Letter from Catherine Osborn Barnwell to mother with family news from Beaufort. Included is a note from her younger brother, Charles Mathews Barnwell, written with the assistance of Catherine.
Catherine Osborn Barnwell writes her mother from Laurel Bay plantation where she describes how she is the "principal" of the house in her mother's absence.
Letter from Stephen Elliott Barnwell, Valdosta, GA, to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, detailing his escape from the Union troops who captured Jefferson Davis, in whose entourage he was traveling. Barnwell describes pretending to take a bucket to fetch water for his horse before fleeing into a swamp and leaving his horse and possessions behind. Before fleeing, Barnwell "took the liberty of bidding the Pres goodbye -- and expressing as briefly as I could my admiration for the firmness and pertinacity with which he stuck to the good cause -- with which he seemed well pleased."
Letter from Stephen Elliott Barnwell, James Island, to brother, Edward Barnwell, referring to talk of the fall of the Confederacy and the morale of the troops. Barnwell reports on the intelligence of 4 deserters who arrived in their camp who claim the Union is confident that the Confederacy is "on its last legs."
Letter from Stephen Elliott Barnwell, at "Camp Beaufort", to brother, Robert Woodward Barnwell. Barnwell details his participation in recent military engagements including the battle of "Old Pocotaligo", the destruction of a Union transport in the Coosaw River and the detonation of a torpedo against another Union vessel. Barnwell expresses his desire to become an officer and solicits his brother for any help he can give to that end.
Letter from Stephen Elliott Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, explaining his reason for remaining in Charleston a few days longer than expected and updating her on the status of supplies she has requested he return with to Beaufort.
Letter from Edward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, noting the loss of his hair. Barnwell also mentions an opportunity to have his nephews attend the University of the South in Sewanee, TN.
Edward Barnwell writes to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, believing the assault on Fort Sumter is imminent. Barnwell thinks his brother, William, will see little action from his post on Fort Johnson.
Letter from Edward Barnwell to mother, Catherine Osborn Barnwell, discussing the nomination of his brother, William Finley Barnwell, as 3rd Lieutenant in the "1st Company of Infantry" and detailing the politics surrounding his appointment. William, Barnwell writes, has been ordered to Fort Johnson to take charge of new recruits.
