On November 8, 1861, Jefferson Patterson wrote his son, Robert, a letter where he comments on local election results and a variety of military events. The letter is very revealing as to his views of the South (“Mr. Secesh & Co.”). Jefferson, himself, was elected to the Ohio State Legislature with his term beginning in January 1862 and he indicates he has had numerous requests for help in obtaining clerkships in various departments. (Jefferson comments on receiving Robert’s letter, October 30, 1861. Unfortunately, the letter is not found in the Patterson Family Papers.) (Transcript of Jefferson Patterson Letter)
I look forward to hearing what the Pattersons had to say about the 1862 election (Schenck/Vallandingham).