Louisa Miller Letter, 1863

This collection contains a letter from Louisa Miller to her sister-in-law Susan G. Wort. The letter was written in September of 1863 and describes Louisa Miller’s opinions on the abolitionist movement and Ohio senator Clement Vallandigham, as well as conveying information about Miller’s neighbors and crops.

Louisa Miller was from New Rutland, LaSalle County, Illinois, and was writing to her sister-in-law Susan G. Wort in Hicksville, Defiance County, Ohio. These two women were related through Louisa Miller’s brother, Loyal B. Wort, who was married to Susan. Loyal Wort was a member of the 21st Ohio Infantry who fought in the Civil War and participated in the Battle of Chickamauga.

This collection includes a letter written by Louis Miller and the envelope that accompanied the letter. Miller wrote this letter on September 17, 1863, during the middle of the Civil War. She began her letter by discussing the abolitionist movement. Miller stated that she believed “the blacks ought to bee [sic] free but not be bee [sic] seated among the whites.” Miller also discussed the Democratic party, her commitment to being part of the Union, and her dislike of Ohio Congressman Clement Vallandigham. Vallandigham was a leading member of the Copperheads, a faction of Democrats from the Union who opposed the Civil War. Miller finished her letter by updating Susan on life in New Rutland, including her neighbors and crop outcomes.

The Library purchased this collection in 2024 with support of the Bruce C. Creamer Fund.