JONES COUNTY, GA - HISTORY LETTERS James Moore (Indian Trader) from son-in-law, J.A. Johnson ***************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm *********************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by:"Jill Florence Lackey" (Letter not Addressed, probably sent in side another paper or letter no doubt written to James Moore.) Saraveport, Nov. l8 1837. Dear Sir For the first time since my arrival in Texas I have an opportunity to write to you. I am sorry to be obliged to send you unfavorable news. I found Caty & Peggy about the 3 or 4th of Oct., near the line of Texas, not far from Dr. Scotts on Caddo Lake, they had halted and were bul1ding, all in bad health tho now they are tolerably well. I made inquiries about the money that Jackson had and was informed that Peggy had said a part of it had been taken at the place where Jackson died, that a day or two before they stopt, Grandison & Caty insisted on counting it to see how much was lost. Peggy produced it, and it amounted to only $480.00. Peggy said that all the rest was lost. Caty took what was on hand for safe keeping which she gave me except about sixty dollars which she had used. I afterward talked to Peggy about in and she told me she had at one time missed some of the money but had found it and that none of it was gone except what had been spent, and that she had told Grandison it was stolen when it was counted, for fear be would take it. I then felt satisfied about it & went to hunt some place to settle Peggy at. I was absent about 8 or 10 days, and when I returned Peggy told me I had misunderstood her, that the money had not been found. I then insisted on counting all she had. There were four hundred and eighty dollars which she said was all that was left of Jackson's, the same that I had counted before, and seven hundred and forty dollars which she laid was her own. .About four hundred of it was in silver and the balance in notes. She said her expenses amounted to near 200 dollars, so that she must have had nine hundred dollars or upwards when she started from Alabama, which was much more than I bad been told she had. I do not think that Caty had any of Jackson's money. They had stopt in a place where provisions were not to be bad, oats is from 2 to 3 dollars per bushel, beef 5 cents. Bacon and pork not to be had, until the river rises & then perhaps it may be had at this place which is about 35 mi1es from where we are. I do not much like this part of the country but could not get away, for the wagon was nearly worn out and the horse, could not travel, they have not eaten a grain of corn since Grandison stopt. I have put. Adam and Daniel to clearing a piece of land to make a crop next year, & have thought that I would stay with them till next spring, but everything is so scarce and high that I am almost sorry I undertook it I have g1ven you a fair statement of the case and would be glad to hear from you to get your advice. You must write to me as soon as you can and let know what you wish me to do. I will comply with your instructions in all cases and sell out here if you wish it. Direct your letters to Shevaport, Louisiana. I want very much to see you all. Hooper and my self are well. We live a mile from Ingrams & Haggertys - Haggerty is now in Alabama. I hope you will see him. Ingram has promised to see to our affairs when I return to Alabama. Be sure to write & tell me what you wish me to do. I am sorry to say it, but I do not think Peggy has acted honestly about the money. Wishing you health & prosperty, I must conclude Yours Sincerely J. A. Johnson =============================== Sept 1837 Letter to James Moore Dudleyville Talapossa County Alabama Russellville, Louisiana Sept. 30 1837 Dear Sir, This being the last office from which I can send a letter to you I stop a few minutes to inform you that we have been detained on the road longer that expected. We arrived on 27 at the place where poor Jackson died. We found old Daniel hired to a man in the neighborhood till Christmas to pay for a man to guide Peggy & Caty to Texas. They were making for Scotts near Red River when they left. We have taken Daniel along thus far on our Route after this. We expect to get there day after tomorrow. After Jackson died they had great deal of trouble about the negroes. Murray was accused of attempting to steal them, was up and tried, but got clear on the ground that Peggy had not ordered him out of her employment. He then stole Jackson's riding horse and made his escape to Mississippi but in the race he lost his hat and vest, which were found. The people here say he never crossed Red River as he told us. This information I got from the people in the neighborhood, particularly from a Mr. Hickman, who cause of his being apprehended for stealing the negroes. Murray it is said denied the charge, but it is certainly true that he took the horse the night before his return to Ala. From what I hear there will be a great loss in Jacksons Business. We are in great hast to get along/ When we arrive at Scotts I will write all the particulars of the trip to you. Write as soon as you can and direct your letter to Monroe Wachita Parish, Louisiana. We will get it on our return. We are in pretty good health. Our expenses have been great. Yours Resply, J. A. Johnson