Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Brandt Badger

Brandt and Callie Badger Papers

The Brandt and Callie Badger Papers consist of approximately forty-two letters and four related documents dating from the United States Civil War. Brandt and his wife Callie Jones Badger resided in Gonzales, Texas. He served as a soldier in Cavalry Company D, Waul’s Texas Legion. This unit operated primarily in Mississippi around Vicksburg, and participated in the Battle of Holly Springs.

The Badger Papers contain correspondence between Brandt and Callie Badger between 1861 and 1863 and reflect Brandt’s activities in the Confederate military.

Also included is a newspaper clipping, an invitation, a musical performance program, a small piece of petitpoint (a small example of cross-stitch), and Badger’s official Confederate Army muster roll.

As the following descriptive inventory indicates, the letters and documents deal with a number of issues, including daily camp life for the Confederate soldiers, hospital life, and a rather detailed letter narrating the battle of Holly Springs as well as several other smaller skirmishes. They also offer a glimpse of the home front through letters from Brandt’s brother, and references made by Brandt from Callie’s letters, which unfortunately did not survive.

The Badger Papers serve as the basis for Rex H. Stever and Barbara M. Stever, Oi Callie: The Civil War Letters of Brandt Badger (Dallas: Taylor Publishing Company, 2004), which place these materials in historical context. Noted Corpus Christi philatelic historian Rex H. (Jim) Stever donated the Badger Papers in 2006.

Anna M. Burke processed the Badger Papers and created the following descriptive inventory during the spring semester, 2007.

Inventory with Contents Description:

Box

Folder

1.1

To Brandt Badger: Invitation to Cotillion Party, date unknown (cover included, addressed to “Brandt Badger, Present.”): invitation to Lonestar House/ several signatures on the bottom of letter.

1.2

Envelope, Palo Alto Cover, 3/9/1861: contains envelope only/ addressed to “Miss Callie Jones, Gonzales, Texas.” In upper left hand corner- “Palo Altõ Texas, March 9th, 1861.”

1.3

Brandt Badger to Callie Jones, 2/13/1861, written from Gonzales, TX (cover included, addressed to “Present”).

-	Brandt writes Callie while awaiting orders for discharge of Confederate troops/ Valentine Letter.

1.4

Brandt Badger to Callie Jones, 2/25/1861, written from Gonzales, TX (cover included, addressed to “Miss Callie Jones, Gonzales, Texas”).

-	Love Letter to Callie that talks of impending marriage.

1.5

Brandt Badger to Callie Jones, 2/1861, written from Gonzales, TX (cover included, addressed to “Miss Callie Jones, Gonzales, Texas”): Speaks of approaching wedding day.

-	Brandt expresses his love for Callie and speaks of their impending engagement, of which his mother knows nothing. He plans on visiting her house to allow her Grandmother to “assess” him as a husband.

1.6

Brandt Badger to Callie Jones, 4/10/1861, written from Gonzales, TX (cover included, addressed to “Miss Callie Jones, Gonzales, Texas”).

-	Brandt tells Callie of another woman’s interest in him but does not encourage it. He plans on bringing a friend to distract the woman at Callie’s house.

1.7

Brandt Badger to Callie Jones, 4/13/1861, written from Palo Alto (cover included, addressed to “Miss Callie Jones, Gonzales, Texas,” upper left hand corner- “Palo Alto, April 13th, Gonzales, James Ramsey”).

-	Brandt tells of life in Preach Tree and how all the boys seem to be joining the Rangers. He complains of numerous births in the town and plans to visit Callie and Jennie soon.

1.8

Brandt Badger to Callie Jones, 4/21/1861, written from Indianola, TX (no cover).

-	Brandt has been forced marches all night, but quells a rumor that they had been attacked and killed. Their division has captured a few Yankees and is making plans to march to Brazos Santiago.

1.9

F.A. Badger to Brandt Badger, 4/29/1861, written from Gainsville, FL (no cover).

-	F.A. Badger admonishes Brandt for never writing for him. He talks to life in Gainsville and how he is avoiding marriage at all costs for the sake of his aluminum business.

1.10

Brandt Badger to Callie Jones, 5/24/1861, written from Gonzales, TX (no cover): Blue Stationary.

-	Brandt discusses the prospect of marrying Callie with her Uncle Frank.

1.11

Brandt Badger to Callie Jones, 7/8/1861, written from Gonzales, TX (no cover).

-	Brandt discusses the prospect of marrying Callie with her Uncle Frank.

1.12

Brandt Badger to Callie Jones, 7/9/1861, written from Gonzales, TX (no cover).

-	Brandt cannot find room and board and is searching houses across Gonzales.

1.13

Envelope addressed to Ms. Callie Jones, unknown date, addressed to “Miss Callie Jones, At Home.”

1.14

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 10/21/1861, written aboard the Steamer Diana in Galveston, TX (cover included, addressed to “Mrs. Callie Badger, Gonzales, Texas,” postmarked “Harrisburg, Tex. Oct 22”).

-	Brandt arrives by coach to the steamboat Diana in Galveston, TX. He is excited about the cattle rush in the city and the good time he is having downtown.

1.15

Envelope, Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 10/24/1861, written from Galveston, TX (cover only, addressed to “Mrs. Callie Badger, Gonzales, Texas,” postmarked “Galveston, Tex. Oct 24,” in the right upper corner-“Paid 5”).

1.16

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 6/1/1862, written from Camp Waul(cover included, addressed to “Mrs. Callie Badger, Gonzales, Texas”).

-	Brandt arrives at Camp Waul in “first rate health” and longs to be home soon.

1.17

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 6/4/1862, written from Camp Waul (no cover).

-	Brandt writes a little sickness in the Legion and requests more letters of Callie. He writes of acquiring more horses and of his eagerness for a furlough.

1.18

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 6/5/1862, written from Camp Waul (cover included, addressed to “Mrs. Callie Badger, Gonzales, Texas,” on left bottom corner- “Care of Cadet J. D. Brown”).

-	Brandt talks of rigorous Army drills but is pleased with his Army Captain Brown. He is coming home soon and requests that Callie wear her blue dress and send him paper for letters.

1.19

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 6/23/1862, written from Camp Waul (cover included, addressed to “Mrs. Callie Badger, Gonzales, Texas,” pencil markings on the back addressed to Mrs. Badger from “P.T.H.” concerning the delivery of the letter).

-	Most of the Legion is on furlough and Brandt has been appointed Hospital Stewart. France, Spain and England have acknowledged the Confederacy.

1.20

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 6/29/1862, written from Camp Waul (no cover).

-	Brandt has not written in awhile since no one has traveled to Gonzales. His last letter apparently never arrived at Callie’s house. He has been moved to Arkansas. He fears that he will fail in his crops when he returns due to lack of rain.

1.21

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 7/1/1862, written from Camp Waul (cover included, addressed to “Mrs. Callie Badger, Gonzales, Texas,” in left bottom corner- “Kinship of Mrs. Major Willis”).

-	Brandt’s campmates envy the amount of letters he recieves regularly. He complains of “Negreos” stealing the rails off of the RR tracks, of general sickness in the camp, and the fact that his mare is now lame.

1.22

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 7/9/1862, written from Camp Waul (cover included, addressed to “Mrs. Callie Badger, Gonzales, Texas”).

-	Brandt requests colored clothing from Callie and some new shirts.

1.23

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 7/30/1862, written from Camp Waul (no cover).

-	Waul Legion is heading for Paris, TX. A gunboat (Arkansas) has come down the Yazoo River to Vicksburg. He guesses rumors of the Legion’s fate.

1.24

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 8/3/1862, written from Corsicana (cover included, addressed to “Mrs. Callie Badger, Gonzales, Texas”).

-	Brandt has been hunting his mule for the last few days. He spends time with a cousin of Callie’s family in Springfield, TX.

1.25

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 8/1/1862, written from the Brazos River (cover included, addressed to “Mrs. Callie Badger, Gonzales, Texas,” in the right upper corner- “Mr. Brandt Badger, Parris, Lamar Co., Tex.,” on the back, upper center- “Mr. Brandt Badger, Parris, Lamar Co., Tex.”

-	Waul’s Legion is staying with a Southern planter named Davis. Brandt has sold his shotgun for $70 and brought a rifle. He had drawn a picture of himself at the bottom of the page.

1.26

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 9/8/1862, written from Magnolia, Arkansas (no cover).

-	The Legion has sold most of their Whiskey, but not without a fight from some soldiers. He predicts the war will be over within the next two months.

1.27

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 9/27/1862, written from Monroe, Louisiana (cover included, no visible address, only postmark).

-	The Legion arrives in Monroe, LA and many soldiers quickly become ill. One man deserts the legion.

1.28

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 10/1/1862, written from Vicksburg, Mississippi (cover included, addressed to “Mrs. Callie Badger, Gonzales, Texas”).

-	The Legion is in Vicksburg and Brandt describes the surroundings, and the fact that the army has evicted several Yankees.

1.29

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 10/7/1862, written from Vicksburg, Mississippi (cover included, addressed to “Mrs. Callie Badger, Gonzales, Texas”).

-	A Confederate Steamer was blown up on the river by mistake. Brandt has retrieved the medicine for the Legion.

1.30

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 11/20/1862, written from Camp on Hatcher (cover included with postmark, addressed to “Mrs. Callie Badger, Gonzales, Texas”).

-	The Legion has joined with several other troops, with more on the way. There is a great deal of sickness in the camp. Brandt is bracing for an influx of wounded within the coming week.

1.31

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 12/8/1862, written 3 miles from Grenada (cover included with postmark, addressed to “Mrs. Callie Badger, Gonzales, Texas”).

-	After a mild skirmish, Brandt notes the limited supply of medicine and the fact that most of the several divison has been killed.

1.32

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 12/12/1862, written 1 mile from Grey’s Post (cover included with postmark, addressed to “Mrs. Callie Badger, Gonzales, Texas,” return address in upper left-hand corner from “B. Badger, Private, Capt. J.D. Brown’s Co., Waul’s Legion”).

-	Brandt’s division is still on the run, burning camp equipment to escape the pursuing Yankees. He writes of the desire to return to Vicksburg and visit friends, and of the death of many of his comrades. Russia has consented to offer propositions of peace.

1.33

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 1/3/1863, written 3 miles from Preston (no cover).

-	Brandt details the Battle of Holly Springs.

1.34

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 1/7/1863, written 16 miles from Grenada (cover included with postmark "Jan 10," addressed to “Mrs. Callie Badger, Gonzales, Texas,” return address in upper left-hand corner “B. Badger, Private in Capt. J.D. Brown’s Cavalry Battalion, Waul’s Texas Legion”).

-	Brandt notes the possibility of peace when a lady from the North visits the Confederate Army with peace propositions. He also notes several desertions in the camp after this news, but remains with high optimism.

1.35

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 1/16/1863, written 16 miles from Grenada (cover included with postmark “Grenada Jan. 24,” addressed to “Mrs. Callie Badger, Gonzales, Texas,” return address in upper left-hand corner “B. Badger, Private in Capt. J.D. Brown’s Cavalry Battalion, Waul’s Texas Legion”).

Letter is similar to one dated 1/7/1863, but he states he "can refrain from writing to you no longer." Brandt notes the possibility of peace when a lady from the North visits the Confederate Army with peace propositions. He also notes several desertions in the camp after this news, but remains with high optimism.

2.1

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 1/24/1863, written near Charleston (no cover).

-	Brandt speaks of Confederate Jeff-Davis and predicts the war will be over soon. Callie is expecting a baby. Brandt complains of the monotony of camp life and asks for news of home.

2.2

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 2/9/1863, written near Vicksburg (cover included, addressed to “Mrs. Callie Badger, Gonzales, Texas,” return address in upper left-hand corner, “Private B. Badger in Company D Calvary, Battalion of Waul’s Texas Legion”).

-	Brandt is on the march from Charleston to Vicksburg. He suspects there are Union fortifications and gunboats at Vicksburg. He requests more clothes from Callie.

2.3

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 2/10/1863, written in the camp below Vicksburg (no cover).

-	Brandt has been rained out of his tent and has taken up lodgings with a nearby family. Brandt is attempting to switch positions with a friend for $300 in order to return home sooner.

2.4

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 2/17/1863, written in the camp near Vicksburg (cover included, addressed to “Mrs. Callie Badger, Gonzales, Texas,” blue crest on front, envelope in pieces).

-	It is raining incessantly in camp, and Brandt complains of the monotony of camp life.

2.5

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 3/3/1863, written 15 miles south of Vicksburg (no cover).

-	Brandt is spending his time with a friend of his father’s. The Legion is moving to a new neighborhood where “foraging is better.” He describes the beauty of Mississippi countryside and sends his love to all.

2.6

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 3/20/1863, written near Port Gibson (no cover).

-	Brandt praises Callie’s frugality in paying debts and economizing. He complains of the lack of food in camp, and subsequent poor health of the soldiers, including himself. Callie’s aunt has moved in with her, much to Brandt’s dismay.

2.7

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 3/31/1863, written at Port Gibson (cover included, addressed to “Mrs. Callie Badger, Gonzales, Texas, care of MC Combs, Livingston, May 31st”).

-	Brandt is sick with jaundice, but he is feeling well fed by a local wealthy man. He reminds Callie to continue to pay small debts, and inquires if she is pregnant. The Confederates have succeeded in getting troops loaded onto transports and down the Mississippi.

2.8

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 6/1/1863, written from Panola, Mississippi (no cover).

-	Brandt mourns the recent loss of his baby boy, but is joyful that the child “has gone to join his little sister.” He is still stationed in Mississippi, and has been appointed to the position of Hospital Stewart.

2.9

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 6/23/1863, written from Panola, Mississippi (cover included, addressed to “Mrs. Callie Badger, Gonzales, Texas,” postmark in upper right-hand corner), included with letter is a sheet of cross-stitch material with a yellow arrow laced in red and green flowers (possible bookmark).

-	Brandt is involved in a small skirmish, and is captured. He relays the news of his capture and parole by the Yankees. He now is trying to get permission for a furlough to go home.

2.10

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 7/5/1863, written from Panola, Mississippi (cover included, addressed to “Mrs. Callie Badger, Gonzales, Texas”).

-	Lee has brought his army to Pennsylvania, and McGruder has captured several prisoners and taken New Orleans. Brandt’s father has died of starvation, a prisoner of the Yankee army. Brandt is looking to find an army position for his brother.

2.11

Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 8/1/1863, written from West Point, Mississippi (cover included, addressed to “Mrs. Callie Badger, Gonzales, Texas,” in upper left-hand corner, “Care of Dr. Wm. H. Bealby, Chief Surgeon at Panola”).

Brandt is sick and writes to request leave of absence to go home. He talks of life in camp after the battle of Vicksburg, and how he has now given up smoking and smearing. He asks how life is back home and how his slaves and household servants are doing. Towards the end, he urges Callie to start saving every bit of silver she can find for “ hard times”. He is planning to leave camp as soon as possible.

2.12

Brandt Badger leave of absence from West Point, Mississippi, 8/23/1863, written from West Point, Mississippi (no cover).

-	Brandt is granted leave of absence from the Yankee West Point Hospital, signed Dr. Thompson, soon after his capture.

2.13

(Unknown author) 5/30/1864, written from Victoria, Texas (no cover).

-	Orders discharging Private B. Badger from duties and establishing a point of return to duties by the Confederate Army, after his exchange.

2.14

(Unknown author), 7/29/1864, written from Gonzales, Texas (no cover).

-	Brandt’s sick leave is extended once more by the Confederate Army.

2.15

Written by E.L. Beaumont, 1/27/1865, from Gonzales, Texas (no cover).

-	Brandt's sick report citing “nervous irritability” and “general physical frustation.” He is ordered to present himself before the Board for examination of health upon the conclusion of his furlough.

2.16

Amateur Concert Program at Baptist Church, Texas [?], Thursday, April 19, ca.1860s.

2.17

Descriptive List and Account of Pay of Members of Co. D, Batt. Cavalry W.T.L. for Brant Badger and H. Ray, December 31, 1863.

2.18

Miscellaneous Items, covers, and newspaper clipping, including letter from Brandt Badger to Callie Badger, 1861, written from Gonzales, Texas.

-	Brandt inquires whether he and Callie will attend a local party.

We invite questions and/or comments and look forward to hearing from you. Contact Christine Shupala at christine.shupala@tamucc.edu, (361)825-2644.

Webpage revised on 08/13/2012

Mary and Jeff Bell Library