Joseph Walker Barnwell writes to sister, Esther Hutson Barnwell, from Germany, where he is matriculating at the university in Gottingen. Barnwell describes the difficulty of learning the language, the bathing habits of the Germans and his views on German servants, and comments that the Americans he has met abroad do not distinguish between Northerners and Southerners. October 24, 1869.
Letter from Joseph Walker Barnwell, Gottingen, Germany, to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell. Barnwell writes of trying to speak only German, a task made harder by an increase in other Americans arriving in Gottingen, and discusses the current state of Prussian political and military affairs. October 1, 1869.
Letter from Joseph W. Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, informing her of his success with his United States Court examination. He jokingly describes his first trial, a larceny case, as a "brilliant debut" before conceding that he "did not say a word -- the case was too clear." June 17, 1869.
Joseph Walker Barnwell writes to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, about his lack of religious conviction and a mix up with a package that led to the spoilage of its contents. June 14, 1869.
Letter from Joseph Walker Barnwell, Gottingen, Germany, to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell. Barnwell writes of attending a performance of a men and boy's choir visiting from Hanover, comments on his inexperience with cold winters and describes a large, traveling market of peddlers which descends on the city four times a year. November 1, 1869.
Letter from Joseph Walker Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, commenting on his studies at South Carolina College, his plans for Christmas, and the business prospects of his brothers. December 24, 1867.
Request from J. M. Duncan, Brooksville, Randolph Co., to merchants Carhart and Curd, Macon, GA, to purchase materials for a wagon on credit. July 17, 1867.
Stephen Elliott Barnwell, James Island, writes to brother, Joseph Walker Barnwell, informing him that he can obtain forage at the arsenal in Columbia. February 8, 1865.
Letter from Eliza Fludd to Catherine Osborn Barnwell describing the conditions in Charleston and her belief that God is punishing the Confederacy for its sins. January 4, 1865.
Letter from Stephen Elliott Barnwell, James Island, to brother, Edward Barnwell, referring to talk of the fall of the Confederacy and the morale of the troops. Barnwell reports on the intelligence of 4 deserters who arrived in their camp who claim the Union is confident that the Confederacy is "on its last legs." February 4, 1865.
Letter from Stephen Elliott Barnwell, Valdosta, GA, to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, detailing his escape from the Union troops who captured Jefferson Davis, in whose entourage he was traveling. Barnwell describes pretending to take a bucket to fetch water for his horse before fleeing into a swamp and leaving his horse and possessions behind. Before fleeing, Barnwell "took the liberty of bidding the Pres goodbye -- and expressing as briefly as I could my admiration for the firmness and pertinacity with which he stuck to the good cause -- with which he seemed well pleased." June 11, 1865.
Letter from Rev. William Bacon Stevens to Robert Woodward Barnwell describing the last days and funeral of Barnwell's father, William H. W. Barnwell, in Pennsylvania. 1863.
Letter from Stephen Elliott Barnwell, at "Camp Beaufort", to brother, Robert Woodward Barnwell. Barnwell details his participation in recent military engagements including the battle of "Old Pocotaligo", the destruction of a Union transport in the Coosaw River and the detonation of a torpedo against another Union vessel. Barnwell expresses his desire to become an officer and solicits his brother for any help he can give to that end. April 27, 1863.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell sent to the Charleston Courier for publication. Barnwell, on behalf of the South Carolina Hospital Bureau in Virginia, informs the city of their move from Charlottesville to Richmond due to the withdrawal of Confederate troops and gives directions on the best way to send supplies. ca. 1863.
Partial note, possibly from Robert Woodward Barnwell, to unknown recounting a recent unnamed battle. The author writes "such a sight as that field of slain I never dreamed of." ca. 1862.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to sister describing his unceasing work tending to sick and wounded Confederate soldiers in Virginia. Barnwell writes that he hopes to return to Columbia the following April when South Carolina soldiers end their tour and perhaps save his summer salary at South Carolina College. January 28, 1862.
William Finley Barnwell, recently stationed at Fort Johnson, SC, writes to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, asking for clothing and other supplies. According to Barnwell, his pay as lieutenant is "over a thousand dollars including servant & food" though few supplies have been sent to the fort. January 28, 1861.
William Finley Barnwell writes to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, from his station on Sullivan's Island. Barnwell writes about the need of supplies, cloth, needles, etc., his plans for using his pay and the daily anticipation of a fight with the federal troops. April 4, 1861.
Letter from Ann Barnwell Mazyck to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, informing her of her safe arrival in Columbia. Attached is a short note from her brother, Stephen Elliott Barnwell. ca. 1861.
Letter from George M. Coffin, Charleston, SC, to Robert Woodward Barnwell, Charlottesville, VA, on a variety of war time topics. Coffin mentions Barnwell's letter concerning the "Legion" that appears in the Charleston Courier, acknowledges his relief efforts in Virginia and asks Barnwell to forward aid packages to his friend, Dr. Samuel Logan, who is suffering from typhoid fever in western Virginia. September 26, 1861.
Robert Woodward Barnwell writes to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, of his plans to spend his summer vacation in spiritual work with the Confederate Army, specifically at hospitals near Manassas, VA, where he hopes to bring along a "Corps of Lady nurses." June 28, 1861.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, updating her on the growth of his two young sons, Singleton and Robert. Barnwell also refers to "Carolina's backwardness" in its attack of Fort Sumter and believes the action ruins any hope "of redeeming our pledge of independence." 1861.
Undated letter, ca. 1861, from Edward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell. Barnwell mentions his distaste for "soldiering" and asks his mother to send "Moses" back to him writing, "he has had holiday enough." ca. 1861.
Edward Barnwell writes to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, believing the assault on Fort Sumter is imminent. Barnwell thinks his brother, William, will see little action from his post on Fort Johnson. 1861.
Letter from Edward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, discussing the nomination of his brother, William Finley Barnwell, as 3rd Lieutenant in the "1st Company of Infantry" and detailing the politics surrounding his appointment. William, Barnwell writes, has been ordered to Fort Johnson to take charge of new recruits. January 25, 1861.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, describing his work visiting camps and hospitals and procuring supplies for wounded and sick South Carolina soldiers in Virginia. The letter contains pages written by his wife, Mary, describing a trip to Munson Hill in Northern Virginia that Barnwell had taken with Generals Beauregard and Johnston. According to Mary, Barnwell could see Union soldiers atop the U.S. Capitol Building and, while there, witnessed a skirmish among picket lines. September 7, 1861.
Letter from William Finley Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, detailing the fear he felt in giving a public speech wearing borrowed clothes. February 27, 1860.
Letter from Robert Woodward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, offering his opinion on the particulars of his younger brother Stephen's education and describing the vegetable garden he has planted. April 19, 1860.
Invitation to the wedding and reception of Edward Barnwell and Harriet B. Hayne. Written on the back of the invitation is a note from Harriet stating "Invitation to my wedding 1860 Found in 1910." Enclosed are printed cards bearing the couples' names. November, 1860.
