Maggie Weeks to John C. Moore, June 1, 1864

Weeks Family Papers, Records of the Antebellum Southern Plantations, Series I, Part 6, Reel 18, Frames 460-461

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Wood Park, June 1st 1864

Dear Judge,

I heard through the Prescotts that you had been to see them about two weeks ago and were looking so well, which of course was very pleasant news, though I think you might have paid Charlie & myself a visit, & come to see your poor little burnt grand-daughter. Although it has been four weeks since Dora was burnt, her burns have not yet commenced to heal up, but continue to run with matter, which is not a favourable symptom. Dr. Tucker of Lafourche is practicing on her now, and I hope will effect a more speedy cure. Poor little thing, she has wasted away very much, and looks very badly.

Charlie left us yesterday for Texas. He regretted very much having to leave Dora still so unwell, but was compelled to go, as he has been conscripted and put in the army. He went to Shreveport without his exemption, to get some medicines for Dora, & had to apply for a pass; though the same surgeon examined him, and had his name in his book of exempts, still he would not give him an exemption, but said though not capable of field service, he must be made an army agent, and would be subject to orders as soon as some post was assigned to him. Charlie was compelled to go to Texas to attend to some business, so gave his address in Texas. I do think it was very unjust to put Charlie in the army, for if any one ever was entitled to an exemption he certainly is. Then too he was in government service, as he was hauling for government, and expected to do so again as soon as his mules were in a condition to do so. I am writing to you, to urge your influence to get him out of the army. You, I know, have so much influence with governor Allen, and all the "big folks" in Shreveport, that I am sure if you see them and state the facts about Charlie, how incapacitated he is for army service, you will certainly be able to get him off. I shall depend on you to help us now, as you have always done, and feel every confidence that you will be able to do so.

Charlie was not ordered to report to any one in Texas and intends going there attending to his business, & then returning to report in Shreveport, as he feels too uneasy about Dora, to stay long from her.

I received a letter from Bud about a week ago, dated from his place in Texas. He did not write much about his stay in Attakapas, or our friends there, but only announced his arrival there & begged me to write to him. I also received a letter from Allie, in which she gives a charming account of Freestone, & seems much better satisfied with Texas than formerly. Perhaps it is because she is a bride and all looks "couleur de rose" now. She says they have had fine rains & the crops of wheat & corn are looking beautifully. Then too she had fine pasturage for her mules, & they were very fat. Dora keeps us so occupied, I seldom have time to write, and must now close to attend to her. Johnnie & [Pauls?] are well & hearty as ever.

With love from myself & little ones,

Yours truly,

Maggie