Eugene Erwin and William Russell papers
Abstract
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- Eugene Erwin and William Russell papers
- Date
- 1824-1868, undated (inclusive)
- Extent
- 0.23 Cubic Feet
- Subjects
- California -- History.
- Arrangement
- Collection is arranged by subject into two series: William Russell and Eugene Erwin. chronologically.
- Preferred Citation
- 2009ms011: [identification of item], Eugene Erwin and William Russell papers, 1824-1868, undated, University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.
- Repository
- University of Kentucky
Collection Overview
- Biography / History
- William Henry Russell was born on October 9, 1802, to Robert Spotswood and Deborah Allen Russell in Nicholas County, Kentucky. He practiced law in his native county and in 1830 represented it in the legislature. He married Zanette Freeland of Baltimore; they had seven children. Early on he came to the attention of Henry Clay and was even said to have served as his secretary. In 1831, he moved to Callaway County, Missouri and the following year served in the Black Hawk War. In 1841, he was appointed United States Marshal of the District of Missouri and acquired the courtesy title of colonel. His term ended in 1845, and the following year he joined a wagon-train of California emigrants. Russell joined Fremont's California Battalion with the rank of major and was one of the peace commissioners who framed the treaty of Cahuenga, January 13, 1847. A few days later, Fremont appointed him secretary of state. He acted as one of Fremont's principal witnesses in the court-martial. In 1849, he began to practice law at San Jose and elsewhere until 1854. In 1861 he was appointed consul at Trinidad, Cuba. He died in Washington and was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery on October 13, 1873.
- Andrew Eugene Erwin, known as Eugene Erwin, was born in Lexington, Kentucky on October 2, 1830, to James Erwin and Anne Brown Clay Erwin. He was a grandson of Henry Clay. On July 10, 1853, Erwin married William Henry Russell's daughter Josephine Deborah Russell. They had four daughters. Erwin was Colonel of the Sixth Regiment of Missouri Infantry, CSA and was killed in action during the Battle of Vicksburg on June 25, 1863, at 32 years of age.
- Scope and Content
- The Eugene Erwin and William Russell papers (dated 1824-1868, undated; 0.23 cubic feet; 1 box) primarily consist of letters written by, to, or about Eugene Erwin and William Russell regarding various topics including family news, California, Henry Clay, and the Civil War. The majority of the letters however deal with Erwin and establishing himself through his connection with his grandfather Henry Clay. The papers also contain a few financial and legal documents.
Restrictions on Access and Use
- Conditions Governing Access
- Collection is open to researchers by appointment.
- Use Restrictions
- The physical rights to the materials in this collection are held by the University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.
Contents of the Collection
William Russell papers, 1824-1848
Note, 1824 August 28
Stephan Whicker letter to William Russell, 1827 April 20
- Box 1, folder 1, item 2
Scope and Contents
Acknowledges receiving his letter - he has a new son born on April 1, named Patterson - he is in good health and, about keeping his books, they are at your service - lists prices for different books - tells how happy he is with his little family.
J. Bledsoe letter to William Russell, 1828 April 26
- Box 1, folder 1, item 3
Scope and Contents
Explanation of court-marshal regarding Col. Billingsly - feels confident the statute of limitations will not bar the action and should commence it immediately.
F. Henderson letter to William Russell, 1828 August 29
- Box 1, folder 1, item 4
Scope and Contents
Arrived safely on Monday - thanks for hospitality.
Letter of introduction for William Russell from "Thomas" in New York to Frederic Thomas in Washington, D.C., 1828 December 5
War Department letter to Colonel William Russell, 1834 January 10
- Box 1, folder 1, item 6
Scope and Contents
Informing William Russell that he will be placed upon the list of applicants for visitors at West Point.
Received Fort Brook, East Florida, of Captain William H. Russell Missouri Volunteers the following ordnance stores, 1837 November 30
A.G. Morgan letter to J.H. Hook, 1839 November 13
A.G. Morgan letter to J.H. Hook, 1839 November 15
James B. Clay letter to William Russell, 1859 October 29
- Box 1, folder 1, item 10
Scope and Contents
Letter of introduction of a Mr. Hook from Virginia.
AN ACT - To Amend the Act "To Provide for taking the sixth census or Enumeration of the inhabitants of the United States", 1839 March 3
Letter from the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, John White, 1841 June 25
- Box 1, folder 1, item 13
Scope and Contents
Letter in reply to a thank you sent after White assumed the Speakership. Refers to President John Taylor as the "acting President" and calls him a "nervous timid man".
Thomas Crittenden, in Attorney General John J. Crittenden's office, letter to William Russell, 1841 July 7
William Selden, Treasurer of the United States, printed letter to William Russell, 1841 July 20
Thomas Crittenden, in Attorney General John J. Crittenden's office, letter to William Russell, 1841 September 21
Charles B. Penrose, office of the Solicitor of the Treasury, letter to William Russell, 1841 November 9
Pamphlet Bankrupt Law, approved Aug. 1841 and Rules, Regulations, and Forms of Proceedings in Bankruptcy, in Missouri, 1842
William Selden, Treasurer of the United States, printed letter to William Russell, 1842 December 15
Note, 1848 February 15
Eugene Erwin papers, 1850-1868
E.M. Tilford letter to Eugene Erwin, 1850 November 3
- Box 1, folder 2, item 1
Scope and Contents
Describes harrowing trip down rivers to Pt. Washington, Mississippi; family news.
Henry Clay note, 1850 November 6
- Box 1, folder 2, item 2
Scope and Contents
At Ashland, certifying that the cow Clay sold to Robert Boggs is a thoroughbred imported Durham cow.
Margaret Dudley Erwin, stepmother, letter to Eugene Erwin, 1850 December 6
- Box 1, folder 2, item 3
Scope and Contents
Family news - instructions on running farm, servants etc - mention Health Springs new Vicksburg.
Margaret Dudley Erwin letter to Eugene Erwin, 1850 December 20
Margaret Dudley Erwin letter to Eugene Erwin, 1850 December 23
- Box 1, folder 2, item 5
Scope and Contents
Regarding family news - farm, etc. - hopes he will come for Christmas - added a room on the cabin and have a good cotton and corn crop
Mary E. Erwin letter to Eugene Erwin, circa 1851 January 4
Margaret Dudley Erwin letter to Eugene Erwin, 1851 January 17
- Box 1, folder 2, item 7
Scope and Contents
Family news - congratulation on landing position in Boston - father is pleased at the interest Mr. Clay has in him.
Cumming Davies note to Eugene Erwin, circa 1851
William H. Aspinwall note to Eugene Erwin, circa 1851
- Box 1, folder 2, item 9
Scope and Contents
Note concerning Erwin's stay with Henry Clay at National Hotel.
Randall Lee Gibson letter to Eugene Erwin, circa 1851
- Box 1, folder 2, item 10-11
Scope and Contents
Includes envelope with frank by Henry Clay. Letter discusses a broken sleigh. "Send bill for Sleigh I broke". Gibson mentions that he's been offered $1000 to go to California. - will send you the money - will see you when I go back to New York - address for Miss Met? - offered $1000 to go to California - Envelope addressed to Mr. Randall L. Gibson
Margaret Dudley Erwin letter to Eugene Erwin, 1851 February 23
- Box 1, folder 2, item 12
Scope and Contents
Family news - very proud of him and wants him to behave well - She received a letter from Mrs. Clay that she cannot control Edward and fears he will give his family trouble.
Henry Grinnell letter to Eugene Erwin, 1851 February 26
- Box 1, folder 2, item 13
Scope and Contents
Concerning Erwin's job prospects and trip to San Francisco - about Henry Clay's political beliefs.
Charles Findlay letter to A. Hensley, 1851 March 5
- Box 1, folder 2, item 14
Scope and Contents
Letter of introduction for Eugene Erwin; mentions Henry Clay. to A. Hensley from Charles Findlay; mention of Henry Clay
J. H. Thomas letter to Honorable S. Clinton Hastings, March 6, 1851
- Box 1, folder 2, item 15
Scope and Contents
Letter of introduction for Eugene Erwin as the grandson of "Mr. Henry Clay."
J. Thomas letter to Judge Crane of San Francisco, California, 1851 March 6
- Box 1, folder 2, item 16
Scope and Contents
Introduction letter to Judge Crane from J. Thomas; introducing Mr. Eugene Erwin - grandson of Henry Clay
George Sander note to C. Cromwell, 1851 March 6
- Box 1, folder 2, item 17
Scope and Contents
Note requesting Cromwell give Eugene Erwin a "good" berth to New Orleans.
A. Sargent letter to Thomas Kidder Green of San Francisco, 1851 March 13
N. Hooke letter to William Smith of San Francisco, 1851 March 14
James Whitcomb letter to John McDougall, 1851 March 18
- Box 1, folder 2, item 20
Scope and Contents
Letter of introduction for Eugene Erwin; described as a grandson of Henry Clay and a valuable addition to California. to John McDougall of San Francisco from James Whitcomb; Mr. Eugene Erwin - grandson of Henry Clay he would be a valuable addition to the young and rising state of California
J.R. Matterson letter to Robert Cox, 1851 March 18
- Box 1, folder 2, item 21
Scope and Contents
Letter of introduction for Eugene Erwin.to Mr. Robert Cox from J.R. Matternson introducing Eugene Erwin - grandson of Henry Clay
A.C. Dodge letter to Colonel John B. Weller, 1851 March 19
- Box 1, folder 2, item 22
Scope and Contents
Letter of introduction for Eugene Erwin. Erwin is about to depart for California.
D.R. Atchison letter to Governor J.C. Edwards, 1851 March 22
- Box 1, folder 3, item 1
Scope and Contents
Letter of introduction for Eugene Erwin. Eugene Erwin intends to become a citizen of California. Praises the young man and asks him to give advice and encouragement to Eugene
Henry C. Erwin (uncle) letter to Eugene Erwin, 1851 July 10
- Box 1, folder 3, item 2
Scope and Contents
Family news - birth of daughter - use of chloroform.
Margaret Dudley Erwin letter to Eugene Erwin, 1851 August 8
- Box 1, folder 3, item 3
Scope and Contents
Letter expresses anger at Henry Clay and the election of Breckinridge over Combs; family news.
Louisa Johnson Elley letter to Eugene Erwin, 1851 September 22
- Box 1, folder 3, item 4
Scope and Contents
Letter consists of family news - Mrs. John Bell (aunt) is in the Woodlands but is better - going to Washington with her two little girls - Mr. Hitchcock and Mr. Bell remain in Nashville - she will have a nice girlfriend for him when he returns.
Margaret Dudley Erwin letter to Eugene Erwin, 1851 September 27
- Box 1, folder 3, item 5
Scope and Contents
Letter informs Erwin about his father's death. His brother Henry Clay Erwin is drinking and she fears he will "throw himself completely away". Implores him not to drink: "If I had one drop of Clay blood in me and was a man nothing could induce me to take a single drink. For my sake do not."
Margaret Dudley Erwin letter to Eugene Erwin, 1851 December 8
Margaret Dudley Erwin letter to Eugene Erwin, 1852 May 24
- Box 1, folder 3, item 7
Scope and Contents
Letter concerns family news, the sale of the Woodlands, Henry Clay's health.
Copy of letter with a description of Henry Clay's funeral by Mr. Jeremiah Singleton of Port Royal, Kentucky, 1852 July 21
Eulogy - The Life and Character of Henry Clay - pronounced at Memphis, Tennessee, July 22, 1852 by John P. Pryor, 1853
Margaret Dudley Erwin letter to Eugene Erwin, 1853 February 6
- Box 1, folder 3, item 10
Scope and Contents
Describes life at Lake Washington, Mississippi, and gives family news.
Aunt L. Bell (wife of John Bell, 1850 presidential candidate) letter to Eugene Erwin, 1853 March 6
- Box 1, folder 3, item 11
Scope and Contents
Describes Bell's efforts to get President Pierce and cabinet to confirm appointment for Erwin.
Eugene Erwin receipt of $3,000 note, 1853 September 9
Henry Clay Erwin letter to Eugene Erwin, 1853 October 24
- Box 1, folder 3, item 13
Scope and Contents
Letter describes family news - cotton crops. Disappointed in his crop - will get about 500 bales - will get nearly nothing for it - wants to know about Edward's behavior in Missouri - he has been drunk since he left home - gambling - spent a great deal of money - I am distressed about him, we are living a camp life - new home torn to pieces.
Henry Clay Erwin letter to Eugene Erwin, 1854 February 8
- Box 1, folder 3, item 14
Scope and Contents
Letter concerns lawsuit, family news - instituted a suit on behalf of you and Edward in New Orleans - describes the suit - the District Court decided that the hires of Pully are entitled to hold the money - moved into new home - been living in a slave cabin.
Banking notes, 1854 May 22
Jackson County Agricultural Mechanics Association stock certificate, 1855 June 18
- Box 1, folder 3, item 17
Scope and Contents
Jackson County Agricultural Mechanics Association certifying that Eugene Erwin is the owner of One Share of the Capital Stock in the Jackson County Agricultural and Mechanical Association.
Davis E. Gestman letter to Eugene Erwin, 1855 August 23
- Box 1, folder 3, item 18
Scope and Contents
Family news and asking about promissory note instructions.
Eugene Erwin to Josephine Russell Erwin, 1861 May 14
- Box 1, folder 3, item 19
Scope and Contents
Letter from Denver about taking personal business rather than "rally to the standard of the Confederate States."
Eugene Erwin letter to Josephine Russell Erwin, circa 1861 May 25
- Box 1, folder 3, item 20
Scope and Contents
Letter again repudiates Josephine's fears of his entry into the army.
Agency Manhattan Life Insurance Co., New York letter to Eugene Erwin, 1861 June 24
- Box 1, folder 3, item 21
Scope and Contents
Concerns Erwin's policy and restrictions about living in Denver.
Eugene Erwin letter to Martha Dyer and ladies of Fulton County Missouri, circa 1861-1862
- Box 1, folder 4, item 1
Scope and Contents
Offering his thanks for the banner they made for 7th Missouri Volunteers - note on Charleston valor and bravery.
D. Province note to Eugene Erwin with envelope from D. Province, circa 1861-1862
- Box 1, folder 4, item 2-3
Scope and Contents
Note concerns offensive character of language used in recent conversation.
Eugene Erwin letter to Colonel [Province], 1862 August 18
- Box 1, folder 4, item 4
Scope and Contents
Saltillo - note about being misquoted at court Marshall.
Invoice of hospital and medical stores captured at Iuka, Mississippi with envelope, 1862 September 15
- Box 1, folder 4, item 5-6
Scope and Contents
Invoice with envelope of captured medical stores signed by J.D. Wooten.
Unsigned, unaddressed letter by Eugene Erwin, undated
- Box 1, folder 4, item 7
Scope and Contents
Defending the honor of his regiment, willingness to pay from his own pocket levee against his troops for depredations he contends they did not commit. Refers to Corinth to his commanding officer.
Receipt - amount of stoppage on Sixth Regiment - Infantry, 1863 March 5
Eugene Erwin letter to Josephine Russell Erwin, 1863 February 8
- Box 1, folder 4, item 9
Scope and Contents
From Jackson, Mississippi - Speculation on early end of war - conditions around Vicksburg - location of Regiment to Vicksburg and Port Hudson. Member 1st Brigade General Sterling Prices Div. Army of the Mississippi.
Note from Adj. Harwood enclosing a letter from General Bowen, 1863 April 13
James Thornton letter to Eugene Erwin with envelope, 1863 April 22
- Box 1, folder 4, item 11-12
Scope and Contents
Discusses the state of Army at General Price's headquarters - mentions Erwin's family being with him.
W.H. Moss letter to Eugene Erwin, 1863 April 27
- Box 1, folder 4, item 13
Scope and Contents
Letter of protest to the return of the ranks of Private R. Winfrey.
Mattie R. Lewis letter to Eugene Erwin, 1863 May 6
Report to Captain Flanagan, 1863 May 8
- Box 1, folder 4, item 15
Scope and Contents
Unfinished report on battle near Port Gibson on May 1, 1863 by Erwin - disposition of troops by Erwin.
Charles S. Bradley letter to Josephine Russell Erwin, 1864 July 28
Deed - trustees deed to Josephine Erwin, State of Missouri, Jackson County with two 50 cents surety bond stamps, 1865 September 5
Rental Lease agreement between Josephine Erwin and City of Independence, Missouri, 1865 November 14
- Box 1, folder 4, item 18
Scope and Contents
Rental ease with 5 cents Internal Revenue Certificate.
State of Alabama guardian appointment to handle estate, 1868 January 20
Certificate of purchase of tax sale of Russell Property, 1868 July 23
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UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.
Researchers must have an SCRC Researcher Account to request materials. View account set-up and use instructions here.
Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.
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You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.
If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.
