Thomas Wright's Diary

September - October

                                  18, September 1861

Ma, got word from Poppy. They formed the 4th Kentucky, on 13 September in the year 1861. They both enlisted fer a year. Poppy an uncle Thom think the War won't last much more than a year.
Poppy an uncle Thom in the 4th Kentucky mounted infantry.

Ma took it well, not over worried on it. Could see in her face, she was less down trodden. Think knowing is better than not. Harvest is goin well corn is finished up, workin on tobacco now then the beans. Think thins are moving just fine.

One thin be botherin me, takin that thousand from Mister Bowman. Guess I stole on both ends, lettin thum go, and keeping his money. Lettin thum go, was right. Keepin that money, well it was wrong. Thought it over, Bowman would take more than his share. Ifin he had a chance ta keep it. So I am not thinkin on returnin it. One-eighth of Rivers Edge is still made up, of Poppy's land. Good land also. Gets that back, well that money he can have back.

                           20, September 1861

Went ta Ripley taday, see Joe an talk ta that Rankin fella. Might just see about gettin a few more across that river. Not sure mind ya, slavery bein legal an such. Already had ta many run-ins with the law. That Rankin say, he didn't trust me. He had no clue what I was talkin about. Fool lier, should know better. Done caught a few leavin yar place. Guess ifin I do decide ta get more across, be doin it on my owns. Constitution say one thin, my heart say another. Poppy, sorry we must disagree on this. Constitution is wrong, terrible wrong.

I needs a plan ta make this work, keep my Betsy an Ma safe. Those I fix ta get taa freedom. Joe say he might be able ta help, he would talk ta Rankin an Parker. Well best get some rest.

                              3, October 1861
Had another meetin with that Rankin fella. This one wents a little better.  He tell me, I gets a few across they make it safely aways. He might just trust me. Tell him haven't spoke ta the person get me inside ta help out. May have away figured ta move a few. Just needs some time. He say have till late night Sunday early Monday mornin. He say can't bring thum by one in the mornin on Monday.
We wouldn't speak no more. I say well that may not be nough time, I will try Sir.

I am worried, my plan is ta use, Betsy ta line up a few. That wanta leave, think maybe the Sophor slaves, not Mister Bowman's slaves. They meet his place fer Church. This could get her an Ma hurt, should I do this.  It bein Thursday time is not a help. Betsy will try an see ifin she can help. Tell her they have ta be at Lees Creek no later than midnight. I would get them across then. Tell her ta be careful, it could get us all killed easy like. Ma don't need ta know.

                               6, October 1861

Sunday, evenin, Betsy gots four ta meet me, at Lee's Creek. Sophors the owner. That way Mister Bowman has not a clue. Decide I best get some sleep. More after I gets back.

They was a waitin fer me, when I gots ta the creek.
Four of them, two older, one close ta my age they men, one lady abouts my age. The younger one's wife, she looked ta be with child. My boat was about over full. One of the older ones he panicked.
About half ways, pulled my knife out! Told him ta be quiet, gets us all caught maybe myself killed.

That gots him ta quiet some, the fear was worse than that duel, I gots myself in. Least ways that Rankin saw I was talkin true. Those four are on they way, ta Freedom. Won't know ifin they made it or not. Least ways me an Betsy tried ta help, an not being Free ta even do as she pleases.

                           Old Place 1933
                      William Wright's letter
                       to Thom and Grace