Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1861-01-18
FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas,
Sept. 6, 1860.

DEAR WIFE AND CHILDREN:-I never took
up my pen under such circumstances before. !
After 1 left there that day I was hurried on,
and the next day about o'clock we got to
Fayetteville. 1 am here yet They havenot
put me in Jail, but keep me under guard. At
night am chained fast to some person, and
in the day have liberty to walk about with
the guard. 1 have been, in the general, tol-
erable although my company in general has
not been as desirable as some. They are
now after Tom Willet. So soon as they sue
ceed in getting him, suppose they win set
out with US to Texas on the overland stage,
and if so, hand US over to the Fort Worth
Committee aRd receive the reward Then
we will, suppose, be under their supervis-
ion, to do with us as seemeth them GOOD
And if that takes place, dear and much be-
IoDed sOife and loving children, I shall never,
in this life, expect 10 see YOU but 1 shall look
to meet you all with our little babe that has
already gone 70 that blessed haven of repose.
The reason why I so speak, in these times of
heated political excitement mole-hills are
raised mountain high, and where there is none,
it is frequently imagined they see something.
That being the case, Il is enough to know
that we are "North Methodists, as they are
called; and from what we learned in Texas
about that Fort Worth Committee, they had
sworn vengeance against all such folks. l
expect when they get to US we will 90 the
trip. But dear wife and children, who are
big enough to know about these things, know
that, so far am concerned, all these
things are false. You have been with
me, and you know as well as do, that
none OF these things have ever beeu
countelanced about our house, but that
we have repudiated such to the last. So you
see that am innocent, and you, my love,
will hav the lasting satisfaction to know
that your husband was innocent, for you
have been with me for some tWenty-six years,
and your constitution is emaciated and gone
down 10 feebleness. You will have to spend
the remaining part of your life as bereaved
widow with your orphan children, with one
blind daughter. Nov, my feelings cannot
describe, but know there is a God that doeth
right As was taken away, and was not
even permitted 70 see you, that / might bid
you and the children farewell, have to do it
in this way, and would say to all to try to
continue your way onward to Heaven. Tell
George and baby, when they get old enough
they must seek religion and be good bows.
/ and meet Pa in Heaven. I want William
and john, as they are the Oldest, to be good
to their mother and their blind sister.
Do with your scapt means as you think
best. have feelings--I cannot tell you how
| feel for you. There on The road, in your
wagons, We thought ourselves at home. But
can only leave you in the hands Of Him in
whom I-put my trust know you viii not
forget me in your prayers; you have mine
shall have while have breath. believe
much in prayer. feel no guilt from the
fact that have done nothing to cause that
feeling. Dear Jane, caanot tell what is the
best course for you TO pursue, but want you
to get somewhere that the children can have
e chance at school. Keep as clear Of these
one-hOrse towns as you can. frequently at
such places boys are ea-ly led astray. do
hope that tho good Lord wiz comfort you
and guide You 10 the best conclusions.
IWould be glad if you would tel Henry
NcCAry TO write to Capt. Daget at Fort
Worth, my standing since he was first ae-
quainted with me, and when you write to
your friends tell them 20 do 50 too, or as they
choose. l now close by subscribing myself
your sffeetionate husband and father,
AsTHoNE BEwLEY.
You VIII doubtless preserve this imperfect
scroll. ss A. B.
This is September sth, 1859.
City Of Fayetteville, Ark.
u, with a portion Of the Vigilance Commit