From the collections at the Leavenworth County Historical Society and Museum. Reprinted with permission from The Leavenworth County Historical Society and Museum and the Leavenworth Times. Donated by Debra Graden.
The Anthony Letters
Three Times Three Went up, And the Colonel Galloped Off
Leavenworth Times, Thursday, April 18, 1957
Above Alton
Mississippi steamer
"Henry Von Pasel"
Sunday, Spt. 14th, 1862
Dear Aaron:
On the 11th inst I recd acceptance of my resignation by Genl Halleck, and on the 12th left camp at Rienza.
Merritt and Capt Malone came with me to Corinth. At 9 AM on 13th I took cars at Corinth, arrived at Columbus at 6 o'clock PM and then took Steamer "David Laturn" arriving at Cairo same day at 10 PM.
Came on board this steamer and expect, sandbars permitting, to be in St. Louis tomorrow the 15th by noon -- thence to Leavenworth. I have with me my servant Griff and the black stallion.
I don't think I could travel without Griff. He introduces me everywhere, to everybody making inquiries telling them wondrous feats and exploits performed by the colonel. I have always found that he never, while on this subject, fails to tell the truth -- and generally adds very largely to the truth.
He has had several down to see "Bully Boy" (my horse) showing them his wondrous qualities.
I hated to leave the regiment and yet I could not be hired to return for a brigadier's pay; although a colonel's or a brigadier's rank would be a great inducement.
Our boys assembled impromptu and I made a few parting words. Three times three went up for Col Anthony; the band played; and Col Anthony, Capt Malone, and Lieut Anthony galloped off with an occasional "God bless you" from the boys.
I think the boys hated to have me go, and yet all my friends who though how I was situated appreciated my spunk in resigning.
There is a big scare on in Corinth -- a senseless one I think. Our generals are afraid to make war -- they wait for the attack. the morale of the Army of the Mississippi is somewhat injured by our late reverses and want of confidence.
I brought two more contribands[sic] through -- had to tell all the provost marshals at Corinth, Columbus, and Cairo that they were free. I told them so, although I knew that they had been claimed, one in Tenn and one in Miss. Write me at Leavenworth soon. I may come east this fall.
As ever
D. R. Anthony
----
Leavenworth, Kansas
October 1, 1862
Dear Father:
Matters here remained unchanged, found all in good shape. My three post office clerks Alex, Gus, and Will doing their work to satisfaction of all and Alex D. Neimann doing the insurance and rents well so far as I learn. Alex is well liked and the Home Company paid him a fine compliment. I may come east soon, can't tell how or when. I may be wanted for the campaign.
Have just taken with Gen'l G. G. Walker a contract to furnish government with 10,000 bushels corn by Nov 1st at 69@. Hope to make a dime.
Fire and marine insurance has kept up. Many new risks taken and could issue policies for many more, especially on dwellings, as quite a number of new buildings are being erected in all parts of the city and in favorable situations, some of the buildings being fine and desirable residences.
All but two of the life policies issued have been renewed, Dr. I. L. Wever has been to wars for a long time and not paying the extra premium. Landes had not the means to renew his.
Guerillas still infest the borders of Missouri and Kansas doing much damage to property and taking the lives of many union men. They are actually making inroads into Kansas. Three more regiments are being raised in this state.
Trade of all kinds is prospering here. It is the busiest place in the west. The city is still under martial law.
As ever
D. R. Anthony
(Editor's note: And so end the Anthony letters. For some reason subsequent letters were not preserved by his family in the east. Colonel Anthony probably made an extended visit to his father, Daniel Anthony, died in Rochester in November of 1862 and that his sister and mother came to Kansas to visit him shortly afterward.
The Times hopes that its readers have enjoyed the letters. They were saved for publication at approximately 100 years from the writing of them. Colonel Anthony resumed the newspaper business within 18 months of his return from army service. He was active until his death in 1904.
A biographer said of him:
"As is the case of all men who fight for the principle, and refuse to compromise with circumstances, his life was a stormy one -- a succession of struggles -- a series of contests -- a life of incessant activity and unremitting effort; an experience which had taught him to welcome victory with little or no demonstration, and to accept defeat complacently.
As a businessman he was exact, systematic and methodical; as a politician he was radical, aggressive and earnest; as a friend he was firm, active and devoted; and as an enemy -- one had better have chosen some other man.)