Letter signed Rachel D. Mull, Port Tobacco, [Maryland], to her sister Maria. Tells her sister that if she [Maria] sees her [Rachel's] husband, Barney, not to tell him that she [Maria] received a letter from her [Rachel]. ". . . . do not tell him one word I have wrot[e] ever to you. . . . I love him he is very ruff when he is angry and has a very bad temper but I think I ought to look over that he does most every thing to pleas me and he is always sorry fore it I perhaps am some times to blame. . . . I do not suppose he would have any one know our trubbles for the world but I have confided them in you Maria. . . .fore my sake say nothing about what I have wrote and burn this up and the envelope and if god is willing I hope and pray you will show nothing or tell nothing. . . .", no year Feb 25

Item — Box: 1, Folder: 10

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.