Kell, John McIntosh, 1823-1900 Collection of John McIntosh Kell [Decimalized .01-.21]

[Appointment of John Kell to midshipman in the Navy of the United States]

Partially printed commission effective from 9 September 1841. Co-signed by L.B. Hardin and Abel P. Upshur, Secretary of the Navy. Seal missing.

GLC00684.01

to Mary Kell

John McIntosh Kell writes to his sister while suspended from duty and awaiting Court Martial aboard the Albany. He describes surrounding islands of Santo Domingo and Navarro with stories of landscape and native islanders. He arrives at Aux Cayes...

GLC00684.02

[Appointment of John Kell to Lieutenant of the United States Navy]

Commission effective from 15 September 1855. Co-signed by James Cochrane Dobbin, Secretary of the Navy, and L.B. Hardin. Features two detailed patriotic scenes and a paper seal.

GLC00684.03

to Julia Blanche Kell

John McIntosh Kell writes to his wife while commandant at Warrington Navy Yard. He discusses a month long leave of absence to visit his family. He mentions that he is a member of a court investigating the grounding of the Fulton, and that his cousin...

GLC00684.04

to Julia Blanche Kell

John McIntosh Kell writes to his wife with postscript that "the Secession Ordinance will probably pass tomorrow."

GLC00684.05

to Julia Blanche Kell

John McIntosh writes to his wife about a package he has sent her. He responds to news of his sons' ill health and suggests a healthier diet for them. He mentions a ship named the Everglade which is to be purchased the next day, "when I will take...

GLC00684.06

to Julia Blanche Kell

John McIntosh Kell writes that "I hope to refer the Savannah ready for service day after tomorrow." He makes reference to Yankee slang on the third page. In closing, Kell mentions that he had meant to send a copy of Lincoln's inaugural address and...

GLC00684.07

to Julia Blanche Kell

John McIntosh Hell writes that on his arrival at Cumberland Island he was greeted by "a goodly number of ladies & gentlemen, guests & household of Mr. Nightengale" eager "to view the Georgia Steamer of War." He reports that he will be sailing to...

GLC00684.08

to Julia Blanche Kell

John McIntosh Kell writes to his wife about the ill health of their son. He mentions that "Commodore Tattnall is here & I am to report to him tomorrow: Morris' Steamer the Huntress has arrived."

GLC00684.09

to Evelyn Kell

Julia Blanche Kell writes to Kell's sister, Evy. She mentions Kell's mother and his sister Mary. She discusses a stylish new bonnet she has recently sent to Evelyn, which "is quite moderate. I think my summer bonnet is higher," and offers to send...

GLC00684.10

[Appointment of John Kell to commander of the Provisional Navy of the Confederate States]

Kell promoted for service "as first Lieutenant and Executive Officer on the C.S. Steam Sloops Sumter and Alabama, under the command of Captain Raphael Semmes." Commission effective from 4 October 1863. Signed by Mallory as Secretary of Navy.

GLC00684.11

to John McIntosh Kell

Mentions a letter from his sister, Louisa Tremlett, and invites Kell and Semmes to visit him for "a regular Southern party of Southern people." He encloses a letter from John Hay, now missing, which describes the response of "the British service, &...

GLC00684.12

[Confederate States Navy Department orders to proceed to Richmond]

Partially printed document signed by Captain Sydney Smith Lee. Docket added 1 December 1864 reads: "Be pleased to assume command of the C.S. Iron-Clad 'Richmond'." Co-signed by John Mitchell aboard the Virginia. Sidney Smith Lee, older brother of...

GLC00684.13

[Navy Department invoice of stores]

Receipt for "a Tin basin & pitcher" signed by York and Kell.

GLC00684.14

to John McIntosh Kell

Lee grants Kell leave until the first of May, "when you will report in writing to this Office the condition of your health." Letter forwarded by Surgeon James Harrison. Letter written on stationery of the C.S. Navy's Office of Orders and Detail.

GLC00684.15

to John McIntosh Kell

Raphael Semmes writes that, while in Baltimore, he has inscribed a copy of his book and ordered the publishers to send it to Kell's "little son, my namesake." He fondly inquires after Kell's family. Raphael Semmes, commander of the famous raider CSS...

GLC00684.16

to John McIntosh Kell

Henry W. Grady writes on behalf of self and partner Evan P. Howell, both of the Atlanta Constitution, to endorse Kell for Georgia Secretary of Agriculture and to suggest "that you apply to Gen Gordon for the position of Adjutant General," which Grady...

GLC00684.17

to Carrie Kell

John McIntosh Kell writes to his daughter, Carrie, in reply to a letter from her. He talks about his gardens at length and mentions a drought that makes "travelling on the Rail Road unbearable." He reports the birth of a grandchild named Walton...

GLC00684.18

to John McIntosh Kell

Arthur Sinclair promises to send the papers of the deceased Captain Evan P. Jones to Kell. He mentions that he had been corresponding with Jones about the C.S.S. Alabama "when death called him away." He tells Kell that "you would be pleased, and no...

GLC00684.19

to John McIntosh Kell

Francis L. Galt writes to congratulate Kell on his daughter's marriage and to request help in finding his own son a job in business. He mentions "the Charleston Reunion last spring" and a circular he has received from one of the men who attended, who...

GLC00684.20