Maitland, James M. (1815-1864) to Elhanan M. Mast
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.10.079 Author/Creator: Maitland, James M. (1815-1864) Place Written: Kingston, Ohio Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 July 1863 Pagination: 2 p. ; 31 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Comments on a 4 July celebration at Urbana, Ohio: "the Orator of the day was Hon. West of Belfontaine. I heard part of the Oration, when a shower of rain coming up dispersed the assemblage for awhile. he was amplifying on the negro and beginning to get into the merits of the sable race. I did not go back to hear the remainder reason why did not think it would pay." Notes that his son, Joseph, stationed near Vicksburg, recently moved to Black River. From the papers, learned that General Peter [Osterhaus] had been attacked by Confederate General Joseph Johnston's troops. Also read a report that Union forces "repulsed the Enemy at every point" during the Battle of Gettysburg. Comments on the death of Union General John F. Reynolds and Confederate General William Barksdale at Gettysburg. Hopes that Pennsylvania forces under General Darius Couch will help defeat the Confederate Army of the Potomac. Writes, "I understand the Conscription Act will be set agoing in a few days. I would like to have the selection of Salem Township's proportion of Men. I assure I would bring some of those fighting men, before Lincoln's Election, into the Ranks."
Congress passed an Enrollment Act in March 1863. Wildly unpopular among lower social classes, enforcement of the draft catalyzed the New York City Draft Riots in July 1863.
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