Letter signed James P. Groot, St. Louis, to friends. Mentions a dreadful spell or spasm that he suffered in January. ". . . . The times are very hard here & business almost suspended in consequence of the war agitation or the secession movement of 7 of the southern slave holding states. The preparations for a general collision on both sides looks war like. . . ." (Letter is written on illustrated stationery.), 1862 May 7

Item — Box: 1, Folder: 9

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.