[Transcript of Letter from Maud C. Fentress to David Fentress - January 1, 1864] Page: 1 of 4

                                
Many of our old citizens have moved to Memphis.
A Ramsey, Levi Joy, W Wood, & C H C
W Dorien, T Smith, Bob Smith,           At home, Jan 1st 1864
some enrolled in the federal army.
My darling Child,
I must risk the chances
of getting another letter -o you, as an
opportunity offers of getting it as far as
(?) do. it may perhaps go safely from
there to you. I Have written several times, &
my last to yourself & Clara were sent by
Ben Williams. We have been partially relieved
of the reign or terror excereised over us by
Gen Braman, since the evacuation of their
place. Never was there a people more
crushed or oppressed than by him as long
as he was in command here. I trust his
reward may be the stretching of his old neck.
Negroes (?) nearly have left, & every young man
belonging to the Estate except Wash, with one
young woman have gone. Hugh has set
up a shoemakers shop on his own hook.
Elijah & yellow Elsy set up for free. All
Jimmies Negroes gone except Anne &
Eliza a perfect (?). Jim & Dave have made
me nothing for two years past. still hang
around to be fed & clothed. I have lost all