Posted on 10/06/2020 6:00:23 AM PDT by 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.
I find it interesting that Slavery doesn't seem to be much of an issue in these Journals of Civilization just months before "Honest Abe" was elected.
(Slaves of the Ring turned out to be about horse racing!)
ML/NJ
LOWELL, Oct. 8, 1860
MY DAUGHTER: I had not intended writing you, until you had been two months away, but the weakness of your mother's eyes prevents her from writing, and so you have a note from “father.”
That you should be ambitious to excel, and obtain the rewards of merit, gives me much pleasure; but you must not be disheartened because your numerous studies will not permit you to compete successfully with those that have fewer. Success in school life is one thing and to be desired, giving much pleasure to us all; but remember, my brave, good girl, that success in life is the object to be obtained, and your progress at school is gratifying only as it gives assurance that you are endeavoring to prepare yourself for the future. Go on, there, as you have begun. Limit your exertions only by the necessities of your health. Remember how proudly I think of you, and how much of our happiness is bound up in your welfare. Beside, my dear, you are almost the only New England girl, and the only Massachusetts girl in your large school, representing nearly all other sections of the country. A Yankee girl, a Massachusetts girl, and “my Blanche” will not be outstripped by any competition because duties are a little hard — studies a little perplexing — hours of recreation a little restrained, or because it would be a little more pleasant to run over the fields in the bright Autumn.
You must not give up Latin if it is possible to go on with it, in due regard to your health. Why, I look forward to the pleasure I shall have in reviewing my own old studies with you in the coming vacations. A graver reason, however, is that your labor in the Latin will render lighter your toil in other languages, whether French, Spanish, or Italian.
There, “Buntie,” I find that while I had intended only a word of encouragement, I have almost given you a lecture. Still you know there is no harsh word in it from “father,” who has had occasion to speak so few of them to his good child.
Nothing has changed since you left, and nothing is missed at home save yourself. “Bennie” gets his usual share of unlucky tumbles, but picks himself up again with the same good humor as ever. Paul has taken one from him just now, and cut a fine little gash in his forehead, but that is healing up cleverly after having let out, as I tell him, some of his bad blood. Both go to school under the charge of our neighbor, Mrs. Chase's niece.
We have not heard from Grandmother1 or Andrew2 for two mails, but I will see that you hear as soon as there is anything of interest.
Goodbye, Blanche, I never knew how much you added to my comfort and happiness at home till you were away, and you may be assured that yours is not the only sacrifice of pleasure in doing that which has been thought best for your future welfare by
FATHER
1 General Butler's mother, Mrs. Charlotte Ellison Butler.
2 General Butler's brother, Andrew Jackson Butler, then in California
SOURCE: Jessie Ames Marshall, Editor, Private and Official Correspondence of Gen. Benjamin F. Butler During the Period of the Civil War, Volume 1: April 1860 – June 1862, p. 2-3
The Diary of George Templeton Strong, Edited by Allan Nevins and Milton Halsey Thomas
What a charming letter.
Wrong date. Strong’s diary entry is not due until tomorrow. Sorry.
Continued from October 1 (reply #4). Ward Lamon told of Judge Davis’ double somersault in a letter to Lincoln written on this date.
Doris Kearns Goodwin, Team of Rivals
The Diary of George Templeton Strong, Edited by Allan Nevins and Milton Halsey Thomas
Bruce Catton, The Coming Fury
The Diary of George Templeton Strong, Edited by Allan Nevins and Milton Halsey Thomas
“I fear we are a city of snobs.”
Takes one to know one, George.
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