UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA,
Nov. 5, 1860.
My Dear Master:
As I feel like writing a few lines, and to show you that I think of you very
often, I take the present opportunity of doing so. I am quite well now, thank
the Lord, and we are all so far as I know, and I hope when these lines reach
you that you and yours may be quite well. I heard from Mr. Saint Clair's
yesterday — all well. My dear master, I hear much of the coming election. I
hope that Mr. Lincoln or no such man may ever take his seat in the presidential
chair. I do most sincerely hope that the Union may be preserved. I hear through
the white gentlemen here that South Carolina will leave the Union in case he is
elected. I do hope she won't leave, as that would cause much disturbance and
perhaps fighting. Why can't the Union stand like it is now? Well do I recollect
when I drove a wagon in the old wars, carrying things for the army; but I hope
we shall have no more wars, but let peace be in all the land.
I have been wanting to go up to see my wife, but have not
been able, but will do so soon, I hope. Next year I should like to live nearer
her. With my best respects to you and mistress, I am as ever, your devoted
servant.
_______________
* Servant of John A. Broadus, the well-known “Uncle Dick.”
SOURCE: Archibald Thomas Robertson, Life and Letters
of John Albert Broadus, p. 177
