COPIED FROM THE ORIGINAL LETTER WRITTEN BY MIDDLETON B. HOLLOWAY TO CHARLES F. HOLLOWAY…..
DEC 17-1845…….P.I.H. ---- OCT 22 - 1934
December 17, 1845
State of Tennessee - Morgan County
Dear Brother and Sister. - I gladly embrace the opportunity of writing a few lines to let you know that through the mercy of God we are all well at the present hoping that these lines may come to hand and find you all enjoying the same blessing. I have nothing strange to write to you, I am still living at the same place and can just make a little something to subsist upon. Though I cannot solve the question readily with the good old man who was remarkable for the happy and contented disposition. Being interrogated he explained himself in this manner, in what-so-ever state I am, I first look down upon the earth and call to mind that when I am dead, I shall occupy but a small place in it, I then look around in the world and many, who in many respects, are less fortunate than myself, then I learn where true happiness is placed, where all our cares end and how little reason I have to repine or complain, - yet times are hard in this country and a great cry for money, but this is universal, so that I need not dwell upon this. You stated that if Polk were elected president, we should have better times, we think they are needed in the country, crops in this country are generally good, corn is worth 12 1/2 cents per bushel, pork is worth $2.00 gross and beef about $2.00. People can make out for provisions in this country very well but money is hard to come at.
You stated that you had wrote several letters and could get no answer, I wrote to you and received but on letter from you, dated Sept - 23- 1845, though I have been somewhat negligent about writing, I now pledge myself to be more diligent and I want you to write to me and let me know how you all are. There has been more sickness in this country than I ever knew, but this is one great blessing of which we can boast, you may boast of your country in points of fertility, but us of health. So I think the world is almost upon an average. In one country there are great disadvantages, yet therefore having food and raiment, let us therewith be content. I have not heard of any of our sisters for a great while. You stated that you had not seen our sister this summer but that you were at her house twice last winter, but did not say whether it was Wilmoth or Naomi. In your next letter I want you to write all about them, for I know not where any of them is, mote than our uncles and cousins. Vandoman Bird was present when I received your letter, they are all well and making out tolerable well I believe. I would be glad if you would come and see me, your family, some of them are able to manage the things at home, but with me the case different, for when I am gone there is none to see to anything.
I have thought that I would come and see you and your good country but time slips off, and opportunity appears no more favorable. Now as it respects the cause of religion in this country it is in a sort of a laodecian state at this time. Politics has created such excitement and run to such excess it has poisoned the community and even the cause of religion has been injured, but this year we have a most excellent preacher and I hope we shall see the cause revive. I would be glad to see you, but if we cannot behold each other face to face let us keep up the conversation by letter, this will be some consolation.
As it respects my condition in secular matters it is only moderate. I have never been hungry but what I have something to eat and something to shield me from the piercing cold and I am not disheartened yet, but whilst I have health and strength I can have something to go upon. And if I know my heart, it is to do the right thing. So no more at present but remain your affectionate brother till death.
M. B. and Lucy Carpenter HOLLOWAY to Charles F. and Mary England HOLLOWAY
Direct your letters to:
Jamestown, Fentress Co., Tennessee
Submitted by: Sue Krezelak, 3202 Miller Court, Medford, Oregon.
Sent to: Edna Pansy Briggs Ward from Morgan Co., TN Library, Wartburg, TN
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