Morton Letter

Serena Victoria Cox was born June 1844 in Oglethorpe County, the daughter of Dr. Swepson H. Cox and Sarah E. Upson. She married Rev. Paul C. Morton, a pastor at Lexington Presbyterian Church, on 11 Feb 1869. Paul was born in October 1837 in Botetourt County, Virginia, the son of William Booker Morton and Margaret Irene Elliott. Paul and Serena appear on the 1870 census in Oglethorpe County, living in the household of Serena's parents (although Paul is listed as Philip on this census). In 1880, they were living in Richmond County, Georgia, and went to Alabama by 1889. In 1900 they were living in Wilmington, New Hanover County, North Carolina.

The baby mentioned in the letter was their first daughter, May E. Morton, born in April 1870. Hamner Morton was Paul's youngest brother, an attorney in Lexington. Isaac's surname is unknown, but he may be Paul's brother Isaac Morton. Aunt Serena was Sarah Serena (McKinley) Upson, wife of Serena's uncle Francis L. Upson. The Charlotte mentioned in the letter was Charlotte (Cox) Raines, a former slave of Serena's father. Charlotte Cox married Richard "Dick" Raines in Oglethorpe County on 20 Jun 1868. See WPA biography of Charlotte Raines.

---

Rev. Paul C. Morton
Clayton
Hempstead Co
Arkansas

Lexington, Dec 4, '70

Though it is Sunday night, I don’t think it will be any harm to talk a little to my dear absent one. I have come up to my lonely room, put our little darling in her crib, with those sweet, wonderful eyes closed in sleep after a long struggle to keep them open, & now do long so intensely to see you, to sit on your knee, put my arms around your neck & rest my head near your heart.

I was so glad to get your letter yesterday, which should have come Friday, but was carried up to Athens & mailed there. And you came so near to coming back to me, without taking that long journey, how I wish that you could have seen that it was best to return. My heart was very sad when I knew that you were really going so far away from me.

I have been wondering today where you were, & how you have passed the day. I did not know whether you would travel or not. If you could not preach, I hope that you were enabled to do good in some way, & have prayed God’s blessing upon your labors.

Pa went unexpectedly to the Plantation today, neither mother, Isaac, Hamner or I went to hear M. G. preach today, & yet he called here this evening. I did not go out to see him, he made a short call. Col. M coming in told mother on leaving he was sorry not to have see me, that he wished to do so. I haven’t heard whether he expects to continue here next year. I am so sorry that you will not preach at N. H. next year. I delivered your messages to Isaac & Hamner, nothing yet from Mr. Vaughn.

Baby has been so sweet & smart today, I wish you could have been here. I know that you are hungry already for a sight of her beautiful eyes. Isaac & Hamner left a little while ago, they both sent love, they come up very often to see us & are dear, affectionate boys. I don’t think Pa will start to the mountains before Tuesday. I feel so tired & sleepy now, that I will try to be up early enough to finish my letter for the mail. Baby woke up & I had to get her to sleep again, which took a good deal of time. She enjoyed the paper you sent her very much. Good night, darling.

Monday morning… I am up early to finish my letter, & expect you are out on the platform enjoying the fresh air of this beautiful morning as you whirl rapidly westward. Oh, that I could be with you. Baby’s awake, too, bright & interesting as possible, though she did not sleep well last night. I hear her clapping her little hands & talking away to herself.

Everyone in town seems to know that you have rented that place, & all speak well of the plan. Mr. G. mentioned it to mother, Col. M was here yesterday & seemed to take great interest in our plans, said Pa had made excellent contracts, & that he was going to influence Mr. Lester to have the house nicely fixed up. You spoke of not having much done to it as a rented house, for fear the price would be raised in the sale of it; but you would have to put the same improvements yourself to make it comfortable & it would be the same in the end, don’t you see? Hamner & Isaac went out to see the place Saturday, & perfectly agree with me that in its present condition it is not fit to live in, but could be made comfortable at no great expense. If we are going to occupy it, work should be commenced immediately, as the house is vacant. Isaac would be a good hand to superintend such things & seems to take an interest in it, had you better not write to him & authorize him to do something about it. The next pleasant day mother, Aunt Serena, the boys & I are going to walk out there, to see what ought to be done. Pa says if you wish, that he thinks he could engage Dick for you & then I could have Charlotte. He says Dick is lazy but could be made to do well with someone to watch him.

Baby fussed so that I had to take her up & she is sitting on my lap while I write. I must confess, bothers me some. No letters have come for you yet. I do hope I shall hear from you today. I have heard nothing from Annie since we were there. I know you will write to me as often as you can. Do take care of yourself & come back just as soon as you can to your loving wife.