There is no envelope.
I was born in 1846, the son of William H. Haymes Jr. and Mary F. Walters
in Henry Co. Tennessee. My family were natives of the State of Virginia.
My fathers family have lived in Virginia almost 200 years before I was
born. He came to Tennessee in 1840.
My mother died in 1853. When the war came my father and brothers joined
up. My father and brother Archbald were killed at Island No, 10 April 2,
1862. My brother Charles was lost to us. My older
brother Wm Felix
served through the war. I joined the army at age 16 - became a member of
Company “K” 10th
Cavalry of Dibbrell’s Brigade under the command of General Nathan
Bedford Forrest and served under him until the day of surrender May 17
1865. I was in the battle of Chickamauga Missionary Ridge and the only
member of my Co, to serve in the Battle of Franklin and Mary
Skirmishes.
On Oct 29, 1877, my beloved Gen. Forrest died. One of my greatest honors
was to walk in the funeral procession with members of my old Company. As
we bade an affectionate farewell to the greatest General of the South
ever knew. I saw Jefferson Davis pass in review. 10000 poured into the
City of Memphis.
After the war I went into business College in New York City later
opening two dry good stores in Paris Tennessee.
For several years I have made my home with my sister Mary C. Routon. My
brother Felix lost most of his hearing in the war, lives here too.
My brother Charlie the brightest and most promising of my brothers never
returned from the war. After many years of no word, we all gave up hope,
except sister.
Wittness my hand
This 8th
day of Nov, 1886
Signed. James A. Haymes
5 Apr 1998