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.
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.
This letter from Capt. Thomas West Daggett (1828-1893) to South Carolina Gov. Francis Wilkinson Pickens (1805-1869) was written from All Saints Parish, South Carolina, on June 1, 1861. Daggett was captain of the Waccamaw Light Artillery and in charge of the coastal defenses from Winyah Bay in Georgetown Co., South Carolina, to Little River Inlet in Horry Co., South Carolina. In the letter he resigns as captain of that unit and states his reasons for doing so.
Second letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch on this date. John describes a flag the Ursulines have made for the Emmett Guards writing, "it is the common infantry size, on one side blue, with Palmetto tree, with an Irish Harpleaning against the trunk..." He has heard the guard may be disbanding and, if so, asks the Bishop to offer it for sale to "some of your Irish Companies." He informs the Bishop that the telegraph is working again and they are being deluged with news about the attack on Fort Sumter. April 12, 1861. 3p.
Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch concerning a tax collector seeking payment from the Convent. John is unsure of the Convent's tax liability and asks the Bishop for assistance. He hopes the Bishop can travel to Columbia from Charleston soon to attend to the matter but writes, "I fear from the stopping of the telegraph today that the war has commenced." April 12, 1861. 2p.
A newspaper sketch of the Battle of Fort Sumter. The illustration reads 'The main battery at Fort Sumter guns bearing on Fort Moultrie and the channel during the action of April 12.'
Letter from James B. Heyward to an unknown recipient carried by one of his overseers, C. R. Hains, who is reporting for duty. In his letter, James protests the conscription of plantation overseers into the Confederate army claiming they "have large numbers of negroes under their charge" and that "in his absence the timid become panic struck and the bold mischievous." He also argues that the overseers "by means of espionage know every thing that is going on" and that well run plantations can better provide supplies to the war cause. 4p. November 12, 1861.
Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch concerning news from the Bishop's plantation and his medical practice. John writes about the ongoing construction at the plantation and of a runaway slave, Emmett, who was briefly jailed but escaped. John told the overseer's son that "if Emmett should come around the plantation to tell him to come in and go to work as I did not blame him for trying to escape from prison." He also confides in the Bishop that his medical practice is on the verge of blossoming "if bigotry does not override everything." November 13, 1861. 2p.
Copy of letter sent from Bishop Patrick Lynch to Francis Lynch. Bishop Lynch writes to Francis concerning a number of Charleston residents who are inquiring about leaving the lowcountry for Cheraw over uncertainty with the war. He also tells Francis to allay their father's fears over a Union invasion of Charleston, likening the panic in the city after the recent fall of Port Royal with that "at Washington, after the battle of Manassas." November 13, 1861. 4p.
This letter, dated March 13, 1861, was written by John R. Beaty from Fort Alston, located on North Island, Georgetown District, South Carolina to his young daughter (Isabella) in Conwayborough, South Carolina.
Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch describing his attempt to secure corn for the Bishop and his negotiations with a potential overseer for one of the Bishop's properties. May 14, 1861. 4p.
Letter from Anna Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch offering condolences over the loss of the cathedral in the Charleston fire of December, 1861. December 14, 1861. 2p.
Anna Lynch writes to Bishop Patrick Lynch with updates on the condition of their sister, Julia. Their mother, visiting Walterboro to help care for Julia, "no longer entertains any hope of her recovery." February 14, 1861. 2p.
Letter from Madame Baptiste to Bishop Patrick Lynch written after hearing of the devastating Charleston fire of December 11, 1861, reminding the Bishop "fiat voluntas dei." December 14, 1861. 2p.
Letter from Francis Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch written after hearing of the devastating Charleston fire of December 11, 1861. December 14, 1861. 1p.
This letter, dated December 14, 1861, was written by John R. Beaty from Camp Marion, located on North Island, Georgetown District, South Carolina to his wife (Melvina) in Conwayborough, South Carolina.
Letter of thanks from R.W. Barnwell in Charlottesville to unknown recipient. The thank you stems from an unspecified "contribution" to the Confederate cause, possibly a donation of money to the hospital in Charlottesville. 1p. September 14, 1861.
Letter from Susan S. Keith to her daughter giving her a first hand account of the great fire that devastated Charleston in December, 1861. "The City is nearly destroyed," she writes, "such a scene of desolation and destruction I never beheld." 4p. December 14, 1861.
Letter from Madame Baptiste to Bishop Patrick Lynch about family matters and news at the Ursuline Convent and Academy. Madame Baptiste describes how the sisters are sewing banners and flags for various companies noting "is it not queer for nuns to be engaged preparing flags for war?" She also thinks that business would return to normal if "other states would hurry and come out of the Union." January 8, 1861. 2p.
Anna Lynch writes to Bishop Patrick Lynch describing the declining health of their sister, Julia, and hopes that "she may live until a Priest reaches here." January 21, 1861. 4p.
Henrietta Lynch writes to brother-in-law, Bishop Patrick Lynch, with news about measles spreading among the family in Cheraw. She also mentions an early blockade of Charleston which the Bishop holds "little hope of being broken." January 29, 1861. 2p.
Letter from Madame Antonia in Baltimore to brother, Bishop Patrick Lynch, asking him to say three masses for her in honor of St. Joseph. February 20, 1861. 2p.
Anna Lynch writes to Bishop Patrick Lynch concerning the news that the Bishop and their brother, John, will be visiting Walterboro to see their ailing sister, Julia. February 24, 1861. 1p.
Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch concerning plans associated with one of the Bishop's properties, writing "I did not know whether you still intended sending the negroes over." He also writes of recent news of an accidental cannon discharge fired from "Cummins" Point that struck Fort Sumter stating, "Such carelessness or tricks might lead to serious results although it may show with what accuracy the guns can be worked." March 9, 1861. 1p.
A handwritten, three-page letter from William Bull Pringle to his sister, Emma Alston, in which he relays his encounter with Governor Pickens regarding his son, Charles Alston Pringle, receiving a commission in the new Company of Artillery.
Letter from Francis Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch concerning a series of financial transactions he needs assistance with. In one instance he hopes to secure a shipment of leather before the 15th "when duties will be levied on imports." March 9, 1861. 2p.
Francis Lynch writes to Bishop Patrick about forming a partnership with a Mr. Murphy to expand his shoe business believing it "highly important to push the production of shoes now." May 3, 1861. 2p.
Short letter from Francis Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch requesting his presence in Cheraw and mentioning a recent order of shoes from "Col. Hatch." May 5, 1861. 1p.
Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch concerning preparations being made on one of the Bishop's properties. John writes that "your negroes have not yet arrived" and fears the lack of field hands and a shortage of corn may impact the season's crop. May 24, 1861. 2p.
Letter from John Lynch to Louisa (?) concerning family news. John writes that he is tired of hearing so little news about the war and he hopes "to see the war ended without a general battle." He also wonders what congress in Washington is doing and expresses hope that they "act with a spirit of wisdom and justice, different from that of Lincoln and his advisers." July 16, 1861. 4p.
Letter from Francis Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch responding to his inquiry of boarding room in Cheraw for those wishing to flee Charleston. He also touches on his shoe business, mentioning paying patent rights on a tanning process, the use of fennel, salt peter and salt in the tanning process and the delivery of 1000 pairs of shoes to the Confederacy. November 16, 1861. 4p.
John Lynch writes to Bishop Patrick Lynch about the deteriorating condition of a house on one of the Bishop's plantations and that it is too dangerous for the overseer, Mr. Buff, to continue to live there. August 16, 1861. 2p.
This letter, dated February 16, 1861, was written by John R. Beaty from Camp Norman, located on North Island, Georgetown District, South Carolina to his wife (Melvina) in Conwayborough, South Carolina.
A handwritten, two-page letter from Mary Pringle to her brother, Charles Alston, in which she appeals to Christian values in order to assure her brother that the recent dispute surrounding John Julius Alston and Charles Alston Pringle's commissions in the new Company of Artillery has not impacted their relationship.
A handwritten, two-page letter from Charles Alston Pringle to his uncle, Charles Alston, in which he returned $40 previously gifted to him by Charles Alston prior to his trip to Europe. He mentions "persecution" from his uncle in reference to the family controversy about Charles Alston Pringle being excluded from John Julius Alston's new Company of Artillery.
John Lynch writes to Bishop Patrick Lynch about purchasing mules and a wagon for the Bishop's property and discusses the planting of crops. June 8, 1861. 3p.
Letter from Francis Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch concerning the success of his shoe business. Francis writes that he already has orders for 2000 pairs of Brogans. June 28, 1861. 1p.
Letter from Madame Baptiste to Bishop Patrick Lynch with news from the Ursuline Convent and Academy. Madame Baptiste writes that several parents have sent remittances for the school year but she fears "few will be able to return if the war continues." July 6, 1861. 4p.
Letter from James Lacklison, of Lacklison & Co., to James B. Heyward quoting him a price of $630 for 2 boilers for Fife Plantation. 1p. April 30, 1861.
Letter from Madame Baptiste to Bishop Patrick Lynch describing how the sisters are embroidering a flag for the "Kirkwood Rangers" of Camden. August 24, 1861. 2p.
Letter from Lacklison & Co. in Savannah to James B. Heyward. The letter states that "owing to all communication being cut off from the South," the company is unable to secure from Philadelphia the boilers James had ordered for Fife Plantation. 1p. May 31, 1861.
Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch repeating the news concerning the deterioration of the house on one of the Bishop's properties. August 24, 1861. 2p.
Madame Baptiste writes to Bishop Patrick Lynch about preparations for the upcoming school year at the Ursuline Academy. She also mentions how the Sisters of Charity in Emmitsburg, Maryland, attempting to help nurse Confederates afflicted with typhoid fever in Virginia, "were refused a passage by Lincoln's men." August 27, 1861. 4p.
A message signed by J. McCrady confirming that enslaved persons owned by Robert F.W. Allston arrived for work at South Island Plantation. The names of the enslaved are Salone, Sammy, Jacob, Mary, Sancho, June and Abraham.
Letter from Madame Baptiste to Bishop Patrick Lynch with news from the Ursuline Convent and a proposition to house the Sisters of Mercy from Charleston if they should come to Columbia to nurse the sick soldiers hospitalized there. October 17, 1861. 4p.
Letter from Madame Baptiste to Bishop Patrick Lynch about news from the Ursuline Convent and Academy. Madame Baptiste writes about new boarders and students and a conversation she had with a young lady who wished to convert to Catholicism who, she later found out, was rumored to be "disreputable." November 17, 1861. 4p.
Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch describing an applicant for an overseer position at one of the Bishop's plantations. John appears to like the man and his qualifications but fears "he might not take a sufficient control over the negroes, if it became necessary to use harsh means." August 27, 1861. 2p.
Francis Lynch writes to Bishop Patrick Lynch concerning his flourishing shoe business. Francis describes sending 1000 pair of shoes to the Confederate government in addition to those already provided to Col. L. M. Hatch. September 7, 1861. 3p.
Letter from Edward Barnwell Heyward to James B. Heyward telling James that he is moving all his father's slaves from Combahee and Pocotaligo to Wateree, SC, for safety. He offers James some land nearby to move his slaves to and "rough it out" a while with him. His plan includes putting all his father's slaves in a camp in the woods "out of the wind, and driving rain, plenty of firewood, and dry ground." 8p.
Madame Baptiste writes to Bishop Patrick Lynch with news from the Ursuline Convent and Academy, including a lengthy description of her troubled relationship with one of the sisters at the convent. September 8, 1861. 4p.
Samuel Wragg Ferguson, aide-de-camp to General P.G.T. Beauregard, writes to his godmother from Manassas Junction two weeks after the First Battle of Bull Run. He writes "another such blow as that struck two weeks ago, would I think put an end to the war." He writes of bunking with "Dr. Brodie from our state" in "the grand tent sent to Genl B, as he occupies a room in the house." 6p.
Letter from Francis Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch concerning his shoe business. Francis asks the Bishop to collect payment from Colonel Hatch, Quartermaster General, and deposit it in his account in Charleston to cover another note. The Bank of South Carolina has refused Francis' offer to use Confederate bonds to cover the note. September 19, 1861. 2p.
Letter from Francis Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch about business and the Bishop's travel plans. Francis tells the Bishop that his "debts North do not reach $800 so I will not be any great deal inconvenienced by the Sequestration Act." He also hopes the Bishop decides against travelling to Baltimore, fearing that after the publication of the Bishop's letter to the Archbishop, "no plea would serve you in the land of Lincoln." September 21, 1861. 2p.
Madame Baptiste writes to Bishop Patrick Lynch with news from the Ursuline Convent and Academy. She writes at length about a troubled sister that she does not want in the Convent, suggesting instead that they pay her board at the local asylum. October 25, 1861. 4p.
Francis Lynch writes to Bishop Patrick Lynch apprising him of his intentions to send $500 to a Dr. Park for the "right of his patent." October 26, 1861. 1p.
This letter, dated February 18, 1861, was written by John R. Beaty from Camp Norman, located on North Island, Georgetown District, South Carolina to his wife (Melvina) in Conwayborough, South Carolina.
Letter from Francis Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch describing the state of his shoe business and his attempt to talk his 16-year old son(?), Conlaw, from volunteering for the Confederacy. November 25, 1861. 1p.
Madame Baptiste writes to Bishop Patrick Lynch with news from the Ursulines, including a light-hearted incident of a drunken soldier who was found on the grounds of the Convent. December 22, 1861. 5p.
Letter from Madame Baptiste to Bishop Patrick Lynch with news from the Ursuline Convent and a suggestion that the Bishop preach one Sunday in Columbia while all "the best heads of the state" are in session. December 29, 1861. 5p.
A letter from Frederick Grimke to Anna R. Frost focusing on war news and politics, the usurping of power by the Federal government, postal relations between the Confederacy and the USA, and France and Great Britain's failure to formally recognize the Southern Confederacy.
A letter from Frederick Grimke to Anna R. Frost, giving a description of Walterboro, South Carolina circa 1815, and mentioning his meeting decades earlier with Richard Anderson, father of the commander of Robert Anderson of Ft. Sumter, who had served in the Revolutionary War in Charleston and had been imprisoned with Grimke's father, John F. Grimke.
A letter from Frederick Grimke to Anna R. Frost describing his trip to and arrival in Philadelphia. Grimke discusses a recent election and the ways in which local newspapers have reported on the political situation.
Letter from John Lynch to Bishop Patrick Lynch asking the Bishop for his influence should a newly planned state hospital in Columbia need a physician. December 25, 1861. 1p.
This letter from Colonel Edward Manigault (1817-1874) to South Carolina Governor Francis Wilkinson Pickens (1805-1869) was written in Charleston, South Carolina, on October 5, 1861. Col. Edward Manigault was the Chief of Ordnance for South Carolina in 1861. The letter is in reference to the transferring of funds to cover the cost of the "establishment of a Coast Police for the State of South Carolina." Page 3 is a handwritten enclosed form dated October 7, 1861, for the Gov. to sign and send with a draft to Gen. DeSaussure.
This letter, dated October 13, 1861, was written by John R. Beaty from Camp Marion, located on North Island, Georgetown District, South Carolina to his young son (Edgar) in Conwayborough, South Carolina.
This letter, dated February 22, 1861, was written by John R. Beaty from Camp Norman, located on North Island, Georgetown District, South Carolina to his wife (Melvina) in Conwayborough, South Carolina.
This letter, dated December 27, 1861, was written by John R. Beaty from Cat Island, Georgetown District, South Carolina to his wife (Melvina) in Conwayborough, South Carolina.
This letter, dated February 16, 1861, was written by John R. Beaty from Camp Norman, located on North Island, Georgetown District, South Carolina to his young daughter (Isabella) in Conwayborough, South Carolina.
This undated letter was written by John R. Beaty from Camp Marion, located on North Island, Georgetown District, South Carolina to his wife (Melvina) in Conwayborough, South Carolina.
This letter, dated August 13, 1861, was written by John R. Beaty from Camp Marion, located on North Island, Georgetown District, South Carolina to his wife (Melvina) in Conwayborough, South Carolina.
A letter from H. Tilman to his father Alfred Wardlaw during the first year of the Civil War. The letter discusses directions on what to do with the writer's belongings should something happen to him.
A letter from H. Tilman to his father Alfred Wardlaw written during the first year of the Civil War. Makes notations regarding aspects of the war including the mention of "the Yankees."
Copy of the last will and testament of Robert F.W. Allston outlining his wishes to pay his debts by selling a portion of his estate, with ninety to one hundred "negroes." Robert Allston divides his enslaved persons among his family, often keeping enslaved families together. Referred to as "negroes," the enslaved persons are listed as: Alfred, Alfred's wife Lavenia, Frank and Frank's wife Hester, Thomas, Gilbert, Minda, blacksmith Anthony, Little Jacob, Henry, Solomon, Charles, York, Daniel, cook Joe, Betty, Mary, blacksmith Sam, carpenter Abram, Primus, Nancy, driver Richard, Milly, Amy, Susie, Stephen, Scipio, engineer Prince, cook Toby, valet Stephen and Stephen's wife Lizzie, Robert Allston's "old driver and friend Sam, his wife Mary and son Albert, Nurse Minda and her husband Bowie, blacksmith and engineer Guy, carpenter Billy, Beck and Phoebe. He also leaves his overseer the enslaved girl named Hetty whose "life he has (under heaven) thus far preserved." Robert Allston wishes that his faithful servants, James, Milly, and Mary "receive every proper kindness" from the Allston family as well as fifteen dollars a year. He also states that driver Sam, Moses, and Stephen receive five dollars a year.
A medical receipt from Dr. T. J. Goodwin to James P. Adams recording the patients treated and their fees. Makes notation of the medical treatment of "little negroes" and includes associated figures. The reverse side of the receipt includes the notation "Mr. Jas P. Adams $64.00."
A letter from Eliza Ball to her son William Ball discussing a shipment of items such as towels, needles, scissors, a cake canister, honey comb, granite, and buttons on a schooner, a "bundle of work" for Sylvia, Marcia, Mat and Hetty to do, the status of Nanny's eyes and Sylvia's leg, the poor health of Eliza Ball's horse, the work of Handy, the secession of Georgia, the South Carolina company coming up from Morris Island, a sickness (possibly pneumonia) among family members and enslaved persons, and Isaac sending scissors to his mother Hetty.
A handwritten, two-page letter from Charles Alston to his sister, Mary Pringle, in which he defends his son, John Julius Alston, against claims made by his brother-in-law, William Bull Pringle, regarding John Julius excluding Charles Alston Pringle from a new Company of Artillery.
A handwritten, three-page letter from Charles Alston to his nephew, Charles Alston Pringle, in which he clarifies John Julius Alston's meeting with Governor Pickens and the Secretary of War, explaining why Charles Alston Pringle did not receive a commission in their new Company of Artillery.
A handwritten, two-page letter from Charles Alston to his sister, Mary Pringle, in which he clarifies the misunderstanding surrounding John Julius Alston applying to Governor Pickens for his and Charles Alston Pringle's commissions in the new Company of Artillery.
![137. Maynard [?] to parents -- June 9, 1861](https://iiif.library.cofc.edu/iiif/2/25391/full/200,/0/default.jpg)
