Coleman Bruce (1802-1885) was a native of Campbell County, Virginia.  In the 1830s he moved his family to Missouri and settle near Jamestown in Moniteau County, where he became a successful farmer and wealthy land (and slave) owner.  His letter is addressed to his daughter and son-in-law and was written ten days after the Battle of Wilsons Creek. His son-in-law, William Jackson, served as an officer in the Union Army.  The Judge Scott mentioned in the letter was Chief Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court in 1852 when he was involved in the Dred Scott case.  The Bruce letter reflects the conflict between Southern sympathizers in Missouri and pro-Union German immigrants who resided in the state.