University of Oregon Libraries
Special Collections & University Archives
1299 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-1299
URL: http://libweb.uoregon.edu/speccoll/index.html

Guide to the Benjamin Franklin Dowell Papers, 1847-1882


Ax 031





Finding aid prepared by Vida Germano

Finding aid encoded by Nathan Georgitis, January 2004
Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.


Overview of the Collection
 
Repository Name:
 

University of Oregon Libraries
Special Collections & University Archives

1299 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403-1299
URL: http://libweb.uoregon.edu/speccoll/index.html
 
Collection Number:
 

Ax 031
 
Creator:
 

Dowell, B. F. (Benjamin Franklin)
 
Title:
 

Benjamin Franklin Dowell Papers
 
Dates:
 

1847-1882 (inclusive)
 
Quantity:
 

3.5 linear feet
7 containers
 
Languages:
 

Collection materials are in English. 

 
Summary:
 

Benjamin Franklin Dowell, a native of Virginia, came west on the overland trail in 1850. He practiced law in Jacksonville, Oregon and in Washington, D.C. Dowell, with the assistance of his wife and others, owned the Oregon Sentinel newspaper in Jacksonville. The Benjamin Franklin Dowell Papers includes memorandum books, diaries, scrapbooks, and correspondence between Dowell and his wife from Jacksonville and Washington, D.C.

 

Biographical Note

An attorney in Jacksonville, Oregon, Dowell was a native of Virginia, born in 1826. He graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in law in 1847. Dowell came overland to California in 1850, but migrated to Oregon almost immediately. With little legal business in Oregon, Dowell taught school and then ran a pack train from various points to the gold region of southern Oregon and northern California in the 1850s. He resumed practicing law after his pack train was captured by a group of Native Americans.

Dowell practiced law in Jacksonville, and specialized in pressing “Indian depredation” and military expense claims for Oregonians who had suffered genuine or fancied losses. Many of these claims were against the Federal government, so Dowell spent much of his time in Washington D.C., being shunted from one treasury official to another. Similar to most attorneys of the time, he had political ambitions. To gain a political career, Dowell purchased the Oregon Sentinel (Jacksonville) in 1864. Through his wife and a series of eight editors he ran the paper remotely for fourteen years. His political ambitions were never realized, and he remained a claims agent and attorney. Dowell died in 1897.

Content Description

The Benjamin Franklin Dowell Papers include correspondence, diaries, and newspaper clippings. Except for a few loose letters and documents, the Dowell papers are imbedded in scrapbooks into which he and his wife pasted correspondence, printed pieces, and clippings. Most of the letters are either by Dowell or his wife, and represent an exchange of information and instruction, as well as gossip, between Jacksonville and Washington, D.C.

The small volumes of scrapbooks, memorandum books, and diaries are stored in boxes. The larger volumes are stored individually in phase boxes.

Detailed access to the letters is provided by a calendar of incoming letters, in the form of typed cards located in the Manuscripts Card Catalog. The date, sender’s name, and brief content description of each letter is given.

Fragments of the Dowell papers exist in other libraries, notably the Huntington Library in San Marino, California; the Bancroft Library in Berkeley, California; and the Oregon Historical Society Library in Portland, Oregon.

A thesis by Franklin D. Mahar, "Benjamin Franklin Dowell" (M.A., History, University of Oregon, 1964) is based on the Dowell papers.

Arrangement

Collection is organized into one series: Scrapbooks, Diaries and Correspondence.

Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Access 

Collection is open to the public.

Collection must be used in Special Collections & University Archives Reading Room.

Restrictions on Use 

Property rights reside with Special Collections & University Archives, University of Oregon Libraries. Copyright resides with the creators of the documents or their heirs. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted to the Manuscripts Librarian in Special Collections & University Archives. The reader must also obtain permission of the copyright holder.

Preferred Citation 

[Identification of item], Benjamin Franklin Dowell Papers, Ax 031, Special Collections & University Archives, University of Oregon Libraries, Eugene, Oregon.

Related Information

Related Materials 

Fragments of the Dowell papers exist in other libraries, notably the Huntington Library in San Marino, California; the Bancroft Library in Berkeley, California; and the Oregon Historical Society Library in Portland, Oregon.

Subjects

This collection is indexed under the following headings in the online catalog. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons, or places should search the catalog using these headings.

 
Dowell, B. F. (Benjamin Franklin), Mrs.--Correspondence
Dowell, B. F. (Benjamin Franklin)--Archives
Dowell, B. F. (Benjamin Franklin)--Correspondence
Oregon--Claims vs. United States
Lawyers--Oregon--Jacksonville
Oregon sentinel

Detailed Description of the Collection

The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.


 

Scrapbooks, Diaries, and Correspondence
 
Container(s)
Description
Dates
 
box
1		 folder
1
Letters
   1856-1889
 
box
1		 folder
1
B. F. Dowell (Salem, O.T.) to Samuel Dowell (Stony Point, Va.)
   January 31, 1856
 
1 letter (28 pages)
Gives details of controversy in Oregon over the Indian wars, particularly Gen. Wool’s position, and Palmer’s attitude. Explains positions of settlers in current war, Cayuse War, and Whitman Massacre. Describes death of Pio-Pio-Mox-Mox. Comments on custom of scalping. Hopes to return to Virginia if he survives present wars.
 
1 1
Fannie M. Randolph (Memphis, Tenn.) to B. F. Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   November 25, 1860
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Sends news of family and crop prospects. Asks for money. Says recent election has depressed prices.
 
1 1
S. N. Howard (Sulphur Spring Branch) to B. F. Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   February 24, 1861
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Asks Dowell to get him a job clerking for E.C. sessions.
 
1 1
B. F. Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to [-]
   December 31, 1862
 
1 letter (3 pages)
Lists names of businessmen in Jackson County, indicating changes of ownership and condition since last report.
 
1 1
[-] (Bloomingdale, Ind.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   January 27, 1863
 
1 letter (4 pages)
Sends best wishes on her marriage. Suggests that she take lessons on her penmanship when she is done with music lessons.
 
1 1
John Anderson (San Francisco, Calif.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   March 11, 1863
 
1 letter (1 page)
Thanks her for photograph. Sends garden seeds. Asks what sort of photograph album she would like.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Portland, Or.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   April 26, 1863
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Finds Portland a lovely place, and regrets he did not settle there when he came from the east in 1857. Refers to robbery of Dr. Davenport. Sends greetings from Mrs. Carter.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Roseburg, Or.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   May 1863
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Has decided to attend court in Roseburg next week. Has several cases pending. Lists income and expenses.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Salem, Or.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   September 26, 1863
 
1 letter (3 pages)
Is still working on Farnham case. Says judges are divided about the priority of the mortgages. Expects to win all but one of his Jackson County cases. Believes judges will be divided on greenbacks vs. legal tender question.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (San Francisco, Calif.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   October 8, 1863
 
1 letter (1 page)
Cannot find maple furniture in San Francisco. Will forward sweet potatoes. Hopes other goods shipped have arrived safely. Greets family.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to Joseph G. Wilson
   December 9, 1863
 
1 letter (3 pages)
Gives estimate of political situation in Jackson County as it might affect Wilson’s candidacy for Congress. Says north and south should get together. Lists objections to Orange Jacobs. Favors increase in salaries of judges.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to C.S. Drew
   December 26, 1863
 
1 letter (1 page)
Lists various books he wishes taken to San Francisco to have bound.
 
1 1
John T. Campbell (Rockville, Ind.) to B.F. Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   September 6, 1864
 
1 letter (3 pages)
Acknowledges letter of July 23. Knows nothing of where-abouts of cousin John TenBrook since taking of Atlanta. Is pleased that members of “Sons of Liberty” in Indiana are being arrested. Sends maps of battle of Gettysburg, and refers to members of family in the fight.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to Nathan Olney
   February 21, 1865
 
1 letter (5 pages)
Gives reasons for purchasing Sentinel: to be chief justice of Supreme Court of Oregon, assure payment of Oregon volunteers of 1854, and assure triumph of truth and justice under the constitution and union. Asks for Olney’s support and advice.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to W.W. Fowler (San Francisco, Calif.)
   March 29, 1865
 
1 letter (3 pages)
Sends gold pens for repair. Asks Fowler to inquire into prices for sewing machines advertised in the Sentinel, and buy paper for him. Remarks on Jacksonville politics.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Umatilla, Or.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   May 22, 1865
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Has begun suit to collect debt from Lewis Ward. Says Judge Prim has left for Bannack City, disgusted with eastern Oregon. Says Mr. Dorris left yesterday after making a little money. Remarks on Umatilla as compared with Jacksonville.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Portland, Or.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   October 8, 1865
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Is working case of H. Ayers, arrested for debt. Is not concerned over the opinions of the Applegates, but will prosecute the Siskiyou Wagon Road case against them. Has no doubt he can win.
 
1 1
James K. Kelly (Dalles City, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   November 14, 1865
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Acknowledges receipt of $750 in legal tender for services as assistant counsel for Fowler & Glenn. Will go to Umatilla court next.
 
1 1
George H. Williams (Washington D.C.) to B.F. Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   December 4, 1865
 
1 letter (1 page)
Sends two law books to Dowell, and asks payment to be made to J.J. Hoffman of Portland. Asks about other books wanted.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to Matthew P. Deady
   July 28, 1866
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Outlines pending case of the Siskiyou Wagon Road Co., and asks Deady’s unofficial opinion.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Salem, Or.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   September 22, 1866
 
1 letter (3 pages)
Has been having trouble with his eyes. Gives news of the senatorial contest, attempts at bribery, and the chances for a Union man. Says he or Jesse Applegate stand an outside chance of election.
 
1 1
William M. Turner (Jacksonville, Or.) to Mrs. Emily (Philadelphia, Pa.)
   November 19, 1866
 
1 letter (1 page)
Commends B.F. Dowell, bearer, to kindness of his sister.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (San Francisco, Calif.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   November 30, 1866
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Leaves for New York, via Panama tomorrow. Sends money via friends coming through Jacksonville. Gives instructions for Gault.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (“On board steamer Golden City”) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   December 8, 1866
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Refers to family of John Anderson, with whom he stayed in San Francisco. Advises her to take medicine.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Panama) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   December 14, 1866
 
1 letter (3 pages)
Leaves for Aspinwall shortly. Complains of confining part of being on ship. Refers to other Oregonians on board.
 
1 1
Ida Carrey (Phoenix, Or.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   December 16, 1866
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Asks whether they can conclude arrangements for her to live with Mrs. Dowell for 2 years.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (New York, N.Y.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   December 22, 1866
 
1 letter (3 pages)
Gives reaction to sea voyage; complains of coffee. Hopes to visit her brother in New Orleans.
 
1 1
Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   December 23, 1866
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Reports Gault getting better, and able to walk around. Gives news of household affairs.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   December 25, 1866
 
1 letter (4 pages)
Comments on his thoughts about Christmas.
 
1 1
Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   January 2, 1867
 
1 letter (4 pages)
Reports heavy rains, roof leaking, and water in cellar. Says Gault has been ill with tonsillitis, but is improving. Has high praise for Cardwell as a gentleman. Asks what he thinks of spiritualism.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   January 6, 1867
 
1 letter (3 pages)
Describes visits in Philadelphia with relatives of Mr. Turner, telegraph operator in Jacksonville. Comments on speed of railroads. Has seen president of Northern Pacific, who believes in ten years railroads will operate through Jacksonville.
 
1 1
Greenville Dowell (Galveston, Tex.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   January 7, 1867
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Asks him to look into matter of government money due the Galveston hospital. Explains circumstances.
 
1 1
Greenville Dowell (Galveston, Tex.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   January 7, 1867
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Thanks him for ambrotypes. Reports his office burned out. Has money due him for government patients, and will send his statement of the case, asking him to try to collect. Has good medical practice, but no cash yet.
 
1 1
Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   January 8, 1867
 
1 letter (4 pages)
Has his Acapulco letter. Reports aunt TenBrook very feeble. Is not well herself. Reports progress on house improvements. Says Turner has fallen in love with the hired girl, and Sutton is engaged. Reports Christmas ball a great bore. Gives local news.
 
1 1
Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   January 14, 1867
 
1 letter (4 pages)
Says Gault believes Dowell will settle in the States. Reports marriage of Sutton and Mary. Gives local gossip. Wonders whether she might take piano lessons. Asks whether he will go through Egypt on his way back.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   January 14, 1867
 
1 letter (4 pages)
Complains of no mail, asks that two copies of Sentinel be sent him each mail. Urges her to write each week. Doubts his scrip claims will be paid this session of Congress. Has bought piano, and shipped it around the horn.
 
1 1
Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   January 24, 1867
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Is going to spend a few days at Aunt TenBrook’s house. Has no news.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.) to Fannie Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   January 30, 1867
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Sends her a photograph of her when she was small. Explains the original was taken by Britt, and the copies made by Brady.
 
1 1
John T. Campbell (Rockville, Ind.) to Anna Dowell
   January 31, 1867
 
1 letter (4 pages)
Gives family and personal news. Is working on various inventions, and hopes to get rich on portable fence.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   February 9, 1867
 
1 letter (3 pages)
Has her letter concerning Gault’s recovery from illness. Has received no papers, and only two letters. Urges that copies of Sentinel be sent to all Oregon congressmen. Admits to seeing Mrs. Swan in California.
 
1 1
Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   February 18, 1867
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Describes flood conditions. Asks him to buy certain furniture. Says Gault will write soon about Sentinel business. Reports Turner about to cut out Mr. Peacock in the affections of the widow Overbeck.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   February 21, 1867
 
1 letter (4 pages)
Has just received her letter of January 8. Complains of slowness of government business. Has hopes of collecting money due him for loss of mule train in 1856. Expects to use Mr. Thompson, though he has no respect for Thompson. Will go to Texas soon, and return for next Congress.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   February 26, 1867
 
1 letter (3 pages)
Sends family letter from James Walton. Complains of slowness of government business.
 
1 1
Marietta Dowell (Gordonsville, Va.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   March 7, 1867
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Gives family news, and general financial report. Note by L. Dowell added commenting on hard times, and policy of government towards the South.
 
1 1
Sydney Wood (Gordonsville, Va.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   March 9, 1867
 
1 letter (1 page)
Acknowledges letter. Asks whether he is a member of Congress. Enquires about a soldier’s rest home in Boston.
 
1 1
Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   March 15, 1867
 
1 letter (3 pages)
Reports death of Aunt TenBrook. Says the children recognize his photograph. Reports Turner and the widow Overbeck are engaged. Is not feeling well. Comments that his photograph indicates he is getting heavier.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   March 16, 1867
 
1 letter (3 pages)
Has hopes that Congress will reverse Secretary of War on payment for property lost. Indians wars of 1855 and 1856. Reports arrival of Mr. Mallory. Expects to go to Tennessee and Texas after Congress adjourns, and may return via Mexico after settling business.
 
1 1
William M. Turner (Jacksonville, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   March 18, 1867
 
1 letter (4 pages)
Thanks him for visiting his relatives. Describes editorial and news course of the Sentinel. Reports woolen factory to be set up at Ashland. Comments on Oregon politics. Confesses he is to marry the widow Overbeck, and asks him to describe her to his family.
 
1 1
Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   March 22, 1867
 
1 letter (4 pages)
Regrets he has not got her letters. Says papers have been mailed regularly. Has not been well. Reports Mrs. Prim and the Judge living together again, and Mary Drum married to Ned Session. Gives report on family.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   March 26, 1867
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Reports resolution has passed both houses of Congress enabling him to collect about $5,000. Will go to Texas, and return via Washington and Sacramento. Will telegraph when he leaves.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   March 29, 1867
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Sends magnolia leaves from Mt. Vernon. Expects to leave for Texas next week.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   April 6, 1867
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Has received 3 letters. Says their Jacksonville house is not for sale. Agrees she might take piano lessons. Describes difficulty of getting money due him. Doubts it will come before May 1.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   April 8, 1867
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Has just received her letter of February 8.
 
1 1
Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   April 9, 1867
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Reminds him today is her 25th birthday, weight 122 lb. Has had negro, Isaac, working the garden. Comments on Turner-Overbeck affair. Sends baby pictures.
 
1 1
Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   April 14, 1867
 
1 letter (3 pages)
Lists various visitors, and local gossip. Hears Dr. Thompson may return to Jacksonville, and that he is trying to get into favor with Jacobs again. Relays request of uncle TenBrook an old negro woman to keep house. Says uncle wants one so ugly the democrats won’t marry her.
 
1 1
Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   April 24, 1867
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Has his letter of March 16. Doubts the route home he suggests is a safe one. Reports marriage of Turner with Mrs. Overbeck. Gives other vital statistics. Says Gault doesn’t like to speak of business, so she does not question him.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   April 26, 1867
 
1 letter (4 pages)
Has been visiting relatives and friends in Albemarle county, Va. Describes family of brother Samuel. Describes his brother’s fortunes as affected by the war, and his brother’s family. May take some Texas and Arkansas land for debts owed to him in the South.
 
1 1
Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   May 12, 1867
 
1 letter (4 pages)
Has not been feeling well. May go to Soda Springs for a while. Gives news of local persons. Hears Dr. Thompson is coming back.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Galveston, Tex.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   May 12, 1867
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Is visiting his brother and nephew. Finds his Tennessee land worthless, and debts owed him by brother cannot be collected, there being no cash.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Memphis, Tenn.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   May 27, 1867
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Comments on the growth of Memphis, and the value of lands he once owned there. Believes real estate in Portland and San Francisco would be a good investment.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Memphis, Tenn.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   June 16, 1867
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Has heard of loss of shipment of paper from New York to Oregon. Suggests the office supply itself with paper from San Francisco. Says nothing has been done about auditing his accounts in Washington. Has begun suit in Memphis, and hopes to collect some money some day.
 
1 1
Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   June 20, 1867
 
1 letter (4 pages)
Agrees that investments in Portland or San Francisco would be good. Has been visiting Uncle TenBrook. Is getting impatient to have her teeth. Is amused at local concern over whether she will join Catholic Church.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Rockville, Ind.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   June 28, 1867
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Reports her brother John and family well.
 
1 1
Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   June 25, 1867
 
1 letter (4 pages)
Gives news of local persons, house repairs. Comments on whooping cough in neighborhood.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Rockville, Ind.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   June 30, 1867
 
1 letter (3 pages)
Gives news of relatives in and about Rockville.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   July 6, 1867
 
1 letter (6 pages)
Has received her letters. Regrets that she is not well and urges her to take care of herself.
 
1 1
Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   July 14, 1867
 
1 letter (4 pages)
Hears from Turner that Dowell will not be back for 5 months. Says if Turner knows more than she does, Dowell will be sorry for it. Reports both children with whooping cough. Wants to know definitely whether he will come or not, so she can get her teeth.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (New York, N.Y.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   July 19, 1867
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Thanks her for photographs. Asks that more be made and sent for various relatives and friends. Says Brady thinks they are as good as anything in the east.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   July 21, 1867
 
1 letter (4 pages)
Thanks her for letter, and wishes he could return to Oregon immediately. Feels he had better stay in Washington until his claims have come through. Suggests ways and means to make the Sentinel pay.
 
1 1
Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   July 25, 1867
 
1 letter (4 pages)
Would have come east had she known he would be gone all winter. Describes whooping cough epidemic in Jacksonville. Asks him to instruct Gault to get dry wood this winter. Believes Mr. Love is dying.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   July 25, 1867
 
1 letter (3 pages)
Has received more of her letters. Asks her to send them herself. Hopes to discover what strings must be pulled to get volunteer claims through the war department. Will work in next Congress for expenses of expedition to protect emigrants of 1854. Believes his fortune will be made if that goes through. Hopes Sentinel will pay meanwhile.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   July 28, 1867
 
1 letter (4 pages)
Regrets he did not visit Turner’s sister in New York. Will do better on next trip. Advises her to wait a year after getting her teeth pulled before getting false teeth. Describes his experience with teeth.
 
1 1
Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   August 2, 1867
 
1 letter (4 pages)
Has his second Memphis letter. Comments on happiness of Turner and his wife. Has Rose shoots from Mr. Britt. Gives news of local activities.
 
1 1
Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   August 11, 1867
 
1 letter (4 pages)
Informs him of safe arrival of Mr. Mallory with presents. Regrets loss of piano. Is resigned to the idea he will stay in Washington until spring. Gives local news. Has large groups of letters from him.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   August 16, 1867
 
1 letter (4 pages)
Explains why he cannot come home until his claims have gone through Congress and War Department. Urges her to go to Yreka to have her teeth fixed.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   August 20, 1867
 
1 letter (4 pages)
Hopes to be in Oregon by January or February. Regrets she wants to send the Sentinel hand to restaurants to feed; urges her to save money. Gives reasons she and children should not come to Washington.
 
1 1
Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   August 25, 1867
 
1 letter (8 pages)
Is lonely for him . Has dreamed he was robbed. Lists various visitors. Hears Dowell made mistake leaving his business with Mitchell, who “is too lazy to keep clean.” Refers to Gault’s marriage to Annie Howell of Sauvie’s Island. Describes Gault’s high-handed attitude. Describes condition of the house.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   September 1, 1867
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Complains of slowness of mail from Jacksonville. Asks Peter Britt to send photographs of the family. Has seen Gen. Grant, and got promise of prompt action on his claim. Leaves for New York, Boston, and Buffalo on political business for Republican Committee.
 
1 1
Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   September 2, 1867
 
1 letter (4 pages)
Has received trunk with dresses, books, and other things. Believes he likes Fannie more than Annie. Cannot get Gault to make up accounts for Sentinel. Is much pleased with dresses he sent, and has had party to show them off.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Boston, Mass.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   September 8, 1867
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Describes routes to Boston. Is with H.R. Kincaid of Eugene Journal.
 
1 1
Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   September 9, 1867
 
1 letter (4 pages)
Gives local news. Has been wearing her new dresses. Report Fannie doing well in school. May hire Chinaman for a few months to help about the house. Asks about Mallory’s domestic troubles. Fears consumption. Has shown Gault Dowell’s last letter, and gives reaction.
 
1 1
B.F. Dowell (Boston, Mass.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   September 15, 1867
 
1 letter (1 page)
Refers to stationary advertising Bierstadt’s “Domes of the Yosemite.” Leaves for Buffalo. Has lost 30 pounds, but finds his hair is growing back.
 
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Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   September 20, 1867
 
1 letter (4 pages)
Reports death of John Love. Promises not to write any more complaining letters. Discusses problems of Gault and the Sentinel. Comments on Sen. Williams’ marriage; says he is referred to in Portland as “George the Third,” being third husband of present wife. Wonders whether he would like to have Jacobs handle his legal business.
 
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B.F. Dowell (Boston, Mass.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   September 23, 1867
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Leaves for Albany, N.Y., tomorrow. Has been looking at the mills in Lowell, and sends letter and statistics to the Sentinel for publication. Comments on New Englanders. Has bought some clothing and sent it via ship.
 
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Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   September 25, 1867
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Reports children better. Says Hanley has turned Democrat, and Col. Maury may, also. Gives local news.
 
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B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   September 30, 1867
 
1 letter (4 pages)
Has received her letters. Comments on her dream that he was robbed, saying it was a true dream. Suggests she have roof repaired with asphaltum. Asks about paper prices.
 
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Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   October 1, 1867
 
1 letter (3 pages)
Has his Boston letter. Reports arrival of Mrs. Gault. Has talked to Gault about changing editors, but Gault says this is not the time. Says according to Turner this business is in such a confused state nothing can be done.
 
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Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   October 6, 1867
 
1 letter (1 page)
Is going to see new dentist in Jacksonville. Says children are all well. Is lonesome.
 
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L.A. Lampton (Cairo, Ill.) to B.F. Dowell
   October 6, 1867
 
1 letter (3 pages)
Recites her trouble as a widow.
 
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B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   October 6, 1867
 
1 letter (3 pages)
Remarks on schooling of his children. Asks for reckoning of Sentinel finances. Says Grant has ordered his claims paid, and Third Auditor now gets them. Hopes to have his 1854 claims recognized, also.
 
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B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   October 12, 1867
 
1 letter (3 pages)
Urges her to take medicine and cure herself. Doubts she is likely to get consumption.
 
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Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   October 13, 1867
 
1 letter (4 pages)
Sends greetings from Mr. Williams. Reports Capt. McCall being chased by widow Cole. Has been to dentist, and will get teeth. Will then have picture taken. Reports Guss Payne and Turner both talking of quitting Sentinel. Hears no one thinks Gault could run paper alone.
 
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B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   October 21, 1867
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Regrets death of Mrs. Love. May visit his brother again before Congress meets.
 
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B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   October 21, 1867
 
1 letter (2 pages)
Suggests she get help from her uncle Abraham in business matters. Says if Gault can do better in Portland he had best go. Offers Gault use of his law books at cost. Informs her that Mrs. Gault will not board with her unless she does her share of the work, including milking the cow.
 
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Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   October 24, 1867
 
1 letter (4 pages)
Recalls their marriage five years ago this night. Hopes he will be home oftener during next five years. Thinks Guss Payne may leave next month, and Gault will get Dick Hull as printer. Has her new teeth. Reports Oregon Press will start up soon.
 
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B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   October 27, 1867
 
1 letter (3 pages)
Comments on troubles between Mrs. Gault and Anna. Asks why Gault does not send statement if he wishes to continue as editor of Sentinel. Has heard bad reports about receipts of the papers, and also of condition of the office.
 
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B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   November 4, 1867
 
1 letter (1 page)
Asks her to cheer up . Hopes to get business settled after getting another affidavit from Col. Cornelius. Expects to visit his Virginia brother soon. Has influence everywhere in 3rd Auditor’s office.
 
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B.F. Dowell (Gordonville, Va.) to Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.)
   November 7, 1867
 
1 letter (3 pages)
Sends Confederate money as curiosity. Expects to return to Washington, and get his 1854 Indian war claim started through Congress. Regrets his chances with 3rd Auditor are poor. Expects matters to change after the 1868 election. Believes his experiences in Washington will serve him well as a claim agent.
 
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Anna Dowell (Jacksonville, Or.) to B.F. Dowell (Washington D.C.)
   November 9, 1867
 
1 letter (4 pages)
Belives Democrats in Jacksonville are getting stronger, and some good Union men should move in. Gives news of children, and various Jacksonville persons. Reports Dick Hull working in office. Says he is a Democrat, and cannot keep his mouth shut. Hears Lane state is being settled, and gives details.
 
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