Shelby Co, TX - LETTER: John Vaught to Bro. Graves *********************************************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Vicki Betts Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************** TENNESSEE BAPTIST, November 23, 1861, p. 3, c. 6 Buena Vista, Shelby County, Texas, } Sept. 19th, 1861. } Bro. Graves:--Inclosed [sic] you will find part of what I owe you for your invaluable paper. I do not remember the amount that I owe you. When you send my receipt, please state the residue. Times are very hard here, but as long as I can raise any money I intend to take the Tennessee Baptist, which I consider, not only one of the leading Baptist, but one of the leading religious papers in the world. I have been a subscriber to the Tennessee Baptist for the last 15 years, and hope to be for the remainder of my earthly pilgrimage. I entirely approve of the noble stand which you have taken with regard to the cardinal and vital principles of "Our Church." Your course is approved by the Baptist Churches throughout this portion. And should you ever make a tour through Eastern Texas you will be unanimously welcomed as one of the most able and zealous defenders of Baptist principles. We all sympathize with you in your persecutions for the truth's sake, and hope and pray for you to successfully withstand the attacks of your enemies. Your noble stand for the South should endear you to every true Southern man. We are all united in Texas, and are determined to resist as long as one man is left to offer resistance. I am proud that my native State, "Old Tennessee," has taken so noble a stand in defense of Southern rights. I am sorry though that she contains any traitors, any sympathizers of the Lincoln despotism. Abolitionism has been a pest and a nuisance to our country for many years; we will now be free from its baneful influence as well as all the hateful isms of the prolific North—prolific in the fooleries, absurdities, and fanaticism of the day—in religion, morals, and politics. Corn crops are generally good throughout our State. All the cereal crops are generally good. Cotton, though, is not first rate. More than enough has been produced to do us, consequently Lincoln's blockade will not injure us. Health is not good. The chills and fever have been quite common. You will please pardon my writing on the leaf of a blank book. I have no paper, and I know of none within 40 or 50 miles of me. I remain your brother in Christ, John Vaught.