Manuscript Resources on Politics

Stanton, Edwin McMasters. Papers, 1832-1957 (bulk 1858-1957). 154 items, 53 v. Location: 34:1-5, OS:S. Letters, telegrams, resolutions, statements of account, scrapbooks, pamphlets, and other records concerning Stanton’s government service as attorney for the United States in the California land fraud cases (1858) and as Secretary of War (1862-1868), as well as his appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court and memorials issued at his death. Mss. 1659, 1782, 1820, 1871, 1886.

Stanton, Edwin McMasters. Registers, 1864, 1866. 22 items, 3 volumes. Location: 99:S, H:17, MISC:S, OS:S, Vault MRDF 5 . Secretary of War (1862-1868) under Presidents Lincoln and Johnson. President Andrew Johnson items include official memorandums, admittance cards to the 'Impeachment of the President,' autographed card, memorandum from Winfield Scott, letter to S. P. Chase, and an engraving of Edwin M. Stanton. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 522, 1698, 1747.

Steele, Oliver Brice. Andrew Lytle photograph collection, 1816-1904. 36 items. Location: D:96. Confederate veteran, Baton Rouge banker, and Louisiana state auditor who collected these photographs by Andrew David Lytle, a Baton Rouge photographer. Collection contains various photographic media. Included are cabinet cards and prints of etchings of Louisiana governors (ca. 1816-1904), cabinet cards of LSU officials and cadets, and 8x10 enlargements of photographs of steamboats. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 4028.

Stephens, Alexander Hamilton, 1812-1883, Papers, 1834-1872. 3,053 items [on microfilm]. Location: Mss. Mf.:S. Vice-President of the Confederacy in the Civil War. His brother, Judge Linton Stephens, was lieutenant colonel of the 15th Georgia Regiment during the first year of the Civil War. Extensive correspondence between Stephens and his brother Linton Stephens; and a few other letters between Alexander and his brother's widow. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 863.

Stephens, Alexander Hamilton, 1812-1883. On the Study of the Law, 1871. 1 v. Location: E:Imprints. A pamphlet that expounds Stephens’ interpretation of various legal concepts including federal, international, and municipal law; civil liberties; and the separation of powers under the United States Constitution. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 2385.

Stephens, Edwin Lewis. Papers, 1883-1939 (bulk 1902-1939). 6,057 items. Location: A:38-53, H:17, OS:S. Graduate of Louisiana State University and New York University, Professor of Science at Louisiana Normal School at Natchitoches, and President of Southwestern Louisiana Institute of Lafayette (1900-1938). Papers relate primarily to the affairs of the Institute from its founding until Stephen's retirement. Early student letters and World War I memorabilia are also included. Stephens corresponded with Louisiana leaders in politics and other fields, including Alcee Fortier, governors Murphy J. Foster, Ruffin G. Pleasant, and John M. Parker. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 403, 893.

Stephenson, Wendell Holmes, 1899-. Papers, 1862, 1917-1947. 1 linear ft. Location: 77:93. Professor of History, LSU. Professional papers consist of materials pertaining to the LSU University Senate (1940-1941); notes on acts of the Louisiana Legislature, 19th century; and miscellaneous printed items pertaining to conditions of labor in the South. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 2758.

Sterrett, R. W. Letter, 1857 April 23. 1 item. Location: Misc:S. R. W. Sterrett was a squatter seeking to file land claims in Atchison and Doniphan, Kansas. James Henry Lane, a political leader, organized the Free State Party in Kansas. The letter describes R. W. Sterrett's acquisition of. It states that he must remain on his land near Doniphan until he can file a claim. It describes James Henry Lane's efforts to form a party of free state men and to make Doniphan a free state town. Also described is the great influx of settlers to Kansas and the rising price of land. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 3404.

Stille and Yarbrough, Ltd. Records, 1900-1937. 0.3 linear ft., 76 volumes. Location: A:67, P:6-10. Cotton factors and merchants of Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. Records consist of business letters, bills for merchandise, inventories of stock, and account books. Journals provide a daily record of purchases and customers. Ledgers contain detailed statements of accounts with various customers. Account books also contain inventory records and double-entry accounting. Other papers relate to oil leases (1916) and to World War I, including a reference contributions made by African Americans to the Red Cross (June 5, 1918). For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 1009.

Stovall, James L. Papers, 1989-1992. 6.6 linear ft., 2 sound cassettes. Location: 10:67-70. Methodist minister of Baton Rouge. Papers include personal files related to the Louisiana Coalition Against Racism and Nazism and documents related to David Duke. Includes correspondence, information sheets, advertisements, press releases, reports, speeches by Duke, and clippings. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 4467.

Sumner, Charles, 1811-1874, Letter, 1854 Mar. 22. 2 items. Location: Misc.:S. U.S. senator from Massachusetts. Letter discusses uncertainty and angry mood in Congress over passage of the Kansas-Nebraska bill and expresses Sumner's concern that northern representation be as strong as possible. Included is a typewritten transcription of the letter. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 2526.

Sumner, Charles, 1811-1874, Letters, 1856, 1861. 2 items. Location: Misc.:S. U.S. senator from Massachusetts. Letters discuss advance of anti-slavery sentiments in the United States; the necessity of dealing with slavery as a political issue; and the attitudes of Great Britain and France toward political events in the United States. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 2667.

Sumner, William Graham. Papers, 1876. 2 items. Location: Misc.:S. A correspondent in New Orleans writes Sumner lamenting the end of Reconstruction in Louisiana with the collapse of republican institutions and the poor condition of African-American sugar plantation workers (Nov. 17, 1876). Stephen Whitney writes Sumner from Woodland Plantation inviting him to visit to see a sugar plantation in operation (Nov. 18, 1876). Mss. 3858.

Swartwout, John. Letter, 1806 April 5. 1 item. Location: Misc.:S. Colonel of New York and political supporter of Aaron Burr. Letter from Swartwout to Ebenezer Foote referring to the business of his mercantile firm and to the Burr conspiracy. The letter was written prior to the arrest of Swartwout's brother Samuel in New Orleans because of his association with Burr. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 1580.

Swayne, Wager. Letter, 1872 April 19. 1 item. Location: Misc.:S. Attorney of Toledo, Ohio. Letter to the President of the United States recommends for employment T. W. Conway, a former U.S. army chaplain involved in African American education in Reconstruction Louisiana. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 2899.

Sylvest, Murphy John, 1893-1980. Papers, 1929-1972, undated. 23 items. Location: T:88. Educator, helped introduce articles of impeachment against Huey P. Long. Collection includes biographical and genealogical information on the Sylvest family, recollections of events, individuals, family reunions, and references to Sylvest's career as an educator and his relationship with Huey Long. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 3727.

Taliaferro, James and family. Papers, 1787-1934 (bulk 1867-1872). 892 items. Location: C:15-17, 98:T, OS:T. Judge and delegate to the Louisiana Secession Convention, associate justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court, newspaper publisher, and Catahoula Parish planter. Papers of Taliaferro and his father, Zachariah. Papers reflect Taliaferro's interest and activity in Louisiana politics; the economic, social, and political conditions in the state during Reconstruction; and his father's legal and business interests. Notable figures mentioned include Joseph Walker, W. P. Kellogg, J. Madison Wells, General W. S. Hancoch, and J. R. G. Pitkin. Earliest papers consist of court documents from Virginia. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 1001, 1047, 1565.

Taliaferro, James G., Letters, 1852-1876. 2 microfilm reels. Location: MSS.MF:T. Catahoula Parish, Louisiana, planter, judge, Secession Convention delegate, associate justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court, and newspaper publisher. Letters discuss Taliaferro's involvement with the Secession Convention; politics during the Civil War (1865); Louisiana Supreme Court (1866-1874); Louisiana politics (1861-1874); Mississippi River flood of 1874; fires, cholera, and economic conditions in New Orleans; the visit of the Emperor of Brazil to New Orleans (1876), and plantation operations. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 1562.

Taliaferro, Zachariah and James G. Papers,1814-1829, 1867. 45 items. Location: A:57. Owner of a sawmill in Catahoula Parish, Louisiana. Business receipts and legal documents of Zachariah Taliaferro and personal letters to his son, James, from Oliver Stout, classmate at Transylvania University, Lexington, Va., and a Mount Sterling, Ky., physician. Correspondence discusses literature, metaphysics, national politics, contagious disease, and local events. Official statement of registered voters in Louisiana (1867). For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 237.

Taylor, Cecil G., 1909- interviewee, Oral history interview. 12 sound cassettes (14 hours), Transcript (590 p.). LSU French professor, assistant to the president, dean of arts and sciences, and chancellor. In a series of 8 interviews, Taylor describes his career as a French professor and administrator at LSU. He describes his family background, his education at the University of North Carolina, and his French language studies and Cajun French. He also describes Baton Rouge beginning in the 1930s, Huey Long and Louisiana politics, and the desegregation of education in Louisiana. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 4700.0071.

Taylor, Miles, 1805-1873. Family Papers, 1821-1954 (bulk 1821-1890). 200 items. Location: U:236, 99. Congressional representative, lawyer, judge, and sugar planter of Assumption Parish, Louisiana. Taylor's son, Thomas, was a sergeant in the 8th Louisiana Volunteers in the Civil War. Collection includes family letters, photographs, manuscript writings, genealogical and biographical materials, and reprints of speeches Taylor made in Congress (1856-1857). Mrs. Taylor's mother lived in Natchez and the collection includes letters between the two of them; and Civil War letters from Thomas Taylor as a prisoner of war in Saratoga Springs, New York. Available (with some omissions) on microfilm 5735: University Publications of America Confederate Military Manuscripts Series B, Reels 18-19. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 1378, 1448, 1636, .

Taylor, Thomas Thomson. Papers, 1861-1866, undated. 510 items. Location: MSS.MF:T, MISC:T. U.S. Army colonel of the 12th and 47th Ohio Volunteer Regiments during the Civil War. Diaries kept during the war and letters to Taylor's wife, Margaret A. "Netta" relate to military life, military campaigns, troop movements, African American troops, and medical care. Letters from his wife relate to family matters, farming, health, concern for his well-being, and the progress of the war. Mss. 1647, 1653.

Taylor, William, d. circa 1850. Diary, 1838-1842. 1 vol., 1 microfilm reel. Location: Mss. Mf.:T, Vault:25. Planter of Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana and cousin of General Zachary Taylor. Plantation diary describes the routine activities and operations of his sugar and cotton plantations, Lakeland and Briers plantations. Taylor records the visits of many relatives and friends, including the family of Zachary Taylor. He also discusses local politics. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 899.

Taylor, Zachary, 1784-1850. Papers, 1814-1931. 631 items [on microfilm]. Misc.:T, Vault:1, Vault MRDF 5. Papers consist of correspondence, military papers, an autobiographical account, documents relating to Taylor's estate, and to the management of Fashion plantation in Louisiana by his son Richard. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 1644.

Taylor, Zachary, 1784-1850, Letter, 1829 August 6. 1 item. Location: Misc.:T, Vault:1, Vault MRDF 5. Twelfth president of the United States and U.S. Army general. Letter from Fort Crawford, Michigan Territory, to Colonel Maunsel White, New Orleans merchant. Item pertains to Taylor's business interests in Louisiana and contains a few remarks concerning the advantages of being stationed at Fort Crawford. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 1785.

Taylor, Zachary, 1784-1850, Papers, 1846. 2 items. Location: Misc.:T, Vault:1, Vault MRDF 5. Twelfth president of the United States and U.S. Army general. Dinner invitation sent from Taylor while he was in Comargo, Mexico, to Theodore Lewis. The proclamation issued by Taylor, is entitled 'Proclamacion por el general commandante del exercito de los Estados Unidos de America, a la nacion Mejicana.' For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 417.

Taylor, Zachary, 1784-1850. Letters, 1848. 2 items. Location: Misc.:T, Vault:1, Vault MRDF 5. Twelfth president of the United States and U.S. Army general. Letters to J. Watson Webb, New York newspaper journalist and publisher. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 2436.

Taylor, Zachary. Family genealogy, 1901. 1 volume [photocopy]. Location: W:16. Twelfth president of the United States and U.S. Army general. Genealogy and copies of relevant documents tracing the history of the Taylor family from the arrival of James Taylor in Virginia in 1640. Volume was compiled by Betty Taylor Dandridge. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 2923.

Teesdale, S. Letter, 1848 May 11. 1 item. Location: Misc.:T. Resident of Columbus, Ohio. Letter to New York Congressman Hugh White discussing Whig presidential candidates in Ohio and elsewhere, For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 2942.

Tennent, James Emerson, 1804-1869, Letters, 1838. 4 items. Location: Misc.:T. Irish-born traveler, politician, member of English Parliament, and author. Letters concern social activities and mention his plans to travel to Ceylon. Part of the George DeForest Collection. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 1350.

Tennessee Federation of Labor, Records. 99 items (68 items, 1 ms. vol., 30 printed vols., on 2 microfilm reels). Location: Mss. Mf.:T. Labor union closely associated with the Tennessee State Industrial Union Council. It advocated the rights of coal miners and other types of industrial workers. Records consist of minutes of the executive board meetings concerning the Federation's internal affairs, organizational questions, political education, protective labor legislation, conventions, World War II, a proposed merger, and voting records. Printed works include monographs on labor issues and printed laws, proceedings, constitutions, and minutes of the Tennessee Federation of Labor. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 1633.

Tensas Parish Democratic Executive Committee minute book, 1888-1916. 1 v. Location: Mf. The minute book records the conduct of meetings, resolutions passed, the planning of elections of delegates for various conventions, the appointment of election commissioners, and other business of the Executive Committee. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 3265.

Tessier, Charles Robert. Papers. 25 items. Notary public in East Baton Rouge and Pointe Coupee Parishes, Louisiana, and a justice of the peace in Pointe Coupee Parish. Papers contain commissions as a notary public and as a justice of the peace; oaths of office; a bond; and a letter regarding the bond. Included are two letters concerning a proposed engraving of General Andrew Jackson before Judge Dominick A. Hall. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 893.

Texada, Lewis and family. Papers, 1830-1939. 274 items. Location: W:25, OS:T. Lewis Texada was a planter of Bayou Rapides, Rapides Parish, Louisiana. Collection includes papers related to property ownership in Rapides Parish; letters from Louisiana Governor Henry Watkins Allen; papers related to a girls' school in Virginia; and letters of Confederate civilians in the Civil War. Also included are sheet music and printed items. Available (with some omissions) on microfilm 5735: University Publications of America Confederate Military Manuscripts Series B, Reel 19. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 2985.

The People, (Baton Rouge, La.), 1903 Oct. 12. 1 item (v. 33 cm.). Location: OS:P. Issue of "The People", a Baton Rouge newspaper, supporting General Leon Jastremski for governor of Louisiana in the Democratic primary. Other candidates announced include William G. Randolph for sheriff and Charles F. Ratcliff for representative from East Baton Rouge Parish. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 1155.

The Petition of the Louisiana Parishes of East and West Feliciana, East Baton Rouge, Livingston, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, Washington, and St. Tammany, circa 1881-1883. 1 petition. Location: E:Imprints. Petition of the police juries of the Florida Parishes of Louisiana to the U.S. Congress asserting their rights to the property interests of the area. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 133.

Thomas, Isaac, 1774-1859. Family Papers, 1802-1851. 0.3 linear ft. Location: D:95. Politician, lawyer, and planter. Thomas moved to Alexandria, Louisiana, in 1819, where he operated a steamboat, a sawmill, and a large plantation. He was a Democratic member of the Louisiana State Senate (1823-1827). Papers relating to the business and legal career of Isaac Thomas. Several papers document the history of land ownership in Rapides and Catahoula parishes, Louisiana. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 4634.

Thompson Family Papers, 1865, 1924-1935, 1945. 10 items, 1 printed vol. Location: Misc.:T, H:20. Papers of the Thompson family of Opelousas, La., contains correspondence relating to family and business affairs, receipts, and a copy of the novel "The Initials" by Jemima Tautphoeus. Letter from George Bienvenu, an Air Force lieutenant stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base in Warrensburg, Mo., discusses his duties on base and personal news. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 2021.

Thompson, Josie. Papers, 1939-1995 (bulk 1946-1949). 1.25 linear ft. Location: X:14. Louisiana State University alumna and press correspondent for United Press International, who covered the Nuremberg Military Tribunals (1946-1949). Collection primarily consists of her typed reports of the trials and other events in post-WWII Germany. Also included are photographs, legal briefs, and personal items. Mss. 5046.

Thompson, Waddy, 1798-1868, Letter, 1848 Jan. 14. 1 item. Misc.:T. Member of the Whig party of South Carolina who served in the state legislature, U.S. Congress, and as minister to Mexico. Letter written by Thompson requesting a correction be made to a published article about the extent of Thompson's support for the policies of President Polk's administration. For further information, see online catalog. Mss. 3666.