Search

Partial typed transcription of the newspaper article on page 36. A typed note by Robert Newland Bosson indicates that he did not transcribe the complete newspaper article because it was too long for the page and "not of sufficient interest to warrant the labor and space."

"Impress of a Gold Medal," with information about General Thomas' career between 1860-1862 and his appointment to Major General of the Army in 1865. William Bosson (1806-1887) added penciled in notes after 1879 below the timeline of Thomas' career and around the imprint of the gold medal. Bosson wrote that the medal was presented to Thomas in Nashville. "Gen. Thomas was appointed Commissioned as Maj. General in the army of U.S. after the Battle of Nashville, Jan'y 5 1865." Bosson also stated that "Equestrian Statue" of the General was erected on November 17, 1879.

Letter 3 of 3, page 40: Thomas responds to a prior communication with William Bosson (1806-1887) about cotton. Suggests that the cotton is out of his jurisdiction. Thomas forwarded the issue to General Sherman who informed him that the issue should be passed along to the Treasury Agents and Treasury Department. Mentions an investigation of "Miss McElavine's claims for damages." Sent her a copy of records produced on 1862 and 1863 by a board. Provides Bosson with an update on progress "crowding the rebels" at Atlanta.

Letter 2 of 3, page 40: George H. Thomas received William Bosson's list of "negroes (contraband)" in and around Murfreesboro. Adjutant General S. Thomas stopped [at Chattanooga?] on his way to Knoxville "for the purpose of organizing Contraband Camps and enlisting colored troops." The Adjutant General kept the list made by Bosson and suggested he would ensure "no future trouble with the negroes." George H. Thomas expected that the plans would also be implemented in Mississippi and Louisiana. Would like Bosson's input on the "well being of the negroes."

Letter 1 of 3, page 40: Invitation for Bosson to visit. Interested in talking to him about the "affairs of the times." Manuscript note by William Bosson (1806-1887): Letter sent to William at Murfreesboro, T. after the battle of Missionary Ridge near Chattanooga. Bosson wrote that he stayed in Chattanooga for three days.

Typed transcription of letters 2 and 3 on page 40.

Typed transcription of the letter 1 on page 40 and typed transcription of a manuscript by W. Bosson detailing information about General Thomas's military accomplishments between 1860 and 1865.

Letter 1 of 3, page 42: General Hibbard suggested that the charter for the East Tennessee Marble Company would pass the upcoming Legislature session. Encourages William Bosson (1806-1887) to do something with the notes Bosson collected on the ancient mounds in Tennessee. The research might have potential for archaeologists interested in connecting "Mound builders of America" to "ancient inhabitants of the European Continent." Thomas indicates he can connect Bosson to the Irving Institute.

Letter 2 of 3, page 42: Responding to a letter from Bosson about the conditions on Rock Island. Thomas writes that the situation is not unique to the Confederate states and that the conditions of people could change if they were more open to a unified government. In part: "In reflecting on the present unhappy condition of these people and considering the manner in which it was brought on one is almost forced to the conclusion that they are cursed and doomed to destruction. No matter what line of policy is adopted or terms offered they reject them with scorn and madly persist in keeping alive their hatred of the Government, hoping against hope or common sense that they may yet succeed. It is truly distressing to behold a people so maddened and reckless. With inevitable utter ruin and dissolution before them, if they persist in their mad policy, they cannot, or will not understand that leniency on the part of the Government is not induced by hear of their ultimate success in establishing a separate Government." Thomas believes that Kentucky is worse off than Tennessee. He remarks that Kentuckians consider themselves to be part of the Union while simultaneously abiding by their own rules. Abolishing slavery in their eyes is unconstitutional. Union veterans and rebel veterans are treated differently in Kentucky's legal system; Union citizens can sue Union soldiers for "depredations" but they cannot sue a "Rebel and Guerilla." Thomas states that Kentucky's loyalty to rebels is driven by "Public opinion and the desire to make money." Expresses little hope for the people of the South to "return to a condition of loyalty and peace." He anticipates that "ruin and dissolution" will ultimately "overtake and destroy them." Unless society can engage in "repeopling" Tennessee "with an industrious & peaceable class of people" it will consume itself. Laments the loss of potential in terms of "natural resources" and growth. Remarks on a letter he received from Mr. A. Nelson of Nashville, addressing his and Bosson's interest in "settling Tennessee." Asks for continued support from Bosson to further promote this plan and bring it to fruition. A manuscript note by William Bosson (1806-1887) heads the letter: "Maj Geo H. Thomas a patriotic letter"

Letter 3 of 3, page 42: Writes to Bosson about a coal mine in Crow Creek Valley asking for aid. Optimistic about profitability and ability to get the mine running. Believes all of the previous owners of the mine, formerly known as Anderson Mining and Manufacturing Company, have died except for John F. Anderson. Discusses wanting to amend Section 12 to reflect the new commissioners. Also writes about wanting to amend Section 17 to reflect that their mine will receive state aid for building railroads in the way the Jasper branch of the Nashville and Chattanooga Rail Road does. If the amendment passes, Thomas and the other commissions "can immediately commence operations with a fair prospect of returning to the state treasury any money or means which may have been advanced us within one or two years." Discusses newspaper rumblings of the potential impeachment of Andrew Johnson, led by congress. Believes that Congress will quell the rebels. Writes that he does not believe this is being seriously considered. Thomas does anticipate that congress will pass "measures" that will "show the late Rebels where they stand and what they May expect." He also anticipates that plans will be proposed to protect Union loyalists in the South and ease the transition of Rebels in Southern States to submission "with a good grace to the authority of the Government." Manuscript note by William Bosson (1806-1887): "From Gen GH Thomas, See 3d. Page."