Coleman, George W. (fl. 1857-1886) to Joseph M. Maitland
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.10.099 Author/Creator: Coleman, George W. (fl. 1857-1886) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 August 1863 Pagination: 2 p. : envelope ; 30.5 x 18.6 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to "cousin," possibly Joseph M. Maitland, based on content. Writes, "I made a Union Speech which was well received by all except Vallandighammers of whom I will notice before I close... I am all over for Brough the union Candidate for Gov. & I am of the opinion that all Union men are. [Clement] Vallandigham is a more infamous traitor than Jeff Davis [Jefferson Davis] & Peugh is not one whit behind Val he is stumping the state for Val. & himself for Lieut. Gov. & all his cry is that Negroes wont fight & cries out in bitter language against the arrest of Val. [Clement Vallandigham] & order 38 issued by Burnside prohibiting treason... He does nothing but growl, growl all the time. I hope he will be arrested... "
Joseph Maitland enlisted on 8 August 1862 as a private. He was mustered into "G" Co. OH 95th Infantry. He was mustered out 31 May 1865 at Memphis, Tennessee.
Clement Vallandigham was a Peace Democratic, or Copperhead, who openly criticized Lincoln and the War, believing that war should not be used as a means to prevent the South's secession. Lincoln banished Vallandigham in May 1863, and shortly thereafter Vallandigham traveled to Canada, where he ran a campaign for Governor of Ohio. He lost the campaign and returned to the United States in 1864, violating the military's court order.
Burnside, commander of the Department of the Ohio, was faced with the challenge of quieting Copperheads, or Peace Democrats in the area. In 1863, he issued General order 38, which threatened arrest of Confederate sympathizers. Vallandigham was arrested under this order, and Coleman's reference to "Peugh" refers to George Pugh, his lawyer and candidate for Lieutenant Govenor. Pugh represented Vallandigham in political rallies during his exile.
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