Letter from J.S. Sheffield in Talladega, Alabama, to Thomas H. Watts in Montgomery, Alabama
Item
Identifier
Q0000146145-Q0000146146
Title
Letter from J.S. Sheffield in Talladega, Alabama, to Thomas H. Watts in Montgomery, Alabama
Rights
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Type
Text
Creator
J.S. Sheffield
Date
1864-04-22
Description
J.S. Sheffield asks the governor to send food to families of soldiers and destitute women and children in north Alabama.
Format
Correspondence; Letter
Language
Eng
Place
Talladega (Ala.)
Publisher
Alabama Department of Archives and History. (electronic version)
Contributor
Monty Norton and Mary Todd Curington
transcription
Talledega April 22nd 1864
[written perpendicular to body of letter] Col J. S. Sheffield
[answered?] 25 April
1864
File in Private Box
[/perpendicular]
Govr. Watts
Sir
I have written you twice recently in
refference to things in N Ala. and Especially, in
my County (Marshall) Mrs. Hayse visits So Ala
for the purpose of trying to make arrangements
to get Corn for the Suffering families of soldiers
If there was ever a time that something ought to be
done it has arrived, the women and children
(hundreds of them) are actually suffering for
<u>Bread</u>, it seems as no one feels an interest
in this matters in any County. I am willing
if the Corn can be procured & Shipped to the
[?] of the T. & Ala R Road to spend all of
my time in getting it to the destitute families.
I have been forced to quit the service, for a short time
only I hope, in consequence of my health. Whilst at
home I am perfectly willing to do Every thing in
my power to advance our cause; most of the
slave owners have removed their slaves south,
leaving hundreds of acres of the best land in
the County to lie idle this year. If the late
[written perpendicular to body of letter] Col J. S. Sheffield
[answered?] 25 April
1864
File in Private Box
[/perpendicular]
Govr. Watts
Sir
I have written you twice recently in
refference to things in N Ala. and Especially, in
my County (Marshall) Mrs. Hayse visits So Ala
for the purpose of trying to make arrangements
to get Corn for the Suffering families of soldiers
If there was ever a time that something ought to be
done it has arrived, the women and children
(hundreds of them) are actually suffering for
<u>Bread</u>, it seems as no one feels an interest
in this matters in any County. I am willing
if the Corn can be procured & Shipped to the
[?] of the T. & Ala R Road to spend all of
my time in getting it to the destitute families.
I have been forced to quit the service, for a short time
only I hope, in consequence of my health. Whilst at
home I am perfectly willing to do Every thing in
my power to advance our cause; most of the
slave owners have removed their slaves south,
leaving hundreds of acres of the best land in
the County to lie idle this year. If the late
Conscript act is Enforced in the Border Counties
it will be destructive to the people, there are but
few in my County liable yet if they are put in
the service hundreds of acres of corn will be lost
that is now planted. Would it not be to the interest
of the Government to Exempt these Counties say Blount,
Marshall, Morgan, DeKalb & St Clair - till Crops is made
at least. God Knows I have no motive in view
save the good of our Cause; I have Known a great
many men to leave & [have?] in the Enemy lines - I have
heard numbers say they would also go if they were
put in the service before they made their crops -
they see the wants & suffering of those whose
Husbands are already in the service, they wish to make
bread for them before going in themselves. Now sir
you have no idea of the suffering among the
poor families in N. Ala - I have visited them in
person. I know it to be facts - I know no one
in my county, Who tak the least interest in their
behalf. I hope something can & will be done to
furnish their bread.
I am Govr.
verey Respt. your obt
svt
J.S. Sheffield
it will be destructive to the people, there are but
few in my County liable yet if they are put in
the service hundreds of acres of corn will be lost
that is now planted. Would it not be to the interest
of the Government to Exempt these Counties say Blount,
Marshall, Morgan, DeKalb & St Clair - till Crops is made
at least. God Knows I have no motive in view
save the good of our Cause; I have Known a great
many men to leave & [have?] in the Enemy lines - I have
heard numbers say they would also go if they were
put in the service before they made their crops -
they see the wants & suffering of those whose
Husbands are already in the service, they wish to make
bread for them before going in themselves. Now sir
you have no idea of the suffering among the
poor families in N. Ala - I have visited them in
person. I know it to be facts - I know no one
in my county, Who tak the least interest in their
behalf. I hope something can & will be done to
furnish their bread.
I am Govr.
verey Respt. your obt
svt
J.S. Sheffield