Submitted by Diane
Ethridge
May 7,1848
Dear Brother,
I know I have neglected you in
not writing to you sooner. I received your letter 28
Apr. It gave me so much satisfaction. I think of
you often. I am now alone. The rest are gone to
church at Old Mossy Creek Church. I cannot express my
feelings. I have never been as lonesome in my life and
while writing the tears are trickling down my cheek.
They often do when I think of you and know that you are in
an enemies land. I know that I have neglected you too
much (in writing) it does not keep me from thinking about
you. I intend to write to you oftener than I ever
have. I think I will write every two weeks.
We are all well and the
connections in general are doing about as usual. I do
not know how Dan and Eliza is doing. They are living
in the house with Old Mrs. Pitchford. They never have
been about us yet and we never go about them. Dan
hates me as bad as he can. I told Eliza before they
were married of his meanness. I know she has told him
of it.
Wesley is in Athens bar keeping
at the Newton House. I believe he went down about the
first of April. I do not know what he is getting.
I am now going to school at Old Mossy Creek. I board
at Lewises for I cannot hold out to walk from home. I
have commenced studying grammar now. Eliza Bird
gave me a braid from Mercilla Trammel's hair to send to you.
I intend to put it in this letter. Mercilla was
reading a letter from you to Salena I think and found
something you said about her (something good, I expect).
Eliza Bird was by and Mercilla say "La Liza!
Look here" & then Eliza said that she
never had seen as much pleasure in all her life than the
zeal in Mercilla's face. More than in Wm Harris face
when he taught school. Eliza then gave me
Mercilla's hair to be sent to you in a letter and told me to
keep it a secret. Eliza Bird also say to send
you her best respects.
Bro, I entend to leave this
country as soon as I can but I want to go to school this
year. Father will not stay here any longer than Fall.
The old place can be bought for $500 but Father says he will
not buy it. Cress owns it yet but Bro Wm wants him to
go to Athens or somewhat near. Starr and Jasper
Trammell are still selling. Wiley, Quillian and
Meeders has quit. Bill Hunt has a store at Mt. Yonah.
Fratten & Harralson is still selling. Fratten has
put up some good buildings, store and dwelling. Mt.
Yonah is not improving fast but it has improved some since
you left. John M has commenced his tan yard.
He has put it at the road in the branch below his house.
Monday morning at school seated
at the old church table when I look around and see where you
so frequently sat it brings a sad feeling upon me.
Probably you may never take a seat here again. Then I
cast my eyes on the lonely hill where our sister Martha is
lying there. She is numbered with the dead. You
must know I feel lonesome. I want you to write to me
often. I think you have neglected me. You never
have written me but one letter. I think you might
write me more.
Josiah Duckett was married the
second time to Mary born Lowry. She look quite
pleaseing since she was married. Bussell (note: Russell?)
has moved to Cherokee Co. Alabama. The old Dahlonega
debts was coming against him. He had to leave on the
account of them. The sheriff come to his
house in the evening after he left in the morning. He
did not get any property. Dear bro, do write
often and I will do the same.
Your brother,
A.
N. Dorsey
