1866 Civil War Letter Signed by Union General Amos Beebe Eaton to Son Daniel
Army during the Civil War. Daniel was also the grandson of Judge Daniel Cady, making him the nephew of famed suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Full Letter Transcription (transcribed as faithfully as possible from the original cursive - spelling and punctuation preserved) > Washington D. May 25, 1866 My dear Son, The foreign news seems to indicate that you must now be in the midst of a very stirring event. I cannot help [sharing] my feelings again with the Italians, patient & determined to rescue Venetia from Austria & then to perfect the Kingdom of Italy-but I have no doubt that when this shall be accomplished old Garibaldi will wave his plume & move? Sometimes you will soon see Bobby & Alice in Paris-give them my love & I most sincerely hope that the little fellow/letter? Will take service for the campaign under the South/Italian? Napoleon seems to mean to dig up & burn all this Treaty of'15. " [in their old unity]-and say "bravo my boys for Rome & West/North? -we have rec'd part of the news?
My dear ones are well-I think you will receive the sum? I [sent] you in due time. Justice, tho' I hope we are to weather all storms. I think if the European nations are to war on each other we, like the ancient spectators? , will "sit on the hill" & look on without taking a hand.
Your mother has not the least doubt in the world about your good course/carries? And the Lord will [I trust] find for you after a good [deal] of searching-[something] for her long to view?
The Highlands- Your Father, A. Details Author: Amos Beebe Eaton, Union General Recipient: Daniel Cady Eaton, Yale professor & botanist Date: 1860s (Civil War era) Medium: Iron gall ink on rag paper Signature: Boldly signed Amos B.Eaton at the close Size: Approx. 5 and 1/4 inch wide folded Condition: Excellent for its age - ink remains strong, paper shows expected light toning, fibers under magnification confirm mid-19th century rag paper. It is torn down middle crease. Historical Significance Eaton was appointed Commissary General of Subsistence in 1864, responsible for feeding the Union Army - one of the most critical logistical roles of the war.
Letters from Amos Beebe Eaton are scarce, especially personal family correspondence. Connection to Yale history and Elizabeth Cady Stanton's family.