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My Family | Mom | Eleanor Syers | William Scott Martin | Dad | Lew Wade Ray | Emma Melvina Cook | Contact Me
Other Research | Walter Dudley | Harry Mann Letter from Charley (Force) to his brother Manning ForceSelma, Ala. My dear Brother, I have been expecting a letter from you for some time as I have heard from you only once since we parted in Tuskaloosa. You said that your marriage was to take place in May, and I have been anxious to know the time and other particulars as we take a deep interest in it and know that you will be much happier than you ever been. Please write and let us know all about it. One week ago last Monday Perry Friersen left here with Peter for Washington, he stayed with me two days. Peter will live with William who will bring him up as his own child. I am very glad that he has adopted him, he will have many advantages in Washington that he could not have here and the surroundings will be so much better. Perry promised to write to me as soon as he returned but I have not heard from him yet; he expected to remain in Washington only one day. When I least heard from Katie nothing definite had been done in regard to administering on Henry's estate. Mr. Bishop has failed to give satisfactory bond and I do not know what they intend doing. I went to a lawyer (a friend of Henry's) in Greensboro, the county seat of Hale Co., but can learn nothing from there now on account of the high water as teh rail roads have been under water for more than a week. As soon as I hear anythign I will write to you. We have had the greatest flood ever known here, all of hte best plantations on the rivers are under water, some crops are thirty feet under water and it will be too late to plat cotton again, and seed are very scarce as this is the second flood this spring and nearly all of the river plantations had already planted the second time. Nearly all east Selma is flooded and many of hte small houses are covered nearly to the eaves. Standing on the river bank here and looking across teh river there is no land to be seen, nother but water adn trees. There is much distress and suffering throughotu the whole country. Lately I have been principally occupied in my garden trying to build myself up and think I have iproved some. I felt Henry's death very much, we were always peculiarly intimate and closely drawn together. It has made a void that I feel will never be filled. Mary and the children are well adn join me in much love. You affectionate brother Charley Translation notes: Peter Evans Force (1868-1930) is the nephew mentioned in the letter. He is the son of Henry Clay Force, 1832-1874 and Katherine Ogie FriersonForce Martin. Peter was the 2nd child born to this marriage and the oldest son. His older sister, Mary died young. Charley is Charles Fairchild Force (1827-1884). William Quereau Force is the uncle who is planning to raise this nephew Peter. Charley's wife is Mary Elizabeth Matthews.
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