Charles Erasmus Kennon papers, 1854-1969 | Louisiana Research Collection

By Jazmin Smith

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Collection Overview

Scope and Contents of the Materials

Biographical Note

Subject/Index Terms

Administrative Information

Box and Folder Listing

Box 1: Map, correspondence, and other papers, 1854-1869

Folder 1: Slave sale (now M-1116)

Folder 2: Map of Shiloh battlefield, hand drawn, probably contemporaneous

Folder 3: Correspondence from Abby M. Kent to "sister," probably Susan Kent, 1854

Folder 4: Correspondence of Charles Kennon, 1861 January-August

Folder 5: Correspondence of Charles Kennon, 1861 September-December

Folder 6: Correspondence of Charles Kennon, 1862 February-May

Writes from Corinth, Mississippi, at the time of the Battle of Shiloh and bitterly complains about the extension of the Confederate draft: "the government is fast drifting into a military despotism."

Folder 7: Correspondence of Charles Kennon, 1862 June-September

Kennon writes from Vicksburg and Port Hudson. From Vicksburg, Kennon describes exchanges between ships and shore batteries, and from Port Hudson states, "Our regiment has not been paid off for six months. The boys all expect me to attend to this matter for them and as their necessities are great I must not hesitate to do so."

Folder 8: Correspondence of Charles Kennon, 1862 October-November

All letters are from Port Hudson. Includes a letter to General Beall in which Kennon defends one of his men charged with crossing the river illegally.

Folder 9: Correspondence of Charles Kennon, 1863

Kennon writes from near Morton and Enterprise, Mississippi, and from Mobile and Hall's Mills, Alabama.

Folder 10: Correspondence of Charles Kennon, 1864

Kennon writes from Mobile, Atlanta, Henry County (Georgia), Florence (Alabama), and "In trenches near Palmetto Station," (Georgia).

In a letter of September 8, he discusses the "terrible losses" in his company and the erroneous casualty reports. In a letter of September 26, he discusses a review of the troops by Jefferson Davis: "...he looks just like a Confederate postage stamp almost as blue (his hair being mixed colors) and almost as thin." Also includes:

Kennon's thirty-day leave of absence form.

A special order requiring soldiers to remove unfired powder and lead from their loaded guns and turn them over to the Regimental Ordinance Officer to help deal with the Confederate States of America's ammunition shortage.

A pay voucher.

Kennon's promotion to Captain.

A clothing requisition.

Four envelopes and two newspaper clippings.

Folder 11: Correspondence and other papers, 1865

Includes one letter from Johnson's Island, Ohio, 1865 January 23, a flirtatious letter from "Mary" (M.A.C.) to Kennon, Kennon's oath of allegiance to the United States and his discharge from the military prison at Johnson's Island, a hand written poem, and two tickets to what appears to have been possibly a ball held for the prisoners at Johnson's Island.

Folder 12: Correspondence with family and friends, 1866

Folder 13: Correspondence with family and friends, 1867

Folder 14: Correspondence with family and friends, 1868-1869

In a letter of 1868 July 19, Kennon includes a parcel of quinine and extensive instructions on how to take it. He also recommended willow bark tea.

Box 2: Correspondence, political resolutions, speeches, and essays, 1870-1969

Folder 1: Correspondence with family and friends, 1870

In a letter of March 14, Kennon discusses the economic situation in Tangipahoa and debates moving elsewhere: "The crop of 1869 was abundant and money is more plenty here than it has been for several years. The system of labor is better and planters are learning to manage the Negroes better owning to a better understanding of their wishes and habits as freedmen. Mercantile business is safer owning to an approximation to the cash system." The folder also includes a political resolution of June 24 regarding lack of unity in the Democratic Party and the formation of Democratic Party political clubs for the purpose of overthrowing the "radicals."

Folder 2: Correspondence, primarily with family, 1871

Folder 3: Correspondence, 1872

In two letters to Thomas W. Ellis of Amite City (January 29 and July 11) Kennon discusses the pending fight "between Radical factions in New Orleans for the spoils of office - Carter versus Warmoth...Who is Carter! A scalawag of the deepest dye..."

Folder 4: Family correspondence, 1873

In a letter of July 16, Kennon responds to a request from the Trustees of Spring Creek Church to stop selling "intoxicating liquors" in his general store. Also includes a love poem to his wife.

Folder 5: Family and business correspondence, 1874

Also includes a "Protest," a petition "opposed to the Kellogg usurpation and to Radicalism" protesting the results of a Tangipahoa Parish nominating convention.

Folder 6: Correspondence with family and friends, 1875

Also includes one poem.

Folder 7: Correspondence with family and friends, 1875

Includes a letter of January 10, in which Charles Kennon urges his brother Mumford not to marry until he has repaid the loans he owes him.

Folder 8: Family and business correspondence, 1877

Also includes five religious cards and a letter regarding a legal settlement.

Folder 9: Correspondence, mainly political, 1878

Concerns calling a constitutional convention, Kennon's opposition to a local legislator, and other matters.

Folder 10: Political resolutions, speeches, and essays, undated

Relating to the correspondence and events described for 1878 in Folder 9.

Folder 11: Political resolutions, speeches, and essays, undated

Relating to the correspondence and events described for 1878 in Folder 9.

Folder 12: Family and business correspondence, 1878 January-May

Folder 13: Family and business correspondence, 1878 June

Folder 14: Family and business correspondence, 1878 July

Folder 15: Family and business correspondence, 1878 August

Folder 16: Family correspondence, 1878 October

Three letters of sympathy regarding the death of Charles Erasmus Kennon and two of his sons during the yellow fever epidemic of 1878. At this point, the correspondence becomes primarily that of Susan Kent Kennon.

Folder 17: Family correspondence, 1879

Folder 18: Family correspondence, 1880

Folder 19: Family correspondence, 1881

Folder 20: Family correspondence [no correspondence for 1882], 1883

Also includes an obituary for 1885.

Folder 21: Correspondence, 1910

Includes a 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition ticket.

Folder 22: Correspondence; clipping, 1929, 1937; 1969

Oversize folder 1: Newcomb College certificate, 1879