Hillsborough (NC) Recorder

June 19, 1861

Page 3

 

                                    A LETTER FROM FLORIDA

            TO THE EDITORS OF THE FAYETTEVILLE OBSERVER

                                    June 5, 1861

            “I need not assure you that my feelings, affections and prayers are with the Independent Company especially, and also with the Lafayette, in which I have a nephew; and in fact with all of Cumberland and North Carolina Soldiers.  You will see from the enclosed extract from the Floridian and Journal that I have been soldiering on a small scale.  Wherever I have been, whether at St. Marks, or Cedar Keys, or the Gulf, or Jacksonville, or Fernandina, or the Atlantic, I have met with North Carolinians, high in command and in the ranks, discharging the duties of true and brave soldiers, beloved and respected by all for their faithful discharge of duty.

            “I have recently traveled through fifteen counties in the State, and it would cheer your heart to behold the bountiful crop of golden oats that is now falling before the mower’s sickle. The corn crops look gloriously green, and more abundant by a third than was even planted.  Many crossed their cotton and planted corn among it, others ploughed up their cotton and planted corn, others who never made corn—and I among the number—have planted small quantities.  In fact from a 10 acre patch, judging from appearances, I hope to make oats, fodder, corn, peas and potatoes enough to feed my family.

            “With no facility for spending money, and a determination to raise heavy crops, the South is obliged to grow rich.

            “I met today an officer from Pensacola.  Gen. Bragg is much beloved by the troops (12,000.)  His policy is to avoid a battle, hoping the storms of August will compel the vessels now there to put to sea, when attempt will be made to take Pickens.  In the meantime the troops are becoming veteran soldiers, and now that the fortifications are about completed, one-half the men can be spared elsewhere.

            “Every North Carolinian I meet feels redoubled pride in the Old North State for her recent prompt and gigantic exertions.  Well may they—and well may they say, God bless her.

            B”