The community of St. Peter was initially, and for a very brief time, known as Rock Bend, a name taken because of the presence of a sharp bend in the course of the Minnesota River on the east side of the settlement. The name was used probably from late in 1853 until sometime in 1854. The envelope shown here, addressed to Charles E. Flandrau (1828-1903), who was living in the area at the time, is one of only a few objects that survived with the name "Rock Bend" on it. Flandrau, himself, became a very prominent resident of the State of Minnesota. Among many other duties during his lifetime, he commanded the defenders of New Ulm in August of 1862 and later served on the Minnesota Supreme Court.
James George wrote this letter from Mantorville to his daughter, Helen on December 11, 1859. He writes about the value of education and warns her against associating with Mr. Wescotts, Blaisdelle or Sid Miller.
James George wrote this letter from camp. After the general died the day before, they started marching. They had no tents the night before and he got wet from the dew. The men of the Ninth Ohio had been acting badly since the general died. James George drove off some members of that unit who were abusing two young ladies. The weather has been very hot. He mentions possibilities for General McCook's replacement. There is word that the rebels are marching towards his regiment. He is fearful that the war will go on indefinitely.
This document, dated May 11th, was sent to Eugene St. Julien Cox of St. Peter, who was the Captain of Company E of the First Mounted Rangers. The document addressed Cox as a major, but various records indicate that his highest rank was that of captain. Cox was ordered to include Sibley County in the sub-district for which he was responsible. He was also informed that a new squad had been organized in New Ulm, and that ""trappers report Indians plenty west of here."" The letter was sent from Mankato by Second Lieutenant and Adjutant George A. Clarke. The document appears to have an 1865 date, but Cox served from December 10, 1862, until November 11, 1863, and Clarke served from December 20, 1861, until December 20, 1864. It therefore appears that the document was sent in 1863.
Edwin Clark writes to his sister, Martha (Mattie) Clark about a possible job in Minnesota, urging her and brother John to not work so hard, overcome her depression, and offers to help sell their farm.
Ellen Clark writes from Bridgewater, New Hampshire, to husband, Edwin Clark about weaning Albert (Bertie) Clark , why she can't go to visit him in Washington, D.C., and his plans on going West.
Edwin Clark writes a letter to his sister Martha (Mattie) Clark, of his plans to get a job in Minnesota with the help of Ignatius Donnelly. He presently rooms with Joel Bassett. He will soon quit his job in Washington City (Washington, D.C.)