Bandera Co. TX - Letters: Rebecca Braley to Larkin Weaver ********************************************************* File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Deborah Smith http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/tx/txfiles.htm ********************************************************* Letter: From Rebecca Braley to Larkin Weaver Hurtsville, Ala Aug 19th 1863 Dear Brother: I recived your letter and was happy to hear that you are both well. This leaves us all well with the exception of colds. I have no news to write you that will interest you. The war engulfed all our attention as I reccon it does yours. Some people think it is all over with us and some think we can whip the yanks yet, and as for old Bragg, every body hates him. You need not be afraid of getting killed in a fight, for he allways runs. As for the hard times I am afraid the worst has not come. Every day all though we all have enough to eat as yet, and are looking for the yanks every day. The crops is not very good in this part of the country. It has rained all the year and keeps it up. You wrote something about father and mother coming up there. I do not know any thing about it, but I know they don't come to see me, much less go up there. It must be a mistake. The family have the whooping cough. Bill Cobb and Monroe Seay have gone to the war and every body else nearly, but Ras he is not gone yet, and I hope he never will go. My prayer is that he may never have to go to this war. I believe the old place and times are about the same as of old. I wish you were at home once more. I want to see you all so badly. Tell Jacob he must not think that I am writing to you alone, for he is included in every word. Mother got a letter from Dan a week or so ago. He writes that he is sick and that part of his army is to be sent out this way, and it is more than likely we will get to see him. If he could be with you so we could send him something to eat, I would be glad for he does not get enough. I do think we have got the meanest government on earth in that respect. I recon you are tired reading my nonsence, so I will quit. You must write to me soon. Tell Jacob to write also. Be good boys and keep no bad company. Give my respects to all and write me. Your affectionate Sister, Rebecca Braley ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Rebecca Braley was Rebecca Jane (Weaver) Braley, wife of Erasmus Asberry Braley. Per her youngest son's (Nathan)letter to a cousin, she died in Bandera County in 1885. I have no idea where she is buried. She was the mother of nine children. "Ras" was a nickname for her husband. Four of Rebecca's five brothers died in the Civil War--including Larkin, the recipient of this letter. The others were Daniel, David, and Jacob. Her husband, E. A. Braley, died in Junction, Kimble County, Texas, in 1901. He's buried there, as are other members of Rebecca's family.