Refugio Co., TX. - History: University of Texas, Plummer Papers Part 1 of 2 ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: sylvi@gkg.net February 24, 2002 ************************************************************************ Emery & Henry College Oct 1st - 42 Dear Father I have just received your kind and affectionate letter and am now about to answer it. We have been doing well at the College and I like it better than I expected. Aunt Betty was up here last Sabbath and Uncle Haskew preached. Aunt Betty has been here for the last two days but did not favor us with a visit. She left this morning. I have joined the Hermesian Society and am appointed Essayist for the next Friday week and Conley is appointed declaimer. I like the society very much. It has a small library of about 300 volumes. I was at the public debate of the Calliopean society last night. We heard four very good speeches from Master Winniford, Fulton, Holliday and Levine. The subject was "Should the study of the Clapies be exempted from the college Course" which was argued very well by Master Winniford & Holliday in the affirmative and Fulton and Levine on the negative. Mr. Van Eaton and Mr. Anderson are our roommates both of them very steady and hard students. Both of my roommates belong to the Hermesian Society and also all the students in this end of the college. We declaim and write compositions every three weeks. I have just given a composition to Mr. Stephens, Mr. Wiley has been sick this week but has entirely recovered. Mr. Harris is president of the Hemeican society and delivered his inaugural address last Friday two week which was very good. Answer this as soon as you receive it Your Affectionate son William P.S. Direct your letter to Glade Spring ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Emery & Henry College Dec. 10 Dear Father Having a few leisure moments and thinking that I can not be better employed than in writing to you, I embrace this opportunity of doing so. I received your most affectionate letter yesterday. I was in town the other day. All friends there are well. Tell Sister Rachel that Cousin Mary Trigg says that she has been looking for a letter from her for the last month. College life seems to aspire new charms the longer I stay and I believe I could be as happy here as any where except at home. There appears to be a certain degree of emulation here so that a person must study. Mr. Jno Good is here at this time. He came here today. Aunt Betty is here. She told me to write that Cousin Rachel McClung of Knoxville is dead. Cousin Frank Trigg has taken charge of the tavern in town: Milton Hershell and Corly Leitchfield are coming to college next week. Tyler Heiskell is doing very well and is so well pleased that he expect to stay here three years. There was a very deep snow here last week. The college hill was full of boys sliding down on chairs, sleds, planks or whatever they could get. Write as often as you can conveniently. We are both well. Your most affectionate son William ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ngton University Libraries Special Collections Location: GA10 Caption: 1840-1842 (Addressed to) Mr. Jos E Plummer Copano Texas Royalls April 6th 1840 Dear Father I have now been here 8 or 10 days & have been very well pleased & may say that I have entirely recovered my health. I have been hunting wild cattle running mustangs etc etc So you see I have enjoyed myself very well I wrote to you by Capt Byrne I had just started to Town to return with him but met a gentleman who told me he had gone, He did not get me all the articles that I wanted but would if I had waited. Mr. Royalls would try and get me the remainder he has no money & cant get any & I am out. P. M. Cockarll will go on to the States soon. I have wrote him bye the bye the old man is married again to Mrs Buttler of Courtland. I shall come by the first boat if you do not send for me write to me the first opportunity If you have any money I think I could do a little better if you send me a few $ but if you haven't why it don't make much difference for you know I have been without money so often in Texas that I am getting used to it give my respects to all I hope you are in as good spirits as I am God Bless you Your Affectionate Son Frank Plummer P.S. all the family send there respects to you. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- November 3rd 1840 Aransas Texas Dear Grandmother I write to let you know that we are well. I have not heard from you all in a long time not since I received a letter form Sister Julia, we have been using every effort to raise money to come after you all with, but have been unable to do so as yet. Uncle is now on the Brassos trying to collect a debt of 1100$ he wrote word that the chance is good. Indeed my dear grandmother if you were not uneasy about us you are infinitely better off there than you would be here it is true suspense may make you feel miserable but depend upon it we shall do the best that we are able. I know that it is best for sisters & brother for here there is no persons that they could associate with & besides there they may be improving their time for it is doubtful whether they will have an opportunity of going to school again. I hope that you are able to get what is necessary for them. For we will be able to pay our way When we get there which I hope will be in a few months for Uncle is getting a pretty good practice & everybody about here is owing us & as soon as there is money to be had by anyone we will get it. So content yourself as well as you can. I shall try & let you hear from us every opportunity. Father wrote by a vessel to NO 1 month ago which I hope you have received by this time he is well & would write now but his fingers are sore from abuse tell sisters to write often. I hope you have all been well. I suppose sisters are goodly girls now. Joe thinks about a poney tell him he shall have a half dozen when he get to here, give my respects to Mr & Mrs L Mrs & Major Lockharts. Father sends his love to you all & says sisters & brothers to be good children. Good night and may God Bless you Your affectionate son Francis W. Plummer ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- University of Texas at Arlington University Libraries Special Collections Collection: Plummer Papers Location: GA10 Caption: 1840-1842 Addressed to Mrs Mary Plummer Tuscumdria Ala from New Orleans Mar 39 New Orleans March 17th 1842 Dear Grandmother & Sisters I arrived here from Aransas yesterday on my way to see you. The news came here you will see by the papers that Texas is invaded by the Mexicans. There was nothing of it when I left a month ago, but there can be no doubt of the truth of it. To that it will be very doubtful if I come on to see you as Texas will have use for every man she can get and I must lay aside my wish to see you. I go and join Father for there is no doubt but that he is in the field before this. It was my intention to have carried you all to Texas but now you see it is for the best that we have been unable to get you out for you would have been in great danger; as hundreds of women and children are upon that frontier. Father was in excellent bodily health but very uneasy and troubled on your account so that I determined to bring you out, but what would happen he is still collector of the Port of Aransas but Texas money has depreciated so that he has been unable to make any provision for you and has depended solely on Uncle how he has attended to you you best know but he says he has done all he possibly could if I do not come on I shall send you every dollar we can both make & scrape together but I fell it will be but little more than will feed and clothe you, but Uncle says that he has debts due him which he may be able to collect and he will then settle some place & get you all with him. I think it is best for Texas & ourselves that they have invaded for we will now compel them to acknowledge our independence. Uncle received a letter from Sophia yesterday I am glad to hear that you are at least in good health, but Soph do not write such another letter you do not take care enough in writing you should to write correctly practice very often by copying pieces from books by all means learn to spell correctly this you can do without going to school in case we should be unable to send you for you must now be fourteen years old & able to study without a teacher attend to this both of you for it is of great importance that you should acquire the common rudiments of an education & I do not suppose you have so much to do but that you would make it a pleasant pastime also see that Joe learns to read write and spell well another thing be particular on your house keeping for not mentioning the advantage it will be to yourselves it will be a great comfort to Father when we all get together and if I should come on I shall scold you if you do not have a neat house for I am a very good judge. I shall write again to each of you before I leave. If I should not come Uncle will. He is quite well & sends his love to you; all of mine you have & it is with such sorrow that I see a doubt of my being able to come for it depends on our next news and if it is necessary that I should go I feel it my duty to be with Father & he will be sure to join the army ; God bless you and in your prayers do not forget us Yours affectionately Francis W. Plummer ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- March 25th 1842 New Orleans Dear Grandmother I wrote to you the other day informing you of my arrival here and that I left Texas with the intention of bringing you all to Father but the same day that I arrived here the New York brought the news that Texas was invaded by 15000 Mexicans & that they had taken San Antonio & Goliad. I then determined to await until the next news to decide whether I should return immediately and join the army. On the arrival of the Neptune we got the news that the Mexican army of invasion consisted of 700 hundred men who having ???? San Antonio had plundered and evacuated it & were marching slowly towards the Rio Grande. I then determined to come on & see you at least if not to bring you to Texas, & had everything ready to start on ??? New Albany tomorrow, but last night there came a steam boat express from Galveston bring the news that there is an army of 2000 men seen 15 miles west of the Nueces on the lower road coming though Victoria also that there is an army of 12000 on the upper passing through San Antonio so that it seems that the 2000 men were retreating to the main army and now you see the necessity of my returning without seeing you. For we shall have some hard fighting very soon & every Texan should lend a hand. I shall leave tomorrow on the Neptune and join Father as soon as possible, do not be uneasy about him as he had sufficient notice of things coming to get out of the way I suppose is now with the main army I shall try to get him to come and see you but I don't believe he will leave before the war is over and our independence acknowledged which may be some time. Uncle will come and see you soon & bring you to some place that he can be with you and we can hear from you often he received a letter from Sophia the other day. I was very glad to hear that you are well. I send you some jewelry for sisters by the New Albany also some money as Uncle says he will be able to collect some today & he leaves tomorrow if not will send by mail. Father was in excellent health when I left him but very uneasy about you for it was a long time since we had heard either from Uncle or you we both wrote repeatedly but Uncle says he has never received letter from either of us I suppose you have never received one. We have undergone every description hardship in Texas waiting for better times & had almost determined to leave the country for good but now there is a crisis at hand we either hold it as an independent nation or have to leave for my part I think there can be no doubt of the results against Mexicans all we want is ammunition & provisions & if some of your rich planters would shell out liberally I hope to be one who will plant our flag on the Rio Grande if no t a good deal further west before 1840 tell Pike Cocknell now is the time for him to show himself if he will only raise a company & I have no doubt but there are numbers of young men about Tuscumdria who are anxious for adventure let them but come to Texas I promise them just as much as they can hack Tell Pike not to desert us in the eleventh hour for he knows what we want & how to help us & not to forget the banks of old Caney tell sisters to improve their time as much as possible read write and keep a neat house or take care of Joe tell him I shall send him something that will please him & to be a good boy attend to his lessons if he wants ??? to love him. Tell sisters to see that he reads & spells ??? and not let him run wild. I shall write to sisters this evening or tomorrow morning if I am not busy in acquiring myself to start I am very sorry indeed that the confounded Mexicans did not delay there invasion until I could come to see you at least, but I will try and make them pay for it any how God Bless you all Your affectionate grandson Francis W. Plummer ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- University of Texas at Arlington University Libraries Special Collections Collection: Plummer Papers Location: GA10 Caption: 1840-1842 12 May 1840 Victoria Dear Bro I would visit you but to do so I should have to buy a horse and borrow money ?? ? and there I do not know that I could do anything at L.O. Point in the way of making money - It is high time for me to make a permanent settlement somewhere and this place bids fair to be one of some importance and the prospect of the Law is very good ?? in relation to my marriage - it is in Status quo - I could not make any sales of land and in fact the prospect of a sale is gloomy - but the first money I can get I wish to visit the land office at Columbus as they are all entered there, and see what they are worth. And at any rate secure them. I wish you would send up the note of Bakers and Thompson, here as Baker is frequently here and the debt may be secured as it is , I fear you will loose it. Send it by return mail They will have some cattle here shortly There are a great many Mexican goods here & I am trying to get a parcel for you - a gentleman here who goes to New Orleans says today on his return he will enter into an arrangement with you. His name is Mr O'Riley. I have not heard from Mother since ????? letter I am greatly distressed that I can make no arrangements to send them any money Ever your affectionate Brother Samul Plummer Addressed to ------ Mr. Jos E. Plummer Aransas Texas Capt Hill Samuel A. Plummer ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- April 8th 1841 My Dear Mother, I was fully in hopes to have been able this week to have left for Tuscumbia and may yet get off in a day or two - I am only waiting to hear from or see one of my copartners of New Orleans, who has been detained in trying to get off or exchange uncurrent money - as soon as I can hear from him or on his arrival, I shall hasten to you & give you and the children complete relief. If you have no dread of this climate. I can get a comfortable house here where you & the children & myself can live in comfort and contentment. My business now bids fair to soon pay all our debts and make us once more independent. Your anxiety to see me is no greater than mine to be with you again the balance of our lives. And God grant that not only our troubles which the rest of the country has suffered may be relieved. Give my love to the children and bid them be of good cheer. My whole life and energies shall be entirely devoted to you and them Ever your affectionate son SA Plummer I sent 50$ to Mr Merrill. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Collection: Plummer Papers Location: GA10 Caption: 1840-1842 Mrs. M. K. Plummer Dear Mary I was really pleased to get another little letter from you last Monday and to hear all well but you did not state how you were pleased with Copano and the inhabitants and your new mod of living all of which I should have liked to hear however it wont be long before I'll see & know by personal observations for it would add much to my happiness to find you well satisfied & I got one from your Joe also both short and boasting of Ducks & now I can eat medling Bacon sometimes but could eat Ducks too if I had e'm but. since I was sick care but little for either I can't get strong as formerly but still going constantly Mr. D was to leave New York last Thursday for New Orleans via Havana and will be at home probably Friday next Mrs. W stays in Nashville for the marriage of her Niece Miss Washington till after New Year so I never expect to see her again. I was glad to hear you had something to read & that Berm had got back safe & sound & that C was doing a fair business & your Cousin Bob was to be spliced to Beverly & booty I hope I will be the means of a total advantageous change for him, are you not tired of my long winded pen however I feel like scribbling so I scribble but I forgot to say my horse is lame in the shoulder and I fear permanently ruined don't know how he got hurt but miss her services much, in 25 days I shall be free, I must close by sending love to all Kiss Elton & let him Kiss the puppy for me Blessings attend you all Your affectionate F Jos E. Plummer 1 Dec 1856 Tell Joe I don't care a straw about his selling Copano so he is satisfied he can ever realize any thing from it an live comfortably & contented there. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jos E. Plummer, Jr, Dear Son I am still so do sometimes pretty smart then just able to crawl about and get my meal, I hear nothing worth writing the bay has been very high for 4 or 5 days the mail came regularly Mrs Simpson & children gave ????? Lavacca Bagley says parted Adams says ???? visit as Packwood and wife left on same boat to return to Missouri Our neighbour got drunk about as often as usual. Mrs Adams has baked me 2 loaves bread I but 2 quarter Venison from John & killed rabbits killed this morning if ---- Crandle called here Friday on her way from Lamar only asked for you there was a man & woman in boat who did not get out I sent Bull off with him as he was a great annoyance to me. W. Shaghivooster departed this life by committing suicide hung himself by one foot between two barrel slave, the grey pullet bred the same preck only the day before by one for but I found her time enough to save her life tho she halts in her walk now. The chickens poor and go poking about the fence looking thro to kitchen without expecting themselves for a bug even. Very little nown as yet got about 2 feet water in ??? in sight very heavy rains have fallen the Cattle all flocking to the flat I barnes while you were at Powderhorn Smith Lee, been gone to Court at Victoria for 3 weeks I don't know if yet returned John Stynes & company got back from Mexico brot about 80 horses I hear. Got 5 letters for Mary. Give my love & kisses to her & children I hope to hear from or see you in few days. I have read one letter from you the first week you got there. Adams got on slowly with boat but will get it done sometime I repeat Mr. Adams visited me yesterday they were going to the well after water to water Simpions horse (Water scarce at C) and came by she has several large biles she pretty well ared, Just enough to spit freely ---- If I get any news by mail I will finish this May a kind Providence watch over us all and guard you from all harm your afft Father Monday noon Augs 30th 1858 J.E. Plummer ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- University of Texas at Arlington University Libraries Special Collections Collection: Plummer Papers Location: GA10 Caption: 9/21/1856 - 1858 Jos E. Plummer Dear Son At last I enclose you a check for two hundred dollars and have one here for you of one thousand which I hope will suffice till Christmas I know WW at present pretty hard run as he has still 600 Bales of cotton up Red River which he has not on account of low water been able to get out and buying a number of Negroes & land of Mr. Donelson & luck has kept him busy in fact he has been compelled till now to be always from home and has exposed himself too much and I know of but few men that could have stood the travel & exposure he has undergone since last fall ---- I am truly glad to hear Elton is better and hope Mary will soon recover from her fatigue I have not delayed writing for want of the money but from a lazy languor on Sundays occasioned by fatigue and the miserable poor prospect of a cough throughout the section of country and now it is a dry as a lime Kiln and everything parched and drying most of corn not knee high & as spindling as straws and does not get out of Wilt at night we have considerable sickness among Negroes & I have from the heat full very heavy & dull WW leaves for Memphis this Evening on Eclipse and will bear this to you no letters from girls got one with your, the morning from Mr. D all well & glad they are away from the heat for the weather is very hot indeed I would rejoice to see a good old fashioned rain so we could plant fields and work to some seeming advantage but no prospect my love to Mary & Elton and family God bless & preserve June 9,1858 You ????? Jos E. Plummer ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mrs Mary K. Plummer Dear We have still cold disagreeable weather and today clear but a bitter west wind no letter last week from you or Jos in fact I expect you are frozen up at Memphis as I see but very few Boats stopping and I do hope Jos has not been so imprudent as to start for home till the weather settles and becomes fair and pleasant we have not as yet been able to do any thing in the plantation from the wet & cold and it is putting everything back very much we are now dividing the Negroes on the place taking out 94 for the hurt of Mr. Donaldson and it is rather a disagreeable job as we form attachment to even Negroes that we are in constant habit of seeing and controlling but I hope they will be well treated wherever they may go the gang that leaves are to be divided into three parts, part of the claimants were here yesterday and were to have been here this morning to take them away but not yet come & it is 3 oclk so I have ben on the tenthooks all day expecting them every thing is left to me and as we have to buy a number and don't know that they will sell all is kept in suspense and doubt the Negroes appear to rely on me and think I can buy wether they will sell or not it is some pleasure to know that even Negroes respect and love one who has only been overseeing them & still more to be so confides in by their owners as to leave it discretionary so buy swap or exchange as if it all belongs to me. Still I long to be clear of the whole and dee insight of some of my dear children M. Wahom is here but seem to be perfectly easy if I will only act Mrs. D is very much affected by this division as if seems to reflect on the memory of her husband who was swindled & disinherited by his mother and he an only child & every cent came by her father she not having anything she certainly was the most unnatural & unsympathetic woman I ever in a pretty long life came across or even new of in the most highly Col ?? but it is done & this is now I must think reaping the rewards of and ill spent life and let her punishment be even so severe it is certainly just I wish my charity could view it Otherwise I enjoy good health but very tired of the cold wet weather and anxiously looking for Jos. I hope to see a line tomorrow from you & Elton & family May you be kept warm and comfortable is my wish and Most affectionately good Bye Jos E. Plummer 27 June 1856 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- University of Texas at Arlington University Libraries Special Collections Collection: Plummer Papers Location: GA10 Caption: 2/9/1856 - 9/14/1856 Addressed to Jos E. Plummer Jr. Memphis Tenn My Dear Son Having been very busy since rolling I could not write as often as I wish but have enjoyed good health Mr. Donelson arrived here about 24th last month just married on their departure from Nashville he came by land to Memphis has been in bad health for some time since he has been here he has been getting gradually worse till Christmas Morning as if ?? he died he got up and was standing before the fire dripping and giving directions for an Egg nog when a fit of coughing came on and broke some vessel of his lungs which caused instant suffocation his poor little wife is truly in to be pitied being among strangers she is now a his uncles some 30 miles up the river. He left her all his property I will remain here as he wished me before his death never to think of leaving him and if he did to stay ?? can of his wife she is a lovely & sweet creature and has till now never known trouble it goes very hard indeed with her As soon as I can hear from Gen Fow I will write you the situation of Texas land I have some other land scattered about Texas but I do not think I could find them without spending more than they are worth I am glad you are pleased with your situation read all you can my dear son as it is the best capital you can have and It cannot be taken away My respects to Mrs Owen - we have not sold any sugar yet so I have not got my pay I sent Sophia 6 dresses & a shawl for both as I was down 3 days before Christmas will you require anything if so let me know as I have spent very little this year. I owe Owen say 110$ for a horse 100 & about 150 in N.O. for clothing for self & Sophia and have rec'd some little over 100$ of my wages so I shall have a little left out of the 1200$ salary the horse is improved in value I shall need a few more clothes & a watch Your Affectionate Father J.E. Plummer I write to Sophia also today ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 28 Dec 1851 Jos E. Plummer Dear Son I got 2 leters from you last Monday informing me you were all well I see the fever has been in Memphis it is now probably prevalent below here some 8 or 10 miles on the other side but few cases on this a great many have died at the Convent and some even at the saw mill opposite here but I think they were transient or traveling persons. I am glad you heard of Smith and I hope your most ??? anticipation may be relized in Texas for my part I don't often think of it as I saw enough to satisfy me there but must say the Climate is delightful the game abundant and of the finest kinds from ostyers to Canvas Back Ducks I enjoy good health not heard from the girls Love to Mary & Elton and all. Corn crop good came very green and backward weather for this week cool almost frost this morning Your afft Father Oct 7,1853 Jos E. Plummer ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- J.E. Plummer, Jr. Dear Son It has been some time since I rec'd a line from you and it has been as long since I wrote you then I expected to leave this and quit but It seems I can't Mr. Waham has been here some time and does not wish me to leave they seem to think the plantation is mine an I one of the fixtures The sugar crops are very short indeed not more than half the yield to the appearance of the cane Cane that in ordinary year would make 2 thous per acre does not give more than 1 thous & yet I have been very busy for some time but enjoy good health give my love to Mary and kiss the boy. I have heard nothing from the girls for a long time don't know what they are going to do the last account was going to Texas Remember me to W H family and all old acquaintances we have had cold weather here frost and ice in morning as thick as a dollar & several mornings as thick as paper ---- Cane looks all yellow today hope to get done Rolling by Christmas - family not yet come on account of low water Mr. Waham goes up Red River finest boat on the river now looking for one I think yet I will get off in the spring if possible as I long to see you all. God bless you my dear boy and give you health & happiness Your affect Father Jos E. Plummer 14 Dec 1854 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- University of Texas at Arlington University Libraries Special Collections Collection: Plummer Papers Location: GA10 Caption: 1850-1854 Addressed to Mrs. Mary Plummer Tuscumbia North Ala postmark Washington DC Jan 7 Washington City - Jan 17th 1837 Dear Mother I arrived here safe on the 5th after a rather pleasant trip, and in good health - I found here that my business had progressed remarkably well and I think by hard work I shall succeed very soon - I wrote you from Charleston just before I left there - I succeeded completely in finding the records of all the papers I was fearful was lost worth at this time $250.000 We were expecting Santa Anna here. But learned now he is on his way sick at Lexington KY - Nothing new or interesting going on here Texas for the present is laid on the shelf - congress I think will make a business session of it Give my love to the children - I got a letter from Br. Yesterday from N. Orleans - he was well Your affectionate Son Samuel A. Plummer ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Addressed to Mrs. Mary Plummer Tuscumbia North Alabama unable to read postmark Washington City - Jan 27th 1837 Dear Mother I wrote to Frank a few days since - which letter I suppose you saw - and intended to have sent Frank $5. But forgot to enclose it in the hurry of the moment - I now send it to you to hand it over to him. I am getting on here admirably with the business brought me here - I have not heard from Brother since he left New Orleans. I suppose he is by this time safe in Texas Genl Santa Anna has been here and left yesterday morning for Norfolk - from which place he sails for Mexico in a Government vessel, the Pioneer - The results of his negotiation here is not exactly understood - but as far as Texas independence goes and far as his power will permit, no doubt but what he has granted it - Congress will no doubt recognize the independence of Texas in a few days - nothing of importance going on here - I am in good health My love to all the children Your affectionate son as ever S. A. Plummer ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Addressed to Mrs. Mary Plummer Tuscumbia North Ala postmark New Orleans LA May 20 New Orleans May 18th , 1837 Dear Mother, I start this evening to Texas - I have made such arrangements I am confident as will soon place me in ample funds ---- and next fall when there will be peace and confidence we all can get along in easy as possible - as easy as we desire - I think the times are getting better - The 12 wks all stopping paying spices will very much add to the general prosperity, at least. My stay in Texas will be short and then I shall strike for Tuscumbia - perhaps one fortnight will be sufficient for all the purposes I desire - I wrote yesterday to you - nothing new today. Texas Blockade is now at an end - the Mexicans have gone from the Coast & arrivals from there yesterday - all things are going on well - Mexico it is said intended declaring war against the U States a pretty turnip that will be - Money here I cannot get Yr affectionate Son Samil A. Plummer My love to the chicks Look for me when I come ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Addressed to Mrs. Mary Plummer Tuscumbia North Alabama unable to read postmark New Orleans July 23rd 1837 Dear Mother In a few days since I heard from George and the melancholy and sudden death of cousin A.E. Wells, he died in Louisville from apoplexy - Then in the prime of life has he been cut off - He had many friends in Louisville and no doubt his family will meet with that care and attention which they may require - I heard from brother on the way - a vessel met the one he was on near his destination. So I trust he has arrived safe. I leave here for Texas in a few days - The city so far is remarkable healthy never better at any time of year - and we have a constant succession of refreshing showers No news of importance, only the extensive failure of British & French houses. Nothing of the Mexicans. Give my love to the children as ever Your affectionate Son Saml A. Plummer ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- University of Texas at Arlington University Libraries Special Collections Collection: Plummer Papers Location: GA10 Caption: 1837-1839 Addressed to Francis W. Plummer La Grange College Alabama cannot read postmark Dear Francis I have been trying for some time to get some Ala Bells to send you but cannot succeed in getting it or Louisiana except the inclosed & we have a treasure note issued which ??? here but would not be of any service to you and to get other money at Houston is impossible as soon as I can I will send you & Mr Kennerly some We have nothing but the rumours of Mexicans arming on for a fortnight and such raising of troops preparing horses electing officers I never saw when to a behold it turns out some 50 mexicans came within 8 miles of Baxar where the troops stationed there had there horses at grass guarded by a few boys shot one took another prisoner and cleared out but from a report from the Natchez ?? of war off the coast of Mexico they report that several different parties of mexicans have crossed the Rio Grande for Texas and we are sending out a parcel of mounted ??? to meet them and give them a race back and where the stopping place will be I know not but suppose Matamoros or Mexico. James ??? left here a few days since for Rastnax in good health I am mending slowly but hope to leave in a few days should be off now but my horse has gone on a trip of war to Baxar and will not be back for a week after which time I go to Matagorda and return there with my Land papers then for Live Oak Point and remain till I get a house built Saml still ??? I suppose at L.O. Pt. I have had a long a ?? Illness now 3 months since I came here and not 3 times since I was back here I been able to get into town only about 150 yards, my legs have been swollen almost to bursting but they are now going down but very little elasticity in my nerves and much ??? I wish to break my Land ??? turn to Ala but if Saml is not to busy will try and get him to go and see you all. If the mexicans do not come on the Land office will open in about a month all the officers are appointed and will be at their post Dr. Shacklefore here in good health I company leaves here today well armed and mounted for the west say Baxar for the purpose of reinforcing the troops already there give my best love to mother & children and be a good boy, my regards to friends and all who enquire after me Your afft Father Jos E. Plummer City of Houston Jan 1st 1838 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Addressed to Mrs. Mary Plummer Tuscumbia North Ala unable to read postmark Dear Mother I am still in Natchez having unavoidably been detained waiting Saml who has been working on some men he engaged the mill so at New York ne of which has come but others are expected daily when I shall leave for Texas I am in better health than I ve been in for a year but was very unwell for 2 weeks after my arrival here. I shall if ?? sell my Negroes and if I do not like Texas settle I think in Ala as I am really tined of moving land in excelent health. I have never seen a town grow as this does every place full and over full all ejoy good health and good ??? a company is started to have steam ships from this to New York direct stock all taken and had to reduce the subscription to give all a share. I had hoped to get a letter from you are thus but have been disappointed please write on the rec't of this as I may be detained but if not I will leave word to have it send to me = my respects to friend kiss the little dears for me expect to get another letter when I have this to inform you of my movements the mail will now be regular We have most delightfull weather since I got here dry and warm till today when ?? in a very moderate warm rain. Dr. Griffin has sold out his plantation & returned to Nathez wife children & all but thinks of buying another farm. Parker is about to sell to Dr. Pollard and talks of going to N O to try another tavern. It to get 80,000$ Dr. Mercer has goine to Europe & had his house sold the other day at auction at 26,000 and since 31,000 has been offered. They are at work on the rail road & I suppose will be completed next year. The upper ??? Mills turned into a cotton press & 3 shipps are now up for ??? Liverpool & New York all loaded here and several more not yet ready there has been 6 or 7 ships here constantly & as many at Grand Gulf & Vicksburg not a week but 3 or 4 comes or passes and the people of New Orleans are very troubled on acount of it as it takes away several hundred thousand ?? from them annually some say Millions but I cannot get in the way of speaking so large I am offered 50,000$ for my negroes and expect to sell I've been ?? there days occasionally ??? this waiting on Saml to finish James staying passed this moring for home I did not see him his brother John goes?? by water he says James is delighted with Texas and inland going there I have just returned from P.O expecting to get a letter from you but disappointed so I start this I hope to get off last week Mr. Shipp sends much love & I've seen her in ?? only visited nobyd by Owen Your afft Son Jos E. Plummer ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- University of Texas at Arlington University Libraries Special Collections Collection: Plummer Papers Location: GA10 Caption: 1837-1839 Top of letter is missing The situation is a most beautiful (missing part of letter) I hope you will see it after a while I have been myself pretty much over Western Texas and consider it one of the most beautiful and lovely spots of Earth Land fertile camanded delightful makes goods but scarce and the general health of the sellers very good I enjoyed excellent health till I got here which is the most unwholesome place I have seen in any part of the Republic - the San Antonio is a very pretty little river entirely settled at present by Mexicans from (torn) or Labrador but Baxar who live at what they call Ranches which is a square of some acre ? on all sides and near they have their ? for shack at others a large church and fort surrounded by dwellings called a Mission there are I think ? Of those Missions between the 2 places and about as many ranches Baxar has about 1500 inhabitants at present a great part has been battened down particularly the Alamo & all the houses on the ?? the river as it is ??? (Missing top of second page) ?? duck ??? him partridge fish the best and most in fact a person can of ?? ??? here The rev W. Fowler preaches here this evening well rec d I saw W. Alexander much pleased with the prospect of ??? I am tired and can write no more as soon as I get out I will send you some money also Bro Kennedy my best respects to all for Your father J.E. Plummer It have received a letter and now send this off as a ?? early tomorrow and requested you write to Matagorda to the care of Mr. Bryant N.O. Pay the postage to N.O. by next Vessel I'll send the cash as It cannot get Alababelly ??? today ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Francis W. Plummer Tuscumbire Ala Dear Son Near Natchez Monday 3 October we are so far safe and sound no accident or il health we left Memphis yesterday night and I belock as will be ? Neckhez by lt Monday evening on the Genl. Brown the fastest boat on the river but few passengers only one Lady ? Over cover I had determined to write you a tolerable long letter last 8hrs boat jocers so I can hardly make a letter so you must take this word for the dear love your sisters, Brother & yu donna be a good boy My best respects to friends Your afft. Father Jos E. Plummer June 25, 1837 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- University of Texas at Arlington University Libraries Special Collections Collection: Plummer Papers Location: GA10 Caption: 1837-1839 German Town paid 25 paid July 27th Tenn Mr. Wm L. Henderson Abingdon, Virginia Dear Children I fear that you have almost come to the conclusion, from my long silence. That I have forgotten you yet I assure you that such is not the fact. I do not believe that one hour of My day passes without my mind being away in Virginia or with my beloved sons and other dear relations. Oh how long dear the time appears to me since parted with you at my dear Sisters. I hope providence will spare our lives and permit us to meet again. This side of the grave. We received a letter from Will yesterday and were much gratified to hear that you were not getting along so finely and were also surprised that you did not mention the receipt of a letter written by your Father the 2nd of July in which he enclosed twenty dollars to defray Wills expenses in the excursions though the adjoining counties I hope before this you have received it. there is at this time a great deal of sickness in this country. Mrs Quinetchet was buried yesterday she died in a congestion Will - Mr Means cook died the day before yesterday. This is the third negro he has lost in the last 12 months Rachel's babe is as fat as a Berkshire pig and as white as skin can be . Let is sick I have just sent for Sackey ? To bring him up here the balance of the family are all well. Rachel and myself expect to go up to Dr. Stouts tomorrow to hear Mr. Williamson preach Margaret McMillins funeral on Sabbath it is twelve miles from here. Mr. Perkins has sold his mills and has commenced building at the Ipray Place they* will move up as soon as they get their house built the Reverend Sam McKinney sent us a letter a short time given which he had received from Con expressing a great desire to go to school to him and requesting him to beg us to let him come, now let me tell you my dear son once and forever that you should go without an education before you should receive it from a McKinney I think him a black hearted unprincipled sort and my reason for saying so are these when Mrs Wilson arrived in this country Sister Dunroe did not pay any marked attention to him she was much insulted and commenced abusing the whole concession at a wonderful rate assented that they were a low family and that they were all made rich by purloinging from Uncle Kings estate and Sister Rachel's children you know that your Father located some land for them and Robt McKinney the Doctor sold his part of the land and Bob gave his to the tanners wife and children. She did not like the land and because Mr. H would not let her take it where she pleased the whole family with the exception of Peggy Jane commenced lying in good earnest They assert it where ever they go that M. H has cheated them that he does not stick to the truth ? And the Dr had the imprudence the other day to tell M. Henderson that Dr. Trigg had long since put him on his guard about him that he had made some statements to him that even prejudicial to his character, and he also stated to Mr. Means that Dr. Trigg one of the first men in Virginia had made him acquainted with some of Mr. H inappropriate conduct and that he had once thought him a gentle man but he now finds he is mistaken he cannot be prevailed* on to tell what Daniel told him. Therefore set it down as a lie. I wish you however to see your Cousin Daniel and ask him for my sake if your Father has done anything to injure him or any of the family that he will let us know it and he shall be payed fourfold I do know that Mr.H never wilfully injured a human being in his life more especially one of my Dear Sister Rachel's family whom he always loved as well as he did his own sisters tell Dan that I wont him to make a statement of the whole matter for I feel appruned if he did say anything against my husband that he has been wrongly informed. I wish you William to inquire into this matter as soon as possible and let me know the results. Tell your Aunt Betty that I find she knew the McKinneys a great deal better then I did the only way to get along with him is to have nothing to do with them Alexander says he can never be an inmate of ours again dear me what shall I do. ? the Reverend Samuel thirteen dollars more for your tuition than he ought to have done according to contract so you perceive that they are all birds of a feather and buzzards at that. Aunt McKinney lives with Raften I visited him the other day and I really believe that he old lady sincerely loves me I told her that let her childrens conduct toward us be what it might that so long as she lived I would visit her, she is in good health and I think a sincere Christian don't come to the conclusion from this letter that we are all in a state anarchy here we have lived long enough to learn with such matters calmly and to receive them as a matter of course knowing that all things shall work together for good to them that love the Lord. I hope you will have a great deal of pleasure during the vacation and be enabled to return to your studies with renewed energy* be careful of yourselves and do not run into danger such as young into deep water climbing? Tell Ann Trigg that I am disappointed weekly in not hearing from her In my last I gave her such a glowing account of her aristocratic kin in these diggins that I expected an immediate reply is Rach Buchannon living in Abingdon give my love to all relations especially to my brothers and Sister farewell may heaven bless you is the prayer of your affectionate Mother Mary K Henderson Alexander Raften gave your Father a letter to put in the post office for Con Mr. H. paid the postage. I mention this thinking you might pay the postage when you write to him which I do not wish you to do MKH ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- University of Texas at Arlington University Libraries Special Collections Collection: Plummer Papers Location: GA10 Caption: 1843-1849 German Town paid 25 February 13 47 Mr. William L. Henderson Cedarville P.O. Washington County Virginia Retirement February 10th My Beloved Children being entirely alone this morning I embrace it as a favorable opportunity to write to my much loved sons. Mary is at Lockey Anns Paulina and Bennetta at Rachel ? Father is out in the new growthand is busily engaged burning brush. Rachel left us on Tuesday last for her own home. They are living between Mr. Rutherford and Mr. Perkins so that your sisters are within half mile of each other. Poor Lack has been sick a great deal this eventin as we have a prspect of nonsettled weather I am in hopes his health will be better Let grows finely and is a most interesting little fellow every stranger that sees him remarks his fine forehead and lovely black eyes. R Means father has bought Mr. Winfres place and will move to it next week he has a very interesting son a young man about nineteen years old and I know you will be pleased to hear of it as they will be such near neighbours that you will no doubt be intimate friends when you return. Tell Molly Branch that I intend him for her Because he has also a little daughter aged ten years but considerably larger than Paulina. Dr. Stout has rented out his place in Germantown and moved up within two miles of Cederville. Mr. McNutt has also moved up there. Richard Eldridge is living at Fumber place and as Mr. Runford is living in Brookers new house so you perceive that our society is improving. The roads are so bad that we are *under the necessity of keeping close quarters. I have so far been to see Aunt McKinney but once since your Father returned from Virginia And in that time have to been to see Betsy Wilson. Dr. McKinney expects to bring his family to his farm this spring and quit his practice of medicine. Samuel Mc is in Jackson and has a very flourishing school his family are boarding at Mr. Raften his wife is sickly and much dissatisfied she wished to remain in Jackson with him but his mother thought it would be to expensive therefore poor creature she is separated from her husband and her parents for the sake of filthy lucre John Ledbetter is married to Miss Suggs he is nineteen and she fifteen. Squire Ledbetter has found another wife a sister of Mrs Porncliure he remarried a widower about sure months your cousin Edward Sanders and his wife has separated I believe her father has petitioned for a divorce. Furbin has quit teaching and preaching and turned Lawyer the measles has prevailed to some extent in this country we have thus far escaped them Arthur Henderson has spent some week with us this winter he is a smart young man, but one of the most degraded being on earth he is a drunkard and liar and also a Mrothing massen take warning from him my dear sons and avoid wild company and the bottle as you would a rattlesnake for rather would I see you both in your graves then see you such an outcast from society as he is - the good and virtuous avoid him whenever they can I have given up all hope of his reformation and think that the sooner he dies the better. We were much gratified to receive a letter for Brother Collen giving a favorable account of both of you. Continue to merit the appreciation of your teachers my sonns Children for nothing reconciles me so much to your absence as to hear of your * well doing. I was sorry my Dear little Con got angry at his Aunt Betty and would not go to see her remember my dear that she is mothers only sister an that I love her dearly ad would be very much hurt for one of my sons to do anything to hurt her feelings. I know your Aunt would do as much to make you happy as anybody in Virginia and her your interest as much at heart go to see her Con an if you have done anything to hurt her feelings ask her pardon and for my sake do not be at bancarace with my dear sister or brothers and do not let little matters incite you so much, remember that you must learn to bear and forbear do not expect to get though this life without many difficulties for if you do you will find yourself mistaken and recollect that I have always taught you to have communion with few - be intimate with one, deal justly with all and speak evil of none - this counsel and no doubt you will get along peaceably your playmates relations and all. As I am not in the habit of writing often I begin to feel weary. Therefore will bring my letter to close, praying Heaven to protect and bless my darling children and permit us to meet agin in this life - farewell Your Mother Mary K. Henderson ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Letter is addressed to William L. Henderson Shelby Co. Dear William I send you by Mr. Eldreidge two shirts and a pair of suspenders, your collars are designed to turn over your cravat there are four of them the wristbands are made to turn back over the cuff of your coat. Dear Connally I sent you a pocket handkerchief a pair of mittens also pair of suspenders. I hope you will be very (torn letter) of your clothing and also be very economical (torn letter) a cent foolishly. Take good care of (torn letter) and do not ruin any ? By ? (torn letter) going into the water ? No any thing (torn letter) that you are liable to accidents, Oh how (torn letter) pleasure would it give to see my beloved children. I wish you to learn fast that our separation may be as short as possible we are all well may the blessing of Heaven attend you is the pray of your affectionate Mother. December 4th Mary K. Henderson ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- University of Texas at Arlington University Libraries Special Collections Collection: Plummer Papers Location: GA10 Caption: 1843-1849 Retirement May 31st 1843 My Dear Sons I feel somewhat ashamed of myself when I consider what a length of time has elapsed since I wrote to you I really hoe you will not think for a moment that it was a want of affection no my precious and far distant children my mind is constantly turned towards Emory & Henry and wondering what you are doing and never do I bow my knee to ask a blessing from my Heavenly father on my own such that I do not entreat him to guide and protect my absent sons I do hope that you will be careful not to contract any bad habits and that when you leave that country you may leave a good name and many warm friends behind you. Mother is much in hopes her little Findlay will be regular in reading his Bible and attending to secret prayer that he may kept from backsliding as many of his cousins have ?? done try my child and hold out to the end that you may be saved, and think not my dear Will that the obligation is less binding on you I do pray that you may remember your creator in the days of your youth it would be a great gratification to your Father and myself to see all of our dear children who have arrived at the years of accountability numbered amongst the ? Of salvation and walking in all the commandments of the Lord blameless. Dr. Stout arrived at home ten* days ago I was angry at him that he did not call to see you he says that you have grown so much that he expected your clothes were too small if so do write ad let us know and whither you have got any decent clothing to make your appearance in at the examination your Father was in hopes that he would be enabled to leave home in time to attend the examination. I do not think that he will leave for three weeks yet the spring has been so cold and late that crops have to be pushed forward now with untiming zeal, and as he is making cotton this season he dislikes leaving until he has it in good order would advise you not to look for him until some time in July. I think his health is improving a little Mr. Perking is living at the mill they are well yet I far they will be sickly down there this summer. Rachel is with us she came in expecting her Father would start last week Mr. Means has returned to Mississippi without her, we expect him back in a few days, would you not like to see your new Brother. Many request some to say to you that she is all anxiety to see you and that she wishes you would make hast and come home they have all grown considerably since you left home. Ben reminds one of Con he is going from morning until night. He then throws himself on the floor and takes a nap. Sometimes takes a cry when he is put to bed he is much of a baby. How does my dear little Watt come on do not let him forget me and Your Aunt Betty oh how I long to see her, I wish with all my heart Rachel Goode was here she would be a great deal of company for one during your Fathers absence tell her I shall look for her and Mary Trigg next fall try and prevail on your Aunt Betty and Annie * to come out with Mr. Henderson the family are all well except Ellen who has the measles she is recovering but I will not be surprised if they go through the family there are several to have them. I stay at home as much that I have no strange news to give you I do not know what is going on in our neighborhood. I have enclosed five dollars which you will divide between you. I wish you my dear children to be economical and not spend money foolishly and be careful of your clothes and make them last as long as possible and when Will outgrows his clothes it would be well for Con to wear them and in that way to save a penny or two. I shall expect a letter soon and I want to hear something about the connescion has any of them had additions to their family since we left. Remember me affectionately to all enquiring friends and give my warmest love to my dear Brothers and ? And sister Haskens and believe me to keeping dearly beloved children you affectionate Mother Mary K. Henderson ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- University of Texas at Arlington University Libraries Special Collections Collection: Plummer Papers Location: GA10 Caption: 1843-1849 New Orleans postmark Mrs. Mary Plummer Tuscumbia Ala Houston 8th January 1839 Dear Mother, I have just learned the glorious new of the acknowledgment of the Independence of Texas by the authorities of Mexican Federal party who are in power in all the country on the Rio Grande. So our section of county is free from further molestations. Mrs Gibbs will settle at Veleso. I shall bring you and all the children on with me. They will be placed under Mrs. G. I leave on the next boat of the 15th just and shall hasten to you. This news has induced me to stay as I was on the eve of starting this morning and I wish to know the particulars of the whole matter knowing how important it is to my whole interest on the Copano Bay. The Indians will be well played in a few weeks on the frontier. So one shall have peace all around. Bro was well a few days since. Will be here shortly all thing are going on now extremely well. And our money will soon be at par. I shall bring with me money enough to pay all demands Ever your affectionate son Jos Plummer My love to the children. Our reason too I think the Columbia steamboat is not very safe at this time ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mrs Mary Plummer Tuscumbia North Alabama care of L Merrill Esq. East Pascagoula 10th September 1839 My Dear Mother Since I wrote you last I have had two slight attacks of fever. The last, I am just now up from and feel quite recovered. So you must pardon the dely in my not writing often. The fever was contracted in N. Orleans. The Government of Texas has sent me money and as early as I can get to N. Orleans I will go for it. The fever in N.O. never was considered worse, in Mobile it is still worse than N.O. It seems to prevail throughout the Southern Cities. Nothing new from Texas except what you see in the papers. Not heard very lately from Br. or Fr. But God grant they are both well. I cannot calculate on my movements till a return of strength. Perhaps 1st Oct will go to Texas; & return immediately for you and the children. No doubt will receive a letter from Bro in N.O. which will somewhat direct my movements. All my friends in N.O. are absent. It will not be at all safe for any strangers to visit N.O. until 1 or 2 good frost. Give my love to the children, ever you affectionate son Saml A. Plummer I am trading some and off to some advantage here. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Postmark New Orleans Jan 31 Mrs Mary Plummer Tuscumbia, Alabama Dec 16th 1839 Copano Texas Dear Grandmother I take advantage of the opportunity that I have of writing to you by a vessel going to Galveston. I wrote to you about 10 ago by a gentleman going there in which letter I mentioned my having been very sick. There is nothing going on in this part of the country we have been entirely out of bread for the last 9 weeks which went a little hard with me at first but I soon got used to it. We have nearly finished your house & in doing that in raising it Father hurt his hand so that he cannot write to for the present, he is otherwise very well. He will come on after you all as soon as he can get sufficient good money to do so with. He has plenty of Texas money but that is at so great a discount that he does not wish to sacrifice it, but there is every possibility of his getting better soon, however if he should not get there before March do not be uneasy for he assured he is doing everything for he best. Uncle left here this morning for Austin perfectly well sent his love to you. Father sends his love to you & my dear sisters & brother tell them to be good children excuse my bad writing & mistakes for I am greatly hurried, good health & may God Bless you F. W. Plummer ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- University of Texas at Arlington University Libraries Special Collections Collection: Plummer Papers Location: GA10 Caption: 1837-1839 Jos E. Plummer Sr. My Dear Son I am just now ready to start to Baton Rouge to get certificate of Sec of State have been getting power of Atty. of since I recd yours on Monday last and as you are going to Austin enquire for one Redmond or Resin Andrews near Bastrop he bought and located some land in that neighborhood for me and if alive can give you the necessary information repecting them Andrews was a brother of Capt Andrews an old soldier under Burleson and lived in the Burleson settlement below Bastrop and I also bot 1/4 of a Deck Anderson heard right the North East corner I think of his homestead (Doct A was originally from Ala I believe) but I never had the land surveyed off or got a letter expecting to do it when I left Texas the first time, on my return. Andrews sold goods for me and bot the lands in his own settlement near Bastrop any old sedler can give you information of him and perhaps about the lands as he told me they would all be very valuable, he took the goods from Columbia to Burlesons neighborhood to sell I only seen him once afterwards when he represented his having made good trades in lands. Columbia then was the seat of Government. I give you now as consider an account of my transactions With Foot he came to Copano and stated he had bot out my brothers interest in the Power Claim and as Powers claims were decidedly good he wished me to relinquish my right or locations and in a short time they could be removed & located elsewhere and as Power claims amount to 60 leagues we should have one12th or about 5 leagues but he had no doubt at all of Powers claims to the whole 60 L and a great cil of such talk* I finally agreed if Powers claims were good I would relinquish my locations as they were made there to secure the place for a town and no other reason induced me to locate on the Bay he then scratched some few lines which I could not read and I signed it but as Powers claims has facts of course my location stand good and I never recd one cent from Foot or one acre of land and I do not know of my Brother ever getting a cent of him. I have no Idea the claim of Foot to my claims could ever be considered good as he has not an item but my relinquishing my locations if Powers claims were good or that is my decided recollection of the transaction but what he wrote I know not as I could not read it but that was the understanding and nothing more and I after years waiting wrote him for the position of Powers claims when he wrote me my brother was indebted to him. It is the first time I ever knew of a man selling lands to another getting nothing & falling in debt I suppose if he contest for my lands it will be in way of ger for advice which advice was as above to face Copano into a town by removing conflicting claims and thereby benefit me more than the land with Powers claim would immediately do. Mary writes with her all well, let Smith know all the precent been with Foot I think he would be a good agent for you believe him a very honest correct man and no more industry being living so I have always know found him in a long and trying time and can be of more service to you than any other man as he knows more of the business than I do myself Your afft father Jos E. Plummer April 26,1885 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jos E. Plummer Dear Son I recd two letter from you last Monday of 15 & 23 and was glad to hear all well. Poney is doing well but not yet fat that fence I can give you as yet no certain cost as I don't know what pickets cost. I have not heard from Smith or Anderson yet no fruit here if I can get some will have the preserves made but the musketos are so very bad I cant write I am fat God bless you tell Mary I have written her Your affectionate father Jos E. Plummer 4 Augst 55 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- University of Texas at Arlington University Libraries Special Collections Collection: Plummer Papers Location: GA10 Caption: 1855 Joseph E. Plummer Donulanville, La paid 5 July 1st 1855 My Dear Father It has been so long since I have had a pen in my hand, that it is a wonder to me that I can write at all, and I expect I shall eventually forget how to guide a pen for instead of decreasing my troubles & cares are daily increasing and I less opportunities for writing for with one foot on the cradle, rocking one baby, while with another hand engaged in keeping another one out of my lap and trying constantly to take hold of the pen to play with, you may know that my chance for writing is bad. My little Mary Ella was born on the 16th of May and a more beautiful little cherub I have never seen. I thought Julia was pretty, but she was nothing to compare to this one in beauty, but Oh she is so cross, so cross, that I can not love her like I do Julia Bell. I have to nurse all my long never a moments rest, either wish her in my arms or else the chair or cradle rocking just as hard as I can rock it, if is cran one moment there is a squall and one too that would make you think that a pin or 20 pins were sticking half way to their heads in her body, she is a very delicate looking child tho apparently well and grows daily I cant account for her crying so much. I tell Mr. Burgess sometimes that it is his Burgess blood they are generally so ill natured she is all Burgess The image of the old man, deep blue eyes fair skin but raven black hair and all her features very delicate and dear little neglected Julia Bell, GrandPa what shall I say of her, I don't think she is as handsome as she was 12 months ago, but some say she is prettier, I reckon it must be that I look at a prettier one so much that I have thot that she was getting ugly; but I am certain that she is more trouble than ever, she don't want any thing to do with little sister only to hurt her, never likes to hear me talk, baby talk, to it all and will cry out, hush me, as plain as anyone, well if I don't quit writing about my children I shall write of nothing else I believe Julia or I have never written since Mr. Burgass's Father died after a long and painful spell of sickness, the poor old man died on the first day of May and when he died Pa, I lost the best friend I had in the family, not that they are not all kind to me, but he was always kinder than any of the rest. I do not know what his disease was nor does anyone he suffered so much and so long and then to die and no one see or know what was the matter is something very singular his brain was mostly effected he was delirious all the time most, made will or said not a word concerning this property in all of his sickness. Mr Burgess & his mother administer on the estate, the intention now is to sell all next fall and equally divide among the 12 children & mother tho they may change their minds & divide the negroes as they only. Brother Abner's health is worse much worse than ever, discas got in his throat he can hardly swallow without screaming with pain. Mr. & Mrs Cooper & old Mrs Blocker *went to see brother Abner, in May called on me also I did not get to enjoy them company as much as I wished my baby being only 2 weeks old at the time, I never saw folks so changed, Mrs Blockers hair is as white as cotton and she looks so old, a dress so fine it seemed so strange to see such an old Lady with such quantities of blonde lace & white satin ribon on their heads & neck, Mrs Cooper pretty much as she used to be only very fleshy, more so than you ever saw me Poor creature, lost her baby last summer & she is not done grieving about it yet, she looked at my wee bit of a baby and talked of her own nearly all the time she was here, I felt so sorry for her that I could have cried with her most sincerely. Julia rec'd a letter from mother not long since and you do not know what a satisfaction it was, to us, tell her if she is there that my next attempt at letter writing will be to herself that is if she thinks she can read this for really as long as I have to rock so hard with my foot I can not promise to do much better writing, and then too I am always so hurried & write so fast that I am ashamed for anyone else but you and I to see my writing now do write Pa and tell us something about Is has Le gotten Home safely yet & If not don't molly begin to want to see him. Mr Burgess wrote to you sometime since & you have never answered his letter he thinks very hard oh it, you ought to answer his letters Pa it is so seldom he writs, I have got a thousand things I want to say but must actually take up miss cross patch a little while, she aint biger than your two fist Pa weighed About 3 pounds at birth tho she has grown mightily since I had to nurse her on a pillow 3 or 4 weeks & Lard is love to mother & baby & Le ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Mary enclosed is a letter from Sophia I recd Monday yes ten day so just send it so don't bother on making any remarks about it ? Other letter I wrote you Sunday Mary recd yours of just and was glad to hear from you & Sophia at same time. All well God protect you all Your afft Father J. E. Plummer 22 July I wrote also to Sarah a ? Shower everyday ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- University of Texas at Arlington University Libraries Special Collections Collection: Plummer Papers Location: GA10 Caption: 1855 From: Washington Nove 15th 50 cents To: Mrs Caddintong & Thorp Markets Broad St. New York Mrs Caddington & Thorp Washington, N.C. Nov 14th 1814 Gentlemen I have not recieved any letters from you since the one enclosing the Power, the schooner is completed sheathing her spars sails, He and ready for a Voyage, us by your letter you wished to do something with her the otr agents concluded it would be advisable to have her ready and have been anxiously waiting for letter form you to me on the subject, as the days at a great expense and the prospects safe, I hope even this scaches you that something to save expense will have been determined on, if not, please let me know as soon as you can determine, that the many Vessels fitting out for this quartr may not get away before us as it would make a material difference in the Voyage. Some Vesels have latly arrieved in this quarter of the country from the evertindines from which and no account of any cruisors being seen, it would appear there was not so much visssque as formourly I have at length been enabled to forcure a Drafton David Mare of Philad. Which is the best I could do, the amount five hundred dollars at sixty days sight had I have know your correspondent in Philade. I shouyld have got an exceptance in it, way to ? As it woul have made a few days diffrence not knowing them I conclude the next safe way is to send it to you, when the inward Voyage, is closed and the bills in, for the refains & outfits. I shall forward the afts with the ballance. I am your ??? George Rollins ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- University of Texas at Arlington University Libraries Special Collections Collection: Plummer Papers Location: GA10 Caption: 1800-1829 From: Buck Eye Geo, 28 March 25 cents To: Joseph E. Plummer Esqr, Mobil Alabama for mail Buckeye, March 24th 1835 Dear Brother With the greatest pleasure imaginable I acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated Feby 8th. It was certainly a feast to us alltogether unlooked for so you may imagine our very agreeable disappointment as on its reception first do assure you nothing could have given us more pleasure than to hear you were all in good health We have and still continue to enjoy very fine health. The winter here has been uncomally sever. We have not finished planting corn yet in consequence of the cold, the snow, the ? Lay on the ground several days from 6 to 4 inches deep all of our small grain. Entirely destroyed corn now sells from $1.25 to $1.50 for bushel and verry scarce at that. I have made plenty and some to spare you know I always went in for corn I made also a pretty good crop of cotton enough near about to square off I sometimes think that I will sell out everything I posesses but upon reflection again think I might get dreadfully worsted in so doing I can by proper management make as much as we can conviently house and I think that Should suffice the note which cousin Samuel holds against me I wish you would get as I shall pay the note which Hargroves holds against him yourself term me secunties I shall start to Savannah next week to sell my cotton and hope to get a good price I should be truly glad if you would visit us if you can't come be sure and let Francis come, for I do believe I had rather see him than anyone living tho we would be glad to see you all. Mary wished to see Julia most, and as there is now a convienunt way of coming to see us do make use of the opportunity at any rate send Francis he shall want nothing and special care will be taken of him Tell the children Thos is most a man in size but hates his books he often talks about Cousin Frank, Cousin Julia Sophia and little Joe Mary sends her love to you all and says she is the same old Mary yet not been sick one day since you left here give my love to Aunt Kiss all the children for us may the Lord bless you all is the fervent prayer of your affectionate Brother A.E. Wells D.B. I saw old Uncle John Wells the other day and the old coon was grumbling powerfully because you wont write to him as he has wrote you several letters and received no answer I think you ought to write to the old man for he is a fine old man and I think a heap of him answer this I soon and I will try next time to write more. A.E. Wells ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Postmark: Tuscumbia, Ala May 28 18cents To: Mrs Mary Plummer came ? Natchez, Mississippi Dear Mother Tuscumbia May 27th 1835 I have as yet not recd one line from you or Saml or any other source since here I've been which makes me feel very uneasy as Saml has heretofore written and answers have been recd by Mr. Owen from his brother at Natchez written the same day I wrote I am mending in feeling & general health but really do not feel like I used to do as the whole world to me seems blank I find no fault with this place much pleased with my childrens situation and the attentions shown them. I will remain here until 10 June and then go north and meet you & Saml if I can learn where you are if not will seek you. I heard yesterday of a tavern falling in N. Orleans hope Saml was not therein. I also hope he went to Mobile & got Eve & family off but as I have not heard of or from him feel disappointed, very much if you cannot write please get Dr. Pollard to give me a few lines to know how you are what Saml is doing and intends doing this summer and at what time he designs leaving Natchez ?? Little Jos has found an old Lady he takes for grandma & really believes her to be so and has much happiness in her company & visits her every day & has long talks which has made him very popular with the family which is a very good one. Sophia very much pleased at her situation Julia looks pale but I hope only from worms & the fatigue of the inf and will soon get well Francis very well & very close to his books = do write me on the rect of this as I am very anxious to hear from you indeed I never have been so long before without hearing and now I seem doubly long I've not yet determined where I will settle but think not in Texas as I can find Is know land enough in US= God bless you & preserve you in health & happiness in the prayer of your afft son J.E. Plummer ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Mother 2 ?? Since I wrote you of 19 as used enclosing Saml I was ? Pleased to hear of your bring in good health & pleased with your situation I hope Eve this same has returned & will write me your future movement Your afft son JE Plummer ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Natchez - Jany 29th 1835 Know all men by these present that I have this day bargained sold & conveyed & by these present do bargain, sell & convert to Walter Byrnes Esq. Eight Negroes now at the Natchez Oil Mill bought of Negroes Franklinz name as follows Tom - a cooper - Ephram - a cook. - Dory a yellow fellow & preponan - Frank, boat hand - Bill Baily - John Brown - John Rustin, Davy - at nine hundred dollars each amounting to seven thousand two hundred dollars and I do hereby ??? & defend the same against all claim or claims wheresoever to the said Walter Byrnes his having & assigned forever - signed sealed in the presents of Witness. W.B mling Junior Samu'l A. Plummer *seal* ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- University of Texas at Arlington University Libraries Special Collections Collection: Plummer Papers Location: GA10 Caption: 1830-1836 State of Texas County of Refugio} I D.S. for County Survey or of Refugio County Texas hereby certify that I have corrected our surveyors record of Refugio County Texas the beginning joint in the field notes of 22.15 acres of land by virtue of L.S. No. 513 in name of S.A. Plummer to read as follows: Beginning at a stake au N. bank of Mission Bay at the S. W. Corner of a survey of 122.2 acres of land by virtue of County Warrant No. 2284 in name of John Murphy: instead of beginning at a stake au N. Bank of Mission Bay N. 88 38' W 1133 varas from the S.W. corner of a survey of 640 acres in the name of John Smith for first part of Bounty land warrant No. 2282 land I hereby authorize the Commissionaires of the General Land office of the State of Texas to make said correction of the failed notes now au files in the files in the General Land Office. Given under my Land this the 1st day of November 1904 D.S. Fox County Surveyor or Refugio Co. Texas File No. 37 Refugio County Scrip Land Samil A. Plummer Surveyors Cert of Corp Files 11-12-1904 J. T. Robison Actg Comm W.T. Roberts File Clerk: Reproduced from Texas General Land Office Holdings, Austin, TX. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Republic of Texas County of Refugio} Survey for Joseph E. Plummer of 320 acres of land situated in Refugio Co. about 10 miles from Refugio an the northen part of the Mission Bay bring the quantity of lands to which he is entitled by virtue of Land Script Warrant No. 513 dated at Columbia the twentieth day of December 1835 Beginning on the S. W. corner of a survey made for J. Murphy under land Warrant No. 228 A Thence along the bay S. 89 ½ W. 56.56 to a large mesquite stump bearing north from the mouth of the Mission river from which stump Copano thanes bears S. 55 ½ E. and the northern point of Sow islands (situated between the two inlets into Mission Bay) bears S. 37 ½ E. and the palmetto an Sow islands bears S. 34 3/4 E. and a projection of mouth N. E. from the mouth of the Mission river bears S. 11 ½ E - Thence North 50.94 {1352 varas} charm in the N. W. comes Thence East 56.56 {1343 varas} to the western boundary him of above mentioned survey under Land Warrant No. 2284 - Thence along said line South {1335 varas} 5620 chaint to the beginning. May 29th 1839 Recapitulation S. 89 1/4 W. 56.56 chaint or 1343 varas North 56.94 " 1352 East 56.56 " 1343 J.B. McFarland}Chaint} South 56.20 " 1535 W. Richardson} carrier} J.W. Richardson do solemnly declare under the oath of my office that the foregoing survey was made according to law and that the limits boundaries and carnet with the marks in natural and artificial ace truly described in the above plot and Field notes and that the survey was made since Aug 1st 1838 W. Richardson District Ct. I certify that I have examined the fore going field notes ance find them correct and the Survey made according to Law. Given under my hand at Refugio September 29th 18 John R. Tally County Surveyors B C File 39 Refugio Co. Scrip Field Notes 320 Acres Samil A Plummer Patent Feb 15th 1851 about 298 acres of this on R P Hearn & Son's titled League (see case f notes) : 5/7/98 C. M. Hill Canceled by Cerf. Saml E. Plummer ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 320 Acres scrip Refugio Reproduced from Texas General Land Office Holdings, Austin, TX. J.E. Plummer NO 513 - 320 A. Land Scrip For Value Recd I hereby transfer and assign and set over all right title and intest which this scrip gives to all the land herin named to Samuel A. Plummer of Texas or his assigned or legal representative Witness F. Brentblack M. G. Durny M O. Muonlel The State of Texas } 1280 Acres No. 1 2nd class County of Refugio} This is to certify that Joseph E. Plummer Grant Assignee of Joseph E. Plummer is instituted to an unconditional Class right certificate for Twelve hundred and eighty acres of land, by virtue of conditional Class right certificate No 15 2nd class issued to Joseph E. Plummer for Twelve hundred and eighty acres of land, buy the board of land commissioners of Refugio County on the Seventh day of December A.D. 1839 In testimony whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and the seal of the County Court of said county in open court at Refugio this fourteenth day of January AD 1856 Lieut. M. Rogers D.C. Doughty John W. Wood ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- File 4 Refugio 2nd Class Uncondl Cert for 1280 acres land Jos E. Plummer Filed 12 Feb 1856 No 15 Class 2nd 1280 acres This is to certify that Joseph E. Plummer= acres has appeared before us, the board of Land Commissioners for the county of Refugio and proved according to land that he arrived in the county previous to the 12th Oct 1837. States he is the head of a family and entitled to Twelve hundred & eighty acres of land upon the condition of remaining in the County three years from the date of his arrival Given under our hand and seals this 17th Dec 1839 James C. Allan Chief Just Refugio county Ex of RBLC James Byone county Clerk seft Ex of CBLC File 4 Refugio Co. 2nd Class Headright Certificate Joseph E. Plummer 1280 acres Jos E. Plummer Jr. Republic of Texas County of Refugio} Survey for Joseph E. Plummer of 1280 acres of land situated in Refugio County on Copano Bay about 11 miles L45o E of Refugio being the quantity of land to which his entitled by visting of certificate No. 15 and Class offered to him by the Bass of Commissionaires for the county of Refugio Dec. 19th 1837 Beginning at a point on the beach from which the middle of the eastern front of Copano bends bear N. 14 3/4 o E. 47.37 varas - at the liner V. 33 ½ W 113 vasas - thence W 19 ½ NW 215 varas to a stake near where the long reef makes out there N. 41 ½ W 151.11 Varas - Thence N 89 ½ o W. 340 ½ varas - Thence S. 75 ½ o W 94.32 varas - The S.W. corner being the S.W. corner of J. Smith from which Copano House bears N. 55 ½ E. and live Oak Point bears S. 73 1/4 o E. - Thence leaving the bay due north 5554 varas to the S. W. corner - Thence East 1343 varas to the N. E. corner - Thence South 4825 varas to the bay from which Copano house bears N. 50 ½ W. and Live Oak Point bears N 55 ½ E. - Thence along the bay E 51 W. 455 varas to a stake - Thence @ 43 W. 452 varas to the beginning JG Smith }chair W. Richardson } carrior } J.W. Richardson do solemnly declare under the oath of my office that the forgoing Survey was made according to the law and that the limits, boundaries, and corners with the marks natural and artificial are truly described in the above plot and Field notes. W. Richardson DSCR I J. B. Collinsworth have examined the wither in Field notes and find them correct and according to law James B. Collinsworth C.S. Refugio Co. 50.56 File 4 Refugio 2nd class. Abst 243 Joseph E. Plummer 1280 acs. OLS wrapper inside Certificate No. 1 Patented 14 May 1856 to Joseph E. Plummer Jr. assignee No. 794 Vol. 3 Mgl. 405 Contents. No. 1 Certificate 2 No. 2. Field Notes No. 3. Cert of Co. Court No. 4 OLS wrapper Oc 23/77 Luck Reproduced from Texas General Land Office Holdings, Austin, TX. File 4 Refugio Co. 2nd Class Field notes 1280 acres Joseph E. Plummer Patented May 5th 1836 Scott Joseph E. Plumer 1280 acres 2nd class head ight for 1280 acres Refugio Co. The State of Texas county of Refugio} This is to certify that at a special term of the honerable the County court of ?? County here in the fourteenth day f January AD1826, unconditional head right certificate No. 7 for 1280 acres o fland was signed to Joseph E. Plummer Jr. ?? of Joseph E. Plummer, by virture of commisioal land certificate no 15.20 class states December 17th 1839 by the Board fLnad ?? of Refugio in County as the town of John R. ally * Samuel Perry Inwitness whoes at the ??set our hands ad the save if the county court of Emil couny as office in Refugio this the 14th day of January AD 1856 Viewer M. Rogues Chief Justice D. C. Loughy } assistant File 4 Refugio 2nd class Co. County certificate f in?? o fUnon ?? as to Joe E. Plummer Jr. assigned Filed April 24 , 1856 File 4 Refugio Co. 5056 Refugio Co. 2nd Class Joseph E. Plummer 1280 Acres NO. 1 Correct and map April 26/56 C.W. Prefter Patentet to Joseph E. Plummer Patented May 14th 1856 No. 794 vol. 3 Scath Jos F. Smith Oct 27, 1840 M.< Vah??? RN ??? CC April 25/56 Miller ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Refugio Co. 50.56 File 4 Refugio 2nd class. Abst 243 Joseph E. Plummer 1280 acs. OLS wrapper inside Certificate No. 1 Patented 14 May 1856 to Joseph E. Plummer Jr. assignee No. 794 Vol. 3 Mgl. 405 Contents. No. 1 Certificate 2 No. 2. Field Notes No. 3. Cert of Co. Court No. 4 OLS wrapper Oc 23/77 Luck Reproduced from Texas General Land Office Holdings, Austin, TX. Auditors Office Austin, March 1852 Hon OC Hurlley ??? Yours under date of 1st inst. requesting certificate in favor of Mr. Kendall re total sent to you has been recd. In 1839. Saml A. Plummer agent of the Govt. contracted with Mr. Kendall & Co. for 120 repeating rifles the cost of which to be paid in N. Orleans before the delivery of the guns. Kendall & Co. complied with this part of the contract. The guns were deposited in N.O. The Govt. failed to pay for them & they remained on deposit until the spring of 1842. When P. Edmonds then counsel of the Late Republic negotiated with Kendall & Co. to delivering him the guns upon his pledging certain private property to indemnify Kendall & Co. They by this act abrogated the contract with the Govt. & must look alone to Mr. Edmonds for any balance that remains unpaid to them Mr. Edmonds has no claim upon the Govt for he had no authority to make any such contract fr the Government. It seems to have been a private transaction between Mr. Edmonds & Kendall & Co. This is manifested fro the fact that since Mr. E. received the guns nothing has been heard f them by the Govt or any of its agents. It is true that Alex Stevenson a short time since made affidavit that a portion of these guns were delivered to the company commanded by him in 1842 - bu it is believed that he was not in his right mind at the time. The fact that his company received muskets & not repeating rifles is shown by his muster roll. This claim is therefore rejected I am regretfully your obt Sert. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Archives & Manuscripts Texas State Library and Archives Commission Republic Claims Search Plummer, Samuel A. (Col.) - type UN - N/A - Kendall, N & Co. - reel 253- 29-38 Victoria - 20 Feby 1838 Dear Sirs I have employed Captain Jno Snarth to accompany Gen Castoro to your city & his Captains. He has agreed to take them. I have agreed to pay his expenses & allow him two dollars per day - This is done as you requested me to send him in, and he is anxious to see you "The Great Captain". Mr. Fox will attend as interpreter and will not charge more than Captain Snarth. Col. Johnson will write on their departure. Gen Castro will exprect the uniforms. yr vy obt Sevt Sam'l A. Plummer ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Archives & Manuscripts Texas State Library and Archives Commission Republic Claims Search Plummer, Samuel A. (Col.) - type AU - claim # 613 - Fox, Michael - reel 32 -743-746 Transfer of oversized Materials Date: December 23, 1994 From Group: Comptroller Series: Audited Claims Folder: Plummer, Samuel A. Unnumbered 01 To Box Location: 304-011 Folder: P-3 Discription of Materials: Republic of Texas military pay account Oct. 1-30, 1839 " to Samuel Plummer Capt. Calvery T A." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Archives & Manuscripts Texas State Library and Archives Commission Republic Claims Search Plummer, Samuel A. (Col.) - type AU - claim unnumbered 01 - Plummer, Samuel A. (Capt) - reel 129- 630-631 2nd Auditor's Officer Houston 10 Feb 1838 This day came J.E. Plummer of Aransas and says the annexed instrument is just, true and original, and the only one that he has offered for liquidation; that he owes the government nothing on his own account, or on account of any other person Sworn to before ???? 2nd Auditor ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Archives & Manuscripts Texas State Library and Archives Commission Republic Claims Search Plummer, Joseph E. - type PD - Claim #3336 - Plummer, Joseph E. Jr. - reel 83 - 468-473 Comptrollers Office Austin, May 21, 1855 I certify that the sum of one thousand six hundred and nine 03/100 dollars is due Joseph E. Plummer late collector of customs at the Port of Aransas as appears from the Books of this office; Four hundred and ten dollars of which amount is due him in parfunds as appears from his original vouchers on file and the remainder one thousand one hundred and ninety nine 03/100 dollars is due him in promissary notes of the late Republic of Texas. Given under my hand the date above written 410.00 In Specie James B Sharp 1.199.03 " Promissary notes Couipt. $1609.03 No 2337 PUBLIC DEBT Second Class, "B" OF THE LATE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS . This is to certify, That Joseph E. Plummer has under the provisions of an Act of the Legislature of the State of Texas entitled An Act to extend the provisions of "An Act to provide for ascertaining the Debt of the Late Republic of Texas," approve February 7, 1853, Filed with the Auditor and Comptroller, Acclaim to and are due him as Collector of the Port of Aransas Amounting to One thousand six hundred 03/100 Dollars which is sufficiently authenticated to authorize the auditing of the same under the laws of the late Republic of Texas. Paid claim, according to the data before us, is worth Six hundred and forty nine 80/100 Dollars in par funds, as having been at that rate so available to the Government. In testimony Whereof, We have hereunto set our hands and affixed our seals of office, at Austin, This Twenty first Day of May A.D. 1855 ?????? ????????? Comptroller Auditer ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Archives & Manuscripts Texas State Library and Archives Commission Republic Claims Search Plummer, Joseph E. - type PD - Claim #3336 - Plummer, Joseph E. Jr. - reel 83 -468-473 Republic of Texas Custom House Aransas To all whom these presents shall come Greetings In the name and by authority in me vested. Be it known that I Jos. E. Plummer (Collector of Customs for District Aransas) Reposing special trust & confidence in the skill ability fidelity of John Chain do by these present contribute and ???? him the said John Chain Pilot & Boarding Officers of the district of Aransas. Giving & hereby granting to him the said John Chain full Power and authority to exercise and discharge all and singular the duties and trust in any wise appertaining there unto. To have and hold the same the honor ??? ??? and dues hereunto belonging ??? the ??? of said appointments Given under my hand at Custom Stouds City Aransas the 10th day November 1841 Jos. E. Plummer Collector ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Archives & Manuscripts Texas State Library and Archives Commission Republic Claims Search Plummer, Joseph E. - type PD - claim # 182 - Chain, John - reel 143-262-270 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------