Samuel T. Busey Papers, 1851-1898

Correspondence

   Letters are to Samuel T. Busey unless otherwise indicated.

1.  John Osborn, Mason, Ill., June 24, [18—?]

Osborn will sell timberland for a horse and a good covered buggy.

2.  T. C. Busey (brother), Vienna Crossroads [Grundy or Johnson County, Ill.] to J. H. Busey, Aug. 10, 1851

Remarks on the death of mutual friend, and tells of his job as schoolmaster.

3.  Henry Vandenboom, Groveland, Wis. , July 8, 1855

Notes mother and sister dead, brother and two sisters have arrived in Baltimore, good land in Groveland.

4.  Robert Waggoner, Whitley's Point [Moultrie County?], Ill., Nov. 1, 1855

Wants to know status of injured horse he left in Busey's care .

5.  James M. Lewis, McLeansboro, Ill., Dec. 24, 1855

So cold in the morning "almost freezes my whiskers off;" notes an upcoming wedding and remarks that his time has not come yet.

6.  W. T. Finch, Brookville, Ind., Feb. 16, 1856

Sleighriding, ice skating.  Finch is about through with his studies and is headed for Morgan County to "stick up a shingle" for himself.

7.  James M. Lewis, Belle Prairie, Ill., Dec. 31, 1856

The Union is safe, and would have been even if Fremont had been elected.  Egypt is rising fast and "shall not be the hindmost" in the state.  Going to school at Mt. Vernon.

8.  John Osborn, Mason, Ill., Aug. 3, 1857 Horse deal with a Mr. Davis.

9.  Arthur Busey (cousin), Clay Village, Ky., Jan. 18, 1860

Asks if Samuel can mention something to Mr. [William N.?] Coler and John Gere about the $800 or $900 they owe Arthur.

10.  Henry Vandenboom, Marquette, Mich., Apr. 22, 1860. 

Has left school, making $20 a month, "two dollars more than common waees."  No word from his father, and has not.

11.  Receipt from Hayden, Kay & Co., Chicago, Jan. 2, 1862

Sent $50 to company manufacturing saddlery hardward, coach trimmings, etc.

12.  Libbie Segar, [Urbana, Ill.?], [1860s?]

Letter concerning romantic matters, along with cover note.

13.  Lizzie Busey (sister), St. Mary's Institute, Vigo County, Ind., Nov. 20, [186-?]

News from school; "I do not have time to have the blues as often as I did at home, we have to do all of that on Sundays."  Samuel and others in the regiment ill.

14.  R. T. Miller, Urbana, Ill., Sept. 2, 1862

Belittles the local able-bodied young men not in the army, activities on the home front, mentions some bitterness over Samuel's promotion.  Notes that one resident "talks wisely about McClellan, Halleek, Burnside and other juveniles now supposed to be engaged in the luxury of subduing the rebels with sugar bits and plum candies..."

15.  Elizabeth Busey (mother), Urbana, Ill., Sept. 4, 1862

Personal items on the way.

16.  Betty (sister) and Elizabeth Busey, Urbana, Ill., Sept. 29, 1862

News about local fair and whooping cough.  Betty also says, "I am much obliged to you for your stout nigor[sic] boy.  Slick has run of[f] and has been gone 5 days and Mother is most sick about it."

17.  Lizzie Busey, St. Mary's Institute, Ind., Dec. 4, 1862

Notes "our secesh brother is elected to the legislature" and that Samuel has nearly become an abolitionist, with his remarks of loving his black servant.  "How do you think I would feel if you should fall in love with one of the females of that color?"

18.  R. T. Miller, Urbana, Ill., Dec. 29, 1862

Land deal with John Ward.  Has heard that Eusey has turned abolitionist; this must be a "misapprehension or an infernal lie."  Busey is as opposed to the Emancipation Proclamation as Miller.  Miller is sick of politics, and will not "make a fool of myself and martyrs of my friends in the army by idly dispersing mere theories while the country is on the brink of ruin."  Country will have its hands full to "remedy the errors of the fanatics and restore the old ship of state to her equilibrium."

19.  Lizzie Busey, Urbana, Ill., Jan. 29, 1863

20.  Lizzie Busey, Urbana, Ill., Feb. 1, 1863

Wants a picture and lock of his hair for her new album. Possible trip to Chicago.

21.  Henry C. Busey, Murfreesboro, Tenn., Feb. 15, 1863, with 25th Illinois, to brother James Busey

On scouting mission the last two weeks, chasing John Hunt Morgan and captured 300 of his men.  His company may be sent to Douglas County to deal with the Butternut opposition to the war - "them Devils had better be in hell as to show their faces to us."  Very hostile to opponents of the war.  "If you see my little girl tell her that I am still living and among the land of the soldiers."

22.  John S. Busey (brother), Champaign, Ill., Feb. 22, 1863

John is a peace Democrat.  States that rebels and abolitionists brought on the war for and against slavery, and both are assailing the Constitution.  Says that if the Democrats had previously refused all support to the abolitionists a compromise would have been reached. The Emancipation Proclamation is a failure as it has united the South and divided the North.  Soldiers are tired of the war and fighting for blacks, says there is a growing peace sentiment among northerners of both parties. Predicts conscription act will not be tolerated, as people are seeing the war as one of plunder rather than restoration of the Union.

23.  Dr. Blades, Middleport, Ill., Aug. 14, 1863

Busey home on leave, Blades also home ill with the flux. Determined to get back to the regiment.  Suggests Eddie Flowers for chaplain again.

24.  John S. Busey, Champaign, Ill., March 10, 1863

Tells Samuel not to worry about the favor he owes John for looking after his obligations in Springfield.  Signed "from your traitorous Brother."

25.  George J. Hodges, Chicago, July 5, 1864

Health precludes returning to the regiment - "it would be sure death to me to go back to that warm climate."  Trying to be honorably discharged.  Will make money matter all right, "never wronged the boys or the government of one cent while I was in the service."

26.  Bettie and Lizzie Busey, Urbana, Ill., Feb. 15, 1865

Bettie practicing for her part in an "allegory of the war;" she has the part of Indiana, while Miss Segar is to portray Massachusetts.  Lizzie reports James Smith at home saying he wished he could have gotten in the rebel army in order to get a shot at Busey; he and Homer Ayers "the only ones I ever heard say anything against you."

27.  Unsigned, North Stonington [Ill.?] Feb. 19, 1865

Mentions Onarga, friend moving to Idaho, several large parties lately among the young people.

28.  Unsigned, Urbana, Ill., March 14, 1865

Glad to know Samuel made it from New Orleans through the tempest. Also, "we failed to get the agricultural college located here for want of time in the legislature.  The act locating it here past [sic] the house by a large majority and it would have passed the Senate had they had time to reach it, but the term is so short that there could be scarcely anything done of general interest."

29.  Henry Larmer, Paris, Ill., Jan. 24, 1866, to Dudley McClain of Urbana, Ill.

Requests receipt for a $94.28 note held by unknown Urbana resident.

30.  Franklin [Peint?], Decatur, Ill., Sept. 30, 1866

Busey and Peint on the same ticket for state representative, political prospects good.

31.  Edward S. Cooke, Momence, Ill., Oct. 15, 1866

Regimental history in the works, but little interest on the part of the officers.

32.  Receipts of James H. Busey for payments to the Illinois Central Railroad Land Dept., June 6, 1867 and March 20, 1868

33.  L. J. Romine, Denver, Col., Dec. 8, 1874, to mother Elizabeth Busey

Very disappointed that Elizabeth had decided at the last minute not to come visit.  Many people in Colorado for their health, have one consumptive young man staying with them, "gaining fast."  More expensive to live in Denver. Very homesick.

34.  Louise Romine (daughter of above L. J. Romine), Denver, Colo. , March 9, 1875, to grandmother Elizabeth Busey

Studying German and attending Sunday school, describes cattle raising in the area.

35.  Louise and L. J. Romine, Denver, Colo., April 29, 1875, to Elizabeth Busey

36.  Louise Romine, Denver, Colo., June 8, 1875 to Elizabeth Busey

Hopes for a family visit, wishes she could visit Urbana.  Fifteen years old and "can do a great deal of work."

37.  Receipt from E. A. Sayre Apothecary and Chemist, Glendale, Ohio, May 2, 1898, for $5.48 of photographic developing.

38.  Clippings from unidentified paper, Feb., 1863

Resolutions passed in Urbana and by the 76th Illinois against the peace movement, and in support of conscription.

 

At the end of the collection are filed 34 notecards with the dealer's annotations, and the 32 envelopes that came with the letters.

 

SAMUEL T. BUSEY PAPERS, LOT 2

Series I, Personal Correspondence, 25 items, 1857-1867.

Letters are to Samuel T. Busey unless otherwise indicated.

 

0.  "Whiskers," May 20, [?]

Parody of a hair tonic salesman.  Exaggerated and stilted language so as to be humorous.

1.  F. M. Snyder, Brookville, Ind., Oct. 10, 1857

Apology for not writing with explanation that he wrote a mutual friend and expected it to be passed along.  Lists others, including his parents, that have not written and asks Busey to write.  Asks for his mother to send their "miniatures."  News of friends.

2.  [J. C. Owey?], Bloomington [Ill . ?] , Sept. 26, 1859[?]

News of a wedding.  Trip to Chicago, bought shoes; talks of a legal case and a transcript he wants Busey to get.

3.  Lieut. Bair Bownz, Old Fort Dismal, April 30, 1861, to Corp. Dubbs

Satirical letter charging that the correspondent has made slurs against the writer, and referring the correspondent, to Lt. Col. Gripes for "further correspondence on this subject."

4.  [M. M. Romine?] Camp Douglas, Chicago, Dec. 22, 1861

Snow on ground; it is Sunday so "all we have to do is lay around the barracks."  Will be mustered Monday morning; has $55 coming.  Boy in camp buried due to measles.  Reports seeing familiar men.

5.  J. H. [Wilson?], [?], [late February 1862]

First page[s] are apparently missing.  County has $10,000 for relief, and Wilson wants his family to receive some since he has paid lots of taxes and needs help getting out of debt.  Account of fight at Fort Henry.

6. R. T. Miller, Urbana, Ill., Aug. 19, 1862

Mutual friend Fred wants appointment as Hospital Steward, as does Lester; urges Busey to appoint Fred and find another job for Lester.  Asks for details on friend Jim Smith. Talks of staying home and getting married.  Tells of financial advice he gave a friend.

7. R.T. Miller, Urbana, Ill., Aug. 22, 1862

Tells of soldiers, moved by train, who refused to pay full fare.  Conductor stopped train and took names of those who would not pay.  Asks for extension of furlough until Tuesday morning.  Gives news of a friend.  Asks for "Special Pass" so his ticket will be half-fare.  Wants advice regarding Busey's business affairs and offers to send money if needed.  News of new preacher in town.  It appears that one or more pages from the middle of the letter are missing.

8.  R. T. Miller, Urbana, Ill., Sept. 6, 1862

Has Busey's letter to Rev. G. W. Riley but does not understand Busey's position.  Explains that the Reverend feels there has been a misunderstanding.  Things dull at home.  Busey should "kick the official ass of your Quartermaster for not getting the boys arms," and wonders if he has been speculating in "live Government biscuits"--remarking on the novel "mixing [of] animal & vegetable diet."  Asks Busey to write about the tax titles because the directors are waiting.  Trading in Busey's piano,

9.  Lizzie Busey (sister), St. Mary's Institute, Vigo County, Ind., Oct. 5, [1862?]

News regarding school and her studies.  Friend Lybbie [Libbie] Segar is getting married, so his "time is Passed." Asks for a lock of his hair.

10.  R. T. Miller, Urbana, Ill., Oct. 8, 1862

Tells Busey to inform him at once if either he or John is injured.  Discusses financial matters; asks Busey to send key to the letter drawer of safe.  "No news here of interest."  Coler's military resignation has been accepted; "three months men coming in daily."

11.  R. T. Miller, Urbana, Ill., Oct. 20, 1862

Received Busey's letter.  Reports Coler "has been put up for the Legislature" on "what is called the Union ticket which seems to be supporting Lincoln in finishing the war without reference..." [other page(s) lost].

12.  Mary Kirkpatrick (sister), [?], Feb. [1863]

Worries for his safety, "I think there has bin enough white men killed for the darkeys now,"  Friends working to get Coler elected.  Various bits of family news.

13.  William B. Webber, Urbana, Ill., March 5, 1863

Encloses newspaper account of "Union" meeting in Urbana to hear and endorse resolutions passed by the 76th and pass resolutions in response.

14.  W. N. Coler, Urbana, Ill., March 9, 1863

Called a Union meeting, worded so old Democrats would come; "the meeting was much the largest ever held in the Court house, it was densely packed."  Coler spoke on the importance of taking a side:  "one who stands by and says 'I don't care which wins'...(is) a half-way traitor...worse than the rebel in arms." Resolution passed. "Everything is changing here." The Democrats are scared and want to erase the record but can't; "it will follow them to their graves."

15.  Joseph W. Sim [brother-in-law, Sarah's husband], Urbana, Ill., July 8, 1863

Business matters; reaction to Gettysburg and Vicksburg victories ("It does seem to me that things are beginning to come to a focus"); deaths of several "old Citizens" recounted; Lizzie has "become very much infatuated with the Catholic Religion" --mother wants Busey to write and dissuade her from joining.

16.  [Jim. R. D.?], Headquaters, U.S. Signal Department, Vicksburg, Miss., Sept. 29, 1863

News from home.  News from the field.  The Black River quiet since 15th Army Corps.  Left to join Army of the Cumberland. Gives details on "one of the hugest battles of the age" at Chattanooga.  "Grant has been quite unwell for some time and is at present recovering."  Is "in hopes I will be released or sent to the field soon."  Account, of fire aboard a river boat.

17.  M. C. Barrick, Urbana, Ill., Oct. 1, 1863

Enclosed letter from Gov. Richard Yates concerning a member of Busey's regiment --Rufus Colvilie-- who is in the hospital. Wants him immediately discharged for health reasons.

18.  Draft, Busey, 76th Ill., Natchez, Miss., to Gov. Richard Yates, Oct. 10, 1863

Reply to Yates' letter of Sept. 26 regarding Sgt. R.M. Colvill's case.

19.  Joseph W. Sim, Urbana, Ill., Nov. 20, 1863

Real estate business matters; Mother and Lizzie are ill. Postscript, Nov. 21--Mother and Lizzie are both much better; news of fighting near Knoxville; more real estate matters.

20.  Joseph W. Sim, Urbana, Ill., Nov. 22, 1863

Real estate business matters.

21.  R. T. Miller, Urbana, Ill., Nov. 22, 1863

Sends a Doctor's statement about friend, gives details. Writes that it is now "respectable" to be "an abolitionist of the war-democratic kind," and is the "only decent position for a democrat to take," adding "I can but pity the loyalty of a man who conceives himself under greater loyalty to his party than his country."

22.  Libbie [Segar?], Urbana, Ill., Oct. 16, 1864

Romantic matters.  News of weather, friends, and family.  Feels soldiers should vote, not that they will be needed for Lincoln to win, but because it is their fight.  Rally held at home; some "Lincolnites" came out even though it rained and snowed.  News of a wedding.

23.  Joseph Ingersoll, Mobile, Ala., June 16, 1865

Busey's horse sold for $250; talks of how to get that and an additional $2 the buyer owed to Busey.  Had inspection; things well; only 18 sick; many discharged.  Have decided to go to Texas; Busey's saddle shipped by express.  Jesse [Jaywit?] appointed Quarter Master Sergeant.

24.  [?] Mily, Urbana, Ill., Sept. 6, 1867  [Poor legibility.]

 

SAMUEL T. BUSEY PAPERS, LOT 2

Series II, Business Papers, 46 items, 1856-1865.

 

Letters

 

25.  John Osborn, Mason, Ill. Sept. 8, [185]6[?], to Busey.

Sent $15 to Busey.  Going to Chicago; hopes Busey will enjoy himself at the fair.

20.  J. Shideler, Attica, Ind., to Busey & McClellan, Oct. 14, 1857

Received $95 payment.  Hopes flour is good.  Current price of flour is $4.50 [per barrel?].

27.  William Little and Co., Chicago, to Busey & McClellan, Aug. 27, 1857

Enclosed receipt for cash and Bill of Trade, "shipped today."  Notes that pork is "scarce and high."

28.  William Little and Co., Chicago, to Busey & McClellan, Sept. 22, 1857

Acknowledges receipt of $98; encloses bill for candy and hams.

29.  William Little and Co., Chicago, to Busey & McClellan, Nov. 27, 1857

Encloses receipt for payment just received.  Requests seeing bills so they can compare notes.

30.  W. W. Smith & Co., Mattoon, 111,, to McClellan &. Son, Feb. 1, 1858

Requesting status of promised $100 transfer to Mr. Bagley. Writing on stationery of the Banking House of Marshall, Cunningham, True & Ficklin, John W. Time, Cashier.

31.  Miner & Andrews to D. C. McClellan, March 5, 1858

Trying to press McClellan's claim against the railroad; will credit McClellan's account when payment is collected from the railroad.  Discusses price of sugar, molasses, and coffee.

32.  J. Shideler, Attica, Ind., May 19, 1858

Received Busey's $210, account is balanced,  "Since you are good and prompt men I shall spare no pains to keep you in good flour."  Promises the best flour prices available on the Wabash.

33.  R.T. Miller to Sam [Busey], Sept. 23, 1862. 

Setting forth Dr. L.M. Cutchun's account and expressing desire to be with the 76th Ill.

 

Bills, Receipts, and Statements-Wholesale

 

34-38.  William Little & Co., Chicago, Sept. 1857-April 1858

39-41.  Chas. G. Wicker & Co., Chicago, Aug. 1857-Sept. 1857

42-46.  Gould & Brother, Chicago, Aug. 1858-Mar. 1858

47-50.  Various others, Chicago, Ill., Aug. 1857-July 1858

51.  Pratt & Brother, Urbana, Ill., Nov. 4, [?]

52-54.  Various others, Cincinnati, Ohio, Feb. 1858-Apr. 1858

 

Receipts Retail

 

55.  R.T. Miller, Urbana, Ill., n.d.

56.  [G.S.W.L. Co.?], n.d.

57.  Solomon Hedges, Urbana, Ill., Jan. 24, 18[?]

58.  Clapp & Gere, Sept. 30 and Oct. 4, 1856

59.  Burnett, Urbana, Ill., Sept. 28, 1857 [?]

60.  Gould & Brother, Sept. 29, 1857

61.  J.R. Swift, Tolono, Ill., Feb. 8 and May 1, 1858

62.  Jaquith & Miller, Feb. 8 and May 1, 1858

63.  R.A. Sutton, Urbana, Ill., April 24, 1858

64.  E. Burt, Urbana, Ill., June 26, 1858

65.  R.T. Miller, Urbana, Ill., July 5, 1858

66.  Lewis Knott, Urbana, July 21, 1858

67.  W.T. Summers, Urbana, Ill., July 21, 1858

68.  Joshua G. Smith, Urbana, Ill., Aug. 26, 1858

69.  W.H. Lewis, Urbana, Ill., Apr. 5, 1860

70.  J.S. Wright, Urbana, Ill., Apr. 26, 1865

 

SAMUEL T. BUSEY PAPERS, LOT 2 Series III, Official Papers, 26 items, 1860-1864.

 

Pre-war matters

 

71.  Busey's receipt for election tickets and an announcement, public purchases, Apr. 3-May 19, 1860

72-74.  Busey's accounts as collector of taxes for several school districts, Feb.-May, 1861, n.d.

75.  Letter of Guardianship to Samuel T. Busey for Matthew D. Busey, Mar. 16, 1861

 

Official War Correspondence

 

76.  John S. Loomis, Assistant Adjutant General to Busey, July 12, 1862

Tries to explain the reason for the merger of recruits from Champaign and Urbana; asks Busey to recruit more men.

77.  Allen C. Fuller, Illinois Adjutant General, to Busey, Aug. 16, 1863

Gives account of the regiment's mustering and ranks and tells Busey to settle the question of rank among his captains.

78.  Allen C. Fuller to Busey, Oct. 10, 1863

The Governor's choice for Major in Busey's regiment is W.W. Todd; the Governor disapproves of elections for officers, but he will not override the recent election held among Busey's men.

79. Busey, Headquarters, 76th Ill., Mouth of White River, Ark., to the Board of  Directors, Champaign County, Ill., Oct. 10, 1864

Thanks them for help they have given so far, and requests they form committees of ladies in each township to aid families of soldiers.

 

Ordnance Reports

 

80.  Busey, First Quarter, 1863

81.  Busey, Second Quarter,  1863

82.  Francis Seguin, Co. D, Jan. 6, 1863

83.  Abram Irvin, Co. E, Jan. 6, 1863

84.  Walter W. Todd, Co. I, Jan. 6, 1863

85.  Julian Carter, Jan. 6, 1863

86.  George Cooper, Co. F, Jan. 10, 1863

87.  Julian Carter, Jan. 12, 1863

88.  Busey, Mar. 13, 1863

89.  Jacob Ruger, Co. H., June 7, 1863

 

Payroll

 

90-91. Payroll Documents, Busey's Regiment, n.d., including 102 and 40 names, respectively.

 

Envelopes

 

92-96. Various envelopes