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Letter: Robert J. Chester, Texas, To Elizabeth Chester, Tennessee, 1836

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Letter from Robert J. Chester, "Ten miles East of Tenoxitlan [sic]", Texas, to his wife Elizabeth in Jackson, Tennessee, dated February 5, 1836. Notes that he has bought 1,111 acres of land east of Tenoxtitlan on the west bank of the Rio Brazos. While the land is excellent, he admits it will take time to clear, build dwellings, and buy animals, and so little can be cultivated this year. He also notes the unsettled civil situation with Indian attacks, the threat of a Mexican invasion, and a lack of unity among the leading men of the territory. This will all …

Letter: Robert J. Chester, Texas, To Elizabeth Chester, Tennessee, 1836

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Letter written by Robert J. Chester, near Tenoxtitlan, Texas, to his wife Elizabeth in Jackson, Tennessee, dated February 25, 1836. Robert expresses his disappointment with the state of affairs in Texas: with its leaders, local corruption, and the invasion of the Mexican army under Santa Anna which he fears the Texans cannot resist. He is trying to set up his own conveyance office, and he has started planting but is discouraged by the current uncertainty.

Letter: Mary Jane Chester, Columbia, To John Chester, Jackson, 1840

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Letter written by Mary Jane Chester at the Columbia Female Institute, Columbia, Tennessee, to her brother John in Jackson, Tennessee, dated October 28, 1840. Complains that she had to write a composition last week and this was very difficult since she used to rely on their mother to help her write even a letter. Notes the school is strict. They have to study until 9 pm and then go to bed. A little bell governs their activities.

The letter is written on a sheet of paper that includes an advertisement for the school with prices.

Letter: John Chester, Jackson, To Mary Jane Chester, Columbia, 1840

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Letter written by John Chester, Jackson, Tennessee, to his sister Mary Jane Chester, Columbia, Tennessee, dated October 17, 1840. John talks about the dinner on October 8 attended by "Uncle Jackson" [former president Andrew Jackson was related to their mother Elizabeth Chester], Governor Polk, Judge Grundy, and other "distinguished strangers". There was a procession and speeches before the dinner where "65 Beeves [sic] 70 or 80 Muttons and 160 shoates" were barbequed. A short note from Elizabeth Chester was included.

Letter: Mary Jane Chester, Columbia, To Elizabeth Chester, Jackson, 1840

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Letter written by Mary Jane Chester at the Columbia Female Institute, Columbia, Tennessee, to her mother Elizabeth Chester, Jackson, Tennessee, dated November 20, 1840. Mary Jane notes her unhappiness at the election of "that Old Granny Harrison" as president. Notes talk of an insurrection has her worried, but the school will not allow the lattice door of her dormitory to be locked because of the risk of fire. The chimneys of the school need attention and relates how a chimney caught fire recently and they all had to leave their beds. Fortunately, the fire was extinguished quickly but it left …

Letter: Elizabeth Chester, Jackson, To Mary Jane Chester, Columbia, 1841

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Letter written by Elizabeth Chester, Jackson, Tennessee, to her daughter Mary Jane Chester, at the Columbia Female Institute, Columbia, Tennessee, dated February 15, 1841. Asks about Mary Jane's examination and says she hopes to be present when she takes her next one. She notes their intention to visit Andrew Jackson's home at the Hermitage and go on to Nashville. Elizabeth tells Mary Jane "...you must improve while you have the opportunity I should like for you to show to advantage in Nashville give great attention to your walk and manners, an easy graceful carriage is all important,..." Notes her principal …

Charles M. Yocum Letter, 1862

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Letter from Charles M. Yocum, Hayesville, Ohio, to Lucian S. Yocum (brother), 16^th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer W.S.A., in Memphis, Tennessee, dated December 31, 1862. Charles notes the forthcoming battle for Vicksburg. He also has a long discussion of the impact of the Emancipation Proclamation which Charles supports after Lucian had noted in an earlier letter that it might make the South fight harder. A transcription of the letter can be found in the finding aid.

Charles M. Yocum was born on February 17, 1842, in Plain township, Wayne County, Ohio, the son of Joseph Glancy (1816-1907) and Margaret Bonnet …

Gilliland Letters, 1863, 1865

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Copies of 11 letters from Confederate soldier William Brasier Gilliland (1825-1863) to his wife Martha “Marthy” Jane Webb Gilliland (1827-1913) between April and September 1863, a letter from William’s brother, H. Franklin Gilliland (b. 1838), in 1865, and a record of weather from 1863. The letters mention briefly William and Franklin’s service but are mostly concerned with how Martha’s family was coping and expressing a strong desire to return home. It appears that William, and possibly Franklin too, could not write and thus dictated their letters home. See Appendix 6 of the finding aid for transcriptions.

William Gilliland, the son …

Presbytery Of New Orleans Resolutions, 1861

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Resolutions of the Presbytery of New Orleans, Louisiana, July 9, 1861. Resolved to dissolve the connection with the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church and to join the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of the Confederate States of America.

New York Herald Front Page, 1862

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Front page of the "New York Herald", New York City, New York, Issue 9335, April 1, 1862. The page features a map of Memphis, Tennessee, then under Confederate control. The city was occupied by Union troops on June 6, 1862.

Civil War Days In Huntsville, 1937

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"Civil War Days in Huntsville", the transcribed diary entries of Mary Jane Chadick (1820-1905) between 1862 and 1865, published by "The Huntsville Times", Huntsville, Alabama, in 1937. The city was occupied by Union troops during this period.

Mary Jane was the second wife of William Davidson Chadick (1817-1878), a Cumberland Presbyterian minister, editor and Confederate soldier.

Memphis Daily Appeal, Atlanta, 1864 March

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Three issues of "The Memphis Daily Appeal", published in Atlanta, Georgia, in March 1864: Vol. 15:25 (March 16), 15:26 (March 17-18), and 15:28 (March 19).

The "Memphis Appeal" began publication in 1841 in Memphis, Tennessee, as a weekly and then was published daily from 1847. The paper supported the Confederacy when war was declared and with the occupation of Memphis by Union forces in 1862, the paper moved to Grenada, Mississippi. During the rest of the war, the "Appeal" was published in Jackson and Meridian, Mississippi, Atlanta, Georgia, and Montgomery, Alabama. The paper's staff returned to Memphis at the end …

Letter: Andrew Jackson To John Coffee, 1804

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Letter from Andrew Jackson, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to John Coffee, Haysborough (near Nashville), Tennessee, dated May 3, 1804.

Jackson is concerned about the lack of cash to pay his creditors. He tells about a supply of goods he is getting for his store and talks of a partnership with Mr. Hutchings. If it does not work out, he has another venture planned for Coffee and himself. He requests that this letter be destroyed.

Letter: Andrew Jackson To John Coffee, 1819

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Letter from Andrew Jackson to John Coffee dated August 20, 1819.

Jackson congratulates Coffee on the birth of a son and thanks him for giving the baby his name. He offers to help the boy with his education. A transcription is included.

Letter: Andrew Jackson To John Coffee, 1827

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Letter from Andrew Jackson to John Coffee dated May 19, 1827.

Jackson asks Coffee to deliver a bond to Edmond Winston for a tract of land purchased by William Ward and then by Jackson.

Letter: Andrew Jackson To Mary Eastin, 1830

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Copy of a letter from President Andrew Jackson, Washington, D.C., to Mary Eastin, Near Fountain of Health (near Nashville), Tennessee, dated January 1, 1830. (The year recorded by Jackson is incorrect: the letter was written in 1831.)

Jackson is not feeling well and records it is two years since his wife died. Notes Mary had visited her aunt and uncle, John and Mary Donelson Coffee. Talks about past rumors and slanders that caused his wife’s niece, Emily Donelson, and her husband Andrew to split with Jackson. He is willing to again be friends with Mr. Ingham and his family and …

Note: Andrew Jackson To John Coffee, Jr., 1832

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Note from President Andrew Jackson to John Coffee, Jr., dated August 25, 1832.

Jackson asks Coffee to find out to whom Mr. E. Foster gave Jackson’s watch for repair, to get the watch and bill, and to give the bill to Josiah Nichol who will pay for it and send him the watch. A transcription is included.

Letter: Andrew Jackson To Mary Coffee, 1833

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Letter from President Andrew Jackson, Washington, D.C., to Mary Coffee (daughter of John Coffee) dated May 29,1833.

Jackson notes the burdens of his office. He expresses his concern about the health of Mary’s father and says that his own health has been bad but is improving.

Letter: Andrew Jackson To Mary Coffee, 1834

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Letter from President Andrew Jackson, Washington, D.C., to Mary Donelson Coffee (wife of John R. Coffee), near Florence, Alabama, dated October 20, 1834.

Jackson sends a cadet's warrant for her son, and his namesake, Andrew Jackson Coffee, to enter the U.S. Military Academy and advises him to accept admission: “…it will ensure him, with application, a thorough education, and there will be no obligation on him to remain in the army unless it should be his choice. His answer, whatever it may be, he can inclose [sic] under cover to me, and I will hand it to the Secretary of …

Memo: Andrew Jackson, 1836

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Memorandum by President Andrew Jackson, dated January-February 1836, that is a statement of payments totaling $250 for Andrew J. Coffee to go to Washington and then to West Point, and then to return to Philadelphia.

Letter: Andrew Jackson To Andrew Jackson Hutchings, 1840

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Letter from Andrew Jackson, Hermitage, Tennessee, to Andrew Jackson Hutchings, near Florence, Alabama, dated October 21, 1840.

Jackson expresses concern that Hutchings does not have a companion on his voyage to Cuba. He suggests that he might get Mr. N. E. Feist(?) to accompany him. He wishes him a pleasant journey. Tells about talking to Dr. Doyle about Hutchings’ son John who has had a problem with his vison that is improving. He thanks Hutchings for completing a contract with Mr. Parker. He asks that Hutchings tell Andrew Jackson Coffee that either Jackson or his son will be at the …

Letter: Andrew Jackson To Andrew Jackson Coffee, 1841

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Letter from Andrew Jackson, Hermitage, Tennessee, to Andrew Jackson Coffee, near Florence, Alabama, dated January 22, 1841.

Jackson laments the death of his adopted son, Colonel Andrew Jackson Hutchings. Noting it is the will of God, he states: “How I rejoice to hear of his calm and happy death – Let it, my dear Andrew, be a warning to us all to live so that we may never be afraid to die.” He suggests that because of his age he will soon follow his son.

Letter: Andrew Jackson To Andrew Jackson Coffee, 1844

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Letter from Andrew Jackson, Hermitage, Tennessee, to Andrew Jackson Coffee, near Florence, Alabama, dated September 11, 1844.

Jackson expresses his sadness at the death of John Coffee Hutchings, the son of his former ward, Andrew Jackson Hutchings, and Mary Coffee Hutchings. Says that instead of mourning “…we ought to rejoice that this dear child has been called from this world of disease, and affliction, to a happy immortality and eternal rest…” He advises Coffee not to seek office in Washington because he would not make enough money to support his family and the sedentary life would only bring him disease …

Letter: Andrew Jackson Coffee To John D. Coffee, 1835

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Letter from Andrew Jackson Coffee, West Point Military Academy, to his brother John D. Coffee, Florence, Alabama, written on September 13, 1835.

Andrew does not like the officers at West Point because they have favorite cadets, apart from Lt. Thomas from Tennessee. “The institution is the finest in the United States, but the offircers [sic] are bad.” He describes the layout of West Point in some detail and asks John to visit him there in the summer.

Letter: Andrew Jackson Coffee To Alexander D. Coffee, 1848

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Letter from Andrew Jackson Coffee, New Orleans, Louisiana, to Alexander Donelson Coffee, near Barrytown, Alabama, written on January 15, 1848.

Andrew reports that General Scott arrested Generals Worth and Pillow for disrespect as well as some junior officers. He states: “It is a disgrace all around, a disgrace to Genl Scott for the manner in which he made the arrests & a disgrace to the officers for the matter of the arrest…” He heard that they might be replaced with General Taylor or Butler in command. He does not believe there will be peace in Mexico soon. He blames the …

Letter: Andrew Jackson Coffee To Alexander D. Coffee, 1850

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Letter from Andrew Jackson Coffee, New Orleans, Louisiana, to Alexander Donelson Coffee, no location given, written on July 17, 1850.

Andrew congratulates Alex on his new “interesting and safe business” [cotton mill]. He comments on Alex taking the guardianship of John Donelson Coffee, Jr., suggesting that it would be troublesome and maybe better if John’s mother (Mary Narcissa Brahan Coffee) retains the guardianship and management of his property. He says the death of President Taylor has upset things and hopes the new president will support the compromise over slavery, predicting civil war since the South will “have little mercy to …

Letter: Andrew Jackson Coffee To Alexander D. Coffee, 1852

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Letter from Andrew Jackson Coffee, New Orleans, Louisiana, to Alexander Donelson Coffee, no location given (Florence, Alabama), written on August 1, 1852.

Andrew notes the continued issue of John Donelson Coffee, Jr.’s future and the dispute with his mother Narcissa. He thinks Alex should take legal charge of John and his property for the boy’s sake although it may lead to an “eternal breach between mother and child.” Andrew also notes that since he hopes to move house, he does not need to sell his enslaved people (Martha and her children, Bundy and John Henry) to Alex. If he sells …

Letter: Andrew Jackson Coffee To Alexander D. Coffee, 1853

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Letter from Andrew Jackson Coffee, New Orleans, Louisiana, to Alexander Donelson Coffee, Florence, Alabama, written on February 7, 1853.

Andrew has sent some “Dutch” (German) people to Alex for work. Notes they may not be exactly as Alex wanted but they are industrious and he hopes that will induce others to follow. The “benevolent ‘Dutch Society’” recommended them but he will not be dealing with it again, calling it “a humbug”. Says New Orleans is very prosperous and the “railroad spirit is abroad”. He hopes that he can soon travel back to Florence by rail “without all the labor and …

Letter: Andrew Jackson Coffee To Alexander D. Coffee, 1867

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Letter from Andrew Jackson Coffee, Oakland, California, to Alexander Donelson Coffee, no location given (Florence, Alabama), written on July 18, 1867.

Andrew mentions national and California politics. His daughter Kate has a daughter. Kate’s husband, Charles McDougal, has been ordered to take his ship, U.S.S. Jamestown, up to Sitka for the transfer of the newly purchased Alaskan territory.

List Of Enslaved People Belonging To Mary Brahan Coffee, 1850

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List of enslaved people owned by Mary Narcissa Brahan Coffee (1817-1893), widow of John Donelson Coffee (1815-1837), just before her marriage to Dr. James Young in 1850, and their valuations. This was one of several documents prepared in Panola County, Mississippi. The property was to be divided between Mary’s son, John D. Coffee, Jr., to be put in trust, and her brother, John Coffee Brahan, who will control the other part on Mary’s behalf. Included in the property were the following enslaved people:

John Coffee’s share: Barbary, 39 years old; Josiah, 22; Peter, 17; Mary Ann, 12; Betty, 10; Alfred, …