Augusta County: Emily Hull to Thomas M. Smiley, April 22, 1865
Summary:
In this letter to Thomas M. Smiley, Emily Hull describes her family's new home and the events
going on in their lives. In addition, she discusses the death of President Lincoln and
reaffirms her constant faith in the southern cause.
April the 22nd 1865
Columbia Boon Co.Mo.
Dear Friend
I have just arrived at home once more, was glad to find youre letter
here waiting for me, it is always a pleasure to received them; and take great delight in
answering your letters, but the great misfortune is, I never have any
thing interesting to write. I have been trying to make me a school for some time but
have failed in every attempt. I was late in beginning I was in Johnson Co. and when I came back the schools were all taken or at least the ones that I wanted.
Mary and Darthula are teaching we have to paddle our own canoes. I am afraid my canoe will be
very hard to manage this summer, but I trust that I may land on the
shore safe. We are not living on the same farm we were, when I last wrote to you but on a great
deal prettier place, I feel
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more like I was at home here than anywhere I have been since I
have been in the state The dwelling is of brick, two rooms above & two below; brother
Frank is living in one end of the house, he & pa are going to farm together; we will
have plinty of fruit of different kind if nothing happens it, the
trees are all in bloom, We are having a very backward spring, the farmers have never began to
plough yet. Southern persons are very low spirited here they think we will have worse times
since the death of Lincoln. I am loth to believe the southern men,
after having so much of the best blood of the South spilt will
surrender to the very ones that caused so much trouble, I am glad to find that there are some
that are true to the cause. I would like to have peace but not the way we are to have it, I
would be willing to suffer the hardships of war four years longer if at the close, we could
have freedom with our peace.
I am glad to know your Sister Mary
is going
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to school, for it is the only thing a person can retain, education
I mean. It always was very important to have an education, but it appears to be more essential
now than ever. The family join me in love to you and the other boys that are in prison; also to
friends who are now living in the Old Dominion state. I remain as ever
Your Friend
Emily Hull
