Size.

1 item and 8 manuscript volumes on 1 microfilm reel

Geographic locations.

New York; Baton Rouge, La.

Inclusive dates.

1861-1890

Bulk dates.

N/A

Language.

English

Summary.

Collection consists of six diaries and two receipt books. Plantations mentioned are: Highland, Motesano, Belair, Carolina, Poplar Grove, Hard Times. Numerous prominent citizens are also mentioned. The entries for 1861-1862 discuss the Civil War as it affected Baton Rouge.

Restrictions on access.

If microfilm is available, photocopies must be made from microfilm.

Related collections.

None.

Copyright.

Copyright of the original materials is retained by descendants of the creators in accordance with U.S. copyright law.

Citation.

Dougherty (John A.) Papers, Mss. 3528, Louisiana and Lower Mississippi Valley Collections, LSU Libraries, Baton Rouge, La.

Stack location(s).

Mss.MF:D

Agriculture--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1861

Guano spread on corn and sorgho, its distribution; May 13, June 17.

Agriculture--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1862, 1869

1862: Two methods for planting Irish Potatoes, Feb. 16; plans to plant corn together with Irish Potatoes; prices for various agricultural products, Dec. 11; 1869: method for planting potatoes, Feb. 1.

Agriculture--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1868

Vegetables for hedges; okra, cucumber, squash, corn, potatoes, shallots, onions, beets, beans;

May 27.

Agriculture--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1868

Fertilizer for onions: 38 lbs. salt, 1 lb. sulphur, 1/6/ lbs. carb. Ammonia; once every week for 8 weeks.

Agriculture--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1890

Periodic milk deliveries from Dougherty plantation to the University.

Allain, Sosthene.

1860’s

Business acquaintance of Dougherty, mentioned often.

Arsenals--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1870

Explosion at the arsenal; 5 dead;

May 27.

Astronomy--Louisiana.

1861; 1887

Comet visible, June 30 through

July 10, 1861; solar eclipse expected, but obstructed by clouds,

Aug. 19, 1887.

Barrow family.

1871

Dr. Buffington is said to have reported that a member of the Barrow family is suspected of killing Winter; some speculation on the motive;

Feb. 23.

Baton Rouge (La.)--Census, 1870.

1870

Mr. Schoomaker taking the census, July 27.

Baton Rouge (La.)--Climate.

1860s-1890

Daily reference in diaries to weather conditions in Baton Rouge, also reports on weather elsewhere.

Baton Rouge (La.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865.

1861

Federals have several vessels shoot at Baton Rouge, and 3 regiments “take possession of the place”; Dec. 17.

Baton Rouge (La.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865.

1862

Imminent attack on the city by Confederates, July 19, 28, 30; Witness account on battle, General Breckinridge vs. General Williams; crossing of river during battle;

Aug. 4, 5; Brig. Gen. Thomas Williams killed, Aug. 5.

Baton Rouge (La.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865.

1862

Conduct of Federal troops is shameful; Dougherty complains to Commanding General, is well impressed with him and two of his aides; Dec. 18.

Baton Rouge (La.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865.

1862

Excitement in city over 2000 bales of cotton near the Penitentiary, Apr. 27.

Baton Rouge (La.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--African Americans.

1862

U.S. Navy vessels leaving B.R. and taking all African Americans with them,

Aug. 21, report from Mississippi that planters are moving their slaves north, Dec. 1.

Baton Rouge (La.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--African Americans.

1862

“Essex” ordered to land her contrabands, since Federals cannot receive them within their lines; some contrabands fired upon by Federals; African Americans in New Orleans being driven to Lake Shore, Dec. 7.

Baton Rouge (La.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Flags.

1862

Black flag: threat by Breckinridge countered by Butler with his own threat to destroy everything; Aug. 14.

Baton Rouge (La.)--Social life and customs--19th century.

1870s-1890

Dancing school, skating club, parties, theatre, concerts, parades, exhibitions and other similar activities recorded in diaries.

Belair Plantation (La.)

1874

On May 26, sold for $5000; bought by Kenneday.

Breckinridge, John C. (John Cabell), 1821-1875.

1862

Undertakes unsuccessful foray against Baton Rouge, threatens to raise black flag: Butler answers that he would burn everything; Aug. 14.

Building failures--Virginia--Richmond.

1870

At Capitol, Gallery falls and kills 60, 200 wounded; Apr. 28.

Butler, Benjamin F. (Benjamin Franklin), 1818-1893.

1862

Reports of shock in England at Butler’s ordinance concerning ladies of New Orleans, July 4. Butler seen mainly as politician who would prefer evacuation of New Orleans to risk of losing his men and provoking crackdown by Lincoln government; Sept. 13. John W. Adams, at Louisiana Club, shows cross reportedly made of bones of Yankee soldier. Butler sends him to Ship Island for 2 years at hard labor;

July 6.

Butler, Benjamin F. (Benjamin Franklin), 1818-1893.

1862

His proclamation said to be “in most disgraceful language”, May 12; Butler arrives on “McClelland”, arrests prominent citizens, then releases them; June 28. Arrested and taken away on Butler’s ship, June 29: Cravass, Hyam, Magruder, McKitrick, Shoe Jones and Roberts.

Carolina Plantation (La.)

1868

Details of ownership controversy, Sept. 23.

Catholic Church--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1868

Over 300 people joining, old and young, black and white, Mar. 29.

Cemeteries--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1861; 1868; 1875; 1890; 1887

Funerals in Magnolia Cemetery noted: for Judge Morgan, 62, Nov. 14, 1861; for J. Duncan Stewart,

Feb. 9, 1868; for Major Dunn,

Mar. 4, 1868; for Joe Bernard,

Feb. 5, 1869; for David N. Barrow, July 21, 1887; for Bynum’s oldest son, shot dead by accident, Mar. 16, and for Mrs. Geo. A. Pike, Mar. 21, 1890

Charmer (Steamboat)

1861

Burned near Convent, 8 lives lost. Feb. 10.

Chinese--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1871

Several people go to the Penitentiary to see the Chinese at work at night, Apr. 28.

Christmas.

1870

Note that it was a day “as poor a Christmas as I remember of”.

Confederate States of America--Economic conditions.

1861

Reports of rupture between Great Britain and U.S., gold advancing 10% or 15%, cause some excitement amongst cotton people, Dec. 20.

Confederate States of America. Army.

1862

Events reported: defeat of Crittenden at Fishing Creek, Kentucky; losses cited, Jan. 22; loss of Fort Henry and Roanoke Island, Feb. 10; Confederates beaten and lost 8000 men at Fort Donelson, Feb. 15; reports of 60,000 landed at Proctorville, La.; expectation of interference by Great Britain, Feb. 19.

Confederate States of America. Army.

1862

Runaway caught and delivered to overseer at “Montesano”, June 1.

Confederate States of America. Navy.

1862

Capture and burning of the “S.B. Lone Star” by an officer and 5 men; Nov. 29.

Cotton--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1862

Burning of cotton, May 3.

County councils--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1860s-1880s

J.A. Dougherty member of police jury and attendance at meetings.

Criminal justice, Administration of--Louisiana.

1861

Diary entry:”…man who struck

Mr. John Reid with a hoe and knocked him down was hanged today on the spot where he committed the act”; Apr. 26. Mr. Williams’ Adam sent to Penitentiary for life for murder of Ellis, June 20.

Dance--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1874

3 family members attending dance school, $10.00 per month; Jan. 22.

Dance schools--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1874

3 family members attending dancing school, $10.00 per month; Jan. 22.

Davis, Jefferson, 1808-1889.

1862

Said to have been toasted as “first PRESIDENT of the Southern Republic” at a New Orleans dinner in 1850; Apr. 8.

Democratic Party (East Baton Rouge Parish, La.)

1868, 1870-1871

Mass meeting at Pike’s Hall, Jan. 25; names of officers; 1870: at meeting of Democratic Central Committee, discussion of establishment of White Man’s Government, June 7. Other meetings recorded.

Dentistry--Louisiana.

1870

Lucy has 13 teeth extracted; use of chloroform, June 15.

Dream interpretation--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1860s-1880s

Writer of diaries records many of his dreams: 1868, June 28, July 22; 1870, Oct. 15; 1871, Mar. 7; 1874, May 13; 1887, Jan. 18, Feb.6 (“extraordinary revelation”), Aug. 26; 1890, May 20, Aug. 21.

Dreams--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1860s-1880s

Writer of diaries records many of his dreams: 1868, June 28, July 22; 1870, Oct. 15; 1871, Mar. 7; 1874, May 13; 1887, Jan. 18, Feb.6 (“extraordinary revelation”),

Aug. 26; 1890, May 20, Aug. 21.

Drugs--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1869, 1890

“Waddill Tonic” for sick children, Feb. 19, 1869; turpentine used for nail wound in foot, Mar. 18, 1890; “Elixir of Life” for ailing Mam,

May 20.

Empire Parish (Steamboat)

1862

Boat fired at while loading sugar, killing owner, engineer, mates, wounding others, Dec. 22.

Farragut, David Glasgow, 1801-1870.

1862

Farragut and Bayliss are said to agree that Lincoln has fallen into hands of abolitionists, July 26; Farragut prohibits entry or egress from Baton Rouge, Aug. 13.

Fire fighters--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1875

Grand Procession of Fire Department, Mar. 15.

Flags--Louisiana.

1861

Grand inauguration of State Flag, Feb. 22.

Floods--Louisiana.

1862; 1871; 1874; 1890

Frequent entries, especially during months of Mar. and Apr. on floods, crevasses, damages.

Formulas, recipes, etc--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1875

Making bitters of dogwood willow and wild cherry bark and whisky.

Fruit trees--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1861, 1868

First time that Harvest Home Apple variety ever raised here, June 14, ’61; peaches, nectarines, plums, quince in bloom; two tea trees as gift to Lytle; Mar. 12, 13, ’68; set out 3 standard pears “Beurre Goubault”, Mar. 26.

Fruit trees--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1868

Peach and pear trees decaying, leaves black and dry as powder, Apr. 10.

Fruit trees--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1868

Peaches from a young tree supposed to be “Chinese honey”, June 27: numbers the fruit trees on “Highland” with tin tablets; Sept. 21.

Fugitive slaves--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1862

Daring escape by Antony and Achille in Tony’s skiff, they land at the Garrison, June 14; fruitless discussion with Capt. David G. Farragut on ways to prevent fugitives going on board the transports; 30-40 African Americans left with 4th Wisconsin on the “Laurel Hill” and “Iberville”, June 16.

Horses--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1861, 1868

Colt sold to Bynum for $125; horse auction, Mar. 7, 1868; writer is judge at horse race, Oct. 24, 1868.

Hurricanes--Louisiana.

1871

Report on near destruction of Helena, Ark., also damage in Mississippi, Vicksburg, and Point Coupee Parish, La. Feb. 17.

Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

1887

Procession and dance at Pike’s Hall; 66th anniversary of Society’s founding, Apr. 26.

Inheritance and succession--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1868

Details of settlement of Macalop estate and that of Mrs. Elvira Dougherty, May 20.

Jews--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1874

His funeral, Feb. 28, with large turnout of Jews; gathering at Rosenfield’s house to drink fine German wine, Dec. 24.

Johnston, Albert Sidney, 1803-1862.

1862

Remark that at Shiloh the enemy was whipped and the best General lost, Apr. 6.

Kenner, Duncan Farrar, 1813-1887.

1862

Kenner is said to be alerting authorities to the need for doing something for the deliverance of Louisiana.

Lafourche Parish (La.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865.

1862

Rumor that Federal troops invade Lafourche Parish, 7000 by railroad, 5000 by river.

Land tenure--Louisiana.

1861, 1868

$500.00 taxes paid for property in East Baton Rouge Parish, Nov. 30, 1861; account of taxes for 1867,

Aug. 25, 1868.

Land tenure--Louisiana.

1862

Nolan’s land sold: 1420 acres, plus 868 acres of swamp, at $226.80;

Feb. 20.

Land tenure--Louisiana.

1874

Mr. Greene photographs land forfeited for taxes preparatory to offering it for sale; Jan. 3.

Law--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1861

Stay law favored to be maintained, by Mr. Allain and Mr. Dubroca representing largest New Orleans houses; Nov. 27.

Law--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1874

Judge Davis forbids taking of household and kitchen furniture of a debtor unless there is value of over $600.00, June 11; more judgments in criminal cases, June 12, 15.

Livestock--Louisiana.

1860s-1880s

Some records kept on horses, cattle, mules, farmyard animals on Dougherty plantation; in 1862, ordered to send one sheep every other day to the “Harney House” for the sick, Aug. 3.

Louisiana--Description and travel.

1868; 1869; 1870

Account of 3-day trip from Baton Rouge to Jackson-Woodville-Bayou Sara; road conditions poor; appearance of country melancholy to behold, Sept. 3-5, 1868; road from B.R. to Ponchatoula being constructed, Feb. 12, 1869; trip from Mr. Barrow’s via Bayou Sara to B.R. takes from 6 am to 9 pm; bad roads, tedious traveling; July 18, 1870.

Louisiana--History--Civil War, 1861-1865.

1862

General discouragement noted with respect to Confederate cause,

Mar. 11 & ff [?].

Louisiana Institution for the Deaf, Dumb and Blind.

1871

Common Council passed resolution appointing J. E. Elam and A.S. Herron to confer with legislature about repairing the State House for temporary use of the school, Feb. 20.

Louisiana State Penitentiary.

1868

New Board of Control of the Penitentiary, with J.A. Dougherty as President; officers: F.W. Calwell, Simmons, McNey, Cluny and Bnum as agents for Jones and Huger; Apr. 11, 15.

Manufacturing industries--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1870

Discussion on prospects for foundry and machine shop, at $10,000.00 investment, Dec. 10.

Manufacturing industries--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1862

Machine for making hoops from timber of oaks, Jan. 16; instructions on setting up furnaces for kettles, Mar. 16.

Medical fees--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1861

Joe Penny’s eyes operated on by Dr. Beard: 1 cataract from each eye, cost $150.00.

Jan. 9.

Negotiation in business--Louisiana.

1862

Financial deal with N.W. Pope and Pike, involving purchase by Pike of Grosse Tete Railroad stock to pay Dougherty’s debt to Pope; Mar. 26, Apr. 6.

New Orleans (La.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865.

1862

Reported destruction of cotton and sugar, Apr. 22; supplies of meat from Red River area to be given to women and children, but not to men.

New Orleans (La.)--History--Civil War, 1861-1865--Economic aspects.

1861

Banks suspend specie payment and receive Confederate money on deposit; Sept. 16.

Newspapers.

1861, 1868, 1867,

Jan. 23, 1868.

“Rural Gentleman”, six-month subscription, $2.50, 1861. “Rural World”, one-year subscription, $2.00, 1868. “Science News” and “American Agriculturist”, one-year subscription, $2.00, 1887. Receives newspapers from London, England, Jan. 23, 1868.

Ouachita Belle (Steamboat)

1871

Boat broke her guards off at “Belair” and lost cotton overboard which was saved by the Coal Company’s tugboat, Jan. 24.

Photography--Louisiana.

1874

Mr. Greene photographs land forfeited for taxes preparatory to offering it for sale; Jan. 3.

Pike’s Hall (Baton Rouge, La.)

1868; 1874

Meeting of democratic party of EBR Parish, Jan. 25, 1868; Grand May Day Festival, May 15; Hall used for benefit of Methodist Church, 1874.

Plantations--Economic aspects--Louisiana.

1861

Renting houses to Mr. Dubroca on “Carolina” at $300.00 first year, $500.00 next, he to make repairs, May 2.

Poplar Grove Plantation (La.)

1868; 1874

Calwell offers $40,000.00 for P.G.; May 20. Sugar production described, Oct. 1-31, 1874.

Port Hudson (La.)--History--Siege, 1863.

1862

The enemy said determined to reduce Port Hudson “and they have 30,000 men and 20 ships to do it with”;

Dec. 17.

Power of attorney--Louisiana--Livingston Parish.

1869

Power of attorney given to Edw. Cooper to attend to Dougherty’s lands in Livingston Parish and drive away African Americans who are now robbing the wood; Feb. 18.

Railroads--Louisiana.

1870; 1890

Steps toward liquidation of Baton Rouge, New Orleans Railroad Company, Mar. 1870; large

number of railroad accidents coincide with unusual weather disturbances,

June 30, 1890.

Railroads--Mississippi.

1887

Trains of Mississippi River Valley pass through tunnel at Vicksburg for the first time, Feb. 24.

Reading--Louisiana.

1874

Reads Renan’s Life of Jesus, May 6; C.S. Johnson A Home Journal about Cattle and Horse Breeding in the South, Aug. 1.

Reconstruction (U.S. history, 1865-1877)--Economic aspects--Louisiana.

1871

Dougherty receives from LeSage $237.40 in Parish Warrants on rent due in January; notes amounts of wages paid.

Reconstruction (U.S. history, 1865-1877)--Louisiana.

1870

In connection with elections, disturbances at Court House, shots fired, a number of African Americans injured, arrests made, some leave town;

Nov. 7-10.

Reconstruction (U.S. history, 1865-1877)--Louisiana--New Orleans.

1868

Mass rioting of citizens and appointed delegates to Convention to be held on Mar. 5 in New Orleans; Feb. 8.

Rosenfield, L.--Death and burial.

1874

His funeral, Feb. 28, with large turnout of Jews; gathering at Rosenfield’s house to drink fine German wine, Dec. 24.

Secession--Louisiana.

1861

Results of elections for Secession Convention, Jan. 7; representatives divided into “secessionists” and “cooperationists”; final decision to secede, Jan. 26.

Secession--Louisiana.

1861

Grand inauguration of State Flag, Feb. 22.

Sewing machines--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

ca. 1874

Advertisement for Dr. Sapp’s improved sewing machine, with expert testimonials.

Silver--Louisiana.

1868

Weight of silver owned by Dougherty: 87.5 ounces avoirdupois, equal to 82 ounces Troy; Mar. 18.

Smallpox--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1868; 1874

Individual cases of smallpox reported.

Sugar--Louisiana.

1861, 1862

Move of 4 boatloads per day of seed cane from “Highland” to “Carolina” plantations, Jan. 30; description of sugar refining equipment on “Carolina”, Oct. 12. Reported: armed men a “Poplar Grove” plantation to prevent shipment of sugar,

July 3, 1862; Confederates hauling sugar away from A.A. (Williams’) plantation; Aug. 25.

Sugar--Louisiana.

1862, 1868

Prices for sugar (also oil, ham, flour), Sept.-Oct., 1862; running accounts on sugar crops and refining, Oct. 1868.

Sugar--Manufacture and refining--Louisiana.

1870

Produces “the best sugar I ever saw except vacuum clarified sugar”; Oct. 19.

Sugar--Manufacture and refining--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1861

Description of Dr. Campbell’s sugar house, Jan. 8.

Symptoms--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1862

Symptoms observed on sick son: fever, nose bleeds, lips red inside, tongue red at edges and all over belly sore about the navel; Oct. 26.

Taxation--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1874

City taxes for 1874: $100.00

Transportation--Louisiana.

1862

The “rockaway” as common vehicle for travel.

United States. Army--History--Civil War, 1861-1865.

1862

4th Wisconsin and 6th Michigan regiments landed; Federal soldiers “an armed mob…no one controls them,” July 26.

United States. Army--History--Civil War, 1861-1865.

1862

Listing of the four corps which make up Gen. W. H. Halleck’s Army:

1. Army of Tennessee –

Major Gen. Thomas

2. Army of Kentucky –

Major Gen. D.C. Buell

3. Army of Mississippi –

Maj. Gen. J.A. Pope

4. Army of Reserve –

Maj. Gen. John McClermand

Commanding Generals:

Maj. Gen. H.W. Halleck;

2nd Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant.

United States. Navy--History--Civil War, 1861-1865.

1862

Throughout month of May, observance of gun boats passing up and down the river flying American flag, patrolling Baton Rouge, sometimes firing; eyewitness account of gun boat battle between “Essex” and “Ram,” Aug. 5.

Von Phul family.

1874

Newspaper article, frequent diary entries concerning the family and their bankruptcy; Feb. 19.

Warships--Louisiana.

1861

Meets 22 gunboats on way to

New Orleans, Apr. 7.

Washing machines--Louisiana--Baton Rouge.

1870

Washing machine considered fine for large loads, but tiring, May 10.

Stack

Location

Contents (with dates)

Mss.MF:D

1 item, 8 manuscript volumes on 1 microfilm reel (1861-1890)