Maitland, James M. (1815-1864) to Joseph M. Maitland
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.10.106 Author/Creator: Maitland, James M. (1815-1864) Place Written: Kingston, Ohio Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 October 1863 Pagination: 2 p. ; 30.5 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his son informing him that his mother is still sick, and speculates it is because she is worried about him. Mentions that Elhanan (possibly Elhanan Mass who is Jamies Maitland's brother-in-law) and many others were killed on "the Field of Chickamauga" (possible referring to the Battle of Chickamauga fought between 19 September 1863. Mentions the election took place and John Brough won with a "rousing majority." Remarks, "I think the friends of [Clement] Vallandingham ought to be satisfied now of the impractability of nominating such a man for Governor, it forever outs him at rest for the future." There is a small note written at the end of the letter on October 19th.
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 pro-Confederate Democrat and lead of the Peace wing of the Democratic Party (Copperheads) during the American Civil War. Although he personally opposed slavery, Vallandigham was a strong supporter of state's rights and believed the Confederacy had the right to secede. On 5 May 1863, Vallandigham was arrested in violation of General Order No. 38 for treasonous statements. He was convicted by a military tribunal on 7 May 1863 and was sentenced two years' confinement in a military prison. After a Federal circuit judge upheld his arrest and military trial, President Lincoln wrote the "Birchard Letter" offering to release Vallandigham if Ohio congressmen agreed to support certain policies of the Administration. Lincoln ordered Vallandigham sent to the Confederate lines to avoid making him a martyr for the Copperheads. During his exile, he unsuccessfully ran for Governor of Ohio in 1863 against John Brough. Brough won the election by more than 100,000 votes, the largest margin won by any governor of any state before the Civil War.
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