Edward McPherson Papers

Edward McPherson Papers
Library of Congress

McPherson graduated from Pennsylvania (now Gettysburg) College in 1848. He went into journalism, in 1851 becoming editor of the Harrisburg American. He went on to work with the Independent Whig of Lancaster, 1851-4, and the Pittsburgh Daily Times, 1855.

McPherson wrote extensively about politics after the Civil War: Political History of the United States of America During the Great Rebellion (1864) and The Political History of the United States of America During the Period of Reconstruction (1871).

1. To Edward McPherson from S. Russell, July 31, 1858 See#49

2. To Edward McPherson from S. G. Lane, October 6, 1860 Summary: Lane passes a letter onto McPherson (written to Lane from Sam. Hayman) in which Sam. Hayman expresses gratitutde to McPherson, and mentions his attempt to change another man's negative opinion of McPherson. Hayman also describes politics in N. Carolina.

3. To His Father from Edward McPherson, Buena Vita Springs July 27, 1852-4 Summary: Edward writes of being caught in a rain storm, and of the accomodations of the inn.

4. To Edward McPherson from Anonymous, August 16, 1860 Summary: The writer warns McPherson of A. N. Rankin's underhanded political influence in Franklin county citing various examples in recent years.

5. To Edward McPherson from P. Bergstressen, Orangeville, Pa. December 24, 1859 Summary: Bergstressen discusses how Democracy is in its last struggle, and also gives thanks for documents Edward has sent him.

6. To S. G. Lane from Edward McPherson, Chambersburg March 3, 1860 Summary: Lane asks if McPherson could approach W. Cameron with the request of the proprietors of "The Times" who need a loan.

7. To Edward McPherson from Tom McLell[illegible], February 11, 1860 Summary: The writer provides McPherson with names to whom German documents can be sent.

8. To Edward McPherson from A. K. McClure, Chambersburg December 14, 1860 Summary: McClure praises the moderate Republican position, but questions the possiblity of a compromise between the North and South.

9. To Edward McPherson from Simon [illegible], Loch[illegible] July 12, 1859 Summary: Simon gives thanks for McPherson's letter of expressed sympathies, and invites Edward for a visit.

10. To Edward McPherson from Johnie R. Ross, Frederick January 5, 1859 Summary: Ross requests Edward's help in recovering family birth, death and marriage dates for a damaged family bible, and expresses ambivalent feelings towards politics.

11. To Edward McPherson from N. Rittornhead, Pittsburgh October 31, 1860 Summary: Rittornhead asks Edward's opinion on whether Rittornhead should run against McClure, and makes a possible reference to Thaddeus Stevens.

12. To Edward McPherson from L. Barnitz Bacon, 1113 Broadway N. Y. December 19, 1860 Summary: Bacon writes to McPherson as a fellow alumnus, and gives Edward his life history and political opinions.

13. To Edward McPherson from S. G. Lane, Chambersburg December 14, 1860 Summary: Lane asks Edward for help in getting Congressmen to lecture in Chambersburg, and talks of politics and preserving the Union.

14. To Edward McPherson from C. M. Duncan, Chambersburg March 14, 1860 Summary: Duncan acknowledges receipt of Edward's letter and certificates of loans.

15. To Edward McPherson from Saml. G. Lane, Chambersburg March 16, 1860 Summary: Lane refers to Cameron's negative reply in response to the loan application from the letter written 3/3, 1860, and also discusses politics.

16. To Fred. [?] from James Johnston, March 21, 1858-9 Summary: Johnston remembers Edward's parents and talks of the value of friendships, and compliments Edward's pamphlets.

17. To Edward McPherson from Saml. Fisher, Fayetteville, Franklin Co. January 8, 1850- Summary: Fisher writes concerning the Fisher estate and that debts must be paid first.

18. To ? from Edward McPherson, July 1, 1857 Summary: McPherson responds to request for [Republican?] committees' for Franklin and other counties; he provides names for Franklin and Adams counties.

19. To Edward McPherson from W. I. Cook, Chambersburg December 20, 1860 Summary: Cooks compliments Edward and expresses his concern for the Union.

20. To his father from Edward McPherson, 424 Wall St., Philadelphia 1857 Summary: Edward writes of the social events there, and discusses friends and acquaintances and queries the news of friends.

21. To his father from Edward McPherson, Hagerstown January 27, 1857 Summary: Edward writes of the impending death of E. (a female friend or relative, but not the letter writer E.) and objections to Gov. Curtin's renomination of Dewitt.

22. To Edward McPherson from E., Frederick February 4, 1857 Summary: E. (apparently a niece of one of Edward's parents) discusses E.'s death, another person's death, and asks of Edward's mother's health.

23. To Edward McPherson from E., Frederick April 9, 1857 Summary: E. asks of Edward's mother's health, mentions the death of a friend and disruptive problems involving a member (Van Wycke) of Edward's church.

24. To his father from Edward McPherson, Philadelphia April 14, 1857 Summary: Edward mentions the printing of pamphlets, interaction with a lady friend, and a new type of hat.

25. To his father from Edward McPherson, Philadelphia May 17, 1857 Summary: Edward notifies his father of his arrival and mentions the Main Line Bill.

26. To his father from Edward McPherson, Philadelphia June 11, 1857 Summary: Edward notifies his father of his arrival, and describes a visit to the Mint to purchase large amounts of cent notes and to order some kind of plate (for printing?).

27. To his father from Edward McPherson, Bedford Springs July 19, 1857 Summary: Edward vacations with Lizzie (a sister?) and mentions friends.

28. To his father from Edward McPherson, Harrisburg August 14, 1857 Summary: Edward mentions friends and his recent travels, and talks of the progress of the Mint order.

29. To his father from Edward McPherson, 424 Wall St., Philadelphia August 26, 1857 Summary: Edward writes of the recent panic in the stock market, and that he plans to profit by buying shares of Reading Railroad since he is confident prices will rise again.

30. To his father from Edward McPherson, New York September 2, 1857 Summary: Edward visits N. Y. for business related to a trial case in Md., he mentions that stocks continue to fall, but is not worried.

31. To his father from Edward McPherson, New York September 3, 1857 Summary: Edward plans to buy Cumberland Coal stock, and mentions that the Reading stock is improving.

32. To his father from Edward McPherson, Philadephia September 6, 1857 Summary: Edward expresses his intentions to visit a Mrs. Carson, and mentions seeing other friends.

33. To his father from Edward McPherson, Harrisburg October 20, 1857 Summary: Edward informs his father of his impending arrival at home with political gossip on Helster, Fillmore and Cooper.

34. To Aunt (Edward McPherson's mother) from E., Frederick November 11, 1857 Summary: A detailed description of Lizzie Tyler's wedding and the gifts.

35. To Edward McPherson from E., Frederick December 2, 1857 Summary: E. responds to Edward's letter mentioning his parents' bad health, she describes the scattering of friends after the Tyler wedding, and mentions the care of some (apparently) orphaned children.

36. To Edward McPHerson from E., Frederick December 21, 1857 Summary: E. has a bad cold, and refers to the impending death of a Mr. Ramsey, and expresses her concern of Edward's father's declining health. She discusses the Gettysburg Presbyterian Church's problem with a Mr. Van Wycke, noting Edward's expression that he likes the man.

37. To his father from Edward McPherson, Philadelphia 1857 Summary: Edward expresses relief at his parents' improving health.

38. To his father from Edward McPherson, Harrisburg 1857 Summary: Edward writes of the election of Birdhead for Senator, and the Caucus' votes.

39. To Edward McPherson from E. [?], Frederick January 6, 1858 Summary: E. responds to the death of Edward's father (her uncle), refers to his excellent character and expresses concern for her Aunt during this time. The letter is not signed, but it is E.'s handwriting and the proper town.

40. To the President and Directors of the Bank of Gettysburg from Edward McPherson, Gettysburg January 18, 1858 Summary: Edward offers to sell the bank building to the Bank and mentions his father's attentive involvement in the affairs of the Bank.

41. To Edward McPherson from Thaddeus Stevens, June 20, 1858 Summary: Stevens gives suggestions to Edward on how to run his (Edward's) campaign including liberal use of money.

42. To Edward McPherson from S. L. Russell, McConnellsburg July 31, 1858 Summary: Russell discusses home affairs, and political support for Edward in the various counties.

43. To Aunt (Edward McPherson's mother) from E., Frederick October 21, 1858 Summary: E. sends congratulations of Edward's election, and provides a great deal of news of friends and family.

44. To Ned (Edward McPherson) from E., Frederick November 29, 1858 Summary: E. mentions her Southern politics, reports on their circle of friends and relatives, tells of Lizzie Law's engagement, and comments on Van Wycke's continuing presence in the Church.

45. To Aunt (Edward McPherson's mother) from E., Frederick December 29, 1858 Summary: E. refers to the death of Charles (brother of Edward McPherson?) gives a general report of their circle of friends including Lizzie Law, Nannie and Mr. Page, and the bad health of Dr. Tyler.

46. From H. G. McPherson (Edward McPherson's mother) to Mrs. T. (perhaps Mrs. Tyler), Gettysburg May 3, 1858 Summary: H. G. writes of her removal to Mrs. T.'s former home in Gettysburg, and of Edward's devotion to her, and mentions the drastic changes in the town.

47. To Edward from E., Frederick February 16, 1859 Summary: E. writes that Cousin C- is sick, but mostly talks of Edward's mother's recent death. Lizzie Law is married by now, and Jane Boggs' health is declining.

48. To Edward from E., Frederick March 15, 1859 Summary: E. mentions Lizzie (not Lizzie Law) and her family, Jane Boggs' impending death and the continuing presence of Van Wycke in the Gettysburg church. E. also refers to some huge scandal that has recently occurred in Washington.

49. To Edward from E., Frederick April 1, 1859 Summary: E. reports of Jane Boggs' death, and refers to good news about Kate (Edward's sister). E. urges Edward to become a practicing Christian. She announces that Mr. Page is broke and that Cousin C. is not better.

50. To Edward McPherson from E., Frederick May 3, 1859 Summary: E. mentions friends, a discussion of Van Wycke, and talks of the Tylers' (including herself) future move up to Washington. She gives Edward the requested date of her mother's death.

51. To Edward McPherson from E., Frederick May 31, 1859 Summary: E. writes of Lizzie and her little boy's visit, discusses possible visits and their future move to Washington, and announces the birth of Nannie Page's daughter.

52. To Edward McPherson from E., Frederick August 11, 1859 Summary: E. writes that Lizzie is sick, and of Dr. Ross' death, and that Nannie and Mr. Page plan to move to Louisiana. She mentions the changes in Gettysburg, and of Edward's leaving the town.

53. To Edward McPherson from A. G.Curtin, August 22, 1859 Summary: Curtin writes of his discussion with Jordan, successfully urging Jordan not to run for governor. Curtin asks McPherson to contact people about Senatorial candidates.

54. To Edward McPherson from E., Frederick September 5, 1859 Summary: E. mentions a visit from the Mchaffeys, the death of Cousin Susan's son, E.'s potential visit to Baltimore, and doubts of whether the Pages will go to Louisiana.

55. To Edward McPherson from E., Thorndale October 1, 1859 Summary: E. expresses concern of the Presbytery church in Gettysburg due to the disruptive presence of Van Wycke, and defends Christianity; E. urges Edward to get married, and mentions that the Pages did go to Louisiana

56. To Edward McPherson from Horace Greeley, New York November 4, 1859 Summary: Greeley urges that Thaddeus Stevens (who formerly lived in McPherson's district) should be Chairman of the Ways & Means Committee.

57. To Edward McPherson from Rev. T. P. Buchee (or Bucher), Gettysburg December 5, 1859 Summary: Sends his best wishes to Edward.

58. To Edward McPherson from John B. McPherson, Sidney, Ohio December 26, 1859 Summary: John (a good letter writer) writes from school, describing the variety of entertainments such as sleighing, skating, hunting and reading.

59. To Edward McPherson from John B. McPherson, Sidney, Ohio December 29, 1859 Summary: John tells of a misfortunate sleighride, a Good Templars convention, and refers to a bad event in Congress involving "Extra Billy Smith."

60. To Edwards McPherson from W. H. Buehler, Gettysburg January 2, 1860 Summary: W. H. Buehler writes, recommending McPherson (and Republicans) to adhere to the Chicago Platform; mention of Sherman's Rice Proposal and of politics concerning the possible secession of states.

61. To Edward McPherson from Kate Scott, Hagerstown January 6, 1860 Summary: Edward's sister writes, that a friend is recovering from pneumonia, discusses the problem of electing the Speaker of the House, and mentions friends.

62. To Edward McPherson from James Wilson, Fairfield Adams Co. January 16, 1860 Summary: An 81 yr. old friend of Edward writes to him, and discusses the problem of electing the Speaker of the House; he writes an interesting mocking discussion of the Democrats and other politicians.

63. To Edward McPherson from Kate Scott, Hagerstown January 24, 1860 Summary: Edward's sister writes, telling of illnesses among friends and family, and mentioning the struggle in the House to elect the Speaker.

64. To Edward McPherson from John McPherson, Sidney, Ohio February 2, 1860 Summary: Edward's nephew, John, writes, telling of a local suicide, his school studies in Latin, a conjurer and midget Prof. Millar and Gen. Charley Violet, and a request that Edward write more legibly in his letters.

65. To Edward McPherson from Kate Scott, Hagerstown February 20, 1860 Summary: Edward's sister writes, concerning local, friend and family news weddings, death, insanity, travel.

66. To Edward McPherson from W. H. Buehler [?], Gettysburg April 9, 1860 Summary: Edward is requested to stand up for W. H. at his (the writer's) wedding.

67. To Edward Mcpherson from Kate Scott, Hagerstown April 20, 1860 Summary: Edward's sister writes concerning local, friend and family news.

68. To Edward McPherson from Kate Scott, Hagerstown May 15, 1860 Summary: Edward's sister writes concerning local, friend and family news.

69. To Edward McPherson from Wm. McAllan, Gettysburg May 16, 1860 Summary: McAllan writes concerning the claim of a Mary Duncan for Bounty Land.

70. To Edward McPherson from Kate Scott, Hagerstown June 21, 1860 Summary: Edward's sister writes of interesting local, friend and family news.

71. To Edward McPherson from Kate Scott, Hagerstown August 21, 1860 Summary: Edward's sister mentions her preference for democrat candidates, complains of slow workmen, and shares local, friends and family news.

72. To Edward McPherson from Kate Scott, Hagerstown October 2, 1860 Summary: Edward's sister writes of local, friend and family news.

73. To Edward McPherson from Kate Scott, Hagerstown October 11, 1860 Summary: Edward's sister congratulates Edward on his recent election to the House, and she also give local and family news.

74. To ? from Edward McPherson, October 18, 1860 Summary: Edward responds to an incorrect rumor linking him in a conversation with Judge Stephen Douglas, whereas in fact, McPherson only overheard Douglas in a conversation with someone else.

75. To Edward McPherson from John B. McPherson, Sidney Ohio November 9, 1860 Summary: John (a good letter writer) writes to his uncle Edward, describing the politics, local events including hunting where he attends school.

76. To Edward McPherson from George W. Brinkderhoff, Springfield Illinois November 19, 1860 Summary: A letter from a Springfield resident, written soon after Lincoln's election, fondly describes Lincoln and tells of the celebrations there.

77. "> To Edward McPherson from D. Mittlecoff, December 10, 1860 Summary: A recommendation for George W. Himes, an applicant for Commissioner of the General Land Office.