ENPages
Nov. 4 1865
My Dear Sir I had not read your note, when Bennehan left, and therefore did not return the letter of Mr. Wilkes, for the perusal of which I am much obliged. as also for the letter of my friend Stuart, tho he had sent me a copy. In my absence I have seen no Northern papers except our Herald, and do not know, whether my own article on the [test cotton?] has been republished there except in the news, as I hear from you. I sent several copies to that side of the line. I don't know what notice has been taken of it in the papers of the State save the Sentinel, Recorder, & Char. Times.
There is considerable zeal for Mr. Worth in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, & Rowan, Iredell &c. I do not despair of his election: tho the short time allowed for the counts renders the result uncertain. Ramsey would beat [JKson?] for Congress easily if Col. [Walken?] were out of the way. The last does not consider Mr Boyden came with us from Salisbury to shops - seems hopeful of the Railroad.
I send a copy of circular of Capt Burnett F. M. B. Charlotte, which please return at your leisure. It is having a good effect & should have been issued spend long ago.
Very truly Yours W. A. Graham Nov 4th, '65
|P. C. Cameron Esq. At home
Green (Co) Nov 7th 1865
Mr P. C. Cameron
I got your letter a few days ago — and take this time of answering it. You wanted to know if I have hired none as yet — there is part of them that is wiling to stay and some dont want to remain — there is a portion of them that is a disadvantage to the Pantation — some of them I should not keep if the place is left to me — you have writen to me you wanted me to stay — but you do not say what you are willing to give me — I cant think of tending to free negroes for less than one thousand Dollars — as I now know the trouble of it — and I want you to let me know amediately what you are willing to do —
as I have now several chances for a home — I have had more trouble in the last 3 months than I have had in all my overseeing — for it is worse on me at nights than by day — the negroes dont like it because I dont suffer a gang of negroes in the quarters at night — and I could never break it up until I shot one of my neighbors negroes I filled him full from head to foot — and was tried by a yankee who said I was justifiable — it cost me nothing — Old Lewis has not fed a hog in two years — he made out he was not able to ride and feed them — but now he can walk to Demopolis' anytime — he wanted to bring a mule here — and I told him that negroe that brought a mule on this place I would kill him I ended to manage the place as long as I make a track on it
you have no idea the trouble I've had to hold the cotton on this place — I have had some taken three times — but I got it back every time — I had a rade made on me a few weeks ago — they had one wagon loded and was loding the second when I got to the ginhouse — there was seven as eight of our own people and four yankees — when I got there our people run off — and the yankees attacked me they drew their guns on me and said they would take my life — I told them Shoot and be D.M. that I was entended to die by that cotton they Demanded my pistole I told them they could not get it nor they did not get it — I made them throw the cotton off. I had no one with me but Caroline — so you see we got all of your cotton yet — I got it hear at home some in the shelter of my house some