate and I am unwilling to see you "crushed out" without cause and guiltless of offence. Booker, who is really your friend, paid a visit to Richmond and when he returned I was on a visit to my farm. He rode over to see me and as I learned after he went away, for the purpose of consulting with me in order to try (if possible) if we could not bring about a reconciliation and better understanding between you and W[ise]. But several gentlemen were present and he left without the opportunity. This occurrence caused me to fear that hostilities which I had hoped were at an end, were about to be placed on a serious and enduring footing. Since then the weather together with my railroad engagements have prevented me from visiting the County.

Booker I suspect heard in person remarks which have been used in my presence here by W[ise]'s particular friends. Some of them speak freely before me and some half confidentially which embarrasses me much because while I am at liberty to speak or write of the first the last I would not communicate; and yet I may blend and mix them up together so as to be suspected of treachery where I am acting or mean to act in good faith. I have sought no mans confidence but sometimes it is thrust upon me, as if it were meant to commit me in a direction the very opposite of that I desire. To W[ise]'s more confidential friends my preferences are known, and his most intimate one in this town remarked to me the other night that I was the only man in Norfolk who could go to the Legislature by his consent who would not be required to pledge himself to go for W[ise] for the Senate if his name was brought forward. "His obligations to me personally would induce him to let me of all men in the city be a candidate of the Democracy without committing myself." They talk, freely in this way: "If H[unter]'s friends keep up their war on W[ise] we must carry it into Africa." "W[ise] is not to be driven off by threat." W[ise] says he dont want the place but, "by God, he will not yield an inch now." They (Hunters friends) will not let him (W[ise]) alone but force the issue on W[ise] and he and his party are ready to meet it. In other words they are determined not to be satisfied and will act over if they can the fable of the Lamb and the muddy water below the drinking place of the monarch of the forest. I write you about the imprudent speeches of your friends in Richmond I might have added Washington too. There is a constant fire kept up on Wise by certain parties in both places who chase him to madness and I do not blame him as much as I do them. I do not allude to Floyd for of his movements I know nothing. But maybe those whose peculiar relations to both parties should make them ministers of peace and not stirers up of stife and jealousy. A remark of Bocock in [the] presence of an M. D. in Washington reached Wise's ears and was repeated here in my hearing. This is a delicate subject to write about for I know not your feelings or relationship to the party and what I say is strictly confidential for I do not desire to be connected with that affair. I do not want to make mischief but to put you on your guard and thus checkmate those who would. How to remedy this state of things I cannot see. Peace could be restored if there was a desire for peace really entertained. When one is bent on insulting another it may be postponed but will come sooner or later.

How far an organized effort has been made to secure the Legislature I am totally in the dark but when men of a certain stamp could be secured without noise it has been done. Your opponents however feel secure and speak as if your destiny was in their keeping. Their forbearance alone, they think, can save you from annihilation, and if you go into the contest, you rush on certain defeat. They "cant sacrifice W[ise] for you." I know not what advice to give for I am not master of the ground but if I can in any manner be instrumental in bringing about a good understanding between you I should be most happy to do so. I hope the bitter cup of choosing between you and him will never be presented to my lips. I held no familiar or intimate correspondence with him. He understands me well and I do not know that he takes it unkindly. He has never sought to advance me, holding my abilities in low esteem but he is not I think unfriendly. I am not in his way and would not if I could harm him. If your positions were reversed I would vote against you to keep him in the Senate. I will see Booker and will write to you on my return. If not too late we may, if any party can, reconcile the difficulty. For the present you can only remain perfectly silent but if hostilities continue you and your friends have to enter on an active campaign. Mix about among the people in different portions of the state, accept all invitations to make public addresses. You have hitherto kept too much aloof from the masses relying on the leaders. The people dont know you. Your love for retirement has caused you to neglect those small attentions which tell among them. Travel to the springs, come down to Old Point and make yourself busy for you have work before you if these complaints of the other party break out into open war. There is something going on here about office. Loyall and Sawyer are in imminent danger. You have done enough for them. Let things take their course. They would not risk any thing for you, one because it is his nature, the other because he is afraid. Their removal will do you no harm and you could not prevent it. There are influences working against them at Washington which you cannot counteract. I should not be surprised if the next mail brought Simkins app[ointment]t as Navy Agent. W[ise] is in Washington and the first roll of Floyd's thunder has been heard. I mean to take no action on the subject and you as I said have acted your part. Strange to say the K[now] N[othings], if opportunity comes, will sustain W[ise] against you on the principle that the Dog licks the hand that flays him. Dr. Robinson an old tool of Floyds and a dirty one at that will be supported here for the Senate by Wise men, tho' master and men have scorned him as the vilest scoundrel in the land. He will vote for W[ise] against H[unter]. Robinson after being refused admittance time after time into the K[now] N[othing] Camp as too mean for their association crept in thro' a North Carolina lodge, was ruled off in all his attempts to obtain position, voted for Flournoy &c, apostalized and is now to be a candidate of the Democracy of Norfolk and gentlemen have publickly vowed to vote for him in the issue between Wise and Hunter. But let him alone. I dont think he can be elected and if he could his vote will go with his interest and no where else. His opponent McKenny is at least doubtful tho' I think I could control him. Segar will go from Elizabeth City County. But on him no sort of reliance can be placed. He speaks against you. I hear nothing from Muscoe or of him. I think his election very safe. He will get the vote of the W[ise] party but not their hearty support. They never speak of him and seem indifferent about his success. I have written you Hunter a long rigma role letter which when read burn. It is for no eye but for your own. I have written freely and perhaps my letter may prove an unwelcome messenger. It is kindly meant however and I thought it due to our former relations. My own career has been unfortunate as a politician. I never had the education or industry to entitle me to a high position and I never aspired to one. As Wise remarked of me "I have had quite as much as I could expect." But if in quitting the field for ever I can be the means of contributing but a mite towards rescuing an old friend from a conspiracy I shall at least have accomplished one good act.

[P. S.] Pardon this long letter. I will not soon repeat the dose. Of McClean I know nothing. Sawyer wont give him a place. He dare not. His paper could not succeed unless he bought one of the Demo[cratic] papers now established. Then it might. Both are for sale.

SOURCE: Charles Henry Ambler, Editor, Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1916, in Two Volumes, Vol. II, Correspondence of Robert M. T. Hunter (1826-1876), pp. 205-9

Congressman William O. Goode to Senator Robert M. T. Hunter, July 21, 1857

BOYDTON, VA., July 21, 1857.

DEAR HUNTER: I send herewith a letter to our friend Montague, which I must ask you to direct properly and commit to the mail. I do not know his p[ost] office. I very sincerely congratulate you on your speech at Lexington. I have read it with pleasure and admiration. I had occasion to pay a very hasty visit to the Rockbridge Alum (to take a daughter there and leave her) a few days after you left, and from all quarters your effort was greatly extolled. I hope I shall have it in pamphlet form.

What is to be the end of the Walker movement in Kansas? Will it not be made the issue next winter in the General Assembly of Virginia? or rather is it not designed to make it affect the election of Senators? I should like to know your position and views on the subject. In the present aspect of affairs, what should we do?

SOURCE: Charles Henry Ambler, Editor, Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1916, in Two Volumes, Vol. II, Correspondence of Robert M. T. Hunter (1826-1876), p. 210

Diary of Private Adam S. Johnston, January 9, 1863

Left Indiana hospital No. 6 and came to Louisville Exchange barracks the same day; a stay of two months and three days in this hospital, making a march of 4 miles.

SOURCE: Adam S. Johnston, The Soldier Boy's Diary Book, p. 25

Diary of Private Adam S. Johnston, January 10, 1863

Changed across the street to No. 1 barracks, the barracks being moved to this place the evening previous, remaining two days in these barracks, making a march of ¼ mile.

SOURCE: Adam S. Johnston, The Soldier Boy's Diary Book, p. 25

Diary of Private Adam S. Johnston, January 12, 1863

Left Louisville barracks and came to Portland the same day, making a march of 3 miles.

SOURCE: Adam S. Johnston, The Soldier Boy's Diary Book, p. 25

Diary of Private Adam S. Johnston, January 13, 1863

Entered on board the steamer ''Lady Franklin," detailed for guard down the Ohio river and around up the Cumberland river, with a fleet of twenty-seven steamboats and two gunboats, carrying provisions up to Nashville, and came to Leavenworth. A march of 60 miles.

SOURCE: Adam S. Johnston, The Soldier Boy's Diary Book, p. 25

Diary of Private Adam S. Johnston, January 14, 1863

Passed down the Ohio river safely and arrived at Evansville at 12 o'clock at night, making a march of 140 miless [sic].

SOURCE: Adam S. Johnston, The Soldier Boy's Diary Book, pp. 25-6

Diary of Private Adam S. Johnston, January 15, 1863

Passed safely down the Ohio river to the mouth of Cumberland river at Smithland. A march of 140 miles.

SOURCE: Adam S. Johnston, The Soldier Boy's Diary Book, p. 26

Diary of Private Adam S. Johnston, January 16, 1863

Passed up the Cumberland river all safe, and arrived at Fort Donelson the same day, making a march of 85 miles.

SOURCE: Adam S. Johnston, The Soldier Boy's Diary Book, p. 26

Diary of Private Adam S. Johnston, January 17, 1863

Moved slowly and cautiously, feeling our way up the Cumberland river, arriving at Clarksville in the afternoon, capturing one rebel major and horse on the right of the river opposite the said town, and shortly afterward saw some rebel cavalry skulking in sight on the same side of the river above spoken of, when we ran four batteries of our forces down to the river out of Clarksville, and opened upon them .making them skedaddle. Making a march of 35 miles.

SOURCE: Adam S. Johnston, The Soldier Boy's Diary Book, p. 26

Diary of Private Adam S. Johnston, January 18, 1863

Moved up the Cumberland river from Clarksville to the shoals, where three of our boats were captured two weeks before, and all the negroes who were on board shot and the whites paroled, and the boats fired and burned. We passed safely on up until our two last boats were about over the shoals first spoken off, and the “Mary Franklin” and “Woodside” were fired into, wounding one colonel, but we escaped being captured.

SOURCE: Adam S. Johnston, The Soldier Boy's Diary Book, p. 26

Diary of Private Adam S. Johnston, January 19, 1863

Came to Nashville, our place of destination, at 12 o'clock and put up in the rebel Zollicoffer's house, used as barracks by our forces, making a march of 60 miles.

SOURCE: Adam S. Johnston, The Soldier Boy's Diary Book, p. 26

Diary of Private Adam S. Johnston, January 20, 1863

Left Nashville on foot to join my company and regiment again. Came twenty-three miles through rain, and the roads being very muddy, we encamped for the night in a cedar house, used by our videttes or dispatch carriers; a march of 23 miles.

SOURCE: Adam S. Johnston, The Soldier Boy's Diary Book, pp. 26-7

Diary of Private Adam S. Johnston, January 21, 1863

Came seven miles to Murfreesboro', Tenn., and joined my company and regiment again, having been absent from my command on account of my wound four months all but ten days, making a march of 7 miles.

SOURCE: Adam S. Johnston, The Soldier Boy's Diary Book, p. 27

Daniel Webster to Franklin Haven, June 22, 1851

[Washington,] Sunday morning. June 22, 1851.

MY DEAR SIR,—It had been my intention to leave Washington for Boston to-morrow, but when it was determined that the corner-stone of the addition to the Capitol should be laid on the Fourth of July, a strong wish was expressed that I should be here on that occasion. I objected to this, but the President seemed to think it important, and I consented. He thought I could make my visit and return in season, but I thought the interval too short, and therefore concluded to stay hereabout till after the Fourth, and then immediately go North, with a pretty good chance for a long visit. The President has gone to Virginia with Mr. Stuart and Mr. Hall, and will probably return at the end of this week, or on Monday of next. In the mean time I think of a little excursion or two into the country; shall probably go to Harper's Ferry where I never was, and to Winchester, and its neighborhood.

My address on the Fourth, will be quite short and general, or may be altogether omitted if the weather should be bad. The

Albany speech is well under way. It will make a handsome pamphlet, though not very long. The Buffalo speech, as it appears in the Intelligencer of yesterday, is pretty well corrected.

If any thing important should come to hand by the mail of to-day or to-morrow, I shall write you again. On Tuesday, I think Mrs. Webster and myself shall go up to the Shenandoah, in the cars. If in any of the mountain streams near Winchester I should happen to take a trout, I shall wish that you were present to take another.

I am, dear Sir, always and everywhere, yours truly,

DAN'L WEBSTER.

SOURCE: Fletcher Webster, Editor, The Private Correspondence of Daniel Webster, Vol. 2, pp. 445-6

Daniel Webster to Millard Fillmore, July 20, 1851

Marshfield, July 20, 1851.

MY DEAR SIR, — The despatches for Mr. Severance were mailed and forwarded to the Department for your consideration and final disposition.

To-day I am giving attention to the Mexican treaty, the Indians, &c., but I am deficient in materials from the Indian department, probably on account of Mr. Lea's absence.

I am gaining in health and strength, but rather more slowly than I could wish. The truth is, the attack at Harrisburg, in April, has never been quite overcome; and the fatigues and the necessary labor and effort connected with the Fourth of July may well enough account for this. I have been here now one week, and feel decidedly improved, and pass a great part of every fair day out of doors, generally on the sea; and despatch affairs which must be despatched only in the morning. More than half the time I have dined in the boat, on cold meat and bread.

But, then, the great question, and the thing now most to be dreaded, is the catarrh, which the next month has not failed to bring with it for so many years. In regard to this, I have adopted some new views and opinions arising out of a letter from the Reverend Mr. Croes, New Brunswick, New Jersey, a copy of which I enclose with this letter. I am persuaded that voyages and journeys cannot be relied on with any confidence; nor any change of air, nor the waters of any spring. I have laid Mr. Croes's letter before Dr. Jackson of Philadelphia, who has adopted its general ideas, and put me on a course of medicine, to be begun now, and rigidly adhered to till the day for the regular attack of the disease shall come. He adds iodate of iron to the hydriodate of potash. I begin the course this day; and propose to remain here, unless I should some time hence go as far as Maine and Vermont, for general recreation, or unless I should be summoned to Washington, which I hope may not happen for the present. I shall keep a clerk here, and attend to every thing sent by Mr. Derrick, and especially every thing suggested by you. I keep out of Boston, and out of all crowds. Mrs. Webster proposes to go to Saratoga, the Falls, &c., with her brother, Mr. William Le Roy, and family, setting out about the 5th of August. As I shall hardly be a house. keeper in her absence, I shall escape much rush of company.

I send with this a gratifying note from Mr. Campbell of Charleston.

I see the Cuban news. If there is to be a revolution in that Island, I am glad our hands are free from stain. If the rebels make any progress, there will be serious work, as I suppose that both France and England are under a pledge to guarantee the Island to Spain. Our South will be all Cuban.

Yours, truly,

DAN’L WEBSTER.

P. S. I am very happy to see that Mr. Corwin is with you again.

[Enclosed in the foregoing.]

 

New Brunswick, N. J., July 15, 1851.

 

SIR, — As I can deeply sympathize with all who are distressed by attacks of catarrh or asthma, I take the liberty of stating to you, (having just read an article from The National Intelligencer, in which mention is made of your case,) that for years, in Indiana, I was affected with periodical attacks of the catarrh; that during my visit to the Virginia Springs, in 1850, it assumed the appearance of the "Hay Asthma;" that I tried the medicinal waters to be found in Virginia, and at Saratoga; that I crossed the Atlantic in the spring, for the purpose of making a sea voyage; and that I obtained little or no relief, until I was providentially directed to the hydriodate of potash, when a signal cure was effected.

 

The case was considered by physicians of this country and by Dr. Stokes of Dublin, an extraordinary case, and the rapid cure was certainly extraordinary. It would afford me pleasure to learn that one occupying the distinguished position that you do here, should receive relief. If you have not yet tried this invaluable medicine, it has occurred to me that possibly your physician would not object to your using it for a few weeks.

 

I am, Sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Rовт. В. CROES.

[Extract from a letter from Dr. Samuel Jackson of Philadelphia, enclosed in Mr. Webster's letter of 20th July, 1851.]

Your reliance must not be exclusively placed on the medicinal agents the instruments; for executing the plan of operations, and giving to it a full effect, you must assist yourself. I have to entreat you to avoid all exposures, fatigues, or whatever will disturb or debilitate your economy. Such an occurrence will almost ensure defeat.

SOURCE: Fletcher Webster, Editor, The Private Correspondence of Daniel Webster, Vol. 2, pP. 449-51

Daniel Webster to Millard Fillmore, July 21, 1851

Boston, July 21, 1851.

MY DEAR SIR, — I arrived here early on Saturday morning, and on inquiring for Mr. E. H. Allen, our consul at the Sandwich Islands, I learned that he was sick here of a brain fever, and too ill to be seen.

I went immediately to Nahant, where my brother-in-law, Mr. Paige, has a summer residence, and there passed Sunday, and on coming to town this morning have received your letter.

The Tehuantepec business is very important, and I am afraid we shall have a good deal of trouble with it. The object of the canal is very important, and we ought to do all that we can to facilitate it. Nevertheless, until we have a treaty, it does not become a Government matter, and if the parties concerned see fit to prosecute their plans, in defiance of Mexico, they must be regarded as acting at their own risk. I shall be very glad to see Mr. Benjamin. I doubt much whether there is to be an extra session of the Mexican Congress. It is quite clear that General Arista expected no such thing at the date of his letter, and I hardly know how Mr. Letcher can have received later information. Nevertheless, it may be that he has. I shall be ready to go to Washington on any summons.

Have the goodness to direct Mr. Derrick to telegraph me here, if occasion should arise, and the despatch will be sent to me by express wherever I may be. The despatch to Mr. Severance, our commissioner at Honolulu, will be ready, as soon as I receive our paper from the Department for which I wrote to-day. As the French frigate, and The Vandalia have both left the Islands, I do not expect any outbreak in that quarter immediately. But, still, I feel anxious that the communication of Mr. Severance should be on its way, as soon as possible.

I go to Mrs. Webster at Marshfield to-morrow morning. We do not propose to open our house on the usual scale, or to resume our customary establishment. Mrs. Webster thinks of going to Saratoga and Niagara with certain of her New York relations. I shall remain pretty much secluded at Marshfield, or in its neighborhood, seeking rest, and recovery of strength; but ready, nevertheless, to obey the shortest summons to Washington. I have avoided seeing people here as much as possible, and shall continue on that line of politics. Í trust, my dear Sir, that you will write me freely, and not hesitate to call for me, whenever you desire my presence.

I learned at New York that the story of my going to Europe, &c., got out through Mr., to whom, I suppose, Mr. Curtis or myself must have spoken on the subject. Friends here have been quite alarmed at any such idea, but their fears are quieted.

I am, my dear Sir, always truly yours,

DAN'L WEBSTER.

SOURCE: Fletcher Webster, Editor, The Private Correspondence of Daniel Webster, Vol. 2, pp. 451-2

Daniel Webster to Millard Fillmore, July 23, 1851

Marshfield, July 23, 1851.

MY DEAR SIR, — I thank you for giving me an opportunity of reading Kossuth's warm-hearted and admirable letter.

Having despatched Mr. Benjamin late last evening, I rose quite early this morning and went out upon the sea. The day has been delicious, and the sea air seems to give me new life and strength. I ate more dinner on board the boat (cold salted beef and bread) than I have eaten any day since I left Capon Springs. Fishing for cod, haddock, and halibut is a common and coarse amusement, which the connoisseurs in angling reject. I like it, however, as it gives me occupation while we are out for the benefit of the air and the ocean. I caught thirty codfish to-day, weighing from eight to twelve pounds each, and as the boatmen were also fortunate we brought home a fare which astonished our neighbors. They represented fish as very scarce at this season, as they retire in hot weather into deep water. I told them that I thought I should know where to look for fish.

I never saw Marshfield look so well as it does now; the crops are heavy, the lawns and pastures perfectly green, and the trees remarkably bright and glossy. There are several hundred thousands of trees here, which I have raised myself from the seeds; they are all arranged in avenues, copses, groves, long rows by the roads and fences, and some of them make beautiful and impenetrable thickets on hills which were mere sand hills when I came here. The herds and flocks are in fine order. Llamas from Peru feed in the pastures with the sheep. We have a little fresh-water lake, which is frequented not only by the ordinary ducks and geese, but by beautiful Canada geese or wild geese, which breed in retired places, but will always join their kindred in their emigrations, spring and fall, unless their wings are kept cropped. We have also China geese, India geese, and in short, the same birds from almost every quarter of the world. As to the poultry yard, there is no end to the varieties which my man has collected. I do not keep the run of half the names and breeds.

The situation of this place is rather peculiar. Back of us, inland, rises a large forest, in which one may hide himself, and find as odorous an atmosphere as among the pines of Maine. In front of us, a mile distant, is the sea, every mast visible over the beach bank, and all vessels visible, hulls as well as masts, from the chambers of the house. A drive of one mile and a half, almost entirely over my own farm, brings us to what is called Duxbury beach, a breadth of clean, white, hard sand, seven miles long, which forms at low water a favorite ride or drive in hot weather.

These, my dear Sir, are all trifles, and of course without much interest to any one but myself; but, I confess, that to me Marshfield is a charming place; perhaps one reason is that so many things about it which now appear handsome, are the result of my own attention. I sometimes try to read here, but can never get on, from a desire to be out of doors.

In. truth, I read nothing but my correspondence, and such official papers as it is my duty to peruse. I have found time to prepare the despatch to Mr. Severance, commissioner at the Sandwich Islands, and also a private letter of instructions.

When I left Boston yesterday, Mr. Allen was reported to be better, but there is no probability of his being able to return to his post for some time. When I say that the papers are prepared, I ought to have said that there remains in them one hiatus, to fill which I must wait for a paper from Washington. My dear Sir, you must have much leisure as well as patience, if you can get through this letter.

Yours, always truly,

DAN'L WEBSTER.

SOURCE: Fletcher Webster, Editor, The Private Correspondence of Daniel Webster, Vol. 2, pp. 452-4

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Benjamin F. Pearson, December 1, 1862

7 Oc Amandus Mullen & I took the cars for St. Louis arived 8 we then went to the arsenal & to[ok] a view of all the preparations there for war then took the cars & went to Corondelet took a view of the gun Boats building & the big guns. took dinner with Anthony Lobsinger then took the cars for the citty then took the Street Cars & came to Benton Barracks I was on Dress perade A Mullen staid with us the night

SOURCE: Edgar R. Harlan, Currator, Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 1925, p. 97

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Benjamin F. Pearson, December 2, 1862

9 Oc we went on Battallion drill. after we dismissed I & A Mullen visited the hospital & afternoon he started for home we was on company drill & Dress perade after dismissing I again visited the hospital and endeavored to comfort the suffering. evening we had meeting at the Barracks of Co A. the Chaplain had me to open by prayer he spoke then called on me to exort after that we had a speaking meeting & the power of God was with us & many wept 1st Lieut not able for duty

SOURCE: Edgar R. Harlan, Currator, Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 1925, p. 97

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Benjamin F. Pearson, December 3, 1862

In the morning I visited the sick in the hospital & at 9 Oc took the street cars and went into the citty to procure some things for the mess. I had an interview with Genls Curtis & Fisk. Called at Genl Fremonts residence he is absent. I saw the 118th Illinois Reg on their way to Memphis. evening I spoke in the Barracks of Co F text Matthew 11th 28th K. P. Morrison & our Chaplain followed me we had a good time I visited the 33 Reg Iowa Vol in their barracks to day.

SOURCE: Edgar R. Harlan, Currator, Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 1925, p. 97

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Benjamin F. Pearson, December 4, 1862

Forenoon we had a fine battalion drill afternoon the orderly & I drilled the company we ware on Dress perade Evening the Chaplain preached in barracks of Co C text prayer is as an anchor to the soul &c. after preaching we had an excellent speaking meeting.

SOURCE: Edgar R. Harlan, Currator, Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 1925, p. 97

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Benjamin F. Pearson, December 5, 1862

Forenoon we was on battallion drill after noon Co drill, no Dress perade about sunset just when the 23 Mo Inft dismissed their dress perade one of their boys snapped his gun at the croud not knowing it was loaded it went of killed one man dead dangerously wounded one & one slightly Evening I attended preaching by one of the 1st Iowa Cavalry to the paroled prisoners text to be spiritually minded is life & peace

SOURCE: Edgar R. Harlan, Currator, Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 1925, p. 97

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Benjamin F. Pearson, December 6, 1862

Capt Fee & Orderly Spooner spent the day in the Citty we had a general cleaning up in the barracks, afternoon I took 3 of the boys & went out & got a fine lot of Sasafrass & we had some pistol target shooting I stood No one. 4 Oc we ware on dress perade I received a letter stating Amandus is verry sick

SOURCE: Edgar R. Harlan, Currator, Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 1925, p. 97

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Benjamin F. Pearson, December 7, 1862

In the morning I visited our sick in the hospital 10 Oc attended preaching by the Chaplain in the 4th ward hospital at the fair grounds, text eternity. 2 Oc our Chaplain preached in Barracks of Co, H evening Capt Mahan preached in our barracks Co G. text the Lord hath given his people a banner we had a good time. I am uneasy about me Dear Son Amandus

SOURCE: Edgar R. Harlan, Currator, Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 1925, p. 98

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Benjamin F. Pearson, December 8, 1862

Forenoon we had battalion drill afternoon Capt & Orderly went out to try their pistols I visited the hospitals & the Seargents drilled the Co. 4 Oc we ware on dress perade evening Capt Fee & I spent at head quarters of post with Leroy Mayne & Adgatent Horine

SOURCE: Edgar R. Harlan, Currator, Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 1925, p. 98

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Benjamin F. Pearson, December 9, 1862

9 Oc Mr. R Murdock & I started to the citty was at the gun boats & Arsenal seen one horse get drouned, took our dinner at the Mt Vernon hotell, kept by Bolander Spent an hour with Dr Elliott Editor of the Central advocate. Evening I spoke to the paroled prisoners text now commandeth all men everywhere to repent Butler D Bailey a stout young man of our company died, the first we have lost

SOURCE: Edgar R. Harlan, Currator, Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 1925, p. 98

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Benjamin F. Pearson, December 10, 1862

8 Oc I went down into the citty to the government undertaker & made arrangements & arranged to have him burry Corporal Butler D Bailey at 2 Oc. I got the Col to releave our Company from duty that all mite escorte the corps to the graveyard. evening our Chaplain preached to the paroled prisoners. I exorted, text, thou shalt not go with the multitude to do evil we had a good time it turned it into a speaking meeting & there was great liberty

SOURCE: Edgar R. Harlan, Currator, Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 1925, p. 98

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Benjamin F. Pearson, December 11, 1862

Forenoon we had a good battallion drill afternoon I Drilled the Co 4 Oc we was on Dress perade evening I was at meeting a short time in Co D at 7½ Oc I met with the commissioned officers at head quarters we held an election for Sutler & a Mr Wolf of Albia, Monroe Co Iowa was elected

SOURCE: Edgar R. Harlan, Currator, Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 1925, p. 98

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Benjamin F. Pearson, December 12, 1862

Forenoon we had a fine battallion drill afternoon we ware in Co drill & dress perade evening I spoke to the paroled prisners in their barracks text Son give me thy heart Our Chaplain was present we had a good time.

SOURCE: Edgar R. Harlan, Currator, Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 1925, p. 98

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Benjamin F. Pearson, December 13, 1862

Forenoon we had a fine battallion, no drill afternoon or dress perade, afternoon I was sent for to go to the hospital & talk & pray for a Mr Jewell he had lost his evidence, he was enabled to lay hold on the promises & was made verry happy. Evening Hare preached & I exorted. text almost thou persuadest me to be a christian we had a good time.

SOURCE: Edgar R. Harlan, Currator, Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 1925, p. 98

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Benjamin F. Pearson, December 14, 1862

4 Oc we ware on dress parade in the mud & rain 2½ Oc Brother Oiler Chaplain of the 21st Mo Inft preached to us text 1st psalm Capt Morton exorted he is of the Mo Inft night H D Morrison preached text take the whole armour Hare exorted & we had a speaking & it was a glorious time.

SOURCE: Edgar R. Harlan, Currator, Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 1925, p. 98

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Benjamin F. Pearson, December 15, 1862

9 Oc I went on duty as officer of the Guard had some rough costomers to tend to in the guard house in the Western division Benton Barracks I got along verry well

SOURCE: Edgar R. Harlan, Currator, Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 1925, pp. 98-9

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Benjamin F. Pearson, December 16, 1862

10 Oc I got of duty was up near all night last. this day I spent mostly visiting the sick in hospitals 4 Oc was on dress perade evening attended preaching in Co K Capt Noble Barracks. Dr Ball preached text we love him because he first loved us &c we had a good time.

SOURCE: Edgar R. Harlan, Currator, Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 1925, p. 99

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Benjamin F. Pearson, December 17, 1862

Beautifull & pleasant. we ware on battallion by light in the morning, afternoon we had Skirmish drill & dress perade 11 Oc Lieut J. K. Morey of the 18th Iowa Vol called to see us. 3 Oc H C Caldwells¹ Lieut Col of the 3rd Iowa Cavalry came out to pay me a visit evening I went with him into the citty we attended the ladies aid society or fair in the Mercantile Colledge there was a house full of the grandees. Brig Genl McKean² of Iowa was there at the sale tables they represented the costume of 15 different nations it was grand. I staid the night at the Mt Vernon hotell kept by Bolander

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¹ Henry Clay Caldwell of Keosauqua, afterward United States district judge for the Arkansas District from 1861 to 1890, and United States circuit judge for the Eighth Circuit from 1890 to 1903, when he resigned. He died February 15, 1915.

² Thomas Jefferson McKean, a native of Pennsylvania, graduated from West Point in 1831, resigned from the army in 1838, followed civil engineering and located at Marion, Linn County, Iowa, in 1840. Became county surveyor of Linn County and in 1844 was a member of the first Constitutional Convention. Was in the Mexican War as a sergeant-major in 1817-48, was sheriff of Linn County in 1861, but resigned to enter the army, was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers November 21, 1861, and was breveted major-general in 1865. Died at Marion April 18, 1870.

SOURCE: Edgar R. Harlan, Currator, Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 1925, p. 99

Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Benjamin F. Pearson, December 18, 1862

I visited the Rever Vernon Dr Elliott Hiram Fate & saw Mrs Wm Thompson of Keosauqua Iowa I promenaded the citty & visited the Batterries. 4 Oc I was on battallion drill, Noon we had orders to be ready to march by 8 Oc morning with 4 days rations all seem keen to be off, we will have to leave 150 of the Reg in hospital of our company we will leave 7 men

SOURCE: Edgar R. Harlan, Currator, Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 15, No. 2, October 1925, p. 99