Circular handstamp postmark:
Rogersville/ Ten, Jun 17 1867
(The original postage stamp is missing.)
Addressee:
Mr. Isac N. Huddle, Rural Retreat, Wyth Co, Va.
Letter:
Carter’s Valley, Sunday
June -- th 1867
Dear cousin,
I have concluded to spend a part of this rainy evening on writing to you.
It has been Raining nearly all day, so we was deprived the privilege of
hearing the Baptist Brother preach as this was their day.
It is not every Sunday we can go to the right sort of preaching, so I
sometimes have to content myself at home.
Time are very quiet here now, the latest interuption I have heard of
was the whipping of a preacher about two weeks ago.
He was a white man sent here to preach to the negros; he was well supplied
with radicle gospel, and told the negros from the pulpit that they were
equal with any white man, had equal rights and privilages and that their duty to claim them.
He would stay with the negros at their houses and equalize himself in all respects.
This was to much for the cuclux [KKK]
I am busy these days teaching school about five miles from
home, on what is called Oposom Creek.
I have a tolerable good school it averages from eighteen to
twenty three but I expect more ia a few weeks.
I find it troublesome work teaching where there is so many
little ones as there is where I teach.
Next week the school will be half out, then I will be glad,
s I am tired walking so far Mondays and Fridays.
When my school is out, I want to go to school some where next winter.
I have not decided yet where I will go, wether I will come back to Wythe or not.
There are good schools nearer home than there but I know not were than there
but I know not where to go for the best.
Crops generally are prety good for the time.
Wheat is very fine, I believe better than I even seen. Oats and corn look
tolerably well. Wheat harvest will be here next week verry soon for this country.
I wish you would come down and see us this summer.
If you will come I think I can give you as many good peaches as you can eat.
Peaches are plenty here but aples are scarce.
Wax dolls are scarce but there is plenty that are not wax, if you don’t
believe it come down and see and be convinced.
Isac you must write to me and tell me how you are getting along, what you
and the other school boys are doing whether you are all married or not.
Whether there will be a school at the Depot or not, if so when it will commence.
Tell me the news of the neighborhood generally, as I may have some interest
in that country. Try and come down in August. I will be teaching yet but you
shall be taken care of. Come and bring some of your relations with you.
It is near night I will have to close. Write soon I am anxious to hear from
you as I have had no news since I left.
Give my love to all inquiring friends especially those of the fair sex, and
ever remember me as your,
/s/ Rufus H. Brown
Notes:
George E. Webb, Jr. transcribed this letter; it is one of many in his collection. He is owner of Tennessee
Books and Autographs in Rogersville, and he is Secretary-Treasurer of the Tennessee
Postal History Society.
From the Collection of
George E. Webb, Jr. Provenance: Bookworm and Silverfish, 1987
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