TNGenWeb Project/TNGenNet, Inc., (a Tennessee nonprofit public benefit corporation). "The Howard-Smith Collection" Transcription copyright: 1998, by Mrs. F. A. Augsbury; all rights reserved. The originals are at the McClung Library in Knoxville. This file is in text format. Please use your browser's "back" button to return to the previous page. ******************************************************************************* To: C. J. McKinney From: Lida A. McKinney ----------------------------- Home May 1866 My dear Papa: Mother commenced to write to you this morning; but couldn't collect her thoughts sufficiently to do it so she deputised me to write in her stead, then you know that she is not much of a writer any how. But I am afraid that mine will not be any better than hers. We received your most welcome letter this morning, and as it had been some days since we heard from you we were very glad to get it. we noticed that the papers had been giving you fits, I suppose you are very glad to have your name in print so often, I know your ambition was very much gratified on reading the high name they decided to honor you with Mother was very uneasy about you until we got your letter this morning. We heard that you didn't vote for the franchise bill and that Flag went up to remonstrate with you about it some said you give him a good "cussing," others said you very coolly told him to go to a warmer country, and upon his showing some reluctance to go you were about to bounce him, Old Lg. Campbell when he came said that you all only got on a big "spree" on the passage of the franchise bill, said Charles McKinney was the soberest man in the crowd though he could walk a little by holding to a chair or something. Mother I think believed it all you know she very superstitious Well! There is a whiporwill that stays around here it come pretty close to the house and screamed the other night several times then it went on Charter house, then in Aunt Mary's old house. She felt certain then you had had some differentry and that she would hear bad news from you. Sister was better this morning, but she was very sick after dinner she had palpitations of the heart. Mr. Logan left Sunday evening he was going I think to Greenville to court. Mother gave him a pair of suspenders, he was very proud of them indeed. Cousin Bettie Kenner, Amelia and Lucy Mitchell come out yesterday to help Sister. We haven't had any strawberrys yet, I noticed in the papers that they had had them at the Stacy House. Grandma's folks heard from Aunt Sarah. They have made 70$ on thirty. ____(?) Henry is working away at the steps they are very much improved with the work they have had. I presume you have heard of Mrs. Kneelands marriage. Sister was slighted there too. Mother didn't like it a bit either. The children are all well. All send their love. Write soon to your Affectionate Daughter Lida A. McKinney P S Mother say she wants you to come home as soon as you possible can but I know you will do that. I add this merely for her sake.