Plummer Papers

To Mary K Plummer From Jos E. Plummer

Mrs Mary K. Plummer

Dear

We have still cold disagreeable weather and today clear but a bitter west wind no letter last week from you or Jos in fact I expect you are frozen up at Memphis as I see but very few Boats stopping and I do hope Jos has not been so imprudent as to start for home till the weather settles and becomes fair and pleasant we have not as yet been able to do any thing in the plantation from the wet & cold and it is putting everything back very much we are now dividing the Negroes on the place taking out 94 for the hurt of Mr. Donaldson and it is rather a disagreeable job as we form attachment to even Negroes that we are in constant habit of seeing and controlling but I hope they will be well treated wherever they may go the gang that leaves are to be divided into three parts, part of the claimants were here yesterday and were to have been here this morning to take them away but not yet come & it is 3 oclk so I have ben on the tenthooks all day expecting them every thing is left to me and as we have to buy a number and don't know that they will sell all is kept in suspense and doubt the Negroes appear to rely on me and think I can buy wether they will sell or not it is some pleasure to know that even Negroes respect and love one who has only been overseeing them & still more to be so confides in by their owners as to leave it discretionary so buy swap or exchange as if it all belongs to me.

Still I long to be clear of the whole and dee insight of some of my dear children M. Wahom is here but seem to be perfectly easy if I will only act

Mrs. D is very much affected by this division as if seems to reflect on the memory of her husband who was swindled & disinherited by his mother and he an only child & every cent came by her father she not having anything she certainly was the most unnatural & unsympathetic woman I ever in a pretty long life came across or even new of in the most highly Col ?? but it is done & this is now I must think reaping the rewards of and ill spent life and let her punishment be even so severe it is certainly just I wish my charity could view it Otherwise I enjoy good health but very tired of the cold wet weather and anxiously looking for Jos.

I hope to see a line tomorrow from you & Elton & family May you be kept warm and comfortable is my wish and Most affectionately good

Bye
Jos E. Plummer
27 June 1856

Contributed by Sylvi