Edward Bates Civil War Letter

Collection

Identifier: A3107

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection contains one autograph letter signed by Edward Bates to his private secretary, Edmund Clarence Stedman, in Washington, D.C., dated 19 July 1863. Bates was in St. Louis and at his country house visiting family. He wrote about the state of affairs in the St. Louis area, where the war had taken its toll on personal relationships: “Our society is shivered into splinters – all the active rebels are one, & many of them are dead; but their families and friends are still here, discontented & sulky…” Bates goes on to explain that “the general tone is however hopeful throughout – now that the river is open, trade will revive, tranquility be ere long restored.”

Dates

1863 July 19

Creator

Bates, Edward, 1793-1869 (Author, Person)

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research use.

Conditions Governing Use

For permission to publish, quote from, or reproduce material in this collection, please contact the Archives Reference Desk at archives@mohistory.org. Copyright restrictions may apply. The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming to the laws of copyright.

Biographical Sketch

Edward Bates moved to Missouri in 1814 to study law. He served as Missouri’s first attorney general, and later served in the Missouri State Legislature and in the United States House of Representatives. In March 1861, Bates was appointed Attorney General of the United States and served in this capacity until his resignation in November 1864. He died March 25, 1869, in St. Louis.