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© Copyright 2009 to present - The TXGenWeb Project Notice to Webmasters:
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| Plummer
Family Correspondence Courtesy of Paul Plummer |
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| Letter
from Joseph Plummer to his mother, Mary Plummer, 15 December 1835 Plain Text |
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December
15, 1835 Dear Mother,
I shall
leave here tomorrow or the next day for Texas with a pretty large stock
of ready made clothing and some cash for the purpose of getting some of
the land of that southern Eden for everybody says it is an Eden and if I
like it well I shall settle, if not I will come back and try East
Tennessee. Samuel
left this day for Washington full of claims and speculation.
He wrote you of my sale, since which times I have been easier in
mind than for five years. Now,
if I can only get to Texas without shipwreck.
It shall be easy enough as to the goods of earth.
If not, I shall leave 12 or 14,000 Dollars here for your support
and my children’s raising and education.
I have not yet arranged how I shall leave it, but will let you
know. I
have sent you a box of oranges by the steamboat, Ben Sherod, and another
to Brother Kennerly, and a barrel to Richardson and Girly.
In all 5.50 (give and eat for they will not keep, that is so cold
a climate).
I am now
writing in a room without a fire and could, I could have my coat off and
be comfortable. I
today got in company with some friend, and for the first time in my life
bought a lottery ticket and I am sorry for it for I am entirely opposed
to such gaming, but will know tomorrow whether I draw 12,000 Dollars,
the highest prize, or loose 5 Dollars, the price of the ticket.
I expect to
get back to Tuscumbia in March or April, but God only knows but that is
the time I have given myself. Tell
Frances I’ll bring him a watch when I come.
Get the children anything they may want.
Give Julia and Sophia a black silk dress apiece.
Keep Joseph warmly clad for the blessed little fellow is very
subject to croup and by keeping him warm may prevent, particularly about
the neck.
My dear
mother please do not stint yourself in anything you may need as I feel
now confident I shall be able to live and get along better than ever in
life. If I do not have as
many Negroes, I shall not have as much care and expense, for they have
been always just able to support themselves.
Amy and Harriet cost 143 Dollars this year.
Besides the loss of Amy, the rest brought nothing of consequence.
Now that they are gone I can certainly support my family
comfortable by industry and economy.
My respects to your friend.
Your affectionate son,
Joseph Elton Plummer
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© Copyright 2009 to present - The TXGenWeb Project Notice to Webmasters:
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