The Dr. J.F. Snyder Collection.
In
1914,
Dr.
Snyder
donated his accumulation of papers on a variety of
subjects to the Missouri Historical Society, St. Louis. Mo.
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Among these papers was a large
file of letters written by B.F. Massey to Dr. Snyder.
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The B.F. Massey Letters.
There are three groups of B.F. Massey letters:
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Dr. J.F. Snyder.
Because Dr. Snyder played a very important part in Massey's life, I
have added an Appendix XLVIII, which covers as much as I know of Dr.
Snyder and his wife, Anne Sanders, and her family.
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Preface: The 1858-1861
Letters. B.F. Massey wrote these 56 letters, totaling 190 pages
from Jefferson City, the State Capitol, to Dr. Snyder, at Bolivar, Polk
County, Mo. Most letters were about four pages long, one was
eight pages. There were several articles written for publication
in the Courier, a newspaper edited by Dr. Snyder.
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Background: The 1858-1861
Letters. B.F. Massey, in his late forties, had attained the peak
of his political aspirations, and was serving his first elected
four-year term as Secretary of State of Missouri.
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Dr. Snyder, in his late
twenties, practiced Medicine and was a member of the Missouri
Bar. Through his father, he had something of a political
background, but he, himself, was a newcomer in the field of active
politics.
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Dr. Snyder rapidly progressed
from his status of political novice, to that of valued consultant on
political matters, very much on equal terms,both politically and
intellectually, with B.F. Massey.
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Although on very intimate terms
in the field of politics, their personal friendship developed rather
slowly; as evidenced by the paucity of references to personal or family
matters during this forty-one month period.
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The earliest surviving letter in
the J. F. Snyder Collection is dated 15 Jan.1858, but from its
context, it is evident that there had been earlier correspondence
between them, but which has not survived. The latest letter in
this 1858-1861 period is dated 31 May 1861, only a few weeks before
Union troops ousted the elected Missouri administration, including B.F.
Massey, from office.
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The Letters Analyzed.
As they represent the only semi-autobiographical B.F. Massey material
known to have survived, I have taken great care to extract from them
every small bit of information helpful too our understanding of the man
himself.
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Massey almost never paragraphed
his letters; they flow from one subject to another. For clarity,
I have taken the liberty of dissecting them, treating one subject at a
time, as though Massey was writing about only one subject at a time in
each letter.
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My first screening was to secure
all personal material concerning Massey himself: his thoughts,
character, political career, personal life; and anything pertaining to
members of his family. As this class of material is of major
importance to the purpose of my book, I have quoted most of it almost
verbatim.
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My next screening was to record
the ideas and plans that he and Dr. Snyder shared: Massey's
advice on
politicising and political methodology, his advice advancing Dr.
Snyder's political career and problems; shared plans and ideas and the
like. I quote this type of material at considerable length.
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My next screening concerned
Massey's worries and convictions and fiscal policies. He and Dr.
Snyder were deeply and actively involved in attempts to improve these
policies. Their attempts offer considerable insight to the
characters of these two men, and I have quoted sufficiently to
illustrate their feelings.
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Massey and Snyder were
eye-witnesses of the impending National North-South divisive events,
keenly interested in their possible effects on Missouri, and active
participants in Missouri's part. I quote many of their highly
interesting observations.
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I have omitted entirely the very
high volume of day-to-day chit-chat regarding local political matters;
political office aspirants, etc.; important to Massey and Snyder, but
non-essential to our understanding of Massey and Snyder.
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1A
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6.B.F. Massey: Letters: 1858-1861: Personal & Family
Matters |
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(Excerpts)
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Jefferson City May 8, 1858
Doct J.F. Snyder
Sir,
Yours of the 22nd April came to hand in due course of mail. ... My wife
has been ill for ten days, but is now somewhat better, though not
entirely out of danger. Respects to you and yours.
Sincerely Yrs
B.F. Massey
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Jefferson City Nov 30, 1858
Doct John F. Snyder
Sir ...
I am very Sorry to hear of Sanders' condition ... the health of my wife
is Some better, than when you were here.
Very
Respectfully
B.F. Massey
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Jefferson
City Dec 10, 1858
Doct J.F. Snyder
Dr Sir
... yours of the 4th inst was recd on
yesterday. I was very sorry to hear of Sanders' death. In
my opinion a very few better men have ever lived or died.
You ask
me to keep you advised of the new working
and political evolutions. there is one who has had anything to do
with politics, who knows less of these things than I do. And the
reason is plain. I am a plain open, aboveboard Sort of a fellow,
dislike to do anything only directly, and openly. And such is my
way because i do not want to do anything that will not bear the light
of day. Others who are acquainted with me know this of me, and
hence anything like wire working never comes to my hopper. I
sometimes think I am able to detect something of this sort in others,
though in the main I am of the opinion, more of this is suspected than
ever has an existence. ... You ask me what I want? do I want the
same office I have, or do I want to succeed Stewart or Phelps? If
my circumstances shall render it expedient to accept any political
place at all, and I expect they will. I should prefer to keep the
place I have. If you had the power by a word, without any act at
all on my part to give me a seat in Congress I would not accept
it. I am too domestic to fancy being separated from my
family. If I wished to be governor, which I do not, I could not
get it, and for the reason my views on many things, that I consider
important, are too decided and unyielding.
Others may hold these same
views, but they hold them subject to
circumstances, and these are the sort of men that best suit the present
Times. In the office I now hold this makes but little difference,
and I am satisfied that for this very reason many prominent democrats
would willingly support me for Secretary than Gov. I do wish
however we could get to electing Men again, who have Wills and the
nerve to act out their wills. ... I feel very grateful for your Kind
feelings toward me, and shall try, by pursuing a straight forward
honest course to continue to merit them. As regards a Successor
for Phelps, I have this to day, as I think I said to you when here, it
will be almost impossible to succeed him at all, until he May say the
word. ... I can speak upon this subject entirely disinterestedly, for I
don't want the place, in fact would not have it if i could get it. ...
so you see I have planned it pretty nicely, Phelps in Senate, you in
Congress, and I Secretary of State which would all be very agreeable to
me.
Very Respectfully
B.F. Massey
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Jefferson
City Dec 21, 1858
Doct J.F. Snyder
Dr
Sir Yours of the 12th inst come to
hand in due course of Mail.
I
do not like to hear of people leaving
the state, at last not those of respectable character, and would like
to hear you had concluded to remain. I sometimes talk of leaving
myself, although seriously I doubt if I ever shall get off. I
find it all I can do to live and remain here, and there is always
something lost by removal, at least for a time. there have been
instances no doubt where persons have bettered their conditions by
moving, indeed I know there has been, but I think there has been a far
greater number who have suffered in purse by this course.
I
am sorry you used the term "Soft
Soap" in your last. It is, if I understand the meaning of the
term, something I am not in the habit of doing, and as a general thing
I have understood a charge of this kind to be not at all
complimentary. I do not suppose you intended it an any way
offensive ... should be glad to hear from you often.
Yrs
truly B.F.
Massey
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Jefferson
City April 18th, 1858
Doct J.F. Snyder
Dr
Doc. I hope you will excuse me for writing
to you on foolscap. I am writing at home, that is, not in my
office, and I have no better paper here. I received yours written
from Fayetteville in due time, and had intended to have written to you
long before this, but I have been, and indeed, am yet so very busy
getting those "trashy" laws passed by the last legislature ready for
the printer, and printed, that I have not been able to spare the time
to write you such a letter as I wished to do, and I have commenced this
at nearly ten oclock at night. ...
I think
too that Tom [Wilson] got it into his head I
was an aspirant for Gov, and as I might be in Buffington's way, in his
opinion, that to some extent I have no doubt is the cause of his course
in reference to my recent [newspaper] articles. I have set him
right on that point and I think it probable that he will let what I say
hereafter pass for what it is worth.
... but
I must stop, and beg a thousand pardons for
having written so much.
Respectfully, and truly yrs
B.F. Massey
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Jefferson
City June 14, 1858
Col. J.F. Snyder
Dr
Sir ... you will see I have dropped the
"Doctor". yours of the 8th was recd in due time, and as the
Merchants would say "Contents Noted." ... I don't intend there shall
ever be any course of difference politically between us, even ever so
trifling if I can help it. ...
Yrs B.F. Massey
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City of
Jefferson
July 9th, 1858
Col. J.F. Snyder
Dr Sir
... We are writing to each other quite
freely, and let me suggest, that it you do not immediately destroy my
letters that you at once file them, though they are hardly worth
keeping, but that is for yourself to determine. I say this
because I have known so many accidents happen from persons carrying
letters in their pockets, or hat. a letter that you, nor I might
not have any objection to showing voluntarily, assumes altogether a
different shape, and importance, when gotten hold of in Some irregular,
and unjustifiable way. ...
Yrs
Truly -- B.F. Massey
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Jefferson
City July 27, 1858
Col J.F. Snyder
Dr Sir
--- I had just taken up my pen to write you
when yours of the 24th was recd. ... My family and myself have been
quite unwell for nearly all summer, I have suffered dreadfully with the
piles. -- can you point me to a good remedy -- my wife I fear is
seriously ailing -- she sits up nearly all the time, but has an almost
unceasing asthmatic cough.
Present
my respects to Mrs. Snyder.
Yrs
truly
B.F. Massey
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Jefferson
City Aug 10th, 1858
Col. J.F. Snyder
Dr Sir
-- Yours of the 1st inst came to hand in due
time. ... I have not written the half I would like to say, but as you
have already observed I have trespassed on your time and patience
enough for this time. this remark will apply in sober earnest to
my letters to you, but I have to complain of you that your letters are
so short. I do like to receive long letters, especially from
those who write to suit me.
I have
a project in my head, with which you are
connected, that perhaps will only amuse you. I can not broach it
now, but will do so in due season. I have no idea it will meet
your approbation at first, and may not at all. I'll bet you
cannot guess what it is in 40 guesses.
My
folks are only tolerably well. Present my
regards to the madam. If I live, it is my intention to be in
Bolivar from the first to the tenth of October. Let me hear from
you frequently.
Yrs
truly
B.F. Massey
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Jefferson
City Jany 22, 1860
Sunday Night
Col J.F. Snyder
My dear sir -- Yours of
the 20th inst was read this afternoon.
My own prospects I
consider very flattering. Should Johnson be
nominated, I know it will be used against me - that the Southwest must
be satisfied with the Gov; Somebody else will have to start besides
Pulliam or Coffee to beat me, if the Gov was taken from my own County
now. ---
Yrs B.F.M.
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Jefferson
City Jany 29, 1860
Col J.F. Snyder
Dr Sir
- Yours of the 27th just recd this evening.
--- In speaking of instructions, I have only reference to Gov: Yours
and the Cedar Meeting come off the same day, I fully expect Coffee will
attend the one or the other, and if he does, he will try for
instructions for Secretary if he should come to Polk you will of course
attend closely to him for me - he cannot possible do anything in Cedar
against me dead sure, nor do I think he can in Polk. --- I see by the
last Advertiser my friend E. B. Boone is recommended for Secretary. I
am satisfied every man who has been suggested for Secretary has come
from the same quarter. That is I mean to say Buffington is laying
himself out against me. This recommendation of Boone leads me to
suspect a trick. I have taken steps to learn whether Boone is in to
this thing or not. --- I say however I am in no danger yet,
unless from a trick of this sort. --- But there is no man after me that
can hurt unless I am broken down in the S. W. My friends need have no
hesitation in pitching in to Buff, whenever they feel like it and can
make it tell - as I have learned enough to know he is after me with a
sharp stick. I don't know but two Buffington men in the State that are
friendly to me. --- Please say nothing of it - Somebody might practice
it who otherwise would not think of it.
Very
Respectfully
& Truly yrs
B.F. Massey
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H. of R.
29th Jany, '60
Col. John F. Smyder
Bolivar, Mo.
Dear Sir
--- I'm am
pleased you have taken charge of the Courier. When it was in your
charge it was an ably conducted and interesting paper.
Col. Massey ought to be
re-nominated and I am pleased to learn you think there is no doubt
about his re-nomination. ---
Yrs trly
John S. Misller
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Jefferson
City Feby 9, 1860
Col J F. Snyder
Dr Sir
-- Yours of the 6th inst was recd on
yesterday. But before that - perhaps the mail before I had sent another
communication and a letter. --- I have already put all the appliances
to work that I could, and have now pretty strong hopes in all of them.
I have no doubts on either for myself. ---
Yrs truly B.F. Massey
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Jefferson
City March 12. Feby 9, 1860
Col J.F. Snyder
Dr Sir
-- Yours of the 9th inst, and several others
are recd. The last one accompanied with a certain Will.---
I think I am entirely Safe
yet. It is the same time flattering to see
men who 12 or 18 months ago would much prefer not even to be seen in my
company, now as friendly as whipped dogs.---
If you can possibly spare
the time, get here at least as much as
Saturday before the meeting of the Convention.
Yrs B.F. Massey
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Jefferson
City July 4, 1860
Col. J.F. Snyder
Dr Sir
--- Yours of the 29th ult. was recd a day or
two since. I wrote you by Mondays Mail. ---
It has been my intention
at the end of the term for which I have
expected to be elected in August to retire from all political life, the
present indications are that I shall have to retire just four years
sooner that I expected. Well be it so. When I can not be of any service
in sustaining the rights of the South any longer in Mo. I will go where
I can be. And I hope these tenderfooted, mouthy, pro-slavery men in Mo.
Who surrender at the time their services are most needed, will live to
see the day when every big buck negro in the state will have the right
to range himself along side of them, their full equal in every
political right, and the political right being secured the social
equality will soon follow as a matter of course. And I believe they are
pursuing such a course, that if this does not overtake them, it will
most certainly come upon their children. ---
Whether I am elected or
not in August, I shall after that time, if we
shall have two electoral tickets, in all probability, assist some in
the Presidential Canvas.---
Yrs Truly
B.F. Massey
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Jefferson
City July 11, 1860
Col J.F. Snyder
Dr Sir --- Please do excuse
anything I have said about matters wherein we may differ, I am prompted
by sincere and kind feelings for you, and a prevailing anxiety for the
good of our cause. ---
Yrs truly B.F.
Massey
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Jefferson
City Nov 1, 1860
Col J.F. Snyder
Dr Sir -- Yours of 26th ult is
recd. I arrived home at the time I expected, when I saw you lacking
half a day. Found all well. --- It has been raining here slightly for
three days, and is still at it. Give my best and most pious regards to
Freeman.
Yrs Truly
B.F. Massey
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Jefferson
City Dec 13, 1860
Col. J.F. Snyder
Sir -- there is much I would like
to say unto your, but as I suppose ere long I shall see you face to
face in the flesh, and in the spirit too for that matter, I will wait
until that time. --- I shall look for you and Freeman on Wednesday Dec
26, or Friday the 28th at furthest.
Yrs etc B.F. Massey
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Jefferson
City April 10, 1861
Col J.F. Snyder
Dr Sir
--- I would write you as long a letter as
usual but for two, or three, reasons; for instance, I am very busy
getting the laws ready for the printer, I have to work very steady at
this, because it is the only thing there is any money in about my
office. Another reason is I am not well, and another is, I have nothing
special to write. --- I am glad, very glad, to hear your business is
increasing --- Respects to your family, and to Freeman and family.
Yrs truly B.F. Massey
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Jefferson
City May 31, 1861
Col Snyder
Sr Sir --- Yours of the
23rd was recd in due time, and yours of 29th if
just now recd. I have not written to you because I know nothing in
reference to matters in the South West that you did not appear to know,
and because I was doubtful if I write through the office whether it
even would reach you. Our P.O. here is an appointee of Lincoln. --- I
write this at my home, with bad pen and. Our eldest born was married
last night to Warwick Hough.
Yrs truly B.F.
Massey
P.S. Get your house in
order to live under Black Republicanism or
emigrate --- I shall leave, it may however be a year
first.
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1B
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6. B.F. Massey: Letters: 1858-1861: Dr. Snyder's Political
Indoctrination, Aspirations, and Accomplishments. |
(excerpts)
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City of
Jefferson. Jany 16, 1858
Doct J.F. Snyder
Inspector of the 6th Military District
with
the Rank of Col:
Dr Doct
Col: Yours of 8th inst is before me. I
am sorry to hear there is even a Semblance of your glory being filched
from you. The facts are, that your really are inspector of the 6th
Military district, and this Mr. Thompson you speak of is inspector for
the third. --- As regards the duties incumbent upon you, I have no
doubt the Laws will be distributed a long time before you will have any
occasion to act. The law contemplates a volunteer system exclusively.
---
Yrs Truly B.F.
Massey
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Jefferson
City. April 17, 1858
Doct J.F. Snyder
Dr Sir -- there is no telling
what ambition, when it gets the least hold, will put a man up to. Now
scarce two moons have waxed and waned since you thought you were
content, and your spontaneous, ardent prayer was to be left alone to
die in peace. But the subtle and insinuating spirit approached you in
its most modish garb, nothing but Inspector of Militia for the 6th
congressional district, and behold the result already --- a candidate
to have the sovereignty of a thousand concentrated in yourself. Well it
may be unfortunate for you, but I am glad of it. I hope if you have a
competitor at all you may have one worthy of you. I could offer you
some of that cheapest commodity in the world, advice, but as it is a
sort of charity too cheap to be very highly estimated by myself I won't
do it. --- Give my best regards to old friends --- write and let me
know if you slept any the night after you got that commission. ---
Very
Respectfully
B.F. Massey
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Jefferson
City July 3rd, 1860
Mr. J.F. Snyder
Dr Doctor -- I spoke to the Gov:
a few days ago in reference to the appointment of a Surveyor for your
County.--- You may rest assured this matter will be alright. ---
I am in high hopes there
is no doubt of your election, religion or no
religion. by the by that is a very weak humbug I think. I mean this
religion matter.---
Please to excuse this long
letter --- and write and let us know how
your Canvas is getting on.
Very
Respectfully B.F. Massey
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Office of
Secretary of State
City of Jefferson
July 26, 1858
Col J.F. Snyder
Sir --- The Governor, Seems to be
under the impression that you have never recd your Commission as
Division Inspector of the Honorable Missouri Volunteers raised and to
be raised in the Sixth Division. He is also under the impression it may
not suit you just at this time to go into active Service. Acting upon
these impressions he now forwards you by Special express your
Commission -- and at the same time forwards one for Mr. J. A. B. Dodson
of Vernon County. Active service it seems is required forth with on the
Frontier. It is the Governor's wish that you should serve, if you can
possibly make it convenient to do so.
Very Respectfully
B.F. Massey
Secy of State
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Jefferson
City Sept 1, 1858
Col Doctor John F. Snyder
My dear Col; Yours of the 13th
inst was recd yesterday. You must absolve me from all intention, and
not only from all intention but from any act calculated, or tending in
the least to degenerate from that high and commanding position that I
freely admit the Militia inspector of the 6th Military District, Should
by all manner of means forever and ever unquestionably occupy.
I am, my dear Sir, a peace
officer - a civil peace officer, so Much So,
that I hardly know how properly to deport myself to the Honorable
Militaire, but be assured if anything may appear wrong, why, "Hont Soit
te."
I know you wrote to the
Secretary of State. And I recollect of Stating
that fact to Military fraternity here. If they dont do everything in
the world, every one of them, that they ought to do, I would for the
honor of the Corps "Call out" the last man of them, and I will be with
you to the bitter end, provided the affair shall come off where trees
are plenty, So that I shall have a fair chance of "dodging."
As regards the Serious
part of the matter - which is the Money. I
notice the gentlemen here, after they went to the border they managed
to get their expenses paid. So make out your expense account, and send
it along and I will see what can be done for you. Not forgetting to
recollect that it is presumed a Millitaire is liberal as to expenses,
---
Yrs Truly
B.F. Massey
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Jefferson
City Oct. 20, 1858
Doct J.F. Snyder
Dr Sir
--- I doubt very much whether the inspector
for the 6th district of Missouri Volunteers has ever yet had justice
done him, and I doubt very Much Whether he ever will, as long as he has
to depend on his present Commander In Chief. But I have not a Shadow of
doubt in the world the Honorable inspector will be able to survive all
this. ---
Yrs truly
B.F. Massey
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Jefferson
City Dec 10, 1858
Doct J.F. Snyder
Dr Sir
--- Yours of the 4th inst was recd on
yesterday. I was very sorry to hear of Sander's death. In my opinion a
very few better men have ever lived or died.---
So far as you are yet
known through the district, I as satisfied you
are favorably known, and your political acquaintance is being
considerably extended. Notwithstanding Johnson's great dislike to me, I
should not feel at all displeased, if he were sent to Congress from the
6th District, but I begin to think very strongly I should prefer
yourself to any one else. You see I speak rather guarded to any one
else, but I speak exactly as I feel. I am rather hard to get tied on to
a man, and from this very cause, when once on, it is almost impossible
for me to get off. But I repeat I begin to think you will do to tie to.
Phelps is now in Congress
till 4th March 1861 - and if not renominated,
and he could get into the Senate he would only be out of harness two
years, which would not be long enough to take him out of the public
eye, and under the circumstances, I should suppose such a rest would
rather agreeable, than otherwise to him - So you see I have planned it
pretty nicely Phelps in Senate, you in Congress and I Secretary of
State - which would all be very agreeable to me.
Very Respectfully
B.F. Massey
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Jefferson
City May 23, 1858
Col J.F. Snyder
Dr Sir - Yours of the 18th was
recd on yesterday. --- You speak of the S. W. getting this or that. For
myself I have never proceeded upon any such basis, and so far as my
observation has gone, I have never known Such an idea to do any one any
good in Convention. When I find a man to suit I do not care when, or in
what part of the state he lives. I know of no good that can result from
this thing of relying on, or urging the claims of sections or
localities. There has however generally been a disposition to give this
notion some attention, but I repeat I have never known this thing to
any one any good when urged prominently. For my own part, I know my own
strengths, whether in the legislature for a clerkship, or in a
Convention for a nomination has been all over the state, and it has
been remarked that I was really stronger in other localities than in my
own, and this is a fact, or has been a fact, at least among
politicians, and there has been two reasons for this, the one is, I had
to take a decided stand against the old soft, Jack Campbell faction,
and the other is that Certain persons, at least heretofore, among those
with whom I was acting, seemed to think it best not to give me much
prominence. ---
Very
Respectfully & truly yrs
B.F. Massey
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Jefferson
City June 7, 1859
Col J.F. Snyder
Dr Col
-- Enclosed I send a remission of fine
assessed against Thomas Nicholas --- granted on a letter of yours ---
but you do not state the amount.--- Please send me the amount and state
whether it is one fine or two --- in order to perfect my records.
And I would suggest that
this case must make you careful what you ask
at the hands of our Gov: --- Anything you ask is to be granted, the
necessity for care. ---
Yrs truly
B.F. Massey
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Jefferson
City June 14, 1859
Col J.F. Snyder
Dr Sir --- You see I have dropped
the "Doctor".
Yours of the 8th was recd
in due time, and as the merchants would say
"Contents noted."
The Governor remits fines
So Indiscriminately, that as a matter of
course some unworthy cases will slip through. I Incs. a letter from
this Holyfield expressing great thanks, and also expressing a great
solicitude for the remission of the fine in this Nichols case; he also
said that if ever the Gov, or I, would pass that way, he would
roll out a whole barrel of the very best old Bourbon.
In reference -- to what I
say about urging claims for nominations on
account of locality --- so far as my observations have gone Sectional
distribution does not control State Conventions, and it is mainly
because I have never seen this the case, that I hold the opinion it is
of no avail to urge it. This is a matter that can be determined by a
retrospection; and; and this retrospection or the instances it is not
necessary for me to specify. The last Convention paid no attention to
this whatsoever. --- Now I beg of you not to consider I wish to
quibble with you about a thing of really no great importance. I thought
it only of sufficient importance to mention, and if you think I am in
any degree wrong about it, I am more than willing you should take your
own course. I have brought the matter to your attention and am entirely
willing you should exercise your own judgment about it. I dont intend
there shall be any course of difference politically between us, even
ever so trifling if I can help it, and I say this because I have great
confidence in your politics.
Dont hurt yourself
reading. This is no jest. I have long thought
many lawyers cripple, and cramp good minds, by storing them too full of
the ideas of others. ---
Yrs B.F. Massey
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Jefferson
City July 27, 1859
Col J.F. Snyder
Dr Sir --- I am completely posted
as to you and Peabody's difficulty, and have been as to every slip of
it. I have seen your letters both to him and the Gov, and his to you.
And in full view of the whole matter, I must say, I dont know what the
devil I am to do with you. With a fine prospect of becoming influential
and use useful both to yourself and friends, you are so fiery as in all
probability unnecessarily to kick the fat in fire. I could say enough I
think to convince you that a great deal of prudence is necessary in
determining who, or what to notice, and how to notice it, but I am
afraid to do it. You did wrong according to my judgment, in writing to
the "Gov: that you would, or did, sign petitions to him, and then would
write a letter against the prayer of the petitioner leaving the gov
entirely out of view, the wrong was toward yourself. Such a letter
would of course, if acted in conformity will be filed with the petition
in the case.
Peabody seemed to be under
the impression Such would not be the case,
and that since the Gov would be dong an act without any thing to show
to sustain him, or in fact when every thing that could be shown would
be of a contrary tendency to the act done, or left undone. He feels
under obligation, I think entirely sincerely, to do what he can to
sustain the Gov, seeing the Gov is so entirely careless about doing
anything to sustain himself.
In view of the limited
acquaintance Peabody had with you, it was to say
the least of it bad taste on his part to write to you at all upon the
subject. But bear in mind the fact that Stewart writes no more letters
as Gov than you do scarcely, and the further fact, (which I am certain
is a fact) if P's perfectly friendly intentions, and they will afford a
considerable extenuation of what might otherwise appear as unmitigated
bad taste. I tell you Stewart attends to no correspondence as Gov
whatever. In this office is "Governors Letter Book" - and there are
several already filled up. I defy any man to find the first one since
Stewart had been Gov, I mean the first single letter, or copy, in this
office written by Stewart. I learned from Peabody he intended to write
you again before he published your letter to the Gov. If you shall have
recd such a letter from before you get this. and shall reply, or
whether you do or not, I shall try and get him to withhold the
publication of yours until I can hear from you in answer to this.
I would suggest to you to
discard all fastidiousness of feeling if you
intend to have anything whatever to do with politics. Now in this case,
admitting that Peabody had perpetrated a rudeness, where is the
advantage resulting to any one from giving it such marked notice, on
the other hand what injury could have resulted to you, if you had not
noticed it at all.
And further how will you
or any other person appear in print whose name
is signed to a petition setting for the that there is a good ground for
the executive clemency in the case, followed by a letter saying there
is no such ground whatever.
Now I would not knowing
counsel any one to do a dishonorable act, but I
think you had better cool off, and engineer out of this scrape if you
can. And I think the best plan is to ask a return of your letter in the
Sanford case, saying upon mature reflection you have concluded not
hereafter to put your name to a petition, unless you think there is
sufficient merit in it to justify it; and say to Peabody that you were
not at the time fully aware of all the circumstances attending his
position, or you would not have written as you have done; though with
the knowledge of the case you had when you wrote you still think your
letter justifiable.
Now I do most sincerely
ask you to consider all I have said as
springing from pure friendship, and if it shall be insurmountably
disagreeable to you, I will take its every work back, though I think
there is right good, hard horse sense in it. There is not a person
above the soil who has any idea, or shadow of an idea of my writing to
you on this subject. In particular Peabody has never hinted that I
should do anything in the premises -- when reading to me, his or your
letters, he has scarcely, if any all, that he wanted any expression
from me on the premises. I have said that I thought you were a little
hasty, and that I thought his letters did not seem to indicate any
unkind feelings. -- I mean I have said this to Peabody. I am not aware
it has been spoken of at all here, only it was alluded to in the
presence of Starke, but barely alluded by Peabody, and it has been
mentioned, but not in detail, by me to Ewing. ---
Yrs Truly
B.F. Massey
|
|
Note: In Dr. Snyder's
handwriting, is this notation:
"No, I'll
make no concession to the d____d Yankee. I was wrong of course about
the petition, but I'll not knuckle down to any Ohio Free-Soiler."
|
Peabody, of Ohio, was Governor Bob Stewart's private Secretary.[Ed.]
|
Jefferson
City Aug 10th, 1859
Col J.F. Snyder
Dr Sir
--- Yours of the 1st inst came to hand in due
time.
As regards the Peabody
affair, since I recd yours, I said to him, your
wished, or would like to know if your letter was published, whether it
was done with the knowledge and consent of the Gov. His answer was,
that it was a matter with which the Gov had nothing to do, that is, as
to whether he should publish the letter or not, and added, however that
he knew the Gov's views about the whole matter, and further added that
it had seemed to be your wish, or inclination, to mix up the Gov with
this business, and that he did not intend it should be done. I only
answered in reply that there would be no possible way of keeping the
Governor out of the matter --- that the letter out of which his
difficulty grew, and that the letter he proposed to publish, was not
letter of his (Peabody's) nor was it a letter with which he had
anything to do, properly.
Nothing more has passed
between us on that subject, but I am of the
opinion you will not hear anything more of him in any way in reference
to this matter at the present, but no doubt should he ever see an
opportunity when he can make it tell on you he will use it. I do not
think however you are in any danger from Peabody, if you are ever
harmed, in any degree by this occurrence, it will be by what you
yourself said, and not by anything P[eabody] can say.
And by way of dismissal of
this subject, allow me to say to you again,
that in my opinion you will find it much better not to sign anything,
that you intend afterwards to write against. I could mention some
notable instances where this kind of proceeding has done more, utterly
to destroy mans influence and standing than anything else they ever
did.---
I have one other remark to
make in this connection, it is this --- the
only extenuating circumstances in Peabody's case is, what you are not
even yet definitely advised of, though I have mentioned it to you, viz;
that in fact Stewart has but little more to do with the duties of
Governor than your have. ---
If I can help along your
Probate Court project I shall be pleased to do
it. When I observed applications now being made, as to taking U. S.
Census, I did not refer to Polk County, I know of no one who has made
any application in Polk. ---
Yrs Truly
B.F. Massey
|
|
Jefferson
City Jany 27, 1860
Col. J.F. Snyder
Dr Sir --- We are to have
fun alive now in a short time, and no mistake
--- the tremendous Shock between -- Peabody and Snyder. At least so I
judge thinks P[eabody]. --- the subject came up about the charge of
ownership and Editorship of the Courier, and McCoy rather sniggered,
and observed that democracy had been going under ever since Cory &
Snyder had had anything to do with it in Polk, just before this remark
was with Peabody came in; Soon after it was made McC[oy] stept out;
P[eabody] allowed he would soon give you a load you would find it
impossible to carry --- that from what he could learn you were an
incubus on the party in Polk.
I allowed I should now
think of going to McC[oy] to learn who was an
incubus on the party. P said he had the same thing through others. I
told him if he had no objection I would like to know who in Polk
represented you as an incubus on the party --- he declined to say at
present, but it would all come forth in good time, and when it did come
forth it would be overwhelming. It was not stated, exactly when this
total observation would occur, but I have an idea it will be by or
before your county meeting. I know P[eabody] took Freeman to his room,
or Freeman was at his room, and he P[eabody] rehearsed this whole
matter to him, I know this because Freeman told me of it. He,
F[reeman], in talking to me about it, seemed to think it nothing only
something to laugh at P[eabody's] expense, at least so his manner
struck me. I don't suppose it possible F[reemen] could have told
P[eabody] you was an incubus upon the party in Polk.
Now, I know personally you
do not care a straw about all this, but
P[eabody] is going to connect democracy with it, and you are now a
Democratic Sentinel thus I ask you to excuse one work of Counsel with
you upon the matter.
So Far as the democratic
party is concerned P[eabody] is a cypher ---
therefore if you notice what he may say at all, I would only say, if
any one worth Notice will say the same thing you may notice it. And of
possible dont let anything he may say touch your feelings, for if such
a thing could be in any instant, it would be the case in this, that a
man could gain nothing in his own estimation nor in the estimation of
any other person by inflicting personal chastisement. Recollect this
man it is understood begged at the hands of Switzler.
Very Respectfully
& truly yrs
B.F. Massey
|
|
Jefferson
City Aug 25, 1860
Col J.F. Snyder
Dr Sir --- As regards your
comment here for anything profitable. Either
Secretary or Assistant will pay a man tolerably, say 6 or 7 hundred a
year. It has been paying a great deal more than, but the day of the
allowance I think is over.
Now my advice is if you
have any serious intention about the matter to
begin right away. An I would strike for the Senate, You would have
Parsons and Peyton and Frazier to begin with, the two former as
influential as any in the body. And I know senators I have the best
reason to believing I can aid you with.
My plan used to be; and it
was always entirely successful. When I was
not well acquainted with the Member to write to some person I was
acquainted, and who knew the Member. The fact is as a general thing a
man can be more successfully approached by a third person than by the
one directly interested. Another thing about it is, that the Senate is
the more decidedly anti Douglass. I think Warwick Hough intends to be a
candidate for Secretary again. And if so, so many of the Senators
holding over it moved hard to beat him. Hence you had better strike if
you strike at all for Assistant. I have no doubt such an arrangement
could be made as would make the places nearly equal as to emolument. If
you conclude to pitch in, let me know right away so I can go to writing.
Yrs &c B.F. Massey
|
|
Jefferson
City Sept 3, 1860
Col J.F. Snyder
Dr Sir --- Yours of the
31st is just recd. I have written to
Halliburton and will write to Horner Today. Judge Johnson is the man to
write to Goodlett, a letter to him from me would rather set you back.
this is a kind of
electioneering I am fully up to. I know this because
I have tried it twice.
In 1846 I had a large
majority of the lower house committed to me
before they came here, and yet I had never seen or heard of one in ten
of them or they of me. The thing is to know through whom to approach a
man. Now how to approach Doctor Wright I dont now know. I cant do it
that's certain, but I will try and find out his blind side.
I have not heard yet of
any one for this place, but of course there
will be some one, or a dozen. Cant you get at Churchill?
I dont want to raise your
expectations too much, but I do think you
will stand a very good chance. But always, while using every exertion
to succeed, familiarize yourself with failure.
It is highly necessary
Polk should be represented in the Convention,
and it might advance your chances in this other matter to be here, in
that view however I do not think ti of much importance. But bear in
mind some one must come to the conv. from Polk. ---
Yrs B.F. Massey
|
|
Jefferson
City Nov 1, 1860
Col J.F. Snyder
Dr Sir --- Yours of 26th
ult is recd. --- As regards the matter of your
running for Clerk. I have to say, if a place or anything also, is worth
enough to induce one to have, or take it; it is worth the proper and
necessary exertion to get it.
I told Winslow Turner, in
the Matter of Speaker, and i told Ferry and
Ament in the Matter of Auditor this same thing.
The time seems to be past
when we can get places thrust upon us. You
should either at once open a very general correspondence in reference
to the matter, or give it up. A man does not do himself justice,
in cases of this kind, unless he uses every effort. If this is not
done, members who come here, if not actually committed, at least pre
possessed in favor of some one. I don't mean by a general
correspondence that you should write to every Member, but to Members of
our party who may have influence in different parts of the State.
I have an idea, that for
some reason you do not feel disposed to make
such exertions as are absolutely necessary to Success in case of this
kind. If this is so, better give it up at once.
I am willing, and more
than willing, to do all I can for you and have
not failed, so far as occasion has afforded to do it, and shall
continue to do so.
I have said to you, I
thought your prospects not so good for Clk. as
for Ast: Sec. This was entirely on account of political reasons.
Nevertheless if you go in at all, go in with all your might.
I have heard through
others, that Hurton has intimated Something about
joining forces with you. Such a thing need not be positively accepted
or rejected, as it may turn out it may suit you better to join forces
with Some one else, and for the further reason it is very probable the
Same intimation has been thrown out by him, to every other candidate.--
Give my best and most
pious regard to Freeman.
Yrs Truly
B.F. Massey
|
|
Note; in J.F. Snyder's
handwriting:
"I gave it
up of course. Couldn't have accepted it if offered to me unanimously."
|
|
Jefferson City April 10, 1861
Col J.F. Snyder
Dr Sir --- I have not asked Jackson to appoint you Judge of Probate. If
you could have procured an application without letting both he, and
Myself know you only wanted it to decline it, it would have been
better. As it is I have doubts he would appoint you, if I was to ask
him. You and Freemen can easily take such steps as to get the
appointment of your friend Newland. In the meantime Griggs, Cowan and
McCoy, and I dont know how many more, are getting up petitions. The
Governor is in St. Louis now, but will be back in a day or two. If you
feel sufficient interest in the matter, let Newland get up a little
petition, and I think there will be no difficulty. In such cases, when
it is so easy to keep the record right it ought to be done. ---
Yrs truly
B.F. Massey
|
|
|
1C
|
6.B.F. Massey: Letters: 1858-1861: Missouri
State Politics, Problems and Plans |
|
Background. Prior to the
period of this 1858-1861 series of letters from Massey to Dr. Snyder,
the character of the Democratic party in Missouri had changed radically.
|
The conservative, fiscally
responsible, "Old Democrats" had become a minority; a larger,
overly-liberal majority had formed the incumbent State Administration.
|
Massey and Snyder and the rest
of the "Old Democrats" were very dissatisfied with many of the policies
and activities of the incumbent administration. Massey devotes over
half of the word-volume of this series of letters to these
dissatisfactions, and to attempts to solve them.
|
In deference to the great
concern that these "Old Democrats" felt about the incumbent
administration's performance, I have elected to let excerpts from B.F.
Massey's vigorously penned letters speak for themselves.
|
Practically every one of these
Massey letters spoke to these State problems. For clarity I have taken
these subjects one at a time.
|
All these letters were written
by Massey in Jefferson City to Dr. Snyder, at Bolivar, Polk Co., Mo.
|
Railway State Aid. Massey
expressed the "Old Democrat" feeling that the volume of State aid being
granted to build railroads was excessive, and that the money itself was
being improvidently and recklessly spent. The following excerpts from
his letters illustrate the intensity and flavor of these feelings:
28
Dec.
1858
|
"-- the board of
directors
of the North Mo. Rail Road --- instructed the President of the board to
prepare a bill asking for Two Million More of State aid --- the
resolution was unanimously accepted. Now Hancock Jackson was a member
of that board and was present."
|
5
Feb.
1859
|
"Railroads, Banks and
Savings institutions --- are of really great importance, involving as
they do, great monied interests. With me there would be no difficulty
at all. I would adopt such measures and pursue such a course, as would
free the government from any speculation project as soon as possible.
"It is
very doubtful, I think, whether there will be a dollar more of
bonds, loaned to any railroad Company, at least at this Session. This
will not result because the present legislature is one whit less
reckless than others --- but because the amount, about 4 1/2 Millions
is not sufficient to satisfy enough interests to command Votes enough.
If the aid could be confined to the old roads, they could fix up and
divide out this small sum very quickly, but there is a host of new
projects --- who think they have a much better claim on the 4 1/2
millions than the old roads."
|
20
Mar. 1859
|
"I tell you it was
refreshing and strengthening to see the lower house --- swear they
would be plundered no longer. --- the North Missouri was indefinitely
postponed, and the Pacific could have an early burial. --- I am pretty
certain the last bond has been authorized to give to an incorporated
Company to build Railroads in Missouri, for at least a generation to
come.
"Have
not the Railroads laid themselves liable to be taken possession
of by the State."
|
18
Apr. 1859
|
"Rail road matters so
absorb the minds of our law makers, they had scarcely any time to talk
about Governors.
"It is
one thing to build rail roads, and it is another and very
different thing to submit to being swindled and plundered. --- there is
not a restriction in the law that any one could object to that intended
to deal fairly with the peoples money, that has been handed over
to them so lavishly. --- the Company are now getting occasionally
issues of the guaranteed bonds, and I suppose are managing to use them
some how, notwithstanding the complaint was a year or so ago, that they
could do nothing with them. My own impression is that the new directory
being men of worth, and mostly new men in the board, are buying the
bonds themselves, or getting friends to advance money on them, hoping
thereby to keep up a sham that will enable them to operate on the
legislature with in the fall. I have no doubt the Pacific will pay the
July interest in some way --- but the interest will not be paid by the
earnings of the road, though the Pike Peak business is a perfect
Godsend to them. --- If no further interest is paid, no further
disposition can be made of guaranteed bonds, and the Company must
forfeit its charter, and the rail, & lands. --- that will be a
blessed day for the whole state, and the South West branch in
particular - for the whole state, because many millions of dollars of
State debt will be Sound and the Southwest branch will built for the
lands --- in less time. --- It has been demonstrated that this Devin
Stanchliff & Co. Contract swallows up at least a fourth of the
money necessary to build the road. --- It is not a fact that any one
wants to stop the railroads, all that is wanted is to stop the
swindling. --- My own impression is the people will have all the
principal of the debt to pay, and in fact as the Companies forfeit sell
them out' --- I could write a book right strait along at one sitting,
and not get through with the rascality of this --- system, but I dont
intend to do it quite just now."
|
6
Sep.
1859
|
"The Pacific Road to
Syracuse is about 170 miles it cost in round numbers 10 millions, which
is within a fraction fo 60,000 per mile. What it ought to have cost is
a different question. But the opinion of many of those best qualified
to say, is not over 35,000 at the outside."
|
18
Dec.
1859
|
"The
railroad plunderers have come to a deadlock, as I was
confident they would. --- No bill can pass, unless it be the one to
sell out the roads, that I think will pass. I am confident the selling
out will succeed, because no other sort of bill can pass, and because
it appears the roads can be sold for a great deal more that most of us
supposed, and because the Republicans approve it." |
22
Jan. 1860
|
"--- so far as the
action
of the democrats as a party is concerned the present Railroad system
has gone under - Yet the Republican wants us to commit ourselves
to the policy of the State furnishing the means to complete them."
|
27
Jan. 1860
|
"The democracy I have
no
doubt will stop the system we have been building Railroads on. --- Nor
will there be any difficulty in bringing out party into line, in
opposition to any further State aid, unless it is in the South west.
"Now
our Railroad men will prove to any one who will believe what they
say the Pacific will pay even at the price it will cost the State, and
no man can know it wont, this being so some one may be found at this
stage of the game to give a pretty fair price for it, and then there is
no margin for imagination.
"In
reference to the S. W. Branch it is new idea that more aid was
wanted to complete it. The complaint has been the Company would not use
what they had.--- there never has been one Single Rail road bill passed
that the projectors ever expected to act up to. To secure a present
purpose in some respect, they will put in a bill something entirely
fair to be done in the future, While the thing they wan is always done
at once, that is to get bonds. Those things to be done in the future
are always superseded by some subsequent bill - to in this Boyd bill
there is nothing in it certain but the issue of bonds to all the roads
referred to in but the S. W. Branch.-- Certain payments are to be made
at a certain future time in the matter of accruing and arrearages of
interest, and failing to do this, as anybody would know they would
fail, all further issue of bonds is to be stopped. Before this period
however the bonds provided for the Pacific Road will be drawn - not so
however with the S. W. Branch - that Branch having two millions, about,
provided and yet undrawn, this amount could not fit they would, and
would not if they could be used within the prescribed time. But the
object was to get bonds for the Pacific."
|
9
Feb.
1860
|
"It is very generally
know
Phelps has taken the ground since the constitutional limitation was
adopted, that none of the margin should be given to the rail roads. I
shall stand by your in this matter while there is a Jacket to your
button."
|
24
Apr. 1860
|
"It is astonishing
how many of our people are partial to our Railroad system,
notwithstanding they will admit what has been done is a Stupendous
Swindle. There are so many that think they see a dollar about the thing
somewhere for them, they are willing to keep their tongues still, in
reference to admitted outrage."
|
1
May
1860
|
"There cannot be, under
the present rate of taxation an amount of money even got from the
treasury sufficient to pay interest [on the Railroad bonds]. In 1859 we
levied a mill tax to pay interest. Now if the mil tax of 1859 was
realized soon enough to meet the Jany interest, and a short term loan
was negotiated payable from this mill tax when recd. It has been recd,
and fell short some Fifty thousand dollars, which fifty thousand
dollars was taken from the treasury, and now there is not money in the
treasury to pay to the Counties the school fund, which --- has to be
paid about this time, and which must be paid and will be paid somehow.
Nw bear in ;mind that this mill tax is not sufficient to pay a semi
annual interest. And now the auditor and treasurer are about making
arrangements to pay the July interest. This money, some half a million,
they will try and raise in New York. Up to this time we have been
paying about nine percent to get money to pay maturing interest, but
what they will have now to pay is very uncertain. The rabid railroad
men will figure it out to their own satisfaction --- that there will be
enough surplus in the treasury at the end of each or any fiscal year to
pay interest on our railroad debt, without any increased taxation, but
when the end of the fiscal year arrives, it is never there. --- Stop
your Millions of state debt, and this prodigality will, as it has been
doing for the last 8 years, increase."
|
|
Bank Matters. Massey
was much concerned about the imprudence and uncontrolled proliferation
of Missouri State banks being permitted by the incumbent
administration. The excerpts that follow illustrate his concern:
5
Feb.
1859
|
"Of
all
Bank ridden State, that ever was, Missouri will be the worst in a
short time. --- To begin with, we have one in St. Louis, in St. Charles
one, in Hannibal, two, Palymyra one. Memphis, La Grange, Alexandria,
Paris, Canton, Fulton, Columbia, Chillicothe, Gallatin, Milan, Fayette,
Brunswick, Richmond, Liberty, Weston, St. Joseph, Savanna, each one,
and Glascow two, those are on the North side of the River. Then we have
St. Genevieve, Cape Giradeau, Charleston, New Madrid, Boonville,
Lexington, Independence, Kansas City, Warrensburg, Oecola, Warsaw and
Springfield on the South Side. Now then we will have I believe 46
Banks, and there may be more than that I cant now think of. And thirty
of these banks are now in operation, to which the Commissioners has
issued about 15 of circulation.
"And the horror of the
whole thing is, it is all regarded as pure
democracy, and concerns that are the special pets of democrats. ---
Such democrats must be got rid of in official position.
" --- It is highly
probable that between this and the end of the next
governors term, the whole Bank bubble will explode. Then it will be
necessary to have --- a bill signed legalizing suspension --- and
enforce the law against Corporations as well as against individuals."
|
9
Jul.
1859
|
"I
shall
write a few articles about banks, and especially our Missouri
Banks."
|
6
Sep.
1859
|
"---
in
view of the talk about the suspension of the banks, that specie
payments must be maintained, or the whole concern must go into
liquidation - and in less that a week, he [Hancock] was here lobbying
for the bill legalizing the suspension. --- a strict acting our his
duties under the law would have shut up a majority of the banks in the
State."
|
18
Dec.
1859
|
"The
banks
have concluded not to ask for any legislation. Our banks turn out
to be almost powerless for good, or evil. Their circulation feature is
completely hampered, and that is the feature most complained of."
|
|
The Split Democratic Party.
Massey was ever hopeful of restoring the conservative "Old Democrats:
to power, or at least of increasing their influence in State matters. A
few excerpts from his numerous writings on this subject:
3
Jul.
1858
|
"I
am
pleased to see anything taking place that may have a tendency again
to bring democrats together. We have already suffered greatly by their
division. I notice this same thing is taking place in many Counties.
--- I am satisfied we shall have another sort of democrats, quote, in
the next legislature from those we have had for several Sessions past.
--- I would freely give at least five per cent of all I am worth in the
world to establish an able reliable democratic Organ in this State."
|
21
Oct.
1858
|
"Since
all
of democracy has become merged in the issue about Slavery, I have
not as much confidence in Democracy as I used to have. Under the lead
of Paschall, Democracy is done for in Missouri."
|
5
Feb.
1859
|
"I
tell
you democracy in Missouri is a dead cock in the pit. Nevertheless
I think that those claiming to sail under that flag, can and will carry
the elections for some time to come --- not because there is much
virtue in the democratic party taken as a whole, but because there is
no virtue at all in the opposition."
|
10
Aug.
1859
|
"When
business
is controlled by a coterie that governs the Missouri
Republicans, and who now call themselves "National Democrats", and who
would consider it a disgrace to be called a "Democrat:, --- I would say
democracy will become again aroused,and when aroused, democracy is hard
to beat.
"I think either [W.P.
Johnson and W.F. Hall] are two of the strongest
men in the State. --- I think either of them could come nearer uniting
the ole democracy than anybody else."
|
18
Dec.
1859
|
"There
is
a very general desire to unite the old democratic party. Jackson's
warmest friends fear this could not be done with him."
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|
The Impending Civil War.
Massey's letters contain profuse discussion of Missouri's State and
County political affairs, and of the selection and elections of a
Governor more favorable toward the interests of the "Old Democrats."
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There was nearly a total absence
of discussion of National political matters.
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But this changed when the
slavery question became an issue:- Missouri, a border State, was deeply
involved.
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As there is a relatively small
volume of discussion of the related
subjects of slavery, a new President, secession and rebellion, I have
quoted excerpts in full:
3
Jul.
1858
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"I,
of
course, am not in favor of emancipation, nor am I in favor of any
one who is in favor of it. But, I know full well no one is making this
issue, and it will be time enough for democrats to bother themselves
with it when it is made. I think too that influences are at work by and
through which the anti slaverites hope in time to make Missouri a free
state, but this is not expected to be brought about by Legislation."
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21
Oct.
1858
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"I
am
[not] any less decided on that [slavery] issue than I have always
been. I do not think that the slavery issue is all of democracy, and
therefore it follows I think a man's position on this issue does not
necessarily decide his political character."
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1
May
1860
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"There
is
much surprise felt here in reference to --- a resolution in our
Convention bearing upon [Stephen A.] Douglas' position. We shall see
what we shall see --- matters seem to be tending toward a Crisis. Oh!
how I do long to see niggerism exploded in some way - in any way."
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3
Jun.
1860
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"I
believe
the Black republican will be elected president, and I think
under the circumstances it is the best thing that can happen, because I
think we have amongst the politicians just as many unsound men in
reference to Slavery in the South as in the North, and the election of
[Abraham] Lincoln would enable it to be proved on them.
"It is no use talking to
Stidsney about Arms. If any of your men come
to him and fix up the papers, he will sign them, and then they can go
ahead and get them and carry them home. I have never known him to
attend to anything of this kind only when the parties were right at his
back, and done all the work. Then if you know where the guns are, let
some one come and get his order and go and get them, or in my opinion
you will never get them."
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4
Jun.
1860
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"Acking
has
just told me he has given orders to Kribben to forward the guns,
and he expects they are now on the way. I dont expect any such thing. I
do not think he spoke to Kribben about it, but then he might as well
have spoken to the wall of any house in St. Louis."
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26
Jun.
1860
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"It
appears
as if our prominent men were determined to hurry on the day
when Missouri shall be abolishenized."
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4
Jul.
1860
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"I
hope
these tender footed, mouthy, proslavery men in Missouri, who
surrender when services are most needed, will live to see the day when
every big buck negro in the state will have the right to range himself
alongside of them, their full equal in every political right, and the
political right being secured, the social equality will soon follow as
a matter of course.
"And I believe they are
pursuing such a course, that if this does not
overtake them, it will most certainly come upon their children."
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25
Aug.
1861
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"Secession
is
tremendously popular, and every day becoming more so. The great
difficulty now is to keep secession back awhile. Almost literally we
have nothing for our people to defend themselves with. We want them to
have a chance to make and save a really big crop. In the meantime,
every thing is being done to provide arms and ammunition. We will have
but little difficulty, if any, about money, but the arms and ammunition
is the devil. If we knew where to get them, there would be great
difficulty in getting them here, but in a few months they must be
provided, if we have to make them ourselves. But about this the less
said the better. All possible action will be bad. The Missouri
Republican as usual is doing us all the harm it can. Among other things
it is making us out as being much more destitute than we really are.
"I suppose unless the
legislature meets, no one will know, for a good
while after it is done, what is done.
"It is probable Price
will call the Convention shortly. He says he
knows they would pass an ordinance of secession in a day, and for that
it would be called forthwith, the idea is now not whether we will
secede, but the only question is when, and this will depend on the
headway we may make in arming and equipping.
"Again I want to suggest
to you that the less said about all this the
better. You are Military Man enough to understand this.
"In the meantime, you and
"Ole Abe" had better do what you can to keep
the secession from raging. Ole Abe is secure in that line sure."
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29
Apr.
1861
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"Nobody,
or
very few bodies, have any further use for the convention. The
Insident Sterling Price --- is of the opinion they would now, or any
day pass an ordinance of secession. I doubt it. I would much prefer
they should not be convened.
"The Legislature can
propose an ordinance of secession, and if
the people ratify it, all is right. We are here, entirely satisfied an
ordinance would be sustained now by the people by a very large majority.
"A united North is fast
making a united South, as those who are not
with us will have to keep their mouths shut.
We are doing something
even in advance of the action of the legislature
toward getting arms and ammunition, though mostly I can not tell you
exactly what it is, as the commander in Chief, and his staff, are very
shy on this subject. A couple of Steamboat loads of powder arrived here
yesterday and are now lying discharged. I understand there is Somewhere
between 6 and 7 thousand kegs, and I dont know how much salt peter and
brimestone. There is also something going on about guns too, but I dont
know what. I have purposely avoided knowing anything particular about
these things. I only know, and have advised, as to what should be done,
if possible, and am then content to leave the execution to those whose
special duty it is.
"The Secession fire is
raging, and if Lincoln shall not stay his hand,
the devil himself cant keep Missouri in the Union."
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31
May
1861
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"I
am
doubtful if I write through this office whether it ever would reach
your. Our P.O. here is an appointee of Lincoln.
"The chief object of an
arrangement with Harney was to preserve the
peace of the State, as we claim the State has done nothing for which
she should be advanced on, and though the Gen'l Govt. had acted
inexcusably, we could only grin and bear it for awhile.
"It is probable Harney
would act up to do it in good faith if he could,
but it is continually represented to him that good loyal Union Men are
outraged in every conceivable way. The result is he intends to receive
into the U.S. Service and arms, troops at (among other places)
Springfield. Our folks are fully aware of what Phelps is doing &
what he and others are causing Harney to do, this thing of establishing
home guards in different parts of the State is calculated to, if it
does not produce an armed conflict.
The question with me, is
whether it is worth while to make any
resistance in Missouri. For long, as I think you are aware, I have
despaired of Missouri. I believe a large majority of the people upon
the issue Lincoln is presenting, that is, of fighting our way into the
Southern Confederacy, are opposed to it, and I have no idea we can ever
get there in any other way, and under the circumstances it is doubtful
whether we can get there in that way.
"The long and short of it
in my estimation is that a very decided
majority of the governing influences are in favor of Missouri remaining
with the old U.S. The policy of the State for the last 10 years has
completely transformed the character of Missouri, and every thing of a
political character as a state she has come since that time proves it.
"Any one familiar with
the Missouri of 10 years since, can have no
doubt what, in emerging like the present would have been her course,
and I hope almost everything that has been done in that time, not
alone because each in itself was wrong, but also because its tendency
was utterly and absolutely demoralizing.
"P.S. Get your house in
order to live under Black Republicans or
emigrate - I shall leave, it may however be a year first."
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2
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6.B.F. Massey:
Letters: 1864 - 1875: Unedited.
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Reconstruction Period.
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Preface: The 1864 - 1875
Letters. B.F. Massey wrote these letters from various places in
Missouri, as he migrated in search of a living. There are eleven
letters, nineteen pages in all. They were all addressed to Dr. Snyder
at Virginia, Cass County Illinois.
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Background: the 1864-1875
Letters. The background of these post-war series of letters from
Massey to Snyder is vastly different from that of the 1858-1861 letter
series.
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For reasons of ill health,
Massey, in late 1862, had resigned his post as Secretary of State in
the Rebel Missouri Administration, and had returned to the Fayette,
Missouri area.
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By the date, 30 Mar. 1864, of
the earliest of these letters, the South had lost the War. Massey was
53 years old, without profession or trade, without capital, and had a
wife and ten children.
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He could expect no assistance
from formerly influential friends and associates in his efforts to earn
a living. They were in the same serious situation that he was; deported
Rebels, also without capital, also seeking in any way possible to make
a living.
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Dr. Snyder was more fortunate.
After his active service as a Colonel in the Confederate army, he had
returned to his native Illinois, settled at Virginia, Cass County,
Ill., and at age 34 was able to successfully resume his medical
practice.
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There were wide intervals
between these letters; perhaps there were others that have not
survived. Their tone and contents suggest that they were written in
answer to questions by Dr. Snyder concerning Massey's situation and
progress.
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Analysis: the 1864-1875
Letters. These eleven letters are personal in the extreme, mainly
reporting Massey's many and desperate attempts to make a living.
Reflecting their long Missouri political association, there is some
dialog on political matters
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As these letters are so
intensely and poignantly personal, I have transcribed them here,
unedited, exactly as written.
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Doct.
Snyder - I have just received Doct. Hunters "inhaling instruments", and
Medicines; unfortunately the bowl of the inhaling instrument is broken.
I send it by Frank to see
if you can raise anything in the shape of a
bottle that will answer until I can get another bowl from St. Louis -
the bowl would hold about a half pint and if you can find anything, it
must hold about a half pint.
B.F.M.
At Home, March 30, 1864
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1864
Mr. J.M. Wilson - or
Col. J.F. Snyder
My very dear friend, I am
out of liquor. If you can possibly
accommodate Me, by the loan of about a gallon, you will very greatly
oblige Me. by or before this is out, I will have to send the wagon to
Boonville and I will return it dead sure.
Hard at Work as usual.
Cant you come out So as I can have an excuse to
stop -- Yrs. B.F. Massey
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St. Louis
Feby 13, 1865
Mr. Col; Doct; Snyder
My dear friend and
Pitcher. In the name of God: Amen.
I am wearied, worried,
bothered, distressed &c &c, beyond my
power to express. I have been away from my dear poor children for over
a month, a good part of the time in Illinois, trying to find a home,
and have been entirely unsuccessful.
The getting away from my
present abode involves in my opinion, the
Small matter of life and death, hence my anxiety in the premise.
I have just met with John
Wilson here, and he suggested I had better
write to you.
If you can hear of any
place, that you think would suit me, I want you
to write to me. You know about the sort of house I could get along
with. As to farm, the boys and I could manage, with the aid of the gang
plows they have in Ill, 100 acres of Corn land. I would like some
pasture and some meadow &c &c, but these are my likes,
Something less than my likes I could manage under the circumstances to
get along with. The difficulty in the Matter may be to get a man to
wait until you Could hear from me, Should you meet with a place. But if
you should meet with a place, and would be Minute in your description,
I can write at once, Whether I would take it or not. If you Should meet
with a ;place with less than 100 acres of corn land, and other land
contiguous can be rented, that would Suit. As to price or terms, I have
but little choice between a money and grain rent, but would rather
prefer the former.
It was my intention on my
return from Augusta [Hancock Co., Ill.] to
have gone out to your place [Virginia, Cass Co., Ill], but I made a
mistake. I thought the nearest place on the rail road was New Berlin
[Sangamo Co., Ill] but when I got there, found it was 30 Miles, and No
railroad. So I had to give it out. I wish now I had gone to see you any
how.
You will address me at
Fayette [Howard Co., Mo.]. Give my best respects
to the lady.
Yrs. Truly
B.F. Massey
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St. Louis
June 1, 1868
Mr. J.F. Snyder
Dr. Sir, How are you, and
the family.
I have about 225 Texas
Steers in the neighborhood of Sedalia [Mo.].
Four years old & upwards, rather an extra lot -
Will Weigh in present
condition about 1100. They are not fat, but in
thriving condition. Now I want to know if there is any Market for such
in your Vicinity. I would be glad to sell them for 50$ hundred - but
not a Cent less. If cant get that will keep them till fall. It dont
cost much to graze them on the prairie And isnt much trouble. Now I
know you will oblige me by inquiring around Some of your cattle Men of
Cass [County, Ill] about this matter for me. Please tender my most
Sincere regards to Mrs. S.
I would deliver the Cattle
in the R.R. Stockyards at Sedalia, for the
price above Spoken of. Address me at Sedalia, or if you can send
Purchaser.
I have no time, or
inclination to write you a syllable about public
affairs.
Yrs truly B.F.
Massey
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Newtonia,
July 15, 1869
Col J.F. Snyder
My dear Sir - I have been
intending to write you, for lo! these many
days, but hadnt done it.
I am now, & have been
Since last Nov'b, in this Historic Village.
I am selling goods, for an
old acquaintance - entirely penniless, but
making my board and clothes.
My Children are scattered.
My Youngest, now 10 years old, is here with
me. The two little girls, are at Columbia going to School; the rest of
the boys are at Springfield. Julian has been at the Asylum at Fulton
for about 18 Mos, until about the first of June last, he is now at
Springfield, not improved, and I have but little hope he will ever
recover. My older boys, are helping to take care of the little ones.
Hough is at Kansas City, and I suppose Making living.
How are you and Yours
getting on?
Politically I dont suppose
I can tell you any news, even about Mo. The
people are docile and busy - have done very well - the farms in this
part of the State since the War. The are docile, but Hell in their
necks, any by Voting they will show it, so far as radicals are
concerned, should they every get a chance to vote, which is rather
doubtful.
Drake says possibly a Reb
may be allowed to vote, after the Negro gets
his rights, but no chance in the world till then. What the devil is
this, generally, abnormal condition of things, politically to result
in? My opinion is it cant stand at what it is.
Last fall, I noticed in
the paper you Illinois folks were voting about
calling a convention to amend Constitution. I havent noticed whether it
carried or not. Neither did I even understand, what they proposed to do
in the way of amendment. I supposed the object was to disenfranchise
copperheads.
The corn crop here is very
backward and unpromising, though if there
shall be a good season from this on, there will be pretty fair crops.
The wheat was barely tolerable, but there was a large crop in. Owing to
rains in harvest, I think it will be found it is some injured in the
shock. There has as yet been no thrashing, or Stacking. Oats are very
fine.
Health good. I am very
seldom at Sarcoxie. Bill Tilton, you are, I
suppose aware, is selling goods there, generally as merry as two
crickets - habits pretty fair. Ed: Wilson sells drugs & practices
Medicine. both or each I suppose making a living - at all events, they
live.
In Jasper [County, Mo.],
more than any other County in this section,
there is a new population, and a heap of them. Carthage is terrible,
and expect to be shortly, more so. Bob Crawford, has returned, and has
a law office in Springfield.
Springfield is growing
wonderfully for the purpose of receiving the
railroad in a becoming manner which it is now confidently expected will
reach them in the course of human events, if not sooner.
Remember me most kindly
and Sincerely to your better half, and you can
say to her; Nina is now the Mother of 4 children, and I believe they
have all red heads, 2 boys and 2 not boys.
Write to me right away -
and believe me
Truly Yrs &c
B.F. Massey
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Newtonia
June 14, 1870
Doct. J.F. Snyder
Dear Sir - I notice in a
copy of the Jeffersonian, I recd the other
day, quite a compliment to myself. This I give you credit for, and
kindly return you my thanks. It is however, as complete a case of
"love's labor lost" as can be imagined.
From present indications,
it is quite probable disenfranchisement will
be removed in the fall, in which even we can vote in 1872. I suppose
however the result will be the Negro May determine Politics.
In Sincerity I may not be
able to say, "I will not live always, I ask
not to Stay." Whatever my wishes may be in this particular It is not
probable I shall not be a great while longer here. And I think I can
say in Sincerity, this is a matter I am quite reconciled about. I do
ask, or would ask if the asking would amount to anything, to pass away
without much pain or suffering. It is a happy regulation of our Natures
that the crossings and afflictions so often attendant upon our course
here, quiet, indeed almost destroy any desire to stay. Let the
hereafter be what it may, I can not but look on it as a great relief to
the hopelessly disconsolate.
I have not a hope, and
consequently not an objective purpose in life,
and if I had, no means of any sort to accomplish either. Without a
farthing of money capital, with no trade or profession, I can of course
do nothing.
You refer to honesty.
Within the last few years, I have tried in St.
Louis more than once, with old acquaintances, to get a lift up, in some
kind of occupation they know I am qualified for. My own unimpeachable
integrity and honesty were admitted, yet when that was said, "all was
said."
But for the efforts of my
older sons, several of my younger children
must have relied on charity, either public or private.
For this state of affairs
I reflect on myself most severely. I have
been simply a fool, an idiot, in a business light.
In a couple of weeks I
shall leave my present location, and dont know
where I may next cast anchor. I have no house, no home, and do not
expect to have any. Like a chip in the water, I may find an eddy
somewhere, and when I do so, will write you.
I hope you are well, and
doing well, and that your family are all well.
In a word, as Landon [Sanders] used to say, I hope you are happy.
Remember me most kindly to
Mrs. S.
Sincerely
yrs B.F. Massey
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Pierce
City Oct 24, 1870
Doct J.F. Snyder
My dear
Sir - By and through a couple Nos: of a
paper called "The Jacksonian" which I send you by this mail you will
see I am trying to be an Editor, in the interest of the so called rebel.
It is probable you will
have noticed we are likely again to be allowed
to vote. When that is so, I expect we will jump higher than dogs in
high rye. So high it is probable we will in a year or so, have to be
reconstructed, unless in the meantime we can be the means of
reconstructing the general government.
There are a great many
Illinoisians in this part of the world and I
suppose would take an interest in matter from Ill. I am told they are
chiefly democratic. Now I would take it as a favor if you would drop us
a communication occasionally. Chose your own subjects, either of a
general nature, or matters of your own state political. Of course I
would exchange with your paper but I am not certain as to its name. I
think it is Jeffersonian, but am not certain.
Remember me kindly to your
wife.
Truly yrs B.F. Massey
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Pierce
City Nov 7, 1870
Doct J.F. Snyder
Dr Sir - I am pressed for
time just now, will write you at length in a
few days. I noticed the article in the Jeffersonian. It will count for
high, Sure.
I write you now, to ask
you to send me as Soon as you can, a copy
(Pamphlet) of your new Constitution.
And Much Oblige
Yrs B.F. Massey
P.S. Stages leave here
every night, except Sunday, for Fort Smith, and
every other place, almost.
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1873
Dr. Doct:
For the time being I am at
this place (Springfield). Yours of the 30th
Ult: directed to Pierce City, reached me today.
Off hand, I am inclined to
say of Course I know nothing of anything,
about any book of such a humbug character, as a Geological Report. But
because you want to know something of that matter, I say, My Son tells
me there is not any come-at-able in these parts. That the report has
only been, as yet, in part published; that is, as yet incomplete.
Whenever I can serve you in this way I will gladly do it.
I am glad to hear you are
making a living.. Sorry to hear Mr. S[anders}
is fading - though this is natural.
I am not making a living,
indeed not even trying. I have two sons
keeping house here, and for the time am staying with them. My children
are all taking care of themselves, or trying. I have not been able to
do anything in that way for several years. I have no longer the least
interest in life.
Until the events of the
political campaign of 1872, I still felt a
great deal of interest in politics. The experiences of that campaign
eradicated all of that.
Now I am waiting as
composedly as I can, to make the least change,
which can not be long away.
Please do remember me
kindly to Mrs. S.
With the very best wishes
for both of you.
I am
with Much regard
Most Respectfully Yrs
B.F. Massey
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Neosho
Dec
14th, 1874
Mr. J.F. Snyder
Dr. Doct: I am now staying
as you will observe by the heading of this
at Neosho. One of my Sons (Frank, my 6th child, and now in his 25th
year), Married some 2 or 3 years Since, a Miss Jones, daughter of Doct.
Richard Jones, a Merchant, for a long time at this place. Mr. Jones
died some 2 or 3 years ago. A year ago last Nov, the youngest child of
the Jones's came of age, and in dividing property the store with some
real estate fell to Frank's wife. And Frank with a brother of hers,
commenced to run the old store, and Frank is still at it. Old Man Jones
left no will. The widow took a child's part. I understand there was
something over ten thousand to each heir. And that is the reason I am
here.
I was glad to hear from
you, and very glad to hear you and Mrs. Snyder
were both in good [health]. Please to tender her my most sincere
regards.
The result of the
elections, Nov. 3 has encouraged me greatly, it was a
necessity it should take place, if we were again to have the government
of the constitution.
I have still some doubts.
If Old William Allen shall be solicited for
the democratic Nominee in 1876, of course he will be elected, And shall
select Thurman as his premier four years, will suffice to again start
everything in the right direction. Thurman is a Virginia raised, and
has the sort of political tuition, eked out by old Sam Meday. If the
government shall be punctuated, as Near in the line it was carried on
from 1800 till 1860, it will be owing to Thurman and Allen. If Allen
has a Constitution like his voice used to be, he will [live] to 100
easy.
You are still demented, it
would seem with the Geological humbug. There
would be no impropriety in the World in your writing to Warwick [Hough]
about it. He still lives at Kansas City. The Supreme Court holds a
Session at Jefferson City Commencing about the first of Jany. He will
be there a Month or More, and your best plan would be to write him
theres.
My health is good, though
I am sensible of physical failure generally.
Now I am about done with
the Matter suggested by your Short letter, I
reckon I had better stop, for fear I should get into that grave yard
tone, it has become very common with Me.
I shall be glad to hear
from you often, direct to Neosho.
Yrs
Truly B.F. Massey
P.S. I don't agree with
you altogether in reference to Phelps, and the
Senatorship.
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Neosho,
Feby 15, 1875
Doct. J.F. Snyder
Dr Doctor, Yours of the
31st ult. is before me, and has been in my
possession, (one too many S's there) for some time.
I am glad truly you have
been gratified with the reception of that
report. be sure you make the most of it, for I opine it is the last
thing of its sort that will ever be issued by the State. When I go to
Granby, I will see if I can induce any one there to send you that box
of specimens.
I dont feel as you do, in
reference to our Senatorial election. I know
nothing of Cockrill, and thats whats the Matter. However I suppose he
will answer to fill up, and no doubt his vote can be counted on, with
Certainty, as an Anti-republican. If Phelps was a shade too loyal, his
politics was undoubted.
You ask, "do not the
glorious victories of the Old democracy, of the
last half year, resuscitate, and invigorate you" (Moi). With the
exception of old Bill Allen, I
hear of no victories of the old
democracy. I try to be glad over the success of so called democrats, as
Senators, and hope most ardently they may develop themselves as really
worthy of the Name. There was a time whin I would have rejoiced over
the election, of Andy Johnson, but it is not now.
"Have'nt recent elections
Caused Me to drop my grave yard tone, and
dont they inspire me with hope, and faith for the future?" Not Much,
Yet Some.
Owing to the partiality of
friends, I was induced in Novb. last, to run
for the office of Circuit Court Clerk, And though a nominee I was
beaten by a third party, or rather a no party man. I did not care for
the place, for any congeniality with my feelings there was in the
duties, but I could have discharged the duties, and as the tenure was
four years, it would most probably lasted me all my life.
The partiality of friends
induced me to again run for the
Constitutional Convention 26th last Jany. I was again a Nominee, and
this time elected. I feel no interest in this.
The Drake Constitution had
been Amended so that it is quite an
endurable thing. We meet early in May. I agree with you in reference
the "Minority representative" feature of your Constitution; I have no
idea such a thing Will find any favor in our Convention.
Recently I do not see
Billy Tilton very often. Up to the time I left
Pierce, Some 15 Mos ago, I saw him often. In Miles, I am about as near
to him now as then. He has left Sarcoxie, and in going the first of
next Month to live on his Shoal Creek farm, or what he has left of it.
He is now, and has been for the last 6 months, near Newtonia, on
Oliver's Prarie, living on a farm, but not farming, only occupying the
houses. He is not prospering at all, only over the left. His habits are
much as usual, Pecuniarily, he is a failure.
Doct Wilson is like Tilton
only a great more so. I suppose he is
utterly bankrupt. Everything is encumbered, at least as far as he can
do it. I am not advised as to whether Eliza joined him in deeds of bank
and mortgages, but I suppose she did, as otherwise he could probably
not have got the money, he appears to have gotten, on his own
encumbrance.
I lived in the town with
Eberle (Pierce City) Some three years, and it
was always a wonder to me, and to all others, what in the world he did
with his money. He has as great an anxiety as any to make money, be he
reminded me of the Cow that died in the Mire, every wiggle she made to
get out, only got her in deeper.
Tilton has 3 children, all
boys. Wilson I think has 3 also. Since
Wilson has been through, I think he is now trying to practice Medicine.
Pecuniarily he is a No. 1 failure.
I am pleased to hear of
your family. You dont say how many Children you
have, and I have quite forgotton.
I have all I ever had, 10,
or had when last heard from.
My eldest, Nina, Married
to Hough, and living at Kansas City.
The second, him We used at
home to call Ulpian, they now call him Ben,
is with Phelps, at Springfield, and has been Since about the
Commencement of '66.
Julian, the third is in
the asylum at Fulton, and has been some three
Yrs.
One is clerking for
somebody at Brunswick in Seline Co. in the State.
Another is a Journ[eyman]
printer, and has been at it for near 10 years.
Another is in business at
this place on his own hook.
Another is a printer also,
has been at it about 5 yrs.
These are all over 21.
They are all Making their living, and have been
for from 5 to 12 years, entirely unaided by me.
Then there is two girls,
both living Sometimes with Nina, at Kansas
City, And Sometimes with Ben, at Springfield.
An then my baby Bob, now
passed 16, is here in the store with his
brother Frank.
I have not seen the two
printers, nor the one at Brunswick, for several
years, Nor do I hear, directly, from the printers, often, yet so far as
I can learn, they are behaving themselves admirably.
Ulpian, and Frank, are
Married. The former has two children, the latter
None, though he as been married some three years.
My health is good,
but I am physically failing fast.
Please remember me kindly
to Mrs. S. Perhaps She may recollect
Something of Mrs. Hughes, she is a sister of Mrs. I W. Davis. (by the
by "Ex" is living here now.) This Mrs. Hughes Married a young man a
short before it, man by the name of Ringston, he lived with Mat Wilson.
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3
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Letters:
1879-1914: Concerning 6.B.F.Massey |
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Jefferson
City Mo
Jany 17/79
Hon J.F. Snyder
Springfield, Ill.
Dr. Sir
Your postal card inquiring
of whereabouts of my father is recd.
He is living at my home in
Springfield, Mo. Is in bad health, had last
spring a paralytic stroke - one side of his entire body being affected.
His articulation is so
impaired that he can hardly speak intelligently.
His mind os course is somewhat impaired.
I am glad to hear that you
are again in a field of usefulness similar
to one occupied by you in Mo. in days of yore.
Yrs Truly
Benj. U. Massey
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Union Club
Fifth Avenue
& 21st Street
My dear Snyder.
Yours of the 25th
disappoints me - for I was sure that you would help
me. You Must Send me sketches however life of Rains - Gold Johnson -
Massey - Phelps - Jeanison - Montgomery & Lane. --- You can help me
if you will, & I shall feel that you fail in your duty to me &
to your wife & your friends if you dont help me.
Yrs Sincerely
Thomas L. Snead
April 27, 1882
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Kingston,
Mo. Oct. 28, 1885
Dear Sir-
I have your very
interesting letter of the 25th., and have noted with
great interest, its contents.
When I write my book I
expect to give one chapter to the Presidential
election of 1860,and shall note properly the proceedings of all the
State Conventions in Missouri that year. ---
Got a letter from Col.
Snead last night asking for information to be
used in his book. --- I think, too, you ought some way to have helped
him. You are well posted regarding the prominent events of 1860-61 in
Missouri, and I think you ought to take time and write something about
them. ---
I don't do much else but
gather up data for a complete history of
Missouri, and for a history of the Civil War in Missouri.---
If you ever want to recall
an incident in the history of Missouri,
Maybe I can help you do it.
Very truly yours
R.J. Holcombe
Dr. Jno. B. Snyder
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Benj. U. Massey
Attorney at Law
Springfield, Mo.
Springfield, Mo., April 9, 1907
Dr. J.F. Snyder,
Virginia, Ill.
Dear Sir:
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Note. The text of [the above] letter, from
Benjamin Ulpian Massey to Dr. J.F. Snyder, has been long since
available, and is quoted in full as Appendix XXX: 6.B.F.Massey:
Biographical Sketch: By son, 44. Benjamin Ulpian Massey.[Ed.]
ca. April, 1907
Note. Apparently, upon
receipt of this Biographical Sketch of B. F. Massey, Dr. Snyder
inserted, in his own handwriting, the comments which I quote below, in
full[Ed.]:
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Col. Massey was dark complected; had black
hair, black eyes, and heavy black eye brows. His face always had a
peculiarly pleasant expression; and he has a sunny,affably and social
disposition.
In Mexico he learned to
make and smoke cigarets, a habit he continued through life. he drank
whisky, but very moderately
In conversation he spoke
deliberately and very distinctly; and was a forcible speaker, logical
and argumentative.
Liberal, generous,
hospitable, he was not a financier or money-maker; but conscientiously
honest and honorable in all things.
An adept in politics, but
could not descend to the low arts and tricks of the common
office-seeker. True to his friends, liberal and fair to his political
opponents, just to all men, he was an exemplary citizen, esteemed by
all, and without a personal enemy.
For a year or more before
his death, --- he was paralyzed, totally helpless, speechless, mind
wholly gone so that he knew nothing, recognized no one, and could not
make his wants known - did not know them himself - his death was indeed
a merciful relief.
J.F.S.
What a sad ending for so
noble a man! And yet, the preachers tell us of the "mercy and goodness
of God!' Bosh.
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Secretary of State
File No 11.
Cornelius Roach
Jefferson
City, No.
November 27th.
1912.
Dr. J.F. Snyder
Virginia, Illinois
Dear Sir,-
Replying to yours of the
23rd instant, I beg to advise that Benj. F. Massey was elected State
Senator to the Twelfth General Assembly, held in 1842, and to the
thirteenth General Assembly, held in 1844.
He was elected Chief clerk
of the House of Representatives in 1846, and again in 1848.
Yours truly,
Cornelius Roach
Secretary of
State
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Virginia, Ills.
Dec. 10th, 1913
Judge Douglas
My Dear Sir;
--- I enclose for your
scrap book - a sketch of Col. Rathburn - who for a time in the early
part of the Civil war shared my tent and rations with me.
It was written by Benjamin
U. Massey, of Springfield, Mo., a promising young lawyer - Son of my
old friend, Benj. F. Massey, who was a State Senator, and twice elected
Secretary of State of Missouri.
A very short time after
"Upsey", as we called him, wrote this paper he was stricken with
apoplexy and died in a few minutes.
As you no doubt know, Col.
Benj. F. Massey was the father of Judge Warwick Hough's wife.
In the civil war I enjoyed
the personal acquaintance of many prominent men of Missouri, but I was,
of course, too young to be fascinated with historical studies or dates,
and I had no thoughts that such acquaintances would, or could, be of
future historical value.---
Sincerely yours, &c
J.F. Snyder
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Virginia, Ills.
Feb. 21st, 1914
Judge Douglas;
My Dear Sir;
In regard to Gen; Raines
--- I know of his election to the Senate but twice: in 1854 he was
elected as a Know Nothing, defeating Col. Massey. And in 1860 he was
again elected, on the Bell & Everett ticket; but I cannot recall
who the Democratic candidate was whom he defeated at that time. Perhaps
Judge Hough may know. ---
As ever, &c,
J.F. Snyder
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Virginia, Ills.
March 5th, 1914
Judge Douglas:
My Dear Sir:
In my correspondence with
Mrs. Warwick Hough, of your city, I mentioned the fact that I had
donated her father's letters to me to the Mo. Historical Society.
I this morning received a
letter from her in which she says I should have submitted those letters
to her inspection, on order that she might have selected such as it was
proper to place in the archives of the Society! And adds that Mr. Hough
and herself will apply to you to now submit them to their inspection
and selection!
If they do, you will, of
course, pay no attention to them. The have no jurisdiction whatever in
the matter. Those letters belonged to me exclusively; and I donated
them to the Mo. Historical Society with the expectation, and tacit
understanding, that they are not to be disturbed, or interfered with,
excepting as may be provided for the disposal of all historical
manuscripts of that class, by the rules and regulations of the Society.
With high
esteem I am Yours &c
John F. Snyder
This request of Mrs. Hough
is amusing, but not at all surprising.
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