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Title: 1860 Missouri Census Table
Description: This ca. 1860 printed document presents the results of the 1860 Missouri census, showing the population of whites, “free colored” and slaves in each county. The table lists the total state population as 1,182,012, with 1,063,599 whites, 3,572 Free Colored, and 114,931 slaves. Lafayette County has the largest slave population with 6,374 slaves. The table also reveals a small American Indian population in Gasconade and Jackson Counties.
Object Type: Government Document

Title: From James H. Moss to A.W. Doniphan
Description: On October 3, 1863, James H. Moss writes from Liberty, Missouri to Col. A.W. Doniphan. Moss describes his recent efforts to restore order in Clay and Platte Counties, Missouri by raising a local military force. He writes that the newspapers have been publishing "reckless" lies about his activities, and urges Doniphan not to believe what he reads. Moss asks Doniphan to explain the situation to Gov. Gamble, adding, "We have had perfect quiet in Clay and Platte for five days and nights past."
Date: October 3, 1863

Title: Examination of James H. Gant
Description: This is James H. Gant's Oath of Loyalty to the United States, signed October 13, 1866. Gant, a 78-year-old North Carolina resident, states that he has resided in Missouri since 1838. He says he "told [Col.] Penick to enroll me as loyal" in 1862, but admits that Penick required him to give bond "against my consent." The oath is No. 164 in a bound volume.
Object Type: Government Document
Date: October 13, 1866

Title: Union Men and Their Sufferings in North-Western Missouri
Description: This 1864 pamphlet, entitled “Union Men and Their Sufferings in North-Western Missouri,” was written by Major J.M. Bassett, former Provost Marshal-General of the Northwest District of Missouri. Bassett provides a “glance at the history of the Rebellion in Northwest Missouri,” admitting “it may be that my hatred for rebels is too intense, my sympathy for loyal men too strong, to make every sentence I write acceptable to all.” The pamphlet, which features several black-and-white illustrations, was published by the Press of Wynkcop, Hallenbeck, and Thomas in New York, with proceeds from its sale given to The Ladies’ Aid Society of St. Joseph, Missouri.
Date: 1864

Title: From Frederick Starr to My Dear Father
Description: On March 19, 1855, Frederick Starr writes from Weston, Missouri to his father. Starr transcribes a recent article from the local newspaper “Liberty Platform,” in which he is accused of being a “political priest” in charge of a “gang” of abolitionists. Starr believes the article makes unjust and false statements about him, but admits “it may be the impression which has fixed itself upon the minds of the fire eating part of the community. If so I would not have it otherwise.” The article also describes the nomination of Gen. Whitfield as the Kansas Territory delegate to Congress.
Date: March 19, 1855

Title: Examination of James D. Baxter
Description: This is James D. Baxter's Oath of Loyalty to the United States, given on September 22, 1866. Baxter, a twenty-seven year old resident of Liberty, Missouri, states that during the Civil War, he "sympathized with the Government" and served in the Missouri State Militia. He swears that he only left Missouri once during the war, when he was hired to "take some negroes South." He admits that he has cousins who served in the Missouri State Guard, but attests that "I know nothing further." The oath, No. 1 in a bound volume, is signed by Baxter and by James W. James, Clay County Register.
Object Type: Government Document
Date: September 22, 1866

Civil War on the Western Border: The Missouri-Kansas Conflict, 1854-1865