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"The Howard-Smith Collection"

Transcription copyright: 1998, by Mrs. F. A. Augsbury; all rights reserved.
The originals are at the McClung Library in Knoxville.

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To: Charles J. McKinney
From: Fanny McKinney
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                                                    At Home November 30th 1863

My own dear Father,

    You cannot imagine what a shock it was to me when we heard that instead of
being released as we expected you had been sent on to Richmond.  Uncle John came
by our house after he saw you that night and told us he had no idea but that
you would be released immediately yesterday morning.  We looked for you so
anxiously all morning or we would have gone up to Mr Russells, but when you
did not come we only thought you had been detained.  Mother gave way completely
at first but braves it more like a woman today.  Charley cried for you last night
and said "Yebs take my Papa away"-  We were so sorry we could not get any clothes
for you to take with you.  I know you will need clean ones before these we send
reach you.  Mother grieves so much about your not being fixed up warmer as the
weather is so cold.  I know you have suffered with cold.

    I was so anxious to go with Uncle John but don t see how I could will leave
Mother, and as he is so hurried to reach you as quick as possible.
I have concluded to wait a few days when if you are not released immediately
I will go in and stay with you.  I will try and do the best I can, but we all
miss you so much we feel lost and dont know what to do.

    The Rebel soldiers annoyed us a good deal yesterday evening. There were
seventeen here for supper, and three for breakfast this morning.  We felt so
badly that it was quite a persecution.  They came this morning and god a load
of hay (4 horse) and nineteen bushels of corn-paid #1.90 for the corn per bushel
and $1.50 per hundred for the hay.  counted the load at 700 pounds.  I send you
$50 they paid us.
    Uncle Joe came out and staid with us last night he was a great help to us.
Mother let out occasionally, but on the whole is far more prudent than I, for
I am just compelled to give it to them sometimes or I verily believe I'd burst.
Uncle John has been very kind to us, and we appreciate it.

    We are sorry of course that Mr. Caldwell was arrested but if he had to be
taken I am so glad he was with you.  You will be company for each other and if
you were to be sick I know he will be kind to you. We send something for you
both to eat. A little sugar and coffee thinking it more than probably you would
not be able to get any in Richmond.  Dont be weary about us for I daresay we
would or might well if we only knew you were confortable and would be with us
soon again.  But take care of yourself and try and keep as warm as possible
and comfortable.  The told us that you were to be paroled and allowed to go
to a Hotel, and I guess you'll need some of the "where withal" to spend
during your sojourn in the "Rebel Capital. Charley sends a kiss and says he
is going to knock down the "Yebels" that took his papa.  So my dear Father take
care of yourself.  We think about you all the time and are so anxious to see
you safe at home.

    All join me in much love to you-as ever
                               Your affectionate daughter
                                        Fanny McKinney