The largest set of 19 letters are those written to Clara P. Black’s cousin Clarence Fowler (1838-1893), many while he was a seminary student in Canton, New York from 1860-1863. Clara’s letters describe her life as a student at Bradford Female Seminary (Bradford Academy) in Bradford, Massachusetts, and, after 1858, her life at home in Danversport, Massachusetts. Aretas Sanborn (1834- ), a paymaster’s clerk in the Union Army 1862-1863 and Clara’s future husband, added political commentary to these letters. Aretas complained that Boston lacked patriotism and urged that the rebellion be suppressed “without compromise” as he feared a long battle (Nov. 2, 1862). Moreover, he felt that one man in Washington should not control the army in the field: “The President is too honest. The biggest rogues generally make the best rulers and I wish we had one now provided that he were loyal.” (Dec. 21, 1862).