Memphis, Ten.  April 22th, 1861

Dear Levi
   I rec'd yours of the 19th & hasten to answer. I understand there is a 
battery already built five miles above Memphis about three hundred men have 
been at work some two or three days. The conductor of the ------- (?) shot 
Reuben Ross this morning near the corner of the left eye. It is believed it 
will not kill him. I went to see him about two hours ago, he says he is not 
in pain. Doct. Johnson & Ned Merryweather is with him. Howell, the man who 
shot him has been acquitted. The proof was Ross attempted to draw his pistol 
but Howell was too swift & put his pistol in his face & shot him. Ross goes 
this evening to Doct. Merryweather nine miles below town.
   I am now looking up my business to see if I can stand it any longer. My 
business is decreasing FAST. Many say the hotel business will increase. I 
cant see it so. About seven hundred men left last week on two boats besides 
many others who went on railroad. The Glendale leaves in a day or so for 
Cincinnati, about six hundred have engaged passage on her, mostly northern 
merchants. A great many clerks leaving & a great many joining the army. Levi 
get Hardees Tactics and apply yourself closely. Inform yourself so if you 
should have to go that you mite be able to get an office. Officers has a much 
better chance besides the pay is much better. Do not hesitate to procure the 
book. I am trying to get Hardees Tactics. Hardees Tactics has been adopted at 
West Point.
  If my business will not justify I will break up. I will be greatly involved 
because I cannot take my furniture away. I have made an awful trade, but who 
could foresee these times. If this should come on me I do not know where to go 
too. I made the worst trade that I ever made in my life3. Frances had a large 
fine child yesterday morning. It is a Girl.  I expect your mother & the girls 
will go to Clarksville, if I break up. If I can hold out until Christmas it will 
be much better for me. I have a promise by letter of a release then provided I 
pay up all my payments. You sugest that we write often, agreed., Levi does. 
   Jim Gardner he owes me about fifty dollars. John O. Hunt owes me about twenty 
five dollars. If I break up, I will have to take your GrandMa to Ark. & hunt a 
house. We are all well. Hiram Connell speaks of going to Clarksville early in May. 
I rec'd a letter from your uncle Henry, two days ago. We are all well.

							Your father
							L. Eddings


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A copy of this letter was contributed by Mary Louise Gossum