Letter Addressed to: "Dear Cousin" Dated: 15 Nov 1865 - Atlanta, Georgia From: C.F. or E.F. McMillan - Speculated to be daughter of Mina (Mossman) & John McMillan/McMillen

Notes: Mina was daughter of Archibald Mossman & Margaret (Young). She was born in Grayson Co., VA on 12 Dec 1797 and married John McMillen in Virginia on 28 May 1815. Known children of John and Mina were: Mary Ann, Amanda, Margaret, Eleanor, Martha Jane, and one un-named daughter which may perhaps be the author.

This letter is most proably written to one of the children of Louisa (Ballard) Pilcher. Her daughter Clarissa Amanda was the wife of John Fenton who seemed the most involved in trying to obtain the Mossman estate in Berwick Upon Tweed, England.

It should be noted that from the collection of letters in my possession, the author of this particular letter seems rather well-educated or possessed much better writing and spelling skills than many of the Mossman descendants. -pdp

This letter is in possession of Patricia Davidson-Peters

Atlanta Geo. Nov. 15th 1865

Dear Cousin:
Your kind Letter of October 31st was received on Nov 13th I am glad to hear that were “all well and enjoying yourselves the best” you could.

For myself I have not seen a well day since the 25th of July last. We started home 10 days too soon, as the “reconstruction” of the Railroad was not completed; and we had to “tarry” at “Camp Detention” distant from Atlanta Thirty-Five miles for ten days , from the “effect of that “Camp Life” we were all “more or less” sickened - all have recovered the writer.

Atlanta is going on again - the word of “Reconstruction” is being pushed forward at a degree of speed unprecedented in the history of building up a city. In one year it will be a finer city than before the “War.” Our place was not injured much, further than the stealing of some movable articles, and the Shrubbery out of the garden some damage to the fruit trees.

I am pleased to hear that you and Alex “have undertaken to get that Estate in England.” Of course I will do the Same as the rest of the heirs have agreed to do. I am not advised by you what it is necessary or proper for me to do in the premises, whether a power of Attorney should be sent you or simple authority given by myself to collect the Estate. I send you such simple authority and I will send such as may be required from my hands.

I Should have wrote to my Sisters before now, but sickness and despondency have prevented me from attending to many things. Please say to them that they must write to me and let me know the post office address of sister margaret, as I want to write to her.

It is very hard living here at this with those who have not “got” the proper amount of “greenbacks” on hand.

Secesh is about the same as it was last year. Grant & Sherman took the guns out of the hands of the Rebels - their principles they “retained” in lieu of their “Sidearms,” and did not make them good citizens.

The Negroes are in a bad condition - not many will work - most of them live by stealing - a negro will be a negro all the time, and a negro will steal all the time. Nothing is safe from them that cannot be kept in your sleeping apartment in this country.

I do not think of any thing more to say at present. Please write and let me know how you progress in your undertaking.

Affectionately

*By fall 1865 all five of the Atlanta’s rail lines were once again operational.

The word “Secesh” is a term used mostly by the Union supporters during the 1861-1865 period in reference to the secessionist, and is now regarded as historical slang.

Please note that the content of this letter is merely a transcription and does not reflect my own opinions. This site does not in any way promote, encourage, or condone any ethnic, racial or religious animosity or stereotyping - nor does it promote or support any such group which does.

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