Maitland, James M. (1815-1864) to Joseph M. Maitland
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.10.102 Author/Creator: Maitland, James M. (1815-1864) Place Written: Kingston, Ohio Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 September 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 30.5 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Informs his son that his mother is not well. Comments on the recent Democratic Party meeting, saying "I do not believe that any good results from such gatherings... One thing is very evident that the intolerant spirit manifested by the Republican Party is making many who had made up their minds to remain neutral fall into their old Party. They denounce a man who will not support [John] Brough as much of a Traitor as those who support [Clement] Vallandingham" [sic]. Notes, "There is quite and [sic] activity along the road of the Broad Gauge Rail Road. They have the Ports for the Telegraph line as far as Louisburg and are digging the holes in our place." There is a small note, dated 11 September, which briefly criticizes recent political agitation at a meeting attended by Joseph's brother, Grier.
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. John Brough won the election and served as Governor of Ohio 1864-1865.
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