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 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.
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 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.
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.