folder 1250: Correspondence, 1865

Raleigh 1st Sept 1865

Hillsboro, N.C.

Mrs. P C Cameron

Yours is to hand in regard to Butter I did not receive any sent on the 3th of august I have only recvd one tub in august which you sent on the 24th Butter is now very ransad

Very respectfully

Jordan Worth

Alamance Sept 8th, 1865

My dear Sir,

I am so miserable, that I can only write what I consider myself obliged to write, which is to say, that if well enough to leave home, I will be at your house next Wednesday evening, so as to accompany you to M^rs Mordecai's in the next morning's train. M^r Curtis tells me that, agreeably to my request, I was not appointed a delegate to the Council, which, for several obvious reasons, is pleasing to me & very proper, I think. but this speech from serving in the Council, I wish to be at it, and therefore, if I can, I will attend as above mentioned.

I have been generally and much plagued by the state of my stomach about since I was at your house, & for the last two days been more annoyed than usual, with close to Typhoid fever & sore throat. So that I do not know that I can leave but, if possible, I will. The family finally left, except numerous cases/8, now/ & [Jaundice] among the negroes remaining here-- Write Soon to all I remain, awaiting with much intense affectn.

Your friend,

Morris Ruffin

Let M^r Mordecai know.-

Paul C. Cameron Esqr Hillsborough

[8 Sept. 1865] Paul C. Cameron, Esq. Hillsborough, No. Ca.

Cameron Family

I left Haw River this morning. Judge Ruffin told me to tell you that he can not stop here Wednesday night if he goes to Raleigh, because the train leaves at such an unreasonable hour. He is right uneasy and I doubt if he goes. I will be over to see you tomorrow.

With great respect

H. P. Jones

Friday evening

Hillsboro Sept 6^th 65.

My dear Sir,

I acknowledge with much pleasure your kind & friendly letter and thank you for this manifestation of interest in me & mine. I am at all times grateful for the sympathy of friends-- pleased to know that there are many whose good opinion I have I shall seek to continue to merit it--

I should very cheerfully addresst your suggestion did an opportunity offer-- I attach but little importance to my individual opinion-- & whilst I have no wish to obtrude I certainly have no purpose to withhold or conceal my views-- either as to the present or past. In the past I certainly was an earnest & a honest "Confederate"-- as alike from the convictions of duty & interest.

I honestly thought that my first duty & allegiance was to my Native State ... And if in following its fortunes, to which it was pledged by the most solemn act, in a Convention of its ablest jurists, the most Conservative men-- the most trusted & time honored of its Statesmen-- their might & trust long & well known for their deep interest in their country-- I committed an error. I do aver that it proceeded from no love of strife-- or ambition perhaps-- but from convictions of duty to state & nation.

But from the day that that great & good man Genl. Lee announced to the World that he had "yielded to Superior Numbers & resources," I regarded the issue as settled-- the conflict closed-- the struggle for Southern independence a failure.

And no sane man-- here or elsewhere entertains a thought of the renewal of the conflict. Whatever may be our trials-- large or may be our losses-- hard as may be our future--

we are in no condition to make terms-- but must take such as are offered. They may not be to our liking-- they may not be all that may have been expected-- be that as it may-- it is more than folly to brood over our misfortunes-- and carp our calamity--. Under what was conceived to be a great necessity we appealed to the sword-- and the trial of battle is against us--. They constituted the duty of the citizen is a plain one-- we must return to the old Government-- must take our place in the Union-- & the sooner the better for all. And I have on all major occasions advised a cheerful submission to the authority of State & Federal Governments-- not only so but to yield a frank & Manly Cooperation to the authorities in the work of restoration--. I have urged my friends & neighbours to go forward & qualify themselves for all the uniting of a loyal citizen--. All good men must desire an established order of things-- and the prosperity of the country: and no one man anxious than myself to see our people resume incomes & the duties of life-- & the security of peace--. State and individual welfare will be advanced-- by the best & earliest assurances that our people are ready for peace in the Union. Until the Government is satisfied that this is the temper & disposition of our people the Military rule will be continued--. And I regret to see that there are those who without foundation would have the entire South disrespected-- & prolong our Infraction--. Neither communities or individuals should punish any sort of governed for suspicion hindrance or delay--. Inviting in a Mighty resolution caused by serious apprehensions

{in the struggle}

of great wrong to our rights & liberties-- whose perpetuity was guaranteed to us by the most sacred charter-- and compromises -- left exhausted & helpless-- & at the mercy of our adversaries-- & The "Situation" has been accepted by the Southern people & with a frankness fortitude & manhood that does them honour and by none with a better spirit than our brave and submissive Chieftans Lee & Johnston Let those two be taken as the figure heads of the South-- trusted & confided in--. What more can be asked of the South. If the North wishes to win us back to the Sisterhood of States-- let her cast away all passion vindictiveness & sufice to see brave submissive and unfortunate people humiliated--. Vengeance & love go not together--.

New thoughts-- new duties-- new relations have sprung up & not until we are restored can we accept take up and dispose of the grand issues in which our welfare as a people are so entirely blended.-- The most important of which if in "the Status of the negro-- no people ever had such a problem to solve"-- If the Negro is to continue his home here in idleness & vagrancy his and our doom is fixed--. Industry economy intelligent enterprise afford the only hope of relief from the evils under which we are now suffering. And the happiness and even the existence of one or both races now on our soil-- depend on mutual forbearance support-- Let all seek to cultivate a spirit of thoughtfulness-- all engage in a useful business-- to do good & not evil to one another-- to practice charity & good will towards all-- & over

we may hope again to rejoice in the blessings by which we shall be rewarded by a Kind Providence-- with the highest respect-- yours truly

P.C Cameron

Raleigh 8 Sept 1865

My dear Sir

I rec'd yours by Gov' Manly this morning. I am more confirmed in my opinion as to the expediency of selling your and Mildred's State Bonds, from recent developments-- & on consultation with Gov. Manly he concurs in opinion & gives as an additional reason the State of feeling manifested in the [?] part of the State on the Subjects of repudiation of the State debt-- If you think it desirable that I should get to New York for the purpose of affecting the sale I am perfectly willing to do so-- you can bring down your Bonds with you when you come & we will confer more about it.

I have been no little annoyed and provoked by a most outrageous attack made upon me & D^r Hawkins by the Standard which you no doubt have seen-- I have published First a card in reply which I suppose you will who see, and which I have avoided all personalities & have made a Simple statement of facts--. What the man means by his constant and bitter hostility to me I cannot imagine, having given him no other cause of offense except that of never noticing him-- I have requested Mr Ragnee to ascertain whether your application has been sent on & he has promised to do so-- May and Milly are as well as usual-- worried by servants,

as very body else is-- I really am afraid that this trouble is producing serious effects upon the health of the females of our family-- & I see no hope of relief-- We are to have a large meeting of Colored Citizens tomorrow to appoint delegates to the convention to be held 29th July I fear some trouble is to result from these meetings.--

I wish you were here, as I should like to confer with you about this attack of the Standard-- Before we come down on Tuesday-- I write this hurried note from the Bank-- With best love to all

Yours truly

Geo. W. Mordecai

{Sept. 1865 Raleigh Geo Mordecai}

P.C. Cameron Esqr

Valuation of lands belong to P and C Cameron within orange County viz on Flat & Little River lands lying in Hillsboro District 46. $2500: 27 $3500: 134 $1000: 76 $1500: 149 $600 $9100 $77100

Valuation of Thomas Camerons lying in Orange County $23000

Valuation of Miss M C Cameron Lying in Orange County $23000 this is taken from the original on file in my office

8th Sept 1865 Geo. [Larus CCC?]

Company Shops Sept 16^th

M^r Cameron

I received your letter dated the 10th Inst about two hours ago. Will write you in regard to all matters referd to by Monday evening train.

Your friend,

J. G. Moore

Company Shops Sept 19th 1865

Dear Sir

I have made enquiry for you of all matters mentioned in yours of the 10th Inst.

Your account for hand hire is made out and ready for payment Mr Staggs says the Road only allows for 3 1/2 months @ $ 10 p month-- The Treasurer is not paying any of the 8 pr. ct. Coupon but will take them at Station in payment of freight

Mr Wilkes promised me he would write you as to Cars & Market for Cattle,

We are not able to find your Card account, Will you be kind enough to make it out and send to me at once and I will get it all ready at once for payment and do you any further favor that I can.

Very truly your friend

I.G. Moore

Hillsboro Company Sep 24th 65

My Dear Son

I should have acknowledged your letter before this but have been absent from home and a good deal engaged with my domestic matters-- I shall go to Farintosh tomorrow: and if I can will have you a pair of shoes made-- you have very many wants-- your letters hardly ever fail to tell us of some Want. When I had the means I ever felt glad to furnish my dear Children with anything that they needed-- but I am obliged to tell you my dear boy that I have no command of cash-- and find it difficult to provide my large family with what I know they need. And I look forward this winter to not a Little anxiety on the subject of supplies of wood & clothing-- You must make up your mind to get along with just what will do-- your mother & sisters seem disposed & willing to make the best efforts to save expenditures-- I will not go in debt-- nor can I consent that my children shall make any debt-- we must be free of debt-- We are to have a great revolution in society & social life-- and those who do not now go to work & make a manly effort to sustain themselves & families will go down. Prudence industry, & a wise eye of our means

is all that can sustain & take us out of our present condition-- My life is arriving to a change on Monday last I completed my 56 year -- the 25th of Sept being my birth day-- I hope my dear boy that you will do all you can to fit yourself to become the chief support of the family when I shall Leave it-- You will have to provide for yourself-- you will have to labour to Live either by your head or your hands!

We are now if possible more than ever anxious to know that you are making the best use of your time-- God bless and direct you in all your efforts. Give yourself fair play-- do not think of any thing else but success in your standing-- Make yourself perfect Master of arithmatics strive to write an elegant hand-- and make yourself the finest scholar in your school if it be possible--

We are all well Maggie at her school again-- Josh now we have Miss Nancy Howland & Miss Mary Pettigrew here on a visit-- both well & most pleasant friends--. When you go to see your Grandfather-- don't run all over the place, but sit with the family & make yourself agreeable to all Keep the company of no low person have nothing to do with a negro-- write to us as often as you can-- & strive to excell in all things God bless you my son

Yours

P.C. Cameron

Alamance-- Sept 29^th 1865

My Dear Sir,

Jesse is just setting off to Hillsboro & I have only time to acknowledge your late favours & to thank you for what you done & what you have written for me I hope, you sent with my memorial the accompanying letters of Mr Moore and Mr Worth, as supporting vouchers.-- I have not tried your Ale yet, as the state of my bowels made me doubt the propensity of doing so. But I will shortly-- at Last, make the experiment-

I am be no means certain yet, that I shall not go to Hillsborough, or a place of some serenity & privacy for my Family, that is, unless I can get such labourers here and servants as will provide a living and some comforts-- I should of course, prefer living here if I can. But I do not

believe any of my people will stay with me & unless they will, with perfect willingness, joy go with them.

Bless you all! Thomas Rubbing

P.C. Cameron Esqr

Gov. Swain & Gov Clark

Washington City 30 Sep 1865.

My dear Sir,

As communicate by mail with Hillsborough, is by no means so certain, as by messenger to Raleigh, I avail myself of the opportunity afforded by C.R. Thomas Esq. who is just ready to catch the train to inform you that the [Parcells?] of C.J. Ruffin and Mr. Cameron are in my hands - Do me that favour to advise them of that fact immediately.

Yours very truly D.L Swain

G.W. Mordecai Esq.

Pesson County N.C Sept. 30th 1865

P.C. Cameron Esq

Dear Sir Below we have statement of wheat measured by us and divided according to instructions No of Bushils wheat at Mill 2n. 295 Mr Cards oart 1/14th 21 274

Deduct Sud wheat 125 149 Negros. part 1/4 137 112

Reapitutate Due P.C Cameron after after dues 112 Seed Wheat 125 237 Paid J.W. Hall for haling wheat to whittids mills " L.A. Burton for Fallow 1/14 .14 P.C. Cameron wheat from Mill place 223

Crop of wheat at North Plantation 321 Deduct Mr Cards part 1/14th " 23 298 Seed wheat " 134 164 Negros part " 41 123 Recapitulate 1/2 of Crop at No Plantation 61 1/2 1/2 of Seed wheat (134) 67 128 1/2 Paid Wm T Noell for work on Wagon 4 Actual No. Bushels P..C. Cameron from 124 1/2 North Plantation Do for Thos. A Cameron " " " 128 1/2

The wheat at the Mill place was Carried to the upper floor according to your instructions but owing to its Condition (verry warm and damp) was spread on the floor The wheat at the North place was dry but run through the fan but once and put in garners on the second floor Separate as directed The negroes parte are also in garners on the Second floor According to your instructions in first paragraph as Concluded that the Seed wheat was to be taken out before Mr. Card Rec'd his part but Mr. Card

Contended that was not the Manner in which the division was made with him at the Snow Hill place if however the division is unsatisfactory on your part you ar[e] to have the wheat from him Very respectfullly yours H. L. Montgomery Wm. L Gray

Witness Present Henry M Foust

P.C.C mill 223 No plantation 124 1/2 347 1/2

Thos. A. Cameron 128 1/2

No Place Weight of Clean Wheat 53 Do. before Cleaned 48 1/2 ----------------- 4 1/2

A Copy of the division of Wheat at the Plantations of P.C. Cameron & Thos A Cameron in Person County N.C. -- made by H Montgomery & Wm. L Gray

Raleigh 3rd Sept 1865 My dear Sir On my return home last night I mentioned to May & Milly your recommendation of Miss Sally Williams. They both seemed to think she would not answer at all & I therefore wish to ask that you will not trouble yourself to go to Chapel Hill for the purpose of employing her. I must look out here for some one that will suit.

I found Mildred better than when I left home & I hope She will continue to improve-- I got home last night about 8 Clock having done all I could do now at the plantation.

May & Milly send love to all- to which please add mine - I hope you succeeded in disposing of your Stack -

Yours truly George Mordecai

George Mordecai for Miss Mordecai Raleigh North Carolina

Cambridge Oct 7th /69

Miss Mordecai

I have often thought of sending a letter to you, as you were kind enough to wish to hear from me but many things have occcasioned me to delay it. James & myself reached here safely in July, we had no difficulty in finding my Mother from the direction that we had. Bryant was already here before us, we are now all living together at house keeping

very happily. My Mother does work as a Semp[s]tress in different families, & gets work for me when I am able to do it, she has many friends here & more work than she can do - James has constant work at his trade, & Bryant works in the College Garden. I want to ask the favor of Mr Mordecai to go to my Minister, Mr Pell, & ask him to send me a letter of recommendation to a Methodist Church here, I have not yet joined any, & am desirous to have

a letter from my Minister to show, before I do so. There is a large & flourishing Baptist Church here, of which my Mother is a member, & I go to Church with her ^now, but I would like to get a letter to the Methodist. I wish much to know how all my friends are, particularly Miss Mildred, please remember me kindly to her. Please give my love to all my friends & companions who may enquire for me.

Yours respectfully

Agnes Bergwin

Please send the letter to Mrs C Robbins Cambridge Massachusetts

{Mrs Cameron Hilsboro] Raleigh Oct: 9th 1865.

My Dear Mrs. Cameron

We had a pleasant journey down, not more dusty than we had every reason to Expect. Maggie & I sat beside each other & kept in check the excitement as well as we could. I left her in Mr. Mordecai's keeping. Gen Grimes met me, Major Polk & Mrs. Jones took the same, omnibus so I did not entirely part with dear old Hillsborough until I reached this gate. I should like to hear from Maggie this morning but I will see her tomorrow. Dr. Mason has been sick - he was to leave this morning to sit at the general convention in Philadelphia. Mrs. Marshall has been officiating & giving much pleasure to the congregation thereby. The same choir is in operation - the troubled waters having been quieted.

Brother William has not yet come - I found no sweet letter from him. Awaiting me was a letter from a cousin in Charleston. She gives me a deplorable picture of the state of things there. She says "the long dreary summer is drawing to a close - that she has not felt the heat their sufferings have been so great, & much more poignant is mental than

corporeal distress" She tells me could I know the dreadful things that happened in Columbia my hair would stand on end, that many ladies died of terror. The only sister of Major van der hurst among them. Well, well Mrs. Cameron - let who will love the Yankees. I can not. I am willing, for Christs sake, to let them alone & were they needing my aid, I hope I would receive them like a good samaritan - I hope never to be able to have any other feeling (always & firm though I trust). The convention now assembled in Raleigh is leaving no stone unturned (as it appears to me) in the endeavour to disgrace North Carolina with friend & foe. If our friends do not respect us our enemies will not - even while they make a vile use of us. I am glad Judge Manly & a few others, are found to sustain a noble minority. Goodbye, dear Mrs. Cameron. Give heartfelt love to all the household. And all my friends in Hillsborough - I miss you all truly. Give my love to Mr. Cameron. I shall not see him again. Please give him my fare which I enclose in this letter. Dear Mrs Cameron warmly & affectionately yours.

Mary B Pettigrew

[Letterhead: OLD STATE HOUSE, BOSTON.]

Boston 13 Oct. 1865

Paul C Cameron Esq

Dear Sir Yours of 8th inst is at hand and contents are noted.

We can fill your order; but the earliest moment when it will be possible to forward your goods will be Nov 1.

We have between one hundred and two hundred accts now on our books. Your name is entered that you may not fail of your turn. If you amend this at your earliest convenience the garments shall be sent as soon as if we knew 10 days precisely what you had.

and shall be put into Adams & Co's care Nov 1st.

For your Dress suit we would recommend a Vest of England Cloth Frock at $35. It is one of the most desirable cloths in the world. Will wear you every day for a year and look handsome therein.

We enclose you sample of Goods for Dress suits and Vests. Those marked Ducot are new in style-- of fine quality elastic and durable.

We cannot give you a Business suit for $35 which we should feel satisfied to send you. We are making more from $40 to $45 than at a lower price-- and a suit at the latter price we deem every way more desirable & in the end economical.

They will not fade and look fair & fresh until worn only.

We have sent a number of suits South this Summer, into Alabama, Tennessee, Missouri and Kentucky and in all cases they have served a good purpose as the very best advertisement we could send.

We are confident of our ability to please you; & trusting to have your decision soon as to goods. Very truly yours

Chas A Smith & Co. E D Hinckly

Mr. G W Mordecai P.C. Cameron Esq Hillsboro --

Raleigh 12th Oct. 1865

My dear sir Gov Swain reached here last night and handed me this morning your & Judge Ruffins pardons which I now inclose you availing myself of the opportunity afforded by Miss Maria Nash of doing so -

I congratulate you on getting through without being subjected to all the annoyances which have worried me not a little You have no doubt seen the last attack made on D.H. and myself in the Standard of yesterday - we have replied in a card which wiil appear in the Sentinel

tomorrow, the Standard refusing to publish it either as a communcation or as an advertisement - I feel degraded in being obliged to enter into a newspaper controversy with such a Set but saw no other alternative here the matter will end however on our part -

Your Maggie was somewhat indisposed last night but is pretty well this morning. Mildred has a decided attack of jaundice - which has prostrated her a great deal & Annie having left us this morning added to her troubles - I expect to leave home on Saturday for Eliz. City - to be absent 8 or 10 days - Mary Anderson will accompany me -

with best love to all from all

Yours truly Geo. W. M[]

Raleigh Oct 17 [1865]

My dear Mrs. Cameron: I have only a few moments but I must write you a line.

The miserable engine would run off the track about 7 o'clock last eveng. & after various tugs & many efforts it was finally righted & as the up-train was approaching we found ourselves in 'running' order - but then it was near 10 o' clo - if not quite 10 - The engineer was unwilling to turn the engine backwards any longer, for owing to an accident before reaching Hillsboro, a new engine was put on in reversed order, hence

the cause of the running off later in the evening - So we were quietly left on the switch to wait for the Express at 2 1/2Sure enough, we were "ready and awaiting" & very glad to be taken in tow - it was after daylight when I arrived & rode up in the omnibus - Mr. Davis was a very kind escort-. & I had no trouble except for this fact that I had given so much trouble to this kind household, for they sent to the depot & the carriage waited until 9 o'cl But of course, I could not help it - there seems to be a

fatality in my coming here in a decent & orderly manner. I was glad of a very short nap after my arrival, for I got no sleep last night scarcely.

I found all well except Miss Milly who has the jaundice, but is a great deal better and goes about - Maggie has improved very much, & has a good appetite - Mrs Mordecai will not let her work - ^{so much}. Mary Pettigrew has been here this morning, & we walked together a short distance - she wrote to Rebecca last night -

Mrs Mordecai sends her love & says she went down town yes-

terday & she could get nothing in the way of a second best bonnet – She thinks it would be far cheaper for you to send to Balt. for one – there the prices are from $6 to $8 – while ribbon here is from 75¢ to $1.50 – From what shall be done – please let me know - Mrs. M. thinks to have your old one retrimmed &c will cost you more, & not be so satisfactory as a new one entire. Miss Eliza Fisher called this morning & is looking better. Tell Rebecca that I hear that Mrs Minnie Anderson is expected next week, sometime by the 25th or 26th. All this household send you very much love – my warm love to Mr Cameron & to each one – Kisses for the children – I will write again very soon for Mr Cameron is going to the Office & I am hurried now -

Yours with love, very affectly Mary Rowland.

1 Memphis October 17^th 1865

Dear Sir;--

I have your letter of the 25^th ultimo. I have not yet been to Tunica-- my engagements here taking my entire time. I had to fence my lot, build stables it all having been swept away (burned) by the Federal Soliders-- and was dependent upon the cash collections from my practice to pay for these outlays and subsist my family and it was indispensible that I should be at my post here closely for a time. I have been very anxious to go to Tunica-- but in addition to the hard and constant toil before me here there was-- and is yet a trip for me to Georgia to wind up matters there and I therefore was forced to stay here. I see men from Tamica often and tho' I cannot give you now the number of your mules, cattle, and hogs-- nor the quantity of corn, fodder &c with Mr Belote I am sure you have a good lot of hogs & cattle & a good crop for the force there-- and that if you or Maj: Collins conclude to add to the herds and make a crop next year, you will

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have a good start-- but will, no doubt, have to add to the stock of provisions and mules. and may be farming in implements. The mules on the place in the Spring, I hear died of an epidemick and the natts-- as did every body else? and tho' Mr Belote has got others I cannot give the kind, or numbers. More Corn &c will also be necessary-- but how much cannot-- as yet-- be told. I make no doubt you have a fine lot of cattle and hogs. My advice is-- for you and Maj. Collins to come at once to the place-- see the exact condition of every thing-- Settle with Belote and also with Mrs Vick and decide what is to be done next year. I would not sell now-- do not think you could-- without selling very low-- and I doubt if you can rent at what I think you ought-- with the levies down. There is a good demand to rent places-- that are above overflow but little or none for the overflowed estates. Watkins is trying to sell or rent his-- but with no success yet and I hear will probably cultivate them. I offered one of mine for rent at $10 per acre intending to cultivate the other-- but have not rented-- as yet. Lands with hills below Memphis: 12 to 15 miles have

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lately sold at $25.⁰⁰ per acre and even for more and I think– if labor can be had– the lands in the Bottom will— in a few years go up again: but this is, of course, to be tested by time. I have but little hope or confidence in negro labor now, tho' some are doing well and former could getting rich. I do not think labor could be had yet here– in any reliable quantity and it would be better for Maj: Collins to bring hands from N Carolina– making written contracts in due form with Federal approval and strong arrangements to coerce in some way the negroes to a Compliance: but even then there is yet no confidence in them– and I almost despair of the future success of any business or Scheme dependent upon negro labor: but in the face of all their difficulties I see no hope for the Southern people unless they hold on to their lands. I shall try to hold mine— heavily in debt as I am– in the hope that labor will become certain & fixed– will keep my Stock &c: and my advice is the Same to you. Let Maj: Collins move to Memphis go into business– with an undoubted partner– a man of integrity and

4 capability - and through an overseer or partner in Tunica cultivate the place keeping and increasing the stock &c: We may do but little the first year: but will save the estate for a better day. Memphis is growing rapidly- under a heavy trade. The hardwood businsess is a good one here & [?] and persis= tentcy followed - will make money. I cannot put on paper my views fully - and will defer them until I see you. I think life & property in Tunica will be safe. We have there many very worthless fellows- but they will be [overawed?] as gentlemen approach. Luke at College at Ox= ford at University of Missⁱ. I often feel very dispondent: a majority of the Southern people proved themselves to be so worthless and contemptible and [?] in the late struggle- that I fear if they have much to do in public aff= airs - we shall have but a poor govenment. Many of them - secessionists at that- now

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meanly crawl out of their hiding places-- and claim office on the ground they done nothing and would, therefore be more acceptable to the North: but in this they may make a mistake-- for even the North will dispise them. So far I think they have been pretty generally been defeated by some true men. I am sorry I know so much as I do and I marvel that the true army of the South-- the noblemen who deserve the thanks of mankind-- Should have struggled and fought so long for such a people-- and the grief is that so many true ones should have fallen for a people so unworthy of defence. Do not fail to call on me for whatever you wish done-- in all I will try & aid you whenever and wherever I can. I am unwell &

write in haste. My general health is good. Trusting to see you soon - I ^am as ever Yours Truly

A. Wright

Chapel Hill, 19 Oct. 1865

My dear Sir,

I went to Raleigh on the 17th Oct hoping to be able to proceed to [?burgh] the next day. The difficulties however in which 3 of our students and four other villages young men have involved themselves, rendered it necessary that I should remain until the 26. It was perhaps as well on any account that I did so. It afforded opportunities for repeated intercession with Gov. Holden, and as I know he could begin [?] at any moment delay if not entirely throw out my application to Mr [Pearsant?] I was anxious to have so explicit an understanding as we could & don't our pretext for interference, and this I succeeded in obtaining.

The Gov. professes great reverence for the memory of your father. He states that when he purchased New

Norfolk 18. Oct. 1865.

My beloved wife

I have been reproaching myself ever Since I left Richmond for not having dropped you a line from there & determine to try & make amends by writing from here, to Say that we had quite a Safe & pleasant journey-- we parted with Mary Anderson, Mrs Johnston & John Johnston at Gaston, they Concluding to try the Seaboard Route, hoping to get a Conveyance to Edenton either from Murfree's or Suffolk which I hope they Succeeded in doing-- We reached Petersburg about dark & I took Sister Ellen up to Mr Simpson's where they Seemed very glad to See her-- I remained in Petersburg that

[continued left side]

family as the weather has not allowed me to go out-- & now my love good night--

Yours ever G. W []

[top of page ] I saw Mrs. Kennon in Richmond She is better but looks badly & coughs a great deal - Kiss Ellen & the children for me. love to all the others--

night & went once after Breakfast to Richmond. I found Augusta in town but did not have time to go out to Rosina's as I had to leave very early this morning - I found all well in Richmond & [inhe...ful?]- I dined & Staid all night at Catherine's, where I found Miss Cohen of Baltimore (a Sister of Edward Cohen) - She came down in the Boat with me today & went on to Baltimore - I leave in the morning for Eliz. City and have the prospect of an uncomfortable journey as it is now raining hard & looks as if it will continue for Some days - I hope you have it with you - I found an apparent State of prosperity & active business in all the places I have

been - Stores filled with goods, houses [...ting?] at [?] sales buildings going up in the [busiest?] district in Richmond & all bustle & activity - but So far from feeling encouraged at this State of things, it makes me feel Sad & despondent convinced as I am that it is the precursor of a terrible crash which must Surely follow in the Course of the next year or two - however I will not inflict my gloomy foreboding on you -

I saw at Ridgeway Mr Edwards's old man & his girl - I fear he is almost too old to be of much Service & his girl appeared So Sad & out of Spirits that She did not make a very favourable

impression on me - I told them I would let them know when I returned home whether we would employ them or not I hope you have succeeded in getting Melinda to [att...ing?] as I think She is the best chance I feel very anxious to get back home as every thing sems so unsetttled & the constant accounts I see of outrages & murders makes me feel very unconfortable - you [sent?] the account of the Murder of Rev. & Mrs. Castleman at Garston - it was a most diabolical act -

I hope Milly is recovering from her jaundice & you are better of your rheumatism & that Maggie is [unecessary?] also - - Kiss one & all for me & give my llove to Miss Rowland if she is with you - I have not Seen her

Raleigh Oct 19, 1865

Mr. P.C. Cameron

Dear Sir

Our Salesman Mr Pullen reported to us Sep 26th that he made an error of 15 lbs in the weight of the Bbl Sugar which he sold to you at that time He charged you for 231 lbs instead of 246 lbs the right weight. The 231 was the number of the Bbl not the N"[Number] of lbs of Sugar as you will find by examining the head of the Bbl. Respectfully BP Williamson Co. (paper torn) J Wrumble[?]

Chapel Hill, 25 Oct. 1865

My dear Sir,

Your kind letter of the 20th. was duly recieved. [sic]

You intimate your curiosity to know "how I [disposed?] of Gov. H: [sees?]". My letter written simultaneously with yours, but which had not reached you at the time you arrived, furnishes the solution in part. I had an apprehension from the biginning [sic] of the suc [cess of my mission, but the [dread?] of secret [extranes?] us inflamed, and as mentioned in my last I had obtained from the Governor assurances, from which if they had been in [a...ting?] he would have [sa...nid?] himself by [diparting]?. I determined to advise Dr. [Peters etc?] [...] and considered myself fortunate in being able to do so. He is a vain ^man and anxious to make the comp[arison?], that the only [chances?] of approach to any one from Mr. C. to the [President?] is through him, and your [....] if not arranged with the deference with which some of our citizens hold auto...[.....]. I went to the President immediately after entering lodgings at Williams, [found?] from 100. to 200

persons in the East Room [....] ashored simultaneously into his apartment. The few ladies of course had the earliest [...] . The gentlemen in the outer circle were seated next to the [...]

[1865?] Raleigh - Oct 28th

My dear Mr Cameron: I am obliged to use my pencil, for the ink is elsewhere, but - I hope you will find no difficulty in making out what I desire to write_ Mr_ Collins will tell you why we are not forthcoming & our deep regret for the disappointment that we thereby cause you all. I want to make the final (paper torn)

determined to remain & go up with her on Monday night - Now, my chief object at present is to ask if you can conveniently delay Mr. Collin's departure until Wednesday night, so that we all may have her in Hillsboro' - He thinks that it will make no great difference to you, I almost fear that I am worrying you, if it is, do not regard it - I would [page torn]

{[Mrs Paul C. Cameron care Mr. Paul Cameron Hillsboro Orange County N.C.]}

Raleigh Oct 28^th / 65

My dear Mother

I was very glad to get your letter but sorry to hear poor old Grandpapa is so unwell I was very glad to hear that you had gone up to see them I know that did you good. How is Becca's year I was very sorry to hear that she has been suffering so much. Give her my love & tell her I know that she is just getting sick because she wants me to come home. Tell Sister Annie that when I came down here I found Mrs Pendergass had bleached little Annies hat for which she asked a dollar & if she wishes me to pay the debt she will have to send

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to return their visit M^rs Hughes received me very kindly & invited me down to Newbern to make her a visit when the Convention meth^s were away. She sends you her love & says she feels very much obliged to you for your attentions to her when on her trip to Hillsboro: She is a very pleasant ladie & I feel very much attached to her. Next Sunday is Miss Nannie Davis last Sunday at Church & the people here feel very much at giving up. They are all going next week I am very sorry to hear all of our refugees are going to leave so soon as I would like to see some of them very much. You must kiss dear old Mrs Collins for me but I hope I will see her before she goes. And Miss Warren two I would like very much to see Saturday Evening. I have just returned from Mrs Beyans & Mrs Davis & am sorry to tell you that Miss Mary Pettigrew

me the money. You wrote me word in your last letter you wrote me word to ask Mrs Mary Roulay to get you your drugs but I found out that she did not have any money & so I got them with the last cent that I had & so if you want me to come home you had better send me some money as I had reserved only enough to take me back home. Mother I am very sorry that you did not deside to send to Baltimore for your bonnet as if any can get a very pretty bonnet there for 8 or 9 dollars & Mrs. B. says that she can not get yours for less than 11 or 12 & may be more. Mrss Rowena Hines got a very pretty one for $9 & Miss M. Meason for $8 & they are so much fashin

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is quite sick & will not be able to come up with brother George. She looks very badly & I hope she will not have Pneumonia. She seems very low spirited & I think she is not able to travel. When I got home I found Miss Eliza Fisher at home she is going to spend the day & I hope she will be benefited by her trip. I was very sorry to hear today that Mr Willards factory had been burnt & poor Mr Willard burnt in it. M^iss Eliza sends her love to you & begs that you will send Becca off post haste. I hope she will be ready to come down the first of next week as I think that I shall return Monday evening with the Miss Marys. Please ask sister Annie if she liked the book as I have never heard a word from it. I have just received your letter & $5 by D^r Warren which he sent me, but which I will not attend to untill I hear from you again as I think that you will probably decide to

Chapell Hill 31 Oct 1865.

My dear Sir,

Your letter the 28th was received yesterday.

Your reference to Judge Wright reminds me of what I intended to intimate, at opportunity of personal [] []. If he is one as I suppose of the $20,000 recd, and has not Claimed a pardon, I [] myself of an incident in my intercourse with the President, which may Co of service to him. When I called at the White House the second time. [] [] [] probably 100 persons in waiting. M^r Cooper a leading lawyer and one of the Presidents confidential friends & myself were admitted 600 hours in dollars of all others We went in at 10 and the doors were [][] open for general reception at 12. The President [] when he gave me my [powder], and remarked how signed it, as you desired me to do ao, but do not know why you want it? Mr Cooper is the [], and as executed of the Cost [] J. Freerson of [], and the [guard in] of his serv the late Co^l William Freerson who left us at the beginning of the war, and was at the time of his death a Co^l in the Confederate service