Interesting Reconstruction-era handwritten letter penned on official “Executive Department, State of Alabama” stationery from Montgomery, dated October 18, 1868. Written shortly after the Civil War during the turbulent Reconstruction period, the letter combines domestic family matters with revealing political commentary on Southern conditions and elections in Alabama. The writer discusses local politics, expressing satisfaction with the election results and the belief that “there is no hope of Seymour’s elections any more,” while also mentioning plans to relocate to Mobile and aspirations for financial stability after the war years. The correspondence further details everyday family life in postwar Alabama, including clothing purchases, illness within the household, and concerns over a sick child. A desirable example of post-Civil War Southern correspondence on official Alabama state stationery, offering insight into civilian life and political sentiment during Reconstruction. Condition: Very good overall with expected fold lines, light toning, and minor wear. Ink somewhat light in places but generally legible. Official state letterhead remains bold and attractive.
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Executive Department State of Alabama Montgomery Oct 18 1868 Dear Mother, We received your very welcome letter on Friday morning, and were much pleased with it. Sallie is very much obliged to you for the collar and to Aunt Sallie for the lace, and to whom sent the other things. The other day we bought some dry goods among them a blue dress and a white merino dress for Marian; the last will be trimmed with blue velvet which the little one is to have instead of a coat. We bought three other dresses for her and I got a linen balmoral skirt for Sallie. I suppose Sallie told you in her letter that I had gone with the Governor, on an electioneering trip. I came back on Thursday morning, having finished my part of the work. I expect that before long I shall go to Mobile for a day or two, but am not certain. I was never there, having only seen the city from a distance while the army was in front of it in 1865. We feel very much pleased at the result of the elections in the North, as it ensure our chances of remaining and of ultimately obtaining something good. The rebels admit that there is no hope of Seymour’s elections any more, who would have voted for him will not for Grant. As soon as possible we are going to get a little house and go to living on our own account. I am trying to get a little money together to do so and with some show of success. It will be better and I think more comfortable for us. At any rate we are going to try the experiment. Sometimes I think Keffer wants us to go. Sallie and I are quite well but Marian has been sick for two days with a fever. The doctor however does not regard it as serious, but we feel quite anxious. The room seems very different when she is sick from what it is when she is well. Then she cuts up and romps around, and scolds her toys about, but now she is so quiet, wants to lay in her mother’s lap or in her cot and does not want to be disturbed. We expected that she would be sick at the end of the summer, and we are not surprised that she is unwell now, in two or three days we hope she will be better. She is so little yet that we feel more when she is under the weather than we would under ordinary circum- stances. I will write you before long and send your father a letter. Kelly must not fail to write to us and she must do so soon. Sallie sends love to all. Remember me to everybody, & believe me Your affectionate son John E. Forney
