Huntsville June 29/1860

 

My Dear old Chad:— It is sometime since I heard from you, and you are a letter in my debt. How are you getting along. As I am seriously in the notion of making a farmer out of myself and quitting rail roading entirely: I want you to answer me the following questions—

 

What can good (not best improved) but good land (moderately improved) be bought for pr acre. How much land have you in cultivation, and what kind of crops? How many acres in wheat? how many in hay &c &c and how much pr acre of each kind of crop is a fair average crop? How much pr bushel can you get for wheat, corn &c &c, and how much pr ton for hay. How many acres of land can a man tend—and any other information you think would be of service to me. Dont fail to give me a long letter on farming. Well Chad—I must now give you a little news. Col Ayres has resigned, and leaves the 1^st of July or as soon as we get out the Annual Report. I dont know what will be done now It is supposed that Capt Ross will be the Gen^l Supt. but it is not yet certain. / If he accepts it I shall probably get this Division, but I dont think Capt will go to Memphis which he would have to do—if he does not go, Col Tate speaks of taking me to Memphis in his office. Things on the road are not changing much; I dont know whether you knew T E Askin or not, he ran as Cond^r between here and Chattanooga. about 1 month ago he was crossing the river at Chattanooga with his gun and accidentally shot himself through the heart. Frank Campbell is now running in his place. The other conductors are just as when you left. M^rs Corrinna Goodman is now in Huntsville and has a little Goodman at home: this is the way things are going on here:—It is sometimes said that we are to have numerous young conductors on the road this year. Fowlers lady furnishes one—Pense's another, Ramsey another, &c &c of course I dont know anything only I hear the folks talk you know Chad—old Jimmy Crawford & Mrs C. are the same as when you left and send best regards, and so does Hawk and his wife & Thomburg and his wife, and the Venable family and every body generally. People frequently ask all about you, and always seem glad when I tell them you are both well and doing well. I should very much like to see you indeed and wish I could / shake you by the hand to day. Now Chad I am going to ask rather a bold question, and if it was not that we are such good friends I would not ask it, and if you think me too inquisitive why dont answer it at all. But if you have no objection I should like to know what your crop is worth to you in dollars and cents. I have no news of importance. the political matters are taking up all the time & attention now. Day before yesterday some men had the old town cannon down in the field at the back of Venables and were firing a salute in honor of Breckenridge and Land. while two of them were loading the gun went off and injured two men—Mooney & Strong—it is feared Mooney will die. I must now quit you and write some to Lizzy—

 

My Dear little Pet:—Aint it too bad that you have not written to me before now. I know Chad has to be out in the field &c at work all the time, and it is true you have lots to do too, for I know you are the thriftiest kind of a little farmer's wife, but then you must certainly find a little time to write when you get this letter. Oh yes and then there is Master Stephen too—he needs a great deal of your attention, but Lizzy, some evening when the boy is sleeping quietly in the cradle, and you / and Chad are sitting down together chatting about old times and old friends, think of me and write me a good long letter. Mrs Thomburg would like very much to hear from you—and she and Mrs Crawford and all your friends send their love. The weather here is very warm indeed, and the crops look very fine. With best love and wishes for yourself and Chad, and many kisses for the boy (and only one for yourself) I am as ever Yours affectionately

                                                                                   

Billey

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