Ohio History Journal

A Northern Businessman Opposes the Civil War EXCERPTS FROM THE LETTERS OF R. G. DUN edited by JAMES D. NORRIS

A number of rather prominent northern businessmen opposed the Civil War and the Lincoln administration for both sound business reasons and personal political commitments. Robert Graham Dun's letters to his family and friends in Ohio during the Civil War present an excellent portrait of one such businessman. Imbued with a deep-seated hostility toward both Lincoln and the war, Dun saw the conflict through the eyes of a businessman who was also a conservative Democrat. In his view, the war disturbed business, endangered the nation's solvency, and eventually would cost billions of dollars. More- over, it was an assault upon the rights of the states. Not only did Dun believe the South had a right to secede, but he was convinced she would be independent sooner or later regardless of the outcome of the war. In discuss- ing the condition of the country, bitterness frequently overcame him. How- ever, near the end of the war, during the election campaign of 1864, his feeling moderated, to the point where he considered voting for Lincoln; but only, it would seem, because he feared McClellan would be the greater threat to the South. Even after the war was over Dun could not bring himself to be hopeful of a quick return to good business relations. NOTES ARE ON PAGE 200

• 1
 

LETTERS OF R. G. DUN                                           139

 

Born on August 27, 1826, of well educated and cultured parents, R. G.

Dun grew to young manhood in Chillicothe, Ohio, and received his formal

education in the local academy. He entered business at the age of sixteen

as a clerk in a general merchandise store in Chillicothe. Five years later,

when he became of legal age, Dun became a small-percentage, profit-sharing

partner. In 1850 Benjamin Douglass, Dun's brother-in-law, induced him to

give up his Chillicothe interests and take a position in the newly formed

mercantile agency of Tappan and Douglass, in New York, one of the first

credit-rating services in the United States. R. C. Dun's business letters

indicate that he was an exceptionally talented, hard working, and scrupu-

lously honest businessman. Evidently Benjamin Douglass recognized these

talents, because in 1854, when Douglass became the sole owner of the

agency, he gave Dun a small profit-sharing interest.

In 1859 Douglass, desiring to enter the booming real estate business, sold

the mercantile agency to R. G. Dun. Dun probably paid Douglass a total of

about $150,000 for the agency in the form of a promissory note and a

percentage of the profits for five years. By the end of 1865 Dun had paid

Douglass off, despite the great decline in sales and profits during the war.

Although Dun now owned the agency free and clear, he found himself

constantly short of operating capital and always under financial stress.

The struggle during the Civil War years undoubtedly explains some of his

hostility to the Lincoln administration and the "War Party."

In the six years following the war the business prospered beyond Dun's

wildest dreams; in 1872 sales amounted to $2,500,000 and profits to over a

quarter million, half of which he shared with his three principal associates.

To the public Dun's associates were partners, but actually they had no

proprietary rights; for although Dun now largely removed himself from

actual management to pursue other interests, he remained the sole owner

of the mercantile agency until his death.¹

Pertinent parts of twenty-five letters Dun wrote between August 1861 and

May 1865 are reproduced here. The letters were addressed to seven close

relatives. One was a younger brother, James Angus Dun, who had left his

home in Ohio to seek his fortune in the West. Four of the others were Dun's

double first cousins, Robert George Dun, John G. Dun, Walter A. Dun, and

James Dun, all of them brothers and all large landholders of Madison

County, Ohio. Another was John Dun of Chillicothe, an uncle, and the

seventh was John Wood, a brother-in-law. The original letters are in the

library of Dun & Bradstreet, Inc., 99 Church Street, New York.²

• 2
 

140                                                         OHIO HISTORY

 

To James Angus Dun, August 16, 1861

 

I suppose you have heard the news of another "Bull run" in Missouri.³ What do

you think of it? Of course, I suppose you construe it into a victory for the Federal

troops. I reckon a few more such victories will open the eyes of "Lincoln hirelings"

as to the extent of this undertaking & the strength of the South. Better acknowledge

their independence now: for it will have to be so in the end even if it is fifty years

hence.

 

To Robert George Dun, September (no date), 1861

 

I am sorry you could not hold on to Jim [James Angus Dun] longer. I am afraid

he'll get into trouble in Missouri. Union men don't live in his neighborhood-at least

dare not speak their sentiments. Jim is a rampant war man, badly humbugged by

the desires of this niger [sic] administration & really there seems to be no reason in

him. He is perfect[ly] rabid. How a man of his sense can be humbugged into the

support of a big John Brown raid (for this war is nothing else) I can't conceive.

The condition of the country distresses me terribly as a patriot as well as in my

business & the worst feature is we can see no encouragement ahead. I say that unless

the Southern independence is recognized neither you nor I, nor any man living, will

see peace in our country again. I don't look for it as long as the present adminis-

tration is in power. How do you all feel in regard to the War? I have heard you

all favor the Southern cause & believe in recognizing the South. Am I right? You

must not blow my views; for if expressed here would do me much damage-if not

quarter me at Fort Lafayette for a while.⁴ I am as good a Union man as ever lived

if it can be maintained in peace, but do not believe in a forced one, nor do I believe

such a Union ever will exist in these United States. (I better say disunited).

 

To John G. Dun, September 25, 1861

 

How does this infernal Black Republican War affect you in a business way? It is

playing the h---l with us all here. It has no doubt curtailed my receipts in the

past year one hundred thousand dollars. Of course I have had to curtail expenses

accordingly but with all the reduction I can make I fear I shall come out minus at

the end of the year. Aside from my own interests being affected I have never had

the slightest sympathy with the Federal Gov't in such a wicked & sectional war. I am

a firm believer in States rights--in the sovereignity [sic] of States; & think the Gov't

at Washington has no right to declare war against any State or States.

 

To Robert George Dun, October 17, 1861

 

Things drag along here about the same as they have done ever since the war

broke out & I think they will continue so till it ends. Bright future isn't it? I some-

times feel so mad & disgusted with the country that I wish I was out of it. In fact I

begin to think as Uncle Joshua used to preach--that democratic government is a

• 3
 

LETTERS OF R. G. DUN                                                    141

 

humbug & the sooner we turn it into a monarchy the better. I really believe we are

fast drifting to it. One thing is certain we shall never have so free a Gov't again.

Free Gov't done [sic] very well in the early history of the country when we had

honest men in office, but now since politics has become a profession there is nothing

but polution [sic], bribery, treachery & everything but honesty in the rulers of the

country, from the pettiest office of a back-house inspector up to the President of the

U. S. The consequences we are now realizing. I believe that all Democraties [sic]

or free Gov'ts will result in the same thing. D---n free suffrage I say. It will be the

ruin of any great country.

I have no doubt we shall have great news now within 60 days. The great Federal

fleet sailed from here, Boston, & Phila. yesterday. It numbers some 200 vessels in all

& I suppose the plan is to make a simultaneous attack on all the Southern ports. I

shall be greatly surprised if it does not result in another grand failure. Will see.

 

To Walter A. Dun, January 22, 1862

 

I often wish I was out of this country & if I had a fortune should certainly leave

for some foreign country. I am disgusted with this [war].

 

To Walter A. Dun, February 15, 1862

 

For a long time I have been trying to pump out the political opinions of you all,

but no one, heretofore, has been brave enough to express them. I was delighted with

your views & am confirmed in my opinion that the blood of the family runs pretty

much alike. Jim Angus being the only exception. The recent Federal victories5 does

[sic] not alter my opinion as to the results of this conflict which I have always

said will be the independence of the South.

 

To John G. Dun, March 15, 1862

 

Politically I stand about the same as I did when I last wrote you, notwithstanding

the recent reverses of the South6 (i.e.) I do not see that peace or a settlement of our

National troubles are any nearer at hand--indeed I think rather further removed;

for now the North will be so elated with her recent successes that she is further

than ever removed from any disposition to compromise by a recognition of the South.

While I don't think the South is the least dispirited or discouraged, nor any more

disposed to succumb to the North. The ridiculous stories about strong Union feeling

at the South I am convinced is all humbug. These stories are got up to humbug the

"dear people" that they may continue to be bled freely by the Administration & just

as long as the people continue to have their eyes sanded & pour their money into

the Public Crib this war will be waged. I may be like the man who when drunk

thought he was sober & every body else drunk, but it does seem to me as tho' the

people at the North are all crazy & mad to believe for a moment that this Union can

ever be restored . . . . No! The South can only be kept subdued by a standing army

of a million men, the cost of which to this government would be at least one thousand

million dollars pr-an [per annum]. When this comes to happen then you may look

• 4
 

142                                                        OHIO HISTORY

 

for a restoration of common sense. I think the probabilities are this war will be

continued during the whole time of the present Administration & if at the end of

that time we have not a Military Dictator or Monarch in Power the Democrats will

elect a Peace Party who will settle the difficulties. In the meantime, of course, this

country must be ruined.

 

To Robert George Dun, May 27, 1862

 

The crazy infatuation of the North in trying to carry out its "irrepressible con-

flict" doctrine has you may say wholly bankrupted the country & I for one would

not care to invest much in the Govt. Securities.

Comparatively I don't see that we are much nearer the end of the trouble than

when it began--indeed it seems much further off to me. I see no end to it--no

daylight ahead. As to a reunion of all the states I never expect to see it. My opinion

is, however, that this war--this wicked war--will continue as long as this Niger [sic]

Administration is in power; as long as there is a dollar in the Treasury for the

vampires in office to gloat over. By the time this administration runs out, the dear

people will begin to get a little sick about the belly (I mean the pocket) & begin to

open their eyes & see how they have been deluded. But even before that I think

quite probable we shall have our hands full of France & England. I believe that

before sixty days we shall hear of their interference which will hasten what is sure

to be the result-the independence of the South.

The recent reverses to the South7 have not altered my opinion at all as to the final

result. I fear, however, that the clown fool at the Administration will develop itself

[sic] in confiscating all the Slaves of the South. You will observe that the latest

news from Va. is not so encouraging to the Unionist.⁸ I don't believe we have had

half the story yet. This being steamer day it's all glazed over with a little sugar

coating. I understand that some of the newspaper reporters whose dispatches were

not allowed to pass by censors of mail & telegraph came on in person with their

budgets but on arrival here were nabbed & carried off to Ft. Lafayette for their

pains. There is no mistake about it--we don't hear of one quarter the disasters

met with by the Federals. My consolation is that some day there will be a day of

reckoning for the devil incarnate at the head of this government now.

 

To James Dun, June 10, 1862

 

Jim Angus is on his way to Salmon River, Washington Territory. . . . I reckon

Jim has made up his mind he can't hold the Union together & has concluded to leave

it in disgust. He has probably come to my conclusion that the Union has gone to the

Devil & that while this Nigger administration is trying to force the fragments together

it will be rendered in divers other places. The next step will be the west sustaining

her right of secession--a repudiation of the Gov't debt &c.

 

To John G. Dun, June 17, 1862

 

The great cry here now is emancipation of the slaves. The cloven foot is beginning

to show itself.

• 5
 

LETTERS OF R. G. DUN                                                    143

 

To John Dun, July 2, 1862

 

I fear you are right in your predictions as to the total ruin of the country--both

North & South, as you say, all in consequence of fanatics shutting their eyes to

consequences. 'Tis truly a deplorable state of affairs when madmen hold the reigns

of power. Future history will point to this era as a black spot in the history of the

country & censure other powers for their non-interference for humanity's sake. I

can't but believe that France & England will yet interfere. But the spirit in which

their overtures may be met will determine whether we are to be benefitted or other-

wise by the step. Should we be involved in war with them at this juncture, the result

would be the total ruin & end of Republican Government in this country. Mediation,

however, I think is certain to be offered & that very soon. Foreign powers have been

humbuged [sic] with our assurances of a short war. . . . They now see our difficulties,

apparently, are further from settlement than ever. The South never felt her strength

& ability to fight out her independence more than today. Her armies are increasing

& her determination is stronger than ever.

It is evident McClellan has been badly whipped at Richmond & I shall not be

surprised to hear of the retreat of his whole army.⁹ News is all suppressed ( a sure

omen that it is not good) & a new call of 200 m [200,000] more troops will bear

out my impressions. We may look for exciting news when it does come.

 

 

To John G. Dun, October 20, 1862

 

I must congratulate you on your glorious Democratic victory.10 What a rebuke

to the Administration & Abolitionist generally!! Good for Ohio! I am not ashamed

to own her now as my native State. Now if we can do as well in N.Y. & elect

Seymour11 I think the jig is up with the radicals & the reigns [sic] of the whole

Gov't will soon be in Democratic hands again. Then we will have freedom in the

country again. The war will stop even if separation is necessary to accomplish it &

the country will soon become prosperous again. This is looking on the brightest side

of things. I don't like to contemplate the other.

 

 

To Robert George Dun, January 27, 1863

 

On politics & the War I have but little to say. The truth is I am thoroughly dis-

gusted with both & the country generally for the latter has gone to the Devil & there

is no help for it. I have but little faith in Seymour's living up to the platform of

his inaugural; for there are few, if any politicians, who would not sell their birth-

rights, like Esau, for a mess of potage [sic]. Seymour I think is already getting weak

in the knees. Everything now indicates that the Southern Confederacy is to be the

future Garden spot of this continent. She will soon gain her independence & you

will find that the development of her resources, under her pressing necessities will

show her to be wealthier at the close of this war than at its outset, while the North

will wilt in Bankruptcy.

• 6
 

144                                                        OHIO HISTORY

 

To John Dun, March 2, 1863

 

We are bound, hand & foot now by the one man power [sic] & nothing but revo-

lution will save us. The enforcement of the conscription act will, I believe, be the

torch to the magazine. There is a very common impression here that the War powers

dare not attempt it; & that the maneuver was carried out more as a menace to the

South than anything else. The South, however, will understand it as another

"[crime] against the country." I thank God, that the time of this iniquitous & hellish

Congress lasts but a few hours. Yet there is no telling what mischief they may do

the country in these few short hours. They seem to be such devils incarnate. The

report in the city, this afternoon, is that the new Congress is to be convened imme-

diately on the adjournment of the old. I don't know that we can expect much good

from the new body, tho' it is to be hoped there is salt enough in it to at least stay

the destruction of all liberties of the people. But as I said before nothing but revo-

lution will save us. States must assert their rights & put down the occupations [sic]

of the mere agency called government at Washington.

 

To John Wood, March 5, 1863

 

I see but little prospect of an early peace notwithstanding the "Copperhead" fra-

ternity seems to be rapidly on the increase--but the people are tied hand & foot by

this nigger congress & can do nothing--their liberties & rights are gone. It may

result in revolution at the North. I look for it--at least a conflict for States rights

but I do not care to discuss politics--I am completely disgusted with the country

& its people.

 

To James Angus Dun, April 16, 1863

 

Ben [Douglass] has just been in. He has written a long letter on the subject of

slavery to his son Bob which I have had to read. It is proslavery of course & his

arguments are based on Bible Doctrine. While I don't admit his basis of Divine

Origin, or God's authority for slavery, I must do Ben the credit to say I think it

quite an able letter, & fully endorse his views as to the righteousness and justice of

slavery on other grounds. My belief is that we have no revelations from God, but

those of nature & its irrevocable laws. I can't think that God ever violated his own

laws, either by miracle or otherwise. But in accordance with these laws it is plain

that God intended the Negro to be the servant & slave of the superior race. This is as

plain to me as that it is natural for the parent to govern the child; for the mind of

the Negro is as that of a child when compared with the Caucasian. Ben intends to

publish his letter anonymously--I will send you a copy.

There is no war news since the terrible repulse of the the Federal Fleet at Charleston

& the job of taking that "pest hole" given up sine die. I had a letter from Senator

Chandler¹² the other day. He says the Rebellion is on its last legs & will be sub-

stantially put down by 4th July. I must say "I don't see it" & what's more I don't

believe it ever will be; nor the War ended till the South gains her rightful inde-

pendence. I am sick of politics & don't talk it anymore--am patiently awaiting the

end, which I have faith to believe will come out all right.

• 7
 

LETTERS OF R. G. DUN                                                     145

 

To John G. Dun, June 27, 1863

 

Politically, there is a good deal of excitement here about the advance of the Con-

federates. I hope & believe Lee is bent on taking Washington. If he attempts he

will succeed; for our main army is thoroughly demoralized & won't fight & the raw

recruits will scatter before the Rebels as chaff before the wind. With the rout of

our Army & Capture of Washington I shall look for a little of reason in the North

which I hope may lead to an early settlement. Victories on the part of the South is

the only hope of an early peace. I should not be surprised to hear of Lee's attacking

Phila. & capturing it & then dictating terms of Peace in old Independence Hall.

 

To James Angus Dun, July 23, 1863

 

I suppose you will have heard of the Great riot in this city last week. It was

gotten up in opposition to the Lincoln conscription. The rioters first glutted [sic] &

burned the drafting office, then a good deal of other property, some few private dwell-

ings. They done [sic] pretty much as they pleased for 3 or 4 days when sufficient mili-

tary force arrived to put it down & all has since been quiet. During the riot there were

killed on both sides (soldiers & rioters) about two hundred. Of course the draft was

stopped but it is said it will yet be carried thru. If it is I look for further trouble.

The people won't stand any such usurpation of power by the "Machine" at Wash-

ington. I suppose you think the jig is up for the Southern Confederacy, but let me

tell you I have faith yet & believe the south will ultimately triumph.

 

To John Dun, August 29, 1863

 

I agree . . . on your criticisms of the party in power. In these days of corruption

& iniquity in government affairs, I think your remarks will apply to most all poli-

ticians, for with them it is a mere squabble for spoils. Indeed I am down on Repub-

lican government. It is very good in theory but won't work practically.

We have unofficial reports that the Federal flag now floats over Sumter & Wagner,

but I don't believe it yet, nor do I believe that Charleston is going to be taken yet

a while. If it is at all it will be at immense cost & loss of life. But what if Charleston

is taken? It would be but a very small thing compared with the subjects of the

war (i.e.) subjugation & emancipation. I have not lost my confidence a whit in what

I think will be the final result of the war & that is Independence of the South, there

can't be any other finale.

 

To John Dun, September 16, 1863

 

I fear the frauds you anticipate in your coming election will be fully realized. I

have no doubt but what the Democrats will be swindled out of the election of their

candidates. The enforcing of the conscription in Ohio will be a pretext for Marshall

[sic] Law & Lincoln's proclamation (out this morning) suspending the writ of

habeas corpus will Bastile [sic] all who say a word in opposition. I shall regret to see

blood shed in Ohio, but I hope the democrats will fight for their rights to the

last man.

• 8
 

146                                                       OHIO HISTORY

 

To Robert George Dun, October 3, 1863

 

I am sorry to hear you express any doubts of Vallandigham's election. A little

ray of hope for the country was left in the certainty of his election to the governor-

ship of Ohio. Seymour has lost his backbone, if he ever had any and now amounts

to nothing. Val, however, I believe will act up to his principles & hesitate in no duty.

Do your best to elect him. After all I fear it is now too late to save the country from

ruin, as the abolitionists have the sway & power.¹³

 

To James Angus Dun, March 24, 1864

 

Gold is selling today at 1.70 in Greenbacks. So you see it begins to look as tho'

the back of the Federal Gov't was getting weak as that of the Confederacy & mark

my word you will find its back completely broke before "Old Abe" or any other

power, annihilate the Confederacy. It seems strange to me how or where you could

have imbibed such prejudice as you have against the South. I can conceive how

even intelligent men can support this administration & oppose states rights, but on

no other grounds than that of bigoted fanaticism or pocket interest; but how you,

or any man who makes pretenses to common sense, can do so is an enigma to me.

Now, my dear Jim, I fear your error of judgment is based on prejudice & ignorance

of the fundamental principles of government & I hope you will read the history of

its organization. For your enlightment [sic] I enclose an article cut from one of

our daily papers [New York Daily News, March 7, 1864] which contains facts you

probably never heard of. If you can get over the argument contained therein & still

deny the right of Secession, please let me know & I will pile up on you "a little more

of the same sort." Of course, if you grant the right of a state to secede then you must

condemn this wicked & unconstitutional war. But on the other hand, suppose the

Southern states had not the right to withdraw--we possibly might have whipped a

single one into subjection, but how are we going to help ourselves, now that nearly

half the States are united in the resolve. Are we, for a mere abstract idea, to

squander millions of lives & bankrupt the country financially, trying to prevent it

when any man of common reason should see it an impossibility? Yes an impossibility.

This war may go on until you & I have hoary heads, but the end & object (if subju-

gation be it) will not be attained nor can it ever be. When you talk about "speedily

annihilating the rebellion," you certainly can't comprehend the undertaking or know

what you are talking about. I have seen, & told you before, what would be the

result from the beginning & I am now encouraged in seeing so many returning to

common sense. I have always said this war would last during the life of the present

administration & that the issue between aspirants for succession would be peace or

war. It is beginning to strongly manifest itself now & the peace element will be in

the ascendence [sic] by the time the election comes off. Should the present adminis-

tration undertake to sustain itself in power by force of arms (which it no doubt will)

then look out for an upheaving at the North, which will so weaken the North that the

South can dictate her own terms--but in any event there will be no end to this war

until she has her independence. Now let me beg of you, Jim, to ponder over &

consider this matter well--give up your superficial ideas & dig into the merits of the

• 9
 

LETTERS OF R. G. DUN                                                    147

 

whole affair--but you must study some to do it intelligently & if I can aid you by

sending you any books on history bearing on the subject I will do so cheerfully. I

trust you will not take any offense at my plain talk for I have no hard feelings against

you because of your opinions (I regard every man's rights in this respect) but I do

most heartily condemn & despise the doctrines you preach. I rely on your good

judgement & common sense to come out all right yet--only don't let your reason be

influenced by prejudice.

 

To John G. Dun, May 16, 1864

 

Well what do you think of the War now. It strikes me Grant has gone up "like a

rocket & will come down like a stick." I rather think, notwithstanding all the blow

& bluster, he is rather stuck^14--instead of walking into Richmond this week, it is

reported that he has deferred the time to 4th July.--Maybe he'll get there then. I

shall be surprised if the Confederates do not get New Orleans before Grant or Butler

get Richmond.

 

To John G. Dun, September 7, 1864

 

How do you like the Chicago nomination? I don't like McClellan at all & think

seriously if I vote at all, it will be for Lincoln & I think every true friend of the

South & of state rights should do the same. While the present administration remains

in power the South will be a unit & the North will continue to become more & more

divided until a split takes place between the East & West. On the other hand

McC[lellan] is about the only man to galvanize the Northern Army & put new life into

it. Radically he is as much a war man as Lincoln & as determined to subjugate the

South. By profers [sic] of peace & rights to the South & reunion I fear he may dis-

affect a portion of the people there & divide them in sentiment. Many no doubt are

sick & tired of the War & in their anxiety for peace would accept the bait. With this

view of the case I think all true friends of State Sovereignity [sic] had better let

matters rest as they are & this will be sure in the end to come out triumphant--Hurrah!

for Lincoln & the War Democrats--they only want power and plunder. I have no

doubt but what Mr. Pendleton¹⁵ is all right but as the ticket is arranged the cart is

before the horse. You may rest assured McClellan means war to the bitter end. I

should like to know how you & the peace Democrats around you feel.

 

To John G. Dun, May 1, 1865

 

Some think we are to have a great demand for goods from the South, but in that

I think they will be disappointed--this year at least. The people of the South are

not in a condition to buy much--nor will there be a disposition to buy from

Yankees if they could.

 

 

THE EDITOR: James D. Norris is an assis-

tant professor of history at Hiram College. He

came across the Dun letters in doing research

for his doctoral dissertation, "The Maramec

Iron Works in Missouri, 1826-1876."

• 10