Old Family Letters:
A Personal Glimpse into the Lives of our Ancestors
Letter written by Alexander Sidney REID
Love letter from Thomas Peter SAFFOLD to Sarah Elizabeth REID SAFFOLD
Letter from Thomas Peter SAFFOLD to Sarah Elizabeth REID SAFFOLD
Another Letter from Thomas Peter SAFFOLD to Sarah Elizabeth REID SAFFOLD
1800's Letter from Thomas Peter SAFFOLD to Sarah Elizabeth REID SAFFOLD
Letter from Seaborn Jones SAFFOLD, Jr. to Julia Heard SAFFOLD
Letter (#2) from Seaborn Jones SAFFOLD, Jr. to Julia Heard SAFFOLD
Letter from Nancy Coffee Heard KENNEDY to Julia Smith Heard SAFFOLD
Letter from Julia Smith Heard SAFFOLD to Nancy Coffee Heard KENNEDY
Letter from Nancy Coffee HEARD to Julia Smith HEARD
Letter from Nancy Coffee Heard KENNEDY to Julia Smith Heard SAFFOLD
Letter from Howell COBB to Thomas Peter SAFFOLD
Eatonton, May 30th 1863The above letter was copied from the original letter on file in the Georgia Achrives by Ottis E. Guinn
My dear Sir,
I write to ask of you the favor to instruct me what I am to do under the circumstances following. I have two plantations in this county which I oversee myself. I have one plantation in Merriweather County which my son oversees. My son is liable to the conscription as I understand not withstanding I have 20 or more slaves on the place. I can find no one to take charge of my place in Merriweather. I supposed that the Confederate laws did not or would not interfere with the State laws, which require a white person on every place having 10 slaves. I don't see how the State policy can be carried out in my case if my son is subject to the conscription. I possibly might find a man to put on my place if I could leave home but I can't leave having already charge of two plantations. If you can advise me I would be greatly obliged.
Yours Truely,
Alexander Reid
His Excellency Gov Brown
Milledgeville
Madison June 12th
Your long looked for letter my dear Sallie has just been read. It is true my disappointment in not hearing from you Friday night but more especially Saturday night was painful. Had I not received this letter this evening I am sure I would have been in Eatonton tomorrow. This I mention that you may realize the greatnefs of my anxiety when I am away from you. It is true as you say that persons in love have but one being. I have felt this when with you and felt it most intensely during my last visit. You are mine and I am yours forever and ever. This explains all. How would you doubt when I have assured you every thing connected with you was as sacred and as dear yes dearer to me than my heartsblood. It is true and you will cease to be happy when you doubt it. I am not complaining. You have as much confidence as I could expect. I love you for it and it will ever make my heart thrill with pleasure to remember how fully you have loved and trusted me. I have heard of men as rotten beings in the shape of men that succeeded in winning a womens confidence and then left her to repent of affections that were misplaced. I love those that love me and will ever act justly and kindly and nobly to every living creature but especially to the beautiful refined sensible pure woman that has pledged me her love and is willing to share my destiny. We shall be happy Sallie and you will make a wife that any man would be proud of. But I must stop and tell you what are to be movements for the next few days. In the first place busnefs carries me to Augusta and I would have gone last night had I heard from you. Wednesday evening I hope to see my darling boy and how much could I say of him had I time. I shall return here on Saturday and you must not fail to write me on Friday. I shall see you at the appointed time in fact a day sooner if you will convince me it will be excusable to ride from here to Eatonton on Sunday evening a thing I have done often as you know. I have not time to read and punctuate this. But you will read enough to find out some thing of my feelings. I would take more time but the mail closes immediately. God bless you my own my darling Sallie.
Ever Yours
T. P. Saffold
Friday Night
My dear Wife
Lonely and desolate am I to night and no language can tell how completely my life my hopes my joy are wrapped in others as I see your vacant chair the empty cradle and fail to hear the childish prattle of our darling boy. Guy and the Cat are here and their presence is not only tolerated but welcome. It seems to me that you are making a very long visit. I shall not go to Augusta until you return. Say to your Father I ordered his cutting knife. My businefs seems to be in pieces. I am going to Madison to night and am coming back on the freight to breakfast. It is impofsible for me to see you before Sunday I must have the barns taken down and a shed tomorrow besides several other things which must be done before I can leave. Kifs our children and believe I love you with all my heart. Your devoted Husband
T. P. Saffold
Tuesday Morning
My darling Wife
I left home yesterday morning in a hard rain having given instructions to George if it held up in an hour or two to go after you. When I got back last night I found him here. I shall start him as soon as I get off and hope to be here tomorrow when you arrive. Start in good time. The roads are worse than when you went down and if any thing should break the earlier you start the more time you will have to repair damages and get home. I need not tell you how anxious I am to have you all here once more. Be sure to bring Annies' Luz to Bill. Mr Evans declared selling at present the meat and wishes me to bring it up and smoke it when he will be nearly ready to offer it for sale. I am doing my best to keep from being called to the Captaincy of the Company that will be formed in this county today. I am by no means certain that I will not be. If I should be as I have before said to you I will not feel myself at liberty to decline. Love to all kisses to the children.
Your devoted Husband
T. P. Saffold
P.S You will find the keys in the ward robe and the ward robe key in Annies bureau.
Thursday Morning
My Dear Wife
My Box came on Tuesday and when I opened it all the articles mentioned in the invoice list had been taken out. It has fretted me no little. The biscuit crackers and bottle of syrup were also taken leaving me nothing but the ***** ***** and sugar. I intend to sue the Exprefs Company if they do not pay me the damage. I hoped to get a letter from you this morning but have been disappointed. I wrote to you on Tuesday. There is nothing here of interest. You and the children are constantly before me and my heart is constantly filled with the tenderest emotions of love and affection for yourself and them. Write to me often often.
Your Devoted Husband
T. P. Saffold
Co. K 2nd Inft GSR
Camp Whitaker
July 23 1863
My Dear Mother,
Your letter of Alvin Dole with Maggie's enclosed came to hand today & I reply. We are now in excitement,five days rations prepared & ready to move today where our services are needed. Five of the Companies (3 words unreadable) of the Regiment are now at Resacca bridge and the other five left with us here. My Company will be stationed at Tunnel Hill about thirty miles this side of Chatanooga, when ever this excitement is over. The information this morning is that the Yankees are still camping at Huntsville or near there. My opinion is that they intend getting in the rear of General Johnson, cut off his supplies and force him to retreat (4 words unreadable) but we have a heavy force opposed to them. (2 words unreadable) myself (1 word unreadable) will make them wish they had remained on the other side of the Tennfsee. I do not want to get into a fight but if it comes I shall do all I can & if I am killed shall die as gallantly as any man. I hope for the best & you & Maggie must wait until the worse comes before you expect it. There will be hard fighting in this section between this and the 1st of December & I am fearful that Atlanta will be (2 words unreadable) we figure for, but let us hope for the best.
My furlough takes effect on the 30th but my more (3 words unreadable) to be with you on the 29th at 10 o'clock in the day, if not then certainly on the night of the 29th or the morning of the 30th, but if there is a chance for a fight are is expected I shall not leave my command. I am very anxious indeed to see Maggie & my darling child, oh how I love it & I intend that the war shall be (word unreadable) and in future life shall be different. I am convinced that in many things I have been wrong, but enough of that I do not care to allude to things so unpleasant.
I have leave of absence for thirty days. I shall go immediatly after Maggie. I see a vast improvement in her letters, do you not? I am in fine health & am feeling gernerally well but have another boil on the way & am fearful that I'll have some trouble with it. Give my regards to the young ladies. Love to (2 words unreadable). I'll buy and bring you some fifty or hundred pounds of meal. I'll be certain to bring it if it is any good, but the meat we have been getting here is very inferior. I hope soon to be with you.
Affectionately your son
Seaborn J. Saffold
University of Va
Dec 7th 1857
Dear Mother,
Your last letter was recieved to day, and I hasten to reply, although I do not feel like writing as I have been worried a good deal to day, hunting for some of my clothes that were stolen yesterday while I was at supper, and as yet I have heard nothing of them. They took my over coat, a pair of pants, a pair of boots and two cravets. So you see I am completely non (word unreadable). I do not know what I will do. I hired a boy to saw me a load of wood and I think that he is the person that took them but I have no proof that he did. He was the only boy that had been about the building during the day. I do not think that I will ever get them. I did not have more clothes than I needed and especially my over coat. I'll have to get another in a day or two if I can not find mine. I shall write to (word unreadable) in New York to send me a coat for I know him and can get it at much lefs than I can here. I have kept my room locked until a few days ago when some person took took my key. I had my clothes hanging up in my room. It was quick work, for I was not absent from my room twenty minutes, what must I do?
In reference to Jule I shall write to her in a day or so. I have not felt like writing as I should have written to her in this. I shall also write to Tom. Love to both. You will doubtlefs feel lonely when Abe and Mattie leave for Alabama. She is a nice lady and I think that Abe has done well. I hope that she is (word unreadable) recovered by this time. In reference to your taking four young men to board you can do as you choose but I am some what of Tom's opinion. If they made application it might be well enough, but young men generally prefer a hotel for they can do as they please, have their meals at any hour, and if they get sick it would be a great deal of trouble, but you know best. In reference to the box I would like to have it. I do not know what it would cost, but you can judge for yourself. Do not put yourself to too much trouble about it. I thought that perhaps Jule would like to help.
I have not been very well for the last three days. Have a cold but think that I will be well in a day or two. There is but little sicknefs here now. I called to see my (2 words unreadable) and her sister the other night, had a (word unreadable) time. She is decidedly the most interesting of the two but I May be (word unreadable) fond of "widows." She is a very nice lady. I heard from Milledgeville a day or two ago, all were well. I have not been to the Methodist Church but once for it is an out of the way place from where I room. I attend the Presbyterian. If you send me "the box" send me some flowers. Get some from Aunt Ann, they will keep for it will only take two days for them to get here. Write soon.
Your affectionate son
S.J. Saffold, Jr
Knoxville June the 29
My Dear Julia
We got hear on saterday evening the 25 twelve days on the road not aney rain on us til friday evening John and myself ware hiley favoured we improved on furtigue and our first days travel was the longest we made when we got to athens I drank a cup of tea went to bed but was to tired to rest for several ours next morning I went down to breakfast had some appetite for it we traveled slow that day got to a prety good house in the evening I ate no supper had a prety good nights sleep wensday evening we crost broad river on thursday we ware detained at a shop some time crost savannah river at three in the evening and ate our dinner in south caralina the rains had made the roads very ruff on tuesday the 21 we got to the warm springs I was much exausted when we got thar ate nothing and set up but little next day I was too sick to make much trial of the water the boys and I was delighted with the warm bath we left on thursday seventy five miles to this place I came the most of them in much pain since I have ben wresting I have improved much I am careful about my diet john joshua cynthia and susan blest with greate appetites we had to have some scolding on the way but as pleasent a time as we coud expect we came fifty miles on the bank of french broad whare all was washed away except rock my carage broke twice onder the body whare it was not hard to fix our horses performed wel nel was firey and blowed much for some days she was too fat john thinks the roan one of the best horses he ever worked the second evening madison and marrey ware in the buggy muck got scard ran a short distance got tangled in some half rotten timber that stopt him without doing much mischief last monday madison took his buggy out to clean he drove in the mil pond whare his horse nearley got drownd and broke both shaves of and that saved the horse. we found minerva peart but much emasipated if I had ov entered a room of ladys whare she sit and remained silent I should not ov nown her she is lean and pale her hair cut of hanging round her neck makes her apearence very difrent her limbs continue to swel complains of an unpleasent sensation in them but no accute pain she has ben twice to the springs she is not so wel to day I now she has taken to much exersise since we came it is hard to keep her out of the dining room she is so ancious to attend to her housekeeping her appitite is only tolerable has to feed the babe frequentley she gives more suck than one woud supose it is a fine fat child fine eyes and prety countinance I tel m I cant love it yet she is so much reduced the child was almost tree weeks old when she was taken she semd to be doing wel and throught she woud be more careful than usial as I was absent she cant account for it unlefs she injured herself by gratifing her unusal appitite before its birth. our town is all in a bufsle and wil be til after the fouth of july it wil be fild to overflowing every private fameley is preparing to entertain all the company in their power the draggoons are all to leave in the evening of the forth we ware glad to have the pleasure of seing samnel k before he left friends all wel we all invited to spend the day at j kennedys tomorrow the children all grown considerable I have not seen abram his grand mother cant give him up we expect to go thar as soon as this flurry is over we found Mr Lea at home but he had to leave next morning it is even so he expects to move without seing the cuntey he has friends and acquaintences on whome he says he can rely he wrote to dunlap for himself the Dr and john an answer has come since he left dunlap promised to give john j all the information in his power when he goes he speaks of going in a few weakes but C is not willing he said a good physion was much wanted his account flattering he has in a few years accumalated a large fortune much of it made in land speculatiom yet others might not do the same I expect Mr L wil write the Dr m is quite willing to go the children too I now she entertains hopes of meting you thare the lord only nows how it wil be my daley prayers is that all things work for the best if you had ov had minerva present you coud not of fit her better thay thank you for the presents but leveania thinks the georgia friends has very much neglected Cynthia ellen the letter is given by Mifs C Lea she dotes much on the babe. my anxiety is greate about you all especelly H H H I forgot to ask you to send me the letters when he wrote but you wil do it I hope by now you have our dear ann seated in your room so she may be all a fond mothers heart coud wish and may you ever reallise in her more than your most sanguine expectations has ever ben. thar has but few joind the church since I left Mrs Cox one of that number I found a letter hear from j Kennedy he wil not return til next spring give my love to all enquire friends the family join in love to you and yours the bel is just rang the methodist quarterley meeting is about commencing this is so fine a evening I wil go out the distance is short let me hear from you and may all your pathes be sweet.
N Kennedy
Mrs Nancy Kennedy
Knoxville, E. Tennessee Via Washington City
(Wednesday night)
Madison Nov 23d 1836
My Dear Mother,
Five or six weeks have elapsed since I last wrote you. I should certainly have given you another letter but for the promise brother Augustus made me when he left (4 weeks tomorrow) that he would certainly write you after his arrival home, but on his return last Saturday said he had not done it. I felt hurt with him, as I promised to let you know his proceedings. After my last he had another relapse on return of chills, and was very sick: he recovered though, and, as soon as he was able to ride we let him start home; but we had many fears that we might not see him again, he, however, reached home safely; and his health has improved very much: he found his affairs very much deranged; and old Lazy dead, (which he rather expected, from a letter he had received). Judge McGruder called to see him a few days after he got home, and asked him what propositions he had for Harriett; he replyed none till he got his children; this he hooted at, said they would give up every cent of the property before they would the children, also said he knew what course to take. Au. asked him about Harriettes going to Mr Buttrels, as I wrote you (a place where the stage pafsed every day) he replyed that she did not consider herself his wife and was able to take care of herself. I would just say here, that this movement of her's, has altered the opinion of some of her best friends; old Mr Mafsingale, Uncle Joe Heard, the Dr. and others. Augustus wrote the Dr. in about a week after he got home, telling what I have related to you. Judge Mc Gruder also told him, it is not safe for him to remain there. This and other things made us so uneasy that (the Dr. having some banking businefs to attend to in Augusta next month) concluded to go down forthwith, and get him away: they went to Augusta together, and on their return, Augustus insisted that the Dr. should call,and get them to send his children to a near house, where he was waiting (he had not yet seen them) also to talk to Har. about what he would give her if she would let him have the children: the property was named (six negroes and $500 dollars) she said she would not be satisfied with less than the whole of what came by her meaning the increase of the negroes, and as to the children, would never think of giving them up: said further, that there was no provision made for the little boy, she then had in her lap; the Dr. reminded her that this child, was one grand cause of all that has transpired: she did not seem to mind what was said, he told her also, that he apprized her last spring, that should a sepperation take place, the father would recover the children legally if necefsary. They all think that they will keep them, upon the grounds of Au's insanity should it come to law, they no doubt can prove any thing, but this will not do for Au's is himself, as much as he ever was to mind: they say too that he drove her off: he can prove the contrary by a correspondence between them after she left. The old man did not want to send the children to see their Father: this riled the Dr. who asked him, if his word could not be taken for their return? ceretainly, he said, and sent Virginia. Antinette was gone to Augusta with William's family. Virginia's health is very delicate. The old lady's health very bad. The old man and Har. both look badly. She has weaned her little boy. Augustus and the Dr. came to Greensboro, consulted and employed ----, who has put them in a way to recover the children by law: they reached home Saturday night (the Dr. gone 16 days) and left yesterday morning to carry their plans into operation: they will have to go to Augusta to see the Judge H H. The Dr. had but little doubt, indeed none, but he would get them. Now Mother, let me tell you Judge McGruder's family is moving; and that too, within 40 miles of Jackson, Mifs; his white family would not go till spring, but the Dr. thought from the preperation making, they all might go, and if they attempt to take the children they will persue them: this move in them has made Au's (the advice too, of Uncle's Stock, and George) settle here, for the present at least; he has bought half the interest in the tanyard, we will board him and his children: his health is such that he could not move this winter. I was opposed to this sale, and advised him not to come here, but he said he must be with his children. Him and the Dr. expect to either buy or rent a plantation some where, and settle a farm: this does not look like moving, does it? I tell the Dr. he has urged it upon me, till I am willing to go, and now he has given it out. We have not heard from bro. John since he has been gone; but I think he will move to Mobile. I wish he was here to help Aug', as he is not, it is the Dr.s duty, for poor fellow he needs assistance, he wants the Dr. to stay with him, till he can have a sale and move, but he cannot, as he must be at home, Monday week at the farthest. Uncle George has sold his plantation to Mr. Broughton at 6 dollars per acre, he has gone to Alabam to see some land; he is determined to move; and some of us think he will go to Columbus if he does not move the ensuing year. Martha is now with us: she came home with Ann last Saturday, and will remain several weeks. Ann staid in Greensboro near 8 weeks. She spent her time pleasantly. Aunt Stocks was absent the most of the time gone to see Mr. Enos and family. The servant she gave them is dead, and Mrs Myers in very bad health, so sick, she coukl not come home with her. Old Mr. Foster, Mr. Strain, and Dr. Wingfield of Greene, has recently died. Our village is again healthy. Brother Adam and family not yet returned; other friends well; Mifs R's leaves for Connecticutt next week: they send much love to you and other friends also. Dr. Randolph has sold out, and moves to Athens. Mr. Nisbet also, and goes to Macon, others are taking their place. My health is very good. Mahalia's rather feeble. ---------- has not been well since she had the fever in the summer; she has taken a violent cold, and is very sick indeed. She complains of nothing but a sore throat, sleeps constantly, and does not seem to be herself: she was quite sick when the Dr. left. We have not heard from you since brother John came. Have not heard the particulars of Uncle Coffee's death: one of his sons wrote to Uncle Stocks. Martha said Aunt Stocks came to see her Mother after hearing it and they have visited more. Had a letter from Thomas 3 weeks back, all well and very pleased. Mrs Greenwood's son has returned, on account of bad health. Had a letter from brother Franklin 3 weeks since, all well. My love to sister Minerva. I should like hear from you all again. I hope her eye is well. What news from Mr Lea? To see you all moving, I want to go too but all things are uncertain. I ask myself, shall we ever meet on earth again? Should we not, let us try Mother, to live so that we may meet in Heaven, and all will be well.
Your affectionate daughter
Julia S. Saffold
P.S. (written on the paper margin)
We have had one of the hottest falls I ever saw, fine crops and good prices for every thing. Flour in Augusta, $14 dollars barrel, pork $8 per hundred. There is some here now, and fine weather for killing. The little boys are doing nothing. They both grow very fast. They often talk about you.
We have had our cellar lined, both cook and eat there, it is confortable and conveient but Ann objects to eating amongst the rats. Raised my turkeys, but had some of them stolen, sold 4. We had a fire here a few weeks since. 5 shops burnt but no dewelling: servants said howdy to you.
Labannon 10 August 1814
Dear julia I now inform you we receaved yours dated the 9 of July and also 22 and cousin sophroneys by Mr gresham with great pleasure we are happy to se you make use of every oppertunity to write us I can assume you (word unreadable) is nothing coud be more pleasing then to hear from my dear daughter and nice I am afrad you have ben uneasy about my helth I can inform you I am in better helth then since you home I recvered of the (word unreadable) son after you left but coud not fel wel I was taken in june with a pain in my left side it was at intervels at first but grew worse so that I coud scarcely ly down we aplid large blister which gave me some releaf but did not remove the pain I then went through acorse of physic in which I endured a grate deal of pain but I hope it has ben of grate service to me as I am entirely wel of the pain the famely is all wel except your brother franklin he came up the 15 july to spend some weeks with us he was taken with the ague and fever twelve days after he come but I hope he wil son be wel as his chil and fever is much lighter I hope these lines wil find you and cousin in good helth minerva sends a grate deal of love to you and her cousin she says she must nit you a pare of stockings for the present you sent her she has grown in high but is more spare then when you left home your brothers have all grown preceveable felix is as fat and saucy as ever your father is at this time gone to augusta I expect he wil start to tennesy in a few days after his return but I hope he wil not stay more than fore or five weeks we were sorry you find it so hard to learn mussick I was afraid you woud not be apt to lern it as you are inclined to be left handed and had so little turn to it I though cousin sophrony woud lern it very fast and be fond of it but I find she is not I am sorry my dear cousin to find you are ancious to return home it woud be very gratifing to us all to see you both at home but you must not think of coming until you have completed your education your brother washington was to se us two weeks past he was very wel and has grown as much as any person coud your brother john is at his grandmothers going to school polly had a fine girl two weeks past she and her children is wel and all the rest as fare as I now your relations in this part are all well mr harris and his famely has come up to spend the sickly season we expect them to visit us next week thare little son has grown finely expect opelia wil go down with them she has ben going to school to Mrs hix minerva can spel in five letters tolerable wel we expect to send her to mrs hix next spring I had your dreses move early in the spring but have not had an opportunity of sending them to you I have nothing more but beleve me to be your affectionate mother and ant
Nancy Heard
julia your sister insist to send you a lock of her hare that you may se how it has grown
Hiwafsee Plains March 5
My Beloved Daughter
I have just receaved Minervas letter it was very chering to my droping sperits to hear you ware all wel except your dear little boy and he better yet my fear for him is not over for I now something of the white sweling I view it as alsmost incureable thare was an olde lady hear the other day that said sperits turpentine was a sure cure if aplied in the first stage of the disease but we must view all those aflictions from the hand of him that has a wright to dispose of his own as he pleases I hope you wil not repine at his wil but yeald with as much submission as posable tho you lose your dear babes your lofs is their eternal gain you are young tho you have already tasted some of the bitters of sin and why not be willing to se the dear infants make an early exit out of this world of trouble minerva said your health was improving with all your fateague was sory to find you had the ague occasonly when hariet left georgia I have company but none of it seems to supply minervas place I hope she is spending her time pleasently with you all I am sorry she has not seen her ant stocks and legon I fear thar is a coolnefs prevaling alas if you all new the vallue and want of friends as I do none of you woud mind trifles we are all blest with moderate health and are moving on slowly I have been out to much which makes me ful of pain especialy of nights tho my health other ways is better than I coud expect I was greately rejoiced to hear you had joind the church for I now it gave you peace of mind and tranquility of consience to obey is better than sacrafice may the lord ever seport you my dear child and enable you to live the life of a devoted christian may you be the means in the hand of the almighty in bringing your famely to see the beauty of holinefs the worth of religion and the fulnefs of a blefsed redeamer. what ware your feeling when you found felix had joind the church some condemned his conduct but I hope thay wil be brought to se thear error I now that he who has began a good work in him is able to cary it more than my vile heart coud be as thankful as I wish it to be it is with greaf I tel your methodist friends hear have had greate contentions heavy charges brought against john B and william by thar uncle john the contention was so greate that the circuit preacher cald for the clafs paper tore it up said he thought all ought to be turnd out I truly pity them thay seem so hurt some of them the dispute is now to be taken to general conferance it seems heard that no harmony is ever to prevale hear we are a pore starved set scecerly any preaching in reach of us I hope providence wil in some way provide for us. my sperits have for some time been deprest yeasterd when I receaved minervas letter I felt much revived but alas it was only a few hours before I heard the mournful news the death of Mrs sutherlen afflicting news pore marien I feel very much for her first her mother her father and now her only sister she was confind more than fore months her sufring far surpast ordinary cases the fever fel in her hip discharged coupously and heald up her lungs then became afficted from the inflamation her hip inflamed again then the hole limb she bore all with fortitude and resignation tolde the preacher wheare to take his text how to conduct her funeral talked pleasently and comly a few moments before she expired oh the death of the rightous how pleasent to behold and how sweet to realise wel let us try to live the life of the rightous for thear end is peace I wrote to minerva last weak by mr magruder do write me by male and let me now how the dear babe is I am sorry the Dr cant settle with sanford it is painful to me to sue them joshua sends howdy to you all tel ann if she dont be industrous he wil beat her learning shal I ever see you all again it is uncertain I feel very frail let us look forward to a hapier meeting than this world can give your mother
Nancy Kennedy
Washington city
8 June 1859
Private & Confidential
My Dear Sir
I was gratified to see by the papers, that you were a delegate to our approaching state convention. You will readily understand that I feel an unusual interest in the action of that convention, when I refer to the part, that I learn there will be an effort to induce the convention to ignore the administration of Mr Buchanan, that is not to pafs the usual resolutions of confidence ( ). I write to you as a personal and political friend & shall write in the spirit of frankness and confidence. This blow is aimed as well at myself as at the administration. It needs no Solomon to see, if the administration, of which I am a member, should be repudiated by the denouncing of my own state, that I am placed in a most humiliating position. I therefore appeal to my friends to resist this wrong and injustice which is ( ) against a President who has been truer to the rights, interest and honor of the South than any northern man, who ever occupied the White House. Mr Buchanan's record on the slavery question for nearly a half century will prove the truth of this statement. He is the first & only President, who ever recognised the right of a southern man to go with his slave property into any territory of the United States, and denied the power both of congrefs and the territorial legislature to prevent it until a state convention meets to form a state constitution. However you are familiar with his record and the southern man who now needs an argument to satisfy him that Mr Buchanan is, & has always been a true friend of the South, must be wofully ignorant of the history of the slave question. The pretext upon which the convention will be asked to be silent about the administration is, that being a state convention it has nothing to do with federal politics. This want do, for every democratic state convention that ever met in Georgia, has pafsed resolutions of approval on ( )in the general administration, when it was democratic. To apply a new rule silence by the convention on ( )in the general administration when it was democratic. To apply a new rule to Mr Buchanan's is indirectly to condem it. To that our friends cannot and will not consent. The ifsure must be met. The pretended reasons for democratic opposition to the administration are. 1. That Mr Buchanan recommended specific duties. 2. That he was in favor of a Pacific Rail Road. This want do, for Mr ( ) in his first report to congrefs in 1853 recommended specific duties on iron, and Genl Pierce endorsed the report, & in the same mefsage Genl Pierce came out in favor of a Pacific rail road and you will remember that Genl Pierce & his cabinet made a tour to New York, & Col Davis made speeches in favor of it all along the route. Yet, all the democratic state conventions in Georgia endorsed Genl Pierce's administration & did right in doing so, notwithstanding many of us differed from that administration, as we differ from Mr Buchanan's on these points, so far as the tariff is concerned, the difference is in favor of this administration in the part, that the report, from the Treasury Department, by myself are regarded as the most radical free trade reports ever made to Congrefs. These facts remove the rubbish from the question and bring us to the true points of hostility to Mr Buchanan's administration. They are twofold 1 The friends of Douglafs will not make an open fight for him, but if they can condem the administration it is an indirect movement for his benefit. 2. The advocates for reopening the African slave trade are hostile because the administration has in good faith endeavered to enforce the law of the land. If to these two considerations you add the additional one of a desire on the part of some politicians in Georgia, to give me a blow, you have the true cause of the threatened war upon the administration, for I regard silence bt the convention as war, and I am disproved to meet it in that spirit. Now the question comes fairly up. Are the democrats prepared to follow the lead of Douglafs? Upon that point I have not a word of argument to present. I will only say that in my judgement, the day the South gives her confidence and support to Stephen A Douglafs, she is doomed. Is the democrasy of Georgia in favor of reopening the african slave trade?. If so, let the people know it, and for one, I am ready to meet the ( ) and shall fight it to the bitter end. I have no concealments on any political question & hence I say frankly to you, that the moment the democratic party of Georgia put in their platform a plank for the reopening of the african slave trade, I can stand upon it no longer. This question is now being prefsed upon us. I have written you a much longer letter than I had intended, when I started. I hope you will not regard it as an intrusion, but that I shall have your active and cordial cooperation in maintaining the ( ) and principles of the democratic party, as we have long understood and practiced them.
I am very truely your friend
Howell Cobb
I would like to say "THANK YOU!" to my cousin, Ottis Guinn,
for his generosity in sharing these
wonderful letters with me.
THANK YOU Ottis!