Richard Baxter Foster Letters, 1863-1865 | University Archives / Ethnic Studies Center

Richard Baxter Foster's Letters

The letters, dated 1863-1865, donated by Fred Foster Fuller originated from Richard Baxter Foster, Lieutenant of the 62nd U.S.C.T. and founder of Lincoln University (Jefferson City, Mo.). The letters not only give incredible insight into the character of Foster, but also give insight into the educational foundations laid during the Civil War for the African American soldiers of the 62nd U.S.C.T. For example, the letter dated March 8, 1865, informs the reader that the regiment felt the Webster’s Dictionary was so important, they used regimental funds to purchase one. Later on March 30, 1865, Foster relays to his wife, Lucy Foster, his future plans to settle in Missouri, and along with many others from the regiment, set up a schoolhouse. He also conveys his belief that fighting for the education of freed African Americans will be his life’s work.

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Richard Baxter Foster Letter to his wife March 7 1863

Richard Baxter Foster

Letter from Richard Baxter Foster to his wife Lucy on March 7, 1863
Daniel Foster Letter to Richard Baxter Foster May 11, 1863

Daniel Foster

Daniel Foster's letter to his brother Richard Baxter Foster from Camp of the 33^rd Miss. Vol. near Aquin Creek, Virginia on May 11, 1863.
Richard Baxter Foster Letter to his wife September 14 1863

Richard Baxter Foster

Letter from Richard Baxter Foster to his wife Lucy from St. Louis on September 14, 1863.
Richard Baxter Foster Letter to his wife May 28 1864

Richard Baxter Foster

Letter from Richard Baxter Foster to his wife Lucy from Baton Rouge, LA on May 28,1864
Richard Baxter Foster Letter to his wife March 8 1865

Richard Baxter Foster

Letter from Richard Baxter Foster to his wife Lucy from Brazos Santiago, Texas on March 8, 1865
Richard Baxter Foster Letter to his wife March 12 1865

Richard Baxter Foster

Letter from Richard Baxter Foster to his wife Lucy from Brazos Santiago, Texas on March 12, 1865
Richard Baxter Foster Letter to his wife March 30, 1865

Richard Baxter Foster

Letter from Richard Baxter Foster to his wife Lucy from Brazos Santiago, Texas on March 30, 1865
Richard Baxter Foster Letter to his wife May 24, 1865

Richard Baxter Foster

Letter from Richard Baxter Foster to his wife Lucy from Brazos Santiago, Texas on May 24, 1865
Richard Baxter Foster Letter to his wife June 2 1865

Richard Baxter Foster

Letter from Richard Baxter Foster to his wife Lucy from Brownsville, Texas on June 2, 1865
Richard Baxter Foster Letter to his wife June 4 1865

Richard Baxter Foster

Letter from Richard Baxter Foster to his wife Lucy from Brownsville, Texas on June 4 1865.
Richard Baxter Foster Letter to his wife July 6 1865

Richard Baxter Foster

Letter from Richard Baxter Foster to his wife Lucy from Brownsville, Texas on July 6, 1865
Richard Baxter Foster Letter to his wife July 8 1865

Richard Baxter Foster

Letter from Richard Baxter Foster to his wife Lucy from Brownsville, Texas on July 8, 1865
Richard Baxter Foster Letter to his wife September 1 1865

Richard Baxter Foster

Letter from Richard Baxter Foster to his wife Lucy from Brownsville, Texas About Sept. 1 1865
Richard Baxter Foster Letter to his wife Sept 3 1865

Richard Baxter Foster

Letter from Richard Baxter Foster to his wife Lucy from Brownsville, Texas on Sept 3 1865.
Richard Baxter Foster Letter to his wife September 29 1865

Richard Baxter Foster

Letter from Richard Baxter Foster to his wife Lucy from Brownsville, Texas on September 29, 1865
Richard Baxter Foster Letter to his wife (October 4, 1865?)

Richard Baxter Foster

Letter from Richard Baxter Foster to his wife Lucy one month after he submitted his request to be discharged from service.
Richard Baxter Foster Letter to his wife October 17 1865

Richard Baxter Foster

Letter from Richard Baxter Foster to his wife Lucy on October 17, 1865 at Texas En route to Ft. McIntosh