- US TxAM-C C000023-S4-S4-1
- Box
- 1854-05-1902-05
Part of William Wallace Burns Papers
Part of William Wallace Burns Papers
Part of William Wallace Burns Papers
This series contains documents relating to Texas and East Coast real estate transactions, much definitive information on the "Sibley Tent" and the lawsuit resulting from a disagreement concerning patent royalties. Includes two House Bills to force the government to pay Burns as well as the final statement of judgment. Also various other financial correspondence, largely contentious in nature, including documents concerning a bad debt owed to General Burns. Some of the later correspondence was directed to General Burns' sister and concerned selling some real estate.
Part of William Wallace Burns Papers
S4-1/9
A - Two legal document copies. One real estate transaction to Burns only, the other to Burns and H. H. Sibley. Handwritten, 2 sheets, 4 leaves, 8 pages, 15 January 1854 - 9 May 1854.
B - Letter of recommendation for Sibley Tent written to "Major." It is unknown to whom this letter is addressed, presumably to Henry H. Sibley, but it is signed by approximately 16 soldiers of varying ranks. It is a very detailed description of how the tents served their purpose in the military at the time. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 4 pages, 14 April 1858.
C - Letter of recommendation for Sibley Tent written to Major Henry H. Sibley. Another vivid description of the tents used and its strong recommendation by those in the field. Signed by a dozen or so individuals including 1st Lieut William Wallace Burns. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 2 pages, 15 April 1858.
D - Letter of recommendation for the Sibley Tent written to Major Henry H. Sibley from J. W. Phelps. More description and recommendation for using the Sibley Tent in the field. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 2 pages, 16 April 1858.
E - Letter from William Wallace Burns to Col. M. W. Downie. The letter discusses negative financial dealings concerning his investment in a timber mill operated by Downie. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 4 pages, 30 May [66?].
F - Sworn petition by William Wallace Burns to "Senate and House of Representatives." Copy of legal document stating that Sibley's defection to the Confederacy affects the royalty agreement on the tent sales to the U. S. Government. Handwritten, 3 leaves, 5 pages, circa 1869.
G - A draft copy of the previous document G, circa 1869.
H - Printed pamphlet. "SIBLEY TENT CASE": The Opinion of the Court of Claims, March 29, 1869. Printed legal opinion in William W. Burns vs. The United States. Printed, 4 leaves, 6 pages, 29 March 1869.
I - Letter from [W. L. Budger?] to William Wallace Burns. Appears to be a communication from a farm foreman, in very poor English grammar, to an apparently dissatisfied Burns. Lists farm items sold. Handwritten, 2 sheets, 3 leaves, 4 pages, 21 August 1874.
J - Letter from [M. Fletcher?] to William Wallace Burns. Appears to be a communication concerning a Grant Marbury who is in default on several notes and a monetary advance from William Wallace Burns. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 1 page, 27 April 1878.
K - Bank notes concerning an $810. Transaction (in gold) refused to be repaid. Tenuous communications surrounding the notes also. Bad Debt. Handwritten forms and notes, 8 items, 7 February 1878 - 18 July 1878.
L - Printed Legislative Bill: H. R. 1174. Bill that authorizes payment of $7,987. To William Wallace Burns for the royalty remaining on 3195 Sibley tents sold to the U. S. Government. Printed, 11 December 1883.
M - Judgment. Alexander L. Burns vs. William W. Burns. Unknown as to cause. Handwritten form, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 27 June 1890.
N - Bank Draft from Southern Bank of the State of Georgia. Apparently a cashed check William Wallace Burns wrote to himself for $1000. Handwritten in form. 26 December 1891.
O - Letter from J. W. Winters & Co. to Burns. Typed and Dictated letter concerning a real estate transaction and, it seems, an impending lawsuit concerning the same. Typed. 1 leaf, 1 page, 19 April 1892.
P - Letter from H. M. Holmes to William Wallace Burns. This letter addresses the lawsuit referenced in the previous document O and expresses a certain bit of animosity toward Burns. 17 May 1892.
Q - Printed Legislative Bill: H. R. 7196. Bill that authorizes payment of $7,987 to William Wallace Burns for the royalty remaining on 3195 Sibley tents sold to the U. S. Government. Printed, 11 December 1883.
R - Letter to Miss Mary A. Burns from Charles. S. Miller. Letter from Charles. S. Miller, abstracter, real estate and investment agent, seems to encourage her to invite her friends to invest with this person. Typed, 1 leaf, 1 page, 19 May 1902.
Part of William Wallace Burns Papers
Correspondence and communications concerning military engagements and appointments including chains of command, orders, appointments, transfers, reassignments, promotions (or anticipation thereof), resignation, and retirement.
Also present are narratives of field conditions, tactical descriptions, battle plans, and narratives of military maneuvers.
Part of William Wallace Burns Papers
Part of William Wallace Burns Papers
S5-1/10: This folder contains the following documents,
A - Magazine tear-sheet. From The Field Glass, this is a printed copy of a letter to the Editor written by William Wallace Burns titled, "Oligarchy - Aristocracy - Democracy." December 1880.
B - Invitation. "Re-Union of the National Association of the Veterans of the Mexican War." 22 February 1881.
C - Letter to the Editor. Mimeograph copy of "Man Ignoring a Natural Law" written by William Wallace Burns. 26 April 1887.
D - Speech. Printed hand-out copy of "Address delivered by Gen. W. W. Burns, U. S. A., at the Alumni Reunion of the Graduates of the United States Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. June 1888". Possibly the graduation address. Pasted inside is another piece of paper similar in nature that explains and illustrates the buttons designed by Bailey, Banks, and Biddle Jewelers. June 1888 and 1 November 1888.
E - Note from Daniel T. Van Buren to "Dear Pitts." The letter alludes to having seen the list of U. S. Military Academy graduates from 1888 with a form asking for Name, Class, Motto, and Address. 1 leaf, 2 pages, 1 October 1888.
F - Poem or Song. "Our fabled 'Fille de Regiment'" in William Wallace Burns' handwriting. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 2 pages, Undated.
G - Fable. "Battle of Fair Oaks Fable." In William Wallace Burn's handwriting, this seems to be a parody. On the reverse side, in pencil, a discussion concerning a battle. 1 leaf, 2 pages, Undated.
H - Calling cards. Two cards of different styles. One is inscribed on reverse by someone presenting the General to the Hon. W. R. Grace, Undated.
I - Biographical data. Written by William Wallace Burns, two chronologies of his career listed with dates no later than 1884.
J - Essay. In what appears to be William Wallace Burns' later handwriting, this is a long, rather rambling essay heavily steeped in God titled, "Faith, Truth = Understanding - Good, Free Will = Love - Understanding, Love = Heaven." 3 leaves, 6 pages, Undated.
K - Prayer. Unsigned lengthy prayer in a handwriting different from the rest of all documents. The envelope reads: "Mrs. Magruder, Nuremberg." Undated.
Part of William Wallace Burns Papers
This set of documents is a widely varied mix. Included is a speech delivered by General William Wallace Burns at the U. S. Military Academy at West Point, a poem and a fable it is believed he authored, calling cards, invitations, autobiographical narrative, a prayer, news clippings related to family members, an editorial written by General William Wallace Burns, a single old photo of an unidentified couple, a note from a West Point classmate, Daniel T. Van Buren, and miscellaneous empty envelopes.
Part of William Wallace Burns Papers
S2-2/1
A - Various news clippings. Death notice of Magruder (father of young Lloyd Burns Magruder and Pauline Magruder), articles on Edwin Stanton and George McClellan, an opera in Paris, mortgage lien note advertisement from one of the real estate people the General dealt with, an article on investing, and, an article on Mr. B. L. Prince (suitor of Mabelle Burns) who had intestinal hemorrhages. 1901-1903.
S2-2/2
A - Fragments. Various empty envelopes, small postcards to Burns, a photograph of an unknown couple, a partial letter from a real estate company. 13 items in total. 1892-1903.
Personal Correspondence with Family and Friends
Part of William Wallace Burns Papers
This correspondence is chiefly between immediate family members and a few close friends. Some of the correspondence is to or from General Burns, but most are to or from his unmarried sister "Mab" who apparently lived with the family and corresponded with her niece, Pauline Magruder, and nephew, L. Burns Magruder, frequently as they grew up. There are numerous letters and notes from Burns that range in styles and dates from his very early child-like script through his West Point graduation. Several of the letters from Pauline Magruder are in French and written while she was studying in Paris. There are also several letters from a B. L. Prince who was, it seems, intent on marrying the General's sister, "Mab" Burns.
Personal Correspondence with Family and Friends
Part of William Wallace Burns Papers
Personal Correspondence with Professional Colleagues
Part of William Wallace Burns Papers
S2-1/6
A - Letter to Burns from an unknown person. Exceedingly difficult to read letter written to Burns from someone who appears to have worked with him…or will soon work with him in the subsistence department. There are hints of problems in the operations. Handwritten. 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 4 pages, circa 1858.
B - Letter from Burns to an unknown individual. This letter discusses the political issues of the time with someone who must be in a leadership position. Handwritten. 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 4 pages, 22 May 1861.
C - Letter to Burns from a W. D Bickham. The letter discusses the political climate as well as extends many compliments to Burns. Handwritten. 2 sheets, 4 leaves, 8 pages, 9 July 1862.
D - Letter from Burns to an unknown woman, possibly a writer. This letter is written in defense of McClellan and appears to be written in response to an editorial. Handwritten. 1 leaf, 1 page, 18 November 1862.
E - Letter from Thomas J. Blakeney. Letter concerning Burns' resignation and written by someone who was possibly a fellow officer. 13 March 1863.
F - Letter from James S. Griffiths to Burns. This letter is from a soldier who was apparently under Burns' command at the time he was relieved. The letter expresses affection and admiration for Burns. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 3 pages, 29 March 1863.
G - Letter from Emil Schalk to Burns. This letter is from a war journalist to Burns and expresses disappointment in Burns' resignation from his position as Brigadier General. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 4 pages, 1 April 1863.
H - Letter from Emil Schalk to Burns. The letter apparently responds to one from Burns and discusses other Union generals as well as personal observation. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 3 pages, 5 October 1863.
I - Letter from Burns to an unnamed General. Letter presumably accompanied an "extract of service" in which Burns offers to embellish this general's "succinct, concise, terse and nervous style." Handwritten, 1 leaf, 1 page, 24 February 1864.
J - Letter from a publisher to Burns. The letter requests a "short sketch of your life" for an upcoming book on the history of Ohio's participation in the War of the Rebellion. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 1 page, 20 February 1865.
K - Letter from an illegible name. The letter discusses a change in command and is on stationery from Headquarters Second Military District, Charleston, S. C. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 2 pages, 19 February 1868.
L - Letter to Burns from W. B. Franklin. The letter discusses apparently a mutual friend, "Baldy" who is going to Egypt and Europe. The letter also discusses briefly concerns about the economy and President Grant. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 2 pages. 23 October 1873.
M - Letter from J. A. Garfield to Burns. The letter responds to a letter written by Burns and casually discusses the financial market at the time. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 2 pages, 27 October 1875.
N - Letter to U. S. Grant from Burns. The letter expresses that he felt Grant lacked confidence in him but that he would support Grant in his rise to the top. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 1 August 1876.
O - Letter from W. B. Franklin to Burns. The letter discusses the political situation within the Service. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 2 pages, 24 June 1878.
P - Letter from Mary [N?] Banning to "Mab." Letter acknowledges receipt of a package and goes on to describe the family Christmas holidays. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 3 pages, 28 December 1878.
Q - Letter from M. [N?] Banning to "Mab." Letter discusses travel plans and is chiefly social commentary. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 3 pages, 5 May 1879.
R - Letter from M. [N?] Banning to "Mab." Letter discusses household issues such as trouble with servants and children. Handwritten, 2 sheets, 3 leaves, 5 pages, 14 July 1879.
S - Letter from Burns to Dr. Henry [Coppee?] from Burns. Letter appears to be a copy and is a strong editorial concerning the goings on at West Point. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 3 pages, 188?.
T - Letter to an unnamed General from Burns. Letter appears to be a draft and outlines good faith effort on the part of Burns to build the reputation of the unnamed person being addressed in this letter and gives reassurance of friendship-possibly to McClellan? Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 2 pages, 9 June 1880.
U - Letter from Burns to "Mr. Elect," J. A. Garfield. Letter is an editorial concerning the idea of centralization of government. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 3 pages, 15 November 1880.
V - Letter from Burns to "Mr. President." Letter describes his misfortunate non-appointment to Major General. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 1 page, circa 1881.
W - Letter from Burns to "Mr. President." Letter appears to be a draft similar in content to 3/22 of this series. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 1 page, circa 1881.
X - Letter from [Hancock?] to Burns. Letter is extremely difficult to read but discusses a friendship with Burns and offers encouragement. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 2 pages, 15 July 1881.
Y - Letter from Burns to "Corbin" (Garfield). This letter is a frank political discussion. In (someone else's?) pencil handwriting, there appears to be a guest list for a dinner party. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 3 pages, 13 August 81.
Z - Letter from [McCartery?] to Burns. This letter is written on watermarked and engraved "City of Charleston" stationery in apparent response to Burns' complaint about a news article; the letter is bitingly frank about the political situation. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 2 pages, 8 December 1882.
AA - Note from Hancock to Burns. Appears to have been a cover note with an attachment (not present). Handwritten, 1 leaf, 1 page, 12 November 1884.
BB - Letter to Burns from "Editor" of The Century Magazine. This appears to be a note acknowledging an inaccuracy of a name and its correction in an article. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 1 leaves, 4 pages, 6 June 1885.
CC - Letter to McClellan from Burns. This letter discusses and article that McClellan wrote in Century concerning a battle fought on June 29, 1862 (23 years after) and how it was "too general" in its content. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 1 page, 18 June 1883.
DD - Letter from W. B. Franklin to Burns. This letter is a request that Burns clarify, in an editorial he was getting published in The Century Magazine, that Franklin ordered certain troops during the Savage Station fight. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 1 page, 15 May 1885.
EE - Letter to Burns from [RPS?]. This letter is from someone in Texas and is a detailed description of goings on in the area-implies that Burns might have been interested in buying land there. 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 4 pages, 20 May 1885.
FF - Letter to Burns from [Muckle?]. This is a note that appears to have accompanied a set of newspapers (The Public Ledger, Philadelphia) containing an article that Burns wrote. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 2 pages, 4 November 1885.
GG - Letter from C. A. Whittier to Burns. Letter is an apparent response to a letter from Burns from an apparent close acquaintance. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 2 pages, 1 May 1886.
HH - Letter from Burns to Mrs. Geo. B. McClellan. This is an expression of admiration for McClellan and undying defense of his record-posthumous? 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 2 pages, 25 December 1886.
II - Letter from H. M. Black to Burns. This appears to be a letter from a former classmate at the U. S. Military Academy (1847?) and seems to be some sort of clarification concerning his rank in the war. 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 3 pages, 24 January 1887.
JJ - Letter from W. B. Franklin to Burns. This letter is very specific in clarifying certain events from the war and discusses Senate testimony. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 2 pages, 22 February 1887.
KK - Letter from Burns to H. V. Buckley. Response to an announcement of a formation of an association of the Philadelphia Brigade. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 1 page, 26 February 1887.
LL - Letter from William Prior, Secretary to Burns. Note of explanation that apparently accompanied an obituary of a soldier who had possibly served with Burns. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 2 pages, 7 March 1888.
MM - Letter to Burns from jeweler Bailey, Banks, and Biddle. Letter accompanied a proof set of buttons for West Point to be approved by Burns. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 1 page, 29 October 1888.
NN - Letter from [M.?] to Burns. Signature line is illegible but letter is on letterhead from "Society of the Army of the Cumberland - Office of the Corresponding Secretary" and discusses General Rosecrans and injustices. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 1 page, 31 January 1889.
OO - Letter from James Quinlan to Burns. Letter announces that he has received the Congressional Medal of Honor and credits Burns for making it possible. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 1 page, 13 March 1891.
PP - Letter from William S. Stockton to Burns. Letter requests Burns' contribution to a History of the California Regiment written on letterhead from the Association of Survivors 71st Penna. Vols. (California Regiment). Handwritten, 3 sheets, 6 leaves, 3 pages, 18 August 1891.
QQ - Letter from J. B. Alvord to Burns. A very informative letter describing memories of the battlefield and conveying the kinship these men apparently shared. Handwritten, 2 sheets, 4 leaves, 4 pages, 24 November 1891.
RR - Letter from James J. Quinlan to Burns. This is a response to a letter from Burns, apparently, and discusses how Burns was responsible for the ultimate victory by McClellan at Savage Station. Letterhead: Meagher's Irish Brigade Association Headquarters, 69th Regiment Armory. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 1 page, 29 December 1891.
SS - Letter from H.M Holmes to Burns. This is a rather confrontational letter from an attorney in Mason, Texas to Burns concerning a dispute over some land rights in Texas. Handwritten, 2 sheets, 4 leaves, 2 pages, 11 May 1892.
TT - Letter from J. B. Allen to Mrs. Burns. Letter refers to "your late husband, Genl W. W. Burns" and expresses appreciation to her having sent copies of his papers to be read at a meeting of the Brigade Association. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 2 pages, 15 May 1893.
UU - Letter (very difficult to read) with an illegible signature to [Sen?]. This letter seems to refer to an election. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 2 pages, 1 November [year?].
VV - Notes by Burns. Handwriting indicates that this may have been written when he was quite elderly/feeble. It describes "Mexican Pensions" and makes several comments that indicate that he thought U. S. Military Academy graduates had been bypassed or discriminated against. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 1 page, Undated.
WW - Notes by Burns. Although this is unsigned, it is most likely written by Burns. It is an apparent draft of a note to an editor asking why an article had not been published and implies bias against McClellan. Handwritten, 1 leaf, 1 page, Undated.
XX - Notes by Burns. It is unclear what this is but it is in Burns' handwriting. It may be a transcription of something he saw but it regards a Broadway playwright named E. A. Sothern and a Chicago lawyer who wrote him a letter. It is in verse. Handwritten, 1 sheet, 2 leaves, 3 pages, Undated.
YY - Letter from Burns to "Messrs Editors." This letter adamantly asserts certain historical inaccuracies in a news article and attempts to provide information. Handwritten, 2 sheets, 3 leaves, 3 pages, Undated.
Personal Correspondence with Professional Colleagues
Part of William Wallace Burns Papers
Letters from friends, colleagues, and professionals concerning the subjects of Burns' resignation, his opinions on the war and the political situation of the time. Includes his letters to and from others such as U. S. Grant, J. A. Garfield, Abraham Lincoln, W. B. Franklin, and General George McClellan. Letters of congratulations, appreciation, clarification, and expression of political viewpoints can be found in this series.
Transcripts of Correspondences
Part of William Wallace Burns Papers
Box 2 in Series 6 contains transcripts and brief biographical sketches of some correspondents, as well as a few extensive annotations.
Transcripts are coded to match the Box/Folder container list, which has "doc.[a-z]" item level extensions for each document in the collection. Thus, transcripts of correspondence (1848-1889) are present for all of the following:
This collection consists mainly of correspondence (1858-1888) in which Brigadier General William Wallace Burns, of the United States Army, gives detailed accounts of Civil War battles fought during the Peninsular Campaign (March-August 1862), particularly the Seven Days Battles (June 25 - July 1, 1862 ), including Peach Orchard, Allen's Farm, Savage Station, Glendale, Nelson's Farm, and Malvern Hill. Burns discusses topics such as military strategy, troop movements, military surgeons, weather conditions during battles, building pontoon bridges, building defense works and, and capturing Confederate works. One letter is present from the Mexican-American War (1846-1848).
Also included is personal correspondence with high-ranking officials such as President Abraham Lincoln, U. S. Secretary of War Charles Stanton, General Henry W. Halleck, General Winfield Scott Hancock, General George McClellan, General William Starke Rosecrans, and Major General Edwin Vose Sumner, as well as Emil Schalk who was a war journalist. The latter correspondence concerns political viewpoints on the causes of the war, primarily slavery, as well as the conduct and outcome of the war.
Some correspondence (1888-1904) was written just before and after Burns' death among family members, notably his grandchildren Lloyd Burns Magruder, who was a cadet at the United States Military Academy, and Pauline Magruder, as well as William Wallace Burns' sister Mabelle Burns, usually called "Mab." A substantial group of letters to Mabelle Burns is from her suitor for marriage, B. L. Prince. A few of the family letters from Pauline Magruder to her Aunt Mabelle Burns are written in French from Paris, France.
Also present is a substantial group of copies of military orders and official reports focused on Burns' thwarted ambitions to become Major General, and lead a Division in the Army of the Cumberland under the command of General Rosecrans. Apparently Burns believed political maneuverings of high governmental officials obstructed his promotion to Major General and precipitated his resignation as Brigadier General in 1863.
A few financial records and documents from legal proceedings are included concerning disputed rights to the "Sibley Tent," an invention whose patent royalties were eventually shared by Burns with Henry Hastings Sibley. Also present are a few documents concerning Texas real estate transactions.
Burns, William Wallace, 1825-1892