The collection does not contain any of Margaret’s letters, but it appears she may have been a secessionist. Elizabeth’s passionate belief in the Union and graphic news from home may have caused a rift among her family. It is unknown how Elizabeth’s letters were received, but through their context it becomes clearer Margaret did not always feel loved by her family’s correspondence. Despite Margaret’s political thoughts, Elizabeth remained adamant about her feelings; she believed the suffering of her family, friends and neighbors was the fault of the Confederates and their deplorable tactics. The Hunter-Hagler letters are a powerful collection depicting the hardships many families faced in a politically torn region as neighbors and even families turned on one another.

Contributed by the STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY of MISSOURI RESEARCH CENTER – ROLLA

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Doran’s self-employment was briefly interrupted in September 1864, when he was ordered to report for work on Fort No. 5, in eastern Springfield. Joining the Enrolled Missouri Militia, Doran’s fortification work was the result of fears from Sterling Price’s Missouri Expedition. Doran continued to work on the Fort after the immediate danger passed, which may explain the absence of journal entries from late October through mid January.

With the War waning into 1865, Doran’s entries became more pedestrian, recording prices of goods, family illnesses, community activities, and politics. Springfield celebrated the capture of Atlanta (September 9, 1864) and Richmond (April 4, 1865) by firing cannons. Abraham Lincoln’s assassination brought Springfield to a quiet standstill. Doran noted the “business houses…clad in mourning” for the dead President, and business halted to pay their respect. With the absence of a surviving period newspaper from the Springfield community, John Doran’s journal provides a glimpse into the daily details of life in Springfield during the late Civil War years.

Contributed by the STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY of MISSOURI RESEARCH CENTER – ROLLA

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Introduction
John W. Fisher

John W. Fisher’s diary documents his duties in the Missouri State Guard from mid October, 1861, through the first week of January, 1862. Fisher was born in Virginia, and lived in Westport, Missouri prior to the War. Fisher served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Missouri State Guard. The diary cites Fisher’s movement through Missouri and Indian Territory. Fisher survived the war, ending his days in a Confederate Veterans home in Harrisonburg, Missouri, in 1910.

Contributed by Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield

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Dear Mother…I am well at present…We have been at work…on the bridge on the…pacific rail road When we got it very near done we received orders to march to this city and now we have orders to go down the river I suppose our distination is Paducah as the rebels is threatening that place…
Louis Stephens letter to his Mother – November 8, 1864

Repairing the bridge was a crucial task for the Union Army, as the Pacific Railroad was vital to the distribution of both men and goods to Southwest Missouri. Without the bridge transportation would halt, severely hindering the Union’s ability to support their men in both Missouri and Arkansas.

Paducah, Kentucky lies east of Cairo, Illinois, on the Ohio River. The Tennessee River runs south out of Paducah to Fort Henry, where the Union Army achieved their first major success in the western theater. Controlling the Rivers, like the railroad, allowed the Union Army to monopolize the distribution of goods and transportation of men throughout the region.

During the fall of 1864, General Sterling Price invaded Missouri with hopes of capturing the arsenal at St. Louis, recruiting men for the Confederate Army and obtaining crucial supplies from Federal forces. During his retreat South, Price engaged Union troops on October 25 in the Battle of Mine Creek, Kansas. John S. Marmaduke was captured at the Battle. Marmaduke was incarcerated in St. Louis for a brief period of time, as the city was a transport hub for Confederate soldiers destined for military prisons in the North.

…the rebels has captured 2 gun boats on the tenissee river prisoners is a coming in every day from prices army…Marmaduke is in this city a prisoner to day is election day and the boys is a going in heavy for Lincoln and Johnson…
Louis Stephens letter to his Mother – November 8, 1864

Stephens also provides a brief glimpse into the support and faith Union Soldiers around him had for Abraham Lincoln. During his time as President, Lincoln was heavily criticism and often disliked. It was not until after his death that he became one of the most popular Presidents in American history. Stephen’s brief letter may not further the understanding of the events that took place in the Trans-Mississippi Theater, but it serves to represent the issues facing Union soldiers in the region and distribution of news.

Contributed by the The History Museum for Springfield-Greene County

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Introduction
Peter Van Winkle

Peter Van Winkle developed several lumber mills across Northwest Arkansas. During the war the Van Winkle family fled their home for refuge in Texas. In 1866, they returned to Arkansas to rebuild their lives and the surrounding community. Peter supplied much of the goods to reconstruct homes and businesses. This digitial collection contains a variety of documents, including family correspondences, bills of sale for slaves, and a contract Van Winkle had with the Confederate Army for the construction of their winter encampments at Cross Hallows.

Contributed by the Roger’s Historical Museum, Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, and a private collector

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In his letters home, Carnahan notes the hardships that faced many Missouri civilians. Families deserted their homes, leaving their produce and livestock unattended. Soldiers then pillaged the abandoned homes hunting for food and supplies. In his second letter Carnahan informs his wife that only 30 families remained in Springfield. Hundreds of refugee civilians fled Springfield with the Union army. They sought the army’s protection as they traveled north towards Rolla and eventually Illinois.

In his second letter, Carnahan commented, “This is a funny War, thear is no Enemy to fight at least none to be found they all ran on our approach.” On several occasions Carnahan expected to engage enemy forces, yet he never reported successful contact. He seemed disappointed, and even volunteered to scout the location of the enemy encampment. In December of 1861, the 3rd Illinois became part of the Army of the Southwest Missouri under General Samuel R. Curtis. Eventually, they marched in to Arkansas, and participated in the Battle of Pea Ridge. Carnahan remained with the 3rd Illinois Cavalry throughout the War and mustered out in October of 1865.

Contributed by Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield

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