Letter, to Clinton Broach from his Mother
Object number2006.016.141.1-3
DateSeptember 11, 1864
Mediumpaper and ink
Dimensions7 1/2 x 5 3/4 in. (19.1 x 14.6 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection
Terms
2-3. Letter dated September 11, 1864 to Clinton Broach from his mother Caroline Matilda Lightfoot Broach.
Caroline was born in Stewart Co, Tenn on May 28, 1822 and died March 4, 1892 in Arkansas. She is buried in Fordyce, Arkansas.
Clinton Americus was born Nov. 30, 1845 in Henry Co, Tenn
He married Catherine Atkins Reynolds 17 Jan 1867. He died July 5, 1911 in Atlanta, GA and is buried in West View Cemetery in Atlanta, GA.
"Ten Springs"
Buenavista, Ark.
Ouachita Co.
Sept. 11th '64
Clinton
My dear son, this Sabbath finds us all in the enjoymnet of tolerable health with something to eat and wear for which I feel very thankful. I have almost no pen to write with but I must write. I have not heard from you since August 7th which was the date of your last letter. Well as your Pa has gone to town today I hope he will hear some news. He went to bring your grandma up here as your Aunt Mollie is staying with Conn(?). We are now at ten springs. Moved here last week. We brought all we possess except the sheeph and old tab; they have never been (?) of even the old place, the sheep were at Johnsons the last we heard from them. Cherry was left too, but(or let?) the soldiers eat her. Your Pa has sold all the rest of the cattle & six(?) head of hogs except three cows, Nelly & Pink. We have them, yet. We have a little mule & one horse, a tolerable good buggy, which cost $15, the old waggon [sic] & Leon. This is about all, but thank the Lord I am not in despair, though. (?) down this (?) not my home, I am content to remain here close by the tomb of my dear child and close by the church of God which I trust will ever keep me mindful of my future home where I hope to live with my dear children forever. O that I could write to you my thoughts, but I dare not attempt it. I am bound to wave everything that excites me, my dear child, were it not for the goodness of God toward me I could not survive, but who would not acknowledge the Hand of Providence in the blessings I have received? Your Pa went to town the last of August expecting he would have to join Camp but he found a Dr. Broach there, surgeon of the Post, who gave him an extension of sixty days on his furlough. He has been permitted to be with me in all my trials to comfort and console me when no one else could have done it and I firmly believe that (?) will give me the desire of my heart in bringing you back to me again, if you are only faithful, much as I wish to see you, I would rather wait longer than part with you again in a few days. I intended going to see you all if your Pa did get his time extended and was making preparation to go but all at once I thought how will I bear to leave and come home. I can't the children and I know I can't bring them. Mary will not let me have either of them and I would not blame her, for when I see poor Frank moping about, it is too painful for me to think of separating children. Can't tell you Aunt Mary I cannot write to her for when I try I see our little ones altogether and it seems as if my heart would almost break. I know she sympathizes with me and I learnt she prays for me and I pray that she may never feel what I have felt.
(?) Wall was buried the last day of August. There has been a great deal of sickness and it has been very fatal, more children have died this year than I ever heard of before in one season. I expect to commence school in two or three weeks if nothing prevents and O how I shall want you at home to (?) me, but let us be resigned to the will of our Heavenly Father. As I hope your Pa will get a letter from some of you today and perhaps will get some news worth writing. I will close. I want you to write often if you can get paper. If I can get a chance I will send you some paper. A soldier gave me a dozen sheets the other day and perhaps I can send you some by Mr. Jordan who is going to Texas sometime in this month. I would like know if you need socks or pants. I put my (?) in the loom yesterday and if you need anything, write to me immediately and I will make every effort I can to send them.
My dear child, hold out to the end. Serve your (?) according to the will of God, do not be too fond of company, especially girls who are ready to devour young men and boys. Let me warn you for your good you must cross the flesh, you must ask God for assistance and he will support you. Remember the human heart is desperately wicked and O how we should watch and flee every appearance of evil. May the Lord keep you & all your kindred with you and bring us all together again is my constant prayer.
Your devoted Mother
C.M. Broach
Status
Not on view
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