The community of St. Peter was initially, and for a very brief time, known as Rock Bend, a name taken because of the presence of a sharp bend in the course of the Minnesota River on the east side of the settlement. The name was used probably from late in 1853 until sometime in 1854. The envelope shown here, addressed to Charles E. Flandrau (1828-1903), who was living in the area at the time, is one of only a few objects that survived with the name "Rock Bend" on it. Flandrau, himself, became a very prominent resident of the State of Minnesota. Among many other duties during his lifetime, he commanded the defenders of New Ulm in August of 1862 and later served on the Minnesota Supreme Court.
This document, dated May 11th, was sent to Eugene St. Julien Cox of St. Peter, who was the Captain of Company E of the First Mounted Rangers. The document addressed Cox as a major, but various records indicate that his highest rank was that of captain. Cox was ordered to include Sibley County in the sub-district for which he was responsible. He was also informed that a new squad had been organized in New Ulm, and that ""trappers report Indians plenty west of here."" The letter was sent from Mankato by Second Lieutenant and Adjutant George A. Clarke. The document appears to have an 1865 date, but Cox served from December 10, 1862, until November 11, 1863, and Clarke served from December 20, 1861, until December 20, 1864. It therefore appears that the document was sent in 1863.
This letter is undated and unsigned, but probably was written by Rhoda George after the death of her husband, James. She writes about finances, funeral expenses and important papers. There are problems with the probate proceedings bacause of the strange wording in the will. She has almost no money left and can not access her husband's money. Ned will take his bar examination on April third. Her widow's pension application has been filled out and is expected to be mailed the next day.
Ellen Clark writes from Crow Wing (Chippewa) Indian Agency, to husband Edwin Clark telling of President Abraham Lincoln's appointment of Joel Basset to Indian Agent of the Mississippi River, Pillager, Red Lake, Pembina and Winnebago Chippewa (Ojibwe) Bands.
Ellen Clark wrote to her husband Edwin Clark, telling him that he has several important letters, one from H.H. Sibley. He should beware of the Indians on his travels.
Edwin Clark receives a letter from his wife Ellen Clark at Crow Wing (Chippewa) Indian Agency, telling him that there is much whiskey and it should be stopped.
Edwin Clark receives a letter from his wife Ellen Clark from Crow Wing (Chippewa) Indian Agency, informing him that she is moving to the East (probably Vermont) to get away from the savages and drunkenness.
James George wrote this letter from camp. After the general died the day before, they started marching. They had no tents the night before and he got wet from the dew. The men of the Ninth Ohio had been acting badly since the general died. James George drove off some members of that unit who were abusing two young ladies. The weather has been very hot. He mentions possibilities for General McCook's replacement. There is word that the rebels are marching towards his regiment. He is fearful that the war will go on indefinitely.
James George wrote this letter from Mantorville to his daughter, Helen on December 11, 1859. He writes about the value of education and warns her against associating with Mr. Wescotts, Blaisdelle or Sid Miller.
James George wrote this letter to his daughter, Helen on December 12 (no year). He mentions that his wife, Rhoda, is suffering from inflamation of the lungs as well as depression and that he has rheumatism. He also writes about Lerwhilleger's legal problems.
Ellen Clark, wife of Edwin Clark, writes to him of son, Albert (Bertie's) illness since the last three months. He is seriously ill from teething infections and will likely die soon.