St. Joseph, Mo., April 12, 1865. Much Esteemed and Highly Respected Nephew – I just received yours of the 9th with the pleasing intelligence of your good health and welfare which finds us enjoying the same blessings and what thankful hearts we should offer to donor of all goodness, of such indescribable mercies. We got here on Saturday last after a long parroting for possession of the house, the old woman who occupied it was loath to give it up. We are now comfortably situated with one boarder, James Tinsley who is much of a gentleman who had to leave his family and home 30 miles below here on account of the bushwackers, what scoundrels, they will get their reward. From every indication there will be a speedy change, I hope for the better, that we may be able to put our souls and bodies together for the use they were created, for to do all the good we can, and no harm. I saw Carpenter today, he says Steven Varner’s family are well, his wife was sick but is better now. Stephen is at home, he thinks the early fruit is hurt, there is not many here in good. M.C. Daniel went home last week with a large carbuncle. Mr. Daniel went to Kansas. Sallie is here and intends taking the rounds amoung your connections and then return. I have been confined but now can see some of our friends and think of returning to the poor old Mother of States and see the sad state of things since I left. Your father, sisters and myself attended one of the Rev. Leftwic’s lectures on the death and resurrection of Christ, which he handled with a master hand, he is an interesting man, Martha Ann was quite delighted, she will go to school and finish her education. I had left space for her to say something but her mother will write next. Excuse this for it was done in haste. I will close by giving my best respects to all that seek for an intrust in a better world than this. I wish you every thing you need here and hereafter. Believe your uncle, Saml. P. Forrer.
Community and Conflict - the Impact of the Civil War in the Ozarks
