Digital Collections
Crenshaw Transcriptions: September to December 1863
D1
Orange Courthouse, Va
2nd of 9th month
Dear Friend,
I have written a letter to thee nearly 2 weeks ago & have received no answer. I will write a short letter this time and wish to know whether my letter was received if it was not I will write a more explanatory letter than this.
I am a grandson of Richard Mendenhall & brother to William W. Vestal that died last summer. I have never joined any Church but was reared in & now am of Friends faith and there by forbid from going into or buying an exemption from this war. I understand that some Friends pay the money and others refuse & there propperty is taken to the amount. My friends have advised me to be directed by my conscience as it is shurely a “matter of consciounce” and I hope I am doing that. I think the Friends in England refuse to pay that kind of money because it went to the purchasing of drums [arms?] etc. for the army. I think if I am not mistaken the law says the money is to go to the Quartermaster. I herd the law [??? 18th of last mo.?] Nothing has bin done with me since I was bayoneted. My Lieut. said directly after it was done that he did not think I would be [punished?] any more. When I was first conscripted, I was sent to Bray’s army. Onnce released conscripted again sent to the same place & turned over to a conscript camp at Knoxville Tenn. From there I was brought here. About the 29th of last mo. the adjutant of the regt came to me and wished to know if I had any papers to establish that I had been in Brag[g]’s army. I had some papers to & from the army. But the main order was in the hands of Gl Maney at Cattanuga [Chattanooga]. He said he would write for that and other information. His waiting for an answer causes this delay I suppose. Gl Maney appeared to be my friend. He is well acquainted with me but he may not have kept the paper knowing that I was turned over & out of his hands. I am not very well nor havent been for some time but I have not bin complaining.
Write soon direct to
Archers Brig
14th Tenn. Regt Co. I [J?]
D2
10 Mo. 5th (63)
Esteemed Friend
I have heard through a letter from a privat written to his friends, that our firend Joseph E. Fell is in Castle Thunder prison. If so he must be in a very suffering condition, as he was taken off without . . . clothing or money. Knowing thou would do anything in thy power for an innocent sufferer. From what thy Father said when hire I am under the impression thou art not aware of Joseph’s condition. We wer consoled in believing he was with his friends. I hope thou may be enabled to do something for him. He has means that may be made available to defray expenses. We would be glad to know what his real condition is. Pleas write us stating the particulars. If thee was to direct thine to Jon. Pretlow(?) I would likely get it as soon as anyway.
This leaves our family friends & neighbors nearly in common health.
And things quiet nearby.
As ever thy friend
W.H.H.
Orange C.H. Va.
10th mo. 6th 1862
Dear Friend
I received thy good letter yesterday evening and hasten to answer it because tI have alandonded the idea of taking cloathing from the government & regret that I ever entertained such an idea; and so it is with regard to the apple trade I have since I wrote to thee bought a few apples, not especially for speculation for myself but for myself expecting to sell some. . . . 2 dozen stoped & considered what I was doing; took into consideration the fact that I was being led away by the cares of this world. That I had been very negligent with regard to any religious duty enjoying myself by running over the country gathering percimons etc instead of going to the silent sunny spots to stugy my testament watch & pray. Oh what shall be the consequence of it! It has brought these temptations before me & I have in some degree yielded. It come(?) something els brought a babtist preacher before me who talked with me until there was a great crowd of men around & then began with the slavery question, said the Quakers were abolitionists & they brought on the war etc. This put a part of the men against me and probably injured the good feelings of all.
What a covering(?) temptation can have, now I had thought on the apple & cloathing question until I came to the conclusion that there was no more harm in selling apples than goods in time of peace & that while the government held me in custody it was as much its duty to cloath me as it was to feed me.
Then I can think that above all things I aught not to go to selling to the soldiers speculators are so hated by them etc. That I ought not to draw from a thing That I could not support That by & by I would need coat & pants then as well draw them as any and first thing & know I am just like a souldier I desire thy prayrs that I may be favored to do right: as my grandfather said
affectionately Tilmon R. Vestal
Camp of 30th NC Troops
Near Morton’s Ford, Va.
Nov. the 23rd 1863-
Mr. John B. Crenshaw
Dear Sir I take this mode of writing to you for information in regard to the papers and money forwarded for my release if it has ever come to hand I am not [aware] of it for in the late engagement near Kelly’s Ford, Va. the only 2 commissioned officers in the company to which I am attached was taken prisoners by the enemy and I have no one to attend to my business for me and I am in hopes you will look and inquire into the matter for me. The money I suppose has been paid and the papers forwarded through these Regt. HdQtrs but I am not able to say what became of them. I am aware that the papers has been assigned by the Regimental and Brigade commanders They may have gone through correct and only require looking after and if so you will pleas do me the kindness to make the necessary arrangements for my release.
Yours etc.
David Henshaw for John T. Nichols
Jamestown – 24th 11th mo. 1863
To J.B. Crenshaw –
My Dear Friend – I write to inform thee I have heard from Harriet Lane & family. They reached Baltimore in safety – and were all well, except Aunt Bettie – Harriet’s mother. Her old mistress – Clarke – of Raleigh rec.d a letter from her daughter Julia Fisher – and at her request forwarded the intelligence to me.
I am truly thankful the family are where provisions are cheap and plentiful. It has given me great relief. I have the $150 counted out for Mary E. Harris – to be handed her the first opportunity. I saw her at Meeting – two days ago – looking pretty well. I made a visit this week with Daniel Barker & other Friends to a family desiring to become members of our society – consisting of 3 young men, the parents, & several younger children. The visit quite satisfactory.
Thou hast perhaps heard from other Friends a better account of our Yearly M. than I can give – but if not, I may say it was a favored one- the exercise of our ministers tending to awaken, as well as encourage us. – On Fourth-day I felt it right for me to remain at home and unexpectedly I witnessed the death of one of our best colored men – a triumphant, glorious release from the trials of earth. We did not think his end so near – thought he might live a few days longer.
I am sympathizing with thee as well as with Tilman Vestal – though I have not written to either of you in regard to his case. I feel that the responsibility resting on thee in regard to him is great indeed. My soul craves relief for you both – but more than this I crave that the Devine Will may be done – and that the Holy Name be glorified. If his life is spared, he is one boy that ought to be educated. He has always been a good child. I have not seen Judith since thy last letter was rec.d I am confined at home by affliction in our family and unpleasant, rainy weather.
I should be glad indeed to accept thy invitation – & make a visit to thy house and thy Father’s – But dare not look for such a pleasure unless business or duty should require it.
I saw thy son a few minutes only at Yearly Meeting. I learn to-day J. Cox has decided to remain this session at N. Garden.
Thy friend
D.E. Mendenhall
11 mo 25th 1863
Friend Crinshaw
There is a young man now in Randolph County North Carolina by the name of Nathan Winslow who volunteered in the fall of 61, at the age of 19, in a twelve monts company Three monts of the company’s time being out he thus volunteered for the remainder of the year and went as a recruit to Virginia where he found his company Served his time out, Deserted and came Home, But finding himself retained in service by conscription, he took to the bushes. But soon the governors proclamation came out that if deserters would come up and go back they should not be punished etc, and the militia were also called out to arrest conscripts & deserters, his father was likewise arrested . . . his sons lying out, so upon the whole and to release his Father he came up and went back to his former company in Virginia where he stayed until Lees march to Pennsylvania, and on that march (we the undersigned beleave) he became to mortified at his own conduct and thinking desertion the only alternative he again laid down his gun and came Home, and is now in the Bushes. We the undersigned, being acquainted with the said from his infancy and having seen and conversed with him since he deserted, will now endeavor to give a biography of his life in connection as we think the primary causes of his conduct as above stated. At his birth his Father was a member the Society Friends, his mother was not. But she in connection with all her children went with her husband to meeting of Friends until said Nathan was about 7 (seaven) years old, when she requested that she in connection [with] all her children might be received into membership the Society Friends with which the mothly meeting complied, and they were all likewise received into membership with the above Society His mother remained a member until her death. She died about six years ago. All of her children remain members the Society except said Nathan who was disowned for volunteering, two of his brothers being subject to conscription have paid out. His father married a second time a non member the above Society about four (4) years ago none but the child of experience . . . the diferance between a Mother, and a step Mother. Said Nathans chances of education and of general information were not as good as those of a grate many others many of his relations on his mother’s side in connection with this play mates & Friends volunteered all of which no doubt solicited his company. Besides a few pretended friends (he says) (and we have no hesitation in beleaving influenced the young mind to volunteer. Said Nathan was raised a member the Society Friends whose conscience forbid the sheding of their fellow man’s blood. We hope the young man has learnt by experience how to prize the lessons of precept We hope the officials of our land will deal with the young man justly – and if he is meritorious the opportunity extended to those conscientious of bearing arms of paying ($500) and being released. We then hope he will be dealt with accordingly. The above is our very humble petition.
John Hoover Nixon Henley
Alford Hoover Lorenzo Hiatt(?)
William Low Nathan Winslow
Joshua U. Davis
James Davis
A.H. . . .
State of North Carolina
Randolph County
I Joseph H. Brown do certify that I am acquainted with all of the subscribers to the foregoing petition and that they are citizens of said County and Gentlemen of Good Character and entitled to credit.
Witness Joseph H. Brown Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions of Randolph County under the seal of said County at Office in Asheboro the 1st day of December 1863
JH Brown Clk
Acheboro, NC
November 27th/63
Jno. B. Crenshaw Esquire
My dear Sir,
The $500 advanced for J. N. Davis has been forwarded to Richmond Va. by Express Co. You will please accept the thanks of all the friends & relations of Davis for your energy and attention to his case.
I am very respectfully,
Your etc.
S.S. Jackson
North Carolina
Randolph County
11th Month the 27th day 1863
I the undersigned clerk of Back Creek monthly meeting certify that the accompanying Document concerning Nathan Winslow jr. is correct as far as I have been able to learn and I have been acquainted with the young man from a small boy up to the present time, and I further certify that since he last returned he addressed the monthly meeting in writing requesting to be received back into membership with our society, also acknowledging his error in volanteering and going in to the army, but the members of the monthly meeting did not feel that they were at liberty to receive him untill he could receive an Exemption from the military authorities.
David V. Henley, Clerk
Jamestown – 27th 11th mo/63
J.B. Crenshaw –
Louisa M. Palmer, a young friend of mine, has two sisters in N. York City, and wishes to return to N. York this winter if practicable. She wishes to buy some Greenbacks to defray her travelling expenses.
Please inform us at what rate they can be purchased with Confederate notes – also at what rate with N. Carolina Bank Notes.
We also wish to know the price of Gold in Confederate, or Bank Notes - & will be pleased to receive an answer as early as may be convenient.
Thy Friend
D.E. Mendenhall
Ashboro N.C.
12 mo 2 nd 1863
J.B. Crenshaw
Dear Friend
If Thou can & will (by the help of the accompanying documents) do any thing for Nathan Winslow Jr towards eleasing him, pleas assume the payment of the money & procure his discharg, & send it to me and I will send the money to thee. Pleas write, & tell me if thee can, or can do any thing for him,
My adress is Ashboro, N.C.
Thy Friend
S.S. Winslow
Greensboro N. Carolina 12th mo 21st/63
Respected Friend J B Crenshaw
The Welfare of all even the smallest is a source of satisfaction to the most exhalted when benevolence & good will is a ruling principle with them, and feeling that the arival here of John Reynolds seventh day night at 12o safe from Richmond on his way home quite much exhausted would be a sufficient appology for this note, the distanc is about 17 miles[,] after resting yesterday & last night is tolerably comfortable and I think will be in a condition to go home tomorrow if the weather moderate (quite cold at present) he goes home full of joy and thankfulness for the material attentions & kindness that have been his lot to receive at thy hands, he seems [to] have a lively feeling of simpathy for the many poor fellow prisoners he left behind that had with him shared their tedious months of confinement
New garden Boarding School is small this session altho the male school is as full as was expected, scarcity and destitution prevails in this section to an extent that is allarming much want & suffering is anticipated this winter
Thy Friend Truly
H.C. Worth
This the 27 day of the 12 mo 1863
Dear friend
. . . take my pen in hand to in form thee that I have been taken up and sent to Camo on the count of not having my receipt for thee five hundred dollars that I paid to thee I want thee to see thee secatary of war for me if thee can git my recipt and bring it to me I will pay thee well for thy trobel I want thee to do all thee can that is they power for me friend in hast if thee cant do eny thing for me I want thee to write to me soon as thee can I am in thee 27 Regt Co F in cear of Capt Skiner in hast friend
A.G. Rush to friend J.B. Crinchshaw
If thee don’t git something to shoe that I paid the five hundra dollars I want thee to write to me and let me know what they say a bout it
Asheboro N.C.
December 22nd 1863
John B. Crenshaw Esqr.
My dear sir
I have been requested by our friend William Lowe to write you a line in reference to the case of A.G. Rush. He says you paid out for him at Richmond, after getting his papers approved by the Secretary at War and that his papers & certificate , knowing the $500 had been paid were all sent forward to Captain John M. Little, to get his exemption.
Captain Little, it seems, refuses his exemption & has had him arrested & sent on to Raleigh to thee Camp of Instruction. No doubt he (Rush) has been forwarded to the Army & assigned to some company by this time. So he is now under the control of the Secretary at War and is beyond the jurisdiction of Captain Jno. M. Little. Our friend Wm Lowe says you know all about the matter, that you paid out for him etc.
The receipt showing that he has paid out, was filed with Capt Little, L. . . ., & is now misplaced. All you will have to do, will be to go to the Quarter Master and get a Duplicate & present it to the War Officer(?), & get his discharge. I know nothing about these facts; but learn them from Wm Lowe; & I suppose they are correct, as he is a man of character. You will be rendering a kind duty to Rush’s family; & be protecting the Society of Friends from . . . imposition by dividing(?) your attention to this case.
If you need any further information on the subject let me know & I will try & furnish it.
Yours(?) with much esteem
S.S. Jackson
Dudley, N.C. 12th mo. 23rd 1863
Esteemed Friend John B. Crenshaw
We have made out another certificate for William W. Overman which has been endorsed with the approval of a discharge by his captain and Col. It was forwarded to General Ransom at Weldon on the 21st inst. should it be approved by the Generals and reach the Secretarys office thou wilt pleas attend to it and write me as soon as convenient My family and Friends generally are tolerable well Thomas Kennedys wife is at my house and well she has lately Recd a letter from Thomas and he was well and visiting Friends and meetings in Indiana
Thy Friend
Thos. L. Hollowell