Polk Family Papers Box 10 Document 22

Copied Memphis July 18, 1861 My beloved wife, I am in receipt of yours of the 15th I am deeply disturbed to find that you have been made to feel so badly at a matter about wally and truly I thought from what passed, met your appreciation. The conductor the boy Jackson thought from the evidence before me which I examined with care that he was an accomplice in the running and made the circumstances regarding it as a duty to have the fact investigated. I did not examine all the rest of the servant but allowed only who I thought was most likely to be informed and [chiable?]. You seem to be so deeply affected by the course succeed that supposing the [troubled?] man guilty. I should be very [embarrased] on your account to see him dealt with. Even supposing him guilty, that should be allowed to escape, it seems far better than that he should be punished if he should be innocent. I have therefore out of respect to your felings the difference to the of our other servant determined to have the persecution discussed at least for the present and shall by the mail which takes this to Nashville write to Mr. Gale.

(Copied) P.S. I write you yesterday to P.S. I want that boy sent with all his clothing down to me at Memphis some body must be to bring him.

Memphis July 18, 1861 My beloved wife, I am in receipt of your of the 15th. I am deeply distraught to find that you have been made to feel so so badly at a matter about ____? I thought from what passed, met your affirmation. The conduct of the boy, Jackson, I thought from the evidence before me which I examed with care, that he was an accomplice in the burning and under the circumstances regarding it as a duty to have the fact investigated. I did not examine all the rest of the servants but ____ only who I thought was most likely to be informed and reliable. You seem to be so deeply affected by the course ____ that supposing the ____ man guilty. I should for _____ on your account to see him dealth with. ____ supposing him guilty and that he should be allowed to escape, it seems far better than that he should be punished if he should be innocent. I have therefore, out of respect for your feelings and indifference to the ____ of our other servants determined to have the prosecution dismissed at least for the present and shall by the mail which taken this to Nashville write to Mr. Gale to attend to this matter.