John L. Manning papers, 1839-1888 (bulk 1839-1863).

ArchivalResource

Manning, John Laurence, 1816-1889. John L. Manning papers, 1839-1888 (bulk 1839-1863).

John L. Manning papers, 1839-1888 (bulk 1839-1863).

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/36794049

Papers consist of correspondence, financial records, and other items. Correspondence chiefly consists of letters to John L. Manning relating to his activities in public office and his business and financial affairs. There are many letters of introduction to Manning as well as requests for military or political appointments or support for office-seekers. Included is a letter (1853) from Dr. E. Geddings regarding aid for the Medical College of South Carolina; letters (1854) regarding appropriations for the state house and grounds (Columbia, S.C.) and the Customs Building in Charleston; John Buchanan's letter of resignation (1854) from the office of Major General of the 3rd Division of the South Carolina militia; a letter (1857) concerning P.H. Hammarskold's lawsuit against Manning and others for services he rendered as architect of the new state capitol building; a letter (1858) about J.L. Orr's candidacy for the U.S. Senate; letters (1860) discussing the state Democratic convention; and a letter (29 April 1861) from John W. Ervin which discusses raising troops in South Carolina and his idea of declaring war against "the President and the Administration of the United States." Other topics include militia affairs, salt supplies during wartime, conditions in Charleston (S.C.) during the Civil War (1863), state funds for the families of Confederate soldiers, Manning's mortgages on plantations and slaves owned by the estate of Col. Dickinson, and runaway slaves from Manning's Louisiana plantation called Houmas. In addition, there is correspondence of various Manning family members and relatives including letters (1860s) from Manning's father-in-law Colin Clark of Gloucester (Va.) to Manning's son Douglas and others regarding family matters, secession, the safety of Clark's slaves, and other matters; letters (1861) to Manning from his son serving in Hampton's Legion; and a letter (1863) to Manning from his son Richard Irvine Manning regarding Richard's health, appointments to Gen. Johnston's staff, and war news. Financial records include receipts; bills for clothing, household goods, and other items; a bill of sale for a horse; and a few account. Other items include architects' reports (1854) on faulty workmanship on parts of the state capitol building; petitions; and a letter, clipping, and pamphlet about the Universal Exhibition of 1855 (Paris, France).

ca. 300 items.

South Carolina Historical Society