Louisa D. Mott Van Buren Civil War Memoir and Related Material

This collection consists of a typescript copy of the Civil War Memoir of Louisa Dunmore Mott Van Buren, and research notes of the original collector of the memoir, Paul Johnston. The typescript is approximately eight pages long and contains that portion of Van Buren's diary that relates to the Civil War activities which she observed August 24-25, 1861, in the area of Washington, D.C.

The memoir begins with comments on the author's arrival in "Washington City." Also discussed are her visits with a Mrs. Freley and her daughter Ella, and Nellie Keyes and her father, General Keyes. The most important feature of this memoir is the description of fortifications in Washington, D.C., but in particular, the Chain Bridge on the Potomac. This may be the best contemporary description of the structure. Mrs. Van Buren's younger brother, Thaddeus P. Mott, was a captain of artillery at the Chain Bridge fortification.

Mrs. Van Buren also makes several comments about the Union soldiers. These include an observance of the aftermath of the first Battle of Bull Run, July 18-21, 1861, and a detailed description of President Lincoln's review of the troops on August 25, 1861. Likewise, she describes General McDowell and General McClellan and comments on the value of religion in the camps. Also of interest is her description of General Robert E. Lee's plantation, Arlington, which had been appropriated as headquarters for General McClellan, and her attitude toward General Lee's treatment of slaves.

The original collector of this memoir, Paul Johnston, did extensive research on people and places mentioned. His notes, included in the collection, help to fill gaps in our understanding of this document.