The 14 letters in this collection were gathered by former OWU History Professor and university historian, Henry Clyde Hubbart. They are authored by Marshall and addressed to either his father, George W. Clason, or his mother-in-law, Martha Annette Blanchard Sanborn. They are dated between April 10, 1863 (by which time Marshall had returned to active service) and June 15, 1864, some 12 days before his death in battle.
Marshall Blair Clason graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1858. As an undergraduate, he studied Law and was one of the founding members of the university's Sigma Chi fraternity. He was admitted to the Bar in Cincinnati in 1862. Later that year, he enlisted with the 121st Ohio Volunteer Infantry, eventually earning the rank of Captain. In September 1862, Marshall received leave from the army to marry Anna Sanborn (Ohio Wesleyan Female College, 1859). Marshall promptly returned to duty with the 121st, which was assigned to the Western Theater as part of the Army of the Cumberland. He died at the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain on June 27th, 1864.
Anna Sanborn Clason later established the "Clason Fund for the Literature of Citizenship" at Ohio Wesleyan in Marshall's memory. She gave money to the university to build a music building for the school of music. In 1908-09, Sanborn Hall was erected in honor of her late mother and brother, Benjamin F. (OWU 1867). Upon the death of Mrs. Clason in 1910, her will specified that after certain bequests were made, the residue of the estate was to be used to purchase an organ for Sanborn Hall. The three-manual organ was also dedicated to Marshall's memory.
The Letters of Marshall Clason are collected as part of the Henry Clyde Hubbart Papers in the OWU Historical Collection.
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Letter from Marshall Blair Clason to his father
Marshall Blair Clason
April 10, 1863; Franklin, TNMarshall expresses gratitude for the chest of the supplies his father sent. Marshall offers his opinion on the Union incorporating regiments comprised of freed slaves. A skirmish takes place and he is preparing for engagement with enemy forces the following morning.
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Letter from Marshall Blair Clason to his mother-in-law
Marshall Blair Clason
April 16, 1863; Franklin, TNUpon being paid, Marshall provides instructions to his mother as to how he wants the money he is sending home distributed. He reiterates his newfound support for the continuation of the war and his belief that "the institution of slavery is a great evil and a grievous curse." He recounts the recent success of the 40th Ohio Volunteer Infantry in repelling a Confederate attack.
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Letter from Marshall Blair Clason to his mother-in-law
Marshall Blair Clason
May 22, 1863; Franklin, TNMarshall mentions a "gun matter" and his role in recovering General William R. Terrill's sword from the Battle of Perryville. He inquires about a sword he had requested his mother-in-law send to him. A possible promotion to the staff of General Charles Smith Hamilton is dashed with the General's resignation.
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Letter from Marshall Blair Clason to his father
Marshall Blair Clason
July 08, 1863; Shelbyville, TNOn the 2nd Brigade's trailing march to Shelbyville, Marshall bears witness to "the desolating footsteps of war." As his division fortifies the town for an extended occupation, Marshall relays that he believes the war's end is taking shape. He weighs his business affairs, including selling land in Illinois. Marshall was involved in a skirmish at Triune but was unhurt.
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Letter from Marshall Blair Clason to his father
Marshall Blair Clason
September 28, 1863; Chattanooga, TNMarshall fought in the Battle of Chickamauga that claimed 96 men from his regiment. While he is unharmed, he relays that the soldiers are "living hard," and have been sleeping in the open for 3 weeks.
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Letter from Marshall Blair Clason to his father
Marshall Blair Clason
October 19, 1863; Bridgeport, ALMarshall provides an account of how his Division reinforced General George H. Thomas's position during the Battle of Chickamauga. His regiment is to receive commendation for its action during the conflict. Marshall rejoices at Clement Vallandigham's defeat in the Ohio gubernatorial election.
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Letter from Marshall Blair Clason to his father
Marshall Blair Clason
November 08, 1863; Chattanooga, TNMarshall responds to his father's request that he resign from military service with a description of his sense of duty and animosity for the Confederacy. The current camp at Chattanooga is fortifying its position against assault from enemy forces situated around nearby Lookout Mountain. Marshall expresses his support for the Union cause and believes the movements for peace among Northerners to be "cowardly, traitorous, and cruel." He discloses his financial status and asks after his father's business affairs.
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Letter from Marshall Blair Clason to his father
Marshall Blair Clason
December 27, 1863; Chattanooga, TNMarshall's regiment engaged in a skirmish with the rear guard of the Confederate forces during the Battle of Missionary Ridge. Before returning to the Chattanooga region, his regiment received a warm welcome in Morgantown, Tennessee. Marshall addresses a concern shared with him by his wife Anne that the Clason family believes she is encouraging him to stay in the army. He writes, "If I should be killed put the blame on me, if you think blame is anywhere." Now situated in the company's permanent camp, Marshall decides against taking leave of absence to visit family with so few officers remaining in his regiment. He hopes that with the army's push into the Gulf states, the war will be over by the end of 1864.
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Letter from Marshall Blair Clason to his father
Marshall Blair Clason
January 01, 1864;Marshall intends to apply experience as his regiment's Judge Advocate to his law practice when he is discharged. A railroad line through the camp has brought supplies and new recruits. Desertions from nearby Confederate forces are on the rise.
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Letter from Marshall Blair Clason to his father
Marshall Blair Clason
March 06, 1864; Rossville, GAFollowing the Army of the Cumberland's defeat at the First Battle of Dalton, Marshall advocates for urgency in the Union army's advance. He hopes that the capture of a major city will expedite the war's end and disallow any concession to the establishment of a Confederate nation. He expresses his belief that slavery is an intolerable institution, but that its demise will not be a benefit to freedmen. Marshall and Anne will get involved in a protracted business conflict between his father and an estranged partner. Marshall dismisses the suggestion that he should be promoted and offers that he is now "Judge Advocate of Div. Court Martial."
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Letter from Marshall Blair Clason to his father
Marshall Blair Clason
May 04, 1864; Ringgold, GABack from a leave of absence, Marshall suggests that a mutual acquaintance apply for a Clerk position with the Brigade Commissary, Captain Joshua Van Briner. Marshall has been offered and turned down an appointment to be Acting Judge Advocate on General Jefferson C. Davis's staff, a position that would remove him from the regiment and the line of promotion. He predicts his corps will be attacking nearby Confederate forces soon.
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Letter from Marshall Blair Clason to his mother-in-law
Marshall Blair Clason
May 06, 1864; Ringgold, GAMarshall writes a note of gratitude to his mother-in-law the evening before entering battle. He informs her of his love for Anne and the terms of his will should he not survive.
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Letter from Marshall Blair Clason to his father
Marshall Blair Clason
May 20, 1864; Rome, GAAt a moment's rest in the current campaign, Marshall takes stock of the fighting he has taken part in over the past two weeks.
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Letter from Marshall Blair Clason to his father
Marshall Blair Clason
June 15, 1864; Kennesaw Mountain, GAMarshall's corps has endured "a great deal of firing" on its march to Atlanta and he describes some of the violence he has seen. The campaign's progress is slow, but the number of surrendering and deserting Confederate soldiers he has witnessed give Marshall the impression that the Union will be successful in capturing Atlanta, precipitating the end of the war. He advises against his brother George applying for a clerkship with the army or otherwise leaving his current position. In spite of the sacrifice, Marshall argues that "the war has lasted too long to be abandoned." He intends to fulfill the terms of his enlistment rather than resign.