Nan Yulee to her Son
14 July 1864
Transcription by Katie Adams

Gainesville, July 14^th, 1864

My dear son,

                        I hoped your father could have sent for you before this, so you would spend your birthday with us, but he has had so much to do, he could not.  He has the negroes near Archer, but the deserters and negro troops, seem to be so active at No. 4, that but little repose can be hoped for.  Our people are putting up houses.  Your father brought me delightful sweet potatoes from the place he bought I thought of your, and was glad we had one thing you like so much.  Mrs. Dawkins sends me vegetables from her garden every day and feeds us almost, with nice things.  Flory has been sick, and she is getting something nice for her constantly.  You know dear Wickliffe how glad I am to hear of your improved health.  I hope you will not forget who it is that giveth health and life, and the friends He has rained up for you in your necessity.  I want you very much my son.  You are a pleasant companion for me - and your father too needs your society.  Our house maybe called a cottage without the beauty of one.  We have a parlor a dining room, two bedrooms, and a half one, for you.  It is well you are not large, for though you have a room enough to stand upright, it will not allow of turning around.  Secesh will have to get under the bed to find room for her frolicks.  We had such a delightful time with Mrs. Dawkins.  She is so lovely.  You will not find much here to interest you, dear but hope before long, things will brighten so my son will be able to say the place of "duty is always the place of joy."  I have two letters from your uncle Crepps since the hard fighting.  Gen. Johnston telegraphed the President, that the sum of operation amounts to a battle, and success had always been with us.  In Virginia we are undergoing a siege, but Grant has nothing to boast of and moments are precious with the Yankees.  There god (gold I mean) is over 250, now, and they can't stand much more.  We have only to stand like men, (and we will I firmly believe) and the day is one.

            We have had some melons, but they were not good.  I want you to come and get Secesh up to her past vigilence for our peach crop.  We have a good many and if they do not take them we will have a good time.  We are obliged to take every thing in the house at night the thieves are so active.  I don't know when we can send for you but soon I must for my own sake.

                                                                                    God bless my son.

                                                                                                Your Mother

                                                                                                            N.C. Yulee

Your Clothes Number

7 - Pants

3 - Drawers, counting the old pants

3 - white shirts

1 - calico and two blue

3 - pairs of socks

I left many of my things in your trunk which take care of.  If you suffer with heat and Mrs. Taylor thinks it safe, you may take off your flannel shirt.

Over

July 14^th

            Last night Judge and Mrs. Dawkins took tea with us also Judge Battezall of Tallahassee.  Mr. Frank Johnson came in and Mr. Phelps, so we had quite a pleasant party and I wished you had been here, especially as I had made some good cake.  But when you come, I will do it over.

            Give my love to Mrs. Taylor.  I will write her.  You may kiss the girls for me, shake hands with Mr. Crane, and the boys, and make a bow to Captain Taylor, and ask him how he likes the news from Breckinridge.  The news today is that "40,000 of our men are within 7 miles of Baltimore.  Our men in possession of all the roads.  Lincoln called out the militia, and they would not come."  Tell Mr. Crane and Captain Taylor your father will write them by Peter, who will go on Saturday.  We are so anxious to see you Wickliffe.