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October 13, 1861
[printed:]
1861, Oct. 13
Mrs. A. Fanny Polk, to her husband, Bishop Polk, re; family matters and her desire to settle once more in a home with her children around her; news from the Elliotts that vessel had arrived from England brin[g]ing 8,000 rifles and cannons, and other supplies. 4 pp.
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[in pencil] (A.D. 1861)
Oct 13th Sunday
My dear husband --
I have come into Columbia to service this day, & have heard of an opportunity of writing you. The last news was the Telegram sent to Hamilton, & which arrived after he left. The servants & "plunder" went up to Ashville yesterday. Emily & I will follow on Wednesday by which time we hope the girls will have gotten things a little straight. They went up also on Saturday & are staying , some with Kate, some with Mary [Yeatman?] I think when the boxes from N. O. come to hand we shall be quite comfortable. I heard from Mary [Yeatman?] that little Betsy, from the planta
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tation had arrived there on Friday moprning with "An Adams Express Ticket pinned to her Cape"-greatly to the amjusement of the family. I shall be very glad, & I hope thankful, to have once more a home of my own, & to have my children around me, how much more, if we could only have you with us.
I hope we shall hear of something decisive soon. I understand Lucius returned last night from Bowling Green & reports that as we advance into Kentucky the Union men are more bitter & defiant-this I think is natural. I hope Miss-- is not to be deserted by us -- at any rate the war must be driven from our borders.
I under-
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stand Nashville is in somebody else' military division, for I am not under your keeping. The day after Hamilton left Sally had a long letter from Hessie Elliott. She said a vessel had arrived from England bringing 8000 Enfield Rifles & 22 Rifled Cannon. Sap[ ? ] was a relative -- they were out thirty days & spoke but one vessel, which gave them papers informing them of the falling of [ ?] -- a good Providence as they had intended making that place as being least likely to offer obstructions. It was not published because there are other vessels similarly loaded trying to get in. There was a long list of [ ? ] beside which were spool thread, & leather for
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artillery traces etc.
James is still gaining slowly. How I would like to see you once again. Send a line when you can, but do not trouble yourself about writing. You are in God's hands dear husband -- & I will try & do my best -- but that is very poor & little. God bless & keep you for me.
There is no one here to send love. If Nick is with you, give him much love. Hamilton I hope found & forwarded our boxes. I should like to see your old friend, I am sure his coming has been a great relief.
I wrote you by young Mr Martin. I hope you received the letter. I enclose a letter for [ ? ].
Yours ever
F A Polk