Magie, James K. to Mary Magie
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05241.16 Author/Creator: Magie, James K. Place Written: Franklin, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 March 1863 Pagination: 2 p. Order a Copy
"No 4." He makes a great deal of money by selling newspapers and running errands, and if he can hold his position he hopes to send his wife $1,000 by the end of the war. Asks that she not tell anyone how much he sends her because the soldiers do not know he makes such a large profit.
James K. Magie to Mary Magie
Franklin, Tennessee, 1 March 1868
Letter signed, 2 pages
I can't remember the last number, but think it was No 3,
No 4 March 1/63
Franklin, Tenn. March 1, 1868
Dear Wife
I have received your letter No. 3, brought by Mrs. Bartholomew, together with box and contents, I had been looking for a letter from you for two or three days, when on Friday last Mr. Clark received a letter informing of the boxes sent, and on my arrival in Nashville that night I make it my business to get them. The train did not come out yesterday morning, (Saturday) and so I had to hire a horse and buggy at an expense to me of $7.50, which was so much out of my pocket; but my profits for the day amounted to about $12, so I made $4 or $5 at last. I would have lost on my news papers if I had not got there yesterday. The train will run regularly hereafter, I suppose, but if it fails I don't fail getting the mail here. I am fearful all the time that some toward event will happen to break in upon my present arrangements. If I can hold my position, and have the monopoly of the express and newspaper business for 100 days I can send you home $1000, which will buy us a snug little house. You need not tell the soldiers family's how much I am making, for I don't let them [inserted: the soldiers] know that I am making so much, for it might create jealousies, or the like. The feeling so far is high in my favor. They get their mail regularly rain or shine. They have found out that when the man who was trying to give me opposition, I think I will get rid of. The orders are very stringent against passing the lines. I have passes to go through the lines at any time. I think this will rule lout all others. I have got $50 that I would send you if I had good opportunity. As soon as I can make it $100 I will seek some way and send it if I have to express it.
I am much pleased at my little presents. The sausage was excellent. The blackberries were highly applauded at our table. The pop corn was not bad, and Eddy's letter was quite read able. I am really glad that you had got Beauty at last. Where did the boy find her? I perceive that Nichols is fast running the Journal into the ground. It is of no account. Tell Jill that I think she is hard up if she accepts Bill Waters for a Jew.
I have a little time that I cannot write you a long letter to-day. I start for Nashville in a few mo-ments. A fi0ght is expected here not every day. We are in a real secesh county. Our pickets are in sight of the rebel pickets every day. I will write oftener to make up for the short letters. Your devoted James
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