Bradly
Civil War Letters
Grayson
County, Texas
1862 —
1865
Compiled
by
George
Warren Blankenship, Jr.
2100
Devern
Austin,
Tx 78704
Kathleen
Blankenship Dophied
2410
Loy Lake Road
Denison,
Tx 75020
Sarah
Blankenship Dye
3901
DeBaca
Denison,
Tx 75020
Note
This collection of letters, along with G.W. Blankenship's brief history and comments, are being placed online to allow easier access to them.
Truitt L. Bradly
3707 Buffalo Springs Trail, No. 304
Georgetown, Texas 78628
Author's Note
It is known from other legal and land documents that Wesley Walk Bradly could both read and write; however, the latter seemed to have been a laborious task for him. One must also remember that it must have been a monumental effort faced with living conditions during the civil war simply to have paper and a writing instrument.
It was not uncommon at that time to have someone more able to write for you. It is evident to tell by examination of syntax, spelling and word phrases that this was the case in these letters. In fact, Wesley states in one letter that he is "writing by Davis." It is also evident that Wesley wrote some of the letters himself. His are shorter and seem to be written in a more conversational manner.
While scholars of that day seemed to have been versed in formal salutations and phonics, there is a great deficiency in the use of capital letters, spelling and punctuation. The consonant sounds c, k, and s were often confused as were silent second vowels.
There may be error in transcription of one or two words. The letters are here presented as they were written with only the addition of some punctuation for ease of reading.
The Jo Bradley so often mentioned is Joseph Warren Bradley, older brother of Wesley. Jo Baird is believed to be a Bradley cousin on the Dewberry side of the family. Thomas Reeves is the oldest son of George Robertson Reeves and John Hull is believed to be another Reeves cousin. The letters contain other names of people who lived in and around Georgetown, Preston and Sherman during this time.
PROLOGUE
On August 18, 1822, in Lauderdale County, Alabama, Seymore Bradley and Rebecca Duberry obtained a license to be married. That marriage was solemnized on December 18, 1822, by one Jeremiah Burnia, M.G. In the next nine years five children were born to the couple.
Lauderdale, County, Alabama is located on the northern border of Alabama next to the Tennessee state border. In those nine years, the Bradley's seemed to have moved back and forth between the two states. Even in records that the children later gave, there is some confusion as to their birth state.
Sometime during the early 1830's (some land records indicate as early as 1833) Seymour Bradley came to Texas. He chose and had surveyed 640 acres of land that had as its southern boundary Iron Ore Creek in an area that is now southwest Denison. Highway #131 divides the property length way into an eastern and western section.
Some family historians believe that Seymour Bradley built a cabin, tilled his land and began a farm exactly in the middle of this land. Indeed there is a natural flowing spring located on the southeast corner where present day Loy Lake Road and Highway 131 intersect, and that would have been just about at the center of the land. Family legends say that Seymour Bradley hollowed out the ground in front of that spring to hold exactly one barrel of water.
During early 1839, it is believed that Seymour Bradley returned to Alabama for his family. No records have thus far been found to indicate whether his wife, Rebecca (Duberry) returned to Texas with him or not. There are numerous legal and land records that prove without question that his five minor children did accompany him back to the new home.
The children were: Thomas Norman, 14 years old, Harriet A., 12, Joseph Warren, 10, Wesley Walk, 8, and Sarah Elizabeth 6.
In a special session of the Land Board at Warren on August 29, 1839, Seymour Bradley received legal title to the before mentioned land under a second class, certificate number 97, signed by Daniel Montague. Before January 25, 1839, Seymour Bradley had also received legal title to a grant of land consisting of a league and a labor that had been granted by Fannin County to one Henry Stewart on February 17, 1838.
The reason for Seymour Bradley's acquisition to the Stewart land has not been determined. That league and labor consisted of three very diverse pieces of land. There was one portion located in the triangle of Smith, Choctaw, and Iron Ore Creek and located east of Denison. One square portion was on the prairie near to present Hagerman Wildlife Refuge, and the third portion was near Whitesboro in the cross timbers.
It is possible that Seymour Bradley lived in more than one place because there are records of his having done business in Warren and Bonham, and in Preston.
In October 1843, Seymour Bradley acquired a third section of land. This time it was a piece of land located on the Prairie near Big Mineral Creek and registered in the name of John Yates.
During the late 1830's and early 1840's, Seymour Bradley and his children lived on the farm and raised considerably large numbers of cattle and hogs. If they ever had any trouble with Indians or "forted" against them, it is not recorded.
Sometime between February 1 and March 15, 1844, Seymour Bradley died, apparently suddenly and unexpectedly. Cause of his death is not known, but a physician named Dr. John Glover did attend him in "his last illness."
After examination of all known records of the life of Seymour Bradley, it becomes clear that he was a well educated, industrious, meticulously planning man. In Alabama he is recorded buying and selling land and estates and witnessing wills of well-known men. Judging from all of his past actions' one is hard pressed to understand why, knowing the uncertainties of life on the frontier and being well aware of laws, he left no will or provision for his minor children. (There is still no record of his wife, Rebecca, being alive at this time.) This is made almost doubly improbable since he apparently did not die so suddenly that there was not time for a doctor to be summoned.
On March 15, 1844, James B. Shannon asked for and was granted administrative power of the Bradley estate. His co-securities then were Micajh Davis and Hiram W. Ryburn. Mr Shannon, on August 25, 1844, made an informal appraisal of the quite extensive estate. Then it contained "two bags of receipts, other papers, and money."
On September 11 of the same year (approximately two weeks later) the two co-securities, Mr Davis and Mr. Ryburn made what appears to be a more formal estate appraisal. The two appraisals do not correspond regarding papers, money, possessions or land.
As it appeared to be the custom in those times, an estate sale was held on September 14, 1844. The records indicate that everything Seymour Bradley owned (except his land) was placed on the selling block. This included even such items as his jeans and shaving instruments.
His two oldest children apparently were even "allowed" to buy several of the items from their home. Thomas bought the family coffee pot and the family Bible. Harriet bought her bed.
One cannot but question the moral right of such a sale, even if legally justified. Many prominent "first settlers" of Grayson County attended the "sale," taking home such items as team of oxen, cows, hogs, corn, books, clocks, guns, dishes, hundreds of fruit trees, farm implements, etc.
Apparently it was also not the custom to pay cash for such items (even though it was the fall of the year when most accounts were settled) because many of the accounts had not been paid as late as December 1, 1847. Perhaps instead of the term "estate sale," such a gathering should have been called "a meeting to divide the spoils of the deceased."
The men in charge of the estate must have had some sort of "falling out" because Mr. Ryburn took over from Mr. Shannon the administration of the estate about six weeks later. During the next two and one half years, "the farm" was rented to one Thomas E. Hardaway. It is not clear where or with whom the Bradley children were living. They would then have been 19, 17, 15, 13, and 11, and still minors by law.
On November 25, 1844, Wesley Walk Bradley, third son of Seymour Bradley and then only 14 years old, went before the court alone and asked that Micajah Davis be made his guardian. The court granted his request and made Daniel Rowlett and Mabel Gilbert co-securities.
About one month later, on December 30, 1844, James B. Shannon with Mark Roberts and Richard Sowells as co-securities asked the court for guardianship of 17 year old Harriet Bradley. In notation, almost as an after thought, these men also asked for guardianship of Joseph Warren and Sarah Elizabeth. Their request was granted. No mention is made of Thomas who was only 19 and still a minor.
Nothing more is heard from this family until June of 1846 when Thomas Norman and Joseph Warren enlisted at Warren in the Mounted Volunteers commanded by Col. William C. Young. They left for south Texas to fight in the Mexican War. They returned to Grayson County in the fall of that year after being honorably discharged.
Early in 1847, an intelligent and apparently bright, 29 year old school teacher arrived in Texas with the Peters Colony. His name was Joshua West. He met and quickly married Harriet Bradley. They date of that ceremony was May 27, 1847.
In the July court term, Mr. West asked the court to make him administrator of the late Seymour Bradley estate citing as his right, his marriage to one of the heirs. The court did eventually grant him administrative powers but not until December 1, 1847. We can also assume then that he became guardian of Joseph Warren and Sarah Elizabeth since the came to live in the West home.
In the meantime, a classified as appeared in a Bonham newspaper advising the heirs of Seymour Bradley to appear in court on the last Monday in November of 1847 for the division of the land of their deceased father.
At that court session, the five children drew lots for the original Seymour Bradley headright and 202 acres of Stewart land. Wesley Walk drew the East half of the Bradley headright that contained the farm. The other three each drew 700 acres on Stewart land on the prairie. No explanation was given why this was the only land divided.
When Mr. Ryburn turned over to Joshua West the accounts of the Seymour Bradley estate all that was left were the before mentioned unpaid accounts from the estate sale and the land.
In 1848, Joshua West was elected as the second sheriff of Grayson County. In that year, he also became to guardian of the minor, Wesley Walk. During his tenure as administrator of the Bradley estate, Joshua West was forced to go to court at three separate times to prove the heirs' ownership to the three separate land grants, even that land for which they had drawn for at the court in Bonham.
It would seem that had it not been for Joshua West, the Bradley orphans would not have gotten even the land that had been granted to their father.
Shortly after Wesley Walk became 21 years, he was given his share of what had been rescued from the Seymour Bradley estate. This included: one mare and colt, another mare, a lot of hogs, 1 gun, 10 bushels of corn, and the 320 acres of land containing "the farm."
It seems to have been at about this time that Wesley Walk Bradley dropped the "e" from his surname, and began to spell it Bradly. He was the only one of Seymour Bradley's children who chose to spell his name without that "e".
On August 30, 1854, Wesley Walk Bradly, then 24 years old, eloped with Nancy Tennessee Reeves, 15 year old daughter of William Steal Reeves of the Preston Bend Community. The couple was married in the Choctaw Nation by A. L. Dickson, and elder in the Methodist Church. Witnesses to the marriage were Joseph Warren Bradley, brother of the groom, and Stone Love of the prominent Indian Love family.
William Steal Reeves gave to each of his children 160 acres of land. It was on this land that Nancy lived with her small children and apparently one slave named Ance, while Wesley served in the war. Its location is about two miles west of Highway #121 on the Georgetown Road. The pasture of the land would have been a part of the exclusive Tanglewood Country Club.
The school which Becky and Billy attended would almost certainly be the old Georgetown school which at that time was located at a bend in the Georgetown Road, one mile west of highway #121. They probably were some of the first students in that school.
It was not until January 12, 1857 that the five Bradley children were allowed to draw lots for the remaining Seymour Bradley estate. This delay was necessitated by the previously mentioned court action.
The last drawing was for the Yates land on Big Mineral Creek and the remaining Stewart land on the prairie and huge Stewart land on Choctaw. Wesley drew land on Big Mineral while Sarah Elizabeth drew the middle portion of the Choctaw land. The other children drew portions of Choctaw and prairie land.
In the following years, Wesley Walk sold most of his portion of the Seymour Bradley headright, but he always retained about 7 1/2 acres directly in the center of the land. In August 1862, shortly before he left for the civil war, Wesley Walk and Joseph Warren exchanged two 3 3/4 acre pieces of this land. In that transaction, Joseph got the lower 3 3/4 acres of that land (containing the spring), and Wesley got a long, deep, narrow creek, which at that time ran from the intersection of what today is Loy Lake Road (following roughly the course of Highway #131) and flowing into Iron Ore Creek.
On November 17, 1857, Wesley Walk and Nancy Bradly had their first child, a daughter whom they named Nancy Rebecca. William C. Bradley was born on May 22, 1859. These are the two children referred to in these letters as Becky and Billy.
In May of 1862, a second son was born to the couple. He was named Robert O.B. (O'barr). He lived to be only about two months old.
It was three days after this baby's death on July 5, 1862, that Wesley Walk Bradly rode his horse fifteen miles to Sherman to enlist in the Confederate Army. He was 32 years old. He served in Capt. John L. Randolph's Company, 1 Battalion, Texas Partisan Rangers. He was mustered in and received his training at Camp Reeves that was located at the site of old Fort Johnson very near to his own farm. He furnished his own horse worth 130 dollars and his own equipment valued at 30 dollars.
Lewis Robert Wesley, a third son, was born on April 21, 1863, while his father was fighting for the South. Apparently Brother Jo had been at home during the birth and relayed the good news of a new son to Wesley Walk. He speaks of his happiness about the new baby. Wesley Walk came home on furlough early in November of 1864, and it was on July 8, 1865, that Sarah C. was born.
On March 20, 1867, Wesley Walk Bradly died. The reason for his death is unknown. He had lived on 36 short years, but they had been years full of living, moving and activity. He fought for what he believed was right, and he loved his wife, his children and his family.
On his death bed, he sold for $24, to his brother Joseph, his only remaining Seymour Bradley inheritance. It was that 3 3/4 acres that he had retained and which was located exactly in the center of the original Seymour Bradley headright land. Some believe that it was the original homeplace. George McGlothlin and a Mr. Farris were witnesses to this land transaction.
Five months after Wesley's death, Nancy gave birth to Wesley's sixth and last child, a boy, whom she named Joseph Walk.
On November 17, 1867, about 8 months after her father's death, 2 year old Sarah C. Bradly died.
During the difficult days of reconstruction after the war, Nancy Tennessee Bradly, then only 26 years old, married a man who was sixteen years her senior. His name was Lory Utter. Although the marriage lasted 23 years, it did not have a happy ending as evidenced by the last letter in this collection.
Two daughters were born to Nancy and Lory Utter. They were girls named Mary Bell and Talitha. Both lived to adulthood, married and had families.
On September 25, 1868, Nancy and Wesley's first born son, Billy died at the age of nine. His death was followed about three years later, on July 17, 1871, by the death of Wesley's beloved Becky. She was only 14 years old.
All four deceased children were buried beside their father in Georgetown Cemetary near Pottsboro. They share a common grave marker.
In the early 1890's, Nancy went with her son Joseph Walk Bradly and moved to Deaf Smith County, near Hereford in the Texas Panhandle, where her other son, Lewis Robert Wesley Bradly had moved in 1881. Nancy lived with her sons until her death on December 6, 1902. Her body was returned to Grayson County where she was buried beside Wesley Walk and the four Bradly children who had preceded her in death.
Acknowledgements
This work would not have been possible had it not been for the Bradly's of Hereford, Tx. They are direct descendants of Lewis Robert Bradly, son of Wesley Walk Bradly. It is in this family's possession that the original civil war letters remain. Had it not been for their photographic skills, the transcription of these letters might not have been possible. Additional time and deterioration might have made their content lost forever.
--------------(TORN)-----------Pleasure that I seat myself to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well at this time, hoping when these comes to hand, they will find you all well.
Nanna, it has been some time since I have written. I had no chance to write. We have been traveling all the time. I have some bad news to tell you.
I stopped see your cousin, George Reeves, and he died in a few minutes after I got their. I stayed till he was buried. I saw all of the rest of your connections. is all well. I saw all of them only steel's folks. Oley said she would write to you.
Nanna, I have nothing more, only kiss the Babies for me.
I still remain you affectionate dear,
W. W. Bradly
Camp Lubbock, Ark
January, 24, 1862
Dear Friend,
I take the pleasure of writing you a few lines to let you know that I am well. louis received your letter last night. I was glad to hear from you all and to hear that you wear all well. I hope that these few lines will find you all well. I was glad to hear that Miss Martha was well. Tell her that twelve months will not last always and then I intend to returned home on double quick time.
Soldering is a weary life to live nothing to eat but tough beef and bread without soda or lard. We have plenty to feed hour horses on Good stable for hour horses to stand in.
I Have nothing of importance to write. hour Company are in good health. there are aright smart of sickness in the Regiment. the people in Ark. are very good to us. they bring butter to the sick and take them in their houses and treat them as well as people could. I have not bin able for duty since I left home till now, but I am getting as fat as a bear.
Know their is some talk of our Regiment being ordered to Springfield, Missouri in a few days to the assistance of General Price. If we are ordered there I guess that I will Get a chance to try my Grit as I have not yet smelt goon powder.
I want you all to write to me for I have not received a letter from any of you till yet. I want you all to remember that I am in Ark. leading a soldier's life. We have got plenty of money. Sow I must come to a close for the present.
Kiss the children for me. the connections are all well. louis has had the hoarser very bad but is getting well. Tell the girls that I intend to return home to hunt me a companion if I should have the good luck to escape the Yankee bullets.
L. A. Johnson
Aug the 29, 1862
Camp Little Boggy
Dear Nanna, It is with pleasure that I seat myself to write you a lines to let you know that I am well at this time. Hoping that when these lines comes to hand that you will all be enjoying the same good blessing. I received your letter of the 23rd a few days ago. I was glad to hear from you and know that you was well but the baby. I was sorry to hear that he was sick. I hope that he will soon get well.
I have no good news to write. We start over to Webone falls last Saturday about 200 of us with Col. Waty in command. we got down on Sunday and stayed all night. next day we went four or five miles and we stopped and fed our horses when the feds run in on about a hundred of us, and our officers ordered us to retreat across the Trensem and form and we done so. and then they ordered us to get away and there was only about fifteen feds and we lost several men, three of our company. Jo tatum was one, but was not killed. he got away from there and I think he was taken prisoner sense. and we started back and no troops was retreating and we came up with them at ferryville, and the feds was after them. we got dinner and started the train, and the troops was all formed.
the Federal's advance came up and we fired on them. they report is that we killed several of them. I don't know whether we killed any or not. they got away in a hurry. we had to men wounded, but no fatal. one was wounded in the shoulder and the others thumb was broke. the feds brought up there artillery and we was ordered off. We got away in a hurry.
they turned los there artillery on us and we left. the canister haled around tom shannon and me as thick as hale, but never hit us. we got away safe.
the report is that the feds left. I do not know whether they have or not. I have no more news to write.
I will send my horse home the first chance and I want him fed like a child. I want him fattened quick. If Jo don't go off, you had better get him to take care of him. tell Becky that I was glad to get the peach that she sent me. tell them they must be smart and mind. I was glad to hear that you had got fat.
I have no more news to write. I want you to wean Bettyes colt. Give my love to all inquiring friends. Nothing more at present. I still remain your affectionate husband.
W. W. Bradly
Tishomingo City, Sept 6, '62
Dear Wife,
I avail myself of the present opportunity to wright you a few lines to let you know that I am well and all the boys here now are well. We expect to start to Fort Arbuckle as soon as we can get our horses shod.
I want you to rent your land to the best advantage you can. I will come home in a few weeks if I can get off. tell the children howdy for me and tell them to bee good children.
I was out after a runaway negro who had stolen a horse from the camp. We shot at him eight times but I do not know weather we hit him or not as it was in the knight. have got the horse, but the negro got away.
Jo Baird, is resting along here as I write. Wright soon. I will wright you again soon if I do not get to come home.
I am yours Forever,
W. W. Bradly
Tishomingo, Oct 20
Derris Wife,
I avail myself of this opportune of penning you a few lines, not that I have much news to convey to you but that I afford you much pleasure to hear from me. This leaves myself and comrades well, health good in camps. The order for us to Fort Gibson is countermanded and we are ordered to the Arbuckel which suits me. it is more east than to your north. I trust that I will have an opportunity of coming now and then.
There is a good deal of restless in camp. conscription of each remonstrating animal. the Confederate States has said that they will be caught bee fore they do any mischief.
I wish you would make me an overcoat if you can. You can use your own pleasure about moving. Write as often as you can and I will do the same. Tel the children to bee good and I will bring them something nice when I can. Nothing more at present but I remain your most devoted husband.
W. W. Bradly
Dec 16, '62
Dear Wife,
As I have and opportunity to of sending you a few, I will have to write in haste. We are within 50 miles of Copper's army. We have traveled 12 miles per day over the prairie. Took 45 of us. The pony held up tolerably well. We can get there Friday.
We learned to day that Sherman has had a fit with the feds. Our boys was 1300 died and ware heard the enemy loss 3000.
Your paw promised to give me a piece of land. you can take it off of the east end of the tract of land near Thompson's ranch.
There is some fear of small pox on the rode. this leaves myself and friends well. I will writ as soon as I get to the army.
Your most devoted husband,
W. W. Bradly
January 9, 1863
Dearest wife,
I have and opportunity of sending you a few lines. I avail myself of the opportunity of penning you this same. I am not very well at this time. I am trouble with colds. The weather has cold and disagreeable for several days. quit snowing a few days ago--depth 10 inches. It is melting very fast. the most of it is gone.
Our horses looks badly. Most of our men bought a little corn a few days ago at $5 per bushel. I had to go 12 miles after it, scant measure at that. We have had no corn furnished us since we left Read River.
We are camped at a place about 6 miles from the south fork of the Canadian. We will remain here the balance of the winter. Our horses will be sent home in a few days until Spring as it is impossible for us to keep them here. I am in hopes that I will be sent home with the horses.
I am very anxious to see you and the children. Joe is in fine health.
after our retreat from the Arkansas River, I went back to Ft. Smith with a part of the command after guns. we got one four mule team loaded with guns. We had a very pleasant trip of it.
I have paid out all of my money for corn. I wish you would send me sum money by W. Vaden. We have received now money for our service yet. Quite a number of our men have bin put under guard this morning for saying that they would go home at all hazard. one from our company. if there is any one in Texas that will come and take my place here in the army, I will give him my mineral land. Send him on.
Nothing more but remain your most obedient husband,
W. W. Bradly
Direct your letters to General Coppers headquarters, NGA, Washita.
Camp near Perryville, CN
Sunday, Feb. 1, 1863
My Dear wife,
As I have an opportunity to send this to you, I will write a few lines to let you know that I am well. I was unwell for several days during that cold spell we had, but I am stout and well again, and hope I will remain so.
I am very anxious to see you and the children but I am afraid it will be some time before I have the pleasure. We have been pretty hard run for something to eat for the last day or tow, but we all got our rations this evening, and I hope after this they will be more punctual in issuing them to us.
You must try by some means to buy me a Horse. I will come home after him if it is possible, but do not know that I will be able to get off. You must send me some money by Billy Vaden without fail as I need some and don't know when I will draw any as a soldier.
I have not heard from home yet. You must write to me and send your letters to Randolph's Company, Master's Regiment and Cooper's armies.
I have nothing else of interest to write. Remember me to all. Kiss the children for me and accept the best love of your devoted husband.
W. W. Bradly
Camp Bokoshe, CN
Wednesday, February 18, 1863
My dear Wife,
As I have an opportunity to send this, I will try and write you a few lines. This leaves me well and I hope it will find you and the children enjoying the same blessing.
We are still camped here and expect we will remain here until spring or until we are remounted. We have heard glorious news here from our armies in Tennessee and at Vicksburg, Miss., but I expect you have heard the particulars so I wont mention them.
Our prospects look bright and I cannot but help hoping peace is not very far off. You must pay Joshua West for the horse or get Boon or Jo to do it. Let him have the mare and a young cow and calf.
Tell Brother Jo and Bob Reeves to take care of my horses for me if they should scatter.
You scolded me about writing. This is the fifth letter I have written. All of my paper out. If you have an opportunity you must send me some more. You must write often. I am always so glad to hear from you, and have received but one letter.
We get plenty of beef and flour to eat but salt and sugar is scarce. I have nothing else of interest to write.
I remain your devoted husband
W. W. Bradly
Camp Perryville, CN
Tues. March 31, 1863
My dear Wife,
I was on guard the day Joe wrote home and had no opportunity to write but Mr Davis is here and I will write a few lines by him. I have nothing of much interest to write. I am well and weight 177 lbs. I received your letter dated 1st of February and yesterday I received one by Mr. Vaden.
I mentioned in some of my letters that I wanted Jo to buy me a horse but if he has not already bought it, he need not buy one as I expect we will all be ordered home to remount ourselves, and I can buy it myself.
We have moved from our old camp. Our company and Capt. Jim Young's are now camped at this place to take care of government stores. We think it is a move toward Texas to remount ourselves in the Spring.
We were very comfortably fixed at our old camp but it fell to our lot to move. We expect to be paid off tomorrow.
Dear Nancy, it would be the greatest pleasure in the world to see you and the children but it is out of the question at this time, but I hope it is not very far distant.
Be assured, I will never come home only I can come honorable. If i cannot come without deserting, you will never see me. Try and take care of yourself and the children and be contented and when the happy day of our independence is established, we can say with pride that we contributed to the thing toward gaining it.
March 5--Joseph Baird is still mending. We drew our money yesterday evening. I drew 158 dol. You must write soon. I wish I could send you some of this money, but I have no good opportunity. I have nothing else of interest to write. Kiss the children for me and believe me your
devoted husband
W. W. Bradly
Camped near Camden, Ark.
April the 21st, 1863
My Dear Wife,
As I have an opportunity of sending this to Bonham, I will try and write you a few lines. We arrived here last night. The Federal's are at Camden in six miles of us within fortification, but Gen. Price has his forces all around them so as to cut off their supplies.
Gen. Maxey's command and some men of our forces fought them the other day and captured about 180 wagons loaded with supplies, besides capturing about 60 prisoners and killing over 300 negroes with a loss of about 10 men on our side.
We are looking to be reinforced by Gen. Price's infantry any day, about 2000 strong. I expect we will have warm times up here before long. Our men are all in fine spirits and ready for the fray.
Many of the boys from our regiment went to Shreveport. We left our train behind. Brother Jo stayed with it. John Hull is here with us and not very well though he is not confined to bed. I am well and the rest of the boys here.
My horse was lame but is getting over it. I have nothing else of interest to write. You must write every opportunity. I will write when the fighting is over if I can. Give my love to all. Kiss my children for me and believe me to be your devoted,
W. W. Bradly
Camp Cooper, May 16,1863
Dear Wife,
As I have an opportunity of sending you a letter, I hasten immediately to drop you a few lines. This leaves me well and enjoying myself as much as circumstances will permit. I have had the long sought for opportunity of seeing the feds with my naked eye and heard the awful and dismal roar of their artillery and, I have also heard the fiendish his of musket and cannon balls as they flew around me and over my head.
I have been in no general fight as yet but both parties has amused themselves for several days by shooting over the Arkansas River at each other. Staniswatic crossed the river 2 days ago and had a considerable skirmish fight with the enemy and then he crossed the river bringing with him six prisoners and two or three hundred head of mules and horses.
No white troops has yet crossed the river, but we have been ordered to cook three days rations and it's believed in camp that we will be ordered to cross the river, perhaps this morning or tomorrow.
While I am writing, we have received the news to cross tomorrow, so I must close. Kiss the babies for me and tell them not to forget me. Tell Jo Baird that I have not got his money from Gideon yet. He has not drawn it from the government. Time passes and I must close as well.
W. W. Bradly
Camp near Ft Gibson creek
May 27, 1863
Dear Wife,
I am by the protection of providence enabled to write to you again. it has not been but a few days since I did write to you and had it not been for events which has recently transpired, this letter would have been unnecessary. but since I last wrote to you, we have had a very warm little fight, the circumstances which brought it on I will now relate to you briefly.
the feds had a large train of wagons coming down the road from fort Scott to fort gibson, and our regiment and two creek regiments was ordered across the Arkansas river to capture the train. we obeyed the order as far as crossing the river was concerned, but the taking of the trains was a complete failure. We never got to attack the train until it almost got into fort gibson and they reinforced so fast from the fort that we was compelled to retreat.
After we had fought about an hour, we took three wagons, but had to leave 5 or 6 men missing from the regiment. We don't know that any was killed. We are in hopes those missing are taken prisoner. There is five in our regiment wounded. John Hull was wounded in the leg, only a flesh wound. it does not prevent him from walking around.
I was not in the main battle. I was in the advance guard and at one time was cut off from the command, but I seceded in getting back to the company, not until I had killed an indian which was the first one which was killed.
Tell the children that I want to se them very bad. I want you to write to me and let me know how my boy is getting along.
Give my best love and respect to all inquiring friends.
farewell,
W. W. Bradly
Camp Prairie Springs
Friday, June 19, 1863
My dear wife,
I received your affectionate letter by Joseph yesterday evening, and will now try and answer it. I was glad to hear that you were all well and that our baby is such a fine boy. You must not distress yourself about me. I hope God will spare me and even if I should be killed, grieving will not help the matter.
I am glad you sent me a horse. I think he is a good horse and will answer my purpose.
A part of our Regiment and a part of Col. Staniswatic has just got off of a scout last Monday. The were gone fourteen days. Some of the command went round Fort Gibson. They killed a good many Pen Indians and burnt up some houses and provisions. Col. D. C. Morsit Regiment and the Choctaws got into a little fight with the enemy the other day, but they did not accomplish much. They have gone back to camps and every thing now is quite.
We are fixing up our camp like we are going to stay here some time. We have splendid water, but the grass is nearly all eat out.
I got the nice cake you sent me and I am very much oblige to you for it. I hope I will soon be able to eat one with you. Joseph and myself are both well and hearty. Sylvester Tibbets is trying to get a sick furlough. He thinks he will get it and will start home in a few days.
Tell Becky she is too small to go to school. She must wait awhile longer and must be a good girl. tell Billy when I get home, he shan't be run over.
I believe I have written everything I can think of that would be of interest. I will write to you whenever I have an opportunity and I shall look for a letter by the mail Rider.
Good bye and believe me your devoted husband,
W. W. Bradly
Ten Miles South of the Arkansas River
June the 30, '63
Mrs. Bradley,
Mr. Bradley is out on a scout and he requested me to pen you a few lines as he new that you would expect a letter by the mail and in case he would not get back by the time that the mail would leave, which will start back in the morning, and we do not expect the scout back for two or three days.
Mr. Baird and several others from the company, about 80 men went from our regiment. They went on the other side of the Arkansas River. There was about 1000 more went from the brigade which makes a strong scout.
Mr. Bradly and Mr. Baird booth received letters by the mail. They will booth write some after they return as there is a chance every few days to send letters to Texas.
The heath of our command is very good. We have good spring water and a nice shady place for our encampment. We have had abundance of rain in the last tue days and threatens to rain more.
Mr. Bradly wrote to you on the 19th of this month. Since that time we have had no news of interest. T. Shubs soon is about well.
Remember me to you parents and all of the family. You must excuse me for not writing more for I have no news that would be of interest to you.
L. Mitchell
Camp Briar Town, July 20, 1863
Dear Wife,
I am again furnished an opportunity to drop you a few lines which I do with pleasure for knowing that you are always desirous to hear from me no matter how often it is. every opportunity I have to write to you is filed with delight.
Since I last wrote to you, we have had another battle with the feds which resulted, as usual, with our defeat. On the morning of the 17th, the federal's made there appearance about five miles from our camps. general cooper placed his army in line of battle on a creek about a mile from their own camps. And in time, the fight commenced by the artillery on both sides but the cannon doing his help not now. doing in progress, when the smaller armies began to fight, which lasted for some time, but our horses being to weak to resist the overwhelming cannons being brought against us.
The enemy succeeded in turning the right wing of our army and a retreat was ordered. Our regiment was placed on the eastern left wing of our army but was not in the engagement. We were very nearly cut off in attempting to get off of the battlefield. We covered the retreat of our army and brought off every thing in good order.
We lost no men out of our regiment, but demarks and basses regiment suffered severely. it is not known how many men we lost but it is considerable. Some of our boys who had no horses was cut off from the regiment and had to take off for the brush. I have just come back off a trip of about twenty five miles after John Hull. He got cut off from us and to save himself had to take another direction from which we had taken.
our men that was in the fight fought and died bravely. Basses men answered to feds, backed us up and then eluded their armies. I expect we will have another fight before a great while. there is reinforcements coming. I want to bee just like my Dad.
Give my love and respects to all inquiring friends.
W. W. Bradly
I received a letter from you and I was very glad to hear that you was well. I received your letter same writing the above. Kiss the children for me and send Joe this letter.
Creek Nation
Aug. 6, '63
Dear Wife,
Your letter sent by Mr. Ridings came safely to hand a few days ago. I was glad to learn that you and the children was well. I have but little news to write. We have fell back about 6 miles since I wrote to you. We move on account of gras. We have fine grass, but have to use creek water.
The health of the command is good. There is sum dissatisfaction among General Cabel's men. Quite a number have left there command without leaf.
I have just returned from picket. We were out about 12 or 15 miles toward the river. We seen now some of the enemy. We have not seen any since I wrote. Our wounded men are at North Fork in the hospital. They are doing well.
I understand that a good many persons in grayson are selling out and are fixing to run. I don't want you to sell out and leave before I get back. Remember me to Corlene and all of the family and tell her that she must write to me. Give the children a kiss for me and tel them to bee good children while I am gone. Tel Becky to bee a pretty girl and not to forget me.
We have maid arrangements with Mr. Ridings to carry a mail for us once a month. We will then have to mails instead of one. He agrees to bring a wagon after the first trip. He will leave Sherman on the eighth day of each month. you can send you letters to his home instead of Sherman. If he should bring a wagon the first trip, I wish you would send me some socks.
Nothing more at present,
Yours forever, Write Often,
W. W. Bradly
Camp Briar Town, Aug. 12, '63
Dear Wife,
I take my seat to write you a few lines. this leaves al well. I received a letter from you yesterday which was gladly received.
We are on the South side of the Canadian River and their is no feds on this side of the Arkansas River that we no of. I would not be surprised if we move back further because of the commissary. The Dr. at North Fork is giving all of the men that can travel, but won't be able for duty for fifteen days, furloughs for sixty days.
My horse is getting pore. I don't think he will last much longer. If you have a good chance, send me one of my mares.
Kiss the babies for me. Jo Baird is well. He says tel Matilda, he wants her to send for Joe Daggs to come and stay there awhile. he has a sick furlough and has no home to go to and he was very good to Jo when he was sick. Jo wants some paper the first chance there is to send it.
John Reeves brought me a shirt back. I was glad to get as I was needing it. I had but one.
Nothing more but remember your affectionate husband.
W. W. Bradly
August 20, Camp Texas
Alexandria, Louisiana near
Dear Cousin,
With the greatest of pleasure, I received your kind letter yesterday. If found me well and I hope when this lines comes to hand, they will find you all well.
I have not much news to writ to you. the army down hear is lying still at this time. I hear no talk of any fighting now. we are with Walker's Division. he has four brigades. We ar all camped close to gather. we have a new general. his name is Polignoc. he is a Frenchman.
the boys don't like him much and sum of them has bin running away. their has bin six left our camp since we left Shreveport. I will give you their names: William gardenhere, John Ferites, the to Custice boys, Eligo brown, Jacob Groomer. John Ferites and William gardenhere left about three weeks before the others left. the four boys was caught and brought back.
I have bin in Fitcher's Regiment since I have bin down hear. I guess you will see Blue Brogdon and Sam Moore before you get this letter.
give my best respects to all of the kind folk and tel them to write to mo. if you see my mother, tell her I am well and tell her to write. so No more, only remain your friend until death.
Direct your letters to the second Texas brigade, Alexander's Regiment Co. H.
D. C. Johnson to Nancy Bradly
Camp Bankhead
Oct. 23, 63
My Dear Wife,
I wrote to you from Courage Point and having and other opportunity. I will write you a few lines.
We are camped about one and one-half miles above Warren. I expect we mite remain here all winter. If you want to and can find a way, I would be glad if you would come down and stay with me awhile.
I will try and get a vacant house to stay in. If you can't come down here, come to Sarah's next Saturday and I will try and get leave to come and stay all day and night with you.
I sent you two school books by John Hale. I am well and doing fine but would be happy to see you.
Your Devoted Husband
W. W. Bradly
Bonham, Texas
November 11th
Dear Wife,
I endeavor to pen you a few lines as I have an opportunity of sending it by Cushing. I have but little news to write. We start with one company for dallas county in the morning. Shannon company will remain in this county. Three companies will be sent to Tiler and the rest of the company will be sent to different points.
the object is to assist the enrolling officer to enforce the conscript law and to take up all deserter. I believe that we will have but little to do and we'll not bee exposed like we would bee in the army.
I am well with the exception of a rising that troubles me sum. I have drawn one blanket, a pair of pants and a round-about. I will send you my blanket and a coat by Cushing.
get George to go and rake old moss hay that corn.
Write often. direct your letters to dallas, Texas, Randolph's company. the boys are all well. I will try and come home in tim to kill my hogs.
Remember me to one and all.
Yours for ever,
W. W. Bradly
December 5, 1863
Dear Nanna,
It is with pleasure that I seat myself to write up a few lines to let you know that I am well at present, hoping that when these lines comes to hand, they will find you all well. I received your letter a few days ago. I was glad to hear that you was all well, but was sorrow to hear the baby was broken out. You must take good care of him and not shake him when he cries.
Tell Becky that she must take care of him to. tell Billy that his Uncle Jo says that he must be a good boy.
I have no news to write only the boys are all well, and I expect we will stay here some time. Jo and Thomas and me are all a going to try to come home in too or three weeks.
You must excuse me for not writing any more for I have nothing to write about now. I must come to close.
I still remain your affectionate companion until death.
goodby, Nanna,
W. W. Bradly
I will send you some pens. I think that I have heard of my horse. thomas and me will start to Denton to morrow after him. The bushwhackers has him.
January 1
Dear Nanna,
It is with pleasure that I seat myself to write you a few lines hoping when these lines comes to hand they will find you all well.
We have no news here. I am having a good time. I am helping to run the Brigade ferry boat and we have aplenty to eat and a good cane pasture for our horses to run in.
My horses is mending like pigs. I think in a month they will be fat and then I will try to come home.
I will send you some more paper when you want it. Tell the children they must be good babies. I would be glad to see you and the children, but I can't come now. I will close.
W. W. Bradly
February 8, 1864
Dear nanna,
I seat myself to write you a few lines to let you know that we are well with the exception of sore arms. We are trying to cure them up with mercurial ointment and you had either cure it and not vaccinate any more.
I have no news, only James Reed has come in for trial.
You must write and let me know how you are. We are not order off yet, and i don't know when we will. they don't furlough but four a a time. ar humas is starting down.
I must close. I remain your affectionate.
W. W. Bradly
Feb. 23, 1864 Tarrant Hopkins Co., Texas
My Dear Friend,
(Nancy T. Bradley)
It is with great pleasure that I seat myself to answer your kind and affectionate letter. I was very glad to hear from you and that your health had improved, since I saw you. Health is one of the greatest of all blessings and without it a person is very little account, especially in these times when all them that can work must work.
There are a great many rumors here with regard to the war, but none reliable, so I shall not trouble you with them. I am glad to hear that Wesley is making a good soldier. I am afraid that the desertion of men will be our ruin. Tell him (for me) that he must be true to his country and be a man. never desert the army. make a good soldier. obey every command his officers give him, even if it costs him his life.
look back at the History of the first great American revolution. See the boys that was in those times. it was thrown up to their children that their Fathers were boys. I hope and trust to Almighty God that this never may be one of my acquaintances let it alone connections or relations prove traitorous to his country. I want them all to be men. be love to their country and stand by their officers and all will be well.
There has been some deserters in this county but they are getting scarce. they have been arrested and sent to their commands. there is one in jail now and one made his escape night before last from the jail.
I am living with Mr. Mason, the sheriff if this county. My health is tolerably good at this time. You must write to me at Tarrant-Hopkins County, and believe me to be ever your friend and well wisher.
Hetty Holbrook
March 4, 1864
Dear Nanna,
It is with pleasure that I seat myself to write you a few lines to let you know how I am at this time. I am not well at this time nor haven't bin since I left home. I have been laid up with cold ever since I left. I hope this will find you and the children well.
I have no news to write. I hear bad news from up there every day. Take good care of my horse and have the shoes pulled off. Keep him close.
Tell Jo that he had better come to camp or they will send after him. So I will close.
I remain your affectionate dear.
W. W. Bradly
March 25, 1864
Dear nanna,
it is with pleasure that I seat myself to write you a few lines in answer to you letter. I received your letter to day. I was glad to hear from you and to hear that you was all well. I am not very well, but I am mending.
I am still at McKinney and I don't know when I will leave hear. I think that I will come home be fore I leave hear, for the Regiment has gone to Shreveport with prisoners.
I suppose there is about twenty-five of our company hear. Jo baird and Thomas has gone. Jo Bradly is hear and is very unwell.
I have no news to write. if I don't get to come home, I will write, tho I think that I will come. I have nothing more at this time.
I still remain your affectionate Dear,
W. W. Bradly
Dr. Brockette is going to sulphur springs and wants two men to go with him and I think that I will go with him, and we will be gone about 8 days.
Bowie County, Texas
May 12, 1864
My Dear Wife,
As we are lying still today, Thought I would Try and write you a few lines. I wrote to you from near Camden, Ark. since then, we have had stirring times. The Federal's left Camden the night of the 26th of April. The next morning, our forces went into Camden and started in pursuit. The Saturday following, Gen. Price attacked them on Saline River near a little town called Tulip and drove them from the field with considerable loss on our side.
from what we can learn, The Feds lost equally as many or more men Than we did. Though our advantage of the fight was not as great as we would have hoped for. The Federal's succeeded in crossing the Saline River and made Their escape Sunday or Monday before we left Camden.
Our forces or a part of our Cavalry under command of Gen Fagen and Shelby Captured a train of about 230 wagons, six pieces Cannon, and 135 Prisoners, besides Killing about 507 dead on the field and Capturing some negroes.
The Federal's met with cold comfort in Arkansas. They left Little Rock expecting to meet with but little opposition on their march to Texas. They have lost nearly all of their wagons, between 4 and 5 thousand killed, Captured, wounded and missing, 11 or 12 pieces of Cannon, and beat a hasty retreat back, no doubt to a great extent demoralized. it is reported that they made but a short stay in Little Rock, that they kept on for Helena, but I don't know whether it is true or not.
We are camped in about 20 miles of Lanisport. Our Brigade, I expect, will be ordered into the nation. The balance of our Regiment that went to Shreveport is camped at Lanisport, but we have not seen the boys yet. I saw Sam Moore and Blue Brogdon at near where the battle was fought. The were both well. Sam got out on the road and was not in the fight.
I am grieved to hear of the death of Bob Reeves. I heard through a letter written to Capt. Reeves that he was dead. Brother Jo found Snip and swapped her for Manda. You must get her up and take care of her. I and Joe are as well as common. I have nothing else of interest to write.
Remember me to all enquiring friends. Kiss the children for me and believe me your devoted husband,
W. W. Bradly
May 16, 1864
Dear Nanna,
I received your letter last night. I was glad to hear from you and to hear you was all well. I am well and hope when these lines comes to hand, you will all be well.
I have no news to write other than what I have written. I will soon be out of money. My coat and saddle blankets was stolen off of my saddle. My horse has been graveled in both feet since I left and has fell off asitream.
I saw harriet steel in camden and eat supper with her, I have no more to write only be good to the babies. So I will close.
I still remain your affectionate Dear,
W. W. Bradly to N. T. Bradly
May the 20th, 1864
Dear Wesley, it is with pleasure that I seat myself to write you a few lines. I received your letter the other day which was glad to received. I was glad to hear that you was well and to hear that the feds had got another whipping.
I hope that they will never stop this side of the missouri river and I am not particular whether they ever get there or not. if they will stay on there own side of the house and let you and the rest of my friends come home.
this leaves myself and little ones well. I have no news to write more than you have heard, so I will not bother you with it.
you wrote that Jo had found snip and swapped her for manda. he rote to Thomas Bradly that he had found her and for him to get manda. he did not write that he had swapped for manda. when I hear of it, I went to see Stinnet and he said that I could have manda if I would take her and run. and Sarah had ben all over her range and found the 3 year old filly and could not find manda. Stinnet offered her 50 dollars to bring her to him, and I would not take her, and he let me have a sorrel mare that he had got from A. T. Cook. it is the mare that Charles Seound got from yourk.
he runs rite up on creak between Johnson and Comdens. I got George Mclage and see the mare before I would have her, and he says that she is a better mare than snip was. and as that was her range, I thought that I had better take her. she will have a colt in a few days if she has not already had it.
Johnson says that she all ways waters at his spring in dry weather, she is very gentle. I had her up in the paster and she got out the other day. I intended to get her up again monday and try to keep up her awhile. I don't know whether I done write or not, tho I thought I was doing the best I could.
Stinnet was very innocent when he found out that I new he had sold snip. then if Jo had not found her, he would never said any thing about selling her and got manda to boot. Ance brought the filly up 3 weeks ago and she is in the pasture. he has not rode her yet and I think it is useless to brake her for some thief to ride.
I have got the wagon home. I had to pay 155 dollars for it, and it is not the best work that ever I saw.
I am sorry that you have lost your coat and I cannot send you another. thomas says that he can't carry you coat. jim Rail will start to the command in a few days. if I can get him to carry your coat, I will send it by him. if you need any clothes, write to me what you kneed and I will send them to you the first opportunity.
well, Wesley, I have ben fishing today, and had a fine time, tho it was not much enjoyment to me if you had b long, I could have enjoyed the trip find. there was about 15 along. old Mr. and Mrs. Chills came by and I went with them. we only caught enough for us to eat at the creak. we went to little mineral. the river is up.
The children are going to school. Becca is very much pleased with her teacher. she says that knows you will be glad to hear that she is going to school. Billy likes to go very well, tho he gets sick every few days to get to stay at home. he says that he will write to you and his uncle Jo a letter before long for he will soon learn to write. Lewis is as smart as he can be. he is beginning to talk a little.
tell all the boys that there families and friends are all well as dare as I know. You must write often. I hope that you will not have a hard service as you have had to. I will close for the present.
I remain your Dear until Death,
N. T. Bradly
W. W. Bradly
Tarrant, May 26
My Dear friend, I embrace the present opportunity of writing you a few lines in answer to you kind letter. i was glad to hear from you and to hear you was well, but I was sorry to hear of the death of Robert Reeves, but I can only sympathize with his bereaved friends and relatives.
I have nothing like news to wright to you, only that i'm in better health now than I have bin for some time back.
I have no news to write you about the war, only what William Mason letter's stated. we was whipping them at every place. they was fighting at. times is hard and lonesome hear but I hope it wont be the case always.
I must come to close. You must wright to me when this comes to hand, so no more at present. But remain your friend until death. Farewell for this time.
from: Hetty Holbrook to
Nancy Bradley
Camp Elm Creek, CN
June 1, 1864
Mrs. Nancy Bradley
Dear Friend,
by request of Wesley, I droop you a few lines to let you know that he arrived here yesterday morning well, safe and sound. He had no trouble on the rode.
When he got into camp, his Company was on Piquet about 25 miles from here and he had to go on up to the company yesterday evening and did not have time to write, and requested me to droop you a few lines to let you no that he had arrived safe and in good health. And also to let you know we had got up another mail contract. You will send your letters to Sherman to mail them. the mail contraction will leave Sherman in the third of every month commencing the third of July next. Send your letters to Sherman in the care of Maj. Blane. We have wrote to him to keep our Post office there.
We are camped at or near Johnson Station on the Fort Smith rode. We have no more news than that we heard last night. That Gen. Lee had an engagement with Gen. Grant and that Lee had whipped him badly killing and capturing Sixty-five thousand and one hundred pieces of artillery, this is believed to be true.
the federal's acknowledge a los of forty thousand. We have heard this news several different times from different sources. I think they we will stay here two or three weeks to recruit and get our horses shod.
Jo Baird and Thomas Reeves is well. I will ad more.
Your Friend,
T. J. Shannon
The mail will still return from Sherman to here on the 14th of every month.
Camp Gaines Creek
June 17, 1864
Dear Nanna,
It is with pleasure that I seat myself to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well at this time and hoping when these lines comes to hand, you all will be enjoying the same blessing.
I have no news to write only we have had a good time since we come up here. We have bin alone till now. the Regiment moved up da before yesterday.
there is federal's in fort smith, but we don't know how many they is their. There is different reports about the number.
Tell Ance to take good care of my horse and not let any body ride him. Send him up as soon as he will doe.
I don't know whether you can read this or not, but you must excuse me. The paper is bad. So I will close. Jo Bradly is well.
I still remain your affectionate
W. W. Bradly to N. T. Bradly
Camp Walker, CN June the 29, 1864
Dear nanna, I seat myself to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well at this time. Received your letter yesterday and was sorry to hear that you was Jerkin. I was glad to here that the children was well.
You said that you was going to see Brockett. try him out. see what he can do and if he cant do any good, I will try to get a furlough and take you to the oil springs.
I have no news of importance to write. we got in yesterday off a scout, but we learned nothing, only there is federal's at fort smith aplenty of them to keep us out.
tell Becky that she is smart and she must be a pretty girl. tell Billy that he must be a good boy and that his uncle Jo is well. Jo baird is well.
I will write to Brockett and see if he can do you any good. we have got another mail that will start the 16. I was very sorrow to hear of the weaning. nanna you must take good care of yourself.
I will close. I still remain your affectionate companion,
W. W. Bradly to N. T. Bradly
July the 25, 1864
Camp near the Boiling Springs
Dear Nanna,
It is with pleasure that I seat myself to write you a few lines. I received your letter. I was glad to hear from you all, but was sorrow to hear that you was in such bad health. I hope that you will soon get well.
You said that you wanted me to come home and go with you to the oil springs. We are camped about 50 miles from the Regiment. I started in about too hours after I got your letter to get a furlough. When I got there, I told the Col. my business and he had a furlough written out for thirty days and started it to Wastely, but I don't know whether he will approve it or not.
If he does, I will be at home in a few days, and I want you to have everything ready to go to the springs. When I was up at Regiment there was some excitement about the feds. At night, I went out in the prairie to sleep and about eleven o'clock, they woken me up and said was coming. I lay still and got my nap out.
I have no news to write. Jo Bradly is not very well. Kiss the babies for me and tell them to be good children. I still remain your affectionate companion.
W. W. Bradly
Camp Boiling Springs, Texas
July 31, 1864
Dear Nanna,
It is with pleasure that I seat myself to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well at this time, and I hope when these lines comes to hand that they will find you all well.
I applied 9 days ago for a furlough and I have not heard from it yet, and if I don't hear in a day or two, I will try again.
We are still about 50 miles from the army. General Gaines went on a scout in about three miles of fort smith and got in a little fight, cost eighteen killed with about 30 wounded. The feds loss was about the same killed and wounded. We got about one hundred and twenty seven prisoners, about 500 six shooters and some stores.
We heard yesterday, gaines had gone back for another fight. The troops is moving back here. they got federal papers that stated that our troops was in 5 miles of Washington, tearing up the railroads and fortifications.
I have no more news to write. I will come home when I can. Take good care of yourself and tell the children they must be good children. I must close up. I still remain your dear beloved.
W. W. Bradly
Aug. the 8, 1864
Camp Boiling Springs
Dear Nanna, it is with pleasure that I seat myself to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well at this time. I received your letter of the first. I was glad to hear that you was mending. I have bin trying for sometime to get a furlough, but I have not got it yet, and I don't no when I will, whether ever or not. I will try again, and if I don't get one, I will quit trying.
They have been fighting a little bit at fort smith, but there has been not much hurting done. our men taken about one hundred and twenty eight prisoners of the Kansas sixth, and killed a few.
James Steely says there is a large gray horse Running with some of william thompson's horses and he has bin their ever sense last spring was a year and he went there shod.
Nanna, I want to get home very bad, but when I can come, I don't no. I hope that you will soon Get stout again, so I must close up. Kiss the babies for me. I still Remain your affectionate beloved,
W. W. Bradly
I am out of paper and there is none here.
I think we will fall back son. the regiment is coming down now. I left it yesterday about eighteen miles from here. send me some paper.
Boggy Depot, Aug. 24, 1864
It is with pleasure that I seat myself to write you a few lines in answer to yours. I received your letter of the 20th today. I was glad to hear from you and to hear that you was improving. I was sorrow to hear the children was sick. Tell them they must be good Babies. Tell Becky and Billy they must go to school and learn there books.
Nanna, I have no news to write. There was some feds come to our pickets with a flag of truce a few days ago. I saw them. They was very friendly. The boys traded some with them.
Nanna, I would have come home, but major Myrant got my horse founded and his feet was so sore that I could not come. I tried 3 times to get a furlough, but I could not make it.
I think that I have heard of my horse running with some of William Thompson's horses and I wish you would get George to go and see him. He can find out all about him from marian wells or old man ray. He is branded JB on the left thigh.
Nanna, you must send me some paper so I can write. I don't kneed any clothes yet, but soon will. I borrowed this paper. The boys are all well.
I still remain your affectionate,
W. W. Bradly to N. T. Bradly
I will close dear beloved until death. I will start back tomorrow. I will send my mare home to Sherman and you can ride her. Your ma send me....
Camp Gaines Creek, Sept.1, 1864
Dear Nanna,
It is with pleasure that I seat myself and take my pen in hand to write you a few lines, hoping that when this comes to hand, it will find you all well. I received you letter of the 22nd several days ago. I was glad to hear from you but was sorrow to hear that the children was sick. I hope they will soon get well.
I have no news to write. Burch is going home on detail to get clothing for the company. I don't know whether I will kneed anything or knot. If I do need any thing, I will write soon.
I think that we will winter in grayson this winter. There is several of the boys that has the chills. Jo Bradly has had three chills.
You must write often and don't write with a pencil for I can't read it. I have got several letters that I could not read nor no one else could read them either.
Nanna, if you find my horse, write to me when you find him. tel the children they must be good babies. There is talk of a scot going up in Arkansas, but Gaines is ordered to Richmond and I don't think that it will go now.
I wanted to go up there on a scout. I will close. I still remain your affectionate dear beloved.
W. W. Bradly to N. T. Bradly
Sept. the 5, 1864
Choctaw Nation, Camp Gaines
Dear Sister,
It is with pleasure that I take my pen in hand to write you a few lines to in answer to yours, Aug. the 28th. I was very glad to hear from you and the children and to hear that you was well. my health is very bad a present. I have been having the chills. Wesley, Jo Baird, thomas Reeves and John Hull are all well.
there has a scout Just started out up toward fort gibson, the supposition is they are going after beef cattle. the general opinion is that we will not do much more here this fall.
I would bee glad to see you and the children though it's impossible at present. We have no more news hear. We have plenty of good beef and flour bread and but little to do. But how I want to see this ware come to a close, so that I and all other poor soldiers can go home and wrest in peace with their friends. I have never knew how to appreciate a home and freedom and friends until of late.
there has another order just come for another scout to bee ready in two hours, and it had not been two hours since the other started. I begin to think there is something up.
it is the generally opinion that we will fall back to that portion of texas. I hope it may bee so. I have nothing more to write at present, only give my love to the children and tell them they must bee good children
so I remain your affectionate brother until death.
J. W. Bradly
Sept. the 5, 1864
Dear nanna, it is with pleasure that I seat my self to write you a few lines to let you no I am well at this time, hoping when these lines comes to hand, they will find you all well. there is no news hear. there was to scouts went out to day. I don't no where they went nor what there business was.
Bud Ingram has just left. he has bin up in Missouri, and will start again in a day or to.
You said you would write by Frinsley and I have never got it. don't send any clothing to Sherman by the Detail. I will draw a shirt this evening.
kiss the babies for me. I have nothing more at this time, So Good by. I still remain your affectionate dear,
W. W. Bradly to N. T. Bradly
This is a bad pen.
September the 8, 1864
Camp Gaines Creek
Dear nanna,
I take pleasure of writing you a few lines to let you know that I am well at this time. I hope when these lines comes to hand they will find you all in good health.
nanna, I have no news to write. We are a long ways from the feds a lying still. there is some talk of moving up or making a scout. I don't know if we will do either or not. there has bin one little scout out, but they didn't see any sine of any feds.
Jo Baird and John is gone now, but I know not where to. I think this winter will wind up the war and we will all get to come home. there is several of the boys that has the chills.
We have had some fine meetings here, Nanna. I have no tobacco. I understand there is a fine gang at the White House. I think the house ought to be burnt and them in it.
tell the children they must be good children. tell Becky and Billy they must learn fast and not get any whipping.
nothing more at this time, only I still remain you affectionate Dear beloved.
W. W. Bradly
Write often and don't write with a pencil.
Sept. 30, 1864
Perryville Hospital
Dear Nanna,
It is with pleasure that I write you a few lines to let you know that I am still in the land of the living and am well. I received your letter of the 14 yesterday. I was glad to hear from you and to hear that you were all well.
I just got in off a heavy scout. We started in the da across the Arkansas River. the third day we surrounded about one hundred 60 feds. we killed about ten and taken george and burned up a great deal of ha and knight came and we camped in the morning we started on the way back out.
the feds came up on our rear and Hardiman's battalion fought them until nine o'clock, then came on. until this time we have not lost any men. the next day we got to cabin creak and there we found about six or seven hundred federal's and about to o'clock at night, we attacked them.
We fought them until about to hours by sun and we charged there forts and they fled leaving there dead and wounded behind and about three hundred wagons heavy laden with commissary and 97 master's steers and settler's store.
We left 9 men killed and about thirty wounded. We lost 1 killed and three wounded in the regiment. they was non hurt in our company. We burned up about 150 wagons and then took the laden. We started with about 150 to camps. We broke down some. We got out with a hundred on the side and we have divided the laden.
I got a hat, coat (overcoat) pants, shirt, drawers, shoes, 2 pr. of socks, ten yds of nice bolt linen, 1 ligee of domestics, one par of shoes for you. my hors is nearly give out.
You said you had never heard of my mare. I sent her to Mr. Rosses or James Duglises. I left the Regiment yesterday to help with the wounded. I am worried, so I will close. I will in to or three days.
You write to me about you big meetings. I am a feared there will be more babies that christians made from what I can hear. I under stand that the basest women cuts the biggest swell. You must stay at home and take care of your self and children.
Kiss the babies for me. Jo Bradly is well. I must quit.
W. W. Bradly to N. T. Bradly
Oct. 31, 1864, Camp Garlen
Nanna,
It is with pleasure that I seat myself to write you a few lines to let you know where we are and what we are doing. We are five miles below Canesport, lying in camps. We have cornbread, beef, pumpkins and sometimes, potatoes to eat.
Some of the boys is building quarters. I do not know how long we will stay here. Long or knot, there is a good deal of talk about our Regiment going to Texas. I suppose it is camp news.
We have some good news hear. Prices headquarters is at Independence, Missouri. There is other good news from the other side of the river. It is reported that Lee ha whipped Grant very bad at battles.
We have whipped them in several other places. The news was so good that they fired the artillery several times hear.
I have no other news to write, only I am well and doing well. I hope when these news comes to hand they will find you and the children well.
Tell Becky she must learn fast and be smart. Tell Billy and Lewis they must be good children.
My Pony is doing well. I have rode him twist. He rides very gentle. Tell Ance to feed my horse good, nanna.
I have nothing more to write, only I remain your dear beloved.....
W. W. Bradly
November the 26, 1864
Camp Gaines
Nanna,
It is with pleasure that I seat myself to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well at this time, hoping that when these lines comes to hand they will find you all well. I have no news to write only they are furloughing nine men from our company. That is some good news.
Jo Bradly and Jo Baird and tom and John hull are all well. There is still talk of our Regiment going to Texas, but I have no idea whether it will or not. nanna, from accounts, I expect that country is in a condition. if they thieves gets to stealing, you must send my horse to me fat or lean.
You must do the best you can. there is some hogs in the nobs. you must try to get them killed if you can. nanna, I told you to go and see Blarding about that steer, but if you have not bin, you need not go, and when I come home, I will try to get it my self.
I will close for this time by bidding you Farewell. This to N. T. Bradly
W. W. Bradly
Dec. 9, 1864, Camp Gaines
Nanna,
It is pleasure that I seat myself to write you a few lines to let you no that I am well at this time, hoping when these lines comes to hand, they will find you all well.
Nanna, I have no news to write. Jo Bradly is not very well. Jo Baird and Tom is well. I have not heard from home since I left and I am very anxious to hear from you all.
We have build us a cabin and will finish it off in to more days. Jo Baird says he will write in a few days. He wants his boots the first chance. I want to have my horse well fed, nanna.
I have bin out in Ark. twist and saw some fine looking women and very clever ones. I got my dinner twist without paying a cent.
So I will quit. tell the children they must be good children. I still remain your affectionate companion.
W. W. Bradly to N. T. Bradly
Feb. 10, 1865
Camped at Grandcore, La.
Dear Cousin,
I take my pen in hand to drop you a few lines to in form you of my good health, hopping when the few lines may fine you are all well.
Nanna, I haven't got no news to rite. We hear grate take of peas. I truly hope it is so. You have no idea how bad I want this war to stope. I think sometimes can't wait until it stope.
An to, I am faring very well at this time. we are fortunate at this place. we work ever other day. we have our one lone news says the feds came up read river to fort drusey. I can't say whether or not it is so or not. The river is higher now knit bin in too years. I expect they will come up soon if they don't come the way a good.
the paper says they trying to stope this ware. grate many slave hit Lord sinhit some. I want to call another rude name.
If you see Mother, tell here that I am well an want here to rite more. the Boys is all well that you know, nanna. i haven't received not none letter from you. I like to hear from you an all rest of the connections.
tell Becky and Billy that I want to com. tell all the children, I like to see them. and till reeves to rite to me. nanna, I want you to tell me if you hear any news from Lewis or not. I want to hear from T. R. and B. P. reeves. I don't hear no news from them a toll.
all of walker's Division is gone to the cost. our Brigade all is hear at this place. Lee tropes is close at Alexandria.
I don't now how long we will stay hear. I like to stay hear until the ware ends. I want you to rite soon and often. tell E. C. that I remember here. tell Tilny to rite to me.
I close. Direct your letters to Ringo Brigade, the Ex Regiment, LDC, By the way of Marshall, texas.
from D. C. Johnston
to his cousin Nancy Bradley
Randolph's Battalion
Texas Partisan Rangers
later grew to be
Martin's Regiment,
Texas Calvary
They were dismounted on
February 17, 1865
Robert E. Lee Surrendered to U. S. Grant on April 9, 1865
Wesley Walk Bradly signed the Oath of Amnesty on
October 14, 1865
Lexington, Oklahoma
April 26, 1892
Mrs. Nancy Utter,
I will take the opportunity to write you a few lines to let you know that I am still a living, but not well. I taken sick with fever the 28 of december and never got up until the first of february. I went for days and nights that I didn't now anything.
I was working for a doctor there, him and his wife couldn't nursed there Father any better than they did me. my doctor bill and board cost me 44 dollars. the Lord is not ready for me to die yet. he is keeping me some more seems.
You say that I run through and squandered all you had. I raised your children from babies, fed and schooled them. it is worth 52 dollars and a horse to brake one hundred and thirty Acres of land. it is worth one Hundred dollars, my labor I don on the house. the orchard cost me fencing with will cost me five hundred dollars.
In cash, Walk has sold three Hundred dollars worth of stock that I Rased, and he got one hundred and 40 dollars for that note and that land. and he says he will kill the old devil yet the first time he sees him.
I cost me three dollars a week to live every since then. I haven't done any work since I had the fever. the fever has fell in my left Lunge, and I don't now that I will ever be able to work any more.
I suppose you all are enjoying your selves well, of my labor: I suppose you all are praying for my death from the oldest to the youngest. I got one letter from Bell and I get my News from my friends that lives down there.
I understand that Walk sleeps with too pistols under his head every night. I think that one will be as much as he can use.
I want a Divorce. You will do well to get it and send it to me.
I haven't estimated yet what rail fence cost me that first put up round the farm...ten thousand rails I hauled and put up. Fifteen Hundred Dollars I have paid Tax.
All I got for 24 years of labor was what I eat and wore and precious little I wore: and you say I can't have nothing for what I have done. I have got a many a friend yet round pottsboro. you had better keep this letter for reflection. There are several things there yet that belongs to me yet.
I waded 90 lbs. yesterday.
Lory Utter
Epilogue
Thomas Norman Bradley
Thomas Norman Bradley served in the Mexican War in California in 1851. He later returned to Grayson County where he married twice. His first wife was Hannah Eleanor Bell. They had four children. After her death, he married Margaret Pounds. They had eleven children. In later life, Thomas Norman moved to Nara Visa, Quay County, New Mexico. He lived there until his death on October 24, 1906. He was buried in that county. He lived to be 82 years old.
Harriet A. Bradley
Joshua and Harriet West continued to live in Sherman until his death on February 27, 1871. He served a second term as sheriff of Grayson County in 1864-65. At other times he was a saddle and harness maker. He also continued to be very active in the buying and selling of land. The couple had seven children. Harriet Bradley West died on August 26, 1910 at her son's home in Whitesboro. She was 84 years old. Both Harriet and Joshua are buried in the Westhill Cemetary in Sherman beside Laura, one of there daughters who died as an infant.
Joseph Warren Bradley
Approximately five years after returning from the Civil War, at the age of 42, Joseph Warren Bradley married Mary Bostick the oldest daughter of Solomon Bostick who was the clerk of Grayson County at that time. The couple had six children, three boys and three girls. Eight months after their last child, a girl named Sarah Talitha, was born, Mary Bostick Bradley died.
On April 25, 1896, Joseph Warren Bradley divided his remaining Seymour Bradley headright inheritance among his children. That land today is still owned by some of his great grand children. It is the only known land of the original Seymour Bradley estate which remains in the family.
Joseph Warren Bradley died on December 27, 1896. He was 68 years old. He and his wife, Mary, are buried side by side and adjacent to Wesley Walk and Nancy Bradly in the Georgetown Cemetary near Pottsboro, Texas.
Sarah Elizabeth Bradley
Sarah Elizabeth Bradley did not marry until she was 29 years old. Her first husband was Robert B. Whitted whom she married on June 4, 1861. He was a widower with two small sons. The marriage lasted only fifteen months and ended with his death.
All through the Civil War, Sarah Elizabeth lived as a widow. On December 27, 1866 she married a second time, again a widower named Stephen G. Perkins. That marriage lasted ten years and again ended with the death of Sarah Elizabeth's husband.
On March 30, 1879, Sarah Elizabeth married for the third time. Her husband was Dr. Issac N. Holder, another widower with children.
For 35 years, Sarah Elizabeth had kept her large share of the Seymore Bradley estate on Choctaw Creek east of Denison; however, immediately after her third marriage, she and her husband sold the land in small sections to different persons. In all, a total of 1000 acres was sold for less than 2000 dollars. Some family members still believe that the Choctaw land was the first farm on which Seymore Bradley lived when he first came to Texas. They believe that later Sarah Elizabeth lived there herself. Both of these opinions are entirely possible.
Although she never had children of her own, Sarah Elizabeth reared at least twenty nieces, nephews, and step children. At her death on August 9, 1911, she was living with Sarah Tilitha Bradley Blankenship. All children called her "Big Mama". Her entire estate consisted of 80 acres of land located on Shawnee Creek north of Denison, and several notes for money she had loaned to her nephews.
Sarah Elizabeth Bradley is buried beside her third husband and very near her second husband in the Georgetown Cemetary near Pottsboro, Texas.