Letter signed James P. [Groot], St. Louis, to his sister. Mentions aunt Alida Brower and briefly discusses fishing. Barney and Rachel have moved back to Illinois. ". . . . thousands of people left here early in the season fearing that the city might be burned by the cessessionists [secessionists], but it stands as firm as a rock as yet for the stars & stripes float over it yet in proud relief. . . ." (Letter is written on pro-Union illustrated stationery.), 1861 June 24

Item — Box: 1, Folder: 8

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

The collection consists primarily of Groot family correspondence. Most of the letters were written by James P. Groot. Notable content includes three letters signed Rachel Mull to her sister Maria—dated September 2, 1855, April 5, 1856, and February 25, no year—that describe the abusive relationship with her husband, Barney Mull. The collection also includes 12 Civil War–era letters signed James P. Groot describing affairs in St. Louis and his military service in the 6th Iowa Infantry.