Series 1, Correspondence from King Barton 1862 June 21 - 1864 April 3
He goes on to mention the emptiness of the town with the young men gone, saying, "I don't know how we will do without them." He also describes the day Caleb left by train to Greensburg.They are out around here enrolling the militia...U.V. Kiger is the one appointed by the Governor to enroll them. I reckon you know that Bracken and Wilson are here. They have been strutting around with their straps on their shoulders. They look quite Military."
On January 3, 1864, King sent another coded message: "Sir, I read this note and I feel for those men." The rest accuses Henry of stealing some of his money and giving it to Pa to save.I say "let him come," we are ready and I might say willing to go out and meet him. We will hang him next time we catch him. That's what he needed long ago. Let him look out next time.
Series 2, Correspondence from Caleb S. Barton 1862 November 2 - 1864 March 24
The letter dated May 1 was written from Hospital Number 3 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He was put on the sick list after days of marching and feeling ill, reporting "sick in tent" until his fever broke and was sent to the hospital; a total of 21 days sick though feeling better as of the writing of this letter. He remained in the hospital for the month, describing what he sees in and out of the hospital, including the "devastation and destruction" all around.I think we will start for Franklin before long. We have been called up in line and everything inspected…We are ready for orders at any moment. Love to All. C.S.B.
The "Invalid Corps" was later renamed the Veterans Reserve Corps (according to a letter from King, April 3, 1864). From Camp Morton, Caleb says the "rebs," rebel prisoners in their camp, are due to be transferred to General Butters' command as soon as the weather clears.I am a great deal more contented than when I went into the invalid corps or the "Corps of Honor." I do not think it much of a Corps of Honor for my part I would like to be out of it, but I will content myself for a while in it."
He expresses his support for the war, while following immediately with the notion that he opposes King volunteering. Expressing "what I have [seen]," he describes the enemy as not having "as much respect for a man as you have for Tomy [sic], or even the cat. They think no more of killing a man than they do to kill a chick for to eat."He spoke about the Christian Commission. He done it up right, he gave the copperheads their just doom, he did give them "sweet home" after he finished they raised a collection for the Saitary [sic].
Series 3, Correspondence from Mary Barton 1863 January 10 - 1864 March 29
She continued with her regular correspondence topics of people back home and the church, but included a note about Mack Montgomery, Uncle Thomas' "hand" who was wounded at Chatanooga "in two places" and died on October 7.Maybe you heard that David Baker was dead. When he was wounded some of the boys went to raise him up, but he said "Never mind me, mind the flag." Poor old fellow. We all felt real sorry for him. When Robert Price was wounded he tried to raise himself off the ground and move his boys on to triumph. They say he was a gallant officer.
She was referring to the Confederate General John Hunt Morgan who surrendered in July and was remanded to the state penitentiary in Ohio rather than a prisoner of war camp.Did you hear that the notorious John Morgan has escaped from the state prison? He and 7 of his men with the prison warden. He ought to have been strung up as soon as caught.
I believe I have filled a sheet with nonsense and a little sense and a great deal of scribbling."
Series 4, Correspondence from Thomas Barton 1863 February 26 - 1864 April 5
Continuing in that letter, he impresses upon Caleb the importance of promotion and climbind the "soldiers ladder." He tells Caleb, "...promotion in the ranks will bring respect and emolument, sought after and desired by all." In the same letter, Thomas reports the news of Clement Vallandigham of Ohio being arrested by General Ambrose Burnside for speaking out against the war; "...his case created a great deal of talk and excitement in the North." Continuing with national news, he referred to the deafeat of General Joseph Hooker's Army of the Potomac as havingI have more work on hand thatn I have had any one year for several years past. i am convinced that if this war would soon end, that the country in the north at least would enjoy an unparalleled state of prosperity..."
In keeping with the theme of Vallandigham's arrest, he continues, "They are held now by the authorities to a strict accountability for what they say and do.""a desponding influence on the Loyal people but traitors are jubilant over it, and if they dare, they doubt would make public demonstration, but they dare not.
He caps this by stating that Indiana will forever be held up "to eulogy and respect" by the fact that they meet requisitions for men without a draft.There is much rejoicing that our noble state, through the efforts of her Most Noble Governor [Oliver P. Morton], has checkmated every call of the President for men...I could almost, if not altogether wish to see a sweeping draft all over this country that those snakey copperhead gentry might be compelled to fall into rank, take up close quearter and give their blood if necessary for the support of the Government they are now willing to destroy and sacrifice for party and political prejudice."
Series 5, Correspondence from other authors 1863 May 21 - 1864 April 8
What do you think of the placing of Gen. Grant [General Ulysses S. Grant] at the helm of our ship of state? He goes to work with his characteristic energy, and I almost said I hoped he would wipe the last traitor, copperheads included, from the face of the Earth. Perhaps I am too fast."