[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.

Posting history, in reverse order

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]

A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens, Ch IV – 2-4
Editorials – 4-6
The Lounger – 6-7
Sloop-of-War “Iroquois" – 8, 10
Plan of the Fortifications of Vera Cruz, Mexico – 9, 10
Life-Scenes in the South – 10, 12
Panther Hunting in Africa – 11-13
The Great Floods in the Mississippi – 14, 16
The Illumination at Brooklyn – 15, 16
Not at All Strange – 16-19
The Weekly Farmer – 19
Trumps, by George William Curtis, Ch. XVI-XIX – 20-23
Our Special Paris Correspondence – 23
Humors of the Day – 24

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Continued from April 30 (reply #3.)

Abraham Lincoln: Speeches and Writings 1859-1865, edited by Don E. Fehrenbacher

[C19fan]

I think Dickens’ new novel will be a smash hit. Throat plague??? Is that strep throat? Thank God for antibiotics.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

John Brown to John H. Kagi, May 16, 1859

BOSTON, MASS., May 16, 1859.

DEAR SIR, — I should have acknowledged the receipt of yours of April 2l, to Henry Thompson, together with writing-case and papers (all safe, so far as I now see), and also yours of April 27 to me, but for being badly down with the ague, — so much so as to disqualify me for everything, nearly. I have been here going on two weeks, and am getting better for two days past; but am very weak. I wish you to say to our folks, all as soon as may be, that there is scarce a doubt but that all will be set right in a very few days more, so that I can be on my way back. They must none of them think I have been slack to try and urge forward a delicate and very difficult matter. I cannot now write you a long letter, being obliged to neglect replying to others, and also to put off some very important correspondence. My reception has been everywhere most cordial and cheering.

Your friend in truth,

JOHN BROWN.

J. H. KAGI, ESQ.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 522-3

civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Continued from May 7 (reply #3.)

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

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Continued from March 28 (reply #6) .

1

2

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

[Homer_J_Simpson]

John Brown to his Family, May 19, 1859

BOSTON, MASS., May 19, 1859.

DEAR WIFE AND CHILDREN, ALL, — I intend to be with yon again next week; but as I may fail to bring it about, I now write to say to Watson and Oliver that I think it quite certain that I shall very soon be off for the southwest, so that they may (I think safely) calculate their business accordingly. I shall be glad to have my summer clothing put in order, so far as it can be done comfortably; I have had no shake now for five days, and am getting quite smart again, and my hearing improves. You all may as well be still about my movements. God bless you all!

Your affectionate husband and father,

JOHN BROWN.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 526

civilwarnotebook.blogspot.com