1855: Edmond William Taylor to Thomas Long

This letter was written by Edmond William Taylor (1827-1898) and Garlant H. Taylor (1818-1865). Edmund and Garlant were the sons of Ezekiel Taylor (1781-1834) and Elizabeth Gentry (1792-1872) of Knox County, Tennessee. Garlant was married to Nancy Hammock (1823-1898) and together they had numerous children. Edmond was married to Sarah (b. 1831).

The letter was written to Thomas Long, son of Baptist preacher Isaac Long of Knox County, Tennessee. Thomas’s sister, Nancy Long married Chesley Mitchell, relative of the Nicholas Michell mentioned in the letter.

Stampless Letter

TRANSCRIPTION

Addressed to Mr. Thomas Long, Knox County, Church Grove P.O., Tennessee

State of Arkansas
County of Benton
October 21, 1855

Very dear friends and relations,

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I again set down with pen in hand to inform you that we are in tolerable health at present, hoping these lines may find you all well and in good prosperity. I am truly glad that we can comply with your request and that is to give you some account of George. On yesterday, we received a letter from Isaac Long. So in order to give you all the satisfaction that I can, I will send you his letter, for I think it will be with you as it was with us – almost like the dead coming to life.

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Times is dull here as respects trade and money scarce. As for crops, everything that was put in the ground come to full perfection. There is some sickness in the settlement round about here. Two of Nicholas Mitchell’s children has been sick for some days with something like the fever though they are on the mend so I will close and give place to Garlant. This from Edmond Taylor and family to Thomas Long and family. Mother wishes you to know that she has not forgotten you yet nor none of the rest.

Very dear relation,

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I am once more permitted the opportunity of writing you a few lines. I can’t say that we are all wet. Nancy is not stout yet tho. She is so she can go about the house. Elisa Ann has been fevery several days tho she appears better today. We lost our little infant. It was born September the 14th and departed this life on the 27. It was sick about a week. I think the cause of its death was the weakly condition of its mother before its birth. I have been so afflicted with boils this fall that I can’t work half my time. The rest of us in common health. My mind is not composed to write this time. Write us a letter and let us know how the times is in Tennessee.

This from Garlant and Nancy Taylor to Thomas and Anna Long and all who may enquire after us.