This letter was written by 51 year-old Thomas Taylor (1812-1878) of Paris, Henry county, Tennessee. Thomas and his wife, Louisa Lamb (1817-1902) were the parents of at least eleven children, one of whom was Benjamin Franklin Taylor (1843-1920) who had enlisted in Co. C, 5th Tennessee (Confederate) Volunteers in August 1861.
By the time of this letter in the midst of the Atlanta Campaign, Benjamin had risen in rank to Third Sergeant of Co. A, 5th Tennessee Volunteers.
TRANSCRIPTION
[Paris, Henry county, Tennessee]
July 13th 1864
Mr. B. F. Taylor
My dear son,
I came to town today not knowing that I would have an opportunity of dropping you a few lines by way of slant, so I embrace the present opportunity of writing you a few lines. These lines leaves us all on foot and in tolerable good health hoping that when these few lines reach you, they may find you enjoying the sweets of life.
I have no news worth writing at the present. I see some Southerners occasionally through the country. They seem to be in high spirits. I would like very much to see your face one time more in Old Henry and hear you talk of the trials and ups and downs you have had since our last meeting with you at LaGrange. There has been many things that have transpired since I last saw you. If I could see you, I could tell you many things which I shall not write, hoping that I may yet have a chance to see you face to face when we can converse freely and talk of the troubles of our country.
I shall come to a close very soon as I have but little time to write. The bearer is now ready to start and I am not quite ready for him but will have to close. Mother is preparing you a suit of clothes believing you will be here this fall. If you do not come, she will be greatly disappointed. Receive our best wishes with all the family. Give my respects to all the neighborhood boys and tell them to remember me. I now close. I still remain your father as ever.
— Thomas Taylor
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