Atlanta History Center

From the Archives: Civil War Letter

Atlanta Ga May 8 / 62

Mr J M Davidson

Deare Johny
                It seems as though the hearts of some have been so setled uppon you and yours that nothing will do but your presence - things since I last wrote have taken another change - it is now reduced to a certanty that Whitecar leaves in a fiew days. Mr Sasseen Mr Fulton are determined to have you - the thing is fixt withoute ifs or ands no evasion equvocation or mental reservation. Come, and, come you muste . Well all I can say this – all that two olde people can do shal be done and we feel to say that you have not got any better friends living that these two olde folks - (pardon us for assuming so much). We are willing to be judged by the Scripture rule - we pray for you and administer of our substance to the utmost of our ability. There is no use of longer delay or Saying. Your brother Samuel will not consente to this or that for the door can only be entered by you the place is for the man and the man for the place. My wife tells me that for you to buy the farme if you wante it and she will let you have a fiew hundred and we can builde here on this land. Sam is going to stay in the neighbourhood of Ducktown and can look after the interests of the concern. Besides you can returne after a while and See after matters yourself. Will you say what shal I do with my Stock of hogs + cows - you can leave them to be taken care of for a while or if you prefer bring them along with you and I will make arrangements with Sasseen for to keep your hogs and cows until we get our place fenced in. I think it will pay from the fact that a good cow is worth $50.00 and sow and pigs from $25.00 to $ 50.00. My advice is for you to sell your cooking stove comon chairs beauro tabels + c.  Bring all of your bedding bed clothes + c.  I will have a room fitted up for you and your family - there is no use talking. You got to come since Mr Sasseen autherises me to write you in the positive and you will in a shorte time get the same they give Whitecar. Another thing your situation does not depend uppon Mr Sasseen but uppon whether Atlanta will live or die and its chance is as good as any southern cty if not better. My wife with myself are once more lifted with the thought of a comfortable situation for yourself and family - and with all one of proffit to yourself. I shall awaite your answer with no little anxiety fulley beleeving that this will bring you and yours to Atlanta - and after we make a little if you dont like you will have a home here or or one in NC as you may like beste but as things now stand - there is the beste chance for to arange for the comforte of your familey that may ever occur - and it can be done in so shorte time with so little money this chance loste and I have no hope for the future I mean so far as aranging for you at this place and in this way. Others in the future mabe develloped and doubtless will. I will close this after talking more with Sasseen – Juste had an interview. You can sell your cows at vary fare prices to Sasseen and hogs too but if you prefer keep them + we can do well with them here - Sasseen autherises me to say that if you will come he will give you an intereste in the house equal with himself - but aboute this you will be the better judge after you come. I do feel and think this is a grate chance - I could say much as to this place and its prospects awaiting with grate anxiety your answer.  I am yours moste affectionatly my wife with myself sends love to all a large share to you and yours.
                                J M C Dunn
As soon as we all can agree and understand each other we will comence improving if we had a house up on that land it would bring four or five thousand dollars + the improvements could be put up for two thousand as leaste asseen says so.