Letter from J. T. Simms to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus; February 11, 1863

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Letter from J. T. Simms to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus; February 11, 1863

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People

Atkinson, Unknown Forrest, Nathan Bedford, 1821-1877 Pettus, John Jones, 1813-1867 Simms, J. T.

Events

Crime Crime--Arson Political elections

Military Units

United States. Army

Organizations and Businesses

Mississippi. Legislature

Occupations

Legislators Physicians

Places

Coldwater (Tate County, Miss.)Moon Lake (Miss.)Tallahatchie River (Miss.)Tate County (Miss.)Woodstock (Miss.)Yazoo River (Miss.)

Social Identifiers

African Americans Enslaved people Military Status--Military families

Vital Statistics

Death

Page 1

Woodstock Feby 11^th 1863.

Gov^r. J. J. Pettus

Dear Sir,

I am aware that our County has suffered much in the good opinion of the people of the State, caused by slanderous reports from various persons. I do not now propose to defend them, but will simply say, that we have been overrun by the Federal Army, our Negroes driven away, our stock killed, houses burned, and every injury and indig=nity offered, which could be concieved, and executed by a barberous and unfeeling foe—

A large force of Federals are now trying to pass through the Yazoo Pass, into Cold Water & Talehatchy River, to lay in ashes the Country through which they may go. For myself I claim nothing, for I have nothing left to be protected, having been robed of every negro, mule, horse, hog & cow, or nearly all of my stock, but there are other parties, whose family & property remain here, who have been in the service since the war began, who are entitled to some little protection. We have here, resisting this Federal movement Capt Forest & 40 men, Upon the successful resistance of their movements the entire state, is involved, for nothing can stop them, if they once reach Coldwater River, from destroying all the property on the Talahatchie & Yazoo Rivers. One thousand men can prevent them from going through the Pass, They are skirmishing now in sight of my house, and if they succeed in driving away from the banks of the Pass, the few men Forest has, the Fleet will certainly go down, There are two GunBoats & 6 Transports

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in Moon Lake, waiting for their Scouting parties to report—before starting. Can you not send us some help? It will protect Jackson as well as this County, and there is no time for delay.

We have had no Representative in the Legislature for some time, to defend us, or in any way to claim protection. D^r Atkinson was elected for that purpose, but failed to do so, He is now dead, and we want the provilege of electing some one else, who will feel a greater interest in our welfare, Please order an election, if you think that at any time before the regular term, an extra session may be convened

I hope to see you soon, when I can to some extent, remove the false impressions, which I understand have been made in reference to the people of this County,

Very truly
J, T, Simms

J, T, Simmons