New York (State)

Abstract: John A. Dix (soldier, attorney, and politician) was commissioned Major General by President Lincoln in 1861 and served in administrative positions during the Civil War, issuing the military pass in this collection during that time; after the war he became minister to France (1866-69), then returned to New York State to resume his professional and business activities. In his letter of December 1, 1869, written to “My dear Colonel,” he discusses a recent land purchase and investment opportunity,...

Overview Diary and farm ledger kept by O. M. Slosson, a farmer in upstate New York (Pompey, Onondago County), reflecting the life of a Northern farmer just before the Civil War; he describes daily chores, agricultural problems, livestock, church attendance and themes of Sunday sermons, deaths and other local events, social activities, weather, personal finances (including loans, debts, and purchases), and letters received, with reminders to himself noted in the margins. He also makes reference to his...