James Gordon Bennett papers

Four Civil War letters to Bennett as editor of the New York Herald from reporters L.A. Whiteley and Hiram Calkins in Washington, D.C. In April, 1862, Whiteley reports Union troop movements in Virginia aimed at trapping the Confederates before Richmond as part of the Peninsular campaign. He also reports the source of his information and makes reference to censorship. In a letter dated October 5, 1862, Whiteley reports on rumors surrounding President Lincoln's visit to General McClellan and the possibility of changes in Union army leadership. Calkin's letter of December 22, 1864, discusses Sherman's activities in Georgia and South Carolina, differences between Commodore David Dixon Porter and General Benjamin F. Butler, and plans for the siege of Richmond. His letter of February 23, 1865, discusses possible plans by Robert E. Lee to move forces below Raleigh, N.C., to stop Sherman's advance north. He also reports various political rumors concerning the presidential election in 1868 and appointments of various cabinet officers.