Description

Two-page letter from Elisha W. Harris to his son George Carroll Harris of Nashville. He writes from his plantation Waco Place in Louisiana of the war being upon them with bloody consequence. He has abandoned his efforts to cling to the union and now seeks to punish enemies. He mentions the firing on Fort Sumter spurring on family to enlist, the scarcity of currency, the suspension of business, money problems with his plantation overseer, absentee planters, and the running away of a slave.[Page 1] “Waco Place Saty 4th. May 61 My Dear George, The dire pestilence war is upon us with all its terrible prospects of abundant blood. I, like old Va, held on the old ship, but not so long, until it became evident the Nt. had determined to do nothing but tantelize & defy us. Thus, giving up all hope of a satisfactory adjustment. I some time ago, not only felt willing to give up the union as it was , but really ambitionus to punish our enemies. When the Sumpter affair broke out, I dashed up to Monroe for the express purpose of endeavoring to disuade Arthur from going now. It was three days before he yielded, & then reluctantly told him, for the present, it was not certain he would be needed. When ever it was evident his services were actually needed, as a father I would say, go my son. Mikey having no family, I would have been mortified not to have seen him keen...

Record Contributed By

Tennesse State Library and Archives

Record Harvested From

Digital Library of Tennessee