TNGenWeb Project/TNGenNet, Inc., (a Tennessee nonprofit public benefit corporation). "The Howard-Smith Collection" Transcription copyright: 1998, by Mrs. F. A. Augsbury; all rights reserved. The originals are at the McClung Library in Knoxville. This file is in text format. Please use your browser's "back" button to return to the previous page. ******************************************************************************** To: C. J. McKinney From: Fannie McKinney ---------------------------- At Home April 4th 1865 My dear Father, We were very glad indeed to receive your letter from Knoxville, telling us of your safe arrival there. I hope you had no difficulty in reaching Nashville. Mother was very weary about you. The evening you started. I too was a little afraid Hodgins's scout might pick you up, between the river and the Junction. It is a week this evening since you left and still no Yankees-some have been on this side of the river. Everything is pretty much the same as when you were here. The Rebs are in town every day. They stay just above town all the time. The Farm and McCarty boys and Rhinehart. They went to Mr. Austin's a night or two after you left and searched for you. They caught hold of the black girl and said "here he is boys-we've got him now"-but they were a little mistaken. I heard that they robbed his house the same night but haven't seen any of the family-and therefore dont know how true it is. They searched for Elias Bert, the same night. I dont know whether Mr. Austin know any of them. It seems very quiet in the yard since so many of the negroes left. Dri and Ellie went with Jack, Rose and Lid are still here. I suppose until further arrangements are(?) made. Bony is at Riley's, Billy and Mary are in the McMinn house, near the bridge. Cora was very much disposed to back our, I, think when the time came for them to start. She and little John were the only ones that even came to say goodbye. Jack acted the dog completely. The boys that are here seem disposed to go to work. We got two horses from Crows(?). They have been threshing some wheat-yesterday and today-Fritz and Pettiford were here. Coty I dont think intends to stay long-not longer than you come back-which he thinks will be about six weeks. The report in town is that you came home and -told the negroes they were all free. I think some people there feel very indignant at you about your telling them so- I feel just like you hadn't been at home at all. We had no pleasure of your company. I believe I feel more anxious to see you than I did before you came. I was so _____(?) all all the time that your being here seems all like a dream. I will meet you in Knoxville when you come back. Aunt Susan wanted me to go down with her, but I preferred to wait and meet you there. The children have not started to school yet-I dont know how it will be about boarding. Mr. Garris is not prepared to take boarders. Charley does not improve in behavior, but on the contrary grows worse. You must write to me often. Tell us where you board, how you like them, what you have to eat, etc., everything interests us-connected with our dear Papa and his comfort. Be cheerful-I hope our separation will not last long. All join in much love to you- Affectionately Your Daughter Fannie