Subject: African Americans (continued)
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Little Rock, Ark. [Arkansas]
March 15, 1865Dear Brother Daniel [Daniel Grant],
Your letter of the 27th ult came to me yesterday, having been forwarded from Memphis on the 7th of this month. It was long since I had heard from you, except a vague report that you had gone to the coal regions, but in what part of the country I had no idea. Even now (as I have no map at hand) my views of the position of Titusville are very indefinite, but in due time I shall find out.
The <coal> oil interest is not yet in a growing state here. We hear nothing of it, and know nothing about it. As, however, the whole country seems to be underlaid with it (i.e. wherever there is coal) I presume it will yet be found here. At present there is too much of a struggle going on, and besides the cotton interest is so strong that it leaves no room for any other to grow. This is one of the best cotton regions away from the Mississippi and though there is but little land that is safe for tillage, yet there is a great rush for such as is open for that purpose.
I do not therefore see that I am likely to be able to help you in the oil matter. For your sake, however, I will give the matter attention though I know nothing about it more than the babe untravelled. I would like a good oil lamp because I could save $2 or $3 a month by its use but I have not yet developed a taste for oil speculations.
I hardly know what to write about such matters for I have not thought enough of them to form any opinion. I hope you may do well, though I suppose you are aware (your letter indicates it) that for some of us speculation is a dangerous road to travel. It is full of risks to any one, though a good judgment in business is doubtless a great help. If you can get $5000 you may feel that you have done a good thing even if $1000 would not come amiss.
I am engaged at present looking to the interests of colored schools in this state—a business that [Mr. Pastington] would say was more disturbing to the oilfactories (olfactories) than any other. However we do not hear so much of the “stinking negroes” as we once did, and as they get more used to freedom, probably we shall cease to hear of them. I inclose a slip of newspaper that will let you know something of the extent of my field. There are really but four points yet open in the state, and they are a great way apart. This point, Pine Bluff 50 miles below on the Arkansas river, DuVall’s Bluff 45 miles east on the White River, and Helena on the Mississippi. At these points we have now schools with <1300> 1267 pupils. Probably the number will be tripled before another year.
I have had a severe and dangerous attack of Pneumonia this winter. It came upon me Jan 24, and when I escaped the crisis left me with a very bad cough, from which I have scarcely recovered yet, though I am much better. The weather is pleasant now, except the frequent rains. Peach trees are in blossom and garden vegetables will soon be in season. The worst of it is, that where soldiers are, none of these can be safely raised.
Every thing here would remind you of California prices. Butter 90c & $1 a pound, eggs $1 a doz., flour $25 to $35 a bbl. &c.
Abby is at Cairo in Soldiers’ Home; John, our son, is at Beloit, and at last news was well; Willie (poor boy) is at Lockport, and thus, as a family, we are scattered and broken. It seems best at present, but I hope a more desirable state of things will be developed ere long. While the war lasts I want to be a part of it, if in reason I can.
My Reg. is with Sherman, I cannot tell where. I left it just as they started from Atlanta on the grand move to Savannah. Wondrous things have been done since then.
Remember me to Caroline when you write, as I presume you often do, and write me often even though but briefly, especially when you change your P.O. or meet with any good or bad luck. If you make a thousand dollars let me know, if you lose all, or a part, of what you risk, let me know. Direct as below,
Your aff. brother
Chaplain J. Grant
care of Major W. G. Sargent
Little Rock, Ark.P.S. Did you know that the pop of Titusville in 1850 was only 243. I have just seen it in the Census. I presume it has more than that of oil hunters and speculators now. Happening to lay my hands on the Compendium of the Census for 1860, I find a few items respecting Titusville, Oil City, &c. the former of which is stated to be on Oil Creek. It says that Mssrs. Bowditch and Drake of New Haven commenced operations there in 1857, and in Aug. 1859 , a fountain was reached at 71 feet that yielded 400 gallons daily. Before the close of 1860, these were about 2000 wells and borings yielding daily 1165 bbls. of crude oil &c.
Mrs. Caroline Grant
Dear Sister,
I did not notice until I had written the above, hastily, that Daniel requested me to write through you at Flemington [New Jersey]. <I hope> It is not too late to make the correction. I received one week since a very pleasant letter from Marcus, telling me of the state of affairs at home, of Father’s and Mother’s condition &c. I shall answer it soon.
I have just made out the full returns from our scattered colored schools in Ark. for the month of January. They number 11 with 22 teachers and 1267 pupils who paid during that month about $650 for tuition. After meeting all expenses for rent, fuel, school furniture &c. there remains net income $440. This is the day of small things but it is a good beginning and highly encouraging. Remember me to Mr. Hill and Mary, and let me have another of your valued letters.
Your aff. brother
Joel Grant.[Newspaper article from Arkansas Journal, March 8, 1865, clipped to letter: “Colored Schools in Arkansas.” It closes: “The above facts are gathered from Chaplain J. Grant, who is appointed Superintendent of these schools, but whose plans have been much interrupted by a serious illness that came upon him while visiting the schools at Pine Bluff.”]
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[Envelope return address]
Soldier’s Letter
J. Grant
Chaplain 12th Ill Inf.[Addressed to]
Mr. Daniel Grant
Charleston
Kanawah Co
W. VirginiaLittle Rock, Ark.
May 29, 1865Dear Brother,
Your letters of April 4th (Flemington) and May 20th (Parkersburg) are in my hands – the last recd to day. Thank you for the information they contain. The last seems to imply that you are about to buy a farm at the rate of $5 an acre. Of course I can form no opinion as to its value, though I would prefer a country not so hilly and rough as you represent that to be. But even this decides nothing – land may be smooth and worth nothing and so the other way.
I must confess my inability to give advice even to this hour. There is no excitement about oil in this state as yet, and there could not be because war has been the business until quite recently and it has not been safe to travel out of military protection. Agriculture has languished. Now, however, it is beginning to revive and no doubt there will be a great stir in due time. I can only say at present that there are projects for colonies on foot, and as the state is large, and probably about a third fit good land, and room enough on that to accommodate several times the population the state ever had, there will be a great movement beyond all doubt. Two reasons (among several more) keep me from acting. First I have no money to render it possible. My expenses are great personally, for since I have been in Ark. [Arkansas], living has been higher than in any place I have ever before occupied – the cost of my two children is enormous for a man of little means, and I have mostly made up my mind that God does not intend I should ever have much if anything. He gives me a great deal – sums that are astonishing, but like a snow storm borne on the North wind to-day, and melted by the South wind to-morrow, it all vanishes in a little time, or melts as it falls. So I cannot do much if I would, Then I find it impossible to know the facts of a case in season to act. There have been sales in this place within the past month of some $800,000 worth of property – wh. in all scarce brought $50,000 – part of it under the act of Confiscation Act, and part of it under the Act for collecting taxes – in which had I had money in hand I could have put myself by the use of $2000 in probable possession of $10,000. But I have bought nothing, for the reasons already stated.
If you have not already purchased (and I know not whether to hope you have or not) perhaps you had better come to Ark. and see what can be done – or let me know what amount you would like to expend here, and I can select an agent who will expend it wisely – or not foolishly. For myself I shall leave the country after three or four weeks for a time at least.
If I were to determine to take any steps to make money I think I would take advantage of the Homestead Act, and take one of Uncle Sam’s farms, go into the wilderness, and start anew. But I cannot make up my mind to do such a thing and deem it better (probably) to stick to my profession, to whose ills I am accustomed, and which has hitherto given me bread (not the best) to eat, and clothes (not the finest) to wear than fly to <all?> untried ills. I am not in all things a coward, but in this I am, I confess.
I am glad to know that Dr. Patterson has traced the genealogy of our family & will send $10 to help him through. I am willing to do this in the hope that in some way we can find some way to link our family to the hero of the age. Lieut. Gen. Grant, though if the examination should prove there is no such connection, I still would like to promote the investigation & will send another $10 if necessary. I will send $10 to Marcus in a few days.
You will regret that I can do no more to promote your wishes -- but not more than I do.
We are doing a great work for the Freedman of Ark. I inclose a slip of a paper (Christian Times a Baptist paper of Chicago, May 11) containing one certificate of this. Others appear in the correspondence of visitors to this country, but I cannot now lay my hand upon them, and if I could you would not care to read them.
I am much better in health than at any time before since my illness in January.
I believe all your letters have come safely Hope this will reach you & that you will acknowledge at once. With love to all your household, I am,Your aff brother
Joel Grant
care of Major W. G. Sargent
Little Rock, Ark.[Clipping headed “On the Arkansas River.” is a letter from Chas. Hill Roe. It closes: “P.S. Capt. Mallory, at Pine Bluff, Maj. Sargent and the Rev. Joel Grant, at Little Rock are doing a noble work for the freedmen of Arkansas.”]
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---[Addressed to] Caroline Grant
Office
9 – 4 – 84
Dear Aunty
I do know that this letter should have been written long ago. It has been on my mind but so many things crowd upon me that it has seemed impossible
After you left we were busy finishing housecleaning which we did get out of the way before Mrs Brown came Helen Pepoon came the 22nd of July Sam came home for a week the 21st so we had a houseful We were all glad to have Sam with us. He took all our photos. Succeeded in getting very good ones of Allie, Carrie, Chalmers and baby Sophie. None are finished but one of Carrie which Sam sent to her for a birthday remembrance on the 29th.
Chalmers Miss Pepoon and I spent one day in New York Walked over Brooklyn Bridge went up to Central Park saw the Obelisk, went thro’ Tiffanys and into many of the larger stores and then went down to Coney Island & back, to get a view of the ocean
We went in on an excursion train and reached home about nine oclock in the eve.
The next day the last day of July Helen and I went down to Philadelphia stayed four days and saw a great deal
Cousin Tom and Sophie were very good to us and we saw more than stranger ordinarly could see in so short a time
We visited the Park, Memorial Hall with its multitude of curiosities left from the Centennial, Horticultural Hall is my special delight with its wonderful plants The fern house is enchanting, we saw the Elephants at the Zoo, taking their bath in a bath tub out of doors built for their special & sole use, It was curious to see the great creatures splashing round to their very evident enjoyment.
We spent a whole day in the park and wished we had more time for it
One day we went down into Old Philadelphia visited State House Carpenters Hall which has stood for more than one hundred and fifty years as a meeting place for the Carpenters Association of the City
Cousin Tom took us into some of the handsome business blocks of the City They are really magnificent in their appointments
Another day we went into the New Public Buildings with those four stairways, each costing $100,00, 00
We had altogether a very good time and Helen enjoyed it Cousin Tom & [Elizie?] and Sophie all
liked her and have taken pains to tell me so several times
Helen and I returned to F Aug. 4th, Aug. 6th Helen left for Ohio stopping at Elmira on her way
She bought baby a very pretty cap in Phila. Also gave Carrie a beautiful little cup & saucer and after she left sent me a beautiful plush frame in which I have put Mammas’ picture. Aug 11th the Monday after H. left Carrie went to Asbury Park to stay ten days, Sophie Hill was to be there and we all thought it would do Carrie good You know Sophies two Aunts live in Asbury Park and they were pleased to have C. board with them so C’s bill was my birthday present.
Just after C got away Father caught a heavy cold and was home three days and did not come regularly to office for a week. Chalmers was very good and helped in office But it made me rise early to send out first mail
Belle (the colored girl) was very ugly while C was away and in fact had been growing worse all the time since she came and we could stand it no longer Carrie came home Aug 20 and Aug 23 Belle left or rather we sent her away
She would go out so much and was so unwilling to do her work that it did seem a relief to have her away We have the washing done and have a good women to come two days and help iron and sweep and clean. Have had girls room cleaned this week and 3rd story stairs down and so third story is done for the Fall except of course we must look over things The Attic is in first rate order and clean as can be
But you can see that we have been pretty busy and for the past two weeks we have had fruit to take care of tomatoes to put up Peaches and pears and plums everything at once
Ellen Stout came one week and cut carpet rags. I think nearly enough for a step carpet When she was here last summer Mama made an arrangement with her to come in April and cut rags and wash dishes. E. could not come then but she wanted to be out of the city awhile in August and so came then She praised the rags exceedingly and has cut them very nicely Mrs Brown who bought her up taught her how Now we hope to sew those rags ourselves but I do not know when I am sure I shall give some uncut rags Mrs Car[??]huff so that she may be working at them but it seems to bad to pay her to sew cut rags But if we must, how much ought I to pay her? pr lbs.
Mrs Brown and Emma are still with us and will no doubt remain until 1st of October About the middle of August Aunt Eliza Cray came up to Uncle John Capners She was scarcely able to come and the journey proved too much for her strength. She was unable to leave her bed after the first day and grew gradually weaker until the 28th of August when she died Poor Aunty she did have a hard life We were all so thankful that she could get up here She had every attention Dr Parish attended her several time a day part of the time
Her mind wandered a great deal I went to see her several times she seemed to know me called me by name but in a few minutes would evidently forget Father went to see her and she knew him and was pleased that he visited her She had heart disease and much of the time was unable to lie down Mrs Thompson was very good to her Mr Cray was with her a great deal Poor man Both he and Uncle John feel the loss sorely Very few relatives could come to funeral Cousin Tom and cousin [Kathy?] of Philadelphia were the only ones from out of town I was at Post Office and Carrie took care of house and Sophie, Father Allie and Chalmers went, Uncle Tom of Portland could not come
Sept. 5
Again I take this up I wonder what you and Uncle Daniel will do this Fall Give Uncle love from us all Would be glad to see him were it possible now You will let us know when you wish your things sent and write us what you wish us to know of your plans. I will try not to let it be such a long time before I write again
Have had a great many letters to write about that Brazilian girl (They have decided to keep her in this country) Then [...?] in [peach?] season we are unusually busy at office I will be glad when they are gone
Mr<s> Anderson is about the same They have a man nurse for him now. It does not seem possible he can live much longer He is the thinest and worst looking man I have ever seen alive Aunt H. is not very well is tired with the long period of nursing for she has the responsibility of Mr. A and house too
Miss [Jacot?] visited Cousin Annie Pierce a week we saw very little of her except the day she spent at our house She made a great fuss over baby and wanted to hold her all the time
She missed Mama and spoke feelingly of her Also told Aunt H. that Carrie managed house keeping wonderfully and that everything was as clean as could be. It was after Belle went that she was there
Last eve (Sept 4) we heard of the very sudden death of Charles Hill of New Brunswick Found dead in the morning know no particulars
Father feels that so many have been called away during the last few yearsCaddie Morrison of Elizabeth wrote to Carrie a few days ago inviting herself to spend next Sunday with us so we wrote to her to bring Maude and spend a few days, Carrie likes Caddie and I should like the acquaintance kept up Carrie will go to Elizabeth sometime
Thus you see it is all the time something on hand
Baby grows and is good in day time but her teeth are coming and at night she is inclined to be fretful which makes it hard for Allie tho Chalmers is very good and does his full share of nursing She sits alone and is very cute in her short dresses This is a long letter and have not yet written all I wish too, several ladies enquire after you after you had left. Aunt Eliza said we were to have a quilt which is ready to be quilted, also some linen sheets
Send regards to Mr & Mrs Phiney Shall hope to hear from Uncle Erastus and Abbie and Ed & Ralph & Mary thru you
With love from all
Affectionately
Minnie
Sam signed that assignment. Has Chalmers written about it? Shall it be sent to you?-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
[Addressed to:] Mrs Daniel Grant
New Marlborough
Mass. [Massachusetts]
Flemington NJ [New Jersey] Oct 30 1888
Dear Sister
Your last letter made me feel somewhat ashamed of my long silence but I thought you were getting most of the news from the others -- I have been for a little over a month here in McEmery's office looking after the collection of the accounts on the Books amounting to something over 14,000 Dollars. Have sent out last week over 200 statements, and people have been coming in lately to pay, and see about their accounts. It feels like old times to be writing and adding up the accounts --
Have a very pleasant office, and a man they have here looks after the fires. sweep out &c-
I get 35 Dollars a Month for my services and come here at 1/2 past nine, have an hour or a little more for dinner and quit at 1/2 past 4 At first came up evenings for an hour but since selling out the Lumber Yard, only come occasionally when one of the Executors want to see me. My health has been quite good this fall and rheumatism much less than last spring & summer and am feeling the good effect of my long rest last July. How I did enjoy it and would very much liked to have made it two months instead of one --
Allie came home from Phila Monday -- was there about 2 weeks having a good rest and visit. Did not have the children with her as we thought the rest would be better if she had not them to care for --
Chalmers went down Saturday noon taking the two children with him and they returned as stated - Al was also in N York for a week some time ago and Sophie with her --
We get along comfortably with the [Sulphin's?] thus far -- though we cannot find any regular help. we can get good help by the day -- for ironing cleaning sweeping &c -- Have had to churn 3 o 4 times a week lately until this week, this week we have sold 30 or more quarts of cream --
The apple crop has been very good here this fall -- one man near town had about 2000 bushels and Mr [Hulsizer?] went up home and picked apples for us. we get them for 40 c a bushel and his Father gave him 2 o 3 bl for the children --
Politics are the chief excitement here at present and we will all be glad when it is over -- The Democrats in this County are very much divided on County Officer, and, 2 o 3 times lately we have beaten them -- we have some hopes of Harrison & Mortons election but can bear the disappointment if it comes --
Have had a very unusually wet fall and it has been hard work to do anything on the ground, We are almost through with fall cleaning, and Aunt H is looking forward to a visit to Vineland to see the new boy baby there. Will probably be away several weeks --
Am sorry to hear of Edwards long continued sickness. It must be a great trial and loss to him Hope he will have no more fall backs and eventually be able to make up the lost time. was glad to hear that he had some pecuniary help from some source -- When you see any of them give them my love & sympathy -- We are all sorry that we are to lose Mrs Anne Pierce, as a neighbor. She goes to New York with her sister Julia, and there will be more of the family at the old homestead. Of late years she has been a very fine and pleasant woman -- Her knee is still somewhat weak & stiff yet so that it is some trouble to go up & down stairs --
We picked some pretty roses this morning and our Chrysanthemum are just opening nicely
All Mr Emerys children will Miss the old home. They came here every summer to put up their fruit and they are packing now barrel after barrel of canned fruit for the different families They will divide most of the household foods so that there will be but little of it sold at public sale --
Am sorry to hear that you are so weak & miserable and advise you to take life as easily as possible as you have earned the right to rest and should do as much as you can --
Our new Furnace works very nicely and it is very little trouble to take care of the main thing is the ashes -- Do you still keep your cow or have you decided that it was more of a chore than a luxury -- Tell Uncle D, to take care of himself and not to forget to keep the stove warm this winter
Laye Democrat meeting to be here this afternoon & Fred Douglas speaks here tomorrow evening --[written at head of first page]All the folks except myself were at church entertainment to raise Missionary funds -- Gleaners were the active parties and the attendance was good. Have not heard how much they took in --
Affectionately yours
W Hill-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---