John W. Dodd papers

The John W. Dodd Papers cover the period between 1845 and 1862, but consist primarily of chronologically arranged correspondence between John W. Dodd and his wife Eliza Dodd from May 1847 to June 1848. The papers are concerned with Dodd's military experiences in the Mexican War and Eliza's feelings of loneliness and apprehension during his absence.

Dodd's early letters describe regimental life, focusing on modes of transport, quartering arrangements, methods of pay, election of officers, and health of the soldiers. In addition, Dodd provides detailed observations of Louisville, Cincinnati, and New Orleans.

From Mexico, Dodd writes about everyday military life, duties as an officer, Mexican guerrillas, and people with whom he associated. Dodd frequently mentions Colonel Willis Arnold Gorman (1816-1876), former Indiana state legislator and future territorial governor of Minnesota, as a fine commanding officer. Dodd, along with Gorman and other officers, traveled to Mexico City on a sightseeing tour in March 1848. Dodd also refers to General Henry Smith Lane (1811-1881), an Indiana Whig who was a staunch supporter of the war. Dodd considered Lane to be politically ambitious and regarded him highly.

Dodd and his wife carry on a dialogue concerning neighbors John Wallace and Oliver and Lois Carey. Wallace, captain of A Company, returned to Marion in September and by so doing suffered disgrace, which led ultimately to his resignation. Dodd and his wife provide insight into public opinion of men who returned home prematurely. The Dodds' discussion of Oliver and Lois Carey contains information on the relationship between the two couples. Eliza writes of Lois's sense of loss and solitude and Dodd of Carey's abandonment of responsibility for those at home.

Dodd described in detail his travels through Mexico. He observed the countryside, cities and towns, and people who inhabited them, thereby giving an excellent picture of life in Mexico during the war. He socialized with the Mexicans at Puebla and attended Mexican dances and dinners. He discussed the Puebla Mexicans' hopes for peace and their civil attitude toward the occupying Americans.

Eliza Dodd's letters are dominated by pleas for her husband's return home and fears about his possible death. She makes only occasional and cryptic references to their children, other family members, or the household. She does, however, describe in some detail the marriage on August 1, 1847, of Dodd's sister Mary. Also contained in the papers is a letter to Dodd from his sister Mary, a letter from an associate A. Staves, a short passage in his daughter Kate's hand, and a letter to Captain John Wallace from Dodd.