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38. How Dark the Future

 

 

 

 

The years preceding the Civil War found the inhabitants of Western North Carolina and East Tennessee sharply divided over the questions of abolition and secession. There were relatively few slaveholders in the area compared with the rest of the south, yet, even among the non-slaveholders, there was wide spread resentment against what was seen as the attempt of the northern states to impose their will on the southern ones.  The bitter disagreements over secession pitted neighbor against neighbor and even family members against each other.  Once the war began and North Carolina and Tennessee finally seceded from the Union, the majority sided with and fought for the Confederacy.  However, there was a large minority who, if less vocal than before the war began, remained steadfastly pro-Union.

 

 

 

 

 

Marcus Erwin to Governor John Ellis, December 22, 1859 –

. . . the military spirit is fully aroused here & I am satisfied that upon any collision or any immediate prospect of one in or out of Congress I could raise a thousand men in this country. [1]

 

 

 

Asheville News

29 December 1859

Whereas, having reason to believe that this portion of the country, like many other portions of the slaveholding states, is infested with itinerant Abolitionists, who, under various disguises are endeavoring to sow the seeds of dissatisfaction among our slave population.  Therefore . . . be it resolved that all strangers, particularly those from non-slaveholding States, who come in our midst under suspicious circumstances, although claiming to be in pursuit of peaceful occupation, shall be subjected to the most rigid scrutiny, and if there is probable cause to believe they are abolition emissaries they shall be taken up and made to undergo a searching examination and be dealt with accordingly.

 

*

         As far as we know the sentiments of the people in this section of the State, a large majority of them are in favor of a perpetual non-intercourse with the North. If they had their choice they would never again buy a dollar’s worth of goods in any Northern State. Well, what does all this amount to— coupled with the formation and action of Vigilante Committees in this State and throughout the South—the mustering and arming of the militia and volunteer forces? Who are we resolving not to trade with? Our brethren of the North. Whom do we find it necessary to establish committees of safety to watch, and hustle out of our midst when they come in on business? Our brethren of the North. . . .If this be so, and it is, is not the Union already virtually dissolved? Why continue it longer, if we can only remain in it with arms in our hands? [2]

 

 

 

Sallie L. Lenoir to Rufus T. Lenoir, October 29, 1860 –

Great excitement now about the coming election.  Dick says that Lincoln will be elected and there seems to be a gloom over nearly every heart.  How dark the future. [3]

 

 

Thomas Clingman -

It is not that a dangerous man has been elected to the Presidency of the United States, I assert that the President-elect has been elected because he was known to be a dangerous man.... [H]e declares that it is the purpose of the North to make war upon my section until its social system is destroyed, and for that he was taken up and elected. It is that great, remarkable and dangerous fact that has filled my section with alarm and dread for the future. [4]

 

 

Issac T. Avery to David L. Swain, November 16, 1860 -

If the conflict must come, perhaps it is as well now as any time. I hope for the best, but if furious Fanatics, after violating the compact of Union, drive us to the wall, Ramseurs, the Cowpens, and Kings Mountain may all have to be fought over again. [5]

 

 

David W. Siler to Rufus S. Siler, December 7, 1860 -

My policy is to hold on to the Union, until every remedy has been tried and if that fails will be time enough then to get out. [6]

 

 

Thomas Issac Lenoir to Rufus L. Lenoir, December 26, 1860 –

I do not yet think we have had sufficient cause to secede, but this aggressive policy of the Black Republicans will sometime, if they do not now, drive us from a Union once so dear but now so little respected. [7]

 

 

 

North Carolina Standard

January 1, 1861

We will give [Lincoln] a trial, until some overt or unconstitutional act of his administration against the South shall make it our duty to resist. [8]

 

 

 

William Holland Thomas to his wife, January 1, 1861 -

North Carolina cannot remain much longer stationary; she must write her destiny either under the flag of Mr. Lincoln and aid to coerce the south or unite with the south to resist and defend their rights. [9]

 

 

Thomas Clingman to William H. Thomas, January 9, 1861 –

The obvious policy and purpose of the Black Republicans is to keep the South unprepared and divided until they can get into power, and then their intention is unmistakable — to use all the power of the government to compel the South to submit to their domination, to the extent even of abolishing slavery, should civil war afford them a tolerable pretext. If, however, North Carolina, Virginia and the border States will act at once, they may, by Preserving a united South, avert the evils of civil war. [10]

 

 

Edward Jones Erwin to George Phifer Erwin, January 10, 1861 -

I am now for immediate secession as I have lost hope of the Union. The time is fast approaching to the situation that those [who] now advocated submission & renounce the South will be looked upon as Tories [were] in 1776. [11]

 

 

W. W. Avery and Marcus Erwin -

In addition to the terrible calamity of having three hundred thousand idle, vagabond free Negroes turned loose upon you with all the privileges of white men – voting with you; sitting on juries with you; going to school with our children; and intermarrying with the white race . . . wages of all kinds of labor will be diminished; the price of agricultural productions of all kinds will fall so low that our farmers will be ruined. [12]

 

 

J. P. Eller to Governor Vance, January 28, 1861 -

All the Countys West of the Blue Ridge is union By a large majority. . . . Demagogs is a trying to so the seed of Discord throughout this Country But they have failed.  [13]

 

 

Zebulon Vance, February 13, 1861 –

The rabid abolition element of the North has been working side by side with the southern disunionists for the destruction of the Union, though for different reasons: the one because it protected slavery at all, the other because it did not protect it enough.  Both alike rejoice in the prospect of disunion. [14]

 

 

 

Raleigh Register

February 23, 1861

We should never leave the Union on account of South Carolina.  We should not follow the example of such a domineering State.  If we have to leave the Union, we should not be dragged out by a State whose citizens consider themselves our superiors in every respect.  They would want to lead us continually, and we could not get along in peace with them five years.  For example think how they have shaved North Carolina money, when it was really as good as their own: and yet we are her sister State, and called by the same name.

A Haywood County farmer [15]

 

 

 

Zebulon Vance, April 1861 -

I was canvassing for the Union with all my strength; I was addressing a large and excited crowd. . . and literally had my arm upward in pleading for peace and the Union of our Fathers, when the telegraphic news was announced of the firing on Sumter and the President’s call for seventy-five thousand volunteers. When my hand came down from the impassioned gesticulation, it fell slowly and sadly by the side of a Secessionist. I immediately, with altered voice and manner, called upon the assembled multitude to volunteer, not to fight against but for South Carolina. [16]

 

 

 

26th April ‘61

 

My Son

Just think of this “if ever it reaches you” is very probably the last letter you will receive from any of us & from the old mansion, as citizens of these United States of America. On yesterday, Zeb, Will and Sam joined the vol company for good. In a few days, the Legislature meets to pass a law calling a convention to pass an ordinance dissolving our connection with the once happy & prosperous, but now broken, Union. They tore up the flag of the U.S. & made a new one with seven stars, 2 red & white each Stripes and dropt the glorious old Eagle. It makes the heart sad to see & dwell on it. When you left us in March, 1849, we were a whole family & I distinctly remember your poor dear Ma saying at the Breakfast Table as we sat around it, “Pa, this is most likely the last meal & time we shall all eat together or be seated at our own table again.” She & I cast our eyes around the group & alas how true it was. Your poor dear Ma & Mary are lying in the cold & silent tomb, the eldest and youngest. Elizabeth in Tennessee. You in a far off & foreign land. Will & Samuel gone to prepare to battle for one section of the country vs the other section & that section contains all our blood relatives save our four selves. It is awful. It makes my heart ache to contemplate it as I sit in a large & silent house alone writing these few additional lines. I left W. & S. in town last evening drilling. They leave in a few days for Va or Md. I had a letter from Z. yesterday. Her & Ed were quite unwell and all excitement & confusion. Tennessee has tendered 50000 men to Va to aid her & to protect the South vs the Black Republicans & Lincoln. It is only the beginning, where it is to end no one knows. The Md troops and NY troops had a fight NE of Annapolis a few days ago. The NY tried to slip around to Washington City as they could not go through by R. Road to Baltimore. The Marylanders had burnt the RR ferry boat at the time & tore up the bridges to keep the NY troops back. They then tried to go around & the Md’s got wind of it, met & defeated them driving them back. You will see the accounts in the N.Y. papers before you get this. S & W again write in love to you. Adieu & accept of this from a troubled & affectionate father. I have sent this by Lexington, Ky to get it out. The mail cant go by Washington City & North. Lincoln has ordered them stopd.

W.J.B. [17]

 

 

 

Asheville News

April 18, 1861

The town was perfectly alive with people who had come to witness the departure of these brave volunteers.  The scene was one of thrilling interest and well calculated to melt the stoutest heart to sympathy and tears. . . . The Buncombe Riflemen are composed of first rate material and if they get into any engagement will reflect honor upon themselves and their native section. . . . They are pure metal, no mistake, and will contest every inch of ground with the enemy.  [18]

 

 

 

Calvin J. Cowles to S. W. Roosevelt, May 6, 1861 -

Congress should be assembled as quickly as possible and should recognize the Confederate States as an independent nation.  I think the good sense of the North will quickly see the folly of the effort to coerce 15 states (for it amounts to that and nothing less) and give it up. [19]

 

 

James M. Gentry to Jonathan Faw, May 6, 1861 -

We are all now for an independent southern Confederacy.  We watch and wait men are out now.  We have great reasons to fall out with Lincoln than you secessionists.  While we were watching & waiting he was undermining for our subjugation, but now we are for separation and against all sorts of compromise.  Death or victory is our motto. [20]

 

 

 

Greensborough Patriot

May 7, 1861

The hardy sons of the mountains are beginning to pour down. . . . We learn from members of the legislature that ‘the mountains are in a blaze’.  Volunteer companies are forming everywhere. . . . These men are enured of hardships and accustomed to the use of the rifle and will be terrible in battle. [21]

 

 

 

Edmund W Jones to S. F. Patterson, May 20, 1861 -

I have not brought myself to believe that there will be much fighting.  The courage of the North will evaporate after a while, and the Southern States will prevail. [22]

 

 

 

To: Captain Zebulon B. Vance

Asheville NoCa

May 28^th 1861

. . . The Mail has come and brought your letter. There never was a baser falsehood than that Jos Randal’s wife has nothing to eat. She has shoes 2 or 3 dresses and plenty to eat and so with every man’s wife left behind. Charge the men to believe no lie, for I am here and I say that none shall suffer. Newton Patrons wife was here to day. I gave her Bacon & flour. I particularly now want you to send to Weldon for the letter I wrote you. That has details in full about these matters & that before I knew of Harkins miserable conduct. He is an ass and a scoundrel and if I were you he should not disgrace my company. I will try and write you often. Wm Brown will leave in a few days and I will send the recruits.

Robert B. Vance [23]

 

 

 

Pigeon Valley

June 5th 1861

My Dear Sister

Brother Jules letter was received a few days since and I have been in great trouble every since—though I thought my troubles were great enough before when I wrote last. I thought you would be in less danger than we of the war but have learned through the papers that I was very much mistaken and Brothers letter still confirmed my belief and now I write to you instead of him for fear he will be killed before this letter reaches you. If he is living tell him to prepare for death not only with arms but the heart more particularly. Brother Roland has volunteered and many others. Mr. Lane is their captain but the company is not made up yet and some think it will not be but I think it will. One company has gone from Haywood and another will start in a few days. Mr. L is the 3rd. One has gone from Franklin, one from Jackson, 2 from Buncombe and one has gone from Henderson. Jule Gash went from M with Mr. Ship. We cant help what is past but I wish you had never gone, and that brother had remained with us and then I would like to have aunt Eliza and all her children with us. Tell them if they think they can come safely to gather up and come anyway and you and Brother can come with them.

We cannot talk or think of anything but war, but we must not forget to pray. There is more power in prayer with those cannons and guns therefore we should be engaged all the time. If Brother was only a Christian I could feel much more reconciled to hear of him falling on the battle field but how can I bear it just as it is and how many souls in the same condition and many of them my relations and friends, God save them is my prayer.

I am glad to hear that you are no worse and hope to hear that you are improving. Take good care of yourself, be prudent, take exercise as much as possible smoke Mullen. That is Cousin Kate’s medicine. Put it in your whiskey and boil it then use a table spoon 3 or 4 times per day. Make mullen syrup in candy for your cough. Keep your bowels regular, use cream of tarter if you will take nothing stronger. Cousin Kate is poorly but not confined to her bed.

I was at Franklin about that time the friends were generally well. The volunteers left while I was there. Cousins Jesse and Willie Suer and three Robin- son boys went. It was a very serious time with mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers and friends in general. Cousin Rufus went to Texas just before the war and they have not heard from him in 7 weeks. Father is waiting on me and I must close. Excuse this paper as I could not find any other when I commenced. Write to me as soon as this is received and tell brother to write as long as he lives for that may not be long. Tell him his letter was good except one word that liked to have spoiled it which he must not use any more. Give my love to cousin Pauline and all my relations. Sister trust in God and he will bring us out more than conquerors.

Your sincere and affectionate sister

Addie [24]

 

 

 

William H. Thomas to his wife, June 17, 1861 –

The mountains of Western North Carolina would be the center of the Confederacy, we shall then have one of the most prosperous countries in the world.  It will become connected with every part of the South by railroad.  It will then become the center of manufacturing for the Southern market.  The place where the southern people will spend their money, educate their children and very probably make laws for the nation. [25]

 

 

 

   State of N.C. Bancum County

   August the 20th 1861

   Asheville NC 

 

   Wiley Henson to Mathias Meece

 

Dear Friend I do this day set my self down to inform you that I am well at this time and I hope these few lines may find you in the same helth I am in Camp Patton at this time and with 16 teen men and wish I was with you and I can say to you that I was at home about 2 weeks ago and was in mine and yours corn and I do believe that there is beter corn in your place than I ever saw you left your foaks and went off to fight for your contry and I trust that You will fight the battle and then return home to your friends that You has left behind and I trust that if we go any wher we will get to see you and more. I have studied more about you than anyone except my dear wife I has left behnd and I trust to God that we all Will get back home when the yancies is whipt back.

Mathias You know that we had seen lots offunin to gether and at last had to part and I want you to rite all about the time they is wher you is and rite to ms as quick as you get these lines and yours trulia Friend and If I never se you any more ile have you in my hart. [26]

 

 

 

 

William W. Stringfield’s Diary

 

July20 [1861]  I was this day mustered into the Volunteer service of the state of Tenn. for twelve months. This is quite an undertaking [but no one is] more accustomed to hardship than I—but this is not the time—nor am I the man to flinch from duty, while my country needs my help—in this or any other capacity I consider it the bounded duty of every man to stand by the late decision of the ballot box—with [his] property—limb and even life if necessary. I was warmly and honestly in favor of the maintenance of the Federal Union as long as there was the most remote hope of such an end but Lincolns Proclamation of 15th of April last completely changed my feelings. I immediately changed my allegiance from the Federal to the Southern Union. Our company this day was organized by electing Jas C. Bradford captain—T.D. Fox—lst Lt.—Joseph [H.] Hynds, 2nd Lt. and Alex M. Goforth 3rd Lt. I ran for first Lt. but was defeated by Fox. Afterwards rec’d from Capt. Bradford the appointment of 2nd Sergt. The company was organized at Mossy Creek and mustered in by Cot [James W.] Gillispie after which the good citizens of that community gave us a good dinner in front of the [Joseph A.] Branner hotel. Jo Branners wife [is] Miss Josephine Love of Waynesville NC a very superior as well as handsome woman. All the boys from around my home at the Plains came up yesterday evening to [spend] one more night with our home folks before going into camps. I gave the boys a good “snack” and fed all their horses for dinner—as they passed my home to day. We all started for Knoxville at one o’clock—traveling the right hand road—fording Holston River & going by Flat Creek. We arrived at K. at 4 pm. We did not get into camps till after dark. We all got wet—in the rain—coming down. We left our camps at the fair grounds—all in confusion— pell mell. “Rough & tumble” with us this evening. I anticipate rare times till we get used to things. We are to sleep on the soft side of the hard ground—without straw.

 

July 22  This is a hard day on us. Curtain—it commenced raining on us early and rained all night. My tent was ditched around but it leaked some. Most of the boys tents leaked badly—They did not ditch around & woked up almost diluged. It is raining all day We can’t cook. We went up to sister Jesse Kirkpatrick’s and got breakfast—dinner and supper at 3 pm.

 

July 23 As I am not going to make an every day business of keeping this “diary” I will only try to write down such big events as I can and give vent to my feelings. When I get “too full in influence” like the boy that eats the big dinner.

 

July 24  Our camps are located in the old Fair grounds— near the Observatory. Our horses are hitched to stakes and fences. I am as much concerned about my horse as of myself. I have a first rate little horse that I bought of Jno Smith and that suits me very well. he was formerly owned by Miss Blanch Branner. I will ride him off to the war and back if our lives are spared and then sister Mary can ride him about home.

 

July 25  Now for work. 20 of us under Lt. Hynds are ordered off to guard the wagons to Big Creek Gap in the Cumberland mts.

 

July 28  Our party ret’d from mts yesterday evening, had a rough time— sunshine—dust—rain—mud. Our Lt. is fond of whisky. We passed through two towns of Clinton and Jacksboro on the Sabbath. it seems— however—that soldiers appropriate this day to themselves as a military necessity. I shall never approve of such procudure—however much I may be compelled to do it.

 

Aug. 1  The ladies of Knoxville gave us soldiers a good Dinner in the grove south of the Fair grounds to day. It was well gotten up and carried through. It is cheering to soldiers to receive such favors when accompanied by the sweet smiles of “Dear women”.

 

Aug. 10  With 10 men I went “on picket” on the tip top of Cumberland mts.— was all day at “Childress Gap” in my shirt sleeves. It was raining all day but I had on a oil cloth. A beautiful view of Powells Valley is here seen for several miles up and down. A thunder storm—thunder—lighting—sunshine and showers. “The lighting—red glare” painting hill of the sky all below me. While we at this Gap it is reported that Dr. Thornburg was taken prisoner in his efforts to escape to Ky. We were half an hour too late for the fun.

 

Oct. 20-31  Left Flat Lick [Creek, Knox County, Kentucky] —and came on to Wild Cat River 3 pm next day. Finding road blockaded returned by dark so our artillery couldnt pass. At once General Zollicoffer ordered Col Brazeltons Battalion Cavalry to dash forward and learn the strength of the Enemy & their position. Charge was made in gallant style by Col B. leading his own battalion. A little before reaching the river we advanced slowly over and round quite a hill. Another co of Infantry on our right. The Yankee Picket was a short distance ahead unconcious of our coming. [Captain John Q.] Arnold [of the 29th Tennessee] Killed the videt and at once we all dashed forward down the hill to the river bridge—all were halted at river—dismounted—counted off by fours—No. 1 hold the horses—2-3 & 4 double quick forwd. The Yankee Picket dispersed—my place to hold the 2-3 & 4 horses. While thus occupied near the old Picket line—one stray Yankee came walking up & of course I captured him. He was Dutchman and I am sure he was glad to be captured from his actions. We camped on or near this place & early the next day the Wild Cat battle occured on a steep mt side in or near woods near a Gap or narrow place in the road and accessible only to Infantry. The Yanks were under the command of Gen. Geo. H. Thomas—while our men [were] in the fight—I was giving rations to our company in the flat near the creek. I had quite a talk with Gen Z. and divided my rations with him. Bread—meat and hot coffee. After hearing my name he spoke quite Kindly of my father. On this day I saw my first dead man and a lot of arms & legs cut off of the wounded men from the battle. Yankees are from Ten—Ind.—Ohio and Ky. This war is a dreadful thing hard on foot and cavalry. We ride poor horses most all day and much of every night. All on Picket. Rain—rain—rain and mud.

I am sure from our movements that our Generals do not understand what the Yanks are up to. It is reported that the enemy are re-enforced and driving us back towards C. Gap and the other Gaps—S. & West. I am getting sick and wornout. If the Lord dont come to our help we are all in a bad way. I am in the saddle all day and much of the night. I often ride 30-40 miles in a day and then walk half a mile or more in the rain—dust for horse feed. I write most of this several days after the date. We are returning to C. Gap and possibly Tenn. Gen. Z. has gone towards Somerset & Fishing Creek, etc. All going back—where—when or howl can hardly tell.  I am sick—sleep in Doctors wagon—on toward C. Gap—rain—rain——rain.

 

Nov. 1  All are going back. Doctor told me last night that I shall have 30 days furlough. That is almost enough to make me well.

 

Nov. 4  Pattersons Near the Gap. This house has been almost turned into a hospital. I am on my way home and spending night here. Miss Patterson an old acquaintance and exceedingly Kind to me—has put me in a clean bed although I am dirty and covered with body lice. Good women are “above [oders]”—God Bless our dear ones.

 

Nov. [8]  I came home last night after a ride of 51 miles via Clinch mt—Blains X roads—Howell Smarts Ferry at 9 ½ or 10 pm. The back way on my own farm. Saw Jas Keelan only 2 or 3 hours before he saved the bridge & became a Southern Hero. [27]

 

 

 

 

   1861

   Bath County Virginia

   Oct the 17

   Peter Meece

 

Dear Father

I this day invale my self with the presant opetunity droppin a few lines to in form yo that I am will at presant hoping thes flew lines may finde yo ingoying the sam blessing I have had the feavor but have about got over it I am at the hot spnng I have been here about 2 weeks they are about 200 of our Regem came here they have about 20 dide in 2 weeks I receved yor letter yesterday dated 8th of sept which gae much satisfaction here from you all yo stated in your lettr that yo was agoin to sende me a suit of clothing you nedant to sende me any close at all for I have clothing enuf to dwo me Our regemeflt is scatterd from here to edry 50 miles we have no offisers we will starte to winter qarts in flew days our regement has had no rgular fight they have had sevral scrumishes times are harde here salt are worth 15 dollers per sack coffee 50 cts per pound and other things acords. My time is about half out I am curning horn when my time is out I have rote six or sevon lttrs sense i left Richm and hay not recived but 2 lettrs from you all so right to me I want to know how my colte is coming on and who are taking care of him so I must close

 

Mathes Meece [28]

 

 

 

Elizabeth Watson to James Watson, October 29, 1861 -

Times in our country is hard for the poor class of people for every thing is giting so deer that they cant by hardly a noughf to live on  Salt is from nine to ten dollars a sack her and evry other thing in proportion.  Thier is good crops made in our country i think corn can be bought at 50 cts. all through the winter and now the people is . . . halling off thier meet.  I dont now how we will git our nessaryes for money is scarce here. [29]

 

 

 

Camp at Greenbrier Bridge

Nov 2/61

Dear Father

We are yet at Greenbrier winding our way along as usual waiting for order[s] to make an ordeal ... what they will be or whom they will be given to nobody knows. Cabins are being built by the core but whether for our regiment or not I cant say. Colonel Love thinks we will go to the coast. Our duty is much lighter than it has been previously but it is made upon us by the reduction of rations. We scarcely get half enough to eat particularly in the Bread Line. Consequently we have to apply almost daily to our purses for assistance in the Bread Line. One ham being worth $2.00, apple pies 40 to 50 cents. The citizens keeps up a market for us. Apples $3, Irish potatoes $1.50 per bushel, Cheese $5.00 per cake, Butter 50 cts per lb., Chestnuts 30 cts a quart, Milk 80 cts per quart. We make or receive payments occasionally which affords the necessary means to procure these articles of food.

I suppose you have heard much ridicule about western va, but I think there is not better country this side of the Southern pole. Indeed I think the application once belonging to the isle of Sicily would be an improper one for western va. That was the Land of Milk & Honey. All the elements of food adapted to the temperate zone are found in abundance and fullness of growth. The citizens here live better here on less labor than any people I ever seen. The scarcity now is all together attributed to the demands of these ten thousand soldiers that have been quartered here during the year. But notwithstanding my exagerated opinions of the Country as you may take it, I would if I could get foot loose strike a bee line for old Henderson and do without the milk and honey of Va.

I cannot give you any information respecting the engagements of our forces at different places from the fact that you already know more about them than we do in camp. We scarcely ever see a Knews paper here though as far as have any information. Our arms have been crowned with greatness which is a strong manifestation of the mercy of providence.

If our Regt. Goes to eastern v.a. I will probably be close to your brother. You will please send me the number of his regiment & the letter of his company, the Col commanding, & the initials of his name & do write to me oftener or make some of the family write. Tell Mr. Barnette I am waiting to hear from him. Give my respects to

Your Obedient Son

John N. Kimzey

Poe Jim & Co. is well [30]

 

 

 

Forks of Pigeon N.C.

Dec the 1st 1861

 

Morgan Meece

 

Dear Brother, I am happy with the oppertunity of writing you a few lines in order to answer one letter I recd from you dated the 23 Oct I was truley glad to hear from you But since I reed that we have reed one from Bradford which brought the sad news of you being down with the measles I was sorry to hear that but am in hopes it is but a mild form and you will be about in a few days but I will ad vise you to be certain to take good chare of your self and not stur out to soon for a relaps is worse that the first form I have not very much to write a present times are not very bad considering a very good time to make money meat and corn very high grop pork is selling at the high figure of nine cents and we have 30 heard of your hogs now near fat it will be an easy matter to turn them into over 300 dollars we expect to put them in the best market we can as far war news I have a good deal being posted by reading papers there is a good deal of exitement in Haywood at this time, caused by the rebellion in East Tenn, burning bridges and, at the same time the malitia being rquested to muster once a week but cense I have heard of the arest of 40 of the Bridge Burners and R.B. Vances Regt and others being ordered to Green cc. Tenn, I apprehend no danger, and as for the war at other places, fort Pickes Kentucky and doubtles you have heard, Robert Welch has arove home, who reports mathias is well and the Co. left the 6rg at Manasus. I must close for the present by requesting you to write as soon as you get this and let me know how you are geting, and I will write all the news I can.

 

Yours &c, Robert Meece

 

A few words to JB I want you to take good care of your brother while sick and write to me as soon as you get this & I will write you a letter your Mother & Father did not think it necessary to answer your last letter from the fact I wrote this don’t forget to write

 

yours &c R.M. [31]