Memphis, Ten.  April 13th, 1861

Dear Levi
   I write to you only about two days since I Rec'd yours of the 7th & 8th on 
yesterday. I was sorry to hear that you were sick but hope you are well before 
this. We are in an awful excitement on account of the bombarding at Charleston. 
I fear this will be an awful war. I am of opinion that Lincoln intended from the
beginning to force the southern states into obedience. To think that he could have
prevented all this by evacuating the Forts & let the Gulf States be to themselves 
but no he must shed a little blood. I do hope he will be hung. He has acted the 
Mexican completely. Hug you around the neck with one arm & stab you to the heart 
with the other. He has been planing all the while yet holding out the idea that 
Fort Sumpter would be evacuated. Levi these are exciting times & we are apt to be
overcome & caried off. My principle object in writing to you at this time is to 
caution you about joining any Military Company. You are our only boy. Your Ma & 
sisters look to you for protection. I hope you will not be induced to Volinter 
should a call be made. I am of opinion that the Legislator ought to be called 
together in order that the State may be thourly armed. I am fully with the South 
& I intend to aid & support the South in her trials. As for old Brownlow if he 
continues to be against the South I hope he may be placed aside where he can do 
no more harm. Him & old Andy Johnson ought to be tied together. I hope that there 
is not a man in Clarksville but what are heart & soul with the South. 
   It is impossible to ever have a Reconciliation between North & South. The South 
will never come back. I want all the slave states to be together & stand together 
as Brethren of one common cause. I thought that war would be averted until this 
morning. Although I have had no confidence in Lincoln since his inaugural & indeed 
I have no confidence in any Black Republican. They are all infidels. They don't 
believe the Word of God only when it suits their views. Levi the whole Country is 
ruined. We must take care of our selves if possible. The old men will be forced to 
stay at home to defend the women and children. The Negroes will have to be guarded. 
If your uncle Smith wishes the eating stand he will probably get it. I am taking 
steps to get Mr. Whitemore to release me at Christmas. If he don't I intend to 
quit any how & I will then make my way to Ark. I think I can get me a home then 
that will be a home for life. Nothing more at this time.. We are all well. 

Your troubled father. 	L. Eddings.


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A copy of this letter submitted by Mary Louise Gossum