Major family papers

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Letter transmitting unspecified documents with a request to copy them.

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Letter seeking information about a trunk coming from Pittsburg that he would like forwarded to Harrodsburg.

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Still awaiting the trunk mentioned in previous letter and encloses a note to be cashed at the bank.

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Wants to know if the trunk arrived yet and, if so, please keep it as he is now returning to Frankfort.

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Terms for a gold watch and chain pawned by Ralph Pyle for $60.54.

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List of items to be delivered to Harrodsburg for Ralph Pyle & William White (includes bed curtains and large glass).

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There are letters but he is sending him razors by "the boy" and indicates that John Hanna has gone to Lexington.

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States that Granville Crockett said there were no letters for him at the office; Major Odens had a Ball on Friday and his house caught fire on Saturday.

• Box 1, folder 1

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Coleman appears to be debt collector; refers to his "marshalling business" and says that Major and Robert Branham both have claims against Alsop that he can collect in St. Louis.

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States he is unable to repay a loan due the Bank because of sickness in the family and requests a new note.

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The land they were looking at is in Trusteeship but is probably "a bonafide purchase".

• Box 1, folder 1

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Very long letter about drugs and medicine being bought and sold; includes a long passage about his sexual adventures in New Orleans and states that he has not seen "finer Ramparts than at Orleans".

• Box 1, folder 1

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Requesting assistance on getting information on various tracts of land in Hardin, Washington, Greenup, and Christian counties.

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Mentions that Major was indisposed while in Tennessee and should take a "course of Medicine"; asks about a friend from Baltimore and mentions "the Players" [a group of actors] traveling to Frankfort.

• Box 1, folder 1

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Bearer of this note, "Mr. Miller, wishes to leave some money with you for me".

• Box 1, folder 2

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Discusses his horse going blind, various family members and friends, and asks if Mr. Butler might want to combine schools and if it would be profitable.

• Box 1, folder 2

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Business, congratulates Major for thinking about marriage, mentions a fine barbecue and ball.

• Box 1, folder 2

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Writes to Major as clerk of the Bank of Kentucky requesting dividends and giving him power of attorney. Letter includes copy of Major's reply.

• Box 1, folder 2

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Went to ball, friends and family - addressed to Mrs. Martha Major.

• Box 1, folder 2

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From a cousin who gives news of fishing on the Ohio River at Henderson, he is continuing his education, other family news and says he has been "right halthy (sic)".

• Box 1, folder 2

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Chowning's 1830 will copied by Daniel B. Price, Jessamine County Clerk; details distribution of his "plantation" and other assets including slaves named Lucy, Peter, Henry and Linda.

• Box 1, folder 2

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Cousin to Major, travelling to Tennessee, please meet in Frankfort if you can.

• Box 1, folder 2

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From his cousin who gives news of St. Louis society, staying in the country, and family and friends.

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Gives cures for bowel problems.

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Took possession of Ned, he was in jail, once paid, "you are authorized to give up the negro".

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Need day book after transcription.

• Box 1, folder 2

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A very long letter discussing his views on politics of the time including temperance, black suffrage, and states that "us true bludded Kentuckians" will not be dictated to by an Ohio master.

• Box 1, folder 2

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Returns signed notes, asks why letters are too short, and requests a visit.

• Box 1, folder 2

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"Know Nothings", emigrants, ballots, fraud, politics, ethics, talks about the death of Samuel Ire Monger Major I.

• Box 1, folder 2

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Bohannan's 1815 will copied by James Roy Micou, Essex County (VA) Clerk; details of the distribution of his estate including $500 in "negroe property" and on which Patrick Major has noted "My Great Grandfather. P.U.M."

• Box 1, folder 2

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Discusses the possible purchase of Albert, a slave, by Mr. Taney.

• Box 1, folder 2

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Wrote to Jeptha Dudley to form a committee, organize district.

• Box 1, folder 2

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Agrees with his "Yeoman" article on Fugitive Slave Law, Wilmot Proviso, Jacksons Resolution, Kansas Nebraska Bill and discusses local politics and upcoming elections

• Box 1, folder 2

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No objection to price of tuition for his son Tom and thanks Patrick for offer to board him.

• Box 1, folder 2

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Invites Major and several others to a picnic on Friday [July 3] near Eminence - includes envelope.

• Box 1, folder 2

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Demands immediate answer to previous letter, wants to know if "remaining here" would be of service.

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Asks him to help R. R. Russell get the job at the Shelbyville Post Office, in confidence as the other applicants are also friends.

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Demands that notes be sent immediately.

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Asks if letter to South was written, no news, seeks to know value of Col. Hayes's establishment.

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Asks him if he can bring mother home, reminds him to send letter to South.

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Assures Major he can raise enough for him, questions H.'s business maneuvering.

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Asks if letter to South has been written, why he's working in 5 weeks, and which propositions he intends to take.

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Must take care of establishment while Heath and Howard are away, have everything arranged so bills can be paid.

• Box 1, folder 2

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General news, politics, Judge McKee, slavery and Black Republicans, family.

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Will leave D.H.& Co. in August, plans to canvass the state to drum up business, asks for more letters, asks if he's heard from South, send $100.

• Box 1, folder 2

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Complains that Major left for home unexpectedly, requests a letter informing him of Majors's business dealings.

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Discusses political scene in Kentucky and his prospects of running for some unspecified public office (probably Governor).

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Says that Preston is "appointed to Spain" which means "an old line Democrat" will be nominated for Governor and discusses the race at length as well as venting against the "Know Nothings".

• Box 1, folder 2

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Hopes that he will be home from the Convention by Christmas, his paper is suffering from his absence.

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U.S. government land acquisition plans including Cuba, noted as "Private" and written from Willard's Hotel, Washington, DC.

• Box 1, folder 2

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Enclosed letter from James B. Clay, mentions political articles about Stephen A. Douglas and others, business matters, visit from gentlemen from Harrison

• Box 1, folder 2

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A lengthy letter about Alexander withdrawing as a candidate for delegate to the Convention from Henderson, gives many reasons including the fact that his brothers are "printers to the State" and his actions might jeopardize that.

• Box 1, folder 2

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Has received the proof of a report being published by the Yeoman Office and gives a very lengthy description of how the tables should be formatted.

• Box 1, folder 2

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Says he will be speaking at Bald Knob in June and talks about the "Know Nothings" and that the Louisville Journal found the principles of the Republicans "less objectionable" than those of the Democratic Party.

• Box 1, folder 2

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Needs to stay in Louisville to oversee repairs to a cemetery lot and discusses several women they know and some local politics [probably Gibbons, J. L., Louisville, president second national convention of journeymen printers, 1851].

• Box 1, folder 2

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Discusses local politics of Woodford and Franklin counties and believes the "Opposition" can be checkmated.

• Box 1, folder 2

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Wants the card he encloses printed in the Yeoman, asks that Pat write to him or stop by the next time he passes through Louisville and his circuit, business.

• Box 1, folder 2

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Francis McChesney has asked him to become a candidate for the Assistant Clerk of the House and wants his support as well as sending an announcement in the Yeoman to all Democratic candidates.

• Box 1, folder 2

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He is preparing to go South and wants the $375 owed him by Jonathan B. Major and John's Colt revolver.

• Box 1, folder 2

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Sends a copy of the Congressional Globe containing his remarks, see John C. Breckinridge as the next candidate for President and thinks the present discussion in the house "has had a good effect on the Northern States".

• Box 1, folder 3

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He sent him a letter addressed to "the Committee" to be returned if his request was turned down to return the letter, he wants the letter back now.

• Box 1, folder 3

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Thanks him for the money as he was "clean out of rye and indian" and discusses several other money matters as well as someone wanting to borrow his gun but that he does not want to loan it and is using Sam as an excuse.

• Box 1, folder 3

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Enjoyed the visit to your house, left revolver, please send it express "as soon as practicable".

• Box 1, folder 3

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Talks about several notes due the bank, heard of a "military disturbance in town" has 200 acres of wheat and Major should send Toby out if thinks he will be "more secure here than at home".

• Box 1, folder 3

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Mostly discuses personal money matters, asks that J.D. Pollard, secretary of their Lodge, send a draft for $30 and mentions that the people here (Louisville) will probably vote for Wickliffe.

• Box 1, folder 3

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Needs $25 to settle debts in Louisville before he goes to Carroll County where he is owed $800.

• Box 1, folder 3

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Please send the Yeoman, Missouri enrollment officer needs protection from "bushwackers" (refers to the Enrollment Act of March 3, 1863) and mentions that the counties on the border with Kansas have been devastated.

• Box 1, folder 3

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Needs advice because he is thinking of an office and "paddling his canoe in Louisville," discusses the pros and cons and is afraid their mother will not be happy if he decides to move to Louisville.

• Box 1, folder 3

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Still awaiting advice on the move to Louisville, will be in Frankfort next Saturday and needs another $25.

• Box 1, folder 3

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Send books and bedding to address below.

• Box 1, folder 3

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Asks him to send several pieces of furniture, needs $50 and is trying to live on the cheap boarding at $3 per week and "doing my own bed making, boot blacking, etc."

• Box 1, folder 3

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Has received a letter from Kate but has not received an answer or the things requested in his previous letter.

• Box 1, folder 3

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Mostly talks about family and also says that he has not received any letters in two weeks but is still very much in need of "a Stanton Code of Practice, some chairs and some money…"

• Box 1, folder 3

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Received the table chairs abd book rack but need a half dozen cheap split bottom chairs, mentions that the "Rebs do not believe the newspaper accounts of the late fight at Chattanooga."

• Box 1, folder 3

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Dr. Elliott wants a copy of Dumas' Progress Of Democracy and says that his health is still improving.

• Box 1, folder 3

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Received the money and his health is still improving, says that when writing about "friends in Dixie" don't leave him in the dark, he has joined the Louisville Club and has money owed him all over his Circuit but can't get it.

• Box 1, folder 3

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Wants a letter and news from home, asks about several friends and says that Louis was here and ""he looks and says he is quite well".

• Box 1, folder 3

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Says that Louis has left on a steamboat for Pittsburg, is getting promissory notes for good fees but not much funds, wants family news and will be in Owenton week after next.

• Box 1, folder 3

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Has found lodging for their sister with Dr. Weems in Jeffersonville, he says an order may compromise that because "Reb General" Alfred Vaughan's family is there and Union Gen. Jeremiah T. Boyle told him yesterday the order "would certainly be issued".

• Box 1, folder 3

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Was detained yesterday at Eminence but released on his "verbal parole 'not to give aid and comfort to the Rebellion'" and says he has never done so.

• Box 1, folder 3

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Letter from a cousin who is a Confederate prisoner writing from Camp Chase, Ohio, discusses weather and requests money for tobacco, etc.

• Box 1, folder 3

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Wants him to bring a copy of Stanton's Codes & Revised Statutes when he comes to visit, everyone arrived safely and other family news.

• Box 1, folder 3

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Mostly family news and some mention of finances including a settlement with Noel & Co.

• Box 1, folder 3

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"Why did you not scold me…" friends, family, acquaintances, social news, thank you for long letter.

• Box 1, folder 3

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Business commission to Mr. Major from Major Williams - G.W. Craddock was KY Secretary of State, 1872-75.

• Box 1, folder 3

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Wants the detailed vote for Attorney General from the last Democratic convention.

• Box 1, folder 3

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Discusses Major running for the Legislature and is offering his assistance, also suggests that he "talk to old man Galt if you see him. He was strong for you…"

• Box 1, folder 3

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Discusses Major's running for office as a Democrat, talks quite a bit about "avowed radicals."

• Box 1, folder 3

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A long letter from Louisville with news of her health problems and family as well as mention of SIM being elected.

• Box 1, folder 3

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Says Alex bought and a Shetland pony from him and said that "you would pay for it, $150…"

• Box 1, folder 3

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She is staying with Annie and Alex but will come back to Frankfort anytime, Alex has to watch his farm hands constantly so that they "do him justice," and other family news.

• Box 1, folder 3

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"You see I do not weary in well doing" talks about her love for him, the weather, family news and travel to Louisville [envelope and newsclipping attached]

• Box 1, folder 3

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Letter states that she is feeling better, is sending him shirts via Mr. Lane and "omorrow is Fathers - fifty-nine years old." [Robert Scott was born 2 Nov 1808]

• Box 1, folder 3

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Talks about his health, requests money, will attend Odd Fellows lodge.

• Box 1, folder 3

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Very long letter regarding friends, family, politics and business, talks extensively about raising goats, includes a long paragraph about Radicals in the party and the Negro element in North Carolina that is controlling elections, including magistrates and constables.

• Box 1, folder 3

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Sends a petition for him to present to the governor for remission of some fines, possibility of new county, business and family news.

• Box 1, folder 3

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Privileges of the Reading Room of YMMLA association.

• Box 1, folder 4

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Alex's accounts, all past due, he is constantly being sued for them.

• Box 1, folder 4

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Lindsay was Chief Justice of KY Court of Appeals, letter of introduction for Samuel Ire Monger Major II - includes envelope addressed to Tilden at Albany, NY.

• Box 1, folder 4

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Very long letter mainly about family, friends, the weather and gardens but also mentions that he thinks Sam deserves much credit for the union of north and south Frankfort, and for bringing an abundance of water from Cave Spring to the city.

• Box 1, folder 4

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Niece of Samuel Ire Monger Major II. Asks why did Uncle Sam not send a box at Christmas, family news.

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Promises to send sick dog, Samuel Major III proud to be wearing pants.

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• Box 1, folder 4

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Reflections on our fiftieth Nuptial Day.

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Funeral notice for his wife, Henrietta Lindsay.

• Box 1, folder 4

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A letter expressing his love for and their son and how much he misses t, swears to never "drink any ardent spirits of any kind" without a prescription and her knowledge and says that he had to take morphine for two days because of the chills.

• Box 1, folder 4

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Long letter about missing her and their son, talks about several family members and card parties where they play whist, mention that "The Sanders' have discharged Edmund for slowness of motion… perhaps when you get back we can economise [on] servants".

• Box 1, folder 4

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Discusses cattle breeding, pedigrees, and the fact that pure Durhams are thriving here.

• Box 1, folder 4

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Describes thumb injury, purchase of oranges for making wine, social news, Mr. Scott goes to church, making a quilt for Sam.

• Box 1, folder 4

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Long letter about his health, the family there in Florida, his fruit groves and other crops, the last page is written by his wife because he is not well enough to finish and mentions that "we are still determined on selling out all in Kentucky".

• Box 1, folder 4

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Poem written for SAmuel Ire Monger Major III by grandfather Robert Scott.

• Box 1, folder 4

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Thanks him for the Easter present and talks about Easter doings, asks "Did the Easter hare take many eggs to Frankfort?"

• Box 1, folder 4

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Talks about coming to Kentucky and how much he misses them and the boy, also a page by Elizabeth Scott that discusses more family news, just had "a dinner of cucumbers, tomatoes, and new Irish potatoes… squash, rutabaga and onions...finished with peach pie."

• Box 1, folder 4

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List of cattle purchased and breeding information.

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Thanks Mary for writing to mother, compliments her for attending to duties, asks for a visit, mentions poor health.

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Glad to hear of Col. Major's return, asks for more Public Documents, expects visit from photographer.

• Box 1, folder 4

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Wants to know if he misses her, tells him about family and friends, and says that "Uncle Preston is going day and night to see the sick people…" (on mourning stationery).

• Box 1, folder 4

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Talks about their sons love for her, he calls her "pud" and wishes she was well and back home. Contains lots of other family news and about politics says "Dinner has just come… and one of the 'sovereigns' who wants an office has just been boring me with his petitions".

• Box 1, folder 4

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Another long letter about how much she is missed and gives lots of news about "Sambo" - they appear to be covering up her illness because she is not where everyone thinks and he says "can't I write you more directly than by way of Louisville?" - see letter from March 18.03/18

• Box 1, folder 4

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Asks for Ettie's address in Florida.

• Box 1, folder 4

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List of calls made week beginning Monday 30 March [1885], on American Embassy Paris stationary.

• Box 1, folder 4

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Wants her to take care of herself, talks about various family members, their health and general family news, she talks about her husband, Harry, and the move to Christian County.

• Box 1, folder 4

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Please pay us a visit, description of all they could do.

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Tuition bill for Greenwood Female Seminary.

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Passed examination but cannot go to West Point; discusses classes, teachers, and classmates; includes Greek translation.

• Box 1, folder 5

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"My old friend when I arrive at home…" addressed from Mine-A-Breton, Washington, County, MO Territory.

• Box 1, folder 5

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"I send a whole post office of notes with this…" Letter discusses friends and family visits and pledges undying loyalty.

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"I enclose a copy of the oath usually taken in 1862…"

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"Please send me three or four dollars…" needs help to feed the children and is having mental troubles.

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"I've had a pleasant trip to Louisville…" talks about friends, health and family, appears to be in Mary B. Major's hand.

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"When you come to your dinner, please bring me my last weeks allowance…"

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"Your letter was received yesterday - a most unexpected pleasure…" Friends, family, business, local excitement.

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"By this evening - or at any rate by tomorrow morning you will have returned from Louisville…" hopes he found his visit profitable and speaks of her love for him.

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"Ma has taken the boy away from me, so I can write to you." discusses her ill health and the baby's health as well as mentioning that Dr. Price said he was a magnificent boy.

• Box 1, folder 5

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"Mother has just come in for me…" news of family and friends as well as a reference to some people who were killed or wounded.

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A letter with many loving sentiments and says "My darling… I do not believe I have long to live, and you must not wonder if I want to be with you entirely."

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"Give my love to Nora and John…" discusses family, okra in old paper bag, tell Nora I will write.

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"It indeed seems hard, to me…" seems to be discussing personal items from her father's estate - appears to be in Mary B. Major's hand.

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"Our old home was filled with mementos…" seems to be discussing personal items from her father's estate - appears to be in Mary B. Major's hand.

• Box 1, folder 5

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"I send you a list of the things sent Sambo." appears to be in Mary B. Major's hand

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"I love you so dearly for sending me that pretty ring…" it appears to be addressed "Auntie" and closes with "I am going home with you and Sam and Uncle Sam."

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"My dear sweet sister, I am so sorry to hear your fingers hurt…" , other news of friends and family, health.

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"Your welcome message found me in the very midst of the dust and confusion of housecleaning." Letter discusses friends and acquaintances.

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"Lewis came to see me last night… is employed at the Nashville depot" by the USQM Department for $30 a month, states that Lewis is boarding with other negro slaves and left Galt House because they only paid $12.50 a month and he could not live on it.

• Box 1, folder 5

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"Please send me some funds…" discusses money, no news, and family.

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"I received your message by Catherine respecting the expectorant medicines for Mr. Allen." Gives dosages and other recommendations for the use of balm, catnip, mint and beech leaves.

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"In winding up my business in Harrodsburg…" His business included pledged items for security.

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Discusses military charges that may relate to officers in 45th KY Mounted Infantry (Union) [he only uses last names but they are probably: Col. John Mason Brown, Lt. Col. Lewis M. Clark and Lt. Milton J. Smith.

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"I certainly hope my boys have had nothing to do with that dirty paper - Mr. Sayre and Dr. Blanton were here this morning after Sam…"

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"We were all so glad to see Maj. Williams…" other news of friends and family.

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Bring Kate a paint box.

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"Have you any old boxes without tops…" need old boxes to make chicken houses, please select seal and wax for me.

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"My dear child, your postal was received…", discusses expenses in Florida, kid gloves, worsted wool, news.

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"I wrote to yesterday & sent you by…" mentions oranges and books, and discusses a number of family members.

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Business, accounts, Yeoman, Mary B., beginning "Dear son, please cash the within check…"

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"My dear, dear Grandson. We heard the other day…" talks about Sam coming to Florida next winter and about health issues.

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"I have been from home for two days, and found your letter awaiting me…" Letter talks about Mary and Lizzie.

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"I have not written lately because there is always letter ready…" addressed "y Dear Mother," and signed L.

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"I wrote Lizzie that as soon as I could straighten up my affairs…" she has opened "dear Rumsey's trunks" and found a mess [may refer to E. Rumsey Wing, a family friend who died in Ecuador in 1874 while serving as U.S. Minister in Residence]

• Box 1, folder 5

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"…great warm spot or love spot in his heart for Kate…" wants letters from Lizzie, Liza and Kate.

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