Smith, John to Thomas Smith
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06370 Author/Creator: Smith, John Place Written: Jefferson County, Alabama Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 January 1862 Pagination: 2 p. ; 31.1 x 19.1 cm. Order a Copy
Reveals his anti-Lincoln sentiment, and discusses hardships due to war. Smith, an ardent secessionist, writes to his son Thomas. Mentions hardship, the number who have died for "The Cause," scarcity of money and provisions from "Lincoln's war." He says that he does not have long to live. "Times are hard here, money scarce, provisions high but plenty. I think we have passed through the tightest place in Lincoln's war but if we have not I for one am willing to suffer on, even unto death rather than submit. But to be conquered and have no fears they may and doubtless will do us a vast injury but never conquer us." Also mentions people killed by the war; many deaths and many marriages; Aunt Hannah weighs 300 lbs.
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