Abstracts: Part 1--McMahan Official Correspondence

Box 2

1. Arnold McMahan, May 16, 1863, Murfreesboro,TN
   Response to a letter critical of McMahan from E.A. Higgins, Perrysburg, OH (editor of the Perrysburg Journal) dated May 9, 1863; Discusses points on which Higgins criticized him (character, skills as a commanding officer, outspokenness about partisan organizations); Notes enclosure of a copy of a recommendation of McMahan written by General Thomas to Major General Rosecrans; Refers to the unkindness of Higgins' mention of a former friend named Hollenbeck (?).
2. Martha Church, Toledo, OH, June 26, 1863
   Inquiry addressed to McMahan asking if a sutler named Clifford is still with the regiment; Asks that secrecy of inquiry be maintained, noting that residence is in Maumee City although she desires McMahan to write to her at Toledo; Pledges to explain reason for inquiry in next letter.
3. Martha Church, Maumee City, OH, July 29, 1863
   Thanks McMahan for his response to her letter of June 26 and reveals she is interested in James Clifford because she had "been going" with him and corresponding with him regularly until February last; Desires McMahan to ask Clifford why he no longer responds to her letters; Also wants to know when Clifford will be returning to Findlay; Comments on Clifford's character and pledges gratitude to McMahan for his assistance.
4. Martha Church, Maumee City, OH, August 16, 1863
   Notes receipt of McMahan's response to her letter of July 29; States her down-heartedness over Clifford's response to McMahan; Responds to questions posed by McMahan declaring she does not want to force Clifford to marry her but does want financial assistance from him; Has received a pass to visit the Regiment but is waiting for a better opportunity; Expresses desire for revenge and threatens to kill Clifford; Invites McMahan to choose further appropriate action.
5. D. S. Young, Chattanooga, TN, November 9, 1863
   Response to a letter from McMahan of October 9 in which McMahan requested Young to visit his wounded brother Frank; Describes Frank's condition (suffering from a fractured leg); Refers to the condition of Peter (?), Col. Stoughton, Capt. Allen (?), and wounded enlisted men in general; Notes that Col. Neibling has returned and taken command; Briefly discusses camp life.
6. John Shaw, Graysbill, GA, March 30, 1864
   Notes that he did not write to McMahan while McMahan was imprisoned because he was certain that his letters would be opened; States that he is cooking for "the Colonel" (Neibling?), and that Lt. Lewis is commanding Co. C; Both officers and enlisted men are anxious for McMahan's return.
7. D.S. Young, Graysbill, GA, April 5, 1864
   Responds to a note from McMahan; Pleased to hear from McMahan because of fears he would starve in Libby Prison; Notes men in camp are suffering from measles and mumps; Refers to his leave and the positive effects it had upon him and the fact that around forty men in the regiment got married on their leaves; Discusses the weather and the prospects for the upcoming summer campaign; States he sent McMahan a letter about his brother "last fall" but doubts it was received since he did not include "five cents in coin" with it, not realizing that this was necessary.
8. James S. Negley, Louisville, KY, April 18, 1864
   Response to a letter from McMahan dated April 12; Notes that statements made by Brannan and Wood about Negley's division were investigated and disconfirmed by a court of inquiry; Discusses the matter of whose command the 21st OVI was under at Chickamauga; (A copy of this letter can be found in Box 12, Folder 9, Item 3 and a draft copy of McMahan's letter of April 12 is in Box 12, Folder 9, Item 1).
9. Gen'l Brannan, Chattanooga, TN, May 3, 1864
   Acknowledges a letter by McMahan dated April 22 (draft found in Box 12, Folder 9, Item 5) in which McMahan asked why he had not been informed of the withdrawal of Brannan's command; States that McMahan's troops surrendered before Brannan's troops withdrew; Notes that McMahan surrendered "so quietly as to escape the notice of all except the regiment of your immediate left"; Credits the 68th and 101st Indiana Volunteer Regiments with covering his retreat; (Notes by McMahan on this letter can be found in Box 12, Folder 10, Item 6; For a copy of this letter see Box 12, Folder 9, Item 9).
10. James R. Brelsford,Surgeon 74th OVVI, Ringold (sic), May 3, 1864
    Acknowledges letter from McMahan who was imprisoned with him at Libby Prison; Rejoices in McMahan's release and encourages him to enjoy his time at home to the fullest; Discusses conditions in camp and the presence of Col. Neibling; Notes the nearness of the enemy who is said to have been weakened when detachments were sent to reinforce Lee; Thinks battle is imminent.
11. Arnold McMahan, Atlanta, GA, September 27, 1864 (draft)
    Letter to E.A. Higgins of Perrysburg, OH; States that Higgins has shown his true loyalties and that his paper will be permitted to circulate in McMahan's regiment "on the same footing with other disloyal papers."
12. [Arnold McMahan?],[1864?]
    Letter to the Secretary of War (?)protesting the Governor of Ohio's decision to respond to the President's call for additional troops by establishing ten new regiments rather than by recruiting to fill veteran regiments; Gives details about the history of the 21st OVVI and present troop strength; Presents reasons why it is fairer and wiser to recruit to fill veteran regiments rather than starting new ones.
13. Arnold McMahan, 21st Field Headquarters, NC, April 21, 1865
    Letter to the Minister of the Republic of Mexico (Washington, D.C.); Notes that the regiment he commands will soon be disbanded and offers his services as a soldier to the Republic of Mexico; (See Box 12, Folder 9, Item 23 for a draft of this letter).
14. Ignacio Mariscal, Sec. of the Mexican Legation, Washington, D.C., May 20, 1865
    Form letter to McMahan; Acknowledges his April 21 letter and notes that Ambassador Romero has no authority to accept the services of officers or men, however the Mexican Government encourages emigration; Notes enclosure of an announcement on emigration (missing).
15. G. Scheets, Louisville, KY, July 6, [1865]
    Letter to McMahan noting that he has sent the Army registry "and other data to facilitate procuring promotions"; Notes status of Squire and Bolton; Reports that the regiment spent most of July 4 waiting in an open field for General Sherman to make a speech.
16. W.B. Wicker, Louisville, KY, July 6, 1865
    Letter to McMahan; Confident that the regiment will soon be mustered out; Requests McMahan to check on the promotion that Wicker feels he deserves since he is the ranking captain in the 21st now that Milo Caton has resigned.
17. Gen'l Wollcutt, Louisville, KY, July 9, 1865
    Letter to McMahan noting that although he is pleased that McMahan is getting a well-deserved chance to enjoy himself, the 21st will soon be mustered out and McMahan should be there to oversee the procedure and bring the regiment's history to a close; Refers to McMahan's decision to enter the Regular Army and pledges his support.
18. J.H. Rheinfrank, Perrysburg, OH, December 20, 1866
    Receipt for medicine and services rendered to Ed McMahan.

MS 562: Introduction | Transcript List
MS 562 Series Description: MS 562: Introduction | 86th O.V.I. Records | Arnold McMahan Papers
MS 562 Abstracts:  Part 1 (McMahan Correspondence) | Part 2 (Box 12) | Part 3 (Box 13) | Inventory
Manuscripts by Subject | Civil War Collections