Letter from N. C. Smith to His Father
This letter was included as an exhibit in N.C. Smith's court case against S. C. Mendenhall. It was written to his father, Abraham, and includes information on the death of his second wife, Cecilia, and their children.
April 17, 18732949
My Dear Father
I received yours of Apr 14. And was very glad to hear that you were still living but am satisfied that you must be very feeble. I wrote to you last summer but was doubtful about your address, and as you did not receive it must have been mistaken. I would have come to Rockingham but having had a great deal of sickness in my family, and not being otherwise convenient I deferred coming. Cecilia is dead. She died on Monday 31st March. And I have been making arrangement ever since she was buried. About the children. 2 boys. And 2 girls. The 2 girls Nellie and Virginia I have made arrangements about definitely. They are to go to Rhode Island, to Providence, to go to school. They will stay with their Aunt Clara who is living there. Robert will live at present with his Grand Father until I make some other arrangement. They wish to keep him and the youngest boy who is 4 years old altogether but I do not know what I shall do now. I will determine during this summer what I shall do, but am sure that I shall go to Texas and if I do in a short time I will take the 2 boys with me. As soon as I can get the 2 girls ready and off to R.I. I expect to come to Rockingham. Tell Col Johnson if there is anything that I can do to write me. I think Peachy Rice’s deposition, George E Deneale, Saml Bowman, J. P. Effinger and others ought to be taken, but when I come up I will see about it, but I fear it will be several weeks before I come. I think John C. Woodsons deposition ought to be taken. I traded Mendenhall a house and lot in Mt Crawford, which he sold to Mrs. Dever, and left the marker in Mr Bryants hands for collection. Mr Bryant recd the money and up to 1862 had not paid it over to Mendenhall refusing to do so because the bonds against me bought by him from Mendenhall, was a fraud. Woodson certainly knows all about it. He is not going to tell anything unless he is compelled to do it. Jack Van Pelt would be a good witness. McIntyre ought to be hunted up. Henry Miller, who was living at Crab Orchard Lincoln Co Kentucky at the breaking out of war, ought to found, but write me again as soon as you receive this, and let me know how long you expect to remain in Harrisonburg. I will try and get there as soon as I can.
Your Son
N.C. Smith
I recd a letter from Wm Shands inquiring if I knew where his father was in the latter part of May 1859. I am not able now to say. Will write or see him soon.
NCS
