Guide to An Attempt to Describe the Future of the United States, 1863-1865 DAR.1937.06

Repository
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Title
An Attempt to Describe the Future of the United States
Collection Number
DAR.1937.06
Extent
0.21 Linear Feet (1 box)
Date
1863-1865
Abstract
This collection consists of six bound sections of a partial manuscript written aboard the steamship Emily B. Souder in 1865 by an unknown author. The manuscript discusses the author's views on the American Civil War, self-governance, and slavery. Digital reproductions of this collection are available online.
Language
English .
Author
Angela Manella.
Publisher
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Address
University of Pittsburgh Library System
Archives & Special Collections
Website: library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections
Contact Us: www.library.pitt.edu/ask-archivist
URL: http://library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections

Existence and Location of Copies

Digital reproductions of this collection are available online.

History

The S.S. Emily B. Souder was built in Philadelphia for E. A. Souder in 1863. The wooden propeller ship measured 203 feet from bow to stern, and carried passengers and freight between South America, Caribbean and the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts of the United States until she sank off the coast of Jamaica in 1878. The Emily B. Souder gained notoriety for bringing yellow fever to New Orleans in the late 1870s, precipitating an epidemic that ultimately claimed 4600 lives in that city before spreading up the Mississippi River.

Scope and Content Notes

This collection consists of six bound sections of a partial manuscript written during a voyage from Brazil to New York City aboard the S. S. Emily B. Souder in 1863 and 1865 by an unknown author. The work explains the author's views on the American Civil War, self-governance, and slavery. The author describes himself as a "true democrat" and optimist who maintains faith in Americans' ability to govern themselves. He is a supporter of the federal government, and mourns the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. He is, however, critical of abolitionists and their conviction "that they are specially appointed by Heaven to bring about freedom of the Southern slaves regardless of all considerations whatever; and that the constitution, peace, good order, paternal love and the general happiness of whites and blacks, should all be sacrificed upon the alter of compulsory abolitionism."

The manuscript is written in ink by the same hand and includes editorial notations in pencil. Only pages 185-212, 249-296, 347-378 and 427-610 are present; pages 185 to 230 are affixed to one another and torn.

Access Restrictions

No restrictions.

Acquisition Information

Gift of the People's Pittsburgh Trust Company to the Darlington Memorial Library in 1937.

Custodial History

This collection was located in the Darlington Memorial Library in the University's Cathedral of Learning until 2007 when it was moved to the ULS Archives Service Center for processing, storage, preservation and service. However, it remains in the custodianship of the ULS Special Collections Department.

Preferred Citation

An Attempt to Describe the Future of the United States, 1863-1865, DAR.1937.06, Darlington Collection, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System

Previous Citation

An Attempt to Describe the Future of the United States, 1863-1865, DAR.1937.06, Darlington Collection, Special Collections Department, University of Pittsburgh

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Angela Manella in November 2007.

Copyright

No copyright restrictions.

Subjects

    Corporate Names

    • S.S. Emily B. Souder (Ship)

    Geographic Names

    • United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865
    • United States -- Politics and government -- 1861-1865

    Genres

    • Diaries

    Other Subjects

    • Abolitionists -- United States
    • Ocean travel

Container List

Pages 186-242
Containers
box 1, folder 1
Pages 249-296
Containers
box 1, folder 2
Pages 297-378
Containers
box 1, folder 3
Pages 427-490
Containers
box 1, folder 4
Pages 491-554
Containers
box 1, folder 5
Pages 555-610
Containers
box 1, folder 6