Letter, Isaac Murphy

Letter, Isaac Murphy

Object number2007.107.05

DateApril 10, 1865

Mediumpaper and ink

Dimensions10 x 16 in. (25.4 x 40.6 cm)

Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection

DescriptionLetter to Isaac Murphy from M. La Rue Harrison. Handwritten in black ink on lined paper.

Fayetteville, Ark. April 10th 1865

To His Excellency Isaac Murphy
Governor of the State of Arkansas
Dear Sir,

The immense press (??) of business at this place has prevented me from writing you fully and frequently as I would otherwise have done and today I can only say a few words but as my friend Capt. Stark will be the bearer of this letter he can say to you many things in regard to the condition of N.W. Ark. That I have not time to write.

Our Colonies are in a very flourishing condition considering the great scarcity of provisions and forage in this country. Nearly every man and boy in the Counties of Madison, Washington, and Benton has been enrolled and the result will be at least sixteen large Colonies. Already the muster-in roll of Richland colony has been sent to you. I enclose three others today and as soon as the writing can be done I will forward the others. Your letter of authority to John Cau(???), dated Feb 3rd, was not received here until a day or two since. I think it is now a dead letter as the work required of him has all been done for quite some time.

There will be very much suffering among the widows and orphans until after gardens begin to yield and I fear some will starve. I am sending north with eight days rations all such who desire to go and those who wish to stay we assist-in every way in our power, but we cannot do much as provision is not in the country; government only allows rations to be sold (underline) and most of these poor people have no money to buy.

If General Reynolds could only see the destitution of these families I do (underline) think he would try and give (underline) them at least a little breadstuff until corn is large enough to roast. Nearly double the land will be cultivated this season to any previous one since the commencement of the war, but crops will be late as farmers must wait for grass. I believe that with the aid of the colonies I shall be able to hold the bushwhackers completely in check this summer. We are doing it now, and all the colonists are in excellent spirits. You can rest assured I shall do all in my power for NW Ark. I have been here three years; have bought here; have all (underline) my family here and mean to try and make you a good citizen.

Permit me to make one request. I think I have earned a commission from you and will feel highly honored to receive one from the man who cast the only vote in the Convention against Secession. I want a militia command as a Gen. Officer of the NW Counties: Benton, Washington, Madison, Carroll, Newton, Marion, and Searcy. If you will make them into a District and give me command I will endeavor by fall to have them held by militia and so peaceable that we can hold elections and County Courts in each of the counties named. We can already do so in three.

You know what I have done. Will you try me? I am not figuring for pay, though I like a good name. I wish to see this country restored to prosperity.

Please let me hear from you at your earliest convenience. Give my best regards to Col. Bishop.

Mrs. H. joins me in best wishes to you and yours. Capt. Bigbee's family were well at last accounts except General Holland who is very low with fever.

Very Respectfully Yours,
M. La Rue Harrison

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