Blakesburg Jany 28^th 1861

 

My Dear Father, Mother        

 

I recd your letter sometime ago but have had so much perplexity and I might say trouble that I have neglected writing

Some two or three weeks before your letter was recd Arin had written me that they were having a good deal of trouble and he feared they would be driven out I immediately wrote them to prepare for the worst to arrange their matters so that they could leave with least possible sacrifice.  I have not heard a word from them since – it is strange they do not write.- I take the daily Hawkeye of Burlington it comes to hand the same day it is published and although it contains all the Telegraphic news I have as yet saw no account of any outrages being perpetrated in Missouri. – from that I am led to beleve that they are more frightened than hurt still there is no doubt but that trouble may be anticipated, even right here the deepest kind of feeling prevails most of all the Democrats say in the event of civil war they will fight for the south – We called a Union Meeting last Thursday night but the assembly was largely Democratic and anything but unanimity of feeling prevailed we had quite a spirited time anything and every thing we Republicans might offer was promptly voted down I pressed two resolutions, from a series that I had drafted, which related entirely to the right to freedom of opinion and the enforcement of the Consitution and laws of the land they too were rejected, but I had the satisfaction of ascertaining who were, and who were not Traitors.  I have sent the Resolutions for publication and if I can obtain an extra copy will send you one.  From the influences of Secession business has become very much depressed and really under existing circumstances and in this community at least, where in case of civil war there would be difficulty. It is rather hazardous selling goods on time or in fact having many debts to collect.  we are devoting our attention now to the collection of our debts and to get our business into as narrow a compass as possible.

           

Times look rather squally – with nothing but shinplaster currency and that becoming scarce people laying aside what money they can get in anticipation if disunion, anarchy and civil war it makes our position extremely unpleasant. Prosperity with the exception of Fat Hogs on Cattle cannot be sold for money and our collection laws are such that property cannot be sold for less than 2/3 is appraised value, so that money cannot be obtained now by process of law.

We are all well,  the Boy is hearty as a Buck

 

 Let us hear from you often

 

                        Yours truly

                                    A. H. Griswold

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