Letter signed C. Gibson, Continental Hotel, Phil., to H.R. Gamble, August 19, 1861
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Identifier: D03042
Language of Materials
English
- Hamilton Rowan Gamble Papers | Letter signed C. [Charles] Gibson, Philadelphia, to Governor H.R. Gamble [Uncle]. I have been waiting here just a week for Mr. Bates. I received a note from him today he will be here Thursday, but did not say whether any of his family will come with him. The news from Missouri fills me with grief. I feel both downhearted and indignant. The condition is attributable to the policy pursued by government agents in Missouri and to the neglect of Missouri matters in Washington. Immediately after the battle of Bull Run I appealed to Washington to send reinforcements to Missouri, but they did not see beyond the District of Columbia. Perhaps the battle of Springfield has lengthened their vision. I see by the journals that General Fremont had a flag boat for himself, and I understand privately he rides about St. Louis in a coach and four. As soon as I saw General Pope’s order for levying contributions from counties I wrote to Washington protesting against it. I see he is enforcing it in Palmyra. I earnestly hope I may be mistaken, that his course may not embitter the quarrel, and will restore tranquility to that region. I will confess my great surprise if it does operate well. I see General Fremont has ordered the organization of five regiments of Home Guards. The appointment of the officers of these regiments is a matter that properly belongs to you. The Governors in all the loyal states appoint certain officers in their regiments and you should be allowed to do the same in Missouri. Mr. Cameron is actuated, I think, in all his operation more by the love of self than of country and he wants to put all his friends in the places of the Government. I hope you will lose no time in asking the President for a public recognition of your Government, by giving you the choice of the offices in the Missouri Regiments. Send me a copy of your application and I will see that it gets before the Cabinet. I have written Mr. Bates several letters on Missouri but he has sent no detailed reply, probably because he expects to join me in a few days. Please give me a statement of your ideas so I may work more effectually for you in Washington. Individuals mentioned include Bates, General John C. Fremont, General Pope, Cameron, Missouri Regiments and Cabinet. Places mentioned include Washington, Missouri, Bull Run, Spring Field, St. Louis and District of Columbia. (6 pages), 1861 Aug 19
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