18 September 1864: “I believe a great many have left our Country for the North lately. I heard forty left Goldsboro last week.”

Item description: Letter, dated 18 September 1864, from Kate Chapman to Mary Ferrand Henderson of Salisbury, N.C.

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Item citation: From folder 36 in the John Steele Henderson Papers, #327, Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item transcription:

Mrs. A. Henderson
Salisbury, N.C.

Alamance Sept. 18th ’64

My dear Cousin,

I should written you long ago, but I know you have so many correspondents and my letters are so uninteresting that I do not like to tax any one to read or answer them. I have felt and truly sympathized with you in your deep affliction and would do any thing in my power to give you one moments comfort, but this I can not do. Mamma has gone down to Raleigh. We had a very sick negro there and thought she ought to go see him attended to. Miss Rowena Hines has been on a visit to us and she returned with her. Mamma wished me to write you that as soon as she returned, she would go up and make you a short visit. We have had a handfull of company all summer. Mary and I are alone now, and I can tell you a little quiet is very pleasant. I have not been at all well this summer, but hope now cold weather is coming. I shall feel better.

We have been haveing very good weather for the season, fires have been very comfortable. General Beauregard passed the Shops Friday on an extra train “En route” to Petersburg by Danville. I was so sorry to hear the Yankees had taken the Advance – she has been such a fortunate vessel, but I hope we will soon have a better one in her place. I believe a great many have left our Country for the North lately. I heard forty left Goldsboro last week. I am suprised that Mrs. Waters should wish to go, she was such a strong Southern woman. I do not think Sam is any more negligent now than he has always been. I have heard of his being very much so long before she left Washington. I do not believe he will break his heart about her going. I am very sorry to hear Mrs. Henderson’s health is not good. I hope it may soon improve. I do hope John will stop and make us a visit. We have not many inducements to offer him but I will do all in our power for his enjoyment. Sunday is always such a dull day. No Church to go to. That is one of the most disagreeable things we have to contend with up here. We have had several letters from New Berne lately, they all write as if they were having miserable times there. I do not not think there is much else but miserable times every where now. Give my love to Mr. Henderson, and his Mary and Dick for me – tell them they must not forget me.

Your affect. cousin,

Kate Chapman

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