Letter from Aunt M. Smith in Beaufort to James B. Heyward in Cambridge, Mass. James' aunt relates the news of the family and writes of her desire that James uses his education to teach in the "Sabbath Schools." 4p.
Rev. Edward Neufville from Savannah writes to William H. W. Barnwell concerning the publication of a recent prospectus of Barnwell's. While encouraging Barnwell's effort, Neufville cautions that "there is very little disposition here, however, to take newspapers" and claims an "aversion to any increase in Church periodicals." October 7, 1843.
Letter from Aunt M. Smith in Beaufort to James B. Heyward in Cambridge, Mass. Upon hearing of James' recent trip to Canada, his aunt relates the story of her trip there seven years earlier when "Quebec only had one good hotel and Montreal...not half enough to accomodate the numerous travelers." She writes of news of the family and of the several parties in Beaufort. 4p.
Letter from J. Harleston Read, in Charleston, to James B. Heyward in Cambridge, Mass. In his letter, Read asks James to inquire about several outstanding bills he owes in Boston. The bills were apparently to be paid by a friend who died enroute when the steam-packet "Pulaski" sank off North Carolina. Read also writes that the "City is very sickly, people dying like rotten sheep - nothing keeps me here, but a desire to be admitted to the bar." 4p.
Bp Charles P. McIlvaine, in New York, writes to William H. W. Barnwell thanking him for his contribution to his diocese. He asks Barnwell to aid his agent he is sending south and writes of many "adversaries" in New York. October 17, 1843.
Letter from Nathaniel Heyward at Combahee to his grandson James in Cambridge, Mass. In his letter, Nathaniel provides additional monies to pay James' debts and reprimands him for his extravagance. Nathaniel mentions that James' brother, Nathaniel, has bought a house in Beaufort and is building "a lofty one at White Hall." He tells James that when he returns from college in October "being of age (21) - I shall resign my administration, and leave you with the rice crop." He also notes that all is peaceful and well at Combahee, "notwithstanding the Growls of the Abolitionist." 3p.
Willis writes from near Ripadan, Virginia, where Generals Lee and Johnston are in command. He speculates on a potential attack by the Confederates, though Union General Pope has pulled his men back.
Letter from Aunt M. Smith in Beaufort to James B. Heyward in Cambridge, Mass. In her letter, she informs James about the news of family and friends and mentions that she was hoping to go to Charleston to visit a dentist "to Beautify your Uncle and myself in our old days--not wishing yet to be accounted toothless." 4p.
Letter from Rev. William Bacon Stevens to William H. W. Barnwell describing the state of his church in Athens, GA., and his acceptance of the professorship of Belles Lettres at the University of Georgia. November 23, 1843.
Willis writes from Camp Gregg that living conditions have easied though he expects General Jackson will have them move up the Valley once the weather improves; he and Paris have had several items stolen; Dr. Prioleau expects furlough.
Congratulatory letter from Nathaniel Heyward at Combahee to his grandson, James B. Heyward, upon his return to South Carolina. Nathaniel instructs James to take the stage to the "B(lue) House Post office" and "walk to Whitehall" from there. 2p.
Willis writes from near Frederick City, MD, on the Second Battle of Bull Run or Manassas. His account (which places him at Manassas Junction), describes the battle-scenes and skirmishes, and his belief the "Yankees" had suffered more casualties. He also notes his inability to get some goods at Frederick City on account of the store owners being "Unionists"; his discovery that his hired "boy" was a runaway slave, (he has also fled from Keith); the misery of camp and his idea of resigning and returning to South Carolina to join Marion's Artillery who "will never be sent out of state".
Letter from Eliza Smith Heyward in Beaufort to her brother-in-law, James B. Heyward. In her letter, Eliza teasingly accuses James of being "anti-lady" and that she has heard "you were enjoying yourself extremely in society." 4p.
Willis writes from Charlestown, Va, on having taken 1,300 prisoners at Harpers Ferry (many Vermonters); on the Second Battle of Bull Run or Manassas; his continued interest in resigning and joining Marion Artillery in South Carolina; the deaths of Nathaniel Heyward and Lt. Munroe of Charleston and his frustration at not being able to secure a slave to tend to him. He notes that he is writing on "captured paper" and the pro-Union sentiment on the envelope ("The Union and the Constitution must and shall be preserved") is crossed out.
Letter from Joseph S. Large, Maumee City, OH., to William H. W. Barnwell, editor of the "Episcopal Protestant," returning issues of the periodical that were sent to him. Large writes "the editor would be much benefitted, I should think, by a few months residence at some retreat for the insane." December 12, 1843.
Rev. John Fielding writes to William H. W. Barnwell asking that one of his subscriptions to the "Episcopal Protestant" be forwarded to some "destitute family or missionary." December 11, 1843.
Partial clipping if an unidentified newspaper with an obituary on Mrs. Ann Postell of Charleston, S.C., and on reverse, A Proclamation on Charleston City Council's enforcement of the Quarantine Laws in the Port and Harbor of Charleston.
Offer from Daniel Heyward to James B. Heyward to buy Chelsea Plantation, a cotton and provision plantation, from the estate of John Heyward. He also offers "the Rice Plantation, Sandy Hill adjoining" if he "may not desire to embark in the cultivation of Cotton." 3p.
Addressed portion of letter from Peter J. Shand to William H. W. Barnwell with notation (by Barnwell?) of Shand's refusal to accept subscription to the "Episcopal Protestant." December, 1843.
Willis writes from Camp Gregg that the attack on Charleston has not come; that he has a new set of Field Officers; his hopes of returning to South Carolina but belief that General Jackson will not be sent from Virginia.
Letter from Aunt M. Smith to James B. Heyward in Charleston. James' aunt begs him to visit with his new child and offers jams and jellies as an incentive. 4p.
Letter from Thomas F. Scott, Marietta, GA., to William H. W. Barnwell explaining why he cannot directly afford a subscription to Barnwell's "The Episcopal Protestant." He also discusses problems within the church and expresses his belief that the "High Church party" is mostly to blame but concedes that the Episcopal press and the "mutual assault and representations of Churchmen themselves" are complicit. January 24, 1844.
Letter from Bp William Meade, Millwood, VA., to William H. W. Barnwell discussing issues within the Episcopal Church and resistance to Barnwell's periodical "The Episcopal Protestant." January 26, 1844.
Willis writes from Camp Gregg that he has been refused furlough?; his fear the Brigade will be split up; that the "Army is in a flourishing condition" despite the cold weather
Letter from William Henry Heyward to James B. Heyward. William writes from Montreal about his health and the gifts and commissions he has procured or investigated for James and his wife on his trip north. He claims "Philad. is the place for domestic manufactures" and "N.Y. for imported." 4p.
Edward Neufville, Savannah, writes to William H. W. Barnwell enclosing a copy of the "London Christian Remembrancer" with an article on the "American Church." February 10, 1844.
William Henry Heyward writes to James B. Heyward from Boston. He tells James about visiting their old haunts during their Harvard days including Tremont Theatre, various billiard halls and a shooting gallery, and comments on the merits of rail and steamboat travel over stage coach. 4p.
Letter from Rev. Joseph Walker, Beaufort, enclosing a paper to William H. W. Barnwell for publication in Barnwell's "The Episcopal Protestant." Walker also writes of division in the Episcopal Church, mentioning the recent decision in New York to establish an "abolition church." March 18, 1844.
William Henry Heyward writes to James B. Heyward from Columbia asking him to investigate several cases of wine and brandy that were supposed to be sent to him by rail. He writes James about the interesting discussions concerning "our Federal Relations" and mentions how the state of Massachusetts has sent a commissioner to investigate the seizure of its free black citizens. 4p.
Letter from Bp William Meade, Alexandria, D.C., to William H. W. Barnwell asking him to publish an address that Meade is going to give at an upcoming convention. He jokingly comments that Barnwell's periodical is so "gentlemanly" of late that the convention may find it difficult "to pass a canon which will condemn you either to the stake or scaffold." April 25, 1844.
Willis writes from Camp Gregg that although the Regiment is to prepare to march, the heavy rain keeps them stationary; that his young male friends at home have little idea of the suffering in the War; Dr. Prioleau remains on furlough.
William Henry Heyward writes to James B. Heyward from Columbia relating the work of the South Carolina General Assembly and the election of Governor Aiken, and mentions that he has heard that "our good citizens of Charleston came very near lynching" the agent from Massachusetts. 3p.
William H. W. Barnwell, at Laurel Bay plantation, writes to Charles DeSaussure in Charleston with specific orders for the layout of the next number of "The Episcopal Protestant" and asks DeSaussure to insist to "Walker", publisher of the paper, that it is printed correctly this time. April 18, 1844.
Letter from Nathaniel Heyward at Combahee to his grandson James B. Heyward. Nathaniel mentions a cargo of rice he is sending to Ladson and Co., the disappointing rice crop, and a broken water wheel shaft at Rose Hill plantation that "stops all our pounding at No. 6 & 7 for this winter." 2p.
Letter from Rev. Pierre P. Irving, New York, to William H. W. Barnwell enclosing a contribution to be published in "The Episcopal Protestant." January 18, 1845.
Samuel Wragg Ferguson writes to his godmother about news from West Point. He mentions a fire on Crow's Nest mountain, the dull routine of West Point and his eagerness for his June furlough. 5p.
Willis writes from Camp Gregg thanking his mother for the food she sent; his fear Paris will die and his eagerness to get a replacement slave; his delight that an ironclad has been sunk in Charleston harbor
Letter from Samuel Wragg Ferguson from West Point to his godmother. He writes about the mild winter at West Point this season, a rash of recent cadet accidents and his longing to be "warmed by a Dockon fire." 5p.
Willis writes from Camp Gregg asking about news from home. He writes that Paris is well again, but he still feels Paris will not last the war and wishes for a replacement slave.
Letter from William H. W. Barnwell to wife Catherine Barnwell describing his trip to Virginia with his son, Robert. While en route to several springs in Virginia, Barnwell mentions visiting Monticello and describes the run-down condition he finds it in. July 26, 1845.
Letter from Samuel Wragg Ferguson from West Point to his godmother. Ferguson writes about his studies in philosophy and chemistry and relates an amusing tale of a friend visiting overnight who had to hide under his bed during a surprise inspection. He mentions that he has read that Professor Miles was elected mayor of Charleston and hopes that "he will keep the streets a little cleaner" and "will have the battery repaired." 5p.
Letter from William H. W. Barnwell and his son, Robert, to Catherine Barnwell describing their travel through southwest Virginia including a visit to Weyers Cave. September 4, 1845.
Willis writes from near Camp Gregg on the "terrible blow" of Stonewall Jackson's death, which Keith believes the Union Army will view as better than a battlefield victory; his uncertainty in matters of faith
Letter from William H. W. Barnwell to Catherine Barnwell describing his travel through Georgia with his son Robert and their plans for getting home to Charleston. October 14, 1845.
Letter from Samuel Wragg Ferguson from West Point to his godmother. Ferguson writes from a summer encampment that the furlough of the chaplain has delighted the cadets and given him time to write. He mentions the departure of the ill-liked commandant of cadets, Bob Garnett, writing "come who may he cannot be worse." 5p.
Letter from F. Wurdemann to William H. W. Barnwell regarding an upcoming trip by Wurdemann to Cuba. Wurdemann describes how he has secured "Spanish testaments", bibles and other religious tracts under "false bottoms to my trunks." December, 1845.
Willis writes from breastworks near Fredericksburg, Va. on skirmishes and picketing; a Union request for the picketing to end and its refusual; Willis's suggestion his father come to see the battlefield; the decomposing bodies of "Yankees" from the battle of Fredericksburg [De1862]; desire to acquire a younger slave
Letter from Samuel Wragg Ferguson from West Point to his godmother writing about a recent visit of relatives. He also mentions that he is looking forward to summer encampment and "no more study for two months." 3p.
Letter from F. Wurdemann, Limonar, Cuba, to William H. W. Barnwell describing his harrowing experience with customs as he smuggled religious material into Cuba, how he distributed the materials and the people he met, including a "married" priest. January 7, 1846.
Willis writes from breastworks near Fredericksburg, Va. that the "enemy" have moved to the opposite side of the river; Willis wonders where General Hooker will make his new base; inability to get Paris a horse, except for $400
Letter from Samuel Wragg Ferguson from West Point to his godmother. Ferguson writes about being "drilled half to death to show off before General Scott" and comments on some of his fellow cadets. 4p.
Letter from Samuel Wragg Ferguson from West Point to his godmother. Ferguson writes about a fight he has gotten into with another cadet and is "sorry to say that I am in arrest again." 2p.
Letter from Dr. J. Smyth Rogers to William H. W. Barnwell acknowledging Barnwell's contribution to Episcopal education in Africa and Greece. February 23, 1846.
Willis writes from Chambersberg, Pa., at the end of a march from Fredericksburg, Va., on passing through "Yankee" territory, with General Jenkins at the head
Letter from Samuel Wragg Ferguson from West Point to his godmother. Ferguson requests a long list of articles to be sent to him and writes that he is in debt to the school and unable to get anything from the commissary. 6p.
Letter from Rev. John Fielding to William H. W. Barnwell informing Barnwell of the death of his wife and his urgent need to hire someone to attend to his children. April 6, 1846.
Willis writes from Williamsport, MD., on a disappointing battle [Gettysburg], where "very many valuable men" were lost; that General Lee is not to cross the Potomac for a "few days".
Letter from Samuel Wragg Ferguson from West Point to his godmother. Ferguson writes about being transferred to Company A and "is now in the clutches of Lt. Nelson commonly known as fossil remains." He relates about failing his first inspection with the new commander "as an introduction to the Co." 4p.
Willis writes from Williamsport, MD., near the Potomac River, unsure if they are to cross once again. His regiment lost 25 men in a recent encounter. Willis wonders if Vicksburg has fallen, and if his family are headed to Flat Rock, N.C., soon.
Letter from Samuel Wragg Ferguson from West Point to his godmother. Ferguson writes about finally settling in after his furlough and the pleasant time he had flirting with the girls before his drills and studies began, claiming "had I been in the neighborhood of Charleston people would have had me married a dozen times." 3p.
Rev. Charles Colcock Jones, Riceboro, GA., writes to William H. W. Barnwell concerning his committee's report on the religious instruction of slaves. July 23, 1846.
Willis writes from Winchester, Va., on Paris having "disappeared" and being left with no-one "to do a hands turn for me"; his reflection: "Our reverse in Pennsylvania, and then the far greater blow, the loss of Vicksburg, and Port Hudson, look gloomy for the Confederacy"; his taking pants from a corpse? on the battlefield.
Letter from Samuel Wragg Ferguson from West Point to his godmother. Ferguson inquires about friends and family and relates his daily struggles with his "poor old overcoat." 3p.
Partial letter from Rev. W.W. Spear to William H. W. Barnwell expressing a desire to return to Charleston to preach and perhaps start an "independent press" directed at the "moderate & Calvinistic of our brethren." September 18, 1846.
Willis writes from near Culpeper, Va., on the miserable marching at the Potomac; his impressive horse and the desire of the Regiment to go to S.to "storm the Yankees off Morris Island"
Samuel Wragg Ferguson, fresh out of West Point, writes his sister from a camp on Henry's Fork in the Utah territory. Ferguson, participating in the Utah Expedition, writes about the boredom of the winter intermission in the conflict with Mormon settlers. He complains about the food and tells his sister he "is going out directly to try and kill a rabbit with my pistol." He writes fondly of spending a week at the regiment's other camp as he has "found it very dull here when there are but three officers besides myself," but notes that "when spring comes we will be kept busy all the time as the Mormons will no doubt try to steal our animals." 4p.
Letter from Bp Stephen Elliot to William H. W. Barnwell concerning the death of Barnwell's sister, Ann, and a recent revival in Montpelier, GA. October 10, 1846.
Willis writes from near Orange, Va., complaining that he does not have a slave to cook his rations, and asserting that the men of his Regiment wish to help relieve Charleston
Letter from Samuel Wragg Ferguson at Fort Walla Walla in the Washington Territory to his godmother. Ferguson comments on his daily routine and writes about his beloved horse, his dogs and his whiskey-drinking friend Major Green. 4p.
Letter from William H. W. Barnwell, Greenville, SC, to Catherine Barnwell in Charleston. Barnwell writes to his wife about his travels to upstate South Carolina, including Caesar's Head, and Flat Rock, NC. October 12, 1846.
Willis writes from near Orange, Va., that he does not expect a vigorous campaign in the short term, complaints about lack of good clothing and reminiscences about home
Samuel Wragg Ferguson, aide-de-camp to General P.G.T. Beauregard, writes to his godmother from Manassas Junction, on July 10th, 1861, just days before the First Battle of Bull Run. He mentions preparations being made to set up hospitals for the sick and wounded, the capture of the privateer Savannah and Jefferson Davis' warning to Lincoln not to deal harshly with the crew. He writes that Union prisoners in Richmond, who were allowed to roam freely, were "arrested and confined in consequence of the accounts received of the trial of the crew of the Savannah." 4p.
Willis writes from near Orange, Va., that he is upset by the dissatisfaction in some of the Confederate States, that he wishes a dictator was put in place (he would support Jefferson Davis in this role) and that civil law was abolished. He has lost all faith in England.
Samuel Wragg Ferguson, aide-de-camp to General P.G.T. Beauregard, writes to his godmother from Fairfax Court House, Virginia, September 13th, 1861. Ferguson details a recent skirmish in Lewinsville pitting Union troops against Confederate Col. J.E.B. Stuart's men in which "we got seven killed, wounded and prisoners and know that they carried off many of their dead...fact is they wont stay to be killed." He writes of the secret construction of a battery along the Potomac that "will entirely stop the navigation of the river" and warns his godmother not to let "any communicative person hear any thing of this." On the envelope is written "there is a secret in this." 5p.
Letter from Rev. William W. Spear, Philadelphia, to William H. W. Barnwell expressing his desire to return to St. Michael's Church in Charleston and his ideas concerning the Episcopal press. December 5, 1846.
Samuel Wragg Ferguson, aide-de-camp to General P.G.T. Beauregard, writes to his godmother from Centreville, Virginia, January 29th, 1862. Ferguson writes that General Beauregard has received orders to proceed to Columbus, Ky., a "new scene of action and I hope of victory and glory." He yearns for news of Union commander Ambrose Burnside's naval expedition which recently sailed and has "occupied so much attention both North and South." 3p.
