Guide to the Edward Otho Cresap Ord Letters, 1854-1885

Processed by Special Collections staff; machine-readable finding aid created by Patricia White
Department of Special Collections
Green Library
Stanford University Libraries
Stanford, CA 94305-6004
Phone: (650) 725-1022
Email: specialcollections@stanford.edu
URL: http://library.stanford.edu/spc
© 1997
The Board of Trustees of Stanford University. All rights reserved.

Guide to the Edward Otho Cresap Ord Letters, 1854-1885

Collection number: M210

Department of Special Collections and University Archives

Stanford University Libraries

Stanford, California

Contact Information

  • Department of Special Collections
  • Green Library
  • Stanford University Libraries
  • Stanford, CA 94305-6004
  • Phone: (650) 725-1022
  • Email: specialcollections@stanford.edu
  • URL: http://library.stanford.edu/spc
Processed by:
Special Collections staff
Date Completed:
June 1971
Encoded by:
Patricia White
© 1997 The Board of Trustees of Stanford University. All rights reserved.

Descriptive Summary

Title: Edward Otho Cresap Ord Letters,
Date (inclusive): 1854-1885
Collection number: Special Collections M210
Creator: Ord, Edward Otho Cresap, 1818-1883
Extent: .75 linear ft. (269 items)
Repository: Stanford University. Libraries. Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives.
Language: English.

Administrative Information

Access Restrictions:

None.

Publication Rights:

Property rights reside with the repository. Literary rights reside with the creators of the documents or their heirs. To obtain permission to publish or reproduce, please contact the Public Services Librarian of the Dept. of Special Collections.

Provenance:

Purchased from Walter R. Benjamin Autographs, 1970

Preferred Citation:

[Identification of item] Edward Otho Cresap Ord Letters, M210, Dept. of Special Collections, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, Calif.

BIOGRAPHY

1818 Born Maryland
1835-39 Cadet, Military Academy
1839, July 1 2nd Lt., 3rd Artillery
1839-42 Florida War against Seminole Indians
1841, July 1 1st Lt., 3rd Artillery
1842-44 Ft. Macon, North Carolina
1845-46 Coast Survey
1846 Recruiting Service
1846-47 Voyage to California
1847-48 Mexican War--serving in California
1847-50 Monterey, California
1850, Sept. 7 Capt., 3rd Artillery
1851-52 Ft. Independence, Massachusetts
1852-55 Coast Survey
1855 Benicia, California
1855 Yakima Expedition
1856 Benicia, California
1856 Rogue River Expedition; action of Mackanootney Villages and Chefeco Creek
1856-58 Benicia, California
1858 Ft. Miller, California; frontier duty
1858 Spokane Expedition; combat of Four Lakes and Spokane Plain, skirmish of Spokane River
1859 Ft. Monroe, Virginia (Artillery School for Practice)
1859 On Harper's Ferry Expedition to suppress John Brown's Raid
1859-60 Ft. Monroe, Virginia
1861 Ft. Vancouver Washington; frontier duty
186l Benicia, California and San Francisco
1851-62 In command of a brigade of the Army of the Potomac
1861, Sept. 14 Brig. General, U.S. Volunteers
1861, Nov. 21 Major, 4th Artillery
1861, Dec. 20 In command of engaged troops at Drainsville, Virginia
1861, Dec. Bvt. Lieut. Col. for gallant and meritorious service at Battle of Drainsville.
1862, May-June In command of division in the Department of the Rappahannock
1862, May 2 Major General, U.S. Volunteers
1862, June-Aug. In command of Corinth, Mississippi
1862, Aug.-Sept. In Major General Grant's operations in Mississippi, commanding left wing of army
1862, Sept. 19 Battle of Iuka; Bvt. Colonel for gallant and meritorious services
1862, Sept.-Oct. In command of the District of Jackson, Tennessee
1862, Oct. 5 Battle of the Hatchie, severely wounded while commanding
1862-63 Military Commission investigating Gen. Buell's Campaign in Kentucky and Tennessee
1863, June-Oct. In command of 13th Army Corps--engaged in Siege of Vicksburg, capture of Jackson
1864, Jan.-Feb. Commanded 13th Army Corps in the Department of the Gulf
1864, April-July Commanded troops in West Virginia
1864, July Commanded 8th Army Corps and all troops in Middle Department
1864, July-Sept. Commanded 18th Army Corps; in operations against Richmond; wounded in assault and capture of Ft. Harrison (Sept. 29)
1865, Jan.-Feb. Commanded Department of Virginia and North Carolina
1865, Feb.-June Commanded Department of Virginia; engaged Siege of Petersburg, pursuit of Rebel Army to capitulation of Lee at Appomattox
1865, March 13 Bvt. Brig. General for service at Battle of the Hatchie
1865, March 13 Bvt. Major General U.S.A. for services in assault on Ft. Harrison
1865-66 Commanded Department of the Ohio
1866-67 Commanded Department of the Arkansas
1866, Sept. 1 Mustered out of Volunteer Service
1867-68 Commanded: Fourth Military District (Arkansas and Mississippi)
1868-71 Commanded: Department of California
1871-75 Commanded: Department of the Platte
1875-80 Commanded: Department of Texas
1880, Dec. 6 Retired from active service
1881, Jan. 28 Major General
1883, July 22 Died at Havana Cuba

SCOPE AND CONTENT

The General Edward O. C. Ord Letters total approximately 260 letters, the first written in Oct. 5, 1854 (two days before he married) and extending through January 30, 1885. The early letters from Oct. 5, 1854 -April 2, 1855 were written from Los Angeles, from on board the schooner Golden Gate, in San Pedro, and other such places. Some of those following are addressed from the Rogue River, Oregon Territory, Fort Vancouver, Washington, San Francisco, Ft. Miller and camps in Yakima country.
While many letters contain purely personal matters, others contain much of historical interest. On Jan. 24, 1855, he speaks of camping at San Pedro and in the next few letters he talks of various surveys he participated in. When he gets to the Oregon Territory, he talks of Indians being taken to reservations and again of Indian troubles (there was much Indian fighting going on at the time.)
Several letters are incomplete and many are frayed or have minor breaks at the folds.

Box 1, Folder 1

Correspondence, undated and 1854 -1856 Jan.

 

1. ND.Cover addressed to Ord. Ord ANS on verso;

Scope and Content Note

"Marcy read it and write."
 

2. [1854, Oct. 5?]NP. Frag. ALS. Ord to [Mary] in pencil.

Scope and Content Note

Note signed L.O.M.: "A note just before his wedding day of Capt. E.O.C. Ord to Mary Mercer Thompson Oct. 1854. Mercer Thompson was then ill with typhoid fever."
 

3. ND."On board the Josiah... [or Goliah]." "Halfway to Monterey." ALS. Ord to Molly.

Scope and Content Note

"I have come to the conclusion that this being away on the coast Survey don't pay." his company being the garrison at Benicia; steamer from the States headed for San Pedro.
 

4. ND.NP. ALS.

 

5. [1855], Jan. 11, 12.Los Angeles, ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Re: Marcy; Dominguez; Ord's brother; Monty on San Gabriel River; Mrs. Stearns; Mrs. Gates or Yates; and Mrs. Downey; Don Manuel; Doña Gracia; Mr. Brent; survey of the New Town; Mr. Greenwell to take Ord's place on Coast Survey; Santa Barbara Islands; "call on Capt. Sherman for more funds if your supply gives out."
 

6. [1855], Jan. 24.San Pedro. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Lynching of Mr. Brown; the Wheelers; Dominguez; Mrs. Ross; forty pounds a year salary; Capt. Shelby; Marcy laying off the new town; [R.A. Thompson]
 

7. [1855], Jan. 28.Camp near San Pedro. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Describes Santa Barbara Islands; Johnson's cove; "about 500 seals lay in a heap like pigs;" planted signal; red fish of 6 or 8 lbs.; Capt. shot quail: "As the song has it; let the kings who make the wars -do the fighting for themselves;" Col. Steptoe, Gov. of "Eutaw"; Shields' Army re-organization bill; the survey, Prof. Bache.
 

8. 1855, Feb. 7.San Pedro. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Gen. Wool, Col. Hays; surveying offers from Sepulvedas; Dominguez; Lugos; Wilson; B.D. Downey; Sandford; Brent; Pueblo; "new town of San Pedro; Col. Coffee; Gleason and Marcy; Las Bolsas.
 

9. [1855, Feb. 10-17].NP. San Pedro. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Murillo; sharks; ground owls; coyote; sand hill cranes, geese; kangaroo mice; armadillos; Mr. Stereford; Catalina Island; water fowl; Sugar cane; rancheros; Ramon Yorba; Abel Stearns; Col. Bell.
 

10. [1855], [Feb. 17-19].New City [San Pedro]. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Describes camp; Capt. Folsom; San Pedro property; Col. Coffee.
 

11. [1855], Feb. 21.Camp near San Pedro. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Dominguez's politics -Dr. Gwin; gold at Kern River mines; Mrs. Washington.
 

12. [1855], Mar. 29.San Francisco. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Family and friends; Mr. Lovel; quarters at Benicia.
 

13. 1855, April 2.Los Angeles. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Los Angeles people; to take trip to Tejon Reservation; to bring his parents to California.
 

14. 1855, Sept. 4.San Francisco. ALS

 

15. 1855, Oct. 24.Columbia River, O.T., 30 miles from Ft. Vancouver. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Maj. Haller at the Dalles; to report to Maj. Rains at the Dalles; Indian outrages; describes coast and towns "and the villages are like those western vilages [sic] just started where the streets are full of stumps and girdled dead trees;" Astoria, Gen. Adair; Capt. Jones at Bencia.
 

16. 1855, Oct. 26.Ft. Vancouver, Wn. Territory. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Indian trouble exaggerated; Dr. Tripler.
 

17. 1855, Nov. 4.Camp in Yakima Country. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

March after Indians.
 

18. 1855, Nov. 12.Camp near Yakima Mission. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Enemy have vanished; skirmishes with Indians; description of country; mission deserted; a command coming from Steilacoom.
 

19. 1855, Nov. 21.Vancouver. ALS.

 

20. 1855, Nov. (21-27).Vancouver, W.T. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Desc. of Maj. Raines as a commander, $110 per month -and items, desc. Ft. Vancouver.
 

21. 1855, Nov. 26.Dalles, Oregon Territory. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Majs. Townsend and Cross; Capt. Cram; Cascades portage; descr. the Dalles quarters; pay account; Col. Coffee and Maj. Alvord.
 

22. 1855, Dec. 4.Dalles. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Col. Steptoe.
 

23. 1855, Dec. 9.[Dalles]. NP. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Duties; Col. Steptoe.
 

24. 1855, Dec. 13.Fort Vancouver, W.T. ALS.

 

25. [1855], Dec. 26-27.Ft. Steilacoom (probably Ft. Vancouver instead). ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Descr. of country and weather; Christmas; Maj. Townsend.
 

26. 1856, Jan. 1-8.NP. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Military dinner; descr. of Ft. [Vancouver]; social visits; descr. of officers and their wives; preferred charges against Maj. Raines; Capt. Eckerson; talks of northern and southern women; plans to write for the newspapers; Gen. Wool; Indians at Fort; gambling.
Box 1, Folder 2

Correspondence, 1856 Mar. 7 -1858

 

1. 1856, Mar. 7.On board Steamer Columbia south of Crescent City. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Isaac Stevens; Capt. Folsom; Col. Nauman; Indians turning themselves in.
 

2. 1856, Mar. 13-15.Crescent City. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

To go into the interior; Crescent City; Dr. Gwin.
 

3. 1856, Mar. 23-25.Camp at mouth of Rogue River. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

March from Crescent City; redwoods; sea coast; Col. Buchanan; Pistol River; Indians.
 

4. 1856, Mar. 28.Camp at mouth of Rogue River.

Scope and Content Note

Indian Fight attacked while burning Indian "town" -that of the Macanootenays, "first time the Rogue River Indians have been well whipped and driven from their positions;" mismanagement of campaign.
 

5. 1856, April 7.Camp at mouth of Rogue-River - near Fort Orford. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Fight with Mackanootenays.
 

6. 1856, April 9.Camp at mouth of Rogue River - Oregon Territory. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Re: notes and sketches he hopes to publish; desc. of camp site; sea lions, seals and "porpuses"; remains of mining ventures; mud fort and inhabitants; story of Indian captivity.
 

7. 1856, April 12-14.Port Orford, Oregon Territory. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Col. Buchanan; Sgt. Nahs.
 

7b. 1856, May 6.Big Bend Rogue River - Oregon Territory. ALS & typed transcript

Scope and Content Note

re: poison oak. Gen WF, escape from Indians, "Old John", "George", supply train saved.
 

8. 1856, May7.Camp at the mouth of Rogue River, Oregon Territory. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

[Frag] another brush with Indians; Indians want to talk; Ord's newpapers articles.
 

9. 1856, 9 May 9.Camp at Big Bend, Rogue River, Oregon Territory. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Indians giving up, to be moved to reserve; Capt. Smith, Lupton's massacre of Indians; white and Indians "unworthy the interest government displays in them;" Augur and Bledsoe; descr. of Indians in camp.
 

10. 1856, May 23.Fort Orford, 0. Territory. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Chief "George" and band at mouth of Illinois; Capt. Smith; head dress.
 

11. [1856], June 11.Camp on the road from Rogue River to Fort Orford. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Rogue River war fast closing; "Old John".
 

12. [1856?], June 19.Camp, Mouth of Rogue River, 0[regon] T[erritory]. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

To bring in 250 Indians to Fort Orford; re: Col. B[ell] and Gen. Wool; Braggs Battery.
 

13. 1856, June 23.Fort Orford, O.T. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Col. Buchanan; Lt. Crookes.
 

14. 1857, Sept. 18.San Francisco. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Won't have to go to Oregon.
 

15. 1858, March 13.Benicia, Cal. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Description of new post [Fort Miller].
 

16. 1858, Mar. 19.Benicia, ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Moving to Fort Miller; fleas; shopping.
 

17. 1858, Mar. 23.Ft. Miller, ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Trip and arrival; Lt. Kellogg; barren country; descr. of quarters.
 

18. 1858, April 6.Fort Miller. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Millerton; neglect in country Post Offices.
 

19. 1858, April [12-13?].Fort Miller. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Failure of Army bill; quarters; fashions; sketch and floor plan of quarters; birds and animals.
 

20. 1858, April 30 -[May 1?].Fort Miller. Frag.

Scope and Content Note

Extract of orders to Lt. Kellogg and part of Kellogg's report.
 

21. [1858, April -May?].[Fort Miller]. AL. Frag.

 

22. 1858, July 4.Fort Vancouver, Washington Territory. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Description of area; Major Wyse; Col. Steptoe; Col. Morris; approaching campaign; new rifled musket; Maj. Andrews.
 

23. 1858, July 7.Fort Vancouver, W.T. AL. Frag.

Scope and Content Note

Headed for Walla Walla; Col. Wright; Indians; mentions Salt Lake expedition; Steven's desire for land equals the cause of the present war; cost of waging it; politicians, Army and Indians; Steven's politics; Indian agents -Nesmith of Ore. and Henly of California.
 

24. 1858, July 8.Ft. Vancouver. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Hopes his Co. will be sent to Old Point; Company rivalry; Lt. Chandler.
 

25. 1858, July 11.Ft. Vancouver, W.T. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Gwins have gone to France.
 

26. 1858, July 26.Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Territory. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Cols. Wright and Steptoe, Capt. Keyes, Maj. Grier; countryside and camp; missionaries.
 

27. 1858, Aug. 2.[Ft. Walla Walla]. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Miners going to Yakima and Frazer valleys.
 

28. 1858, Aug. 6.Walla Walla. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Applying for school of Practice.
 

29. 1858, Aug. 6.Fort Walla Walla, Wash. Territory. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Council of the Nez Perces and Wright treaty of alliance; the Nez Perces, miners; a priest to accompany the march.
 

30. [1858, Aug. 6].Ft. Walla Walla. ALS. [Frag.?].

Scope and Content Note

To "Dr. Brother;" start for Snake River, Nez Perces and treaty; Frazer River mines and gold.
 

31. 1858 Aug. 11.Camp 'hole in the bluff' Snake River. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

The march, theft of oxen; Lt. Davidson; camp; weather and country.
 

32. 1858, Aug. 17-19.Camp on Snake River. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Talking with Indians; sketch of area and descr. of camp.
 

33. 1858, Aug. 23.Camp on South side of Snake River. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Nez Perce victory; Maj. Garnett's success; Chief Moses.
 

34. 1858, Sept. 1-3.Camp on the four lakes near Spokane River. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Account of the battle and sketch or plan; march; Capt. Keyes.
 

35. 1858, Sept. 15.Camp at Coeur d'Alene Mission on Coeur d'Alene River. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Making peace; march and battle; Spokane River; Keyes; descr. of country; capture of horses, "Slaughter Horse Camp"; Coeur d'Alene Lake, Mission valley and priests.
 

36. 1858, Sept. 24.Spokane Country - Washington Territory, camp on the Lhatta - north of Snake River. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Coeur d'Alene area; Father [Foset?]; making treaties with Spokanes and punishing Palouses and Yakimas -Owhye in irons and Qualchin hung.
Box 1, Folder 3

Correspondence, 1859 -1863 Dec. 7

 

1. 1859, Mar. 9.Washington, D.C. To Molly Ord. Old Point Comfort, [Va.].

Scope and Content Note

Personal and family, Gwins (of California).
 

2. 1859, Oct. 2.Ft. Moultrie, Sullivans Island, [S. Carolina]. To Molly Ord. Old Point Comfort, Va.

Scope and Content Note

Carolinas, trip, gossip.
 

3. [1859], Oct. 7."Court Room Ft. Moultrie, Charleston, S. Carolina." To [Molly]. N.P. AL.

Scope and Content Note

Personal, description of court and quarters. Lower left quarter torn away.
 

4. 1859, Oct. 22-24.Washington, D.C. To Molly. [Old Point].

Scope and Content Note

Harper's Ferry, Capt. Garresche, Bennett, patent, Baltimore, possible troop movements.
 

5. 1859, Dec. 2.Harper's Ferry. To Molly. Old Point, Va.

Scope and Content Note

Description of Harper's Ferry, Col. Lee (R.E.), Mr. Fry, Col. Barbour, "Old Man Brown is in eternity and there is no more need even to get up an excitement for fear of a rescue, his remains are now arriving and to enter the cars for the north." Includes also sales catalog entry in typed, xerox and manuscript form.
 

6. 1859, Dec. 6.Harper's Ferry. To Molly. [Old Point?].

Scope and Content Note

Harper's Ferry, personal.
 

7. 1861, Oct. 19."Steamer St. Louis off Acapulco, Mex." To Molly. San Francisco.

Scope and Content Note

Voyage from S.F., Gen. & Mrs. Halleck, Col. Naglee, Maj. Drum, personal.
 

8. 1861, Oct. 25."Off Panama." To Molly. San Francisco.

Scope and Content Note

Dangerous voyage, personal.
 

9. 1861, Nov. 11.Washington, D.C., H.Q. Army of the Potomac. To Molly. San Francisco.

Scope and Content Note

Recent affair Pickens on La Rosa Island, Capt. Vogdes and mule into enemy ranks, Washington. Part torn off bottom.
 

10. 1861, Nov. 26.[Washington, D.C.?]. [To Molly]. [N.P.]

Scope and Content Note

Pleased with Brigade, Major in 4th Artillery, Gen. Early, "peace must be upon a union basis," horses, Mr. Seward, Gov. Pickens & Davis. Damaged fragment.
 

11. 1861, Dec. 18."Camp near Chain Bridge, D.C." To Molly. San Francisco.

Scope and Content Note

Washington, wants to transfer to 3rd Artillery, Col. Merchant and Maj. Wyse, "I am pretty well satisfied that this r[ebel]lion will soon collapse and that unl[ess] a foreign war is begun"..."should a war with England occur," Mr. Chase, Post Master Gen'l. Blair, Mr. Seward, Mr. Sharpe, brother Placidus, West Virginia, Brigade, note to Bertie.
 

12. 1861, Dec. 24.Camp Pierpont, Va. To Molly. San Francisco.

Scope and Content Note

Quote from "Twas the Night Before Christmas", Drainsville victory and battle, Gen. McCall, Christmas.
 

13. ND [1861?].NP. To Mary M. Ord. San Francisco.

Scope and Content Note

President's levee, hero's popularity, brother Placidus, war and illness, "the basis of our government I fear has been all wrong --it is based upon the intelligence of the masses or the people and the virtue of the politicians --I think if it had been based upon the gullibility of the people and the vices of the politicians it would have been much wiser...," fragment beginning on page 3.
 

14. 1862, Jan. 1.Camp Pierpont, Va. To Molly. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Present of sword from Brigade, Drainsville, Gen. Orders No. 63 by cmd. of McClellan, s____ Williams, thanks to Ord et al Dec. 28, 1861.
 

15. 1862, Jan. 16."Camp Near Washington, D.C." To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Working for brevet for Drainsville, Stanton, Senators, newspaper publicity, "I do not know but think "Old Gwin" is out also -I should like to know where Mrs. G____ is if there is any treason in the family and somebody must be confined I think she is the most to be dreaded", letter to children.
 

16. 1862, Jan. 27."Camp near Washington". To Molly. NP. AL.

Scope and Content Note

Personal. Fragment?
 

17. 1862, Feb. 7-13.Camp Pierpont, Va. (near Washington). To Molly. San Francisco.

Scope and Content Note

McClellans, Mr. Holladay, personal.
 

18. 1862, Mar. 16."Camp near Alexandria". To Molly. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Muddy tramp towards Manassas, Drainsville, Gen. McDougal, war.
 

19. [1862?].NP. To Bertie, Lillie and Eddie. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Letter to older children.
 

20. [1862], Mar. 19.Camp near Alexandria. To Molly. NP.

Scope and Content Note

"I have not gone at length into my reasons for espousing the cause of the union with all my heart because you might not feel entirely as I do...", President, McClellan, "Slavery is a great evil...," to attack enemy in a few days.
 

21. [1862 Spring].NP. To Lucy. NP.

Scope and Content Note

"Papa is more than ever tired of the war..."
 

22. 1862, April 22.Camp on the Orange and Alex. R Road. To Molly. NP.

Scope and Content Note

The southern women, "the war can not be carried on much longer, it is too suicidal...", staff, Mr. Seward, "our soldiers... behaving very badly at times".
 

23. 1862, May 4.In camp near Fredricksburgh. To Molly. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Ord confirmed as Maj. Gen., slavery, personal. Fragment, part of bottom gone.
 

24. 1862, May 18-22.Camp opposite Fredericksburgh. To Molly. NP.

Scope and Content Note

The first or "Ords" Division -1st (or McDowells) Army Corps, promotion for gallantry in action, farewell to brigade, news of Southern relatives, "we will soon start South again -maybe for a battle".
 

25. [1862], June 22.San Francisco. Mrs. Ord to Gen. Ord. NP.

Scope and Content Note

News of promotion, "relative position of a marshall of France," children, "I would not advocate abolition sentiments they will surely do you no good", relatives. AL. not signed.
 

26. 1862, June 23.Corinth, Mississippi. To Molly. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Enemy left fortifications, Western Virginia, Mississippians, Dept. of the Miss., McDowell's interference, new cmds post and 2 divisions, trip from W. Va.
 

27. [1862 July?].Corinth, Miss. To Molly. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Personal, disaster of the Potomac Army, war, lost money, descr. country & people, illness, Confederates lack doctors, hoarding food, Richmond battle. Fragment: half of pages 1 & 2 gone.
 

28. 1862, Aug. 2.Corinth, Miss. To Molly. NP. [California].

Scope and Content Note

Fremont, McDowell & Shields, "not to express anti-union sentiments even however much you sympathise with Virginia ... widows ... secessionists ...have all been dropped from the pension rolls," "Gen. Rosencranz [sic] (who will make his march yet if he tries)."
 

29. [1862, Aug. 2].[Corinth]. To Bertie. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Advice, quarters -empty house, lack of food.
 

30. 1862, Aug. 24.Corinth, Miss. To Molly. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Climate, death of Maj. Williams at Baton Rouge, death of Plummer, trip into Tennessee, rebels obstruct trains.
 

31. [1862, Sept.?].NP. [Corinth, Miss?]. To "Mama" [Molly]. NP. [Calif.].

Scope and Content Note

Finances, costs, war, letter to children.
 

32. 1862, Sept. 2-11.Corinth, Miss. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Trip to Tuscumbia, Ala., negroes leaving the country, train wreck, "I had to take a bold stand directly in the face of the Secretary of War --to prevent my suffering what has happened to Gen'l. Stevens, Gen'l Kearney and others is being sacrificed to the stupidity and ambition of such a commander as McDowell ... you can have no idea of the utter incompetence of the two great Genls. McDowell and Pope whom Stanton placed in power". ANS of Placidus Ord, letter to children.
 

32a. [1862], Oct. 5.Pocahontas, Miss. ALS.

 

33. 1862, Nov. 7.Carlisle, Pa. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Leg wound, plans, "The Secty Stanton and the abolitionists don't like me," Seward & Brown aides on leave.
 

34. [1862, Nov. 2?].NP. To Bertie, Lilly, Eddie, Lucinda. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Has been in a dangerous battle "only got a little bullet into his leg", received note from Dr. Ord.
 

35. 1862, Nov. 15-18.Carlisle, Pa. To Molly. NP [S.F.].

Scope and Content Note

Recovering, ride in country side, finances, "as I am not a favorite with the present Secty of War I shall probably be left a Major."
 

36. 1862, Nov. 15-18.[Carlisle, Pa.]. To Children. [S.F.].

Scope and Content Note

Recovering from wound, written on: 11/13/62, Frank J. Braunhall to E.O.C. Ord. ALS, J.C. Buttre to engrave Ord's portrait for "Our Heroes," asks for biographical sketch.
 

37. 1862 Dec. 4-6.Cincinnati, Ohio. To Molly. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Wound, personal, "our Military Commission on Gen. Buell's Campaign adjourns tomorrow for Nashville, Dec. 6 --Louisville, Ky., visits, flirting, note to children, Danas & Buells.
 

38. 1862. Dec. 15.Nashville, Tenn. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Recovering, investigating operations of Genl. Buells Army, old friends, Gen. Sheridan "the short Lieut.," Nashville, Wm. B. Lewis, met Gov. Johnston [sic] (Andrew Johnson).
 

39. 1862, Dec. 24.Nashville, Tenn. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Buell Commission, wound healing, biography in the American Encyclopedia, Military Album.
 

40. 1863, Feb. 13.Cincinnati, Ohio. To Molly. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Family planning to come East, Gen. Wright. Fragile.
 

41. 1863, Feb. 24.Cincinnati, Ohio. To Molly. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Instructions re: voyage East, commission.
 

42. [1863?], Mar. 23.Louisville, Ky. To Sam [Holliday]. [Calif.].

Scope and Content Note

Power of attorney, politics, Grant, slavery.
 

43. 1863, May 24.Mr. Willards, Old Point Comfort, Va. To Molly. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Gen. Dix, Old Point news, to command forces West Point, considered an opponent of the administration, "if it gets around that my wife talks in opposition to the Government... " "Grant so far has whipt the enemy and invested Vicksburg," wishes, life insurance, loyalty, Van Dorn not loyal to his wife.
 

44. ND.NP. [Vicksburg?]. [To Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Battle or seige, 700 yards from enemy, Grant, McDowell "made a lodgement in the crater of the mines," terrible hill to storm, battle losses. Fragment pp. 5 & 6 only.
 

45. 1863, June 27.NP. [Vicksburg?]. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Assault on McPherson's front, heavy losses some by accident, "The artillery ammunition furnished our thirty powder parrotts is so bad the shells so rotten...they kill more of our own men than of the enemy."
 

46. 1863, July 5.Vicksburg. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

"this place is taken."
 

47. [1863?].NP. To children. NP. Personal.

 

48. 1863, July 17.Jacson, Miss. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

"lively siege and pretty sharp investment... enemy have retreated," town gutted, "I have not heard wether [sic] the President has approved Gen'l. Grant's summary process of ejecting McClernand & putting me in his place," corps, waste of life, desolation, seizing supplies, relieved Gen. Lanman.
 

49. 1863, July 25.NP. To Bertie. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Advice, personal.
 

50. [1863], Aug. 6.NP. AL.

Scope and Content Note

"slaughtering men to no purpose and I feel ashamed". Fragment.
 

51. 1863, Sept. 7.Memphis, Tenn. "On board Steamer Welcome, Miss. River". To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Childrens' schooling drawing and perspective, sketches of RR etc., teaching French, on way to New Orleans, "I wonder if parents like Judge Ord don't sometimes neglect children who are deformed."
 

52. 1863, Sept. 17.New Orleans, HQ 13th Army Corps. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Preparing for field, trip, considerable sickness here, Mr. Cresap, Col. Sinclair, [Molly's] opinions based on the word of those around her and not on careful study.
 

53. 1863, Sept. 25.New Orleans, HQ 13th Army Corps. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Mr. Cresap, "The citizens not much in love with Gen'l. Butlers rule... Gen'l. Banks & Stone... are trying to efface by amiability the bad impression left by Gen'l. Butler," carpet and memories.
 

54. 1863, Dec. 7.Guard House, Philadelphia. To Molly. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Trip, Philadelphia, on sick leave, personal with Dec. 3 receipt for grave of Lilly Ord.
Box 1, Folder 4

Correspondence, 1863 Dec. 12 -1866 Sept.

 

1. [1863], Dec. 12-13.New York. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Patent and invention, lost box, poor health, Dr. Forbes, children's concert, Peacock dead, Col. Dinnick., to leave for New Orleans, "I don't expect much politeness or attention from Stanton" "may not have to go to Texas."
 

2. 1864, Jan. 8.In the Field, Va. HQ Dept. of Va. & N.Carolina, Army of the James. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Butler relieved, Ord temporarily in command, Wilmington affair, get family quarters at Old Point, Grant will ask that Ord retain command, Ord not really pleased, Butler has been polite and considerate, Gen. Lockwood.
 

3. 1864, Jan. 10.In the Field, -Va. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

"Gen'l. Butler is a shrewd and influential politician and hence he may return to the command of the Dept.," "received a [putty] -silk flag captured at Fort Harrison by my corps the day I was wounded ... I propose sending it to the California Senate ... flag of the 27th Va. Artillery." Richmond, deserters.
 

4. 1864, Jan. 13."On board Steamer in the James River." To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Butler to turn over command to Ord at Old Point, old Mr. Blair is in Richmond as a peace maker.
 

5. 1864, Feb. 8.[Ducious?] Point Pass, Cavalle., Texas. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Trip, inspected corps, Indianola, to visit Aransas & Pt. Isabel.
 

6. 1864, Mar. 24.Louisville, Ky. To Capt. H.G. Brown.

Scope and Content Note

Special Orders, to report to Ord at Washington by telegraph, Mar. 25. Cincinnati, Ohio. To Molly. [Louisville?]. To stay at Miss Manning's in Washington, box arrived.
 

7. 1864, Mar. 30.Washington D.C. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

"Saw Gen'l. G...he will give me a command," trip delayed at Pittsburg.
 

8. 1864, April 3.Ebbitt House Washington, D.C. To [Molly]. Louisville, Ky.

Scope and Content Note

Memories, Gen. Averell and reception "my cough was relieved directly by a day in Cumberland the air of those regions is not tainted," joke from Gen'l. Crook, colored girl -Ord's black cousin, Gov. Yates, "I would like to go a little into politics but it is not a very honorable or truthful profession just now," Banks anecdote.
 

9. 1864, April 9.Cumberland, Md. To Molly. NP.

Scope and Content Note

"have not had a very delightful time with Sigel," "Gen'l. Grant did intend a Department for me ... politicians and elections interfered ... I feel that in changing Banks for Sigel I have gained a loss."
 

10. 1864, April 11.Cumberland, Md. To (Molly). NP.

Scope and Content Note

Personal., some interference with letters, politics and Army.
 

11. 1864, April 15.Cumberland, Md. To [Molly]. Louisville, Ky.

Scope and Content Note

"I fear someone to whom my letters are not directed must get hold of them," health advice, Sigel.
 

12. 1864, April 16.Cumberland, Md. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Sent official report of affair at Iuka which gave Rosencrans [sic] his glory, Ords part, kept back by Grant, invention, politics and command, Ringgold dead, California earthquake, duties under political generals not pleasant.
 

13. 1864, April 20-21.Cumberland. To Molly. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Joke about black cousin, relieved of duty, Sigel jealous, Banks Army has had a reverse which he tries to palm off on the 13th Corps and Gen'l. Stoneman, book about Cresap family, experiments.
 

14. 1864, April 23.Baltimore, Md. To [Molly]. [Louisville].

Scope and Content Note

Experiments, Henry (exslave) Ord relieved at own request, joke about Mary Keyes.
 

15. 1864, July 4.Maltby House, Baltimore, Md. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Patent business, European baths, Sherman in Marietta, rebel raid on B & 0 RR, draft bill, Sigel's defeat.
 

16. 1864, July 6.Baltimore, To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Washington raid or near and confusion, personal.
 

17. 1864, July 8."Gen'l. Grant's HQ." To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Offered a command against Early at & near Harpers Ferry, visit lines in front of Petersburg.
 

18. 1864, July 9-14.City Point, Va. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Gillmore to command troops assembling on Potomac, Gen. Meade... "courteous, pleasant gentleman." Col. Morgan, Col. Gobson, [loss of children seems very common]. French officers visit lines and trenches, July 14, Baltimore ordered to Washington.
 

19. 1864, July 17.Baltimore, Md. To (Molly]. [Bel Air].

Scope and Content Note

Rebel raid at Baltimore and Washington, to see Grant, Gen. Wright, "the politicians still control matters here -or seek to control them so that a general who is simply governed by military interests and discards politics would be pulled to pieces and turned away," railroad not working, Bel Air, "will probably be assigned to a command in front of Petersburg," Molly wants to move east.
 

20. 1864, July 19.City Point, Va. To [Molly]. [Bel Air].

Scope and Content Note

Personal, command of 10th Corps, "if you remain in the city (Baltimore) among the secessionists -you can do me a deal of harm."
 

21. 1864, July 20-21.City Point, Va. To[Molly]. [Bel Air].

Scope and Content Note

Re: moving, expected child, "Gen'l. Grant and the Sectys. of War and State have been very kind and complimentary," important command, President's call for half a million men, notes to children, has not been in battle at Monocacy.
 

22. [1864,] July 21.City Point, Va. To [Molly]. [Bel Air].

Scope and Content Note

Command of 18th Corps, works in front of Petersburg, the rebel raid at Baltimore and Washington, Gen. Franklin's escape, newspaper reports of Andersonville, Georgia "60 or 70 die a day -and they in their misery are murdering each other," "try and get with people who do not hate the government I serve -who do not conspire to have me murdered for there are plenty in Baltimore who do this, and would be delighted could they get me shot or consigned to a rebel dungeon."
 

23. [1864], July 25.Ebbitt House, Washington, D.C. To [Molly]. [Bel Air].

Scope and Content Note

Has been in New York, visited Sen.Nesmith, Gen. Grant, Sec. of State, to see President next day, Grant's appointment confirmed, cholera in N.Y.
 

24. 1864, July 26.Near Petersburg, Va. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Personal, command, "have some black troops with me", reasons he was relieved of command at Baltimore.
 

25. 1864, July 28.HQ 18th Corps. To [Molly]. [Bel Air].

Scope and Content Note

Personal, Martinsburg raid, on temperance list for 6 months, peace effort and Grant.
 

26. 1864, July 29.Camp Near Petersburg, Va. To [Molly]. [Bel Air].

Scope and Content Note

Road to Baltimore dangerous, personal, not satisfied with situation.
 

27. [1864, July 31].Near Petersburg, Va. To Molly. [Bel Air].

Scope and Content Note

Personal, "what a sad sad thing is war --we had it here in all its horrors yesterday...thousands, were killed and wounded to no apparent and or purpose ... I feel quite sick with shame at being unable to even say what I think, or help to stop it," "I do want to quit this murderous business."
 

28. [1864], July 31.NP. To Berty. NP. Personal.

 

29. 1864, Aug. 2 & 3.Near Petersburg. To [Molly]. [Bel Air].

Scope and Content Note

"our troops having encountered a repulse ... unnecessarily men have been overtasked, Genls. Butler & Meade, Gen'l. Burnsides burst up, advice re: children.
 

30. 1864, Aug. 5.Petersburg. To Molly. [Bel Air].

Scope and Content Note

Waiting for "public matters" to be settled," box, Molly's confinement, official visitors, fiasco, Burnside.
 

31. 1864, Aug. 8.Near Petersburg. To Molly. [Bel Air].

Scope and Content Note

"Burnside had the management of the whole affair --arranging and posting and ordering forward all the troops of his and my corps -until Gen'l. Meade discovered he was involving his men in great unnecessary confusion and loss when he ordered the assault to cease...but Burnside do not have sense enough to know ... the enemy were surrounding [him] and kept them [his men] inside the enemies works in a big deep hole where they could do nothing and where they were slaughtered," country fevers, personal, sutlers elected by Regts. and requires capital.
 

32. 1864, Aug. 10.Near Petersburg, Va. To [Molly]. [Bel Air].

Scope and Content Note

"the President has confirmed me in command of the 18th Corps," wanted 13th, investigation of Burnsides fiasco, Richmond papers -"their statements of military affairs are rather what they wish than what happens --the newspapers on both sides are more controlled by interests than truth," explosion of a boat of ordnance stores at City Point, 40 killed, mines and trench war.
 

33. 1864, Aug. 11-12.HQ 18th Army Corps. To [Molly]. [Bel Air].

Scope and Content Note

"feeling of utter indifference to success...enthusiasm...all gone -on both sides," "men are worn out," trench warfare, lack of officers, note to children.
 

34. 1864, Aug. 14.Near Petersburg. To [Molly]. [Bel Air].

Scope and Content Note

Has malaria, trench warfare, "much less bitter feeling displayed by both sides as they both become more exhausted," prospects of peace, enemy deserters, [Berkely] deserted, rain.
 

35. 1864, Aug. 17.Near Petersburg, Va. To [Molly]. [Bel Air].

Scope and Content Note

Armistice and peace propositions, wants to go to Washington "give them some insight into the causes of the state of affairs here," new staff officer son of Secy. of Navy Welles, trench warfare, field hospital.
 

36. 1864, Aug. 19.Near Petersourg. To [Molly]. [Bel Air].

Scope and Content Note

Personal, food, pay accounts far behind, trench warfare.
 

37. 1864, Aug. 24.Near Petersburg. To [Molly]. [Bel Air].

Scope and Content Note

A Rebel success and loss (5 Rebel Generals), heavy losses in trench warfare, moving back for awhile "I wish the government and country were one" who can make peace, one child a little deaf, suggestion to recruit in California.
 

38. 1864, Aug. 26.Near Bermuda hundred. To [Molly]. [Bel Air].

Scope and Content Note

A quieter camp, Butler is Ord's C.O., thinks B. may run for President, Hancock's fight with Lee, deserters, peace hopes, memory or dream of Lilly.
 

39. 1864, Aug. 29.In the Field, Va. HQ 18th Army Corps. To [Molly]. [Bel Air].

Scope and Content Note

Hunter and Strother, "there are tyranies worse than President Lincolns ... I say all this with no high admiration of the latter -and but little respect for the military ability his administration displays," peace hopes and problems, war badly managed.
 

40. [1864], Aug. 30.Bermuda Hundred, Petersburg., Va. To [Molly]. [Bel Air].

Scope and Content Note

Inquiry into Burnside disaster, testimony personal. Fragment.
 

41. 1864, Sept. 4.In the Field, Va. HQ 18th Army Corps. To [Molly]. [Bel Air]

Scope and Content Note

Going on leave, to look for a house in Norfolk and stop in Washington, Gen'l. Gibbon, sickness, Sherman, evacuation of Atlanta, no money,
 

42. 1864, Sept. 21.HQ 18th Army Corps, Army of the James. To [Molly]. [Bel Air].

Scope and Content Note

In Washington saw Sec. of War and Gen. Halleck, Sheridan's success, expenses.
 

43. 1864, Nov. 28.Old Point, Va. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Trip across bay, housing, land $50 an acre, to go with Butler to the front, appointment rumors.
 

44. 1864, Nov. 30.Near Richmond. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Portsmouth, Gen. Vogdes, the Butlers, baby.
 

45. 1864, Dec. 1.HQ 18th Army Corps, Army of the James. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Personal business, petroleum.
 

46. 1864, Dec. 3.Near Richmond. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Personal, command increased.
 

47. 1864, Dec. 5.Near Richmond. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

New quarters, government restriction on paying officers' accounts.
 

48. 1864, Dec. 8.Fort Monroe, Va. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Poor health, command increased, President's message, Secy. Seward, hopes for promotion.
 

49. 1864, Dec. 11.In the Field, Va. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Grant's permission to go on sick leave, Butler will not be Secy. of War, family illnesses, Mrs. Grant.
 

50. 1864, Dec. 13.In the Field, Va. To [Molly]. NP [Baltimore].

Scope and Content Note

Brother going on leave, short of funds, waiting for Butler, health and medication, Mrs. Grant and other ladies visit front where Ord took a Fort and was wounded, scarlet fever.
 

51. 1864, Dec. 14.In the Field, Va. To [Molly]. [Baltimore].

Scope and Content Note

Letters arrive open "by mistake," bills, commands 25-30 thousand, rank in regulars, Meade and high-ranking staff, visit of Lord [Newey].
 

52. [1864, Dec.].In the Field, Va. To [Molly]. [Baltimore].

Scope and Content Note

[South] considering arming and freeing negroes "everything signifies the failure of their rebellion," Lee and wife, "a mans wife has an instinct which is often times better than his judgement", "I am writing to Mr. Seward -as one of the leaders of policy which may turn the tide... I wonder sometimes if Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Seward and others feel their responsibilities -I fear they do not," note to Berty re: Christmas and Chris Ringle. Fragment: begins on page 5.
 

53. 1864, Dec. 23.In the Field. To [Molly]. [Baltimore].

Scope and Content Note

Host of French naval officer and consul, Butler not back, news from deserters that "Savannah is ours -also Fort Fisher," "I have shrewd suspicions that the rebs have some understanding with that arch leader Boney -by which when the worst comes to the worst -they will get France and England to help them...," Sherman's march through Georgia, Pvt. McCullough.
 

54. [1865?], Jan. 6.Old Point., Va. To [Molly]. [Baltimore].

Scope and Content Note

Working on gun model, "a little mad at Gen'l. Weitzel being ahead of me in obtaining the quarters here," to return with Butler and Grant, mail, family to come down.
 

55. 1865, Mar. 31.Humphreys, Station, Va. To [Molly]. [Old Point].

Scope and Content Note

Advanced line a mile and a half "and my troops have taken about 2 hundred prisoners," Gen'ls. Gibbon, Turner, Foster and Birney and Gen'l. Harris, saw Sherman, Sheridan and Creek at City Point comments on first 2, "I am not as sanguine as Gen'l. Gibbon who thinks we ought to finish the war this time," has Dept., on scout.
 

56. 1865, April 3."Behind Richmond". To Molly. NP.

Scope and Content Note

"We are after Lee and his Army who left Richmond yesterday & Petersburg last night," Gen'ls. Hill & Wise killed, fought successfully at Petersburg "the military consistency of Lee's Army is apparently all gone," Gen. [Hech] had to swim Appomatox to escape Union cavalry.
 

57. 1866, May 31-June 4.Marquette - Superior City. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Run over lake, Sherman "not here yet" deserted Superior City.
 

58. 1866, Aug. 24.Cairo, Ill. To Molly. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Trip from St. Louis, cholera, Hooker took Ord's old command, confidential papers contains an old letter on the Fenians.
 

59. 1866, Aug. 30.Little Rock, Ark. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Trip, arrival, Duvalls Bluff, cholera, description Little Rock, Molly "confined," Sherman's eldest son died of fever at Vicksburg, meals, "People here are not very well pleased with the state of affairs," note to Berty.
 

60. 1866, Sept. 9.HQ Ft. Gibson Cherokee Nation. To [Molly]. NP. [Detroit?].

Scope and Content Note

Trip, Indian Commissioners, Mrs. Barbour, town of Van Buren, arrival at Ft. Smith, surgers of African church, President's visit, Radical convention -Chandler & Wade, personal. Fragment: pp. 3 & 4 missing.
 

61. 1866, Sept. 14.Little Rock, Ark. To [Molly]. [Detroit] AL.

Scope and Content Note

Birth of Jules Slaughter Ord, sickness. Fragment.
 

62. 1866, Sept. 18.Little Rock, Ark. To Mollie. [Detroit]

Scope and Content Note

Cholera wards, will make HQ at Ft. Smith "where Gen'l. Taylor had his before he was President," war damage, Richmond paper gives Ord credit for last success over Lee, personal, Col. Brown.
 

63. [1866, Sept. ?].Little Rock, Ark. To [Mollie]. [Detroit].

Scope and Content Note

Another inspection tour, local visitors, coming home in Oct., "the southern sentiment among the common people in the woods is vindictive." Fragment: first two pages missing.
 

64. 1866, Sept. 22.Little Rock to [Mollie]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Looking for HQ up-river, Fayetteville, going into Indian territory, conservatives and radicals
Box 1, Folder 5

Correspondence, 1866 Oct. -1879

 

1. 1866, Oct. 1-2.Fort Smith. To [Molly]. [Detroit].

Scope and Content Note

Fayetteville, boarding house, Mrs. Quarles, meals, Van Buren, "houses ... have been burned or gone to reck in the war which in point of ferocity was no where more terrible than here," to go to Ft. Gibson, orders from Sherman.
 

2. 1866, Oct. 4.Ft. Gibson, Cherokee Nation. To Molly. [Detroit].

Scope and Content Note

To go to Ft. Arbuckle, travel, reflections, Hooker, Mrs. Gilman.
 

2a. 1867, July 30.Vicksburg, Miss. To Gen. U.S. Grant at Washington.

 

3. [1868-71?].HQ Dept. of Calif., San Francisco. To Gen'l. [Sherman?]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Calif. and Nevada politicians, Crook, Apache War -contractors interest in continuing it, Visalia, Sierras, losses of soldier wagon-masters, bloody canon, Yosemite -Nevada and Vernal falls. Fragment: possibly two -pp. 1-4 or 14-[10 or 17].
 

4. 1870, Mar. 28.Ft. Wingate, New Mexico. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Snow in Sierra Blancas, short of rations, on way to Camp Whipple, Arizona and Prescott, greenbacks rising, bill before Congress to dispense with two Brig. Gen'ls.
 

5. 1871, Dec. 11.Omaha, Nebraska. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Trip Dept., Gen'l. Alvord, descr. of area, food and game incl. buffalo.
 

6. [1871?].NP. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

House, carpets, prices,warm in sum[mer]. Nappa [sic]. Frag.
 

7. [1871?].NP To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Packing and moving, Maj. Lord, heading toward S.F. Frag. or PS.
 

8. [1872, Jan.][Omaha?]. To Molly & Lucy. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Snow, sledding, looking for house, Col. Preston, greenbacks, frag?
 

9. [1872, Feb.?].[Omaha]. Bertie to Papa. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Family scene, note: "By memory and not accurate" R.M.O. dated 1873 prob. wrong.
 

10. 1872, Mar. 19.Omaha, Neb. To [Molly]. NP. AL.

Scope and Content Note

Personal, poetic valentine from Bertie, tour. Fragment.
 

11. 1877, June 20.Fort Clark, [Tex.]. To Lucy. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Girls secrets, letter to Mrs. Shafter, warns against Mr. Morganthau, Piedras Negras and Mexican Garrison, Gen. Trevino, welcome, ladies and revolution, Ft. Duncan, stone buildings of Ft. Clark, Col. & Mrs. Shafter, Escobedo, Lerdo & Diaz.
 

12. 1877, Dec. 24.San Antonio. To Lucy. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Trip, Gen'l. Mason, rains, family news.
 

13. [1877-79?].NP. To [Lucy?]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Family, Garesche, Bertie. Frag.
 

14. [1877-79?].NP. To [Lucy]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

To visit Stockton and Davis with Jim. Frag.
 

15. [1877-79?].[San Antonio]. To [Lucy]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Tutor for Garesche, Bertie's beaux, gossip. Frag.
 

16. 1878. Feb. 14.Fort Duncan. To Lucy. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Inspection tour, school, family news and gossip, Shafters.
 

17. 1878, Feb. 17.San Antonio. Molly Ord to Lucy. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Valentines "cobra morgus" encloses valentine.
 

18. 1878, April 11.San Antonio, Tex. To Lucy. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Family news, Maj. Emory's death, Masons, prices.
 

19. 1878, April 23.San Antonio. To Lucy. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Kitty's wedding, presents, etc., Indians pretty lively on Rio Grande.
 

20. 1878, July 12.Washington, D.C. To Lucy. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Advice to daughters, poverty, Gen. Macfeely.
 

21. 1878, July 31.San Antonio, Tex. To Lucy and Bertie. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Personal, sickness, family.
 

22. 1878, Aug. 1.San Antonio. M.M. Ord & E.O.C. Ord to Bertie. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Darragh divorce, news (difficult to read), yellow fever quarantines, Fitz John Porter case.
 

23. 1878, Aug. 15.San Antonio. To Lucy. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Water stimulation, dog & Garresch, personal, social manners?, new servant with amputated hand.
 

24. 1878, Aug. 15.San Antonio. Mollie (daughter) and E.O.C. to Bertie [Rawley].

Scope and Content Note

Family news, advice.
 

25. 1878, Aug. 24.San Antonio. To Lucy. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Local and family news, Col. Brown, "Congress has passed a law which stops the promotion of all Lieuts."
 

26. 1878, Aug. 30.San Antonio. To Lucy. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Advice, Van Vliets, family news.
 

27. 1878 Sept. 17.San Antonio. To Lucy & Bertie [Washington, D.C.].

Scope and Content Note

Family news, Garesche's whipping, schools, "Conscript" by Erkmann Chartrain, "call on Mrs. Crary the wife of Secty. of War," Miss Sallie's move from Georgetown.
 

28. 1878, Dec. 28.San Antonio. To Lucy. [Washington, D.C.].

Scope and Content Note

Christmas , Gen. Trevino, Galveston, family news, Miss Sherman, "find out the wife or daughters if there are any of Mr. Atkins (J.D.C.) M.C. -from Tennessee -and do all the polite to them you can -he is chairman of the appropriation committee in the house and is a nice gentleman. You will soon learn if you stay in Washington long enough that the wives of the M.C.s and members of cabinets have almost as much patronage as their husbands and I want you to make the acquaintance mainly of the nice southern people they are much less mercenary and I think more honest than the northern politicians."
 

29. 1879, Jan. 8.[San Antonio]. To Lucy. [Washington, D.C.].

Scope and Content Note

Mexican officers, Gen. Trevino, Col. Andrews at Galveston, Genls. Cord & Vincent, Mr. Limpky, locked out, Grant & Taylor, advice.
 

30. 1879, Jan. 16.San Antonio. To Lucy. [Washington, D.C.].

Scope and Content Note

Vaccinations, schooling.
 

31. 1879, Jan. 24-28.San Antonio. To Lucy. [Washington, D.C.]. A.L.

Scope and Content Note

Mr. Schleicher's burial, Mr. Rainy, "somewhat surprised at the shabby looking Jacals in which Mexican families live," family news, hopes to go to Washington, theatre burned, new bridges and buildings, spring, riding, horses.
 

32. [1879], Aug. 18.San Antonio. Ruth and E.O.C. to "Mama." NP.

Scope and Content Note

Birthdays, boils, dental work, John & Lucy still live on the island, Bertie and the "litterary," court martial.
 

33. 1879, Aug. 19.San Antonio. To [Molly (wife)]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

A funeral of young girl who died of Brights disease, family, Lucy & Johnny on island, Senator Conkling's scrap with Mrs. Sprague -"sad comments the absurdity of building for happiness upon a wealthy match," gossip.
 

34. 1879, Aug. 20.San Antonio. E.O.C. & Bertie to [Molly] (wife). NP.

Scope and Content Note

Boil, Col. Blunt and Gilmore, court martial ended, Patterson funeral, Fragment, torn.
 

35. 1879, Aug. 21.San Antonio. To [Molly] (wife). NP.

Scope and Content Note

Dyspepsia, memories of Camp Verde and camels, boys' exam, children, Jimmie's reputation, boil (6pp.).
 

36. 1879, Aug. 27.San Antonio. To Wife. Walnut Grove.

Scope and Content Note

Children, Gen. & Mrs. Sweitzer, Gen. Vincent, Lt. Howard, Col. Peurose, family news.
 

37. 1879, Aug. 31.Fort Ringgold, Texas. Gen. F. Mason to [Lucy Ord Mason]. San Antonio. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Journey, roads to Ft. Brown & San Diego.
 

38. [1879, Aug./Sept.?].NP. To [Molly]. NP. ALS.

Scope and Content Note

Exams, Army vacancies, children. Frag. pp. 5 & 6 only.
 

39. [1879, Aug. -Oct.?].NP. To Molly.

Scope and Content Note

Postcript, M's letter of 24th, exams, vacancies. Frag. pp. 5 & 6 only.
 

40. [1879, Aug. -Oct.?].NP. To [Molly]. NP. AL.

Scope and Content Note

Wants increased pay for Bvt. Maj. Genls. who have equal duties, Angur, children's education, RR passes. Frag. 2 unnumbered pages.
 

41. [1879, Aug. -Oct.?].[San Antonio]. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Children, clothing, when Ned & Johnny get assigned. Frag, corner only.
 

42. 1879, Sept. 1.San Antonio. To Wife. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Children, local news, Mrs. Freidlander, dental work, new law closing saloons, Lt. Rousseau in jail.
 

43. 1879, Sept. 9.San Antonio. To Wife. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Ned & Johnny up for exam, visitors, children, California Mission Mills all wool flannel.
 

44. 1879, Sept. 13.San Antonio. To Reginald. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Jimmie and plans for raising, J. gone to Good Templars (temperance society). Frag., torn corner.
 

45. 1879, Sept. 13.San Antonio. To Wife. [St. Albans?].

Scope and Content Note

Changes, Ned & Johnny still taking exam, Jimmie, Senator Genl. Maxey to visit, company.
 

46. 1879, Sept. 16.San Antonio. To Molly. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Mail, Ned & Johnny passed, question of Regts. & postings, teacher -Capt. Coyt, home news.
 

47. 1879, Sept. 19.San Antonio. To Molly. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Genl. & Mrs. Maxey, visit missions, personal, Jimmy's troubles, Bertie, etc.
 

48. 1879, Sept. 26.San Antonio. To Wife. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Iron Mountain Train, family, mining excitement.
 

49. 1879, Sept. [27], 28.[San Antonio]. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

San Francisco news, Grant -"it looks as if he would be our next President in spite of the politicians," Ned's appointment as 2nd Lt., also Johnny. Frag., pages 2 & 3 only.
 

50. 1879, Sept. 29.San Antonio. To Wife. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Riding party, family.
 

51. 1879, Sept. 31.[sic] San Antonio. To Wife. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Family, Dr. Ornelas, philosophy & faith, Mr. Custer, Mrs. Young, Genl. MacKenzic.
 

52. 1879, Oct. 3.San Antonio. To Wife. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Family, Maj. Thornburg killed and 4th Cav. Going to area, rumors of war.
 

53. 1879, Oct. 4-6.San Antonio. To Wife. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Mr. Custer (Lt.), family news.
 

54. 1879., Oct. 8.[San Antonio]. To Molly. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Bertie & Lt. Custer, family news.
 

55. 1879, Oct. 9.San Antonio. To Molly. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Personal, family news, Bertie and beans, memories of 25 year marriage, aging.
 

56. 1879, Oct. 15.St. Louis. To Molly. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Chiding, lost luggage.
 

57. 1879, Oct. 16.St. Louis. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Personal, family.
 

58. 1879, Nov. 17.San Antonio(?). To Lucy & John. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Local news, Mama home, advice.
 

59. [187-. ND]. [prior to 1878].Palmer House, Chicago. To Lucy. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Lucy's school, Chicago & traffic, all family at home, Gen. Perry.
Box 2, Folder 6

Correspondence, 1880 -1885

 

1. [1880-81?].[Washington, D.C.?]. To Molly (daughter). NP.

Scope and Content Note

Saved trouble of canvassing for votes, uncle in Florida, Col. Brown, Calif. friends and news, bill before Congress, Gen'l. Joe Johnson of Va., [Ord's retirement].
 

2. 1881, Mar. 29.[Mexico?]. To Wife. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Plans for starting house delayed, cave, Gen. Trevino, Bertie going to Puebla, homesick, must stay until makes some money, city unhealthy, Tacubaya suburb, present.
 

3. 1881, April 1-2.Puebla, Mexico. Bertie A. Trevino and E.O.C. Ord to Molly Ord. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Puebla sulphur baths, ulcer, miscarriages, at bishop's house -description, Tacubaya, "our petroleum company," different customs, American sight-seers, medicines, will be hard to convert to Catholicism, elegant houses, Puebla town. Fragile.
 

4. 1881, April 4.Mexico. To [Molly?]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

To start back home, business. Fragile.
 

5. 1881, April 9.Mexico. To Lucy. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Lucy's baby, Tacubaya, drills at military college, Gen. Grant, Chapultepec Castle, review and mock battle.
 

6. 1881, April 13.Mexico. To Wife. NP.

Scope and Content Note

To go to Puebla on business, supper with Grants, memories, sham battle, petroleum company classes in Mexico, not much hope of success for an English school and description of mock battle. Marked pages 1-7.
 

7. 1881, May 18.Vera Cruz. To Molly. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Business, Vera Cruz, Mr. Finley, Orizaba, Jimmie, onyx, railroad work available.
 

8. 1881, Oct. [21].Mexico. To Lucy. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Family coming, winter climate, no fires. Frag.
 

9. 1881, Nov. 5-6.Mexico. To [Jimmie]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

College marks, spelling, trip, Orizaba, sketch of waterfall, girls boarding schools, Mexican customs.
 

10. 1881, Nov. 7.City of Mexico. To Lucy & John. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Arrival of Bertie and "Mama," railroad from Vera Cruz to Orizaba, seven carriages, Indians, trees and scenery, difficulties adjusting, Shafters.
 

11. 1881, Dec. 25.Vera Cruz. To Lucy. Columbia, Ohio.

Scope and Content Note

Christmas letter, new port, Sherman, Grant, politics, note to Ruth from sister, Lucy.
 

12. [1881. Dec.?].NP. To Ruth. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Personal, advice, Mrs. Genl. Mason.
 

13. [1881-83?].[Mexico?]. To [Molly]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Frag., bottom of page with signature.
 

14. [1881-83?].[Mexico]. To [daughter]. [Washington, D.C.?].

Scope and Content Note

Family summer plans, Washington, Rawley, Front Royal, Garry. Frag., pages 5 6
 

15. 1882, Jan. 16.Vera Cruz. To [Garesche]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Journeys, Monterey, Jimmie at Laredo, Ned at Ft. Clark, John Mason at Ft. Davis.
 

16. 1882, Feb. 22.City of Mexico. To Ruth. Brooklyn, N.Y. Doctors.

 

17. 1882, May 2-18.City of Mexico. To Sister. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Inquires after [Marcy?], died.
 

18. 1882, May 21.Mexico. To [Garesche?]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Pleased with grades, last month with Water, Pierce & Co.
 

19. 1882 Dec. 6.City of Mexico. To Ruth. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Family news, John W. Garratt.
 

20. 1883, Jan. 30.Mexico. To Ruth. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Health doctor of Ladies Hospital, "guitar" lessons, family.
 

21. 1883, April ?.Mexico. To Ruth. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Accident, mail instructions.
 

22. 1883, Mar. 28.Mexico. Ruth & Molly. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Exposure to yellow fever in Vera Cruz, wants daughters to learn to operate telegraph. Frag.?
 

23. [1883, June 19].Mexico. To [Mollie?]. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Hopes for raise. Fragile frag.
 

24. 1883, July 2.Mexico. To Wife. NP.

Scope and Content Note

New company, personal. Frag.?
 

25. [1883?].Mexico. To Wife. NP.

Scope and Content Note

Family, Gen. Escobedo, note to Lucy.
 

26. [1883?].NP. AD. note of R.R route etc. to San Luis, S.T. Fuller, Laredo, Texas.

 

27. 1884, Dec. 24.NP. Jay Gilly to Mrs. Ord. NP.

Scope and Content Note

ALS. re: offer of "Surrender Table".
 

28. 1885, Jan. 30.New York. Cyrus W. Field to Mrs. Ord. Old Point Comfort, Va.

Scope and Content Note

ALS. & clipping re: buying "Surrender Table".
Box 2, Folder 7

Biographical material

 

1. Reference note

 

2. "Old Tooduts" Edward Otho Cresap Ord. 1818-1883, by Ord Mason. Unpublished typescript. 93 pages including photographs.