I have written thus far, and during the few days occupied by the Yankees I felt much like the monotony of prison life. they left us after seventeen days, and a few days after 15,000 infantry under Gen
l Couch
passed through, doing no mischief. there is a guard of about 40 men left for the protection of the college, to which we add a citizen's patrol, thereby keeping
Page 3
as good order as we ever did maintain. Gov.
Swain
and Judge
Battle
went over to
Raleigh today, where they are to meet Gov.
Graham
and others. those Gentlemen are now alarmed at the bare possibility of
Holden's
election. Gov
Swain
set so equally poised upon the price, that a small weight carried him over so soon as he became satisfied of the strong side. My man Moses said to me that he understood he was now free, and that he intended to remove his family, which he would doubtless have done but for Eliza' condition. I do not think she can live long, maybe not a week. my present plan is to have the children bound to me at the next court. I am becoming more and more anxious to see you. I cannot live so, I must have something to do, and am as well qualified for any clerical situation as I ever was and have looked to Ocknock or any place for employment. I do not go into the streets. I would suggest to you if not too late that you set about transporting all the coal you have above the ground to
Fayetteville and throw it along side the track. otherwise, the Yankee stockholders will come in and lay claim to it. I received your message by young
Page 4
Thompson and was glad to know that
John
was at home, but could learn nothing of
Charlie
.
Herbert came home on Thursday night, and
John Walker
the day before. the wagon team and load all safe. your Rockaway and Peters safe. Miss
Mary Smith
was in to Church on Sunday. I did not go to Church and did not see her. I learn that she met with another loss and disappointment, having sent all her washing to town by her carriage driver, who has not since been heard from. We regret to learn that
Marion
is still complaining.
Sarah begs to join in kindest love to her and all your family. make my kind regards to Miss Maria
1 and Mrs.
Birdsall and my love to dear
John and
Charlie
if at home, not forgetting
Beatty
,
Mercer
, and
Alice
. I still hope every day to see you, and would have gone down myself but for the negroes. Sarah has been obliged to do the ironing last week and this.