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From W.W. Phillips to John B. Ward
Title
From W.W. Phillips to John B. Ward
Description
W.W. Phillips writes a letter from Auburn, Kansas to his friend John B. Ward on May 21, 1861. Phillips tells Ward that Kansas is full of excitement: “War. War. is the cry.” He says that troops are organizing in preparation for defense, and he declares that “We are Ready for Missouri.” He also anticipates there will be a conflict with Native Americans living nearby.
Object Type
Letter
Date
May 21, 1861
From B.F. Dawson to Colonel of the Second Kansas Militia
Title
From B.F. Dawson to Colonel of the Second Kansas Militia
Description
This letter, dated October 14, 1864 but presumably written ca. October 22, 1864, was sent by B.F. Dawson in Topeka, Kansas, to the Colonel of the 2nd Kansas Militia. Dawson, a member of Capt. Huntoon’s Company B, 2nd Kansas Militia, describes his participation in the Battle of the Blue, during which he was taken prisoner by the Confederates. He was later paroled by Gen. Shelby and marched back to Topeka.
Election of A.J. Huntoon
Title
Election of A.J. Huntoon
Description
This certificate declares A.J. Huntoon’s election to First Lieutenant of a volunteer company of Cavalry of the Kansas State Militia. It is dated August 25, 1863 and is signed by Kansas Gov. Thomas Carney and Secretary of State W.W.H. Lawrence in Topeka.
Date
August 25, 1863
From James Griffing to My Dear Wife
Title
From James Griffing to My Dear Wife
Description
This letter, dated October 23, 1864, was written by James Griffing in camp at Kansas City, Missouri, to his wife. James provides an account of “a tremendous battle about five miles south of this” (presumably the Battle of Westport), which he heard about via dispatches from the battlefield. James includes an assessment of the Union casualties from regimental surgeon Dr. Hidden: “he thought but few cases would prove fatal.”
Object Type
Letter
Date
October 23, 1864
Soldier, Eleventh Kansas Volunteer Cavalry
Title
Soldier, Eleventh Kansas Volunteer Cavalry
Description
This sepia carte de visite, ca. 1861-1865, depicts an unidentified soldier who served in the Eleventh Kansas Volunteer Cavalry. The carte de visite was produced by Bliss & Wentworth in Topeka, Kansas. Carte de visites were small photographs that were often used as calling cards and became very popular during the Civil War.
Object Type
Image
From G.W. Veale to George W. Dietzler
Title
From G.W. Veale to George W. Dietzler
Description
On October 30, 1864, this dispatch was sent by Col. G.W. Veale at Headquarters, 2nd Regiment, Kansas State Militia in Topeka, Kansas, to Maj. Gen. Dietzler, Comm. Kansas State Militia. Veale reports on a recent campaign in which his regiment moved from Topeka to Shawneetown in Johnson County, Kansas, to Jackson County, Missouri, where it fought in the Battle of the Blue on October 22, 1864. Veale states that his regiment lost 44 killed and wounded, with 68 men taken prisoner after fighting “a force six times our number for three quarters of an hour.” The dispatch includes a list of the soldiers killed and wounded in the battle.
Date
October 30, 1864
From A.J. Huntoon to My Dear Lizzie
Title
From A.J. Huntoon to My Dear Lizzie
Description
A.J. Huntoon writes a letter from Williamsport in Shawnee County, Kansas to his wife Lizzie, announcing that the country is “in a state of great political excitement” following the seizure of Fort Sumter. The letter, dated April 19, 21, and 22, 1861, states that Confederate supporters tried to raise a Palmetto flag in St. Joseph, Missouri, but Union supporters stopped them. Huntoon informs his wife that militia companies are organizing in Kansas, and he asks her if she objects to him becoming an assistant surgeon for the army. He also relays the news that Gen. Lane has been placed in command of 1,000 men in Washington.
Date
April 19, 1861-April 22, 1861
From A.J. Huntoon to Lizzie P. Huntoon
Title
From A.J. Huntoon to Lizzie P. Huntoon
Description
This letter was written on July 7, 9, and 11, 1861 by A.J. Huntoon in Williamsport, Shawnee County, Kansas, to his wife Lizzie P. Huntoon. A.J. describes a party he attended on July 4 in Topeka, Kansas, and states that he enlisted in the service as part of “the Lane guards.” He says that since Lizzie is away from home, “I feel that there is no excuse for not taking an active part in this struggle for freedom & humanity…Such as can leave should be the first to offer themselves, & I feel that I am one.” A.J. adds that he recruited three local men for his company.
Date
July 7, 1861-July 11, 1861
From Edmund G. Ross to My Dear Wife
Title
From Edmund G. Ross to My Dear Wife
Description
Edmund G. Ross, a captain in the 11th Kansas Cavalry, writes a letter to his wife on June 15, 1864. He informs her that he has just arrived in Olathe from Lawrence, Kansas, and has heard rumors of “a great scare along the border” of Kansas and Missouri. Ross predicts that Kansas troops will soon cross into Missouri to fight the Bushwhackers.
Date
June 15, 1864
From A.J. Huntoon to My Dear Lizzie
Title
From A.J. Huntoon to My Dear Lizzie
Description
On April 26, 1861, A.J. Huntoon writes a letter from Topeka to his wife Lizzie. He informs her that Kansas is preparing for war and that he plans to start a company of mounted riflemen in Williamsport Township. He says that rumors have circulated about a possible attack by the Osage tribe, and that Governor Robinson responded by warning the Osage to leave the white settlers alone. Huntoon also says he heard a rumor that Indians attacked Fort Riley. He does not believe the rumor, and yet “We are preparing for the worst.”
Date
April 26, 1861
From Lizzie P. Huntoon to A.J. Huntoon
Title
From Lizzie P. Huntoon to A.J. Huntoon
Description
This letter was written by Lizzie P. Huntoon between July 14 and July 21, 1861 to her husband A.J. Huntoon. Lizzie expresses concern for her husband’s safety, while questioning his decision to enlist in the military and leave her and their young son on their own. She writes that she wants to go home to Kansas as soon as possible, feeling like a burden upon the people with whom they are staying.
Date
July 14, 1861-July 21, 1861
From James Griffing to Cuttie
Title
From James Griffing to Cuttie
Description
This October 30, 1864 letter was written by James Griffing in Lincoln, to Cuttie. James describes General Price’s capture of the arsenal at Topeka, declaring “The Topeka boys fought like tigers.” He gives an account of acquaintances killed in the Battle of Westport, adding that he believes “Missouri will be safer now.” He cautions Cuttie not to buy much at current prices, since “everything is bound to change after the election.”
Date
October 30, 1864
From Thomas Carney to James L. McDowell
Title
From Thomas Carney to James L. McDowell
Description
This letter, dated February 9, 1864, was written by Kansas Governor Thomas Carney in Topeka, Kansas to Major General James L. McDowell. Carney orders McDowell to organize and assume command of the Topeka militia for the purpose of protecting the city and its vicinity from guerrilla attacks. Carney states that he will promptly grant any necessary assistance in securing the public safety.
Object Type
Letter
Date
February 9, 1864
From A.J. Huntoon to Lizzie P. Huntoon
Title
From A.J. Huntoon to Lizzie P. Huntoon
Description
In this letter, dated July 17 and July 20, 1861, A.J. Huntoon writes to his wife Lizzie P. Huntoon. On July 17, A.J. writes from Camp Lincoln, headquarters of the 3rd Regiment, Kansas Volunteers, in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. A.J. describes his trip from Topeka to Fort Leavenworth, stating that four companies are in camp there, while another five have gone to Kansas City. On July 20, A.J. reports he is in camp at Kansas City, where there are rumors of an imminent secessionist attack; he believes there is no great danger.
Date
July 17, 1861-July 20, 1861
From Samuel R. Curtis to Edmund G. Ross
Title
From Samuel R. Curtis to Edmund G. Ross
Description
This telegram, dated 1864, is from Major Samuel R. Curtis at Fort Leavenworth to Edmund G. Ross in Lawrence, Kansas. Curtis reports that 150-200 Missouri guerrillas have entered Kansas and are likely to invade Olathe, Lawrence, and Topeka. He tells Ross to warn Topeka of a possible attack and urges him to “be on your guard.”
Object Type
Telegram
Date
1864