[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1855-1860: Seminar and Discussion Forum
Bleeding Kansas, Dred Scott, Lincoln-Douglas, Harper’s Ferry, the election of 1860, secession – all the events leading up to the Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: Sometime in the future.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed. To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by reply or freepmail.

Link to previous thread

[Homer_J_Simpson]

The Loss of the “Austria” – 2-4, 8-9
Editorials – 4-6
The Lounger – 6-7
The Forts on Frazer’s River – 10-12
Mr. Morphy in Europe – 12-14
The Poisoned Meal, In Five Chapters – 14-16
The Comet – 17, 19
Provo, Utah Territory – 18-20
Chess Chronicle – 23

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Continued from October 8 (reply #19).

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Allen C. Guelzo, Lincoln and Douglas: The Debates that Defined America

[Moonman62]

449 people died.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Austria

[Homer_J_Simpson]

This ambrotype was taken two days before the next to last debate with Douglas in Quincy, Illinois.

List of photographs of Abraham Lincoln

[Homer_J_Simpson]

John Brown to his Family, October 11, 1858

OSAWATOMIE, KANSAS, Oct. 11, 1858.

DEAR WIFE AND CHILDREN, ALL, — I wrote you sometime since, enclosing G. Smith's check for fifty dollars, payable to order of Watson. Since then 1 have no word from any of you, but am in hopes of getting something to-morrow. I have been very feeble ever since, but have improved a good deal now for about one week. I can now see no good reason why I should not be located nearer home, as soon as I can collect the means for defraying expenses. I still intend sending you some further help as soon as I can. Will write you how to direct to me hereafter. No more now.

Your affectionate husband and father.
[JOHN BROWN.]

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 479

civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com

[BroJoeK]

SS Austria went into service for the Hamburg-American Line in May 1858, burned & sank in September.
Reason seems to be careless handling of a hot chain.

Only 89 of 542 on board were rescued.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

[Continued from October 5 (reply #10) .]

October 12. George Allen was here and others, including John Sherwood. . . . Allen has a story (apropos of the beneficial effect of exhibitions of art like that at the defunct Crystal Palace upon the masses and the middling classes) of his overhearing a man explaining Thorwaldsen’s group of the Apostles to his wife. “Them’s the Presidents of the United states; that’s Jefferson, and that chap with the sword - that’s General Jackson.” . . .

The Diary of George Templeton Strong, Edited by Allan Nevins and Milton Halsey Thomas

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Continued from October 7 (reply #16).

David Herbert Donald, Lincoln

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Continued from October 7 (reply #17) .

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Abraham Lincoln: Speeches and Writings 1832-1858, edited by Don E. Fehrenbacher

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Continued from August 18 (reply #13) . A quote from the Vicksburg Whig mentioned in paragraph 2 appeared on this date.

William J. Cooper, Jr., Jefferson Davis, American

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Franklin B. Sanborn to Thomas Wentworth Higginson, October 13, 1858

I received the enclosed letter from our friend a week or two since. You see he is anxious about future operations. Can you do anything for him before next March; and if so, what! The partners in Boston have talked the matter over, but have not yet come to any definite proposal. I send you also an older letter, which should have been sent to you, but by some fault of others was not.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 492

civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Continued from September 18 (reply #5).

Doris Kearns Goodwin, Team of Rivals

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Continued from August 21 (reply #6) . The letter from President Buchanan to his niece was written on this date.

Nicole Etcheson, Bleeding Kansas: Contested Liberty in the Civil War Era