Brownlow, William Gannaway (1805-1877) to unknown recipient
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01919.01 Author/Creator: Brownlow, William Gannaway (1805-1877) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 September 1862 Pagination: 1 p. ; 20.5 x 13 cm Order a Copy
Addressed only to "Dear Sir" but probably written to Brigadier General Eliakim P. Scammon (based on similar material in the Gilder Lehrman Collection). Reports that the Confederates, 200,000 strong, are marching upon Cumberland Valley in Pennsylvania by way of Chambersburg in order to capture Harrisburg and Philadelphia. Wonders what the Union forces are doing to prevent this invasion. "The excitement here is very great. It is understood that the rebels are marching upon Cumberland Valley in the state ... Our forces don't seem able to check them up at all. What our leaders Civil and Military are about I don't know. Our people are loosing confidence in all that belongs to our Army." Says that he will leave Philadelphia soon, possibly to join his family in Dayton, Ohio. Accompanied by a small printed document "Radical Union Ticket" proposing Brownlow "the fighting parson" for Governor (see GLC01919.02). Brownlow was editor of the influential Knoxville Whig. In October 1861, his paper was suppressed by the Confederates, and Brownlow was imprisoned until March 1862. Brownlow later served as Governor of Tennessee from 1865 to 1869.
Brownlow was editor of the influential Knoxville Whig. In October 1861, his paper was suppressed by the Confederates, and Brownlow was imprisoned until March 1862. Brownlow later served as Governor of Tennessee from 1865 to 1869.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.