NELSON CO. KY
1858-1866 Papers in the
Green C. Duncan Collection
Part 2
 

            Johnsons Island
            Sandusky Bay
            May 17, 1862
Dear Ma
      I have just received a letter from Uncle Arch & am very glad to learn that you have gotten home. I have been wanting to write to you but did not know how to direct. The last letter I received from you was I think about the middle of Jan. or 1st of Feb. Tom was then a little sick & I did not hear from him after that until a few days before we were surrendered. I was indeed very glad to hear that Tom came out of the fight at Pitsburg landing unhurt. Uncle Arch sent me a list of killed & wounded of Breckinridge's Reg. I had heard before I received it that Tom was unhurt. I am sorry to find in looking over the list the names of so many of my acquaintances, but when that fight was going on we were at Island 10 laying around there having bombs shot at us & then surrendered up.
   I have indeed been very unfortunate & hope that it will not be long until we are exchanged. I suppose you have seen Father since he returned. I saw him but a very short time though was very glad to see him. Fred says she & Susie are going to send me a box of eatibles & books. Tell I said I would be much oblighed to him if he would write Louisville & get a book & send me it is Artillery drill prepared by U.S. Army officers Maj French (Chairman of the committee) Hunter Bassier. I cant get the book here. I would like also to have Websters Highschool dictionary Irvings Sketchbook & Life of Columbus if they are at home How did you leave Mr Douglas & Mr Bolands folks. I would be very glad indeed to see you, though dont mean to ask you to come up here. I must close so as to mail this this evening.
   Give my love to all. Has Ellis changed much? Remember me to the servants at home & to Daniel Harriet & Nelly when you see them. Write soon
   As ever Your Affectionate Son
            GC Duncan
PS Uncle Arch speaks of coming up I would be very glad indeed to see him, though do not know whether or not would be allowed to through ..... .....      GCD
 

            Johnsons Island
            July 1st 1862
My Dear Ma
         I was indeed very glad to receive a letter from you today. I am truly sorry you feel hurt on account of not receiving a letter from me since you last wrote. I received your letter & the hose the same day & wrote not long after I received your letter but do not know the date I have also written to Isaac & Susie since I received your letter I am very sorry you did not receive my letter I will write again concerning the hose. I am indeed very thankful to you for it & for your letting me know the cakes you made They were so much better knowing that you made them & at home I am also very much oblighed to you for sending the books. The Bible you sent me I will read & try & keep it with me as long as I live. I was so unfortunate as to loose the testament you gave me.
   Ma I feel bad thinking that perhapse you might think that I did not appreciate your letters & that you feel hurt at not receiving a letter from me Ma I appreciate & am always very glad indeed to receive your letters, and I hope you feel & know that I do I hope you will write more frequently to me & I will answer your letters promptly & will write home once a week. So Ma dont feel hurt at me hereafter if you dont receive answers to your letters to me promptly but attribute it to the mails. I have not written to you since you got home as often as I ought to have, but have answered your letters & will hereafter write as I have said & hope you will receive all my letters. You speak of how you feel & think about me Yes dear Ma I know you feel & think a great deal about me
   You inquire about our comforts five of us occupy one room & although the rooms are small we are pretty comfortably situated. There is a rumor here that a general exchange of prisoners has been agreed upon & will go into effect in a short time. Though I dont know how reliable If I hear anything reliable concerning the exchange will let you know immediately
   Give my love to all & write soon
      Your affectionate Son
         GC Duncan
 

            Johnsons Island Aug 5 1862
Dear Ma
   I have been expecting a letter from you for several days. the last I received from you was dated July 16. We are all very anxious concerning the exchange though we know nothing more than what we get from the newspapers. So you know as much concerning it as we do. As I said to Isaac if we are exchanged soon I would like to take a letter to Tom from you I dont know now what to believe concerning the exchange. I did believe a few days since that the agreement had been affected & would be carried into affect immediately but I have'nt heard of any of their prisoners being received nor none of ours being exchanged only hear of their prisoners going to Fortress Monroe to be exchanged but I hope it is true & we will soon be exchanged. I have heard so many reports since I have been a prisoner I dont know what to believe. I would like very much to see you all
   Give my love to Isaac Sister Susie Ellis & Lee. Remember me to Martha & the other servants. We are limited to one page as you know. Write soon      Your Affectionate Son
            GC Duncan
 

            Johnsons Island Sandusky Bay
            Aug 9 1962
   Dear Ma
         I have just received yours of the 5th inst received yours of the 1st a few days since ...... all of your letters are, was very gladly received I am very glad to receive your likeness I wanted it very much & thank you for it There is nothing new up here to write we hear nothing from the exchange except what we get from the newspapers I will not be very confident until I arrive in the Southern Confederacy If I am exchanged I will wrote to Tom & George immediately I arrive south. You ask concerning my health I am in very good health weigh 158 pounds. I was a little ..... about a month since. Shortly before I was surrendered I weighed 167 pounds which was the most I ever weighed
   I am very sorry Isaac health is not good I wrote to you on last tuesday I received Isaac's letter & will write to him soon. Give my love to all Remember me to the servants & write soon to your Affectionate Son GC Duncan
 

            Johnsons Island Aug 14 1862
Dear Ma
      I was very glad to receive your letter yesterday. When I wrote to Isaac I thought the exchange was likely settled & that we would very probably be exchanged in a short time, though now I fear it is broken up & think it extremely doubtful when we will get away from here. Though I dont know anything about it, it is a subject of so much importance to me I am always thinking about it & therefore always write about it. As there is so much doubt in the exchange I dont think it worth while for you to send a letter to me for Tom but if it should be happen that we are exchanged soon I will of course write to him. You cannot immagine the feeling & desire one has to get out of this most miserable abode particularly when we hear what is going on between the two armys. There is nothing of importance going on up here & just the same every day except some days we feel in good spirits about the exchange then again in low spirits concerning it I will not be convinced of it until I am exchanged as we have heard so much concerning it. Give my love to all Write soon Your Affectionate Son       GC Duncan
 

            Johnsons Island Aug 20th 1862
Dear Ma
      I will write as I told you I would write to you every week. I have heard nothing concerning the exchange of prisoners. I see an account of the fight at Baton Rouge. the Ky regiments were there so Tom I suppose was in the fight. I hope & believe he was unhurt. if you have a list of the killed & wounded please send it to me.
      You cant immagine how I feel when I hear of the battles particularly those which Tom & my friends are in & I up here in prison. I do most sincerely hope with all my heart that we will be exchanged soon. It seems strange to me if the exchange is still progressing it progresses so slowly.
      Write to me soon & give me all the news. I will write to Isaac in a few days. Give my love to all. Remember me to the servants. Your affectionate son         GC Duncan
 

            Johnsons Island Aug 30 1862
Dear Ma
      I was very glad to receive your letter ...... ..... yesterday I also received Isaacs yesterday I hope since Ike Wilson has left to join the army he will get with some clever fellows under Morgan. I am oblighed for Ikes letter though had seen it before I also saw a list of the killed & wounded at Baton Rouge & was glad to not to see Toms name on the list. I am sorry Billy Bemiss & several other of my acquaintances names on the list. I wish I could tell something concerning the exchanges the report here now is & has been for several days that we will leave here in a few days, though I think it is doubtful when we will leave. The prisoners at Camp Morton were nearly all exchanged & the commander sent up here. Charley Dawson & Spencer Tharp are here. Charley speaks in very high terms of Tom says he acted very gallantly in the fight at Shiloh & that Bro. Tom is a better soldier than Tom [?]
   Dr. Hobson the Camelite [Campbellite] preacher from Lexington Ky & other political prisoners are here. If we are exchanged soon I will try & join some other command than the one I belonged to
   Give my love to all Remember me to the servants. Write soon as we may be here some time yet
   Your affectionate son         GC Duncan
P.S. The Federals here say we will leave again Monday though I doubt it I will write soon      GCD
 

            Cairo[?] Sept 5th 1862
Dear Ma
      We arrived here from Johnsons Island night before last & are now on boats. Prisoners from the different Prisons are here on boats & it is reported that we will all leave for Vicksburg tomorrow
   I would like to see you all but hope to be up in Ky & see you all before a great while. the news from Ky is very good. Charley Dawson & S Thorpe are at Johnsons Island. They will be exchanged soon I suppose
   I am in fine health & spirits. After being in prison so long one feels over joyed to be on their road to ...ocie. I write in a hurry so that this will go ashore. Give my best love to Isaac Susie Ellis & Lee Uncle Arch & family. Remember me to Martha & the other Servants I will see Tom if I can I have the bible & your picture both of which I am so glad to have
   Write to me when ever you can send a letter My love to all As ever Your Affectionate Son
            GC Duncan
 

[RPM: Dr. Joshua Gore of Bloomfield was a surgeon for the Confederate Army.]
            Brag.... Hospital Newnan Geo., March 15th 1862
Mrs. Duncan
      My Kind friend
            Your letter of the 10th Feb was received yesterday, and afforded me much pleasure. This is the second from you, and I assure you I answered the first promptly, and am sorry you did not get it. It was very gratifying to hear so good news of Mary [RPM: Mary Minor, his wife] and the children, and to know that she has good friends to care for, and take an interest in her and the children. It is no more, however, than I have ever trusted would be the treatment of yourself and other kind friends, who have proven yourselves in other days. I am endeavoring., I trust with an approving conscience, to do my duty in this crisis, as a surgeon for the sick, and as a friend to those from my home, who are doubly endeared to me from all the circumstances, which summoned us, mutually. Your letter for ..... was recvd and reached him safely, as he wrote me. Susie's for Green also recvd and mailed to him at Newton Ala, where he is on Conscript duty. The day after I mailed it, I had a letter from him. He is in fine health, but does not like that kind of soldiering, has resigned his Commd and will join Tom with Morgan [RPM: probably John Hunt Morgan], as soon as his acceptance reaches him. This shows you the time past. Not many Lieut. ..... resign. I sent an order from Secy of War & John Morgan to Isaac Wilson, & think there is no doubt, that Green[?] will get to Morgan. When I last heard from the boys in Miss, they were all well. Tom wrote me that Morgan Commd would start in a day or two to their destined place, he had a home & was ...ing. He left me directions how to send his letter. Tom had a delightful trip to Florida and looks as well as I ever saw him. Mrs Gamble was very much pleased with him. She is a charming woman, and has a real desire to visit us all in Ky. The Doctor has been a kind & valuable friend to me. We have found in this section some excellent friends to our boys. They take our sick & furloughed men to their house - nurse, clothe and do all they can for them. There is a Capt W[?] Moses from this kind neighborhood, in prison at Camp Chase, who is in need. I would be glad you would mention to Isaac, to have him some clothes sent to him and a few dollars in money. I am glad to hear Nannie is well & the balance of the family
   I would like to have a ..... ..... ..... to Isaac that I would have answered his letter but thought ..... ..... of you. I have real confidence that he will be a friend to my family. I hope to hear from ..... again. Sincerely your friend Joshua Gore
 

            Indian Hill December 14th 63
            Monday Morning
   Mrs. Duncan
            Much Esteemed Friend
   I presume you think that I illy know what duties devolve upon recipients of hospitality by my long reticence: indeed I have reflected much upon myself for not writing soon after my return from my delightful visit to your home, but for several days after my return I indulged in a spell of the largo. since that time Lile has been so very ill that I abandoned the idea of writing until she got better. she is now very nervous but her bodily suffering is much allayed. She has had the operation performed upon ..... and the Drs pronounced the enlargement in her side an abcess instead of a tumor. poor child she has been extremely ill for some weeks. no one can conceive of her suffering & she has another one forming on her left side. I had no idea of her great capacity of endurance. Dr Barbour told her that she was a great heroine. It is very sad indeed to think of it, but we can scarcely expect to ever see her well again. I cant divine the cause of our great family chastisements, but from all the lessons taught in the great Balm of life we know that they are sent in love and not in anger. clouds have their missions as well as sunshine and we cant expect all joy in this chequered existence of ours, and though we are ignorant of the harsh discipline our Father sees best to send upon [us] sometimes it will be given us to know the causes when we review our earthly course from the heights of eternity. there our verdict will be praise & honor & glory to God in the highest for his perfect love to us sin stained creatures.
   During recent dangers in the Southern army I have thought of you & your loved ones & prayed for you. I have a beautiful piece of poetry very appropriate to you. The Mothers prayer. I will send it in this. Oh how much I long for peace, though sorrow & suffering are being meted out to us now I believe in the attributive justice of God and therefore know that woe & agony can but await the merciless North. justice & right must prevail. Is it not delightful to read of the great work of grace in the southern army. It is the greatest ray of hope & joy that could shine through so much darkness. Let us pray most fervently that Christ may establish his kingdom in every heart, not only in the south but the world around. Ma has been here six weeks. Dr Barbour says she cant leave Lile in less than a month and she feels that she is needed at home. she regrets that she will not be able to visit you. How is Mrs Wilson. Mr Bate told me that Fred Pope was coming down after Christmas. he is exceedingly anxious to meet her says Jennie Bate has given her a splendid character Write to me & tell me all about Mr E.E. M marriage [RPM: Enoch E. McKay married Ophelia Wilson on 22 October 1863.]
   Mr Saunders wrote Mr V that he had done well. I presume that is opinion of Bloomfield as the very oricle of B. has uttered this verdict. Kiss the darling little lambs for me & write very soon to me of your warmest[?] friends
            Sis
PS There is a proverb that ..... ..... inspired part of a letter .... in the postscript so ..... ..... ..... .....
do write soon I have the blues & feel a few lines from you would be highly consolatory. Yours Sis
 

[RPM: The letter is addressed to Mrs. Duncan in Bardstown. Perhaps she was staying there during the war.]
            Paris Tenn Nov 7th 1864
Dear Ma
      I take the first opportunity in writing to you since crossing Tenn River. We arrived safely on the first[?] had a first rate trip & I feel like going back to Ky, but you all think it best that I should not though dont think there would be much danger of capture
   I talked to Genl Forest [Nathan B.?] to day & will be with my command in a few days
   I would like very much to belong to this Department & have some hopes that I may before long
   I am so sorry that I did not see more of you.
   I am indeed very sorry that I did not get your picture I intended to get it but when I saw you I forgot it you must be sure & send it to me. If not by hand send it by flag of truce. Be sure & send it as I am very anxious to have it. You have of course said to Mary Wilson that I regreted so much that I did not see her.
   My horse stood the trip very well, as well as any in the party & I am very glad I rode him
   I will soon be where I can communicate ..... & will write to Dr Gore I will write to you whenever I have an opportunity
   Give my love to all I am sorry I hav'nt time to write more. The Gentleman who takes this is the one who remained all night when I last saw you he is now starting so I must close
   We did not meet with any Confederate force until we arrived here
            Your Affectionate son
            GC Duncan
N.B. Ed Haydon is here with me & well
P.S. You must not think because I forgot your picture that I wanted Miss Hun.... if I should have thought to have spoken to you. I regret so much that I did not get it         GCD
 

[RPM: There is a letter to "Ma" from Fort Gaines, Georgia that appears to have been written in 1864, but the copy is too poor to read.]
 

[RPM: This blank form was among the papers in the Duncan collection. From other papers, it would appear that Green C. Duncan did not take parole at this time. It could also indicate that he had been captured a second time.]
 
No. ..............................
 
   I, the undersigned, Prisoner of War, belonging to the Army of the Department of Alabama, Mississippi and East Louisiana, having been surrendered by Lieut. Gen. R. Taylor, C. S. A., Commanding said Department, to Maj.Gen. E. R.I. Canby, U. S. A., Commanding Army and Division of West Mississippi, do hereby give my solemn parole of honor, that I will not hereafter serve in the Armies of the Confederate States, or in any military capacity whatever, against the United States of America, or render aid to the enemies of the latter, until properly exchanged in such manner as shall be mutually approved by the respective authorities.
            ...............................................
Done at ............................
   this .........day of May 1865
 
   The above named officer will not be disturbed by United States authorities, as long as he observes his parole, and the laws in force where he resides.
            ............................................
            Brig. Gen. U. S. Vols.
            and Prov. Mar. Gen.
 

            Rienzi Miss Jun 3d /65
Dear Ma
      Our command arrived here today & as I have a little time I write to let you know I am still flourishing
   I wrote to you several times while in Middle Tenn. hope you have received some of my letters. I have before told you that I had a pleasant trip coming from Ky & met my command at Mika..... Miss & immediately went on to Hood's army crossing Tenn River at Florence Ala on the 19th Nov. We went on in front of Hood to Nashville & from there went over to Murfreesboro then to Lebonon & from there down on the Cumberland near the Hermitage where we remained but a short time when our army was shipped off My command was there ordered to cover the retreat & it was nearly a continuous flight from there until we arrived at Pulaski. We lost less on the retreat than any one would have expected Our command crossed Tenn River on the 27th Dec.
   Our command was in a good many fights & skirmishes but our, now my, Brigades losses was not so very heavy but we lost some excellent officers & men. I was in every fight the Brigade was in on the trip. My fine sorrel horse was wounded in the leg near Nashville but I managed to get him out & he is improving & will be allright again. he is a first rate horse. I was within a few miles of Mr Douglas at one time but could not go to see him then & expected I would have an opportunity afterward, but did not.
   You know concerning the defeat of our army Our loss in artillery & ....overs was very heavy, but light in killed & wounded. Our disaster is attributed by many to the cowardliness of some of our troops - Bates division some blame Hood very much I dont - think myself he is ....ing it now in the right place.
   Concerning Sherman you know more than I as you can see the papers regularly & you know the news is not cheering. But amid all our disasters number we are not whipped & never will be, and that we will fight the Yankees as long as we all live or until we have gained our independence.
   I acknowledge that I feel bad over our disasters but [line obscured].
   Our army is all right now on this side of the river & in spirits better than anyone would have supposed
   I have heard nothing from Tom or Dr Gore for a long long time. The Bloomfield Boys in this Command are all well. Alex Magruder was killed at Altoona Georgia Tom Sanders was killed at Franklin Gabriel Sanders was wounded at Franklin I have not heard from him since. Tom More I understood from one of his Regt was wounded near Atlanta & was in hospital though nearly well. The Missouri Brigade lost very heavily at Franklin. I was in the Franklin fight. We were on the extreme right & did not have to charge their stray works[?] so our loss was not so heavy.
   I suppose the Yankees are very jubilant over their recent success, but their successes will not always continue. They never can whip us, no never while time lasts. Some cro.... have been talking to me & it makes me mad to hear them talk
   You know how some people are when we are not successful all the time.
   Write to me by flag of truce & otherwise whenever possible
   Give my best love to all
   Your affectionate son
      GC Duncan
 
State of Kentucky
Nelson County Sct
I, T.P. Linthicum Judge of the Nelson County Court do certify that I am personally acquainted with Green C Duncan, and the same who is the Devisee of Isaac W. Rannells in his will duly recorded in the Nelson Count Court State aforesaid Green C Duncan is a citizen of Nelson County Ky is now in his twenty fourth year he is six feet high, fair complection, dark auburn hair, has lost one of his front upper teeth, and is the person to whom I now deliver this, he proposes visiting Texas to look after his lands, and is worthy to be received and treated as a Gentleman
            Given under my hand
            this 9th Sept 1865
            T P Linthicum Judge of
            the Nelson County Court
State of Kentucky
   Nelson County, Sct.
      I, Edwin Turner, Clerk of the County Court in & for the County and State aforesaid do certify that T. P. Linthicum is now, the time of signing the within certificate Judge of the Nelson County Court and that his signature as appears herein is his genuine signature and that all his acts as such are intitled to full faith & credit.
      Given under my hand and Seal of Said Court at office in Bardstown this 9th day of September 1865
            Edwin Turner, Clerk, Nelson County Court
 
DISTRICT OF KENTUCKY, SCT.
         I Green C Duncan of Nelson County State of Kentucky Do solemnly swear in the presence of Almighty God, that I will henceforth faithfully support, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Union of the States thereunder; and that I will in like manner abide by and faithfully support all laws and proclamations which have been made during the existing rebellion with reference to the emancipation of slaves. So help me God
            Green C. Duncan
 
DISTRICT OF KENTUCKY, S.S.
   I, A. J. BALLARD, Clerk of the District Court of the United States for said District [at Louisville] certify that on this day before me in my said office, Green C. Duncan, whose name appears above, and who is personally known to me, did take and subscribe the foregoing oath, and that I administered the same to him.
         Witness my signature and the Seal of said Court, this 13 day of September A. D. 1865
         A. J. Ballard, Clerk
 

United States of America
DISTRICT OF KENTUCKY, SS
I, A. J. BALLARD, Clerk of the District Court of the United States for said District [at Louisville] certify that the foregoing is a true and correct transcript of the Record of the oath of Green C Duncan and the authentication thereof, as the same remains in my said office.
         In testimony whereof I hereto subscribe my name, and affix the Seal of said Court, this 13 day of September, A.D. 1865, and of our Independence the 90 year.
         A. J. Ballard, Clerk.
 
            Bayou Sacce[?], Sept 21st 1865
My Dear Sir
      This will be handed you by my friend Green Duncan of Nelson County Ky who visits your state upon some business and I have advised him to make your acquaintance. He is a gentlemen in every sense of the word and I am sure you will be glad to meet him.
   With my kindest regards to all your family, I remain most truly your friend
            Robert C. Wickliffe [RPM: probably the Louisiana Congressman]
Judge Thos Duvall, Houston
 

            Galveston Texas
            Sept 30th 1865
Dear Ma
      I wrote to you while on the River between Vicksburg and New Orleans. I reached New Orleans on last Monday morning - remained there until next evening when I left on steamer Hoze[?] for Galveston The steamer was a good well ....... & fast one the accommodations poor, small & crowded. I was sea sick from the time we got out on the Gulf until we entered Galveston Bay. I cant describe the feeling tho it was miserable. Rather a dont care feeling, whether we sink or swim. I arrived day before yesterday evening after forty seven hours from New Orleans & I assure you I was truly glad when we entered Galveston Bay.
   The sea was not very rough so I was told, tho I thought it was. I did not eat anything scarcely while coming over, but am now doing first rate.
   We have had nice fresh fish & oysters both of which I enjoy. I leave this morning for Houston where I will remain a day or two & then go on to Wharton. Galveston is a very pretty place & quite a business place. It is hot in the ..... tho very fine breeze. The weather not at all warm compared to Ky just before I left
   It costs very high indeed to travel now, more than I expected Hotel bills & everything else high. This state seems to be in a settled condition. I have seen & heard but little tho dont think prospects very flattering
   I will write again soon tho it will be somewhat doubtful whether or not the letter reaches you I will most probably have to give it to somebody to have it mailed in New Orleans. You know I will always be very glad to hear from you. When you write let me know how your health is
   Give my love to all at home I will write to Tom & Isaac soon.
 

            Bloomfield Oct 20 1865
   My very Dear Son
            I was greatly comforted on hearing you had arrived safely at Galveston I received your letter dated Sept 30th from that place have not gotten your first letter yet and this was a long time coming I was feeling badly that I did not hear from you. Annie had a letter from Vicksburg and one from New Orleans from which I heard, and was very glad to hear you were safe that ..... but it was the Gulf I dreaded I knew it would make you so sick and I feared the danger and now when you are there safe we are debarred[?] the privilege and comfort of regular communication I am so anxious to hear from you once a week at least. I hope mails will be started immediately, but you must manage to send letters. I will write singularly as you direct. From what you say I fear the prospect of ....... in Texas is not very good but shall hope for the best. Know you will do the best you can. Things are moving on very much as when you left. a great deal of anxiety that there should be a more settled state of things. Negro soldiers who have been mustered out of service are returning which is not very pleasnt, but our State is now free from Martial law which will add to our peace and comfort. Dr Archer has made Sue Calvert the promised visit. Came shortly after you left and was here about a month. She was disappointed in him. he is an intellectual. Cultivated gentleman but lacks practical sense. Wears very long hair, and it curls in ringlets over his shoulders, which attracts universal attention. he wrote more handsome poetry for Sue, but I think he will not come back. Mary Rochester is here teaching in Mrs. Phillips's school. She is a very pleasant girl Comes to see us frequently Your Aunt Nannie has been to Louisville on a visit of two weeks Came home Saturday and brought with her Juely Winston and Annie was looking for Bell Bridgeford this evening (tuesday) to stay until Munday when they will all go down, and Aunt Nannie also. She to attend Jimmie Cokes reception. Tom and Isaac are progressing tolerably well. Tom not very well in health I fear confinement with him I made a visit out shortly after your left. Stayed most of the time at Arch's. went to Bardstown and in going around took cold and have not been so well since I am now home better[?] had to defer writing to you some days because not well enough. I am going to have Dr Gore to give my lungs a thorough examination, and when I write to you next I will tell you what he says
   I had my picture taken for you, which is tolerably good, but I will not send it until there is more certainty about letters. Nannie Gore is still in a critical condition but on the whole I hope some better. Suffers at times very much with her head. Amos Skinner died since you left. [RPM: Amos Skinner died 12 Oct. 1865 and is buried in the old Bloomfield cemetery.] Dr Berkley has gone to Louisville, his wife would not come back. Dr Mars Lewis has gone in with Dr Gore Aleck Duncan has commenced the study of medicine. Your father has had a letter from you and seemed much gratified. And now my dear Son let me counsel you to read your bible daily, the third Chapter of Proverbs once a week, and be governed by it. it contains precious truth. true wisdom is that which fits us for a blessed eternity and I trust and pray that each one of us be prepared for that never ending state of blessedness which our precious Saviour has prepared for all who will come to Him I do so much wish I could see you and talk to you now and that you were located where I could see you as long as I lived God bless you my dear Son and protect you is my ..... prayer      Your devoted Mother
            M M Duncan
All send love to you. Write. Write
 

      At Home Oct 25th /1865
            Brother Green
   Your letter dated the 10th of this month to Papa reached here yesterday and we were all glad to hear from you and to know that you have reached Texas safe & sound. I suppose you had a much more pleasant time in Vicksburg than you had on the Gulf of Mexico, I should think so from accounts. I have been trying to get Papa to write to you but he keeps putting it off for a more convenient time. he has got two letters from you so I think you will hear from him before long.
   I know you will be supprised when you get this paper and see who it is from it has been a long time since I wrote to you. There is no news worth writing that I know of. Mr Ford is building a meat-house for us Mr Batcheldor has commenced the wood-house & it looks very well so far We have had a few cold rainy days but the weather is pleasant now. Annie & Mary are going to school in Bloomfield they like it very well Annie thinks she would rather be here than in Bardstown. Mary has not been very well for several days but is still going to school. My shoulder is about well but not strong. James Nicholls black man George who had been in the army, has come back & took Angeline, his wife, and children including about eight in all they have been gone about a month they said they were going near Louisville Mary has left too I dont know where she went. I believe I have written[?] about all I have to say so I will close for fear I will weary your patience too much Mother Annie & Mary send there love to you
   Write soon to Your Brother JW Duncan
 
Son Green as Jo has not fil[l]ed his sheet I will write a few lines as you have been so prompt in writing me two letters and I shall expect you to continue writing two to my one I felt very much relieved in getting you[r] first letter having seen in the Louisville Journal that there was an equinoctial storm in the gulf of Mexico and a good many vesels lost. So we ought to feel thankful for the preserving care of him that does all things well. Your last letter informed me you were in Wharton Texas at my friend's Capt. Alexander's and that you had been to see your land, with its log cabins that is the way that most all who go to new settled countries have to begin the main thing is the quality of the land and I take it for granted that the land is rich and productive and if it is not worth much now I think it will ultimately be valuable and therefore would not part with it until I could realise something like its worth but I dont know how to advise you, but you are where you can see it with all its suroundings and I think you are now of sufficient age and have seen enough to form a correct opinion and I have confidence that you will think and ...... in a way to take care of yourself and that you will make the man we are getting along about as we were when you left our labour is yet very uncertain occasionaly leaving and them that remain dont half work and I think the sooner it is played out the better for Ky. I suppose it is very certain the constitutional amendment will pass without Ky and that will settle the thing in all the states. Every thing in our country is high It is thought hogs will command $10 g....ass cattle are worth from $5 to $6 Bacon sides is worth about 24 cents per pound, but the most of us are a good way from market not having much to sell and everything the Farmer has to buy is very high and labour at rates the Farmer cant aford to hire
   Jo has got so he can play the fiddle and is playing now and the girls are singing so you may [k]now I have a good chance to write a letter your friends and relations generaly well
   Saturday night 28th Oct I have just returned from Bloomfield I saw your Uncle A C Wilson and Isaac Duncan they had no news and said all as well as usual we are taken some care of Frank Jo rides him and I ride him some myself but have not had him in the buggy since you took the ride with him though think I will have him worked and broke to harness soon he looks better than you left him
    there is no news We were all glad to hear from you and Mother and the children all join me in our love to you Write soon and tell about everything and give my respects to Capt Alexander and accept yourself the best wishes of your Father Green Duncan
We were at the Big Spring meeting Sunday 29th Miles Sanders preached I saw Isaac & Susie there I suppose there [are] some stragling guerilas A Darky occasionally shot in there tromps off and a good many horses stolen and some roberies committing but I hope it will be better the citizens are tired of it      Yours    GD
 

            Home Oct 30 1865
Dear Green
      I received yours of the 10th today. was very glad to hear that you had arrived all right & that things were in as settled a condition as you represent them. Altho prospects are not very flattering as might be expected, still keep a stiff upper lip & wait & hope for better times.
   From what you say of the price of land, I would say by all means hold on to yours. Unless you would sell it to invest in another place & better yourself by the operation. Some sort of labor system will necessarily be established in the course of some years even if it be a return to the old system of slavery or something more severe on the laborers. The R.R. you speak of will be completed too if the world stands long (which the writers on prophecy, by the way, seem to doubt) & with some labor system adopted & that R.R. completed your land will yet be valuable. The question is what to be at in the meantime & it may be but to wait a while yet to determine. you say there is considerable change anticipated Christmas. perhaps you can determine better after that time. Is there any demand for employment without capital.
   I want you to keep me posted as to prices & any items of interest. I may turn up in Texas yet. If I could meet with a good opportunity to sell here, I should do so & think I could better my condition to reinvest south. I have a considerable fancy for a grass country If a man cant command labor or is too lazy to do or have it done himself he can have the grass to fall back on
   I want you to give me your honest advice as to a move to Texas if I can get off from here. Whether you think with my means which you know are now quite limited my family & my very able physical development I could make a living (how comfortable a one) or anything more. Are many planters quitting business. Could a man hire Negroes or would former owners wish to keep them & take it access[?] for them to be hired. What are work mules worth & what quality of mules are they. How plenty are agricultural implements waggons & everything a planter would need. how high are they selling. Was there much corn raised & what it is worth. How many hogs & the price. can beef be cured & used during the whole year. What is flour worth & how tall are general & incidental expenses. Tell me too how all sorts of stock are rating & how good is the range on Caney for cattle & hogs. can they be kept under any control
   I received a letter from Cousin Garnett a few days since he was in Paris. he thinks Maximillian will be driven out of Mexico owing to his own foolish policies says Dr Guignic[?] who is a friend of his has abandoned Mexico on account of the Emperors treatment & that the opposition party in France are for withdrawing the French troops from Mexico & he thinks perhaps it will be begun this winter. Says he had thought of advising you & Tom to go to Sonora & had hoped to be able to do something for you, through Dr. Guignic but would not advise such a step now. his address is No. 106 Rue bauguard, Paris, France.
   I have no news things driving along about as they were in these parts save we have no Negro soldiers now. Martial law has been removed from Ky though it is now reported that Gen Palmer has gone on to Washington to have it restored. I have heard nothing from your Memphis Drs yet will write to them before long if I do not hear. Collected your Adams note in trade a few days ago.
   George Lee has just returned from a visit to Danville/Dauville La & Susie has been sitting talking & the children rearing around cutting up Jack so you will make some allowance if this should be somewhat like the old womans dictionary - rather disconnected. Give my warm regards to Capt Alexander & the Dr. Does the Dr still devote himself to dogs &c as much as ever.
   How much capital would it require for a man to do anything worthwhile doing, either planting or stock raising in the present condition of things in Texas. But in conclusion we all should endeavor not to be too much concerned or wrapped up in anything of this world for the fashion of this earth soon passeth away.
            Your Aff. brother      J.W. Duncan
Susie sends love. Ma is in Bloomfield now. has not been very well but nothing very serious I think.
If the majority of planters are going to try to go ahead I would be more disposed to try stock. They will probably want the stock & be able to pay for them, but if the majority are quitting planting & going into stock I would be more inclined to .... ..... ..... to try planting & double team with some man I was satisfied was reliable How would fine young horse stock rate in Texas & what do you suppose the transportation of a horse from here would be worth.
 

            Home Nov. 21 1865
Dear Green
      I received your letter written after arriving at Wharton & replied to it several weeks ago, but as communication between here & Texas is slow & uncertain I will write briefly again. How do you like Texas? Do you think from what you see [paper decayed, several words lost] manually or any length of time? I ask these questions for my own information & will not make known your answers if you prefer. We have advertized our land here for sale, the whole of it & I am in hopes may be able to sell at a fair figure & then altho I have not my mind fully made up, I do not know of anything I would be as apt to do as to invest the means mostly on Caney. Do you know of any man on Caney who is hard up for means who would sell his plantation (which would afford him the means) & then run it & raise cotton the coming year on his shares. he could maybe hire & keep his negroes with him & make a crop when I am not having any hands I know could do no good with them. Anyhow it would be late by the time I could get there & get fitted up to begin a crop for next year then with my health & to be acclimated I would hate to risk undertaking a crop myself
   I of course would not want to go in with any but an honourable reliable man & would not wish to buy any plantation that I would not be willing to keep & live on [paper decayed, 1-2 words lost] In any such arrangement have you any idea what portions of the crop I could get for the use of the land.
   Then if I had some means left over could I not probably make something by trading in stock buying & taking to New Orleans or some other market. In that event I would be glad to have you for a partner. I will write to you immediately if we effect a sale.
   Is there a stage line from Wharton to Victoria If you have not gone into business go over & see them at Dr. Weisigers. They would be glad to see you & you would get to see something of the country. If you learned anything in going out about the value of transportation from here to Texas give me some clues. when you write give me some items about what things would be profitable & comfortable to take in case we go out. As Ever Your bro.
            J.W. Duncan
I do not feel very good tonight & will say no more. All the friends about as usual. Susie joins me in love to you. Write to us.
 

            Hard Scrabble Nov 29, 1865
Dear Green:
      I have written to you twice since you left but my first letter was directed to Galveston & sent by mail before I heard there were no mails in Texas and the other was written before I received yours of Oct 9th Ma received a letter from you the other day dated Oct. 22nd and one mailed at San Antonio also came for Fred and was sent to her. She has been in Louisville two or three weeks and will probably remain a week or two longer. All of us were glad to hear by your letter written soon after you got to Wharton that you found your land in as good condition as could have been expected and I hope you may be able to make it pay your expenses for some time to come even though it may not yield much profit. If you think you can make expenses on your place for several years I think your best course would be to settle on it immediately. Isaac would like to move to Texas and perhaps in a year or two or less time than that he may be able to do so. I scarcely have an opinion as to where I will live but think I would like Texas. I progress slowly with my studies but ssuppose I will be able to qualify myself to practise medicine. Ma's health is about as when you left if any difference a little more delicate. She sends by me a picture of herself and says she will write to you soon. She was very glad to receive the letters you wrote to her.
   You asked me for my photograph before you left & I intended to give it to you. I send it with this letter. have not had one taken since my return from the army. All are about as well as usually here. Ike progresses pretty well with his studies. He and I hunt a good deal but are not very successful. He went to Louisville not long since to get a gun & I think one object he had in view was to see Ann Elizabeth Caldwell. He has concluded Miss Belle is too old for him - a very wise conclusion we would say. I do not know how Phil Lee's suit with her is progressing - he seems desperately smitten. Uncle Arch, Isaac & Mr. Lee sold their hogs at 10 cts. per pound for the butcher in Louisville. Not many buyers for the slaughter houses have been through the country but I believe most of the farmers expect to sell at 10 cts. or kill their hogs. Two or three weeks ago fine cattle were worth 7 cts. gross in Louisville & I suppose they are worth about the same now. Isaac sold a lot of good sheep the other day for about five dollars per head. Hayden Stone has sold his farm (to Mr. Tyler formerly of Missouri who lived at the Ashe place near Dr. Merrifield's) for about 91$ per acre. Ma and I went to see Uncle Russell and Aunt Fannie a few weeks ago. he had gone to Missouri to see whether it would be practicable for them to return soon & I think it probable they will go this fall or in the spring. Isaac received a letter from Cousin Garnett not long since. He was in Paris & said he expected to come to the U.S. next year. Miss Kate Slaughter died two or three weeks ago. It was said she was engaged to Billie Carothers and they intended to marry soon. I do not remember whether I told you in my other letters that Geo. McMillan (a college mate of yours) & Mrs. Coward with whom he boarded at Danville were married not long since. I suppose she is old enough to take care of him as also to be proof against having any more children to disturb the peace of the little Cowards. Miss Sallie Stone is to be married week after next to Mr. Sterrett of Hawesville a widower & the father of Jeff Sterrett. Mr. Montgomery received the money I sent you He wrote to you at Vicksburg but I suppose you did not receive the letter. I saw Mary at Nazareth about three weeks ago. She was well - has been at home twice since you left. Nannie Gore has been apparently better for a week or two. She has recovered from dropsy but they fear she has a disease of the kidneys which is more dangerous than dropsy. Her sight is affected & she cannot see well enough to read. [RPM: She died in March 1866.] Her mother bids fair to give birth to another child in due time counting from the middle of May the date of the Doctor's return from the South. Alex Duncan is studying medicine with Dr. Gore & I believe Searls Davis has commenced too. Don't you think this community will furnish enough doctors to the world. Write whenever you have opportunity of sending letters I hope there will soon be mail communication with Wharton as there appears to be already with San Antonio.
            As Ever Your Affectionate Brother,
            Thos G Duncan
[RPM: Thomas is probably not Green's brother, but his cousin, son of Ellis Duncan and Mary Wilson. There is no evidence that Green C. Duncan's father Green had a son Thomas except one who died as a child. Hard Scrabble was the Wilson family home.]
 

            November 30th 1865
Mr Green C. Duncan
         Dear Green
            I thought I would write you a few lines and enclose in Freds letter There is nothing new going on around here Miss Belle was up and left this morning on her way to Louisville. Of course she was perfectly charming, but I did not enjoy much of her company as I had to stick to my Study. My studying does not go as hard with me as I expected, but of course it is not very easy. I would like to be out with you this winter I think I would enjoy living in one of those eligant houses which you describe in some of your letters. You must let me know how much game you kill this winter. I think it would be delightful to take a ..... for about a month at a time. would bring back ..... remembrances we have [line obscured by decaying paper] during the war and would have all the pleasure without much of the danger of a soldiers life. Tom and Fred have both received a letter from you in the last week, but for myself I cannot say the same, but am looking forward for one with a great deal of interest.
   Mother has gone down to Louisville to a reception given to Jimmy Coke and wife as he married about three weeks ago. Phillip Lee seems to be taking a set to Miss Belle. Dont know whether he will be successful or not. suppose Fred will tell you all she knows about it in her letter. Do you like Texas as well as you do Ky, but I suppose you are like every one else, think more of your native state than all the rest. Fred had a letter from Capt Pope. I read it. He wrote quite eloquently. Was at Canton Miss, intended running for the clerkship of the house of Representatives as it afforded a salary of $96 dollars per month. [RPM: The remaining half page of this letter has been damaged by decay or water, and the words that are legible, other than the mention of a Miss Judie Winston, add nothing. The writer is probably a relative of Green C. Duncan's.]
            Isaac
 

            Wharton Texas Dec 3rd 1865
Dear Ma
   I have - glad to say - gotten back to Caney from the West. got back day before yesterday. Guadeloup valley is the only part of the western country I like. But think Caney is better tho not even so pretty The whole western country is fine for stock tho somewhat lonely I got tired travelling over it
   I was very glad indeed to find upon my arrival two letters from you - Oct 20 and Nov 2 - I am so glad to hear from you. they were the first I had received. I am very sorry to hear that you have not been so well, tho glad you are now better. You must as you said let me know what Dr. G.......
   You speak of my coming back to Ky if cannot succeed out here. I assure you I have no idea of returning tho would love so dearly to see you. I am confident I can make a living out here. Everything is presenting somewhat bitter aspect at present but the Negroes still wont hire, want to wait until Christmas, so it is hard to tell what will be ..... You know my means are very limited
   The plantation needs so much ..... The men on it this year dont pay me a cent rent. Capt Alexander made arrangements with them that they could remain on the place after the lease was out & just pay taxes on the land so they paid Confederate taxes
   ..... as they worked the land for nothing & the condition it is left in, so with the world. It is better than to have had no one on it at all. I think the prospect in Texas is better than you believe Cotton is hazardous. If a man had means to go into the ..... business he could not help making money if he attended to his stock.
   I forgot to tell Isaac that I paid Frayser & Willett in ......
   From all accounts immense emigration coming to Texas. Property will undoubtedly advance.
   Direct your next to Wharton. There will be a U.S.P.O. here in a short time I hear. I will write again ..... I said before I had a little spell of fever[?] at Clinton I am now in fine health. I was at the Missouri[?] less than a week ago. All well
   Texas is a great country & I don't see why you thought of my not being able to do anything out here. I thought it best to learn something & look around before I embarked into any business
   Give my love to all & write soon to Your Affectionate Son
            Green C. Duncan
PS Remember me to ... & family. How is Nannie Gore? Write
 

            Home, Dec 26th 1865
Dear Brother Green
            I received your letter a few days ago and was very glad to hear from you. as you know we always are, therefore, I think you might write oftener. Papa has received only two letters from you the last one dated at Galveston. Joe wrote to you sometime ago. papa also wrote on the same paper so I suppose you have heard from home before this. I am sorry you have been sick, but glad to know that you are well again I do think it is enough to make anyone home-sick to be so far away among stranger, and if you should get home-sick, the only cure that I know of would be to come home. We all want to see you very much and think a great deal about you. Joe is well, he and Joe Berkley drove some cattle to Louisville week before last they had a very unpleasant time the weather turned cold the night after they started. they got back last Sunday week. It has been so cold and rainy that I didn't go to school last week. we have holiday now untill next Monday.
   Green, I haven't any news worth writing there has been some weddings about here since you left. cousin Bettie Murry was married to Mr. Montgomery of Taylorsville Miss Sarah Ellen Stone to Mr. Sterett from near Hawsville Ky a widower more than sixty years old and Mrs. Edwards to Mr. Herndon of Henry county. She was a widower too. We took our Christmas dinner with Grand-mother she is about as usual lies in bed most of the time. Uncle Coleman and his family are well. Mr. Billy Minor was buried at the public graveyard in Bloomfield last Friday. I hear that Nannie Gore is worse they don't think that she will get well.
   Write soon. you must not think your letters are not interesting to me they always are. all send their love to you and say you must write.
            Your sister Annie E Duncan
 

[RPM: The following letter appears to be dated 1856, but the copy is dim, and the Wilson cousins mentioned would not even have been born in 1856. Note also what seems to be the departure of former slaves. Ben Gore, mentioned here, was born in 1858. Sarah Stone's marriage was about this time, as the immediately preceding letters show. The letter may actually have been written by an adult in the Archibald Cameron Wilson family.]
         January 6, 1866
Dear Cousin Green, Tho' I am a little girl, I know you will ...... to hear from Mary. I still have my pretty ring, and prize it because my dear Cousin Green, gave it to me. I went to Louisville after you left and had my teeth plugged & two pulled. I can read a little and am getting to be a good girl. A great many of the blacks have gone, and we going to keep very few. ....... Gore is very sick. Sister Nannie stays there all the time and nurses her. She likes sister Annie to nurse her better than anybody. Cousin Tom has quit teaching brother J... and me. Arch is a big boy and ....pets him as much as ever. Be sure to take good care of yourself and ..... .....Nanty loves you and so does all of us. I have "Maltese Cat" I play with. Somebody killed "Meow" Arch and I were so sorry. Phil Lee wants to marry Belle Bridgeford. I expect they will. Cousin May W and Phil Lee came out & stayed all night. We think of you often and wish you would come home. Juely Winston came to see .....since you left Ben Gore goes to school to Miss Mary Rochester, Aunt Mary Duncan as well. Uncle Billy Minor is dead. Jim Coy is married to Alice Brown[?] Pa wants to sell the place, but Ma and I don't want to leave our pretty home. Cousin Green you must allways think of us, as those that love you best and this as a home. Miss Sarah Stone is married to Mr. Steritt. Sally Dorsey is to be married to a Steamboat man as Mr Lanster[?]. Mary is well and most as big as Ma. You won't know who this letter is from at first, but you will be glad to have one from your little blue eyed Cousin Nanty Wilson.
 

Return to Part 1 of the 1858-1866 Papers in the Green C. Duncan Collection transcribed by Robert P. Moore
 

Return or go to the Nelson Co. KY Research File
 

Return or go to the Wharton Co. TX Research File
 

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