Dr. Traylor Letter #13

Date: 02 Jun 1861

In today's letter from Dr. John Randolph Traylor, Sr. to John Hill, we see a great deal of pessimism concerning the Civil War. He mentions that his step-son Pink (Thomas Pinkney White, son of Dr. Traylor's second wife Susan Fuller) had tried to enlist for one year, but that the military would take nothing less for than the duration of the war. So, Pink had come home. But, Dr. Traylor feels that since his sons Marion and Randolph have enlisted for the duration of the war, he will never see them again. (I am not sure who "Jack" is that is referenced in the same sentence.) Unfortunately, as we will see in the next letter, Marion would die in the war.

Most of the other commentary regards John Hill's financial deals and other small talk. We also see a mention of Dr. Traylor's daughter Katie (Sarah Kate).

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Transcription:

                           Marion, June 2nd 1861

Col. John Hill

Waverly Texas

Dear Sir,

Your favour of the 6th May was rec'd a fiew [sic] days since it was in company

with one of the 18th April from Katie.

I was glad to here [sic] that your healths were good. It is a great blessing to be well, when surrounded with such fearfull [sic] times.

The note of Mayo which was taken in place of the returned draft I have placed in the hands of an attourney [sic] for collection. Though I think it very doubtfull [sic] whether there will be any Courts in the State to decide Civil suits for some time to come. You have no doubt learned through the public press that the courts in N. O. are only held to decide criminal caces [sic]. There [sic] example will in all probability be followed in the country.

I will attend to your directions regarding the business of Mrs. Jackson.

I will also submit the controversy with Cole to arbitrators though it is much against my feelings to do so. He has no more just claim to that land than the man that never heard of it. It however will perhaps be the easiest way to get rid of it & I do not believe you can be looser.

Pink has got home. He had inlisted [sic] for twelve months, but as the call for such turns [sic] was filed [sic] & they would take no more for a less turm [sic] than the war he came back. (Marion, Randolph & Jack have inlisted [sic] for the full term of the war. I never expect to see them again, for I have no hope that it will terminate until total ruin shall have sweped [sic] over the length & bredth [sic] of our once happy land.)

The tone of the northern papers shows in what spirit it will be conducted. Like all civil wars it will be bloody cruel & devastating. Oh! That petty (?) councils had prevailed.

Katie writes me that she owes about $9000.00 dollars. I fear I shall not be able to pay all of it until I make another crop.

Our crops are tolerable promising. Corn is beginning to suffer a little for rane [sic] but we have had a late shower today (the 3rd) and a promise of more. Our cotton is backward but, there is full time for that. If nothing hapens [sic] to prevent you may look for me about the first of July.

    Give my love to all

Truly yours

              John Traylor

I have written to Katie of this date